Mindanao Star Northmin (July 13-19, 2013)

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New tv station soon to operate in CdO VOL. I

No.239

Mother says 4Ps are blessings

TALAKAG, Bukidnon -Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist, once said: “There are no mistakes, no coincidences.

All events are blessings given to us to learn from.”

These powerful words perfectly fit the experience of a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary and at the same time, a beneficiary of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Rosa Molejon, 47 years old of Purok 1-B, Brgy. Sto Mother to page 11

Cagayan de Oro City

C

July 13-19, 2013

By Arjay S. Felicilda, News Editor

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A new television station is being eyed for installation in the city.

Owned by ALIW Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the said media outfit shall be powered by a 10 kilowatt ultra-high frequency (UHF) transmitter.

Initially hearing to this effect was done by the National Telecommunications Commission in Quezon City on July 1, 2013 during which the applicant was made to present its compliance to the Commission’s jurisdictional requirements, as well as its evidence, if warranted.

Accordingly, ABC is a

100% Filipino domestic corporation, duly organized and existing in accordance with Philippine laws, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a grantee of a congressional franchise under R.A. No. 7399.

The company is requesting for the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) to install the said station in this city. (with report from The Power/ Arjay S. Felicilda, member of MinPressDev)

REP. RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ OF Cagayan de Oro Second District listens to an official of Barangay Gusa regarding the on-going construction of a multi-purpose building under his congressional fund. Once finished, the building houses the senior citizens office and the Botika ng Barangay. (Photo by Rolando N. Sudaria/asf)

Villar Inaugurates San Vicente Ferrer Church in Cagayan de Oro

First church built by Vista Land's CSR arm, Villar Foundation, outside of Metro Manila

C

hairman of Villar Foundation and Nacionalista Party President Sen. Manny Villar, led the inauguration and blessing of San Vicente Ferrer Church located at the heart of Gran Europa of Camella Homes Cagayan de Oro. The church named after the patron saint of the province, stands on 308.55sq.m area, and is the first built outside of Metro Manila.

Church construction is part of Villar Foundation's advocacy with churches and religious organizations in partnership with Vista Land

P10.00

Lifescapes Inc. The two will construct places of worship in various home communities across the Philippines

i nclu d i ng ^ C om mu n it i e s Cagayan de Oro. "The churches we are building such as the San Vicente

Ferrer here in Cagayan de Oro are among the corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts of our companies. We are build-

NSO starts poverty indicator survey

ing communities and providing a place of worship for people is the best start," said

The National Statistics Office (NSO) is currently conducting the nationwide 2013 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey (APIS) that provides inputs to the development of an integrated poverty indicator and monitoring system.

Results are to enhance timely, accurate and consistent production of poverty-related data that can be used at the national level.

It also aims to supplement the identification of the poor families through the use of non-income indicators.

Church to page 11

Poverty to page 11

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jULY 13-19, 2013

Cagayan

de

Oro

EDITOR: : Jun Felicilda, E-MAIL: msbmdn_2012@yahoo.com

MindanaoStar The Purveyor of Truth and Development

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Anti-illegal drugs summit set

By Elaine O. Ratunil

THE Anti-Illegal Drugs Core Group is set to hold an AntiIllegal Drugs Summit in this city on July 21 to 26, 2013.

Composed of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Cocoon Foundation for Substance Abuse Inc., the Core Group hopes that by the end of 2020, all barangays in the city shall have strengthened their respective campaigns

against dangerous drugs.

With the theme “Kagayanon Kontra Droga” (2KD), the summit aims to strengthen the capability of barangays in the city to implement a C ommunity-Based AntiDrug Abuse Programs, and coordination among stakeholders in the fight against dangerous drugs.

Activities shall include a fun run, press conference, media guesting, poster-making contest, t-shirt designing/printing, motorcade, plenar y : pres entation of

inputs, workshop, evaluation and assessment.

The Core Group noted that drug addiction has been a menace to society, destroyed lives, and damaged families and communities.

In 2012, the joint operations of PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Northern Mindanao resulted in the confiscation of P8.8 million worth of illegal drugs, said Director Emerson L. Margate of PDEA-X. Drug abuse trends

showed that Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (commonly known as shabu), Cannabis Sativa (known as marijuana), and ecstasy are the most preferred drugs among users in Cagayan de Oro City.

These trends led to an increase in the number of drug-affected barangays, with about 45 percent of the city’s 80 barangays already identified as drug-affected— with 11 barangays classified as seriously affected or suspected to host drug

laboratory, chemical warehouse, and drug dens; 24 barangays as moderately affected or reported/suspected to host drug pushers; and one barangay considered as slightly affected or reported as having at least one drug dependent or user.

The current situation in the city has raised the l e vel of u rge nc y among concerned stakeholders to combat dangerous drugs.

Thus, the Cagayan de Oro City Anti-Illegal Drugs Core Group was formed with ac-

tive involvement of Local Government Units (LGUs), Government Agencies, NonGovernment Organizations (NGOs), academe, media, civic organizations, and private groups and individuals.

After a series of consultations, the Core Group decided to hold an Anti-Illegal Drugs Summit as an essential venue to take cognizance of emerging drug issues, and to discuss the possible actions that can be undertaken to address the drug menace in the city. (EOR/PIA10/asf )

THE city council committee on games and amusement is studying the bid of the Balanghai Amusement Corporation (BAC) for a business permit to operate a One-Stop Recreation Center at West Bound Public Market, Baran-

gay Bulua.

During its previous meetings, the committee asked BAC to renew its license to operate, as this is one of the requirements for it to be allowed to do business in the city.

According to Balanghai

officials, equipment are now ready for shipment and installation at the proposed Oro Bowling and Recreation Center and awaiting ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement between the city government and BAC. (APD/asf )

One-stop recreation center under study

PORTION of the 19,925-hectare reforested area in the province of Bukidnon, presented

by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Felix S. Mirasol Jr. during the Monday convocation of the provincial government at Kaamulan Open Theater, Malaybalay City. (Photo by Fredelyn L. Ragandang/asf)

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MEMBERS of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC-10) during the disaster consciousness month kickoff program at Kiosko Kagawasan on July 2, 2013. (RDMendoza, PIA-10/asf)

Editorial E-mail: mindanaostarbalita@gmail.com website: www.businessweekmindanao.com MARKETING OFFICE: Mindanao STAR Zamboanga Peninsula Mindanao Examiner Unit 15, 3F Fair Land Bldg., Nunez Extension Zamboanga City Phone & Fax (062) 992 5480 Email: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com WEBSITE: mindanaoexaminer.com mindanao star balita PUBLISHER joe del puerto felicilda Editor In-Chief

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MISAMIS ORIENTAL Governor Bambi Emano vows to focus on tourism infrastructure towards sustainable growth without sacrificing agriculture. (JCValcorza/PIA 10/asf)

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Editor: ROLANDO N. SUDARIA • Email: rolando_sudaria2000@yahoo.com

july 13-19, 2013

3

CEB increases Vietnam, China seat capacity by up to 33% The Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) increases seat capacity to Hanoi, Vietnam and Guangzhou, China by up to 33%, when it mounts one additional weekly flight to each route due to passenger demand.

“Vietnam and China are two of our fast-growing source markets for foreign tourists. We continue to support the government’s tourism goals, with this increased connectivity and Cebu Pacific’s trademark lowest fares. Cebu Pacific currently operates more flights and offers more seats to Vietnam and Guangzhou than any other Philippine carrier,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

“This is also in line with the delivery of more aircraft in 2013, as we expand in Asia and the Middle East.

These additional flights will

provide more flight schedule options to guests booking their flights in time for the holidays,” she added.

The airline will operate a total of thrice weekly flights from Manila to Hanoi, starting October 31, 2013.

Using an Airbus A319 aircraft, the additional flight leaves Manila at 10:30pm on a Thursday, and departs Hanoi at 1:00am on a Friday.

With this frequency increase, CEB offers 33% more seats to Hanoi.

CEB is the only airline with direct flights between the Philippines and Hanoi, gateway to the Ha Long Bay, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. CEB also flies daily from Manila to Ho Chi Minh.

Me anw h i l e, st ar t i ng November 2, 2013, CEB will operate a total of four weekly flights from Manila to Guangzhou. The additional flight will depart Manila at

10:40pm on a Saturday, and leave Guangzhou at 1:40am on a Sunday, using an Airbus A320 aircraft. This additional frequency translates to a 25% seat capacity increase for CEB flights to Guangzhou.

Aside from Guangzhou, CEB flies from Manila to Beijing four times weekly, to Shanghai daily, and to Xiamen thrice weekly. It also offers flights to Hong Kong from Manila, Cebu, Clark and Iloilo, as well as flights to Macau from Manila and Clark.

Lowest year-round fares to Hanoi start at P2,499, while lowest year-round fares to Guangzhou start at P1,899.

Presently, CEB offers 22 international destinations: Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Phuket,

Shanghai, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei and Xiamen.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)2308888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook

pages.

Those still booking flights may also sign up to be a CEB Club member through the Cebu Pacific website, for seat sale alerts, easy management of flights and travel funds, and a faster booking process.

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 26 Airbus

A320, 1 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 45 aircraft is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 16 more Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 3 Airbus A330 aircraft.

DOT statement on First CU Alumni Run 2013, July 14 lifting of the EU ban on the Philippines

By Clifford Jose Garrido Roa CU Alumni President

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is most pleased with the decision of the European Union (EU) to lift its ban on the Philippines, which will now allow Philippine Airlines (PAL) to operate fights to the 28-nation bloc.

“This is very good news for the Philippine aviation industry as this means that the EU now recognizes the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) as an aviation authority that competently qualifies airlines in the Philippines.

This is also an excellent opportunity for Philippine tourism as PAL will be able to effectively augment the existing services by foreign carriers that cater to tourists in the region. The United Kingdom, Germany and France are among the key European markets with stable influx to the country.

European tourists have already registered 213,598 visitors from January to May this year, which marks an 8.5 percent increase from the 196,794 European vistors registered for the same period in 2012.

We therefore expect a significant increase from these markets, to include those from adjacent countries, once the PAL flights are made available,” Tourism

Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. remarked.

“We congratulate the DOTC, CAAP, and PAL for tirelessly working to regain the EU’s confidence to ‘effectively comply with relevant aviation safety regulations.’

Looking forward, we are optimistic and confident that other Philippine carriers will progress in their committed endeavor to address their respective safety issues that would allow them to gain access to tourist-rich Europe.

As we work towards our goal of 10 million foreign tourists by 2016, we need our international air seats and connectivity greatly enhanced, in addition to our ongoing internal development work on infrastructure, destination and facilities,” the Tourism Secretary added.

“The entire Philippine tourism industry looks forward to the continued support of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and the Civil Aeronautics Board for improvements in airport infrastructure development, aviation safety and security, and air services agreements, so that we can continue to show to the world why it’s more fun in the Philippines,” the Tourism Chief concluded.

The Capitol University Alumni Association, Inc. (CUAA) will have its first ever “CU Alumni Run 2013”, July 14, 2013, Sunday, 4:30am expecting more than 2,000 runners from its alumni members, friends, faculty and staff, students, sponsors and participants from the general public.

3K route is from Capitol University (CU) to Lapasan Flyover and back to CU; 5K

is from CU to Capitol University Medical City (CUMC) and back to CU and; 10K is from CU to Mandaue Foam and back to CU. The primary objective of the run is to raise funds for the CUAA projects such as Medical and Dental Missions, Tree Planting and Growing Initiatives, Blood Letting Campaigns, Operation Tuli, Job Fair, Home Building Activities and various assistance activities to alumni members.

“Apart from raising funds,

we believed that run activities like this promotes health, fitness and camaraderie among runners”, alumni board member and race director Lulani Grace “Lani” Deleste said.

The run, first of its kind since the Alumni Association was established 1982 is fully supported by Capitol University and Capitol University Medical City.

Exclusive media partners are the 5-paper publications of Business Week Mindanao; Business Daily, Min-

danao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Star, and Cagayan de Oro Times, GMA Channel 12/35 for the broadcast media and Bombo Radyo Philippines for the AM radio outfit.

Major sponsors are Freshe Bioscience, Unilab, Concentrix and Ms. Gilda “Gigi” Go. Co-sponsors includes St. Louis Review Center, PMMA Alumni Association, FBC Business Solutions, RCBC (A YGC Member), Safevue Glass, RBJ Commodities, and Bok and Beth Pineda.

When you’re in Cagayan de Oro City, read....

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july 13-19, 2013

Environment Editor: ROLANDO SUDARIA • Email: rolando_sudaria2000@yahoo.com

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DENR 10 co-sponsors Round Table Discussion on Best Practices on Sustainable Agriculture To achieve the goal of sustainability and watershed resiliency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10 co-sponsored a round table discussion on Best Practices on Sustainable Agriculture presented by industries on June 25, 2013 at Cagayan de Oro City.

The forum which was sponsored by the Enterprise Works Worldwide Philippines (EWWP), Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC) and DENR 10 aimed to forge a partnership with the agricultural community and the indigenous cultural communities and recognize their crucial role as stewards of the land.

“You cannot escape the impacts of climate change.

The sooner we realize that adapted resilience actions will save as all, our economy, business and Mindanao especially”, according to Secretary JR Nereus Acosta, Presidential Adviser on Environment Protection and the Concurrent Chairman of Laguna Lake Development Authority.

Secretary Acosta calls for the Mindanaonons to acquire sustainable resiliency to the environmental challenges in terms of food

Secretary JR Nereus Acosta (left), Presidential Adviser on Environment Protection gives his message during the Round Table Discussion on Sustainable Agriculture and Resource Use in Sloping Land Agro Ecosystems: Enhancing Resilience and Productivity of the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Amid Climate Change on June 25, 2013 at Cagayan de Oro City. Along with him is Regional Director (RD) Sabdullah Abubacar of Environment Management Bureau (EMB-10), Regional Executive Director (RED) Ruth M. Tawantawan, Regional Technical Director (RTD) Agustilo Obsioma of Forest Management Services (FMS) and Dr. Roel Ravanera of Xavier University (L-R).

security without degrading the natural environment.

The forum was participated by The Regional Executive Director (RED) Ruth M. Tawantawan of DENR 10, Regional Director (RD) Sabdullah Abubacar of Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-10), Regional Technical Director (RTD) Agustilo Obsioma of Forest Management Services (FMS), Dr. Roel Ravanera, Dean of Xavier University, Bishop Jose Cabantan of

the Diocese of Malaybalay, together with the different people’s organizations, nongovernment, government and private sectors in collaboration with the new CAPP, Sulog, Enterprise Works, World Agroforestry Centre and Xavier University.

Regional Director (RD) Sabdullah Abubacar of the DENR-Environment Management Bureau (EMB) enumerated its regulating initiatives and commit-

ments for the support to the CDORBMC. The activity includes the presentation of each company on its initiatives and best practices for a sustainable agriculture and resource use. This includes reducing or minimizing soil erosion, establishment of water treatment facilities, massive tree planting, proper solid waste management, hazardous waste storage facilities, sloping See DENR, page 8

Protected Areas and Wildlife Division staff member Edenson Canete shows to reporters a Philippine sailfin lizard that was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10. The injured lizard was found by a concerned citizen who brought it to a local television station.The Philippine sailfin lizard is a threatened species found mostly along riverbanks. This is the third such lizard brought to the rescue center of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10. Northern Mindanao hosts a number of habitats for the lizard, especially in the town of Jasaan in Misamis Oriental.

P hoto B y G erry L ee G orit

Rescued sailfin lizard turned over to DENR-10 BY:GERRY LEE GORIT

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A tired-looking Philippine sailfin lizard is now recuperating at the rescue center of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 10 after a concerned citizen brought it to a local television station.

This is the third sailfin lizard to be brought this year to the DENR rescue center, according to Protected Areas and Wildlife Division staff member Edenson Canete.

Canete said this kind of lizard can usually be found along riverbanks in Northern Mindanao, particularly in Jasaan town, Misamis Oriental.

Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conser-

vation and Protection Act) prohibits the catching and killing of the sailfin lizard, a threatened species.

Canete said the sailfin lizards that have been brought to them have ranged in length from 2 to 3 feet long, although these can grow to as much as 1 meter long.

He said the third specimen needs veterinarian care after it fell from a height and now looks very tired.

The omnivorous lizard will be rehabilitated at the rescue center before it is released back to the wilds.

Canete said it has to be taken back to its habitat to perform its role in nature.

He warned people not to eat this particular species because the lizard may contain bacteria that might cause disease.

4th ASEAN Heritage Parks Conference to be held in CDO

HELPING PROTECT OUR COASTAL RESOURCES: Employees of energy-firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) participate in a mangrove replanting and coastal clean-up drive in Brgy. Silad, Sugbongcon, Misamis Oriental. The activity is part of the company’s employee volunteerism activity and in support of its comprehensive environmental conservation programs. Over the years, Steag have been providing material and funding support for the development and rehabilitation of about 16.4 hectares of mangrove areas in the province. The projects have been implemented in partnership with the concerned municipal LGUs and the provincial government of Misamis Oriental. More than 66,000 propagules have been grown so far in the municipal coasts Sugbongcogon, Villanueva, Balingasag, Gitagum and the cities of El Salvador and Gingoog.

Plans are underway for the successful hosting of the 4th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Heritage Parks Conference on October 1 to 4, 2013 in Cagayan de Oro City.

DENR 10 Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan is thankful that the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) based at Los Baños, Laguna has chosen Cagayan de Oro City as the venue for the country’s hosting of the conference. The ACB is

the organizer of the event.

She said Region 10 is the home of two ASEAN Heritage Parks, namely Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon and Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park in Misamis Occidental.

The conference is part of the ASEAN Heritage Programme to promote greater collaboration among ASEAN Member States in the management of these parks. The theme of the 4th AHP Conference is See ASEAN, page 8

When your in Davao City and any part of Davao region, read...

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july 13-19, 2013

Editor: ROLANDO N. SUDARIA • Email: rolando_sudaria2000@yahoo.com

Solon asks PNOY to act on report of Taiwanese fisherman’s death CAGAYAN de Oro City-Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez, 2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City, urged Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III to act on the NBI Report on the shooting that happened in the Balintang Channel last May 9, 2013 in order to render justice to everyone.

Last June 11, 2013, the National Bureau of Investigation submitted to His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III their Incident Report on the unfortunate shooting incident which resulted in the death of Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-cheng.

“I petition the President to act on the NBI Report to fully restore our good Bilat-

Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez

eral relations with Taiwan”, Rodriguez, who is also the President of the Centrist Democratic Party, said.

Rodriguez noted that around 100,000 OFWs working in Taiwan, enjoying the same minimum wage protection and national health

insurance benefits as local Taiwanese, are remitting over US$650 million to the Philippines annually.

The Taiwan government already accepted, at least, 6,000 Overseas Filipino Workers this year. However, the workers failed to leave the country since the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs ceased the processing of their visa applications.

Further delays would result in the stalled job orders for the Philippines would mean getting other labor market requirements from competitors like Vietnam and Indonesia.

The resumption of the See solon, page 8

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Turnover of Day Care Center in Bugo Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, (8th frm L), 2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City, is joined by Bugo Barangay Chair Raul Aleria in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the turnover of the newly built Day Care Center at Purok 8 costing P 200,000. Also in photo are Party List Rep. Maxie Rodirguez of Abante Mindanao,(6th frm L), DPWH- DE Allan Borromeo, ADE Cesar Hipona Jr. and the barangay officials.

VP Pelaez elected as VP for Mindanao LVGP Misamis Oriental- Newlyelected Vice Governor Joey G. Pelaez of Misamis Oriental was elected unopposed as Vice President for Mindanao in the just concluded League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) election of Officers as provided by Article IX Section 1 of the LVGP Constitution and Bylaws during the 58th National Assembly on July 4-6,2013 at Solaire Hotel, Pasay City.

VG Pelaez, along with the other newly-elected officers, took his oath before DILG Secretary Manuel A. Roxas on the said venue. At the National Assembly,Vice Governors Joey G. Pelaez of Misamis Oriental and Enrique Coquangco of Tarlac are the only newcomers

elected for the position in the league, the latter elected as Vice President for Luzon.

The League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP), has been in existence since 1997, is a cohesive national organization of dynamic and pro-active Vice Governors who aim to institute policy reforms and authentic local autonomy nationwide.

Also, the League shall have primary purpose of ventilating, articulating, and crystallizing issues affecting provincial government administration specially those concerning local legislation and securing, through proper and legal means, solutions thereto.

As the League’s per pol-

icy in electing the officers The Chairman, National President, Executive Vice President, Vice President representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Secretary General, Treasurer, Auditor, and Public Relations Officer shall be elected by the members at large. During the 58th National Assembly, there were 79 Vice Governors in attendance who represented their respective provinces.

For the years 2013 to 2016, the newly-elected officers for the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines are as follows: Chairman of the National Executive Board- Humerlito A. Dolor (Vice Governor Joey G. Pelaez of Misamis Oriental, elected as Vice President for Minof Oriental Mindoro; Na- danao of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP), took his oath before tional President- Leonides N. DILG Secretary Mar A. Roxas along with other newly elected officers of the said league See pelaez, page 8

during the 58th National Assembly on July 4-6, 2013 at Solaire Hotel, Pasay City.)

CDO officials to make city climate-resilient

By BONG D. FABE, of BusinessDaily

UY: We take it from ‘Sendong’.

Photo By Rolando Sudaria

NOTING the threats the city is facing from a changing climate, local government executives yesterday vowed to pursue “green” policies and programs that will make a climate-resilient Cagayan de Oro. Loca l government of f icia ls, led by Mayor Oscar Moreno, however, admitted they don’t have the expertise needed to make this “ambitious” program a reality, thus, they need the help of all sectors, especially civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) that See climate, page 8

FULL SUPPORT- Mayor Redentor Salvaleon of Claveria Misamis Oriental together with his municipal councilors and barangay captains visited Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano on July 11 at the Provincial Capitol. Mayor Salvallion and his party vowed to support the province’s schemes and plans for the common good of the Misamisnons.

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july13-19, 2013

Editor: RUEL PELONE • Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Opinion

Health In Focus Dr. Mary Jean Loreche

HIV/AIDS: Some Footnotes

THE human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), is one illness that has a greater impact in terms of healthcare and economics, than the other sexually transmitted infections. This being a chronic illness, the patient may live for a long time , and more importantly, he/she can infect another person in more ways than the usual.

The disease itself may not kill the affected person, but, the complications that can arise from the immune deficiency can make life not so good for them. The virus belongs to the retrovirus family and it kills the cells responsible for defending one’s body against anything perceived by the body as foreign like infectious agents.

AIDS develop once the immune system is destroyed by the HIV virus.

Which in turn makes the person more susceptible to certain opportunistic infections. In developing countries like the Philippines, TB, being endemic, is the most common to affect Filipinos with HIV/AIDS, and is also the most common leading cause of death. What makes it worse is the fact that the TB in these cases are Multi-Drug Resistant, making treatment more difficult.

Patients with HIV/AIDS are also prone to developing certain types of Cancer. I have seen one case during See FOOTNOTES, page 8

Pointers of hidden gate Tom AL Caballero

A great servant brings good future DAVAO del Sur––The people of this province are so happy that you can even see it in their faces the content of their hearts.

They feel like they have been free from their trassle for they found a new hope from new elected Governor Claude Bautista.

The people of Davao Del Sur were so overwhelmed about the result of the election. For they are looking forward to a new ruler that would lift their lives again from poverty.

A new ruler with a good governance and would serve them sincerely. That’s how the people looked up to Gov. Claude Bautista.

A man with a good heart who is able and capable of bringing a brighter future for his constituents, and a progressive Province of the South.

Not only that, also a ruler that would hear everyone’s voice, humble-hearted man who’s always a servant to his people and a leader that would resolve issues for a better, peaceful, organize and progressive Davao del Sur. A trademark that he will establish for the trust and the confidence that the people gave him.

As a matter of fact he was also known in Davao del Sur for rendering a sincere and more dedicated servant of his life as a lawmaker representing the second district See great, page 7

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All power to the people

Sometimes “democracy” seems to be just a stylistic or fashionable expression.

Nothing more. Here and everywhere on this globe.

Democracy comes from the Greek “demos”, which means “the people”, and “kratein”, which means “to rule”.

Democracy is a government’s form for the people and by the will of people’s majority based on conception of the equality of man. That’s how I learned it in school. Sounds terrible dry... .

Now, let’s ask ourselves: Is the Philippines a democratic country?

The modern, empirical and comparative democracy researches showed that nobody could give any fore-

“If you have enough reasons, you can do the most incredible things; you can get through the most difficult day; you can overcome the most unbelievable challenges.” – Jim Rohn For someone in his right mind to be asked, “Do you have dreams and goals in life?” A resounding “Yes!” for an answer is naturally but expected.

Living a life without concrete and realistic goals is like a ship leaving port into the open sea without any particular destination in mind. It’s like letting your sails catch the wind and just going to the direction where it blows – even if it’s leading you to the rocky shoals!

Have my say Klaus Doring casts or prognoses about democracy’s processes and their success in future. A democracy can be retched ailing; it can be lame like a horse. Success or failure is always depending on concrete circumstances and especially from the behavior, attitude and conduct of our beloved and well-elected politicians.

The international surroundings also have to be

amicable, peaceable, compatible and beneficial.

Foreign spheres of (bad?) influence and intervention are mostly not useful and advisable. They become a democratic development hindrance.

After World War II, the former Soviet Union’s influence blocked democracies in countries such as Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland or even the former German

Find your reasons

The financial doctor Dr. Adonis Agcopra Imagine waking up one day not having any particular thing in mind to do. The day passes by with you going back to where you started, not being able to do much of anything of value. A day goes wasted. Imagine doing this on most days, most months, and most years of your life. How greatly stifling to your potential could it be?

A great mentor once directed, “Go validate each goal you have in life.” Is it a goal worth pursuing? Is it a goal worth trading your precious time for? And when this is properly established, you might ask something further to screen it out.

Could you do it? Would you do it?

Can you probably do it? Can you go wake up at

Eastern part, the so-called “German DEMOCRATIC Republic”. The other way around, the Soviet Union’s disintegration facilitated the democratic development.

Panama, Chile or Guatemala have been sad examples of US-American interventions, partly forcible and warlike, because the Americans couldn’t find geographic, safety certainly or economic interests on their own account.

AN effective civilian control mechanism on police and military power is another important step to a successful democracy. Free and fair elections are fundamental. Power resources in politics, See people, page 7

3am everyday to sell fish in the market to earn a decent living? Can you burn the night candle for the next five years after college to finish medical school? Can you have enough confidence to show a product to someone, hoping you might profit if this person will buy this product from you? Can you be more disciplined to regularly save and invest 20% of your earnings to attain a bright and financially free future? Most people would say yes, they probably can.

But would you really do it? “Yes I might, but...” And the buts and all self-limiting notions start kicking in.

When you start going our of your comfort zone, See reasons, page 7

Seek the blesser, not the blessing BUT seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 A number of passages in the Old and New Testament would tell us that many people wanted to follow God and Jesus because of the many miracles He performed but shortly after they experienced these, they left Him and lived their own lives.

Today, most people would do every tricks of life just to make it to high financial state but once they get there, they are still not happy and contented despite their stability.

Why is this so? Because money and title can not lead us to a place of where

The New Generation Alex A. Podador we should be.

Our contentment is in God only. Our rightful place is where Jesus is.

Who sits in the Kingdom? God Himself. Seek Him and you will find Him. His promise once we seek and find Him, breakthrough in all aspects of life.

If we ask God always to bless us, blessings will eventually run out but if

we seek the Blesser always, surely His goodness plus His love will follow. This is the declaration David made.

In the Book of Ruth, she narrated her story as a woman who first labored in the barley fields from morning to evening, she was able to glean one ephah of barley (Ruth 2:17), which was equivalent to a 10-day supply of barley.

Certainly, this amount was a blessing to her. But when she rested at the feet of Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer, and did not labor, she received six ephahs of barley (Ruth 3:15), which was equivalent to a 60-day supply!

When Ruth sought her own blessing, she obtained only one ephah. But when she sought the blesser, she received much more.

Boaz is a picture of Jesus, our heavenly kinsmanredeemer. When we rest in the Lord, He will not rest.

He will work on our behalf.

What do we do then?

We just trust in and enjoy His blessings.

So let us do things too hard but rely instead on Jesus’ finished work.

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People... from page 6

nies unqualified for loans otherwise. I have heard this already somehow sometime economy, clergy and ago. Heaven forbid! society by only a handful ruler with money, physical or psychical superiority are democracy’s undertakers. from page 6 you start treading unFederalism and pluralism are democracy’s keynotes. familiar territory and the An association of states, butterflies in your stomach which autonomous in home do start flying high.

“Yes I would struggle affairs but combine for matters of wider national to become financially free, and international policy because I want to live life pertaining to such a cen- with the power to make my tral government as well as own choices. Yes, I would politicians, who understand because...” And the more the doctrine, that existence reasons you can provide has more than one ultimate after the “because” part, the more you will be comprinciple.

Certainly, the French pelled to do what needs to politician Alexis de Toc- be done. The more reasons queville (1805-1859) and you have in life for doing British philosopher John what you have to, the more Stuart (1890-1873) ex- courage you can muster and plained already the “rever- the more motivated you beration (to beat back!) or will be in pursuing them echo of a majority tyranny”! to completion.

Go for a quest and find Not even a single society’s group should become to the biggest reasons for your powerful to facilitate op- success. Find enough reapression or suppression sons to be financially free! of others. Mill’s “Consid- Then let your financial eration in Representative freedom fuel your dreams Government” from 1859 (!) of living life to the fullest. showed a lot of democrati- Do it now!

----cally solutions.

(Dr. Adonis Agcopra, Not each country is able to practice real democracy. MBA, CIS, RFC® is with Regarding its constitution the IARFC and is portfolio from 1993, Russia should director of AFIC Meridian be a democratic and federal Consultants. URL: www. state; the reality’s practice aficfinancialconsultants. unfortunately shows still com. Email: aficfinancialthe traditional authoritarian consultants@outlook.com.) rule structures. Different situations can be found in France, where the semi presidential system allows from page 6 a double headed executive b e fore w i n n i ng t h e contending of president and governor p osition, for prime minister. The British Governor Claude Bau“competition democracy” tista a good governance supports and promotes bit is the key to good public parties. Members of the service. That’s the reason Lower House and opposi- why his staffs are welltion act directly opposite. disciplined for they have And, please let us never a good leader to follow. forget: the media has (or Just to mention Govshould have) a democrati- ernor Claude Bautista’s cally negotiator rule, even information officer ma’am it might sometimes become Bhing Altamira, a ver y unfortunately problematic. approachable, smiling, Nevertheless, democ- a n d a n i c e w om a n t o racy has been always the everyone. best rule, reign, power or To the people of Davao control, if, yes,if the right d e l Su r s o a r h i g h f or and responsible politicians a new hope has found rule... . through your good Gov+++ ernor Claude Bautista.

Business: Writing for a I would like to men“business weekly” several tion the loyal supporter’s years ago, I am still inter- of Governor Claude Bauested in business and eco- tista. nomical topics: Just shortly Elected councilor of this. Think a minute: Is Digos City Mila Lim and china headed for a financial first barangay kagawad crisis too? I hope not. But and now Punong Baranregulators say banks have gay Nonoy Lim of Babeen profiting by offering rangay Bato and also the wealthy Chinese high re- outstanding Police Chief turns on loans, with banks of Sta. Cruz police Chief lending the cash to compa- Insp. Edito S. Mandi.

Reason...

Great...

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Editor: RUEL PELONE • Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Two abducted women rescued, 2 kidnappers arrested in Iligan PAGADIAN City––Security forces rescued two abducted women and arrested their two captors in Iligan City, army officials said.

Captain Jefferson Somera, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the hostages––Kathlyn Jane Dapol and Jingle Bation Rebosora––were reunited with their families following last Friday’s rescue at a road

block put up by authorities along the highway in Iligan City.

He said the abductors, Mark Rebosora, 28, and Rogelio Bation, 60, were handed over to the police and are facing criminal charges. He said the abduction stemmed from a family feud.

Somera said the two men snatched the women while

they were walking near an army base and dragged the duo to a waiting car that was eventually intercepted by soldiers at the road block.

“The timely intelligence information helped in the operation that led to the rescue of the two victims,” he said.

“In time of needs, our people always look upon us to help them. Because

they know that they are the reason why we are here and I applaud you for this successful operation, we helped and never failed them,” said Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, as he lauded the rescue of the women and commended the troops and policemen involved in the joint operation. mindanao star

Gunmen raid house of village chieftain

Ramadan cleanse your heart and your soul as you renew your faith to our Divine God (Allah). May you include in your prayers and devotion the realization of peace in Mindanao and the whole country for the people, our brothers and sisters, and for our families. May Allah bless us all,” Brigadier General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, Jr, the acting division commander.

Somera said the soldiers belong mostly to the Tausug, Yakan, Maranao and Maguindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

PAGADIAN City––Unidentified gunmen fired a grenade and strafed the house of a village chieftain in Labangan town in Zamboanga del Sur, officials said.

Officials said no one was reported killed or wounded in the attack on the house of Lower Sangan village chieftain Haron Guiabar. Gunmen fired a rifle grenade and hit the house of Guiabar and this was followed by a barrage of automatic gunfire.

The town’s police chief, Insp. Felixberto Rule, responded to the shootings, but the attackers escaped even before authorities could arrive. Officials said Rule’s group recovered five dozen bullet casings fired from M16 and M14 automatic rifles, including the shell of the rifle grenade.

The motive of the attack is still unknown, but this occurred ahead of village elections set in October.

Police would not say whether the attack was connected to politics or not. mindanao star

going around Zamboanga and inspecting police detachments and meeting with village and business leaders, taking their suggestions and proposals on how to further improve the security here.

She said every agency and sector should work together and share in the effort to maintain peace and security in Zamboanga.

Salazar, a former House

Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, has recently handed over to various police precincts at least 9 new patrol trucks in an effort to equip authorities with vehicles that can quickly respond to any emergencies.

Gun attacks and killings in Zamboanga City are almost a daily occurrence here and most of the murders have been blamed to hired killers. (Mindanao Star)

RAMADAN.

Muslims pray inside the Sharief Alawi Islamic Center in Barangay Balulang Cagayan de Oro at the start of the Ramadan on July 21. Almost destroyed by tropical storm Sendong last December 17, 2011, the mosque was restored by Maranaos in time for the Ramadan. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

Muslim soldiers observe Ramadan in Mindanao

PAGADIAN City––Some 1,000 Muslim soldiers under the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division have joined the observance of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Captain Jefferson Somera, a spokesman for the division, said Major Adzramien Sahisa, an imam, led the observance of the Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam and one of the most important holiday in the Muslim world.

“The Command joins you as you observe your Holy Month. May this month of

Zamboanga mayor prioritizes security

ZAMBOANGA City––Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar has met with security officials to discuss measures that would ensure the safety of the public against criminality and lawlessness.

Salazar said there is a need for a stronger coordination among the police and military and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety not only

of the people but of Zamboanga as a whole.

“We should not only take care of the land assets but also the territorial waters of the city and I will also be reviewing the profile of our environment,” she said.

She added: “We want to ensure that there is efficient and capable police visibility and that sea and air assets are maintained.”

Salazar herself has been

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DENR...... from page 4

agricultural land technology, material recovery facility, integrated farming, organic agriculture, riverbank rehabilitation, different infrastructures and scientific process on data sourcing for vulnerability assessment.

An open forum was conducted to give the participants a chance to ask questions about the discussed topics.

Action planning workshop was also conducted to lay down the possible courses of action for sustainable agriculture and land use. (SLAlpas-RPAO # 07-203-2013)

Solon...... from page 5

Philippine-Taiwan relations for the sake of Filipino OFWs in Taiwan and thousands of displaced workers will be of great help, not only for their families but for the Philippine economy as well.

“Taiwan is currently the Philippines’ 6th trading partner which resulted in trade of around US$ 10.9 billion in 2012, 17.04 percent higher than in 2011,” said Rodriguez.

The lawmaker added: “Taiwan is also the 7th largest foreign investor in the Philippines with cumulative substantive investment in the Philippines amounting to US$ 2.5 billion.”

Taiwan always assisted the Philippines during calamities resulting in humanitarian assistance amounting to US$ 700,000.

The donation was in cash and in kind to assist the Philippines in relief operations including a 7,300-ton of rice, he said.

Taiwan has also donated fire trucks, city buses and ambulances to several local governments in the Philippines.

Taiwan also donates wheelchairs for the disabled and computers for various public schools all over the Philippines.

The Taiwanese are also consistent tourists in our country with around 178,000 Taiwanese tourists visiting the Philippines in 2011.

ASEAN...... from page 4

“Int e g r at i n g G l o b a l Challenges for Sustainable Development and Effective Management of ASEAN Heritage parks”. ASEAN Heritage parks are protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving in

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Binay......

leadership at Pag-IBIG in the latter part of 2010, Pag-IBIG has grown in terms of membership and assets, and has increased its benefits for its members, the Filipino workers worldwide. Membership has grown from 8.8 million at the start of 2011 to the current 12.6 million worldwide. The

P320-billion housing agency continues to increase the dividends it credits to its members at the end of each year. In 2012, it posted the highest dividend amount ever, at P9.28 billion, which is P0.79 billion more than the one given out in 2011. The Fund’s net income also increased from 2011’s

P11.96 billion to 2012’s P13.26 billion. Recent months saw the reduction of Pag-IBIG’s calamity loan interest rate from 10.75% to 5.95%. Its Affordable Housing Loan Program boasts of a 4.5% interest rate, the lowest in Pag-IBIG history.

The maximum housing loan amount also doubled from

the previous P3 million to the current P6 million, with loan terms still as long as 30 years.

For more details on PagIBIG’s programs, call the PagIBIG Call Center at 724-4244, log on to www.pagibigfund. gov.ph, or visit the nearest Pag-IBIG branch in your area.

Climate.....

He said Typhoon Sendong w a s “a g r e a t l e a r n i n g experience” for him, which “made me more eager to run [for congressman] because I don’t want to bring my people suffering and serving the people is my passion.”

He said his main legislative agenda in Congress is to ensure that NGOs, NGAs (non-government agencies) and institutions that have the expertise in climate change adaptation, mitigation and building resilient communities are supported by government to pursue their programs for the good of everyone.

Uy stressed that Cagayan de Oro can no longer afford a repeat of Sendong and Pablo, which devastated the city on December 16, 2011 and December 4, 2012, respectively.

He said he will work with Barangay Carmen’s partner non-government organization (NGO) in the implementation

of CCA /DR R prog ra ms, especially in making the first district communities disasterresilient.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, CDP), who is known as a “green” legislator for his work of championing local environmental issues, said that integrating disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in the city’s development plan and decision-making processes/ policies has now become an imperative.

“We will make sure that disaster risk reduction/climate change adaptation policies and programs are integrated into the city’s development plan.

This is the only way we can ensure the city’s continued growth and development,” he said.

Rodriguez noted various scientific studies that show that Cagayan de Oro is under constant threat from sea-

level rise, f lashf loods and other impacts from climate change due to its location and advance degradation of its environment, especially in the hinterlands.

Like his counterpart in the first legislative district, he urged the participation of every sector of the Cagayan de Oro society to ensure that the environment is adequately prot e c t e d f rom f u r t her damage.

“K a gay-a nons shou ld also realized that they have a vital role to play in ensuring that the city become climate change-impact resilient like not throwing their garbage anywhere and follow the law on proper waste segregation,” he said.

For his pa r t, Moreno said he w i l l continue in the city what he started in the province especially in protecting Cagayan de Oro from climate-induced natural

disasters and calamities.

Moreno sa id t hat his administration will make sure that the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDR R MC) w ill be functional and that the 20 percent Disaster R isk Reduc t ion Fu nd w i l l be invested in projects t hat will increased the resiliency of d i s a s ter-v u l ner a ble communities, like those along the Cagayan de Oro River.

Under t he Phi lippi ne Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121) local government units can spend up to 70% of the 20% DRR Fund for projects that increase the capacity of communities to respond to calamities. Only 30% of the DRR Fund is reserved for disaster response. “ L e t ’s e n f o r c e a l l environmental laws. This is for our own good, the good of our beloved city.”

patient.

Patients with HIV/AIDS may not manifest anything and, this asymptomatic phase may even last up to 10 years!

But, the virus still continues to multiply, infect and kill cells of the immune system and can infect others.

For those that are symptomatic, the signs and symptoms resemble that of any viral infections: fever, headache, easy fatigability and tenderness of the lymph nodes mostly in the neck area.

Diagnosing one for the presence or absence of the HIV virus will require samples either serum, saliva or urine. The tests vary as to the method as well as to

what it can detect: antibody, antigen or the RNA. The most commonly encountered problem in any tests for that matter is when , again, the infection is in the window period. I keep repeating this , because there are instances when the patient or the Attending Physician may complain and question the result that is released by the Laboratory. Likewise, performing the test during the window period may lull the patient into a sense of false complacency thinking that he/she is negative when in fact, it may not be so. It is most important to repeat the test, especially when one knows that he/she is engaged

in risky behaviours, at least one month after the initial testing. All diagnostic tests have their own limitations, even if the sensitivity and specificity of a particular test kit is high. Once this happens, the results may be questionable and as such, a repeat test is performed using either same test kit, a different kit and a higher methodology like an ELISA. It is also advantageous to know that, there may be other conditions that can give rise to either a false positive or a false negative result. Thus, the importance of repeating the examination. If it is positive, then, the result will have to be confirmed

through the Western Blot Technique. A negative result do not mean anything really, particularly if one has the risk factors for possibly contracting the disease.

Once again, early diagnosis is very crucial to management as well as in minimizing the complications that may arise.

There is no cure as yet, nor vaccines available for HIV/ AIDS. Making those affected with the illness live as near normal lives, with quality living, and making them responsible citizens, by ensuring that the virus is not shared to another individual is one huge leap towards containment of the disease.

Pelaez......

from page 5 League’s various mandates.

VG Pelaez believes that his election will bring honor not only in Misamis Oriental, where he is the current Vice Governor, but in the island of Mindanao as well. He

said that he will responsibly use the opportunity and the trust of being elected to bring the genuine situation of the people in the island to the national perspective and the collective voices of Mindanaoans to be heard by the national board.

“I will be the voice of

Mindanao. I can continue my advocacy for education to the League. Apart from my personal advocacies and programs I relentlessly implemented when I was still the Executive Director of DepED, my position in this league provides me with more ample reasons to further extend, in-

stitutionalize, and implement effectively these advocacies and programs through relevant and timely legislations ”, VG Pelaez added.

At present, VG Pelaez is the Chairman of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Local Executive Board- Misamis Oriental Chapter. Prior to his

election as Vice Governor, he held the positions as Executive Director, Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs of the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office and National Executive Board Regular Member of the Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP).

total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region.

Best practices and lessons on the management of ASEAN Heritage Parks and other protected areas will be discussed during the conference which will be attended by park managers, policy makers, conservationists,

scientists and other stakeholders from the ASEAN region. Issues on biodiversity loss, ecosystems degradation, ecotourism and business are also up for discussion in the conference.

Participants are expected to hold a field visit to Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park for them to see the protection,

conservation and management initiatives undertaken

by DENR, local government units, civil society organizations, communities and other stakeholders in the area.

According to the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, the GIZ Biodiversity and Climate Change Project, and the Government of the Philip-

pines through the Department of Environment and Natural Resource and the Department of Tourism are supporting the conference which is being held every three years.

There are 30 declared AHPs and 4 protected areas were declared as Heritage Parks in the country.

The other AHPs are Mount Apo National Park in Southern Mindanao and Iglit-Baco in Region 4.

The 10 Member States of the ASEAN are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (RPAO 10) #07-212-2013

from page 12 dapat ibahagi sa ating mga miyembro. Ang ating 12.6 milyong miyembro ang tunay na panalo kapag kinikilala ang kagalingan ng Pag-IBIG Fund.”

Almost three years since Vice President Binay assumed

from page 5 are championing climate cha nge mit igat ion a nd adaptation, and disaster risk reduction programs.

“Programs on disaster mitigation must go together with programs that will make our communities resilient to the impacts of climate change and environmental de g r ad at ion,” s a id Re p.

Rolando “Klarex” Uy (1st District, LP).

Uy said he is willing to learn how he can best help his constituents in the first legislative district, especially his own Barangay Carmen — where he served as long-time chairman before becoming cong ressma n — become d isa ster resi l ient si nce many parts of the district are very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.

Footnotes... from page 6 my Residency Training wherein the patient came in for skin lesions.

It is quite notable that these patients during interview and history taking, tend not to divulge information related to their sexual behaviour.

It was only upon doing the tissue biopsy that we were able to diagnose Kaposi’s sarcoma, which is a type of cancer involving the walls of the blood vessels. Another malignancy seen among HIV/AIDS patients is Lymphoma, which is actually a Big C involving the white blood cells of the

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Editor: RUEL PELONE • Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Mga kagamhanang lokal gidasig paghimo ug lakang batok sa droga DIPOLOG City––Pinasubay sa Memorandum Circular Numero 201350, ang buhatan sa Department of the Interior and Local Government ang naga-awhag sa tanan alang sa “Observance of t he Inte r nat i ona l D ay Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking ubos sa tema nga “Global Action for Healthy Communities Without Drugs”, nga ilawom sa Presidential Pro cl amat ion No. 269 nga pinetsahan Hunyo 26, 1998.

Alayon sa gihisgutan sa

KC COMMERCIAL Installer Water Refilling Station also available in Water accesories and water station needs

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0917-7033462

Contact No. Door#6 YMCA Bldg., Julio Pacana St., Brgy 21. Cag. de Oro, Misamis Oriental

unahan, diin ang tanang Prov inci a l G over nors, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors, DILG Regional Offices ug ARMM Governors ang gidasig alang sa paghimo ug tukmang kalihukan alang sa dugang nga pagpa-amgo sa publiko ilabi na sa mga kabatan-onan.

Alang kini sa bili sa usa ka “healthy lifestyle” ug sa makadaut nga epekto sa druga ngadto sa lawas sa mga tawo ug ingon man, aron makagama social response alang sa pagpakgang ug sa pagkontrol sa suliran sa droga dinhi sa nasud.

Busa gi-awhag ang tanan alang sa pag-display ug mga streamers ug mga bandera nga magadala sa tema niining tuiga ngadto sa mga istratehikong mga dapit.

Ang ‘condo’ ng matandang pulubi sa Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Star Zamboanga)

Poor man’s condo sa Zambo City ZAMBOANGA CITY – Nagsilbing “eye opener” ang dalawang political posters na isinabit ng isang matandang pulubi sa kanyang barong-barong sa tabi lamang ng kalsada sa Zamboanga City na kung saan ay ipinapakita nito ang masaklap na katotohanan ng buhay ng bawat isang maralitang

Pilipino.

Mismong ang poster ni defeated senatorial candidates Jack Enrile at Teddy Casino ang nakasabit sa harapan ng kanyang “condo” na kung saan ay makikita ng publiko ang mga nakasulat doon.

“Mu r ang Pag k ai n , Maraming Pagkain” ang slogan ni Enrile at “Karaniwang Tao, Panalo kay Casino” naman ang mababasa sa propaganda ni Casino.

Ngunit malayo naman ito sa katotohanan para sa matanda na halos hindi na kumain sa buong mag-araw

dahil sa sukdulang kahirapan sa buhay.

Panglilimos sa kalsada ang tanging ikinabubuhay ng matanda at masuwerte na lamang kung mabibigyan ng pagkain ng mga dumaraan sa tabing kalsada na ayon sa kanya ay bihirang-bihara.

Init sa araw at matinding lamig naman sa gabi ang nadarama ng matanda, ngunit namimiligro naman ito sa banta ng sakit sa tuwing may bagyo o ulan at sa kabila nito ay bulag naman ang lipunan sa kalagayan nito. (Mindanao Star Zamboanga)

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ANALYSIS

YOUR ULTIMATE WINNING GUIDE

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Weekly Lotto Suertres Guide for JULY 15, 2013

Take-one: 547

PASAKAY ANGLE GUIDE

FRIENDS, 6 9 8 2 3 probables 0 1 7 0 4 C O N G R AT U 3 4 5 6 7 LATIONS TO ALL 6 2 8 9 0 THE WINNERS 9 0 1 2 3 LAST WEEK. Weekly Lotto Suertres Guide for JULY 16, 2013 This week the Take-one: 216 PASAKAY ANGLE GUIDE hottest digits are 4, probables 9 1 0 2 9 5 and 8.

7 2 8 3 5 4 5 6 7 8 These three are 7 1 9 0 1 part of our CON8 0 2 3 4 TROL NUMBER, Weekly Lotto Suertres Guide for JULY 17, 2013 the other one is 7.

PASAKAY ANGLE GUIDE Therefore, this Take-one: 821 0 1 4 3 1 probables week’s hottest pairs 2 3 9 2 5 are 41, 42, 49, 52, 5 6 7 8 9 51, 59, 18, 28, and 8 4 0 1 2 89.

2 1 3 4 6 I would go for 49, Weekly Lotto Suertres Guide for JULY 18, 2013 PASAKAY ANGLE GUIDE Take-one: 108 59, and 89.

2 3 1 7 6 490, 598, 597, probables 5 4 0 3 5 894, 859, and 829.

6 7 8 9 0 Good luck!

9 5 1 2 3 Supertres team 3 2 4 5 6

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Weekly Lotto Suertres Guide for JULY 19, 2013

Take-one: 941

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Weekly Lotto Suertres Guide for JULY 20, 2013

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Weekly Lotto Suertres Guide for JULY 21, 2013

Take-one: 681

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2 8 9 6 5

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Weekly Lotto Suertres Guide for JULY 22, 2013

Take-one: 193 probables

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ONE WEEK MAINTAIN ***GUARANTEED***

527-852-482 525-526-259

1-0 2-5 3-8 4-7 78 6-9 THIS WEEK’S PLAYING DIGITS

Crossword Puzzle

across 1. Transaction 4. Brief appearance 8. Maria 9. Escapade 11. Consolidate 13. Condition 15. Angry 17. Cry 18. Rent 19. Regale 20. Tantalum symbol 21. Poem 23. Aluminum symbol 24. Andersen’s The _Duckling 26. Competitor 28. Golf peg 29. Units of force 31. Declaim 33. Felony 35. Shutter 37. Atmosphere 38. Shorthand writing 39. Alone in its class down 1. Humid 2. OT character 3. High nest 4. Calcium symbol 5. Church recess 6. Encountered 7. Expunge 9. Stop 10. Insurgent

Suduko

How to play the game?

Fill in completely every rows, columns, and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition of the same digit.

Your Lucky Stars Aquarius: With planet Mercury still Retrograde, use this week to get plans in place and systems set so you are ready for action as soon as the timing is right to move ahead. Venus in your solar seventh House of relationships sends love straight to your heart center. With Money, be careful you don’t overlook a crucial detail, best to double check the bank statement.

Pisces: You have a lot on your plate right now, Pisces, as well as a lot pending, but don’t forget about your health. You know the saying, if you don’t have your health you don’t have anything. Now is a good time to focus on your overall wellbeing as well as upgrade your personal image so you have a dynamic first impression.

Love can be passionate, but you need friendship and trust to keep a relationship long term.

Aries: Family, home, work and relationships all demand your attention this week so you will need to spread yourself thin to cater to everyone. Beware of entering delicate discussions that can end up being emotional, with Mercury Retrograde, would be good to wait another week.

Venus in one of your love zones, can heighten the love vibration in your life, get ready for romance.

Taurus: You can use your creativity to move forward with a project, but keep in mind that Mercury is still Retrograde so there could be delays. With Venus in your solar fourth House, this is a good time to spend some time nurturing yourself and also to focus on your home and family values. Love can move into a more permanent phase and if you are looking for love, think long term, not a frivolous fling.

Gemini: Most of the planetary activity is situated in your solar second House of money and possessions this week, and this is also the area of you chart of selfvalue. If you have any doubts about the value you offer the world, it’s time to do a check list of your skills attributes and knowledge. With love, be careful of being possessive, you want to be connected with someone but you also want to allow them to have their independence as well as have a level of freedom yourself.

Cancer: Mercury in your sign is still Retrograde for another week, which makes doing business and communications a little strained. If possible, delay important decisions for another week. Venus in your solar second House is good for money, but can also tempt you to spend more.

For love to work, you need to have a high level of trust with your partner, and then you can move to the next stage.

Leo: Venus the planet of relationship in your sign puts the focus on love and partnerships. With an abundance of activity in your solar 12th House, it’s a perfect time to get your love-list set so you gain clarity about the type of relationship you want to attract. With work, make sure you operate with a high degree of integrity, set you own bench mark to follow.

Virgo: Your support group of friends are the people who are there for you, it’s a give and take exchange over a period of time. With Venus moving in your direction, spend this time focusing on your personal life, and relationships – review and assess to see if you want to make any changes. With work and money, keep the prize at the top of your mind, this is not the time to take a vacation from work.

Libra: Business and your career are demanding right now and you need to ride the wave of activity while you are operating in the fast lane to keep the momentum going. Friends can turn up out of the blue to lend a helping hand.

With money, you want to be careful you don’t get carried away with an impulsive purchase and if you do then do it with no regrets. For love to last you need a strong friendship.

Scorpio: You can be in the right place at the right time to meet influential people who can help with your career options and point you in the right direction. With love, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Travel is in the stars and this is also a good time to engage in learning a new skill or even take a language course.

Sagittarius: Don’t hold on to something or someone that is destined to leave your life, Sagittarius, sometimes it is just time to let go and move on. If you are waiting on business and money news, it could be delays, but keep your finger on the pulse. A deeper spiritual connection between you and another will provide a loving union.

12. Thick sauce 14. Sum 16. Absorbent fabric 18. Light beer 19. Craze 20. Private teacher 22. Subsequently 25. Smallest possible

27. Thai or Cambodian 29. College official 30. Exceedingly 32. Definite article 34. Thousand 36. Carry out

CAPRICORN: Love stars are hot in your love zone, but you have to want to attract love to embrace it in your life. For couples, remember that mercury the communication planet is still Retrograde so be wary of entering into a discussion that could be sensitive or emotional. Use this time to do planning for buskins and get yourself organized so you can push the button on activity when the time is right.

The Region

MindanaoStar The Purveyor of Truth and Development

NORTHMIN.WESTMIN

EDITOR: : Jun Felicilda, E-MAIL: msbmdn_2012@yahoo.com

JULY 13-19, 2013

11

LAVENDER COLOR, NO MORE - The C. M. Recto flyover in Cagayan de Oro City is being repainted from lavender to black and white (‘zebra’). Obviously, Rep. Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy’s people are doing the ‘color change.’ (Photo by Rolando N. Sudaria/asf)

Congratulations!

Broadcasters of Bugo Central School, Cagayan de Oro City for hurdling the Radio Broadcasting Training at BWM Media Center on July 6, 2013.

THE MEDIA CENTER B U S I N E S S W E E K M I N DA NAO Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City

Congratulates!

Ozamis City Schools Division Radio Broadcasting Team (Secondary Level)

• Best in Technical Application • Best Anchor National Schools Press Conference 2013

SCHOOL PAPER ADVISER Audilyn L. Daumar (4th from right) strikes a pose with her St. Peter’ s College, Ormoc City pupil-broadcasters during theApril Radio Broadcasting Training at BWM Media Center, 7-12, 2012 July 6, this year. Also in photo are Training Director Joe del Puerto Felicilda and BWM Trainer JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Chief Executive Officer Dante M. Sudaria (3rd and 4th from left). (Photo by Arjay S. Broadcast Training Director Felicilda of MinStar-Normin and Mindanao Daily-Caraga) BWM Media Center

We Grow Minds!

Mother......

from page 1 Nino, Talakag never expected she would be chosen as a 4Ps beneficiary.

Her story started way back in 2008 when validation triggered news in Talakag that a government program will be implemented in the municipality.

“Wala gyud ko nagdahum nga maapil ko. Samot akong kalipay pagkahibalo nako nga para diay sa health ug education sa mga bata ang grant,” she recalled.

Rosa, who received her first cash-grant release in January 2009, said she could not describe her feelings as she decided to go along with the group aboard the jeepney to Cagayan de Oro City.

That time, the cash-grant

release was still at LandbankCapistrano in Cagayan de Oro. “Sayo gyud ko nagmata adto ug excited kaayo mi sa akong kauban nagsakay ug jeep,” she said.

Just like any other 4Ps beneficiary, Rosa underwent family development sessions and meetings with “parent leaders.”

She recalled that becoming a parent leader taught her a lot of values. She also became knowledgeable about the different issues in the society.

Moreover, Rosa said that even her husband noticed she was now empowered to make her own decisions and could easily voice out her opinion.

“Nakaingon gyud akong bana nga dili na daw ko mahadlok karon og desisyon.

Kung naa pud mga meetings sa barangay, dili nako maulaw

ug sulti sa akong mga opinion,” she said.

She became more participative when SLP was implemented in their barangay and again, she became the president in their association.

She said she never expected to become a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s livelihood program.

Molejon’s association was composed of 15 members and most of them were engaged in vegetable gardening, hog raising and managing a sarisari store.

When asked on how SLP affected her as a beneficiary, Rosa said it made a big impact on her since she was able to support a child to finish high school. Rosa has three children, one of which is a special child.

“Pinaagi sa pagbuhi ug

POLICE Supt. Francis Ronnie Cariaga, chief of PR0-10 information office, receives the certificate of appreciation from CEO Dante M. Sudaria, chief executive officer of BWM Group of Newspapers, after guesting the NEWSCON the BWM Media Center, Cagayan de Oro City. (Photo by Rolando N. Sudaria of MinStar ZamPen and MinPressDev)

baboy ug sa akong tindahan, nahuman gyud ug high school akong anak. Sa pagkakaron, nag-college na siya. Nakatabang pud siya sa akong special child kay kung makabaligya na ko sa baboy, makapalit na dayon kog tambal para sa iyang maintenance,” she added.

Rosa said truly, blessings in disguise come in many forms. What is important is to be open for possible opportunities matched with the right attitude for a person to become successful in life.

(Divorrah E. Meneses/RTP/ PIA 10/jdelpf )

Church......

from page 1 Villar, Chairman Emeritus of Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. Villar Foundation is the CSR arm of Vista Land.

Gran Europa is the foremost master-planned community in uptown Cagayan de Oro. It is in the middle of rolling out its ChurchCommercial-School or CCS project. Designed by Architect Arthuro Secuya, San Vicente Ferrer matches the European theme of Gran Europa. The church with a 250-seat capacity is the centerpiece of its Village Center, where the community can gather either for celebration, fun, and leisure.

In the next few years, Villar Foundation and Vista Land will unveil the other churches in various locations nationwide.

The next in line is the Santuario de San Ezekiel Moreno in Pulanglupa, Las Pinas City.

The 700-seater church had its groundbreaking in 2011, construction is still ongoing.

The following are also slated for early completion: 1,000-seater Santuario Madonna del Divino Amore at Evia in Alabang and a Swiss-inspired church at Crosswinds in Tagaytay. There will be churches in other parts of Luzon, namely: Camella Provence in Malolos, Bulacan; Maia Alta in Antipolo, Rizal; Tierra Nevada in General Trias, Cavite; and Plantacion Meridienne in Lipa, Batangas.

Other European architec-

ture-inspired churches will likewise rise in Vista Land communities in the Visayas particularly at the Azienda in Cebu and at Savannah in lloilo.

Camella is the subsidiary catering to the mid-market segment of Vista Land, the country's premier homebuilder.

The company has won the Reader's Digest Trusted Brand Gold Award, two-years in a row, proving that Camella is a real-estate brand to be reckoned with in all of Asia.

Camella has long been a familiar name with Filipino families both in the country and abroad. In over 38 years, it has built a selection of affordable, high-quality homes and themed communities across our islands. To date, the group has built more than 250,000 homes and maintains a strong presence in Mega Manila and 33 other key provincial destinations and 65 cities and municipalities.

Proverty......

from page 1 It specifically provides information on the socioeconomic profile of families and other information relating to their living conditions.

More specifically, this survey gathers information on the demographic and economic characteristics, health

status and education of the family members; awareness and use of family planning methods; Housing, water and sanitation condition of the families; availment of credit to finance the family business or enterprise; and income and expenditures of the family.

In addition, it gathers information on the effect of the economic crisis in families and the steps they had taken in response to these problems.

In Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental, a total of 200 sample households will be interviewed for this survey.

Field interviewers are being hired and fielded doing actual interview in the sample households.

The enumeration started Monday, July 8 and ends on July 31, this year.

NSO-Misamis Oriental OIC Janith Cabalang-Aves encouraged all sample households to cooperate with field interviewers and provide them the correct data.

“Rest assured that all information that will be gathered from the respondents will be held strictly confidential, as embodied in Commonwealth Act 591,” Aves said.

She added, all field interviewers are equipped with proper identification. (PR/asf)

12

july 13-19, 2013

Editor: ROLANDO N. SUDARIA • Email: rolando_sudaria2000@yahoo.com

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Mindanao Star The Purveyor of Truth and Development

NORTHMIN .WESTMIN

Mariwasa joins inauguration of GMA Kapuso Foundation’s classroom buildings in typhoon Pablo-hit Davao Oriental

B

aganga, Davao Oriental – Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. (MSC) the country’s leading tile maker joins the inauguration of the newly built 2-classroom building constructed by GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. (GMAKF) in Kinablangan Elementary School.

“We are very happy that we are now reaping the rewards of our efforts in helping the people of Davao Oriental especially rebuild their lives. We are very thankful to GMA Kapuso Foundation for allowing Mariwasa to be part of their school rehabilitation projects.

Mariwasa is a socially responsible organization and this is our way of giving back to the people” said Mr. Alberto Descalzo, AVP for Manufacturing and Maintenance.

The turnover ceremony was the initial phase of inauguration of the total of 39 classrooms being built in the towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga in Davao Oriental, the hardest hit places of Typhoon Pablo last December 2012.

Early this year, MSC extended product support amounting to P500,000.00 worth of ceramic tile products for the rehabilitation efforts in the said areas

particularly aimed in the construction of school buildings.

On top of that, the company donated P500,000.00 plus the voluntary contribution of its employees amounting to P40,000.00 for a total of P540,000.00 cash donation in order to provide relief assistance such as food, medicines and basic necessities to the typhoon-hit areas of Mindanao.

GMAKF and MSC have been constantly joining hands together in reaching out to underprivileged Filipinos and both share the same business philosophy in caring for the community.

VP Jejomar C. Binay

first government institution to receive such recognition.

Pag-IBIG’s membership registration processes passed the Surveillance Audit and maintained its ISO 9001:2008 Certification, signifying its capacity to participate in the international arena. The Civil Service Commission conferred the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence to Pag-IBIG Davao Branch, and four other branches received Excellent Rating at the Anti-Red Tape Act Survey, showing Pag-IBIG’s discipline in providing excellent service to its members.

Atty. Berberabe has been chosen as the Outstanding CEO of the Year by the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific, the first Filipina to win said award, for her exceptional leadership in making Pag-IBIG an excellent organization true to its

Mr. Alberto Descalzo, AVP for Manufacturing & Maintenance of Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. finishes his tree-planting activity at Kinablangan Elementary School, Baganga, Davao Oriental. The young plant, a narra tree, is named after him.

VP Binay presented awards for excellent Pag-IBIG performance Former Finance Sec.

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, concurrent Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, commended the Pag-IBIG Fund on the awards it has received for its excellent performance during the formal presentation of said awards at the Coconut Palace.

“Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa inyo dahil sa maayos ninyong pagsasakatuparan sa direksiyong aking inilahad nang ako’y umupo bilang Chairman ng Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council at ng Pag-IBIG Board, magtatatlong taon na ang nakararaan. Malaking bagay sa ating tagumpay ang ating pagkakaisa’t pagtutulungan para lalong mapaigi ang Pag-IBIG Fund. Madalas nga ninyong sabihin, at inuulit ko rin – bigger, better, faster Pag-IBIG Fund!” said

Vice President Binay, as he addressed the audience of Pag-IBIG officials, led by their President and Chief Executive Officer, Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe. Pag-IBIG Trustees and partners also joined the presentation.

The Pag-IBIG Citi Prepaid Card has been highly commended as a Best Card Solution at the Adam Smith Awards, making Pag-IBIG the

mandate of delivering to its members and stakeholders a saving culture and access to finance for housing and other basic needs. Meanwhile, her Deputy CEO for Support Services Cluster, Ms. Emma Linda B. Faria, has been named the Outstanding Government Chief Financial Officer in the Philippines at the Government CFO Awards, the first to be awarded in the country, for leading Pag-IBIG in sustaining its financial stability through innovative systems, prudence in fund management, and discipline in fund utility.

Pag-IBIG’s awards are testaments of its quest for excellence, as it executes the directions set by Vice President Binay, who added, “Ang mga pagkilala at gantimpalang inyong natatanggap ay magagandang sorpresa na hindi sinasarili, bagkus ay See binay, page 8

Uratex wins Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand award Mandaluyong City, Philippines --For the 5th consecutive year, Uratex, a brand under the RGC Foam Group, the largest manufacturer of commercial and automotive polyurethane foam products in the country, won the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Platinum Award 2013.

This recent award continues to be a testament to Uratex’s commitment to bring only the best foam products to Filipinos. For 45 years, Uratex Foam has worked fervently in designing quality bed and mattress products aimed to provide comfort and a healthful sleep. This is definitely a tough feat to beat and is truly worthy of being honored with a Platinum Award from Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands.

Aside from making quality products like foam, mattresses, sofa beds, pillows and other bed accessories, Uratex is also at the forefront of helping more Filipinos get

good sleep through its quality bed products.

Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. is a global multibrand media and marketing company that has been educating, entertaining and connecting audiences around the world for more than 9 decades by using its marketing, editorial and content-delivery skills to serve its wide readership.

Reader’s Digest, one of its numerous periodicals, is the largest-circulating magazine in the world.

The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands survey is one of the most representative and transparent consumer surveys in Asia, and it has been running in the region for 15 years.

The survey, carried out by Ipsos, the world’s third largest market research company, reached out to 7,000 respondents, 1,000 of which came from the Philippines while the rest came from countries like India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and

Taiwan.

Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards covered 42 product and services categories, and the winners come from diverse industries such as food and beverage, personal products, finance, motoring related, consumer electronics, health and personal care, household products, retails, education, transport, travel and communications. Winners are chosen based on their trustworthiness and credibility, quality, value, understanding of customer

needs, innovation, and corporate social responsibility.

Brands that score above their competitors can easily receive a Gold Trusted Brand Award, a status achieved by most winners. But in order to receive a Platinum Trusted Brand Award, a brand should score three times or more than that of its nearest competitor.

For more information on superior foam, mattress, and other sleep solutions provided

by Uratex, visit their website, www.uratex.com.ph.

Roberto de Ocampo is new PVB Chair Former Finance Secretary Roberto or “Bobby” F. de Ocampo, OBE has been elected as Chairman by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) Board of Directors.

As the new Chair, De Ocampo said his term marks a fresh new beginning for PVB, with the aim of revitalizing the medium-sized commercial bank to be an active major player in the banking industry, not just locally but globally as well.

A respected name in the business community, Bobby De Ocampo brings with him an exceptional track record in both the business and finance arenas here and abroad. Aside from being the former Secretary of Finance, he was also President of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and also the Chairman & CEO of the Development Bank of the Philippines. He is one of the most internationally recognized Filipinos having been Chairman of the APEC and ASEAN Finance Ministers, and a Governor of the World Bank, IMF and ADB. He is also presently the Chairman of the Board of Advisers of the RFO Center for Public Finance & Regional Economic Cooperation, an ADB Regional Knowledge Hub. During his stint as Finance Secretary, De Ocampo was credited for bringing the country’s fiscal position from large deficits to surplus and brought about the longest period of consecutive years of fiscal surpluses in the Philippines. It was during also his term that the key features of country’s investment liberalization and privatization strategies were designed and implemented. As Finance Secretary, he was awarded the Global Finance Min-

de Ocampo

ister of the Year in 1995

by Euromoney and Asian Finance Minister of the Year in 1996 and 1997 by Euromoney and Asiamoney respectively.

De Ocampo was also the youngest DBP Chairman & CEO. It was during his leadership that DBP was adjudged to be the World’s Second Soundest and Third Best Performing Bank in 1991 by The Banker.

De Ocampo also has the distinction of being the only Filipino knighted by both the United Kingdom & France. He was conferred “Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” or OBE by the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for his efforts in promoting Philippine-UK relations during his years as a public servant and as Chairman of the British Alumni Association. He was also named Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor by the Republic of France for his promotion of links between France and the Philippines in the economic domain.

As a son of a Filipino World War II veteran, Bobby de Ocampo’s election as PVB Chairman was hailed by the Veterans sector, particularly the Veterans Federation of the Philippines.