Mindanao Daily News (September 27, 2014)

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Regional Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

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Smart launches free mobile Internet Volume III, No. 106

web portal: www.businessweekmindanao.com

Saturday

See story on Page A1 12 September 27, 2014 P15.00

Over 66 million Filipinos gain access to the Internet

In an unprecedented move, wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) together with Talk ‘N Text and Sun Cellular yesterday announced that they will start providing free Internet access to its prepaid subscriber base via their mobile phones.

See smart, page A11

Primavera Tower 2 set for occupancy by 2015

By MARK FRANCISCO Staff Reporter

PRIMAVERA Residences celebrated 70 percent completion of its Tower 2 by holding a topping off Mayor Oscar Moreno (left), Italpinas Inc. CEO Architect Romolo Nati (third from left), president Atty. Jojo Leviste ceremony yesterday at the (fourth from left) and a Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation representative (second from left) are all smiles as premises located at Pueblo they pour symbolic concrete during the Primavera Residences Tower 2 topping off ceremony yesterday. de Oro, uptown Cagayan photo by mark francisco

Rescue operations of 2 captive soldier persists

By CRIS DIAZ, Executive Editor

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City – The operation to retrieve and rescue the two captive soldiers of the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion continues without let up, a military official said on Thursday.

Army Major Christian Uy, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division here, said that the military hierarchy has denied the proposal to suspend the military and police operations as a pre - condition set by the communist rebels for the safe release of the two soldiers.

de Oro. A topping off rite is typically undertaken by building contractors when the last steel or beam is placed at the highest point of the structure, in this case the second tower of the tenstory Primavera Residences.

See primavera, page A11

BWM hosts journalism seminar

By Irene Joy B. Dayo Staff Reporter

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- In the purpose to enhance young campus journalists and promote Journalism among students from various schools in the region, a Campus Journalism seminar-workshop was held on September 26, 2014 at BusinessWeek Mindanao media center, Cagayan de Oro City. Training Director Joe Felicilda led the seminar-workshop as the resource speaker.

The BusinessWeek Mindanao is hosting this kind of event to further develop students’ journalistic skills and Seminar Resource Speaker Joe Felicilda and Tablonian Chronicles Moderator Al- especially in categories like

Army Private First Class Marnel Cinches and PFC. Jerrel Yorong, remained in the custody of the communist rebels for two months now since they were abducted in the farming village of Bontongon in Impasug-ong last July 22, 2014.

Allan Juanito, the spokesperson of the New People’s Army Regional Command of the North Central Mindanao Region, said that the refusal of the military to grant the 10-day suspension of military operations (SOMO) would certainly More than 30 students participated in the seminar-workshop. Together with the students jeopardize the safety of the in the photo are BusinessWeek Mindanao Publisher Dante Sudaria, Training Director See rescue, page A11

lan H. Guibone. photo by arjay felicilda

See seminar, page A11

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News

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Emano urges MisOr residents: Plant mosquito repellant plants MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano of Misamis Oriental on Thursday urged people in the province to plant mosquito repellant plants to fight the spread of Dengue carrier mosquitoes.

Emano has recommended the Citronella grass to be planted in every home in the province and in all public schools in Misamis Oriental.

Citronella is an effective mosquito repellant because of its smell. “One would simply extract the oil from the plant and rub it in the any part of the body, especially hands and legs,” Emano said.

He said that he has instructed the provincial

more than two dozen mosquito repellant plants, but the citronella is very familiar.

The provincial governor encourages the residents in Misamis Oriental to plant agriculturist office to gath- mosquito repellant plants er as many seedlings for “citronella” to be planted around the Capitol backyard.

Anyone could ask for a seedling so that it could be planted in the backyard of the house, Emano said.

He said that a citronella plant is a bit expensive, but the cost does not matter.

Besides, the plant easily propagates and grow like lemon grasses.

Emano said there are

as the province heightened its war against the spread of the “Dengue fever” here.

Two weeks ago, two children separately died of “Dengue fever” in separate provincial hospitals in the province, Emano said.

He said that his bleed for the young victims prompting the provincial capitol to, again,sound the war call against the dreaded Dengue carrier mosquitoes here. CRIS DIAZ, Executive Editor

The Department of Trade and Industry - Misamis Oriental (DTI-MOR) turns over on September 19, 2014 to Cogon Public Market the “Timbangan Ng Bayan,” DTI calibrated weighing scales to be used by consumers to check accuracy of bought goods. DTI will put at least four weighing scales in all markets in the city and Misamis Oriental province. (PIA10)

GRAND RECRUITMENT DAY

MDN: June 16-Dec.15, 2014

SSS unveils provident fund for members The Social Security System (SSS) has opened a voluntary provident fund program that offers its members an additional way of saving for their retirement.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr said the new retirement savings scheme called the SSS Personal Equity and Savings Option (SSS PESO) fund is an alternative and tax-free investment that would help members accumulate adequate income in retirement and earn a reasonable rate of return.

“SSS PESO savings can be used to supplement the benefits available under the regular SSS program. It offers guaranteed earnings based on rates higher than those at brick-and-mortar banks.” De Quiros said.

The SSS PESO fund is open to all members below 55 years old with six consecutive SSS contributions within the last 12 months prior to enrollment and have not yet filed final claims with the SSS. Qualified members can participate for a minimum contribution of P1,000 up to a maximum of P100,000 per year.

“One’s membership will start upon receipt of first contribution. Succeeding SSS PESO Fund contributions can be made anytime as long as there is a corresponding SSS contribution on the month of contribution,” De Quiros said.

De Quiros said self-employed, voluntary and OFW members should be paying the maximum SSS contribution to qualify. “They will also need to pay the maximum SSS contribution for the month they are to save in the SSS PESO Fund,” he added.

Savings in the SSS PESO Fund are invested in sovereign guaranteed investments, where 65 percent of the total fund is allocated for retirement, and 35 percent is for medical and general purposes. SSS PESO accounts will be charged a one-percent administration fee annually.

“The portion for retirement is guaranteed to earn income based on interest rates of five-year Treasury yields, while earnings of the fund allotted for medical and general purposes will be based on 364-day Treasury bill rates,” De Quiros said.

Aside from the guaranteed earnings, De Quiros said SSS PESO Fund members may also get excess earnings, which will be credited automatically to their accounts, depending on the actual year-end performance of the SSS PESO Fund.

Savings in SSS PESO fund can be withdrawn upon the member’s effective date of retirement or total disSee sss, page A11

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Opinion

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EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE • ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

The Mindanao Daily nORTHMIN, Mindanao Daily CARAGA , mindanao daily westmin and Mindanao Daily DAVAO newspapers are published daily by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS at Door 2, Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with Certififcate No. 01791042, and with Business Permit No. BP-02275 Under Business License Certificate No. 2014-00525, TIN No. 209-980-927, Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, (08822)7233-44, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, mindanaodailynews@gmail.com MINDANAO DAILY NEWS Publisher ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief ruel pelone Managing Editor CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor cheng ordoÑez Business Editor CHRISTINE CABIASA Lifestyle Editor MARK FRANCISCO Lifestyle Assitant Editor Arjay Felicilda Assistant Editor felix santillan Layout Artist Rene Michael BaÑos Regional Editor-Northmin PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN Regional Editors-Caraga SAM NERI Provincial Editor-Bukidnon MARLON GAYOG Regional Editor-Davao AL JACINTO Regional Editor-WestMin irene dayo Reporter-NorthMin gerry lee gorit Photo Journalist URIEL C. QUILINGUING JOE FELICILDA JOE PALABAO Editorial Consultant ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Legal Counsel ---------------------------------------------------------------

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Adoption of orphans and abandoned children pushed Lawmakers from the A Teacher Party-list have filed a bill seeking to encourage couples or individuals to adopt orphans or abandoned children to enhance their upbringing and provide them with a better future.

R e p s . M a r i a n o U. Piamonte Jr. and Julieta R. Cortuna said couples or individuals who will adopt orphans or abandoned children as proposed under House Bill 4931 shall be entitled to an additional P100,000 tax exemption.

The exemption shall be over and above the existing tax exemption provided by

the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as mandated under the National Internal Revenue Code, Piamonte said.

According to Piamonte, they filed the bill to alleviate the plight of the large number of orphans or abandoned Filipino children, who just like other kids, need good parental guidance in order to become good citizens.

“If the State will not exhaust all means to provide abandoned children or orphans the right environment to grow, they will likely become a li-

ability of the State rather than an asset,” Piamonte said.

“By encouraging couples or individuals to adopt abandoned children or orphans, the State will be able to provide a better upbringing for these children. Couples or individuals can better provide a more realistic parental guidance for orphans and abandoned children,” Piamonte added.

Cortuna said the gove r n m e nt i s s p e n d i ng money for the facilities that host orphans and abandoned children. “Al-

Editorial

lowing couples to do the government’s job will reduce expenditure,” Cortuna said.

Covered by the bill are newly born, infants or children up to 15 years of age who were abandoned by parents or whose parents have died with no other relative up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

Also covered are newly born, infants or children up to 15 years of age whose parents have been declared by the court of law, physician or psychologist as physically or mentally incapable of raising a child.

Squandered opportunity Days before the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Rule on September 21, noticeably there was a surge of comments in social media to never allow such one man rule to ever happen again in the country.

There is really no need for such call since the 1987 Philippine constitution made it almost impossible for the sitting president to declare martial rule again.

The constitutional provision on the matter was made more stringent because of the nation’s experience with the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

Even the country’s respected constitutionalists agree to the fact that indeed it is very hard now for any president to do a Marcos.

But why is this call for vigilance so that what Marcos did will never be repeated?

The call for vigilance was actually made on the premise that the sitting president has all the characteristics of the late dictator thus it is actually a potshot against President Aquino or P-Noy. In making such call for vigilance, Aquino is being projected as power hungry that’ll do everything to perpetuate himself in power like Marcos.

While the call to be vigilant is something the people should at all times be, its degree differs from what we are to be vigilant about and from whom should we be vigilant.

There is nothing wrong

A deeper view

Jesse E.L. Bacon II

with being vigilant so that we will never be stripped of our freedom and basic human rights again. But to insinuate that P-Noy is a leader with that dangerous tendency to strip us with our rights and freedom is to stretch the imagination

Daily Inspiration Well Done “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Juvy Sarraga

too far.

If he can’t even win the heart of a woman to become his spouse, I doubt if he has that capacity to oppress and exploit the people. I personally don’t see any of the Marcos traits in the persona of P-Noy. And it is for this reason that I have never felt the fear P-Noy will extend his term beyond 2016.

From my subjective appreciation of his actions and statements, I see in him a president who is tired and earnestly praying to the Almighty for June 30, 2016 to come already. As what I have said in a previous column, I have not seen any compelling need for him to extend his term See bacon, page A11

ever, think how wonderful it would be to do business with an organization in which every worker considered their job to be one in which they were called or designed to perform. In other words, their job mattered and they mattered in that job to the level that they performed above and beyond what was expected. Experiment for one week to work above and beyond (not more hours) Not many workers sense that they have as if you were called or designed just for a calling for their particular job. How- your current job.

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Opinion

Mindanao Daily A5 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Solar power at last Part 2 In a previous article, we wondered why, despite the advantages of solar power and the decelerating cost of producing photovoltaic cells, the commercial use of solar power here in the Philippines has been rather slow.

Solar power is practically unlimited (except of course when the sun goes down) but solar energy can be stored. With proper energy storage, nighttime power requirements (which are usually less than daytime requirements) can reasonably be met.

And unlike power from fossil sources, solar power does not contribute to the degradation of the environment.

A friend of mine who has had a hand in pack-

aging some of the existing power plants in the country, gave the following explanation. On the part of the power producers, there is not much incentive to switch to solar at this time because they are still amortizing their investments in existing plants.

On the part of the consumer, over-all cost of solar power is still higher compared to traditional sources.

It is true, my low-profile friend said, that the cost of photovoltaic cells, the main component in solar power generation, has gone down by 40 per cent compared to 5 years ago. But it is the cost of transmission and distribution that brings the total cost up.

But what if the transmission and distribution

“SHOOT ME NOW, MAYOR DUTERTE” After Mayor Duterte, in a light bantering manner, said in his TV program that he would shoot all those who had been pushing him to run for President, Manila TIMES columnist and TV broadcaster MON TULFO, a native of Davao Oriental in the east coast, was more aggressive. He said: “Shoot me now, Mayor Duterte”. xxxxx EPITAPH -- Veteran Mindanao journalist Serafin “Jun” Ledesma went further. He said he wouldn’t mind composing in advance his graveyard epitaph just in case Mayor Duterte makes good his threat of shooting him for supporting the DUTERTE FOR PRESIDENT movement. But I composed one for him. It reads as follows: “Here lies a hard-headed visionary who had to lay down his life so that a reluctant would-be President of the Republic may see the light.” xxxxx POPE ON VIOLENCE --- “Religion can never be used to justify violence.”

This came from Pope Francis himself who condemned some islamic e x t re m i st s w h o e ve n publicly exhibited their barbarism and bloody ways ( beheading, killing) by using islam as their justification. The Pope instead stressed that there are many muslims all over the world who live by the true meaning of islam: “peace”. xxxxx INDEPENDENCE VOTE -- Although the “no” vote won so Scotland does not secede from the United Kingdom, allowing such a referendum in the first place is a “no

Advocacy Mindanao

Jess Dureza no”. It is an unmitigated attack on the sovereign integrity of a country.

And should never be allowed here -- even if the “no”vote is assured of winning. A referendum on a shift to federal is what we should all aspire for. Not independence. xxxxx CAREFUL! We should always keep this in mind lest we forget -- that the so-called bangsamoro aspiration under their right to self determination has a bottom line: independence or secession. So let’s not be naive. The peace agreement never changed this. So let’s be more careful. We do not wish to see a balkanized and fragmented Philippines. xxxxx VINDICATE FM --Unknown to those who were born post ( or after) martial law, there were legacies left by the former President Ferdinand Marcos that up to this day have remained.

It may be good for the son Senator BongBong Marcos to trace back those days. So far, only the negatives are heard, which is not fair. His old man President FM deserves to be credited for the many good things he also did for the country during his lifetime.

Speaking Out

Ignacio Bunye

charges are eliminated?

Then the equation turns in favor of solar power, he said. When that happens, solar power will really be much much cheaper.

With this in mind, it was with much pleasure that I read a recent article: “A power plant on every roof ” by my friend, Doris Dumlao, who writes for the

other No. 1 newspaper. In Facebook terms, I found the article too good not to Like, Comment, Share.

Doris reported on a new power project, modest but which could be a possible game changer. Doris was referring to the 700-kilowatt rooftop solar system installed atop Central Mall Binan by Solar Philippines.

S olar Philippines is headed by 21-year old Leandro Leviste, son of Senator Loren Legarda.

Doris reported that no less than Energy Secretary was very impressed with the project. “Solar technology is already tried and tested. The problem has been the business model and this is the first company to get it right,” Doris quotes Petilla as saying.

What makes it the right business model?

From day one, the mall owner is guaranteed savings. Cost is lower than Meralco rates b ecause the cost of transmission and distribution has been eliminated.

In an interview with GMA News, Petilla explained: “As an simple example, the cost of electricity from a coal plant can run up to P5.50 per kilowatt hour, plus P6.50 for distribution and transmission, which amounts to P12.00.

If you install solar panels on your rooftop, you will only spend P9.00 per kilowatt hour for generation and no cost for distribution or transmission. This already saves you up to P3 per kilowatt hour.”

Front end expenses on the part of the project owner have been likewise

eliminated, thanks to an innovative financing scheme arranged by Leviste with Bank of PI. The project fully maximizes the use of the mall rooftop which otherwise would not have been put to productive use.

The same business model offers a lot of promise to other mall developers. In fact, SM already has similar and bigger projects in the pipeline, also with Solar Philippines. Let us hope that eventually the same advantages can be offered to interested residential owners.

In the meantime, may I say to Mr. Leandro Leviste and others engaged in similar solarification endeavors: More Power!

For feedback: Email us at totingbunye2000@gmail. com.

Mindanao Daily NEWS . PLACES . EVENTS LIFESTYLE . PEOPLE MINDANAO UNIVERSITY

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MUST inaugurates 8-storey Engineering Complex Scientific knowledge, skills and architecture at its finest

Standing in all its grandeur along C.M. Recto The Engineering Complex has the following Avenue is the newly-opened 8-storey Engineering amenities: classrooms; laboratories; design studios Complex of the Mindanao University of Science and and a modelling still life painting studio; computerMUST inaugurates 8-storey Technology (MUST). Envisioned as oneEngineering of the university’s Complex aided design (CAD) rooms; offices; an arena-type Scientific knowledge,edifices, skills and architecture at its finest state-of-the-art the eight-storey complex is the audio visual room (AVR); a canteen; function rooms; newestinaddition to the booming toilet facilities at every floor level; elevators; lockers; Standing all its grandeur along C.M.MUST Recto main campus.

The Engineering Complex has the following Avenue is the newly-opened 8-storey Engineering amenities: classrooms; laboratories; design studios art galleries, among others. Apart from the new Complex of the University Mindanao University of Dr. Science and E.and a modelling painting studio; computerPresident Ricardo Rotoras leadsstill life classrooms and laboratories, commercial spaces are Technology (MUST). Envisioned as one of the university’s aided design (CAD) rooms; offices; an arena-type the institution it continues to unveil historic alsoa canteen; locatedfunction at the ground state-of-the-art edifices, theaseight-storey complex is the another audio visual room (AVR); rooms; floor. tanding in all its grandeur along C.M. the MUST Board of Regents. lockers; art galleries, among others. Apart phase to inthe thebooming inauguration of campus. the complex onfacilities June 20, newest addition MUST main toilet at every floor level; elevators; lockers; Recto Avenue is the newly-opened from the new classrooms and laboratories, art galleries, among others. The Apartgrand from the new boldly represents MUST’s 2014. Gracing the occasion was the Chairperson of the edifice 8-storey Engineering Complex of Dr. Rotoras believes that the best commercial spaces are also located at the University President Ricardo Education E. Rotoras leads classrooms and laboratories, commercial spacesinarethe field of science and Commission onDr.Higher (CHED) and technological MUST prideknowledge and stature the Mindanao University of Science and scientific and ground floor. the institution as it continues to unveil another historic also located at the ground floor.

Board of Regents, Dr. as Patricia Licuanan.

Joining the technology. As people will pass by C.M. Recto Technology Envisioned oneon ofB. and phase in the (MUST). inauguration of the complex June 20, skills cannot be achieved by mere the state-of-the-art edifices, of instruction alone.

A conducive andcouldMUST’s The grandbut edifice honored guest was wasthe Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez, Avenue, not help look boldly in awerepresents at its 2014.university’s Gracing the occasion Chairperson the The grand edifice boldly one represents the eight-storey complex is the newest inspiring learning environment as well as MUST’s pride and stature in the field of Congressman of the 2nd District of Cagayan de stature Oro, inmagnificence.

Once on Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and MUST pride and the field of science andtop, one will get a view of addition to the booming MUST main state-of-the art laboratories and amenities science and technology.

As people will Board ofand Regents, Dr. Patricia B. Roman Licuanan.T.Joining the Chairperson technology. Asofpeople pass byMacajalar C.M. RectoBay and the bustling streets Congressman Romulo, thewill beautiful campus. will well complement excellent academic pass by C.M. Recto Avenue, one could not honored the guestCommittee was Congressman Rufus and B. Rodriguez, Avenue, one and could not but look in awe at its on Higher Technical Education of help the city. instruction and boost students’ learning help but look in awe at its magnificence.

Congressman of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro, magnificence. Once on top, one will get a view of memberPresident of the MUST of Regents.

University Dr. Board Ricardo experience. The new complex will likewise Once on top, one will get a view of the and Congressman Roman T. Romulo, Chairperson of the beautiful Macajalar Bay and the bustling streets E. Rotoras leads the institution as it address the need for more classrooms beautiful theasbustling Indeed, MUST hasMacajalar gone a Bay longand way it the Committee on Higher and Technical Education and of the city. continues to unveil another historic phase and offices to better accommodate the streets of the city.

Dr. Rotoras believes that the best scientific evolved from being a technological - vocational member of the MUST Board of Regents. in the inauguration of the complex on increasing number of students of the way as it Indeed, be MUSTschool has gonetoa long and technological knowledge and skills cannot a world class MUST university of science June 20, 2014.

Gracing the occasion was university.

Indeed, has gone a long way Dr.achieved Rotoras believes that the best alone. scientificA conducive evolved fromand being and a technological - vocational by mere instruction technology.

It will not stop here.

MUST will the Chairperson of the Commission on as it evolved from being a technological and technological knowledge and skills cannot be school to a world class university of science Higher Education (CHED) andalone.

MUST Board as and Theas Engineering Complex - vocational school years to a as world learning environment well state-of-thecontinue tohas transform in the coming it willclass achievedinspiring by mere instruction A conducive and technology. It will not stop here.

MUST will of Regents, Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan.

Joining the following amenities: classrooms; university of science and technology. laboratories and amenities will wellcontinue complement and live up toasits mandate to provide the best It inspiring art learning environment as well as state-of-theto transformrise in the coming years it will the honored guest was Congressman laboratories; design studios and a will not stop here. MUST will continue to art laboratories and academic amenities will well complement rise and live up to itsscientific mandate toand provide the best excellent instruction and boost students’ technological knowledge and skills in Rufus B. Rodriguez, Congressman of modelling still life painting studio; transform in the coming years as it will excellentlearning academic experience. instruction and boost students’ scientific and technological knowledge and skills in new complex will likewise country and all the 2nd District of Cagayan The de Oro, computeraided design the (CAD) rooms; riseover and the live world. up to its mandate to provide learning experience. The new complex will likewise the country and all over the world. address the Roman need for more classrooms and offices toaudio visual room the best scientific and technological and Congressman T. Romulo, offices; an arena-type address the need for more classrooms and offices to Chairperson of accommodate thethe Committee on Higher (AVR); a canteen; function rooms; toilet knowledge and skills in the country and all better increasing number of students better accommodate increasingthe number of students and Technical Education and member of facilities at every floor level; elevators; over the world. of the university. of the university.

MUST inaugurates 8-storey Engineering Complex Scientific knowledge, skills and architecture at its finest

S

(From to to Bottom) FrontFront view ofview the newly-inaugurated Engineering Complex; University President Dr. RicardoPresident E. Rotoras Dr. withRicardo the distinguished guests during inauguration -guests Cong. Roman Romulo, (Fromtop top Bottom) of the newly-inaugurated Engineering Complex; University E. Rotoras with thethe distinguished duringT. the inauguration - Cong. Roman T. Romulo, Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan and Cong. Rufus B. Rodriguez ; Students enjoy the comforts of doing research at the E-library; Front view of the 5-storey Science Complex; Back perspective of the Engineering Complex; Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan and Cong.

Rufus B. Rodriguez ; Students enjoy the comforts of doing research at the E-library; Front view of the 5-storey Science Complex; Back perspective of the Engineering Complex; The front gate of MUST that beckons scientists, researchers, inventors and students alike to experience and gain the best scientific and technological knowledge in the country.

The front gate of MUST that beckons scientists, researchers, inventors and students alike to experience and gain the best scientific and technological knowledge in the country.

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PHILIPPINES:

A Science Nation Meeting Global Challenges

By Ricardo E. Rotoras, D. Eng.

H

istorically, the Philippines has not been known for its scientific propensity but rather the creative ability of our people in the arts and culture.

We have made some remarkable breakthroughs in the performing arts with many of our Filipino artists and performers garnering international awards in competitions. Yet, international awards for Filipino scientists and technologists had been few and far between.

We have yet to produce a Filipino Nobel Prize laureate in the Sciences.

The critical mass of Filipino scientists and engineers is still far below the desired level despite government’s effort to boost the scientific career system through the provision of access opportunities for young minds to pursue careers in science and technology.

A key to producing the critical mass of scientists in this country is science education for the youth. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) had been supporting Science High Schools since the early 1970’s with relative success.

Majority of the high school students enrolling in these science high schools indeed possess the raw talents in the scientific disciplines.

Yet, when these students graduate from the

science high schools, they pursue careers in non-scientific tracks for various reasons.

First, there is no higher education institution of world class quality in this country that specializes only in Science and Technology disciplines.

The country’s premier University, the University of the Philippines (UP), is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of courses in various higher education disciplines. The large Polytechnic Universities in the country cater to the bulk of business and finance enrolees. By and large, the scientific disciplines are relegated to the background in these universities Second, the career prospects for science students are limited, in large part, to the option of teaching and research in the academe. While a few science graduates land jobs in the industries, they constitute the exception rather than the rule. Ironically, science and technology form the backbone of many industries in the country.

The link between the academe and the industries is weak and amorphous despite laws on dualtech. Scientific career paths, as perceived by

parents and students, are not as rewarding as business, law and other fancy courses.

There is evidence that the differences in total productivity among countries - differences that originate in different levels of technology - explain more than 60 percent of the differences among these countries in per-worker income and growth rates. It has been found that the more a country invests in research and development in S&T, the more the country’s total productivity will increase. Undeniably, S&T fuels economic growth.

The S&T program of the country, however, is hampered by many problems including: (a.) under investment from both the public and private sectors in S&T, (b.) low number of scientists and engineers with their numbers continually decreasing over time, (c.) low outputs of international scientific publication with the Philippines’ output accounting for only 0.03% ranking 51st throughout the world (lagging behind Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia).

Since knowledge and technologies are mostly embodied in human resources, this points to the urgency of the need to accelerate the development of R&D human resource in the country. The country’s expenditures in R&D amounted to PhP 4.5B in 2002, only 0.11% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and far too less than the 0.22% in 1992 and the standard 1% of GDP recommended by the UNESCO for developing countries.

A University of Science and Technology In light of the current status of Philippine S&T, it has become imperative that new initiatives to advance S&T in the country should be pursued. Unlike other Asian countries such

as Malaysia,Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore, the Philippines has yet to come up with a national university that caters solely to S&T. There has to be a university that will receive the many graduates of science high schools nationwide for them to continue with higher studies in S&T. That university is the University of Science and Technology of the Philippines (USTP).

The USTP shall be established through an amalgamation strategy that combines the strengths of leading state universities and colleges in Mindanao. The USTP can provide opportunities for equitable access to quality S&T education and development of local talents to become world-class knowledge workers, and quality scientists and engineers that will man local industries to become globally competitive. It can also provide opportunities for the quality enhancement of R&D outputs to generate high-end technologies for local industries and increase the number of local patents, and to encourage local industries to invest on joint research with the local universities.

Moreover, it can provide the opportunity for quality upgrading of science and mathematics education in the country to encourage more students to take up careers in science and engineering, to contribute more to the over-all development efforts of government to bring economic prosperity and improve the quality of life of the people We are currently engaged in the pursuit of the establishment of a University of Science and Technology (USTP) in an S&T Park setting in Mindanao. The Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and

Technology (MOSCAT) are putting their joint resources to the planning and eventual implementation of this University in this part of the country. Our legislators are supporting us in this ambitious plan to catapult the Philippines as a Science Nation in the international arena.

All over the world, the establishment of Science and Technology Parks (S&T Park) is seen as an effective strategy to link the academe with the industries. Globally, S&T Parks possess the following characteristics: (a.) the strong presence of the academe or educational research institution, (b.) the provision of space for the operation of industries, (c.) the opportunity for technology incubation, transfer and commercialization, and (d.) the desire to spur economic development through science and technology.

The country’s economic zones (PEZA) are parks which focus on the last three (3) components while S&T Parks include the first as a primary function of the location.

The envisioned S&T University of the Philippines operates in a seamless environment of learning where the industries actively participate in the educative process. Imagine , if you will, the Silicon Valley in California where graduate students discover and invent new computer technologies in an industry setting.

The industry setting itself provides the impetus for scientific advancement because the scientific problems that the students are trying to solve are real and in real-time. In Finland, the University of Helsinki operates in this man ner with the NOKIA Company. Graduate students’ thesis/dissertation are linked with real problems encountered by the cellular phone company.

The Alubijid campus

of MUST would be the setting for engineering and technology-related industries specializing in advanced computer technologies, renewable energy systems, communication systems, and manufacturing while the Claveria campus of MOSCAT would focus on industries related to food production and processing.

We envision a faculty force in science and technology which can compete with the world’s best scientific minds. In order to attract the best minds in the country to join USTP, a two-pronged approach of purposive recruitment through incentives for the scientists and international training for local scientists shall be adopted. This would assure our industry counterparts of the best human resource to do research and invention to respond to their own peculiar needs.

Conclusion When the University of Science and Technology would have been realized in the next two years, thousands of science high school graduates all over the country would finally have a “home” they can call their own. No longer would we be wanting of a higher education institution to which the science-trained high school students can get into for their advanced education. Then, and only then, can we truly say that the Philippines will be a Science Nation able to meet the 21st Century Global Challenges.

(Keynote Address in this year’s National Science and Technology Week celebration.

This occasion provides a venue for the academe to share with you some of the more recent initiatives we have made in order to make this country a science nation ready to meet the global challenges of the 21st Century.)

A8 Mindanao Daily NEWS

News

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Gen. Purisima case: No effect to PNP 10

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan De Oro City – The controversy involving the embattled Police Director General Alan Purisima has not affected the morale of the local police force here, a police officer said on Friday.

Sr. Supt. Michael Pareja, the spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Northern Mind-

anao, said that the region’s more than 16,000-strong police force considered the issue surrounding the PNP Director General as a “personal matter.”

“The issue against General Purisima is personal.

And it is on matters of the PNP’s mandate to protect the Constitution that makes it the ultimate task of the police organization,” Pareja

said.

It is in this context that the police officers in various posts in the region remain committed to maintain peace and order in their assigned areas of responsibility, he said.

Pareja said that there is not much changes in the region as the police tighten various security measures to prevent the occurrence

of crimes.

Purisima is accused of plunder, graft and indirect bribery for allegedly owning a lavish rest house in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija and renovating his official residence in Camp Crame.

Purisima is also accused of overpricing the processing of firearms licenses with a courier company.MARK FRANCISCO

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President Aquino generates U.S.$2.35 billion in investment during visits President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday night reported that his 12day five-nation official trip has generated US$2.35 billion worth of investment.

“Aabot po ng 2.35 bilyong dolyar ang halaga ng nakalap nating mga panata at tiyak na investment, na tinataya namang lilikha ng 33,850 trabaho,” the President said in a speech he delivered shortly after he arrived at the NAIA Terminal 2 in Pasay City from San Francisco, California, the United States.

This, he said, is the fruit of his meetings with 22 corporations in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany and the United States.

The Chief Executive also noted that Coca-Cola has already expanded its investment in the country.

“Nariyan po ang Coca-

Cola: Ipinangako nila sa atin noon ang pagpasok ng karagdagang isang bilyong dollars sa bansa bago sumapit ang taong 2015. Sa biyaheng ito, iniulat nilang naipasok na ang lahat ng puhunang ito, at hindi pa tayo umaabot sa 2015,” he said.

“Ang Volkswagen din po, halimbawa, inengganyo nating dito magtayo ng kanilang global manufacturing hub; malaking bentahe ang lumalaki nating middle class, pati na rin ang maganda nating lokasyon at ang husay ng ating manggagawa, at ipagpapatuloy po natin ang pang-eengganyo sa kanila,” he added.

He however declined to give more details.

“Hindi na po natin idedetalye ang bawat isa sa kanila See generates, page A11

Lanao del Norte provincial officials inspect the newly-constructed Kapatagan Provincial Hospital as Project Director Dennis Aguipo points out the new features of the health facility. (PIO-LDN)

CAGAYAN ELECTRIC POWER & LIGHT CO., INC Important Notice to CEPALCO Customers Subject: Scheduled Power Interruption on Sunday, September 28, 2014 The Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co., Inc. (CEPALCO) would like to inform all customers that power supply will be interrupted on September 28, 2014 as shown below: REASONS : TO FACILITATE LOAD TRANSFER OF CARMEN FEEDER 3 TO KAUSWAGAN FEEDER 1 DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF CARMEN SUBSTATION BUILDING EXTENSION AND REVAMP OF CONTROL PANEL FOR METERING AND CONTROL PROTECTION INCLUDING SCADA AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES. DATE INTERRUPTION TIME

: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 : 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM (1 hour and 30 minutes); SWITCHING

AFFECTED AREAS

: CONSOLACION TO WESTBOUND TERMINAL: 1. All of Barangay Consolacion.

2. All of RER Subdivision Phases 1 & 2 including Dolores compound.

3. NHA-KSS Subdivision and portion of Bayabas near Manila Broadcasting Radio Station.

NHA-Bayabas drainage at Buara Area including St. Therese St. and Olape St.; 4. Portion of Kauswagan from Capisnon blacksmith area along San Pedro St. towards Capisnon proper including San Lucas St. and San Guillermo St. 5. Along Kauswagan Highway from Savemore towards Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. up to Dept. of Budget & Mgt Bldg. and Vjandep Bldg. corner St. Therese, Bulua.; including Polymedic Medical Plaza, Delbros Waterfront including Shell-Kauswagan; 6. All of Westbound Terminal area including BIR and Monte Carlo Fish Landing Area.

CARMEN FEEDER 3 AREAS: 1. Greater part of Patag including Calamansi Drive, Camp Evangelista, Apovel Subdivision, Terry Hills Subdivision, Soldiers Hill Subdivision and Anhawon, Bulua area.

2. Along 6th Division Road from PNP Regional Training School up to Bulua Rotonda.

3. Greater part of Bulua from Bulua Rotonda towards all of Iponan.

Power will however be restored immediately without further notice when the Cepalco switching works are completed earlier than scheduled.

We hope the affected customers and the public in general will be guided by this announcement. Thank you.

Released by:

Ms. Marilyn A. Chavez Senior Manager Customer & Community Relations Dept.

National government posts P29.9 billion budget surplus in August

The national government has posted a budget surplus of P29.9 billion in August Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima reported.

In a statement, Purisima said this is “wider than the year-ago surplus, once again resulting from fast-paced expansion of revenue collections for the month. This brought the year-to-date budget balance to a deficit of P25.9 billion, well-within the program and narrower than comparable figures a year ago.”

DOF said the primary balance in August was at a surplus of P50.5 billion, wider than comparable figures last year. As of end-August 2014, the primary surplus was at P202.7 billion, also wider than the year-ago level of P146.3 billion.

“I would also like to point out that our General Government debt has continued to show improvement – as of March 2014, General Government debt was recorded at P4.49 trillion or 38.1% of GDP, lower than the March 2013 level of 38.5%. We have lessened our exposure to foreign currency risk by reducing the foreign component of the debt to 42.1% from 43.4% as

of March last year,” Purisima said.

He added that this latest report on another month of sound fiscal performance follows President Aquino’s successful whirlwind tour in Europe.

Purisima said the President’s trip has borne fruit to more agreement deals under our PPP program, which already boasts of around fifty projects in its pipeline.

“As we sustain our robust fiscal position, I am confident that we will be drawing in even more interest, from local and foreign investors alike, in our PPP projects,” he added.

Customs registers eighth straight month of doubledigit growth; Treasury exceeds target Total revenues reached P170.0 billion in August, an improvement of 9.6% from collections in August last year. This brought year-to-date revenues to P1.27 trillion, up 11.5% year-on-year.

Collections of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) totaled P29.1 billion for the month, growing 11.4% from last year’s tally and marking the eighth straight month of above ten percent year-on-

year growth. Year-to-date, the BOC’s take amounted to P232.9 billion, rising 17.1% from January-August collections in 2013.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collections increased by 8.0% to reach P127.6 billion in August.

This brought year-to-date BIR collections to P890.7 billion, up 9.7% year-onyear.

The Bureau of Treasury (BTr) has exceeded its target for the month, raking in P5.3 billion due to higher investment income and dividend collections. As of end-August, the BTr’s collections have totaled P75.7 billion, a growth of 24.3% over comparable figures last year.

Interest payments to revenues down to 18.0% National Government expenditures for the month amounted to P140.1 billion, higher than last year’s spending in August by 5.2%.

For the first eight months of the year, National Government spending grew by 6.1% to P1.30 trillion.

Improved revenue collection and proactive liability management continues to allow us to service debt See budget, page A11

Mindanao Daily NEWS LIFESTYLE . PEOPLE . PLACES . EVENTS Your Mindanao-wide Business Newspaper

Volume III, No. 106

Assistant Editor: Mark Francisco

Saturday

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

THE FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

September 27,story 2014on PageA9 See 12

Rotary International District 3870 Zone 1, Governor's Address, Malberry Suites and Business Hotel, Limketkai Business Center, Cagayan de Oro City

Thank you Assistant Governor Agnes for your generous introduction. Memb e rs of z one 1 c ou nc i l of presidents, headed by Chairman Pres. Luigi Sarraga of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro. Past District Governors and t heir ladies, in attendance, Assistant Governors, other district officers, My ever loving and supportive spouse, Biema, Fellow Rotarians, Spouses of Rotarians, Friends, Guests, Good evening!

It is a great honor and a distinct privilege for me to address this gathering of distinguished and accomplished Rotarians: leaders in their respective professions and businesses. May I welcome the spouses of Rotarians, our partners in the fellowship and service to Rotary.

Our theme for this year is “Light Up Rotary”. The Chinese philosopher Confucius said: “It is better to light a candle than to sit and curse the darkness.”

That is the Rotar y way, Pres. Gar y said: where there is darkness, we Light up a candle. Our RI President further quoted Confucius, who said: “ To put t he world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first set our hearts right.”

Pres. Gary said that in Rotary, we set our hearts right by putting “Service Above Self ”. He said that to be ambitious in our service we must first care for our own organization and expand our family of Rotary.” He is asking us to “Light Up Rotar y” by : Strengthening our clubs, Sharing our service, Letting our light

shine in our communities.

Our theme for this year supports the Strategic Plan of Rotar y International.

T h e t h re e c omp on e nt s of the strategic plan are : Support and Strengthen clubs, Focus and increase humanitarian service, Enhance public image and awareness. The plan was designed to support and proclaim the core values of Rotary, namely; Service, Fellowship, Integrity, Diversity, Leadership SERVICE : our reason for being. Rotary is engaged in service projects in educational, humanitarian and vocational areas.

That addresses the needs of our communities, and the communities in other countries. Most people believe that service is borne out of the graciousness of one’s heart: one helps because he or she has bountiful blessings; one helps because he or she wants to be kind. While this may be true and no less honourable, there is a need to realize that service is really a responsibility, a social responsibility.As Rotarians, we should be mindful and sensitive to what goes on around us. It is this consciousness and concern that makes us responsive and reactive to the plight of others.

FELLOWSHIP: R ot ar y was borne out of the need for fellowship. This goes hand in hand with service.

It is the fellowship in our Rotary clubs that brings us together. The bond that makes us one in the pursuit of service. Fellowship make us look forward to club meetings and projects.

It helps us build a sense of community and enduring friendships.

INTEGRITY : We recite the Four Way Test when we start our meetings. When taken to heart, it will help us attain high ethical and professional standards in our work and personal relationships. Past RI President Herbert Taylor, the author of the Four Way Test said: “anyone w ho checks his thoughts, his words and deeds against the Four Way Test is almost cer t ain to do t he r ig ht thing”.

DIVERSIT Y: Dif ferent classifications or vocations ensures diverse representation in the club’s membership. When we share our expertise and knowledge about our profession, we make our diversity our strength.

LEADERSHIP: Leadership development is important.

It gives us the ability to get things done, with and through the help of others.

It gives us the confidence to accept and assume club and district positions.

When we wear our Rotary pin, our theme pin, or the Paul Harris pin, we show people that we care enough about the world to make a difference. We can show this by proclaiming the five core values of Rotary, an organization which according to Past RI President Herbert Taylor, is: “a maker of friendships, a builder of men and communities, and a creator of goodwill and friendships between the peoples of the world” In my club visitations, I have mentioned of a need for proper and good Rotary Information for new and old members alike.

We need to make sure our

members are well informed and educated in Rotar y matters. An informed membership is a committed membership, and a committed membership makes for an effective Rotary club. Dynamism is the product of enlightenment, while ignorance breeds indifference and superficiality.

“Together, we can do so much more than we could ever do alone. Together, we can Light Up the world!”

These are the words of RI Pres. Gary Huang, and one of the key strategies he has put in place is the “Rotary Day”, which is a way to convey Rotary’s relevance an d s h owc a s e it s go o d works to the community, and promote membership.

“We need to showcase our go o d work to ever yone in t he communit y. R otary Days need to be fun and all-inclusive. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to participate.

In zone 1, I know only of one Club that has hosted a Rotary Day – RC Cagayan de Oro Centerpoint.

RI President Gary Huang said it is up to us how we will Light Up Rotary. In the many weeks I have spent doing my club visitations, I have seen and witnessed the various ways Rotary Clubs brought light, even for a moment, to many people.

-when a Rotary club br i ng s it s m e mb e r s h ip from 5 to 14, it lights up Rotary -when you feed severely wasted (DepEd technical term for malnourished) children and bring them back to normal weight, we light up Rotary - when feeding programs reduces absenteeism and increase

Manuel U. Along District Governor

Retention by students, we light up Rotary - when there is added food on the table because of the livelihood programs sponsored by clubs, we light up Rotary - when we see illiterates, young and old, able to read, we light up Rotary - when we see joy in children’s faces when they receive books and learning materials, we light up Rotary - when Rotary clubs conduct cataract operations, the Interplast, medical and dental missions, we light up Rotary - when Rotary clubs provide drinking and hand washing water facilities, we light up Rotary - when Rotary clubs organize Interact and Rotaract clubs, we light up Rotary.

- when Rotary clubs give to PolioPlus and The Rotary Foundation, - we light up Rotary.

May I take this opportunity to recognize those - who have already given to PolioPlus and the Rotary Foundation: I would like to end my address by quoting Pres. Gary Huang again: “Light Up Rotary is our theme for this year, but it is more than just a Theme. It is how we in Rotary see the world and our role in it. We believe that no one should sit alone in the darkness.

Instead, we can come together, all 1.2 million of us, to Light Up Rotary. This is our goal- and my challenge to you.” I applaud all of you for meeting the challenge of our president. I salute all of you for meeting the challenge not only in one way, but in many ways you could think of.

I urge all of you to continue to Light Up Rotary so no one will sit alone in the darkness!!

Mabuhay kayong lahat!

Thank you!!!

MindanaoDaily Daily E6 A10Mindanao NEWS NEWS

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. PEOPLE . PLACES . EVENTS . westmin . caraga . davao LIFESTYLE northmin Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

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Cebu Pacific supports Mactan-Cebu Airport expansion

T

he Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB), expressed its support of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s expansion.

The airline currently operates 27 routes from Cebu to other domestic and international destinations.

The P17.5B Mactan-Cebu In-

ternational Airport expansion project aims to modernize the Philippines’ second largest aviation hub. The passenger terminal building’s current capacity accommodates 4.5M passengers per year. With the expansion, the Mactan International airport will increase its annual capacity to 8M passengers per year.

Last year, CEB estimates about 3.33M passengers flew within its Cebu hub. In Q2 2014, CEB posted a 14.75% year-on-year growth in passengers from the hub.

“We welcome the expansion of the Mactan International airport. Cebu is a very important hub for us. CEB has been operating flights at the Mactan airport since 1996. We are reviewing our network plans out of Cebu and we look forward to offering CEB’s low fares to even more travellers,” said Atty. Jorenz Tanada, CEB VP Corporate Affairs.

Meanwhile, CEB is set to start flying non-stop, direct flights from Manila to Riyadh on October 1, and to Dammam on October 4, this year. The airline also started flying non-stop from Manila to Sydney last September 9.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacifi-

cair.com or call reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)2308888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@cebupacificair) and Facebook pages.

CEB's 51-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 28 Airbus A320, 5 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2014 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 11 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 1 Airbus A330 aircraft.

About Cebu Air Inc. (PSE: CEB) Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.

Mindanao Daily A11 NEWS

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Bacon... from page A4

minute longer than what is prescribed by the constitution.

The other possibility I am seeing in the call for vigilance is the fact that nothing substantive had ever happened since Marcos was ousted from power in 1986.

The life of the Filipinos, at least referring to those who at the time of Marcos were already poor and until this date remains to be poor.

The ranks of the poor even increased since 1986 undeniably because the administrations that succeeded Marcos including the incumbent’s mother, Cory, failed and failed miserably to alleviate the condition of the masses. Cory had the chance to undo what Marcos did but she did not.

Cory had the chance to repudiate all oppressive loans entered into by Marcos that never benefited the masses, but what she did instead was make the commitment to pay all the loans contracted by Marcos regardless if these just ended up in the bank accounts of Marcos and his cronies.

She had the chance to cleanse the government with corrupt employees and officials whose understanding of public service is that it is a business enterprise by which they can become rich through corruption. Sadly, she did the opposite by retaining everyone so that it’ll be business as usual in the bureaucracy.

But one thing Cory’s son did was to shun away from corruption. Understandably, however, it’ll take a generation to really stamp out corruption. But those who did not like P-Noy because of his receding hairline, his personal distaste for corruption are doing their best to project him as corrupt.

Instead of spending their time, energy and effort in helping P-Noy win in his battle against corruption, they are wasting a lot of their time, energy and effort destroying P-Noy as being corrupt himself. But I can’t buy this cheap propaganda because as what I’ve said before, there is really no compelling need or reason for P-Noy to engage in corruption because of his simple life.

If his tastes and lifestyle are luxurious like that of Imelda or her husband Ferdinand, perhaps I would be convinced about P-Noy’s being corrupt. But for truth’s sake, the guy lives a very simple life. So why will his foes project him as corrupt as well? There is no other reason for this. They want to reduce him into a political vegetable so that he will not have any influence at all in convincing the people to vote for his anointed successor.

This I believe is the bottom line of all these accusations and insinuations about P-Noy. But should we squander the opportunity once more at stamping out

corruption by not supporting P-Noy in his drive? We can support him in this regard by going all out in convincing others to sign the People’s Initiative petition to abolish once and for all the pork barrel system.

Will you?

(Reactions at jelbacon@ yahoo.com or at jelbaconii@ gmail.com. Read me also at www.raconteurme.blogspot. com)

Smart... from page A1

Through this special offer, all of the 66 million Smart Prepaid, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular Prepaid subscribers can use their data-enabled cellphones to brows e through and post on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, visit their favorites websites, search on Google and Wikipedia, use navigation tools like Waze and Google Maps, book a cab or limo service via Easy Taxi and Uber, or use traffic info sites such as the MMDA’s and InterAksyon’s.

They can also send and receive emails, read their favorite blogs or update their own blogs, listen to songs via Smart’s Spinnr music service, shop via online stores like Zalora, Lazada, book their travel details through sites like Skyscanner and Expedia, among other things – all without incurring data charges.

Subscribers can access the internet either through data-capable feature phones or smartphones running on Android, iOS and Windows operating systems. This special offer will be available initially until November 30, 2014.

“We are launching this initiative to provide a much larger number of Filipinos the opportunity to try out and experience the Internet, enjoy its benefits and, as we at Smart like to say, live more,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of Smart and its parent company PLDT. “This special offer is specifically designed to assist our prepaid subscribers who make up the bulk of our population. Many of them already have the mobile devices capable of accessing the internet but have yet to use them to go online.

In this way, Smart can effectively promote digital inclusion and spread the benefits of the Internet in the fastest and most effective way possible,” he added.

Unrivaled network Smart’s free mobile Internet offer follows the telco leader’s recent announcement that it has stepped up the deployment of its mobile internet network, to meet the growing demand for mobile data services.

Smart recently reported a 73% hike in mobile data traffic, as smartphone prices continue to fall and innovative services like SmartNet and PisoNet allow more and more Filipinos to gain access to the Internet via their mobile phones.

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“The strength and resiliency of our mobile data infrastructure enable us to make this special free internet offer available to our prepaid subscribers.

Moreover, we continue to expand the reach of our network so that we can bring the internet to more communities all over the country,” said Napoleon L. Nazareno, president and CEO of Smart and PLDT. The PLDT Group has thus far rolled out about 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables all over the country which provides the transmission facilities needed to support internet services. It has also the most extensive international cable systems needed to connect the Philippines to the rest of the world.

Internet for All “This special offer is in line with our advocacy of ‘Internet for All’,” said Orlando B. Vea, Smart’s chief wireless advisor.

“It complements the affordable mobile Internet packages that Smart has been introducing over the past year. Among the latest of such innovations are PowerApp and the PisoNet service which provides 10 minutes of mobile internet access for one peso,” he explained.

To avail of the free mobile internet offer, Smart, Talk N Text and Sun Cellular subscribers must have an available airtime balance of at least one peso, or is subscribed to any load bucket or promo. They must register each day, by simply sending “FREE” to the number “9999.” Registration is free.

They will receive an SMS confirmation upon successful registration.

Once registered, subscribers can enjoy a free data volume package of up to 30MB per day. Data charges will however apply to peer-to-peer uploads and downloads, videos, VOIP and messaging.

Primavera... from page A1

With 70 percent completion, the only elements that remain to be installed are the interior finish, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

Furthermore, Italpinas Inc. CEO Architect Romolo Nati announced that Tower 2 will be ready for occupancy by the first quarter of 2015.

Also on hand witnessing the topping off ceremony was Mayor Oscar Moreno, Italpinas Inc. chairman Dr. Jose Leviste, president Atty.

Jojo Leviste and Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano’s chief of staff Gerardo Sabal.

Although Moreno did not make a speech at the event, he congratulated the Italpinas investors for this latest milestone.

For his part, Sabal remarked that any infrastructure development in Cagayan de Oro will definitely have a reciprocal positive effect for neighboring Misamis Oriental.

“It is because Cagayan de Oro

has this unique geography to situate in the middle of Misamis Oriental. The most likely buyers of Primavera units will be entrepreneurs of Misamis Oriental,” he said.

Italpinas Inc. chairman Jose Leviste’s message meanwhile was mostly inspirational as he disclosed that he recently sat down with Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) deputy ministers who have observed Cagayan de Oro’s potential as the most sustainable and progressive city outside Metro Manila.

His son, Italpinas Inc. president Jojo Leviste said his decision to put up Primavera in Cagayan de Oro was definitely a right one.

“A few years ago when we did the groundbreaking of Tower 1, we knew that CDO is exactly where we should be. And now I can see that we are right,” the younger Leviste said.

Primavera Residences Tower 2 will boast a total of 167 units.

Located in a flood-free zone in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences is a prime spot for business and leisure activities. Its energy-saving features include cantilevers that protect the units from direct sunlight and an indoor courtyard that maximizes the natural ventilation in the area.

Primavera Residences has garnered several recognitions from international awardgiving bodies for its commitment to green architecture and design. Recently it was named among the winners in the prestigious International Property Awards in the 2014 Asia Pacific regional competition. It was recognized in the Mixed-Use Development for the Philippines.

Primavera Residences was also highly commended by the Southeast Asia Property Awards (SEAPA) for Best Condo Development in the Philippines in 2011. In 2010, the green property development was also recognized as a finalist in the Most Promising Clean Energy Investment Opportunity of the Year category by the CTI PFAN Philippines Clean Energy Investor Forum.

For inquiries, visit: www. primaveraresidences.com or call 0917-794-2221/(088) 880-5002.

Rescue... from page A1

soldiers.

Both Cinches and Yorong are held captive as Prisoners of War (POWs) and are entitled to the privileges accorded under the Articles of War of the Geneva Convention with emphasis t the personal safety of the captives, Juanito said.

Juanito has expressed the fear the continued operations of the military and police in Bukidnon might have jeopardized the safety of the POWs as the exchanges of hostilities between the rebels and the military erupted anew in the hinterlands of Bukidnon.

He said that the NPA rebels have separately harassed two patrol columns of the army’s 8th IB in the morning of Sept. 22, 2014

in the mountain villages of Impasug-ong.

He said that had the military and police granted the request of the communist rebels for a 10-day suspension starting Sept. 10, 2014, the soldiers would have already been safely released to the Third Party.

“By now, the POWs would have been happily reunited with their families, friends, and relatives,” Juanito said.

Uy, however, said that the places in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental that the communist rebels want a suspension of operations have been the areas where the military and police operations have been going on ever since.

“The military cannot simply give-in to the demands of the NPA rebels whose rebels forces have been continually decimated here,” Uy said.

He said that if the rebels want to sincerely release the soldiers, the rebels could simply leave the soldiers elsewhere.

“As a military, the soldiers could safely return to their mother units because that forms part of their training,” Uy said.

Seminar... from page A1

radio broadcasting news and feature writing. Different simulations are also given during the seminar.

Moreover, students are taught on various rules and theories that can help during information gathering such as overcoming stage fright, proper data gathering and conducting interviews.

More than 30 individuals composing of studentjournalists, school paper moderator and coaches coming from Tablon Elementary School attended the event.

Mr. Allan H. Guibone, moderator of Tablonian Chronicles (the official school paper of TES), said that the training is a part of their intensive preparation for 2014 Division Schools Press Conference that would be held on October.

The school is also conducting series of classroom trainings for students.

These aim to introduce students to Campus Journalism. However, they also preferred outside-school training aside from the inhouse ones because of the need to expose students to theories and experiences coming from professional journalists.

Tablonian Chronicles are already training students as younger as Grade 4. This also help inculcate in these students the value of Journalism field.

Journalism has been taught to elementary and high schools over the years, mostly prior to division, regional and national schools press conferences, giant gatherings of campus journalists where competitions on various categories such as news writing, editorial writing, editorial cartoon-

ing, photojournalism and newsletter layouting are conducted. Further, such events are hosted by Department of Education in order also to train students to be active, vigilant and to be concerned youths in the society.

Mr. Guibone also hoped that these efforts of the education will soon produce good journalists that can help in nation-building.

SSS...

from page A2

ability with the SSS either in monthly pensions over a minimum period of 12 months and P1,000 payment per month, in lumpsum, or combination of both.

“In case they incur a need to withdraw funds early, they may only touch the portion of their equity allocated for medical and general purposes, and it will be subject to penalties and service fees if withdrawn earlier than five years,” De Quiros said, adding that if a member died before the maturity of his SSS PESO savings or expiration of the pension period, the member’s beneficiaries will receive the savings in the form of death benefit to be paid in lumpsum.

Launched on September 25, the SSS PESO Fund was created in accordance to Sec.4(a)(2) of the Social Security Law. (SSS/PIA)

Budget... from page A8

obligations efficiently. As of end-August 2014, interest payments were at P228.6 billion, below the program for the period.

For the first eight months of the year, interest payments’ share to revenues has dropped to 18.0% from 20.1% last year. Likewise, interest payments as a percentage of expenditures dipped to 17.6% from 18.7% last year.

Decongesting p or ts crucial to raising tax effort “The government has been determined in mapping out a solution to port congestion in Manila to further augment growth of the Philippine economy.

The Department of Finance Chief Economist Gil Beltran states that if port congestion is solved and delayed shipments are out of our ports within this year, our annual tax collection can increase by as much as an estimated 7% or 0.2 percentage points of GDP,” noted the finance chief.(dof.gov.ph/PIA)

Generates... from page A8

kanila at baka po mausog, pero ang masasabi ko lang po: Nagkakaisa sila sa kanilang tiwala sa gumaganda nating ekonomiya at sistemang panlipunan. Alam nila ang bunga ng ating mga reporma; at umaasa sila sa patuloy nating pag-angat,” he said, assuring that these investment would turn into more opportunities for the Filipino people. (PCOO/ PND (ag)/PIA

A12 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

saturDAY, september 27, 2014 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776