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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017
Business
Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@manilastandard.net
HOW A MOTHER HELPED TUTOR 100,000 STUDENTS Scan this icon to view the PDF
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TUTOR. Ahead Learning Systems Inc. president Rossana Llenado
WOMAN entrepreneur, who started tutorial services in Laguna province 22 years ago, has empowered more than 100,000 Filipino students to get ahead in life and is now on a mission to establish a global education company.
Rossana Llenado, who funded her studies at University of the Philippines-Los Baños by working as a student assistant and selling T-shirts and various merchandise, became one of the youngest female company owners in 1995, when she formed Ahead Learning Systems Inc. From a home-based tutorial center, Ahead has become the leading and most awarded educational services provider in the Philippines. The company caters to both students and professionals through the following brands: Ahead Tutorial & Review Center, Ahead Professional Network, Ahead Books & Things and Ahead Online. “We were the first in the Philippines to offer UP, Ateneo, La Salle entrance test review,” Llenado says in an interview in Makati City. She says students and parents have come to embrace tutorial services as a part of the education system. “Before, parents didn’t want anybody to know they were sending their children to tutorial centers. Now, it is a lifestyle. It is a way to be ahead,” says Llenado. Among those who attended Ahead centers are students who graduated summa cum laude at top universities or valedictorian in high schools. “Yes, even those running for valedictorian and salutatorian approach us for tutorial services,” she says. “Tutorial makes a lot of difference. In a typical classroom of 40 students, the teacher gets to teach the average student. If the teacher focuses on the least intelligent, other students will be bored. If she focuses on the top student, others will be left behind. So she gets to teach the average one, but the other groups of students—the most intelligent and the least intelligent—are both dissatisfied. In
our tutorial services, it is one tutor for one student for one hour,” she says. Llenado says education is the best investment parents can make for their children. “If you love your children and want them to be ahead in life, this is the right investment. If you are a forward looking and modern parent, you would want your children to be ahead. It also gives them a head start to get into the best universities,” she says. Before becoming an educator, Llenado studied Communication Arts at UP Los Baños and wanted to become a lawyer. Being the eldest among three children, she worked and ventured into various livelihood activities, such as T-shirt printing for UP Los Baños and UP Diliman students, mushroom growing, catering and even commercial subleasing, to supplement the earnings of her father, who is an electronics technician. She was also active in extra-curricular activities, being a member or official of eight student organizations, a staff member of UPLB Perspective and a member of the UPLB varsity football team. “Handling multiple tasks in school prepared me for the challenges of being an entrepreneur,” she says. Llenado says being an educator was the furthest thing from her mind, because she thought teachers should look formal, perfect and kind at all times, while she enjoyed wearing jeans and T-shirts in school. She says when she was 18, an uncle who was writing a graduation speech for a senator asked her to do a research on the subject. “That’s when I realized the impact of education on the lives of the people. I think education can improve the Philippines,” she says. After graduating from UPLB in 1991, she worked as a staff writer and researcher for public relations company Corporate Image Dimensions for one year, before joining Mijadikan Properties as a real estate broker. She met her husband in the company and became its top sales manager with over 200 agents under her until she resigned in 1994 when she gave birth to twin boys, Nicolo and Paolo, followed by Darla and Megan. She was only 25 when she established Ahead. She recalls that she had to wear formal clothes and
eyeglasses to look older when meeting clients. “When clients were visiting our office, they thought I was the daughter of the owner. That’s why I tried to look older,” says Llenado who still looks younger than her age of 48 today. While taking care of her kids, she put up a tutorial center at home near a private school and hired a teacher-friend as the first tutor. This would be the start of her tutorial and review business that would reach its peak before the K to 12 program was adopted in the country. She says the business flourished because of word-ofmouth recommendation from principals, teachers, parents and students themselves. To hone her managerial skills, Llenado pursued postgraduate studies at the Ateneo de Manila University and the Asian Institute of Management. In 2009, she received the Alumni Achiever award from UP Rural High School, the laboratory school of UP Los Baños. The following year, she was recognized as an outstanding alumna of UPLB for her exceptional community extension service. Llenado wants to reach out to more students by taking advantage of digital technologies. Her company has recently launched Ahead Online—an online learning arm that offers flexible and high-quality tutorial and review services to students and professionals. It offers an interactive mode of teaching using audio, video, whiteboard and filesharing components. The one-on-one online tutorial service was launched early this year and currently has 30 students. Tutorial rates start at P1,000 per hour. Llenado says she expects more students to enroll in the next few months as she continues to receive inquiries from parents who want the best tutorial service for their children. “In regular tutorials, you are supposed to allow a stranger to enter your house. In online tutorials, the students enjoy the safety of their own home. It’s also more convenient than going to a tutorial center since the students will not have to drive to the center amid heavy traffic. It saves a lot of time, energy and money,” she says. Llenado has been getting inquiries for online tutorial since 2007. But she hesitated from offering such service back then, as the country’s internet connection wasn’t very reliable. “We had to put the online operations on hold and wait for the technology to catch up because we didn’t want to inconvenience our clients. For us, it’s either we offer the best quality of service or not offer it at all. While waiting, we started developing the services more thoroughly. We sent teachers to Singapore to train them and we studied the market further,” she says. Llenado says getting into the online business is the next step for the fast growing business. She says while Ahead currently has five tutorial and review centers in Metro Manila, and two outside the capital, the introduction of Ahead Online means quality tutorial and review services will be available to more students not only in the Philippines but overseas as well. Llenado says starting Ahead Online is a way for her company to tap the lucrative international market. “The goal is to expand internationally - first in Asia and eventually the rest of the world. We want to be in the top 10 globally,” she says. Llenado says her plan is to make Ahead a global company serving students and professionals around the world. “In the next five to 10 years, I hope to have transformed my company into a major player in the global education industry,” she says. Roderick T. dela Cruz
RCBC MASTERCARD UNWRAPS LATEST PROMO
RCBC Bankard has unveiled its latest promo, where cardholders can shop their way to winning a New York City goliday or get a free SM Gift Pass when they shop at any The SM Store. New RCBC Bankard, Mastercard Premium and Mangco cardholders can also get a free Mango Gift Card. RCBC Bank ard first vice president and marketing group head Angela Mirasol said: “We believe that cardholders should get more every time they use their RCBC Bankard Mastercard. On top of the generous rewards points that they earn, the unparalleled flexible payment terms through Unli 0% and the peace-of-mind that they get through Spend Monitor, these exciting offers will make everyday shopping more rewarding and potentially exhilarating.” A lucky RCBC Mastercard cardholder can spend a priceless holiday with a loved one at the Big Apple! The winning package includes a free roundtrip ticket for two to New York City, four days and three nights’ accommodation at a luxury hotel, a guided city tour, plus VIP seats to a Broadway show. A minimum single-receipt purchase of P2,000 from Aug.18 to Oct.18, 2017 automatically earns a cardholder an electronic raffle entry. A free SM Gift Pass worth P100 will be given to cardholders when they shop at The SM Store and make a single -receipt purchase of P5,000. Likewise, they will receive a free SM Gift Pass worth P300 for a singlereceipt installment purchase worth P15,000 also at The SM Store. This promo runs until Sept. 30, 2017. New RCBC Bankard Gold, Mango, Black, Diamond and World Mastercard cardholders can enjoy new wardrobe at MANGO! They will be receiving a complimentary Mango Gift Card worth P2,000 if they make a P20,000 single or accumulated spend anywhere using their newly-issued premium RCBC Bankard Mastercard within 60 days from date of issuance. Offer period is from Sept.1 to Nov. 30, 2017.
GLOBE OFFERS FREE TRAINING FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS ASPIRING retail and personal services entrepreneurs now get free access to business and training tools through the enhanced Globe myBusiness Academy Program. Business owners of retail brands, spas, salons, and the like will get to engage with industry experts to gain more insights that will help them stay competitive in the market. Globe myBusiness Academy is a program for existing or new business owners to learn from more experienced colleagues and experts important tips and business advice. In partnership with Manila Workshops, they will develop and provide free training in the arts, entrepreneurship, health and fitness, personal development, and finance, among
others to independent business owners. Globe myBusiness senior advisor Derrick Heng said that those interested in attending future sessions can expect the same diversity in the choice of workshop topics. “There’s more than one way to provide sustainable livelihood. E m p l oy m e nt i s o n e ave n u e, b u t empowering entrepreneurs is equally effective, and perhaps even more so,” said Heng. “This program with Manila Workshops is our way of helping those who wish to strike out on their own. With the right training, these budding entrepreneurs can go a long way” Heng said. Apart from the workshops, Globe
Manila Workshops chief executive Ginger Palma Arboleda talks about the reason and the beauty of their partnership with Globe myBusiness - helping entrepreneurs realize their potential.
myBusiness will introduce a number of business solutions that can be easily added as a service to its postpaid plans. These business solutions were designed for business owners from specific industries in mind. Personal services establishments can choose from a variety of solutions such as Queuing Solution, a service that allows business owners to better manage store traffic using an automated SMS-based queueing system. Another innovation is the Auto Appointment Reminder that automatically notifies customers of their appointments through SMS. And for those looking for a more efficient way of messaging customers, the Auto SMS
Blast Service labels text messages with the sender’s brand name. Retail shop owners, whether online or a physical store, also have tools to choose from that will help in marketing, selling, and improving operational efficiency. Through myWebsite, retailers can set up their brand pages where they have full control of the content, ultimately helping their brand and online presence. For those who are ready to sell products beyond their social media pages, Shopify is the ideal platform to quickly set up their online store and easily manage customer orders. Lastly, to monitor the movement of products in real-time, myShopkeeper will be a useful inventory management system.
Business
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 business@manilastandard.net
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ELECTRONICS EXECUTIVE BULLISH ON ‘BUILD’ MANTRA
HE semiconductor and electronics industry, one of the pillars of the Philippine economy, has expressed full support for the Duterte government’s plan to spend as much as P8 trillion on infrastructure over the medium term.
JDI launched biostimulant product Tytanit in Bogo City.
BIOSTIMULANT LAUNCHED TO BOOST RICE PRODUCTION JARDINE Distribution Inc. launched Tytanit Biostimulant in a bid to boost rice production in the Philippines. The first product launch was held in March 2017 for rice farmers in Urdaneta, Pangasinan and has since covered several other areas including Mindoro, Palawan, Iloilo, Antique, Negros Occidental, North Cotabato, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Naga, Laguna, Tarlac, Pampanga, Ormoc and Dipolog. Tytanit, JDI’s latest biostimulant product, has titanium as its key ingredient. When used, Tytanit becomes a pivotal tool in the uniform flowering of rice plants resulting in increased number of grains per panicle that when filled brings about higher yield. Such benefit proves to be much desired by rice farmers who are finding ways to increase their chances of recovering their investment in farming and earning more. “The farmers are seeing the potential benefits of biostimulants on their crops. With Tytanit being the only one of its kind in the Philippines, I am not surprised that we’ve been selling out our Tytanit stocks during these events,” said Kathleen Aguilan, product manager at agro products division of JDI. “ Ty t a n i t c u r r e n t l y e n j o y s 95-percent acceptance rating in Vietnam among farmers who tried it during a two-year study involving field tests and demonstration plots. I am confident that that statistic will carry over to the Philippines,” Aguilan said.
An industry spokesperson, however, said to sustain the projected 6 percent to 7 percent gross domestic product growth, the country would need more quality power supply, and all the more for the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program under “Dutertenomics”, which seeks to construct modern bridges and roads, mega subway systems and world-class airports and seaports in the next 10 years. “The government is doing a good job attracting investors and doing tax reform, but in terms of other reforms, it would be nice to see incentives to promote investment in additional power generation plants,” Dan Lachica, president of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc., told the Manila Standard in an interview. “It takes a long time to build power plants, and while we support the government’s P8 trillion infrastructure thrust, we have to realistically address problems like summer brownouts because we don’t have adequate power to support our GDP growth,” said Lachica. “Maybe the DOE [Department of Energy] can provide a clear roadmap for energy supply security at low cost, and incentives for new investments in power,” he said. Extra effort to remove obstacles SEIPI members include local electronics and semiconductor companies, as well as multinational firms, all of whom have an aggregate power consumption of about 500 megawatts. The semiconductor and electronics industry is a top export performer with a 51.3 percent share to total exports in 2016 worth $28.8 billion. Likewise, electronics contributed 17.7 percent to the manufacturing gross value added, the second largest manufacturing sector in terms of GVA. “More importantly the Philippine electronics industry has generated about 2.6 million direct and indirect employment,” said Lachica. The SEIPI head warned that a number of companies in the electronics industry have opted to expand their businesses outside the Philippines amid the country’s prohibitive cost of power and lack of quality supply. Last month, SEIPI issued a statement that the sector is hampered, not only by the global slump in demand, but also by expensive power. A heavy user of electricity, electronics account for a third of the country’s exports and employs 557,000. But growth, Lachica said, has been flat in the past two years. Lachica said SEIPI expects a turnaround this year, as new factories start operating and shipping overseas, including makers of mobile phone chips and microprocessors for computers. He said growth would hinge on the quality and cost of electricity in the country. Amid the domestic economy’s expansion, SEIPI is monitoring the status of several bigticket power projects, noting that some of these projects are facing legal and policy hurdles. “Given the uncertainty, SEIPI believes there is a need for government to exert extra effort and remove the legal and policy obstacles affecting these infrastructure projects,” he said. Cost, quality are main power concerns Lachica said a stable and reliable power supply plays a significant operational component of SEIPI member companies. Any power interruption has a crucial effect on their output and productivity levels. Cost and quality of power supply are the two major power concerns of their members, according to the SEIPI head.
Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. president Dan Lachica About 8 percent to 20 percent of their operating costs are spent on power supply, which Lachica said is a significant chunk of their overhead. To ensure ample power supply, these companies build redundancy by setting up backup generators, including participation in power cost management programs such as Meralco’s ILP [Unterruptible Load Program) scheme. “For an electronics company, it’s not just the [materials] supply part that is important but obviously, they also want to efficiently plan out what the cost of power will be over a period of time, as well the utilization part of it.,” Lachica said. “This is the reason we partnered with Meralco for energy efficiency.” A clear energy security roadmap, the SEIPI head said, “would allow the industry to effectively compete with neighboring countries for a share of the semiconductor and electronics market.” More plants needed With recent unscheduled brown-outs due to earthquakes and breakdown of several power plants, coupled with the government’s economic gameplan to build large infrastructure, the Philippines needs modern, environmentallyfriendly baseload power plants, but these are not being built fast enough, Lachica said. For example, the privatization of stateowned power plants under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act is hobbled by the tedious documentation of government-owned land on which the plants were built. A number of crucial coal-fired power plant projects have been met with lawsuits slapped on them by environmentalists. These have severely crippled completion timelines. Delays in the approval process not only cause setbacks in the development of these power projects – which takes about three to four years to build – but also pose a threat on energy security, and most importantly constitute a drag on the nation’s economic growth. Prioritizing big plants Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committees on energy and economic affairs, recognizes that the problem which stymies the country’s economic development is the low power capacity of the Philippines in general, and some big islands, in particular. During his first committee hearing looking into “institutionalizing energy projects as Projects of National Significance,” he noted that there are many big committed and indicative power plants lining up for investment, but they often face challenges in securing the necessary permits and licenses. One of the papers he received complained that regulatory permit approval in Philippine electricity generation showed that on average,
“power plant operators need to secure 162 clearances and 102 permits.” Gatchalian is currently looking into crafting a bill which will prioritize these big power plants (P3.5 billios or higher in capitalization) for faster approval process. Gatchalian is also studying a proposal that would give agencies 30 days to check documents submitted; if they fail to act on time, it is deemed that the papers are approved and permits are automatically granted. Confusion over RCOA scheme Adding to the long process of securing a permit, the current situation at the Energy Regulatory Commission ( The ERC only got a P1,000 budget for 2018 from the House of Representatives last week, ostensibly for its being embroiled in corruption allegations), is causing delays in the approval of agreements between electric cooperatives and power suppliers, as well as confusion because of its less than consistent policy decisions. More specifically, SEIPI told the Manila Standard that the semiconductor and electronics industry would be put in a disadvantageous position should the Supreme Court rule in favor of the Department of Energy and ERC omnibus motion to lift a temporary restraining order on the implementation of ‘mandatory contestability’, and the shift to the Retail Competition and Open Access scheme. The omnibus motion seeks to clarify if the DOE/ERC can lower the threshold to 750 kilowatts on a voluntary basis and if the ERC can issue retail electricity supplier licenses. Last February, the SC issued a TRO ruling on the mandatory migration of large power consumers to RCOA. End-users with at least one megawatt usage were scheduled to shift to RCOA last February. while users with at least 750-kw demand was supposed to migrate in June. The ERC maintains that a mandatory transition would actually develop the market which would bring in more competition and allow more freedom of choice for consumers. The RCOA is one of the provisions that have yet to be implemented in the 16-year-old Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (RA 9136). It aims to institutionalize competition in the supply of electricity, allowing the electricity end-users to choose their suppliers based on low price and other factors. Industry status imperiled “We are concerned that once the TRO on RCOA is lifted, distribution utilities will no longer have their own RES,” said Lachica. “We have high load factor members with existing RES contracts with DUs. What will happen to these contracts if the TRO is lifted?” The SEIPI head warned that companies in the fast-growing industry will be left ‘stranded’ and unable to re-negotiate for lower RES contracts in the event ERC is successful in banning DUs’ RES. SEIPI member companies will have no option but to enter into agreement with the lowest available ERC-licensed RES without any guarantee of getting reliable and efficient power supply, he said. “We believe that we should allow the market to drive the market condition in defining electricity pricing,” Lachica said. “Power rates were pegged 4.50/kWh previously, but owing to prevailing market condition, we are now seeing it at 3.50/kWh. It shows that RCOA or voluntary competition is working. The [electronics/ semicon] industry’s position is to maintain that condition.” Another part of the ERC petition that baffles the SEIPI head is the commission’s request to have the SC clarify if they can issue new RES licenses. “This part is confusing. It seems that what ERC is asking is to have a prerogative to issue new licenses. But they already have that regulatory power including the ability to limit the threshold to 750kw under the voluntary, even without the clear pronouncement of the high court,” Lachica said. Joel Lacsamana
HOW THREE GRANDMAS ROCK A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE GRANDMOTHERS Imelda Mollasgo, Maritess Flores and Rosita Jarce are among the top performers of P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corp’s sales and marketing group. Mollasgo, 51, has been with the 23-year-old, Laguna-based real estate company for 20 years now. Her husband, a former marine engineer, joined Mollasgo a decade ago in P.A. Properties and is now assistant vice president for sales under the Magaling (excellent) group. A service honoree and currently the sales director of the same group, Mollasgo said that being a real estate agent has no limits in terms of income potentials. Being with P.A. Properties (a company known for their affordable housing projects not only in Laguna, but also in Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, and Metro Manila), she was able to purchase four house and lot packages from the company through commissions and incentives. She also got to travel abroad, and remembers fondly the Asian cruise she joined. Forty was the age when Flores, now 51, started her career in real estate,
despite her husband’s objections and lack of support. Now assistant vice president under the Matibay (sturdy) group, Flores tearfully recalls how she rstarted from nothing when their house was burned down. They started to rebuild through her winnings in raffle prizes sponsored by the company. Now nine years in P.A. Properties, Flores recalls that she cried when she was included in a trip to Palawan for the company’s top sales performers – her first time to ride an airplane. “I really, really love my job, never mind if my husband didn’t like at first what I’m doing,” Flores said. Four of her five children were able to finish school because of her earnings in real estate (her youngest is still studying). Jarce, 57, division manager from the Matatag (stable) group, has been with P.A. Properties’ sales and marketing group for 13 years now. She had a dress shop when she bought her house and lot from the company’s St. Joseph 7 project. Then, she was recruited to also sell the company’s projects, despite her husband’s objections.
From left: Rosita Jarce, Imelda Mollasgo and Maritess Flores share how they rock a career in real estate while being doting grandmas Jarce, now a widow, said nobody is Doting grandmas questioning her anymore on why she The “Golden Girls” of P.A. Properties chose to have a career in real estate, are a proof that having a thriving career, which enabled her to a buy house and raising a family – and now, raising lot each for her two children. grandchildren can be achieved.
Mollasgo, who has a son based in Malaysia, has four grandchildren (three of them live with her and her husband). Despite working full-time, she said she is very much hands on in taking care of her apos. She is thankful that her career affords her to provide the best care for her grandchildren – sending them to private schools and hiring a tutor and a house help for them. Flores is also a doting granny, who enjoys bathing, taking selfies with and snapping videos of her grandchild’s antics. Meanwhile, Jarce said for as long as she could climb the stairs of the office building, ride and alight from a jeepney, there is no stopping her from thriving in her work with P.A. Properties. For Flores, she said her story serves as an example to those starting from scratch. She also advised the younger generation of real estate agents, brokers and sellers to leave their problem at home as their job knows no time, and they are on the beck and call of the buyers.
LGUs CAGVAL FORMS CITRUS COUNCIL By Ben Moses Ebreo TUGUEGARAO CITY—The Department of Agriculture has recently formed the Citrus Industry Development Council in Cagayan Valley to further empower citrus growers and boost their production. Narciso Edillo, DA regional director, said the CIDC has been organized following the conduct of the first Cagayan Valley Business Forum for citrus in this city. The CIDC is composed of Josephine Namujhe as chairperson and the DARegional Field Office representative as vice chairperson. Cluster members are: from Cagayan, Loren Bonifacio (chairman), William Parec (vice chairman), Reymondo Rigon, Eris Esquiero, Pepe Dumlao, Arthur Domingo, Jenelyn Yacas, Porfillo Mabborang, Teresita Edduba; Isabela’s Roberto S. Sagario (chairman), Emmelou R. Loresto (vice chairman), Honorio E. Sanchez (members), Serville Marvin S. Anahan, Edmarson Amular, Hermelita Valdez, Luvimin V. Fernandez, Ruben Mercado Jr., Marie Cecille Linoan, Lolita Poblico, Edgardo Zabala, Yvonie Guttierez, and Raul Palado; in Nueva Vizcaya, Josephine Namujhe (chairman), Bella Evelyn Bernabe (vice chairman), Arsenio Licyaco, Vicente Danao, Conchita Cumila, Perlita Manuel (Government Sector), and Dr. Elbert Sana (SUC). Edillo led the oathtaking of the newly-elected officers of the CIDC in Tuguegarao City. Lectures offered during the first Cagayan Valley Business Forum for Citrus are the Regional Citrus Industry Situationer including the Support Services, of DA, Malabing Valley Citrus History and Situationer, Citrus Pest and Diseases Management, Citrus Development Program of the Nueva Vizcaya State University; Updates on Postharvest Handling, Nursery and Plant Accreditation, Opportunities in Kalamansi Processing, Asean Market for Citrus Products and By-Products, Business Matching, Government Support Services for the Development of Citrus Industry in Region 02, Credit Windows for Citrus Growers, and Crop Insurance program. Edillo said citrus is one of the high value crops in the country where Cagayan Valley is one of the major producers. “I thank our citrus producers in Region 2. Rest assured that I will assist the industry stakeholders in terms of capacitation and other assistance,” he said. Edillo also vowed marketing assistance, investment opportunities and processing of citrus products to reduce losses among farmers.
OCEANAGOLD SCHOLARSHIP SLOTS STILL OPEN FOR 2017 BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Following a review of its current scholarship program, mining firm OceanaGold Philippines Inc. announced, six slots are still available for its Development of Mining Technology and Geosciences Scholarship for the first semester of school year 2017-2018. The announcement was sent through email by the scholarship coordinator of OceanaGold’s Didipio Operations. “Qualified applicants [should be] bonafide residents of the province of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino,” the bulletin said. Courses covered include Mining Engineering, Geology, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geodetic Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, and Agricultural Engineering. OceanaGold gave Oct. 15 as the deadline of submission of applications. Earlier, the other operating mine in Nueva Vizcaya, FCF Minerals Corp., also announced that it has opened the review of current scholarship program to open a new search for available slots. OceanaGold is operating the Didipio mine in Kasibu town. FCF Minerals just commenced its commercial production in Runruno, Quezon early in July. Abe Almirol
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‘SOCIAL MATCHMAKER’ BAUTISTA BRINGS PEOPLE, CAUSES TOGETHER By Khris Marc Ronquillo
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ROSSINGS excite us. Crossovers delight us. From the mash-up of superheroes to fusions like stuffed crust pizza, the world of possibilities feed our imaginations. And in the world of imagination, the “What if…?” is all powerful.
For Mitch Monfort-Bautista, the power of “What if…?” leads her to possibility after possibility in her crossing paths with different people in the name of public service. Serving others though not something directly taught in their family through platitudes, it permeated daily experience. “In every gathering, the grace before meals include, ‘Bless the people who don’t have,’” recounts Mitch, “It has always been about gratitude.” From that sense of gratitude, Mitch finds different ways to pay it forward to society ever thankful for life’s blessings she shares of herself from her 3T’s, her time, talent and her treasures. Ask her about her work and she responds, “I’m part of a lot of organizations. I love to meet people and I want to be a part of that organization and think of how I can help improve that organization how it can help improve me.” In college, she took a course in basic education and coming to the realization that whatever she chooses to do, teaching will always be a part of her. It is the educator in Mitch in a lot of what she gets into. As an example, she got connected to an NGO called Down to Earth, an organization that teaches people the finer points of sustainable urban farming. No backyard, no problem, they also teach how to do it vertically for condo dwellers. Mitch Monfort-Bautista’s work is more of this sort, people and groups like Down to Earth has led her to meet more people and often finds herself at the center of many networks, becoming the ultimate Social Matchmaker. The match making magic manifests in the form of fundraisers, events organizing, joining outreaches, and finding and recruiting exceptional talent. “I help to make projects sustainable and I don’t have to do that on my own. Organizations like Down to Earth, and Gawad Kalinga, already know their concept, I’m not going to reinvent the wheel.” Her work with NGOs and other advocacies made her realize what can be done when people with the hearts and minds in the right place are properly funded. And it dawned on her that running for public office might just put her in the position to direct that money to those that would know how to it for the greatest possible good. She got elected as board member of the 4th District of Iloilo and held office from 2014 to 2016. In her brief stay she was committee chairperson for Health and Sanitation and of Science and Technology authored three laws during her incumbency. Using her “social matchmaking” skills, she arranged a partnership to upgrade systems, practices, equipment, and organizational management of public hospitals not just of her district but all of Iloilo. The arrangement has been on the table since late 2016, and Makati Medical Center together with the Guevara foundation are simply waiting for Iloilo to green light the project. If partnership coalesces Iloilo will benefit from Makati Med quality service in all hospitals for the Ilonggos. She also served as chairperson of the Council for Youth Affairs and Sports Development, which gave her the opportunity to continue a legacy of her father, the late congressman Dr. Narciso Monfort, author of the Generic Drugs law, founder of the Monfort Cup in 1992. The tournament provides a grassroots program for association football, among the youth. With no registration fees, there can be as many as 60 teams coming to compete from all over Iloilo. Many current and former national team players like Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta acknowledge their
Mitch Monfort-Bautista—former Iloilo provincial board member, daughter of former Rep. Narciso Monfort, and scion of the well-known Guevarra clan of Mandaluyong —has made it her life’s work to match persons or groups with needs with organizations or philanthropists who can help them. Khris Marc Ronquillo beginnings in this humble tournament. Mitch recalls how these events never fail to get her tears falling, “Kids from Ateneo Iloilo, Xavier Iloilo, dressed in their best gear, branded and all, get beaten by the kids with no shoes. So, I get sponsors from London, they give away old football shoes. And it’s heartwarming because these kids know that it’s their size, but when their team mate does not have a pair, you know what they do? They split it! Especially if one is a lefty kicker and the other righty.” Her time in government has also opened her eyes to the intricacies of the law to opportunities legally available. An example of this is RA 8525 or the Adopt-a-School Act of 1997, authored by the late Chief Justice and Senator Marcelo Fernan. Through a partnership with the Department of Education and the Guevarra Foundation and her office, 10 identified public schools became beneficiaries of Information and Communications Technology packages. She learned quickly however, that while government has more funds, it is also bound by the process of proposals and hearings whereas the private sector can act more responsively and decisively. She realized that as a private
individual, she could be of greater help. Now understanding the ins and outs government her matchmaking skills have taken on a new dimension. Through government studies, Mitch learned that tricycles are even bigger polluters than jeepneys. Now working again with Guevarra Foundation they advocate EV Wealth, (EV meaning Electronic Vehicle). The project is about a system of Electronic Tricycles and charging stations, where in the drivers can swap their drained batteries and go on their way. The drivers work for EV Wealth on a boundary system for three years, at the end of which they gain ownership of the tricycle, while the battery and charging system remains the property of EV Wealth. Responsibility and dignity, livelihood, and conservation in one package. Still only in her 30s, Mitch Monfort Bautista has barely started, and she is always on the lookout for matches to make between the people with needs and those able to meet them. This is her yellow brick road. Mitch says, “The family is still my priority—but life isn’t confined to just one’s home. We have to be of service to others to find true happiness.”
SURVIVORS HIGHLIGHT DISASTER READINESS TACLOBAN CITY—When Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan) struck the Philippines in 2013, Ristel Jane A. Artiaga and Mave Rick Eraya ran for their lives as storm surge caused cargo vessels to crash into their homes. Both are residents of Anibong village in Tacloban City, ground zero of the super typhoon that took nearly 7,000 lives and left thousands more homeless. Almost four years have passed since that day, but college student Artiaga, 19, and faculty member Eraya, 30, will never forget the lessons they learned after surviving the typhoon. These lessons, for them, have been reinforced during the TNT Tropang Ready Disaster Preparedness Caravan held recently at their school, the Eastern Visayas State University. PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. recently brought the caravan to the EVSU campus in Tacloban City as part of the company’s nationwide learning series on disaster preparedness geared toward the
Louie Domingo of Emergency Management Center (right) teaches Eastern Visayas State University students how to make a paracord bracelet, which doubles as a rope in times of emergencies.
youth. “I may be a member of the school’s disaster risk management program, but Tropang Ready still reinforced my commitment to be always ready in times of calamity,” said Eraya, adding that in times of emergencies, “keep it light, bring only what you can carry.” Nearly 1,000 students and school personnel were taught lessons on emergency preparedness by representatives from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Tacloban City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Emergency Management Center, and Get Ready Pinas. The speakers not only talked about the usual risks and hazards but also demonstrated the proper way to do the “duck, cover, hold” technique, and shared the contents of a “Go Bag,” a kit meant to help an individual or a family survive the next 72 hours of a calamity, such as a typhoon, an earthquake, a tsunami, or landslide: a flashlight, bottle of water, mobile phone, garbage bag, T-shirt, flashlight battery, and other essentials.
B4
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017
Jimbo Gulle, Editor
Roger Garcia, Issue Editor
LGUs mslocalgov@gmail.com
STATE UNIVERSITIES CREATE CALABARZON ENTERPRISES
T
HE country’s state universities are potential contributors to economic development. They are the ones who link government programs in agriculture, technology transfer and trade to the communities in the countryside. In a study on how can state universities develop an enterprise and reforms to building viable livelihoods among poor communities, by Rowena DT. Baconguis of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Laguna, it was found that assistance from state universities have successfully created enterprises in the communities. Aside from providing education to improve
people’s lives, state universities are also required to engage in extension intervention activities that enable them to help community members become more efficient in their livelihood activities. The research investigated the extension activities of five state universities and 21 enterprises in Calabarzon. The research was presented in the last 17th Conference of the Science Council of Asia, jointly organized by the Science Council of Asia and National Research Council of the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology (DOSTNRCP), an agency which promotes and supports basic and problem-oriented researches key to providing solutions to national issues and problems. The innovations undertaken or promoted by the 21 enterprises were examined and among them 16 enterprises were created because
of Universities’ assistance, while four existing businesses managed to improve, and one enterprise was revived. It is interesting to note that while most enterprises that were created are in the food industry, such as processed food, condiments, cooked food, processed milk products, food supplement, and processed fruit drink (juice and wine), the existing businesses that were improved are mostly farm-based. However, although majority (19 out of 21) of the enterprises cited an increase in income attributed universities’ support, only eight of the 19 managed to market their products, recoup its capital and earn continuously even without the universities’ marketing and technical assistance. The rest struggle to keep afloat by deriving modest profits. Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin, S&T Media
‘DANCERCISING.’
Around 37 reformists perform a ‘dancercise’ during a simple ceremony, with police supervision (inset), after three months of drug rehabilitation at the Bahay Pagbabago Reformation Center in Barangay Tiaong, Baliuag, Bulacan. Manny Palmero
LOAN PROGRAM FOR FARMERS OUT SOON By Ben Moses Ebreo BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya— The Department of Agriculture will be offering soft loans to farmers to help them cope with disasters and calamities and improve their income. Narciso Edillo, DA regional director, said the assistance will be given through the Production Loan Easy
‘BARANGAYAN.’
Residents of six northern barangays of Tacloban City enjoyed free medical services, live birth certificate processing, employment services, veterinary services, persons with disability and senior citizens assessment, feeding program, and even salon services from the city government’s Community Outreach Program. Pictured is Tacloban Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez personally supervising the Caring, Giving and Reaching Out Barangayan in Barangay 12-Palanog Gym on Thursday. Robbie Pangilinan
Access program next year. “This is a pet project of [Agriculture] Secretary Emmanuel Piñol. The guidelines will be released very soon,” he said. Under the loan program, farmers can avail of a P15,000 loan per hectare, or depending on their need for capital, at only six percent interest per year. Edillo said the PLEA will only re-
quire a few documentary requirements from farmers, which can be accessed through cooperative banks in the country as conduits. “One of the major problems of farmers is their insufficient capital, and this is the solution offered by Secretary Piñol,” Edillo added. The PLEA will have enough funds —P9.5 billion—because this has been included in the DA national
Local Gov’t Units
budget for 2018, he added. Edillo also said he will recommend Cagayan Valley as a pilot area for the PLEA to benefit farmers in the region. “Secretary Piñol announced during his visit to Cauayan City in May this year that Isabela province will be a pilot area with an initial budget of P100 million under the PLEA,” he said.
STRICTER, EXPANDED ANTI-SMOKING LAWS IN MUNTI THE Muntinlupa City government has vowed to go all out in enforcing a stricter anti-smoking measure with stiffer fines and penalties to violators and an expanded coverage of the anti-smoking drive starting next month. Under City Ordinance 17-072, known as the comprehensive antismoking ordinance, tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems such as e-cigarette (vapes) or e-shisha is prohibited in places that are accessible to the public regardless of ownership, workplaces, government facilities, outdoor areas where people gather, except for Designated Smoking Areas compliant with LGU standards. About 100 business establishment owners and representatives attended a forum and orientation seminar conducted by the SFTF last September 5 at the City Health Office regarding the rules and regulation of the said measure. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encourages locals to quit smoking as it imposes risk to one’s and others’ health. The local exec also invited locals to report incidences of persons smoking in public places to authorities. Starting Sept. 12, members of the Smoke-Free Task Force and authorized enforcers will be reprimanding any person within the jurisdiction of the city smoking in public places with no penalties under the Oplan Sita. After the “leeway period,” violators will be penalized with citation tickets and fines of up to P2,500 or 8 hours community service for smoking and up to P5,000 or 14 hours community service for violation of sales restriction and advertising ban. MMDA Legal Researcher Adrian Santos discussed the provisional requirements for Designated Smoking Areas. He said that DSA should be an outdoor space with no roof or walls and should not have an area larger than 10 square meters. Santos added that the local government will be assisting members of the private sector in terms of capacity building and authorizing their security officers to reprimand violators in their premises. Meanwhile, Muntinlupa seeks to build integrity on its implementation of campaign against illegal drugs and it starts with “cleansing” of government offices. Poblacion Barangay Hall is now a drug-free workplace after adhering in the Dangerous Drugs Board regulations. Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Secretary Dionisio Santiago, together with PDEA execs, led the unveiling ceremony of “DrugFree” Barangay Hall Billboard in Poblacion last Aug. 22. Santiago lauded Barangay Poblacion officials and the Drugs Abuse Prevention and Control Office in ensuring that government employees are drug-free and halting of illegal drugs proliferation in the offices. Mayor Jaime Fresnedi extended his gratitude to DDB and PDEA for their unwavering support in the local government’s thrust to foster drug-free workplaces and communities.
PANGASINAN CULTURAL MAPPING PROGRAM OKAYED By Dexter A. See LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Pangasinan’s local cultural heritage will further be identified, protected and preserved with the implementation of the cultural mapping program. Center for Pangasinan Studies executive director Perla E. Legaspi said the program is of utmost importance as it will enable the province to identify combined cultural assets and resources of different communities. Legaspi likewise said the CPS initially came up with a short list of five areas to include Bayambang, Man-
gatarem, San Carlos City, Lingayen and Calasiao. For its pilot project, the last two towns were considered. The project will be undertaken for six months per municipality. By cultural mapping, a range of perspectives are used such as mode of inquiry and a methodological tool in urban planning, cultural sustainability, and community development that makes visible the ways local stories, practices, relationships, memories, and rituals constitute places as meaningful locations. The Provincial Board recently
approved Provincial Resolution No. 952-2017 which authorized Gov. Amado I. Espino III to enter an agreement among the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and two local government units, Lingayen and Calasiao, as pilot LGUs. With Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr. as main proponent, the resolution noted that MOA is needed to serve as a vehicle for collaborative effort between and among the Province of Pangasinan, the NCCA, the LGUs of Lingayen and Calasiao as well as the CPS.