Ms sect b 20170924 sunday

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@manilastandard.net

MMDA CHAIR ENVISIONS A BIGGER ‘MEGA MANILA’

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HE man in charge of putting order in Metro Manila has unveiled a multi-pronged plan to resolve the traffic problem, which involves reducing the volume of vehicles on the street by building mass transport systems, creating layers upon layers of roads above the ground and underground and developing a much larger ‘Mega Manila’ to ease the population density.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Danilo Lim says the plan is in line with the Duterte administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program and strategy to spread economic activities outside the metropolis.

Lim, 62, says in an interview at MMDA headquarters in Makati City that while these long-term solutions are being undertaken, there is a need “to swallow a bitter pill” to unclog major thoroughfares and other roads in the 614-square-kilometer metropolis, which has a daytime population of over 20 million and a population density of over 20,000 people per square kilometer that ranks among the highest in the world.

“Let us develop a culture of discipline so that we can restore order in our streets. Of course, that does not address the problem of overcrowding.

However, it can help mitigate the problems of Metro Manila,” says Lim, a retired brigadier general who was appointed to the MMDA post on May 22.

As MMDA chair, Lim has to contend with major concerns such as road congestion, flood during rainy days, garbage disposal, beautification of the streets and putting an order in the chaotic urban jungle where more than 20 million people produce over 10,000 tons of garbage daily.

“May hair is turning gray fast,” says Lim, the first non-elected politician to head MMDA, which is tasked to deliver metro-wide services to 17 cities and municipalities in the National Capital Region without undermining the autonomy of local government units.

Lim, who was born on June 2, 1955 in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, studied at the University of the Philippines, Philippine Military Academy and US Military Academy and is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Makatarungan Class 1978. He was incarcerated at Camp Crame for four years from 2006 to 2010 on rebellion charges in connection with the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny. He was freed on May 31, 2010 and joined the 2010 senatorial race, but lost. He briefly served as deputy commissioner at the Bureau of Customs, but resigned in 2013.

On his first day at MMDA, Lim vowed to cleanse the ranks of erring personnel and ordered a thorough inventory of equipment and physical assets.

“I felt older, but a little wiser and a lot more determined to confront the problems and challenges that come with the position,” says Lim, when asked how he coped with the job.

“It is easier in the military, because the soldiers will immediately obey your orders. Here, it is different. If you want something done, you have to study it carefully, you have to consult people.

If you want to discipline someone, you have to deal with civil service eligibility of these people,” he says.

Lim says as MMDA chair, he cannot act on his own without consulting the mayors. “We work through the Metro Manila Council. If we have resolutions and we have to implement a new system, it needs the approval of MMC,” he says.

“The chairmanship is not enough, in truth.

You have to deal with LGUs, especially the very established ones here in Metro Manila. They were elected by the people. They are independent and have their own authorities. So you have to work through them, with them,” says Lim.

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CHAIRMAN.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim

MMDA has only 2,600 plantilla positions, excluding contractual employees to address the needs of over 20 million people. Its budget comes from the national government, local government units and the Road Board of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Lim considers traffic congestion as his biggest challenge. “The reality is it is really very hard to find a good solution to the traffic problem when your cars are multiplying, but the roads aren’t.

Last year, vehicle sales hit a record 420,000 units.

According to industry people, 65 percent of these vehicles found their way to Metro Manila. This year, we expect vehicle sales to reach not less than 450,000 units,” he says.

“You can just imagine the new vehicles that are added each day to Metro Manila roads. For the past several decades, there are no really big ticket infrastructure projects completed. We are four to five decades behind in infrastructure compared to other countries,” he says.

Lim says one solution is to create more space or roads. “People spend an inordinate amount of time going from one point to another. We need to add space. This is why we now build roads, bridges, subway, and bypass roads. This would have the effect of transforming a one-story house into a multi-level building. That’s what we are waiting for,” he says.

“In other countries, they have several layers of

infrastructure above ground and below ground.

Metropolises in other countries have never stopped putting up infrastructures,” he says.

Lim says to tackle the problem, the Duterte administration launched the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program. “We will have a longer Skyway. There will also be a first subway in the country from Mindanao Ave. in Quezon City to FTI to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. There will be MRT 7 along Commonwealth Ave. and there is the NLEx-SLEx Connector Road. The Philippine National Railways also plans to put up a rail line from Tutuban to Malolos to Clark,” he says.

“But for the meantime, while these projects are being built, we have to deal with the traffic problem. We need to take a bitter pill as a remedy to the traffic problem. Once these projects are completed hopefully within the term of President Duterte, the traffic congestion will ease,” he says.

Lim says there is also a plan to reduce the volume of vehicles on the street, such as retiring old vehicles and expanding the number coding scheme. “A congressman suggested that we expand the number coding scheme to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. We are open to the suggestion, but then again, I have to take this up with MMC,” says Lim. “On the other side, some people oppose this, saying it is a violation of their rights. Those who Turn to B2

Fruitas Group Inc. founder and chief executive Lester Yu receives recognition at the 10th Asean Business Awards held in Manila.

FRUITAS GETS ASEAN RECOGNITION SEVERAL Philippine brands continue to demonstrate exceptional success anchored on their contribution to the economic and socio-cultural development of the region— which is what the Asean Business Awards aims to do.

The Asean Business Awards ser ves as a platform for brands and businesses that display potential of becoming global economic players in their different industries, and included among the esteemed list of finalists for this prestigious recognition is Fruitas Group Inc. Fr u i t a s G r o u p I n c . w a s recognized for two categories— SME Employment Excellence and SME Innovation Excellence.

As a national finalist for the employment categor y, the company was recognized for creating a stimulating and supportive workplace, also getting nods for its inclusive employment with deaf and mute persons being hired as well to be front-liners.

As the Asean regional finalist for the innovation category, the leading group in the food cart industry in the country was acknowledged for its constant introduction of new brands and products that have grown to be loved by Filipinos.

“The company is proud to be recognized, especially on the 50th year of the Asean, and the 10th of the Asean Business Awards. This is both an inspiration and a challenge for us to sustain the momentum of innovating and introducing new products and brands, and being a people-centric organization,” says Lester Yu, founder and chief executive of Fruitas Group Inc. From a single food stall in 2002, Fruitas Group Inc. is now recognized for introducing original food and beverage concepts catering to the demands of the Filipinos, and innovative brands that have become staples in commercial institutions and establishments across the country.

“The Asean Business Awards honors influential companies and brands that are transforming the way industries are doing business by being an example.

We are honored to have been gi ve n t h e o p p o r t u n i t y to showcase our accomplishments and how these have impacted our growth in this category,” says Yu.

MR. FREEZE’S NEW BUSINESS MODEL COOLS THE METRO AT NIGHT THERE is no market too small for entrepreneurs. An untapped market can easily become an emerging center for commerce to those with the eye and acumen for business.

Gerry Santos can vouch for this. His enterprise—Mr. Freeze Purified Tube Ice—grew with the community it had catered with bags and, eventually, truckloads of ice. His “gut feel” for business and pool of partners have helped him expand his one ice plant along the inroads of Blumentritt, Manila, to a franchise with numerous branches nationwide.

Today, Mr. Freeze has patrons from every corner: in sari-sari stores,

convenience stores, and malls. Its number is steadily rising, that investors from top local destinations, including Boracay and Baguio, and next wave cities, are reaching out to Santos to invest in ice.

Entrepreneurs from all walks of life, among them tricycle drivers and small-scale distributors, have joined Mr. Freeze’s network of partners. Even then, the need for cold beverage, fresh produce, and refreshing snacks continues to rise and hike up the demand for Mr. Freeze.

It would still take a lifetime to fill up the ice plants of the Philippines,” Santos said. The country’s climate and the

public’s thirst for clean, safe ice make Mr. Freeze a sustainable and very attractive investment.

With the right strategy, entrepreneurs can fast-track the growth of their ice business. For Gerry, this meant engaging existing networks of tricycle drivers and wet market suppliers, and getting smart with resources with Meralco Biz Partners’ Peak/Off-Peak Program.

“We started operating at 10 p.m. last July. The Peak/Off-Peak Program contributes significantly to our day-today operations. By our estimates from last year, we were able to bring down our energy costs by 10 percent,” said

Santos. Under the program, Mr. Freeze enjoys lower energy cost that keeps their prices stable and fully within the reach of their market.

According to Meralco, machineintensive businesses can generate as much as 37 percent energy cost savings by shifting to POP’s off-peak hours. “Right now, we have industrial plants and construction companies experiencing the game-changing effect of Meralco Biz Partners’ program.

These companies are realigning their savings to maintenance and expansion efforts,” said Ma. Cecilia Domingo, senior assistant vice president and head of Meralco Biz Partners.

Mr. Freeze chief executive Gerry Santos recommends getting smart about operations with Meralco’s peak/off-peak program.

Business

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 business@manilastandard.net

CANOLA OIL LOWERS RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Rockwell Makati Residential Unit

“T Touted as one of the healthiest oils in the world, canola oil is rich in the cholesterolreducing phytosterol nutrient and has unsaturated fat content.

FILIPINOS’ penchant for fried food such as chicken, beef, pork or fish has raised an alarm among health advocates who associate frying with the liberal use of cooking oil, which is flagged as a product that is detrimental to one’s cardiovascular health.

Studies, however, show that not all cooking oils are the same, and not all of them are harmful to human body. Scientific studies indicate that there is actually a heart-healthy nutrient found in canola oil, which lowers one’s bad cholesterol level and minimizes one’s risk of acquiring coronary heart disease and hypertension.

Canola is extracted from grapeseed, which is low in uric acid and glucosinolates. Thus, while canola oil is characterized by a low level of harmful saturated fatty acids, it has substantial amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are touted to have positive effects on cardiovascular health through the regulation of plasma lipids and proteins.

In 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration declared that “eating about 1½ tablespoons (19 grams) of canola oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to its unsaturated fat content.”

Research published in Nutrition Reviews further reveals five studies that compared canola-based diets with typical Western diets and found evidence that canola was able to reduce total cholesterol levels by an average of 12.2 percent.

This cholesterol-reducing action is made by possible by canola’s phytosterol content.

Phytosterols, like sterols and stanols, are natural plant-derived compounds that are structurally related to cholesterol. Studies have shown that an intake of 2 grams per day of stanols or sterol reduce lowdensity lipoprotein by 10 percent.

USDA also acknowledged that plant sterol or stanol is generally recognized as safe by manufacturers, and has authorized them to claim that foods rich in phytosterol may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease—one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, not just in the US but in the rest of the world.

Years of scientific evidence have increasingly bolstered the status of canola oil as one of the healthiest oils . This explains why canola is the third largest vegetable oil produced after palm oil and soybean oil, and is also the second most consumed cooking oil in the United States.

NutriAsia Golden Fiesta Canola Oil is a good source of phytosterols.

Two grams of phytosterols per day may potentially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Cafe Veranda Taal Vista Hotel

FORMER HANDYMAN BUILDS A DESIGN FIRM

HERE is no such thing as a small project,” says MJ Ringor, chief executive of Mundo Design + Build. Established in 2009, the integrated design and construction firm started as a oneman show in a 60-square meter office space and has now grown to a team of more than 120 employees.

After earning his degree in Industrial Design from the University of Santo Tomas, Ringor flew to New York to join his family. He took on odd jobs and worked as a handyman. He also got into furniture restoration. He would bring home old furniture he’d find on the street and fix them. “Our friends liked what I did and started throwing projects my way. Clients would fly me inter-state to do their homes,” he says.

He eventually figured that this was something he could duplicate in the Philippines. “My clients in the US referred me to their friends here. I also got clients by hanging out at Home Depot and giving out my calling cards. There was a time I’d stay in Starbucks and offer my services to those I would hear discussing home finishing or renovation plans.

My first projects were residences,” he recalls.

“The business was initially just about design but my clients would always complain about the poor service from their contractors. They saw my potential in project management and pushed me to get into construction. What makes us stand out is that we do not outsource the work so the client gets a genuinely centralized service, nobody is at the mercy of a third party. The project is easier to control,” Ringor explains.

This set-up allows them to work faster as well.

“Our clients have commended us on our efficiency.

We get things done quickly without sacrificing the quality. We have quality control officers who check all the projects and look into every detail. And I am very hands-on,” he adds. Ringor is often seen immersing himself in the job and getting his hands dirty, just like he did when he was just starting out.

Mundo’s current client mix is 60 percent commercial and 40 percent residential. The cost of

Mundo Design + Build chief executive MJ Ringor

projects they have taken on ranges from P250,000 to P200 million which include offices, retail outlets, restaurants, condo units and houses. Their client roster includes Vikings Restaurant, Café Veranda in Taal Vista Hotel, Hotel 101, Microsoft, Millward Brown, Philex, Task Us and TNS.

St. Michael Church

MMDA...

From B1 are rich with more than two vehicles can also get around the number scheme.

Two months ago, I actually floated the idea of implementing the coding scheme twice a week, instead of the current one day per week. I floated the idea to get the reaction, sentiment, feedback of our people, but there was a strong opposition to it, to the point that it was not tackled at MMC,” says Lim. Lim says another solution is to start planning for a bigger ‘Mega Manila,’ a term first made popular by marketing agencies of consumer goods companies. Lim says Edsa, the main thoroughfare in Metro Manila, is heavily congested because there was no traffic

impact assessment done before any structure was put up along its stretch.

There are now 36 shopping malls and 45 bus terminals along Edsa, he says.

“We need to think of a solution. Let us look at areas outside Metro Manila.

Instead of thinking of Metro Manila, let us begin thinking about Mega Manila.

For example, from Calamba to Angeles and everything in between,” Lim says.

“From there, let us start planning. Our planning should already incorporate the projected economic growth and population growth over the next 40 years or 50 years. Infrastructure development should consider the projected population and economic growth so that we can spread out development. We are currently stuck with Metro Manila, so why not spread out to other areas,” Lim asks.

Ringor’s ehief executive role is supported by his wife, Kaye who serves as chief financial officer. They are backed by a team of licensed professionals headed by design director Alelee Nanette Castro, an architect and project director Majalyn Rose Datuin, an engineer.

“Our relationship with our clients is very personal. Our approach is one-on-one. We are flexible, we can easily adjust to the clients’ preferences and demands. We understand that these can change while the work is in progress,” Ringor says.

As for their design principles, he says it is always a collaboration with the client. “We listen to what they want. Our role is to give our professional opinion, to say why something might not work or suggest better ways of executing what they want.

But we never insist on any particular design. We don’t impose our style”.

Recently though, as part of their Go Green campaign, they have been quite strong in suggesting eco-friendly options to their clients such as the use of solar energy, LED lights, recycled materials, non-toxic paint, inverter air conditioning and special toilets. “It really depends on how far they would want to go or if they are even willing to do it in the first place. Again, we do not insist,” Ringor says “Some think that going green is more expensive but it actually comes out cheaper in the long run.”

Further expansion is on the horizon, with custom furniture production in the pipeline.

“Mundo’s goal is to ‘build your world’. We’d like to be able to meet all your requirements. That’s where I want the company to go. And not only do we build aesthetically and structurally, but I also want us to build the world of our staff and people in the community,” Ringor says.

This explains why the company is big on corporate social responsibility, carving out time for orphanage visits and medical missions.

Among Mundo’s staff are 20 individuals from the indigent youth in their community. ”We’ve also helped in constructing the San Ildefonso Church in Makati and the St. Michael Archangel in Bonifacio Global City. We like to help where we can,” says Ringor.

Residential Project

He says the government began creating new centers of activities outside Metro Manila, with DOTr already transferring to Clark, Pampanga. “Let us spread the development so that we can defeat the problem in details and parts by parts. Let us start planning.

Our planning should be 40 to 50 years ahead, covering infrastructure, population growth, economic growth.”

For the meantime, Lim says MMDA is in talks with Metro Manila mayors to support the Kalayaan Lane as an alternative road to Edsa. He says the Department of Transportation also plans to adopt a Singaporean intelligent transport system using technology to mitigate traffic congestion.

M M DA a l s o t e a m e d u p w i t h the Depar tment of Science and Technology to enhance the No-

Contact Apprehension Policy using a technology-based application called Contactless Apprehension of Traffic Violators on 24-hours Basis, All Vehicle Detection System. The system will display the vehicle’s detection and tracking, profiling, plate localization and plate character recognition for more detailed traffic violation identification.

Lim says on the garbage problem, MMDA plans to tap waste-to-energy technologies to convert 10,000 tons of garbage that the metropolis produces daily into electricity. He says this would also free up space on landfills.

Lim says with the cooperation of local officials and basic discipline being observed by the people in Metro Manila, “somehow we can make this metropolis more livable and vibrant.”

Roderick T. dela Cruz

LGUs BUKIDNON ELECTRIC CO-OP BOARD SUSPENDED

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE National Electrification Administration has put the board of Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative Inc. under preventive suspension amid an ongoing internal investigation.

In an order dated Sept. 5, the NEA board put the members of the Buseco board of directors on a 30-day preventive suspension effective immediately to prevent undue influence on the motu proprio investigation being conducted by the NEA Administrative Committee.

NEA, in a statement, said the suspension order was due to the continued defiance of the Buseco board to heed several directives issued by the agency, which has supervisory powers over all electric cooperatives in the country.

The NEA board cited the two resolutions passed by Buseco board: Opposing and disallowing the order to intervene and/or take over the management of Buseco, and enforcing the regularization of Deiter Hoff Arellano as a general manager of the electric cooperative.

NEA ordered Arellano to be removed from office in an order dated June 22 after he was found guilty of grave misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the electric cooperatives and its memberconsumer-owners.

According to NEA, the order shall enable the Administrative Committee to investigate charges against respondent members of the Buseco board “by preventing them from intimidating or in any way influencing witnesses against them and to protect the integrity of evidence in their possession, the issuance of preventive suspension herein is necessary.”

NEA also ordered the suspension of Danilo Paciente, Gloria Ranile, Erlinda Basera, Dioscora Ngoho, Alex Payangga, Charlie Castillanes, Francis Boniao, Edwin Galicia, and Tarcisio Barros.

The suspension means all orders emanating from Buseco board are no longer valid, according to lawyer Alexander Paul Rivera, NEA corporate board secretary.

NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong issued an office order last May creating a team to oversee the management of Buseco due to internal conflict among the members of the board, allegations of irregularities, and to ensure its continued operational and financial viability.

BFAR BANS IMPORTED FISHERY PRODUCTS

By Ben Moses Ebreo TUGUEGARAO CITY—The Cagayan Valley regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will be imposing the ban on sale of imported fish and fishery products in local wet markets.

Officials also warned fish transporters and dealers to comply with the ban as one of the major priorities of the BFAR national leadership.

Lawyer Arsenio Bañares, BFAR’s chief of Fisheries Management Regulatory and Enforcement Division, said Fisheries Administrative Order 195 covers frozen fish products in wet markets such as imported mackerel, bonito, squid, sardines, salmon and salmon head, and pangasius or cream dory.

“The importation of these fishery products is not prohibited, but the regulation states that these should go only to institutional buyers such as canneries, restaurant chains and fish processing plants, not to wet markets,” he said.

Bañares also said the regulation aims to protect local fish producers and ensure the quality of fish in the wet markets.

“While the Order was issued way back 1999, BFAR lacked personnel to enforce the law back then,” he said.

BFAR officials have already met with the affected fisheries sector on the implementation of Republic Act 9147 or the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats and Fisheries, and Administrative Order 233, governing trade of aquatic wildlife which are not farmed, Bañares added.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SOLON BATS FOR TEACHERS’ TENURE

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LAWMAKER in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is defending the constitutional right to security of tenure of provisional teachers in Cotabato City.

Assemblyman Abol Alam Padate of the second district of Lanao del Sur filed a bill, RLA Bill No. 22, which demands the permanent employment of provisional school teachers who have not passed the Licensure Exams for Teachers but have served for seven years or more.

Padate said provisional teachers in ARMM have sought his help. They have been losing their jobs to new licensed teachers. The implementation of the new policy could result in severe consequences in the communities, he added.

In a privilege speech delivered earlier, Padate underscored that social justice is the crux of the ARMM. Although he believes in ARMM’s plan to improve the standards of education, he disagrees with the proposal of mass replacement of longserving teachers.

“They deserve the protection of the law,” said Padate. He explained that most of these

teachers in temporary positions are the family breadwinners. If they lose their jobs, they won’t be able to send their children to school. The family’s low income could drive the youths to join outlawed groups or terrorist organizations that wangle money, he added.

Moreover, licensed teachers, who might replace the provisional teachers in remote areas, will be facing risks. Families of dismissed provisional teachers might turn against them, blame the government, or burn schools, he added.

These provisional teachers have devoted years of educating the young Bangsamoros, sometimes risking their lives to teach in far-flung areas, Padate pointed out.

The solon cited the case of four teachers and one guidance counselor, who filed a case of illegal dismissal against St. Mary’s College of Dipolog in 2000. The latter could no longer accept them because they failed to be accredited through the LET. The school maintained it was merely complying with the law, which requires current teachers to register as professionals.

The respondents argued that their security of tenure could not be crushed simply because they failed to register with the Professional Regulation Commission or to undergo the LET before the

deadline. The law also provides exceptions to the taking of examination. The teachers maintained their termination was illegal because they possessed civil service eligibilities and special permits to teach.

Padate said the Supreme Court upholds the full protection of labor under the policy of social justice. “On humane justification, the law extends itself to help the interests of the working class,” he said.

He recalled that a bill like the RLA Bill No. 22 was filed during the 7th Regional Legislative Assembly, but was vetoed by the regional governor because it went against national law and the reform initiatives of the administration.

Padate said it was a matter of interpretation of law.

Padate expressed hope that the new bill will be supported. The lawyer-solon will volunteer his service and his law firm for its defense in case it is questioned.

He also cited a similar bill passed in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, which would grant civil service eligibility or permanent status to government employees who have no such eligibility. If the same could be done on the national level, Padate said it could also be done in the ARMM. Ayunan Gunting

PEACE DAY AWARD. United Nations Department of Economics and Social Affairs, through the Southern Philippines Muslims-Non-Muslim Unity Development Association, recognized Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (center) for his local humanitarian programs in celebration of the 2017 International Peace Day. SPMUDA International founder HRH Tuanku Dr. Camad Ali (left) awarded the mayor with the title Datu Ko Kalilintad (Chieftain of Peace), the highest citation for a non-Muslim given by the organization, last Friday at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

NPD ASSIGNS 300 NEW COPS TO CALOOCAN POLICE STATIONS THE Northern Police District has assigned some 300 policemen at the Caloocan City Police Station Friday morning.

NPD Director Amando Empiso briefed the policemen during the send-off ceremony from the four police stations in Caloocan, Malabon,

Navotas and Valenzuela as part of the reshuffle.

"The reassignment is a matter of policy, any PNP personnel regardless of ranks can be reassigned anywhere in the country," Empiso said.

The 300 new policemen were assigned to the different Police

Community Precincts.

Last week, National Capital Region Police Office Director Oscar Albayalde ordered the relief of 62 policemen in Caloocan for involvement in several incidents, including the controversial deaths of minors Kian delos Santos, 17; Carl Angelo Arnaiz, 19 and

Reynaldo de Guzman, 14.

He said responsible policemen from the NCRPO will be assigned to the Caloocan police.

Around 1,000 NPD policemen will undergo retraining and orientation before they will be assigned to other police stations. Jun David

TOYOTA STRENGTHENS TIES WITH SANTA ROSA

By Roy Tomandao SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna—Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. is forging ahead with its four pillars of service —education, medical and health, environment and community service —for this city.

Lawyer Rommel Gutierrez, first vice president of TMPC, told reporters here the firm aims to improve its services beyond its commercial and manufacturing presence in the city’s special economic zone.

Apart from manufacturing the popular Vios and Innova models locally at its Santa Rosa plant, “Toyota also attended the government summit for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and the program for modernization of local PUVs [public utility vehicles],” Gutierrez said.

“We’re not out to totally change the PUV but upgrade the vehicle, as the government sees the need to

Toyota Motors Philippines first vice president lawyer Rommel Gutierrez (second from left) and Ivan Anthony E. Claudio, section manager of TMPC (third from left), explains the Four Pillars Foundation of the company to local reporters. Roy Tomandao develop it from assemblers and local collaborate on the improvement of the players. We can come up with the best engines [of PUVs], like using only Euro solutions and alternatives, and we can 4 (rated) engines for the good of the

environment,” he added.

Even Toyota’s diesel engines are being developed to be more environmentfriendly, Gutierrez noted, as it continues to provide the local market with its Filipino-made cars.

“Toyota Santa Rosa still manufactures the Vios and Innova to maintain and sustain the plant for the local supply, as these models are being used by both taxi and Uber or Grab drivers, and so we have to maintain our good service,” he added.

Beyond that, TMPC is continuing its reforestation of 2,500 hectares of the Penablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape in Cagayan province, a project that began in 2007, Gutierrez said.

The firm’s mother company, Toyota Motors of Japan, has pledged $3 million and a Hilux pickup to the project in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Conservation International.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

Jimbo Gulle, Editor

Roger Garcia, Issue Editor

LGUs mslocalgov@gmail.com

MAKATI CELEBRATES FILIPINO FASHION

By Joel E. Zurbano

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AKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay led the opening of the Kasuotang Pilipino Fashion Show at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center, which features the works of the biggest names in the city’s fashion industry.

The Makati City government, through its Museum and Cultural Affairs Office, spearheaded the event that highlighted the start of the Makati Fashion Week celebration from Sept. 22 to 24 at the same venue.

The event showcased the creations of 10 Makati-based designers inspired by the traditional costumes from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

They are Therese Andaya, Albert Andrada, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Joel Bautista, Janet Castro, Noel Crisostomo, Frankie de Leon, Luis delos Santos, Albert Figueras and Jinggo Inoncillo.

The creations for Luzon were modeled by wives of diplomats, namely Dr. Kieu Phung, wife of the Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy; Lizia Lu, wife of the Ambassador, Embassy of

the State of Israel; Monthip Upatising, wife of the Ambassador, Royal Thai Embassy; Wang Qi Jessen, wife of the Ambassador, European Union Embassy; and Connie Garcia, wife of the former Ambassador of the Philippines to the Russian Delegation.

Other models for Luzon included Councilor Concepcion Yabut; Barangay Captains Dennis Almario and Martin John Pio Arenas; Cita Avecilla-Roman, 1970 Miss Young Philippines; Dr. Rosario Duque; Dr. Riza Caldoza, Mrs. International World Ambassador 2017; Arleen Pangilinan; lawyer Dindo Cervantes; and Vincent Sese.

The creations representing Visayas were worn

by Tosca Puno-Ramos; Geraldine dela Rosa; Trinidad Antiporda; Marichu Arabejo; Flora Custodio; Marilou Longden; Aida Villanueva; Mayda Tankiang; Josephine Gaviola; Rosemarie Sibug; Ryan Barcelo; Leonardo de Paz; Virgilio Glorioso; Rogelio Sangalang; and Enrique Villamiel.

Mindanao-inspired creations were modeled

by Councilor Nemesio Yabut Jr.; Nicole Sobria, Ms. Makati 2017; Heidi Santos, Miss Tourism 2017; Engineer Reynaldo Paredes; Engineer Renato Mandrique; Jimmy Bacamante; Dwayne Samarista; Princess Jasmine Rae Baldoza; Erika

Marie Ventura; and Andrea Gonzales.

Other models for Mindanao included Esteph Delgado; Pauline Abigail Ebora; Alannis Reign Binoya; Sirene Sutton; Abygail Panahon; Alexis Alysa Sale; and Jaqueline Acuña.

Meanwhile, an exhibit dubbed “Trends” featuring the works of the biggest names in the fashion industry of Makati is being held at Glorietta 2 Activity Center to mark the Makati Fashion Week.

The exhibit area showcases the collection of the 10 city-based designers previously mentioned. Shoes and fashion accessories on sale will also be available during the exhibit, making it just right for one’s early Christmas shopping.

To culminate the event, a fashion show will be held at the same venue on Sunday at 6 p.m., featuring singer and theater actor Nyoy Volante.

The first Kasuotang Pilipino fashion show was formally staged in Makati City in the year 2000, in line with Proclamation No. 241 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1993 mandating the observance of the “Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino” every September.

The Makati Fashion Week was launched by the MCAO in 2015 to showcase the creations of city-based designers.

Models show off the creations of Makati’s top fashion designers in the Kasuotang Pilipino Fashion Show 2017 at the Glorietta in Makati Center to observe the Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino (Week of Filipino Attire).

The show was an exhibit of authentic Filipino attire from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and saw Makati City government officials, employees, and some members of the diplomatic corps modeling the creations. Also present were Mayor Abby Binay (center, above), her husband Rep. Luis Campos of Makati’s 2nd District (right), and Lingling Cervantes of the Makati Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (left). Diana B. Noche

FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS IN 2 CITIES FORTIFYING its commitment to address the widening life protection gap in the country, British life insurer Pru Life UK recently held financial literacy workshops as part of the community program, “Microinsurance distribution through online communities” or MicroComm, in the cities of Butuan and Tacloban.

In partnership with Germany’s Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and technology provider CommLinked Inc., Pru Life aims to promote the accessibility of afford-

Workers at Bohol Furniture and Lumber Supply prepare the lumber to be dried at the furnace-type lumber dryer provided by the Department of Science and TechnologyForest Products Research and Development Institute.

able life insurance for Philippine communities, in support of the Insurance Commission’s microinsurance agenda.

“Essentially, we are creating open communities comprising everyday people with extraordinary networks. This project with GIZ and CommLinked supports our commitment to make insurance inclusive and accessible using technology,” said Kenn C. Ramirez, Pru Life UK’s vice president for Channel Incubation.

Held on Aug.11 to 12 at Watergate Hotel, Butuan and Aug. 18 to

20 at Ironwood Hotel, Tacloban, the workshops covered the topics of microinsurance and entrepreneurship. They gathered over 140 participants from various sectors in the local communities, such as small business owners, teachers, members of the local government unit, and retirees.

Launched in early 2017, the program seeks to facilitate online community discussions as well as the distribution of financial literacy materials and microinsurance products to the country’s low-income sector through the official website www.

Local Gov’t Units

empoweringfilipinos.com.

Butuan City in Mindanao and Tacloban City in Visayas are the pilot sites of the MicroComm program.

MicroComm reinforces Pru Life UK’s commitment to addressing financial literacy and reducing the protection gap in the Philippines.

Since it was established in 1996, the company has expanded its reach to over 130 branches and sales offices in the Philippines, with the biggest life agency force at more than 18,000 agents, and has emerged as one of the top five life insurers in the country.

BY THE BAY COASTAL CLEANUP DRAWS 1K SURPASSING its target of 1,000 participants in this year’s Coastal Cleanup drive, a total of 1,066 took part in cleaning the 1.5-kilometer stretch of Manila Bay fronting SM by the Bay at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Gathering as early as 4 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, participants— composed mostly of students, SM employees and young professionals—cleaned the area of garbage that lined up the bay.

The Coastal Cleanup started at 5 a.m. and ended at around 9 a.m.

The participants managed to collect a total of 8,467 pieces of garbage, enough to fill three dump trucks by the end of the activity.

The SM by the Bay Coastal Cleanup is an annual environmental awareness event in support of the International Coastal Cleanup Day. It was held in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Pasay City Environment Office, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings.

In a study conducted by Ocean Conservancy, the Philippines ranked third among the countries who are contributing highly to plastic pollution in the ocean.

“If water pollution continues to rise, a lot of people and sea creatures risk being endangered. But there is still time to change and leave something good for future generations,” said Elena Horn, vice president of SM Prime Corporate Affairs.

This year, participants were paired and assigned to different stations with one serving as the collector and the other as tabulator. Data collected were forwarded to Ocean Conservancy for final tabulation.

The event also featured fun activities, including the locking of padlocks at “Love Locks by the Bay” as a pledge to preserve the environment. Miss Philippines Earth 2017 Winners also graced the event to support the campaign.

College student Jocelyn de Jesus, 19, from Pasay City said she did not mind the early morning activity on a weekend since she knew it was for a good cause. “We all have to do our share for the environment because it’s for our children’s future,” she explained.

SM by the Bay has been joining the Coastal Cleanup as a show of support to preserve the country’s coasts and waterways. The Coastal Cleanup, held every third Saturday of September, was created by Ocean Conservancy to unite everyone in giving back to Mother Earth.

The event was also supported by SM Hypermarket, Stage Pro, Waffles and Soda Corp, Jollibee and Maynilad. Hundreds of SM employee-volunteers also attended the event, and took part in the CleanUp as part of SM’s employee volunteerism program that supports social responsibility initiatives.

Horn said organizers were happy with the turnout this year because it showed that the cleanup drive is gaining recognition and support of the people.

BOHOL FURNITURE FIRM HITS IT BIG WITH DOST-FPRDI DRYER EVER since his business started using the Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s furnace-type lumber dryer, Cirilo Sumampong’s life has never been the same again.

While he used to be a small lumber retailer in the town of Dauis in Bohol, he is now the province’s biggest supplier of custom-built furniture. His company, Bohol Furniture and Lumber Supply, earns a gross income of P1.16 million a month, and enjoys brisk business all-year round.

“During our first years in the business, we were producing nothing but door jambs and airdried lumber, and earning only P1,500 a month,” Sumampong relates. “Sales were good only between September and December each year.”

“Now, with our kiln-dried wood, we make trusses, floor planks, doors, door jambs and all kinds of furniture—beds, chairs, dining sets.

Thanks to our number one client—the hotels and beach resorts that have sprung all over Bohol in recent years—our products are in demand all the time,” he added.

“When we decided to expand in 2012, we asked the Bohol Provincial S&T Center to help us acquire a 10,000 board feet FTLD,” Sumampong continued. “They introduced us to DOST’s Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP, which gave us a grant of P1 million. During our first operation in 2014, we grossed a whopping P2.5 million from a beach resort owner.”

“From then on, life was never the same for us.

While we used to consume only 7,000 board feet of lumber per year, we now use up to 100,000 board feet of gmelina and mahogany wood annually,” he added. “Our product lines grew, and because we knew that we were

using quality materials, we gained confidence in dealing with our buyers.”

“Our clients became aware of the value of kiln-dried lumber and learned to trust our products. We managed to pay the SETUP grant after one year, and later, we bought a big lot where we put up another store and a showroom. The dryer also created jobs for people in the community, as we trained and hired operators,” he said.

“We never expected this kind of success, and we are very thankful for everything that the FTLD has brought to us,” Sumampong admitted. “For now, we do not have plans of adding more units to our factory. We simply want to use our dryer to bring to our clients wood products that will last a long time because these have been dried the best way possible.”