businessweek mindanao august 20,2012

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Briefl yBriefl yPermit processingDAVAO City -- Twenty seven local governments in this region are cutting processes for business permit application, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a recent statement. Sarry L. Kinoc Jr., the DTI regional office’s person in charge of the program, said in the statement that participating local govern-ments shorten application period to five to 10 days, requiring no more than five steps and a maximum of two signatories, before they are deemed “compliant”. DTI noted the cumber-some process of renewing permits was “the primary reason for enterprises to remain in the underground economy and evade taxes.”

Trade policy hubGENERAL Santos City -- Business stakeholders will launch here next week the Mindanao Trade Policy Center (MTPC) in a bid to further push the business sector’s agenda in helping shape the economic growth in the southern Philippines. MeAnne Lunasco, proj-ect officer of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Mindanao (PCCI-Mindanao), said the center’s launching next Fri-day would be the highlight of the forum on the ASEAN Regional Integration, which is expected to materialize in 2015. “The MTPC will serve as the policy center for Mind-anao business chambers. It will facilitate the advocacy programs that the Mindanao chambers are channeling to the government for possible intervention,” she said.

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STILL HOMELESS. The remaining evacuees temporarily housed at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol Grounds are now asking for permanent relocation site to start their lives anew. PHOTO BY GERRY L. GORIT

By IRENE DOMINGO, Reporter

BUSINESS and politi-cal leaders in Min-danao welcomed

the signing of Executive Order No. 81 by President Benigno Aquino III creat-ing the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC). The Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) said the creation of the committee will make way for the review of policies and processes to accelerate private investments for additional generating capaci-ties to the Mindanao grid. “This is a welcome development and we expect greater collabora-tion between the government and the Mindanao business sector in addressing the Mindanao power situation,” said Vicente Lao, MinBC and Mindanao Electric Power Alliance (MEPA) chair.

Investment in oil industry reaches P38.91B in 2011

By RUTCHIE C. AGUHOBContributor

A. Monsada, Director of the Oil Management Bu-reau, Department of Energy (OMB-DOE) said, during a recent multi-sectoral advo-cacy campaign on the DOI, held in the city. In terms of amount, P14.99 billion or 38.52 per-cent came from the liquid bulk fuel bunkering, fol-lowed by P9.26 billion or

OZAMIZ City – A total investment of P38.91 bil-lion have been poured into the country’s downstream oil industry (DOI), as of December 2011. These investments came from a total of 1,194 players in the industry, Dr. Zenaida

23.80 percent, from the fuel retail marketing. About P7.38 billion or 18.97 percent, came from the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bulk marketing, P4.67 billion or 12 percent, from terminalling and P2.61 billion or 6.71 percent, from bunkering, Monsada said. In terms of the number

POOREST TOWN. The mountain town of Siayan, Zam-boanga del Norte is the country’s poorest with its 79.9 percent poverty incidence index.

Mindanao has most number of poor townsD E S P I T E p r o -nounced efforts by the government in making life easier for Mindanao, the fact remains that the island is still home to the coun-

try’s many poor municipalities. In a report released by Na-tional Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) on 2009 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates, it revealed that 17 of the 20 poorest municipali-

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Tangub City releases P26M for eco-tourism site developmentBy RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB, Contributors

TANGUB City -- The local government of Tangub has released P26 million for the de-velopment of the Eco-Tourism Model Site of the Mt. Malindang Ranges Natural Park (RNP) in Barangay Hoyohoy, this city.

nificantly possesses natural beauty and grandeur, which becomes an avenue for eco-tourism adventure facilities. Situated in the open area at the foot of the Mt. Malindang RNP, the site faces the south peak and located 850 meters above sea level (asl), in the high-lands of Tangub and only about 700 meters below Mt. Ampiro, the lowest peak of the mountain ranges of Mt. Malindang. Its view spans to the other six ranges with summits

The project aims to es-tablish a visitors’ center, viewing deck, camping site facilities and a botanical garden to showcase the unique and rare species of flora found inside the Mt. Malindang RNP, Mayor

Philip Tan, who led its re-cent ground-breaking and capsule laying ceremony, said. Barangay Hoyohoy is one of the upland barangays in the protected area of Mt. Malindang RNP that sig-

from 1,700 m-2,400 m asl and the areas in the towns of Kolambugan, Tubod and Maigo in Lanao del Norte across Panguil Bay and those of the neighboring city of Ozamiz, and the municipali-ties of Clarin and Tudela in the east and Bonifacio and Don Victoriano in the south. Tan said the sustainable financing project through the development of eco-tourism model site inside the Mt. Malindang is for the protection and management of the park for its perpetual existence. An inventory of plant species in the Mt. Malin-dang RNP in 2004 said that there are 1,284 spe-cies, 472 genera and 187 families. Of these, 873 were considered as angiosperms, 20 as gymnosperms, 280 as pterodophytes, 85 as byrophytes and 25 species as lechens.

Likewise, of the pterodo-phytes, the number of spe-cies recorded represented about 44 percent of 632 species found in Mindanao. The identification of the site is a laudable strategy to sustainably manage its abundant resources, which is envisioned to greatly boost the protection activities in the park and Mt. Malin-dang’s environs. “It will invite tourists from all walks of life to experience nature that leads to sustainable management,” the mayor said. Located at the southern curve of the D-shape prov-ince of Misamis Occidental, in the island of Mindanao, Tangub City is bounded by Mt. Malindang in the north, Ozamiz City in the east, Paguil Bay in the south and the municipality of Bonifacio in the west. It can be reached by plane in one hour and 20

minutes from Manila, one-night travel by boat from Cebu City and three hours and 30 minutes ride by bus from Cagayan de Oro City. The ground-breaking was attended by the rep-resentatives of the Asso-ciation of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Centre for Bio-Diversity (ACB), which awarded the “Plaque Recognizing Mt. Malindang RNP as an Asean Heritage Park in the Philippines,” and the ACB-German Or-ganization (GIZ) which handed over its certificate of approval to Governor Herminia M. Ramiro of Misamis Occidental. After the ground-break-ing, Tan also led the tree planting of some 200 trees of the Igem and Almaciga species in the area, together with the participants of the second National Asean Heritage Park Conference, held in the province.

Pinoy Muslims to mark Eid’l Fitr on MondayBy BEN CAL Fitr.”

“In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is neces-sary to declare Monday, 20 August 2012, as a regular holiday throughout the country,” the President stressed. On Monday, Filipino Muslims in Metro Ma-nila and other parts of the country will gather for an early morning prayer to celebrate Eid’l Fitr. They will also listen to sermons in various Muslim mosques in the country, including those in Metro Manila. The end of the Ramadan marks the beginning of the Eid’l Fitr. The Muslims believe that “Eid” occurs on the first day of the Shawwal which is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. “According to the his-

OVER five million Filipino Muslims will join the en-tire Muslim world in the observance of Eid’l Ftir on Monday, ending their month-long fasting. President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Proc-lamation No. 455 declar-ing August 20, the Feast of Ramadan, as a regular holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr, which is cel-ebrated by Muslims for three days after the end of their 30 days of fasting. In his proclamation, the President said the cel-ebration of Eid’l Fitr is “to promote cultural under-standing and integration,” adding that “the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid’l

tory of Islam and traditions on the last day of Ramadan after sunset, people start sighting the crescent moon. As soon as the moon (hilal) is spotted, the celebration for Eid’l Fitr begins for all the Muslims. Ramadan is said to be the holy month of Muslims. It is believed that the holy book Quran was revealed to prophet Muhammad during this month. It is also believed that during this month, the “gates of hell are closed and the gates of heaven are open,” according to Muslim tradi-tion and history. It is also believed that Ramadan is Allah’s own month. Another event which took place during the month of Ramadan was the battle of Badr between the inhabitants of Mecca and Medina. “It’s the month to thank Allah for what he has given to human beings, thereby saying no to food, drink, smoking and sexual activities during daylight and all the Muslims devote themselves to pray to Al-lah. Once the crescent moon is sighted, it’s the time to break the fast and get over with the Ramadan month and celebrate Eid’l Fitr,” it says. Islam, which is pre-dominant in the Middle East and in the Horn of Af-rica, is the world’s second largest religion with over 1.6 billion followers after Christianity, according to the Pew Research Center based in Washington. Indonesia is the larg-est Muslim country in the world, followed by Pakistan, India and Ban-gladesh.

3August 20-23, 2012 www.businessweekmindanao.com


4 August 20-23, 2012 CompaniesCompanies www.businessweekmindanao.com


The Techno mart and Dell Company they are helping each other to promote their product here in Cagayan de Oro, Ms. Marion Hazel B. Du Operation Manager of Techno mart Company they are operated more than 8 years here in Cagayan de Oro, with the cooperation of Mr. Vincent Polido (Product Manager), Jonna May M. Hernandez (City manager) of Dell company they are trying to build new outlet here in the city of Cagayan de Oro.(ASF/JDL)

Mitsubishi expects new sales record this yearFULL-year sales of Mitsubishi Motors Philip-pines Corp. are poised to exceed the record set a year before the Asian financial crisis struck, a company official told InterAksyon.com.

Motor Show. Dytianquin said the lack of supply had continued to impact on MMPC until the first quarter of this year, during which sales shrank 3 percent year-on-year. But at end-July, year-to-date sales had gone up 5 percent. “We will recover in the second half,” Dytianquin said. MMPC also expects a sales boost from the Mirage, a new model that will be launched in November, he said.

Froilan Dytianquin, MMPC vice president for marketing, said the com-pany can sell up to 39,000 vehicles by yearend. It attained its highest sales to date in 1996, with about 36,500 units sold, Dytianquin said. Last year, MMPC bucked the trend as it sold a mere 181 vehicles more than the previ-

ous year’s 32,422 units. Most of the other car companies saw their sales decline last year because of the vehicle supply disruption caused by disasters in car-producing Japan and Th ailand. “2011 sales could have been higher if not for supply constraints,” Dytianquin said on the sidelines of the 4th Philippine International

Cebu Pacific opens more routes in Mindanao cities

DAVAO City -- Flying 10 destinations in Mindanao to Manila and Cebu, Cebu Pacifi c is opening new routes to service diff erent areas in the island. Cebu Pacifi c area manager for Mindanao sales, Dina A. Garcia, said starting Oct. 5, the airline would pioneer direct services between Davao and Butuan and Davao-Dipolog and Zamboanga-Cagayan de Oro fl ights on Oct. 20.

Cebu Pacific will also launch direct Cagayan de Oro-Bacolod and General Santos-Iloilo fl ights in No-vember. Garcia, during the opening of the Mindanao Travel and Tours Expo (MinTTE) that runs from Aug. 17 to 19 at SM City Davao, said their Davao hub connected Davao and the surrounding areas to nine destinations, including Puerto Princesa, Boracay,

Dipolog and Butuan. Garcia said that the airline started in 1996 with a couple of domestic fl ights to Cebu and Davao. “But it is indeed more fun to be a travel and tourism player in Mindanao and with your support Cebu Pacifi c will continue to provide lower fares, direct access for foreign and local tourists,” she said. She said connectivity was their concern now and even

off er more travel opportuni-ties for everyone. At present, she said they operate fl ights to 19 inter-national and 32 domestic destinations or a total of 91 routes system-wide. “With CEB’s fl eet expan-sion plans in the next fi ve years or so, we are confi dent that the airline will be in strong position to be of service to more and more travelers in Asia and beyond,” she said.

SEAIR offers P1 fares to DavaoSOUTH East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) is off ering one-way piso fares to Davao as it launches its inaugural fl ight from Manila to Davao. Th e budget airline said the special rate will be available only on Saturday, August 18, from 12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. Travel must be undertaken between September 1 to 30,

2012. Th ose who want to avail of the P1 fares must log on to www.fl yseair.com or www.tigerairways.com. Davao, located in central Mindanao, is home to a prime beach resort, Pearl Farm, in Samal island. Other activities for Davao visitors are spelunking, white-water raft ing, skimboarding,

ziplining, and diving. Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak at 10,311 feet, is in Davao City. SEAIR said Davao City also has “rich cultural diver-sity through heritage sites such as the T’Boli Weaving Center, which showcases the intricate ‘tinalak’ fabric loomed by hand, and the Davao Museum, which fea-

tures tribal art.” Th e airline said it will use its new new A319 and A320 aircraft , which can accom-modate up to 180 passengers, for the Manila-Davao-Manila fl ights. SEAIR uses the Manila Domestic Airport, also known as Ninoy Aquino Internation-al Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4.

Cebu hotel hopes to capture a niche in EU, US tourism mart

CEBU City -- The House of Cebu, a new hotel in Banilad, Cebu City, hopes to get a chunk of Cebu’s hospitality industry, espe-cially long-staying tourists. To achieve the goal, May and Detlef Ernst poured millions of pesos to make The House of Cebu unique and interesting. One interesting feature is the hotel’s bar, which is called “Scrapyard,” because it is furnished with items from junkyards. Detlef described the ho-tel’s design as contemporary industrial and the first of its kind in Cebu. He said the hotel, located along the Ma. Luisa Road in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, would redefine the way tourists think about travel. Design hotels, he said, captured a new niche mar-ket, particularly long-stay-

ing tourists opting for a more interesting stay. He said Cebu was ready for this type of development given its exposure to various travel markets. “The design and items you see from the lobby, to bars and restaurants, and to individual hotel rooms will differentiate us from other hotels here,” May said. “Each room was care-fully thought of all because we want to offer a unique accommodation to tourists coming to Cebu,” May said. The concept of the hotel was also inspired by the couple’s travels abroad. May and Detlef lived in Shanghai, China before deciding to move to Cebu. May was a restaurant opera-tor and Detlef was in the steel bar business. The couple said it took them a year to finalize the

design of the hotel since they wanted to integrate the elements of the cultures they were exposed to during their trips abroad. The House of Cebu has 38 rooms with different designs, two of which are suites. Detlef said they hope to attract Europeans and Americans, as well as cor-porate clients from Manila. The couple invested more than P50 million for the designs and furnish-ings.

The Ernsts contacted Signal Properties Corp. to construct the hotel. The House of Cebu also has a restaurant called Paseo One. Detlef also allotted space on the second floor for art exhibits. To ensure a steady flow of guests, the couple said they would partner with travel agencies. They are also looking for resort partners with dive sites, like Moalboal, Malapascua and Bantayan.

Pump prices may go up by P3/liter this week

OIL companies are set to raise pump prices of gasoline by more than P3 per liter this week. This comes after oil companies put off rais-ing prices in calamity-hit areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces this week. “Tataas yan next week, di naman talagang bawi kasi meron na silang lost opportunity,” Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said. Prices of imported petroleum continued to increase this week. From Monday to Thursday, there was a P1.40/liter increase in gasoline, and P1.30/liter increase in diesel. Since oil companies put off increasing gasoline prices by P1.80 last week in Metro Manila, this means prices will likely increase by more than P3. For diesel, prices are expected to increase by P2.80. Transport groups were dismayed by the looming oil price hike, since this will bring diesel prices to more than P44/liter. “Wala na kaming choice kundi ipilit ang P10 pasahe sa jeep,” Pasang Masda president Roberto Martin said.

Banking / FinanceBanking / Finance 5August 20-23, 2012 www.businessweekmindanao.com


Network Bank net profit surges 93% in first half

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCOCorrespondent

DAVAO City -- The country’s biggest rural bank, Mindanao-based One Network Bank (ONB), nearly doubled its net income in the first seven months of the year amid high growth in its lending business. In a statement last week, ONB said it booked a profit of P336 million as of July, 93% higher than the P174 million realized in the same period in 2011. “If annualized, (this) translates to a 41% return on average private equity and 4% return on average assets, indicating a powerful core performance,” said Alex V. Bue-naventura, bank president. The increase in income also boosted its capital, which rose to P2.77 billion by the end of last month, already higher than the P2.4 billion minimum capi-tal requirement for commercial banks. Mr. Buenaventura, however, said the bank would not convert itself into a commercial bank. “We will maintain our status (as a rural bank) because this is where we

Another rural bank collapses; PDIC appointed as receiver

THE Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has placed the Rural Bank of Balete, Inc. under receivership, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) said on Friday. In a statement, PDIC said it took over the Aklan-based rural bank on Aug. 17 after the central bank ordered the bank’s closure through Monetary Board Resolu-tion No. 1335 dated Aug. 16. The Monetary Board places banks under receivership if they have insufficient liquid assets to meet liabilities. All assets of the rural bank will now be managed by PDIC. Rural Bank of Balete has two offices: its head office in Poblacion, Balete in Aklan and its branch in Kalibo, Aklan.

As of end-June, it had 5,716 bank accounts with total deposit liabilities amounting to P65.8 million. Bank depositors with balances of up to P10,000 and with no out-standing obligations do not need to file deposit insurance claims. “PDIC targets to start mailing payments to the depositors with small balances to their last known addresses recorded in the bank by the third week of Oct. 2012,” the state-deposit insurer said. Those with more than P10,000 in their accounts and have out-standing obligations should file their deposit insurance claims. PDIC will hold depositors’ forums on Aug. 24. The schedule and venue of the forums will be posted on the agency’s Web site (www.pdic.gov.ph) and at the

bank’s offices. Rural Bank of Balete is the 14th bank shuttered by the central bank this year. The others were First Provin-cial Bank, Inc. (A Rural Bank) in Tarlac; Rural Bank of Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte; Rural Bank of Luna, Inc. in La Union; Cooperative Bank of Iloilo, Inc. in Iloilo; Rural Bank of Nasugbu, Inc. in Batangas; Export and Industry Bank, Inc.; Rural Bank of Tagkawayan, Inc. in Quezon; Millennium Bank, Inc. in Cabanatuan; Rural Bank of Banayoyo, Inc. in Ilocos Sur; Banco Batangan, Inc. (A Rural Bank) in Batangas; Rural Bank of Naguilian, Inc. in La Union; Rural Bank of Badiangan, Inc. in Iloilo; and Rural Bank of Victoria, Inc. in Oriental Mindoro.

Flood-affected banks to get regulatory relief:BSP

THE central bank is extending relief to banks hit by the fl ooding spawned by non-stop monsoon rains last week so they, in turn, can provide assistance to their clients. Banks eligible for the relief mea-sures are those located in the National Capital Region; and in the provinces of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Panga-sinan in Region I; Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales in Region III; Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal in Region IV-A; Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro in Region IV-B; and Iloilo in Region VI. Monsoon rains battered Metro Manila and nearby provinces last week, triggering fl oods, killing at least 92 and displacing more than two million people.

Under the relief measures ap-proved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Monetary Board on Aug. 16, aff ected thrift banks, rural banks and cooperative banks may exclude the loans of borrowers aff ected by the fl oods from compu-tation of past due ratios as long as these loans are restructured. Banks’ general loan loss provi-sion for restructured loans has been reduced to 1% from 5%. Th ose with head offi ces and/or branches in aff ected areas will not be charged any penalties on reserve defi ciencies, while those undergoing rehabilitation will enjoy a moratorium on their monthly payments to the BSP. Th ey may also book allowances for probable losses for all types of

credit on a staggered basis over a maximum of five years, and will not be slapped monetary penalties for late submission of supervisory reports. For all types of banks, the central bank said they may extend fi nancial assistance to their employees and officers, including assistance not within the scope of existing fringe benefi t programs. All rediscounting banks will enjoy a 60-day grace period to settle rediscounting obligations as of Aug. 6. Th ey may also restructure with the central bank the rediscounted loans of aff ected borrowers. Th e BSP last year extended similar relief measures to banks aff ected by typhoons Mina and Pedring, and by tropical storms Juaning and Sendong.

are good at. Being a rural bank, we are able to provide our clients with products that commercial banks are also offering,” he told BusinessWorld. The increase in net income this year was due to more loans and receivables. ONB’s loan portfolio grew by 70% to P5 billion as de-posits rose by 40% to P14 billion during the period. Mr. Buenaventura said the bank

would continue to perform better as it opened its branch in Makati City, its 83rd. It had also opened its second branch in Butuan City, as well as new branches in Balingasag in Misamis Oriental and in Sangali in Zamboanga City. ONB is also waiting for regula-tors’ approval of its merger with the six-branch Rural Bank of San Enrique in Iloilo City.

IGNACIO BUNYE

SPEAKING OUTSPEAKING OUT

“A Good Infection”

JHAN TIAFAUHURST

THINK A MINUTETHINK A MINUTE

PED T. QUIAMJOT

TRAVERSING THETRAVERSING THETOURISM HI-WAYTOURISM HI-WAY

Remembering Senator Blas F. Ople

THINK a minute… Imagine you are walking through your town or village. Suddenly, you notice how red everyone’s eyes are and that many people are wearing sunglasses—indoors! You don’t have to be a genius to know that a bad eye infec-tion is spreading, infecting people who in turn infect other people. You and I can catch many diff erent kinds of infections from other people, especially from those with whom we spend a lot of time, such as our mate and close friends. And we do not just catch physical infections of our bodies. We catch other people’s attitudes,

priorities, way of thinking and living. Th is is the meaning of the well-known saying: “People are known by the company they keep.” Th at’s why we should choose the person we marry and our close friends very carefully. Like it or not, sooner or later we’re defi nitely going to be infected and infl uenced by their way of thinking and living. We will become like them in varying degrees. Imagine there was some-one whom you wanted to infl uence you with the best character, thinking and life-style. Someone you could be with all day every day. A person who understood and

accepted you, yet who also challenged and helped you improve daily in every area of your life. Soon everything about you started to change: your attitudes and character, your job and career success, your relationships, lifestyle and habits. All because of this one successful, exciting person you spent time with every day. Well, Jesus Christ came to do just that. He came to infect and start changing you with His character so you can start enjoying real satisfac-tion and success everyday. So why not ask Him to forgive you for your wrong heart, relationships and lifestyle?

Th en ask Him to take charge of your character and way of living. Only then can you catch His divine infection that will change your life permanently. Just think a minute…

COMPANIES doing busi-ness are into various cost cutting schemes when the economy of sales can no longer support the operating expense. Business bottom line has shrunk as revenue projections plunged below profi tability level. Among the easily targeted areas by management are the man-power and labor compli-ments, the contractual or non permanent job holders are the most susceptible. Second are the capital and energy expense which re-mains volatile to the periodic price increases dictated by the world market. Last are the controllable such as travel and transportation allow-ances and supplies. Labor is a painful alterna-tive to cost cutting as fami-lies dependent on income from wages are dislocated. Schools, food and household rentals are painful casual-

ties to labor and human resources retrenchments. Business losses are re-alities and retrenchments are management tools to stay afl oat. In the context of industrial labor, many progressive nations in the west have provided insurance to their workers as hedge to unemployment. How the insurance premiums are paid becomes a joint investment between the employer and the employee. As one of the rising econ-omy in Asia, our Congress needs a study to amend the Labor Code where employ-ment can be more protected. Nation building is made stronger when a broad spec-trum of human resources is employed and the workers rights are protected. Th ere are talks to end contractual-ization yet these persist only when Labor Day is about to be celebrated. Aft er May 1

each year, the subject matter disappears in the newspaper pages only to appear again during election years. Th e brilliance of the late Senator Blas F. Ople who au-thored the fi rst Labor Code and who presided later on several amendments during his stint in the Senate before his retirement to the DFA is missed in the labor front. None among the Senators now and the young Legisla-tors have taken his stand and advance the interests of the workers acceptable to the industry and the business communities. At the prime of his life-time, I have met the late Senator on several 5-star hotel bar lounge when he was still the Marcos Administra-tion Secretary of Labor and Employment grasping his favorite Scotch Glass. He likes a certain brand that must have fi red his intelligence.

His thick eyelids and round eyes have a diminishing look that scares someone who is not familiar with him. But those who have rubbed el-bows and served him enjoy his loud jokes and company. Senator Blas F. Ople died December 13, 2003. His landmark legislation on la-bor remains unmatched in Philippine jurisprudence and to think that he was not even a lawyer.

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6 August 20-23, 2012 OpinionOpinion www.businessweekmindanao.com


Knowing your consumer rightsIN the past few years, I have received numerous complaints from Filipino consumers regarding a myriad of issues—most of them concerning credit cards. Without most of us knowing about it, there is a way to protect ourselves from frauds and “predators” in the business and trade industry. According to the De-partment of Trade Industry (DTI), the key to better con-sumer protection is knowing the Consumer Act of the Philippines. The Consumer Act of the Philippines, or Republic Act No. 7394, took effect on July 15, 1992. It promotes the State’s policy “to protect the interest of the consumer, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry.” The Act aims to protect consumers against hazards to health and safety, and against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices. It also seeks to give in-formation and education to facilitate sound choice and the proper exercise of

consumer rights, and to provide adequate rights and means of redress. Lastly, it aims to involve consumer representatives in the formulation of social and economic policies. Consumer products or services are defined as “goods, service and credits, debts or obligations which are primarily for personal, family, household or agricul-tural purpose, which shall include, but not limited to food, drugs, cosmetics and devices.” The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is among the government agencies that implement the Consumer Act. It concerns itself with consumer credit transac-tions extended by banks and other financial inter-mediaries. Here is a list of the other government agencies imple-menting the Consumer Act and their areas of concern: • Department of Trade and Industry: consumer product quality and safe-ty; deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices; weights and measures (metrication); consumer products and service warranties; price

tag; labeling and packaging; liability for products and services; service and repair shops; and advertising and sales promotion. • Department of Agricul-ture: agricultural products (quality and safety, and labeling and packaging) • Department of Educa-tion: consumer education and information • Department of Health: food, drugs, cosmetics and devices and hazardous sub-stances (quality and safety; labeling and packaging; advertising and sales pro-motion; and price tag) • Securities and Exchange Commission: credit facilities extended to consumers by financing companies.

IT could be better but no one is complaining. The economy of Mindanao has not been better for some time now. Previously Min-danao depended heavily on the price of corn. This has been good at about P12 a kilo. The short-age of corn from American Midwest because of diver-sion to ethanol production has prodded corn importing nations like South Korea to look for sources elsewhere. And a logical source is the Philippines. Right now a number of Korean firms are looking for large tracts of land to plant corn. But corn has been supplanted by other cash crops like sugar. The price of sugar is fairly good but it will still be next month that the milling season will start. But in the agriculture sector the real bright spots are the export products like banana, pineapple, and rubber. The price of rubber which was 5 centavos cup lump kilo a few years ago rose to 95 centavos. In this situation a couple of trees would be able to support a family. The potential is big for rubber plantations and

Mindanao’s economy hummingthe gov-ernment is doing all it can. The danger is that prices can drop but this is unlikely since many of our rubber producing neighbours have shifted to even more lucra-tive products like palm oil. We have a number of Ko-rean firms looking for land for palm oil. Exotic fruits like durian, mangosteen, lansones, dragon fruit, and meaty varieties of macopa, rambutan and others are all doing well. One of the causes of Mindanao prosperity is the removal of the negative factor of fighting. There are still some hot heads like Kato and some NPAs but they are now operating in very limited areas. With peace the poor people of Mindanao can go ahead with their livelihood. (Our small micro finance operation, Milamdec, is lending over P400 million this year.) A good number of former NPAs have moved to trying to make a living, like raising of cat fish and planting corn. We have had a minimum of brown outs and with the FIT price of renewable en-

ergy big compa-nies have

gone in to power production and should bear effect in a couple of years. We should have adequate power in a couple of years which will improve productivity considerably. There are even small BPOs and IPOs operating in some cities of Mindanao. In contrast to the European unemploy-ment, there is always a job for anyone who wants to work in Mindanao. Another bright potential is the operation of mining companies. We have the potential of the largest cop-per mine in the world in Tampacan. It still has a long way to go but it is getting there. The three faults that pass through the Philippines all pass through Mindanao. Right now only the eastern fault and to some extent the western fault is being accessed. The middle fault has hardly been touched. There is a lot of potential in Mindanao mining but we have to see to it that more people share in its bonanza. We really have not been able to regulate small scale

VIEWS & COMMENTSBy EMETERIO BARCELON

7August 20-23, 2012 www.businessweekmindanao.com


CdeO back on our feet, and moving forward…

“A City in Bloom, in Blossom, and in Boom”

I fervently hope and pray that all of us would positively look forward to start with a new lease in life, and ultimately leave behind the agony, anguish and great pain caused by the tragedy.

As we pay homage and honor to our Patron Saint

Augustine, may we regain newfound strength and courage to bring back the glory, luster and splendor of our…”City in Bloom, in Blossom, and in Boom”.

VIVA! SEÑOR SAN AGUSTIN!!!

VICENTE Y. EMANO City Mayor

Date Activity Venue Aug. 13-31 Art Tsada Tourism

Showhouse Aug. 15 1PM

Agro Fair, Rodeo & Horse Show Opening

Macapagal Drive

Aug. 16 8AM

Agro Industrial Fair-Booth Display Agro Industrial Fair-P4MP Day

Macapagal Drive

Aug. 17, 8AM Agro Industrial Fair H-4 Day Macapagal Drive

Aug. 18, 6AM 4PM 6PM 6PM 7PM

Family Fun Run Ms. Kagay-an Swimsuit Competition Search for Barangay Gwapo Search for Tropang Astig sa Brgy. Ms. Kagay-an Sponsors’ Night

Pueblo Park

-

-

Kiosko Divisoria

Koresco Hotel

Aug. 18-28 Kasadya sa Pueblo Horseback Riding, Housing Festival & Weekend Night Market

Regatta Square Regatta Square

Aug. 19, 3AM 6AM 8AM - 6PM

Kagay-an Festival Marathon 21st Combat Mountain Bike Fiesta Skate Jam Motorcycle Show Buhagay sa Fighter Wine

Rodelsa Circle Gaston Park Amphitheater Pueblo Park Kiosko Divisoria

Aug. 20 8AM

Agro Industrial Fair- RIC Day Livestock Show Opening/Motorcade

Macapagal Drive Macapagal Drive

Aug. 20-25 Kasadya sa Pueblo 3-on-3 Street Basketball Soccer Fiesta Tournament Airsoft IPSC Challenge

Pueblo Business Park

Aug. 21 8AM 1PM

Agro Industrial Fair-Fisherfolk Day Agro Industrial Fair-Livestock Show Dancesports Competition

Macapagal Drive Macapagal Drive LKKS

Aug. 22 8AM 5:30PM 7PM

Agro Industrial Fair-CAFCO Day Livestock Show-Goat Event Kagay-an Festival Mass Celebration Ms. Kagay-an Casual & Long Gown

Macapagal Drive Macapagal Drive Cathedral Church

Rodelsa Hall

Aug. 23 8AM

Agro Industrial Fair-CFACO Day Product Presentation/Contests Livestock Show-Cattle & Carabao Event

Macapagal Drive Macapagal Drive

Aug. 24,6AM 10AM 2PM 6PM 6PM 6PM 6:30PM -

Rodeo Show Opening Kapuso Baranggayan Kapuso Campus Tour GMA Kapuso Night Rodeo Night Search for Tropang Astig RMN Pa-Fiesta Concert Kagay-an Street Party

Macapagal Drive

Indahag

Capito Univ.

SM City

Macapagal Drive

Kiosko

Sports Center

Dolores-Velez

Date Activity Venue Aug. 24-25 7PM

1st Mayor Emano & Cong. Benaldo Folk & Country Music

Night Café (Rizal Street)

Aug. 25, 6AM 7AM 8AM 8AM 8AM 10AM 1PM 4PM 5PM 6PM 6PM 7PM - 9PM

Horse Show Opening PE Rhythmic Dance Competition CMOFA Football Festival Oro Lechoneros Encuentro RMN Medical Mission Year 3 Kapuso Baranggayan w/ Stars Dancesport Competition Kapamilya Fiesta Caravan Rodeo Show Awarding Cowboy’s Night Search for Tropang Astig Manila Artist- Coco Martin Dog Show & Dog Fun Run Pulse Bikini Bash

Macapagal Drive

Sports Center

Canitoan

Macapagal Drive

Capitol Grounds

Calaanan

LKKS

SM City

Macapagal Drive

Macapagal Drive

Kiosko

SM City

Pueblo Park

Pulse

Aug. 25-26 Aug. 25-31

1st Mayor Dongkoy Emano Dart Tournament Kahimunan Trade Fair

Tourism Hall SM City

Aug. 26 7AM 8AM 1PM 6PM 8PM

21st Combat Mountain Bike Kagay-an Cultural Street Dancing Competition Livestock Show Tapok Bol-anon Tibook Cdeo ug MisOr Horse Show Awarding Ms. Kagay-an Coronation Night

Gaston Park

Rodelsa-Sports Center

Macapagal Drive

Tourism Hall

Macapagal Drive

Atrium, LKKS

Aug. 27 7AM 8AM 4PM 5PM 5PM 6PM 8PM

Kagay-an Festival Parade Civic-Military/Golden Float Agro-Industrial Fair Awarding Kalo Festival Christian Bautista RMN Variety Show TM Astigfest Concert Kagay-an Pyro Festival

Rodelsa-LKKS Macapagal Drive SM City

SM City

Capitol Grounds

LKKS Parking

SM City

Aug. 27-28 9AM-7PM

2nd Mayor Dongkoy Emano Fiesta Chess Tournament

SM City Carpark Bldg.

Aug. 28 4AM 7AM 1PM 4PM 5PM -

VIVA SR. SAN AGUSTIN!!! Diana by the 4th ID Fluvial Procession RMN Street Kids Party Kapuso Mall Show Kagay-an Festival Revelry Bombo Radyo Free Concert TM Fiesta Caravan

CdeO River

Capitol Grounds

LKKS Mall

SM City

Sports Center

Aug. 29-30 First Boat Racing Macabalan

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCdeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbback on our feet, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnndddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmoooooooooooooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg forward…

““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA“““““““““A CCCCCCCCCCCCiiiiiiiiiiiiCiiCC tiiiiitttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitittyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyytttttttttttttttttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyttttttttttttttttttttttttttttyyyyyyy ininiinn BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBlllllllllllllllllllllllllBBllllllllBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBllllloloolollooooooomoomomm,m, iininiinn BBBBBBBBBlBlBBlBllololollossssssssssssosssssssoososssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssosooooooooooooooooooooossssssoooooooooooomoomomm,m, anannanndddddnddddddddddddddddddddddddddnd ininiinn BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBoBoBBoB oooooomoomomm””

MESSAGE

Though all of us are still grieving over the untimely loss of our loved ones who perished in the ‘Sendong’ tragedy, Cagayan de Oro City, thank God, has definitely risen back on its feet… and moving on after the catastrophe.

As we pay homage and honor to our Patroine, may we regainnn nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnewfound strength and couback the glory, lustererererrrrrerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr and splendor of our…in Blossom, and in Boom”””””””””””””””””””.

VIVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! SEÑÑÑORRRRRRRRRRRR SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSAAN AGUSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!

VICENTE Y. EMANO

Published by the City Information Office of Cagayan de Oro

repaired (Repair)? Will ex-change do (Replace)? • Gather documents. Gather documentation re-garding your complaint. Sales receipts, repair orders, war-ranties, cancelled checks, or contract which will sub-stantiate the complaint and help the company solve your problem. • Go back to where you made the purchase. Contact the person who sold you the item or performed the ser-

Bunye...from page 6

small scale mining. But this is not only a local problem. It also is a worldwide problem. How to help the small miners and at the same time make sure they follow environmentally necessary rules. Agriculture especially export agriculture has been good to Mindanao. Mining is potential. Power will soon be suffi cient. Th e next is development of industrial clout. Th en Mindanao can be of help to the rest of the country.

Barcelon...from page 6

The DTI, in a primer, said the consumer should follow this process if he or she has a complaint before the abovementioned govern-ment agencies: • Identify the problem. Identify the problem and what you believe would be a fair settlement. Do you want your money back (Refund)? Would you like the product

vice. Calmly and accurately explain the problem and what action you would like to be taken. If that person is not helpful, ask for the supervisor or manager and repeat your complaint. A large percent-age of consumer problems are resolved at this level. • Write a formal letter of complaint. If you are not satisfied with the company’s response, write a formal letter of complaint to the consumer protection agency concerned.

State your name and address; the name and address of the establishment against whom you are complaining; the circumstances regarding the complaint including names, dates, places, etc. Also, en-close supporting documents such as official receipts, deed of sale and the like, and you should be prepared to make an appearance when called, especially during the media-tion conference. For BSP-related concerns,

you may contact: The Head Financial Consumer Af-fairs Group Supervision and Ex-amination Sector, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, A. Mabini St., Malate, Manila 1004 E-mail: [email protected]; Tel. No. (02) 7087087 Note: You may email us at [email protected].

8 August 20-23, 2012 Congress.WatchCongress.Watch www.businessweekmindanao.com


http://www.businessweekmindanao.com/ | Advertising: 09177121424 09177121424 | http://www.facebook.com/BusinessWeek.Mindanao

LAWMAKERS against the Reproductive Health Bill may have succeeded in halting developments on the proposed measure but those pushing for it urged the leaders of the House of Representatives on Friday to no longer tolerate such actions. Asked to comment on Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez’s statement that it was not the privilege speeches of anti-RH law-makers which prevent-ed the bill from being opened to amendments but the low attendance of pro-RH legislators on the floor, House deputy majority leader Janette Garin reiterated “palusot lang nila yan. We were just being polite first to Congressman (Dennis) Socrates then (Congress-man) Rufus (Rodriguez) then the rest.” It was Socrates, who represented Palawan in the House of Repre-sentatives, who insisted on Tuesday that he be granted the time for a privilege speech on the sudden change in the schedule of voting for the termination of House Bill 4244 debates. He said that it was unfair to many lawmakers who prepared to cast their votes on August 7 only to learn that it was moved to August 6. Members of the House who voted through viva

voce vote were split on allowing him to speak or not. The Palawan lawmaker’s request for a nominal voting, after failing to secure enough “aye” or yes votes through viva voce, was left hang-ing when session was adjourned. “The next day we made it clear on the re-cord that anti-responsi-ble parenthood congress-men are filibustering, conveying to the leader-ship that this should not be tolerated anymore in the coming session days,” added Garin, one of the proponents of the bill. She believes that law-makers working in op-position to HB 4244 have stepped up their efforts to prevent amendments from being tackled be-cause they “presumably got a ‘scolding’ from a powerful sector for allowing the debate to end.”

Fit all buses with ‘speed limiters’, solons propose

Reps Max and Rufus Rodriguez

LAWMAKERS are looking to require the installa-tion of “speed limiters” in all public buses in Metro Manila, in hopes of reduc-ing accidents involving the over-speeding – and often racing – vehicular behemoths. House Bill 6395, filed by Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Party-list Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. of Abante Mindanao, proceeds from a study by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. The LTFRB says that in 2011, there were 395 victims of bus accidents, resulting in 74 deaths, 300 injuries and 20 cases of damage to property.

The device the congressmen want installed will limit the maximum speed of public utility buses plying Metro Manila to 40 kph; the limit will be 60 kph for those trav-elling to provincial routes. Should it become law, the proposal will put the burden of purchasing and installing the speed limiting devices to bus owners and operators. The buses will be sub-jected to a regular inspec-tion by the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The registration, renewal and approval of franchises of the buses will only be allowed when speed limiters will have been in-stalled.

“All these accidents hap-pen because these public utility buses drive all over the country as if they are in a race, always speeding

and changing lanes without any concern for their fellow motorists,” he said. There are mechanical and electronic speed limiters.

PH eyes legal options on Panatag ShoalTHE country is finally eye-ing legal remedies before international forums to re-solve its territorial dispute with China over the Pana-tag (Scarborough) Shoal, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said. “We can tell you that we are now exploring with great initiative the legal option,” he told the House committee on appropria-tions, which conducted a hearing on the 2013 bud-get of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). “We can’t reveal the de-tails of our move in public, but we can provide them to you in a closed-door session,” he said. Del Rosario made the statement in response to questions raised by Cagay-an de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who said the government should now bring the Panatag Shoal is-sue to international bodies such as the United Nations for “compulsory arbitra-

tion.” “I think we should do that because diplomatic and political efforts to resolve it have failed due to China’s intransigence,” he said. Rodriguez said the dis-puted area is clearly within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone under the UN on the Law of the Sea. The shoal is just 124 miles off Zambales, and more than 400 miles from the nearest Chinese territory. He lamented that for the first time in decades, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) failed in its recent meeting in Cambodia to come up with a joint communiqué containing its common stand on the problem in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). “That was because of China’s influence over Cambodia. A Cambodian diplomat even had the gall

to turn off the microphone while you were speaking, Mr. Secretary,” Rodriguez told Del Rosario. The DFA chief also said China appears to be taking its own sweet time in considering an ASEAN proposal for a Code of Conduct in the West Phil-ippine Sea. “China has taken a posi-tion that it would consider discussing the proposed Code of Conduct with ASEAN when the time is right. We don’t know when that would be. The proposed code would be binding on all parties,” he said. He said the Philippines has suggested “some fun-damental elements” that have been incorporated in the code. Del Rosario agreed with some members of the ap-propriations committee that only the DFA should speak for the country when it comes to foreign rela-

tions-related issues like the conflict over Panatag Shoal. “That should be the appropriate protocol. But there are officials who have been asked about this issue and they have responded in their own way. I think the protocol should be restated,” he said. Manila Rep. Zenaida Angping, who presided over the hearing as head of a subcommittee in charge of the DFA budget, said even lawmakers should avoid making statements on the country’s territorial dispute with China. Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay said President Aquino’s spokespersons Edwin Lacierda, Ricky Carandang and Abigail Valte have issued state-ments “that further in-censed China.” “As a result, they retali-ated by banning the entry of Philippine bananas in their territory,” she said.

House leaders urged not to tolerate

filibustering on RH Bill

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Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

DIVISORIA BRANCH A y. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro CityTel. # (088) 231-6739a

August 20-23, 2012 9Agri NewsAgri News www.businessweekmindanao.com


Gov’t bares feats for MisOr thru convergence

REGIONAL CONVERGENCE CONSULTATIVE MEETING. In order to bring considerable impact to poor rural farming communities in Misamis Oriental, DA-DENR-DAR and DILG, the latest addition in the CI program, have discussed important platforms to realize a ‘seamless convergence’ in the succeeding years. The right photo shows DA-10 RTD for Operations Engr. Roxana H. Hojas facilitating the said consultation, wherein she urged the Program stakeholders in the provincial and municipal levels to formally create a technical working group to fortify the Program’s efforts. Meanwhile, left photo shows Municipal Agriculturist – Gingoog City Edgardo G. Sanchez verifying the prioritization of projects within his area of responsibility from the DAR’s end.

ABOUT P183,087.38 million of funds was utilized for the year 2011 to extend aid to farmers and fisherfolks to the 1st district of Misamis Oriental after a year it has been formally launched as a local convergence agro-enterprise cluster (LCAEC) in Northern Mindanao by the government triad – Depart-ment of Agriculture (DA), Department of En-vironment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

additional commitments for the current year 2012. Accordingly, the CI Pro-gram Secretariat also report-ed the preliminary commit-ments from the government triad with an estimated overall budget allocation amounting to P 80.5 mil-lion: DA – P66, 366,738.92, DENR – 11,764,000 and DAR – 2,456,000. The local government units (LGUs), on the other hand, who’ve proven as the staunch allies of DA-DENR-DAR have counterparted funds and played an integral role in identifying which projects should be realized in their respective areas for the past year, have likewise showed continued support through initially dedicating a budget for the Program totaling to P10, 874,677.23. To strengthen initiatives under the Program, RTD Engr. Hojas underscored the formalization of having technical working groups in the provincial and munici-pal levels. Nevertheless, it was recognized by the body that the urgency of creat-ing such committees would advance, if and when, a Joint Administrative Order will be formally issued to the Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG), which is now regarded as one of the prime movers of the Program.

In a recent consultative meeting, the CI Program Secretariat revealed that of the total commitments that the three agencies have pledged amounting to nearly P 131 million last year, DA-DENR-DAR has financially allocated some P 322,747.38 million for the period. As the CI program seeks ‘to expand economic op-portunities by increasing agricultural productivity, diversifying agricultural production, and maintain-ing ecological balance across ecosystems’, the government triad has poured support to the said province, par-ticularly the Mt. Balatukan Range LCAEC which covers the municipalities of Balin-gasag, Lagonglong, Salay, Binuangan, Sugbongcogon, Kinoguitan, Balingoan, Tali-sayan, Medina, Magsaysay and the city of Gingoog. Of which include pro-duction support, post har-vest facilities assistance, market development ser-vices, regulatory services,

irrigation support, educa-tion support and training services, natural resources management, infrastructure development and among others. In her message, DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Engr. Roxana H. Hojas expressed that DA is looking forward to implement a ‘seamless convergence’ in the suc-ceeding years. She explained that the three rural agencies of the government would take the lead in crafting suitable interventions that would convey impact to poor farming and fishing rural communities. She added that the con-sultation is crucial to assess the Program’s performance for the previous year and to also validate submitted reports, especially at the mu-nicipal level. Furthermore, she stressed the need to reactivate the participation of the involved government agencies through soliciting

NOMIARC showcases value-added productsTHE Department of Ag-riculture – Regional Field Unit No. 10, through the Northern Mindanao Inte-grated Agricultural Research Center (NOMIARC) and satellite research stations was among the 126 ex-hibitors to showcase value-added products during a recently-concluded national convergence of Research and Development products exhibition for agriculture and fisheries. The event, dubbed as the Agriculture and Fish-eries National Technology Commercialization Forum and Product Exhibition is sponsored by the Bureau of Agricultural Research, the country’s coordinat-ing agency for agriculture and fisheries research and development (R&D). The forum ran on August 9-12, 2012 at the MegaTrade Halls 1 and 2, SM MegaMall, Mandaluyong City. “This (national event) is an opportunity for us to showcase Region 10’s com-modity champions and the technologies we have gener-ated from our research and development stations,” said Director Lester Jaducana, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Development. The DA-10 booth dis-played mature technologies and value-added products generated by NOMIARC, Claveria Experiment Station (CES) and Malaybalay Stock Farm (MSF). Hundreds of

visitors and stakeholders from all over the country flocked at the booth and witnessed the products and technologies DA-10 has to offer. At the exhibit, walk-in visitors caught interest on value-added products and innovations generated by DA-10’s research stations. Product lines displayed were in the form of crunch, chips and confectioneries. Meanwhile, NOMIARC, CES, and MSF-produced wine products made of ad-lai, sweet potato, black rice, sweet sorghum, yacon, ma-rang and tomato also held interest from exhibition goers. “These food innova-tions have transformed our ordinary crops into value-added products which invite potential entrepreneurs into future agribusiness ven-tures,” NOMIARC Center Manager Juanita Salvani said. While production and

processing of these value-added products are an on-going activity, NOMIARC and the research centers are gauged into perfect-ing product packaging and marketability. Aside from tossing up the region’s R&D products and services, the DA-10 staff also accommodated walk-in clients in terms of crop production solutions and business matching. Commodity production guides in leaflets and fly-ers were also distributed to interested clients. Production and pro-motion of value-added products are made pos-sible through the funding support of the Bureau of Agricultural Research to showcase the government’s efforts in helping the coun-try’s small and medium agri-fishery enterprises cope with an increasingly competitive global environ-ment

FEATS/PAGE 10

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10 August 20-23, 2012 www.businessweekmindanao.com


grid. The National Grid Cor-poration of the Philippines (NGCP) puts the island-region’s system capacity at only 1027 megawatts (MW) in its latest weekly power outlook bulletin, 133 MW short of the Mindanao grid’s 1160 MW system load. Antonino also said MPMC shall study the power summit proposals such as the creation of a Mindanao Power Corpora-tion, which shall take on the operation and maintenance of the Agus and Pulangi hydro power complexes. Such proposal is now gaining ground in Congress with the filing of House Bill No. 6308, proposing for the creation of a Min-danao Power Corporation, authored by House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, Rep. Ma. Isabel Climaco of Zam-boanga City. Representative Arnulfo Go of Sultan Kudarat’s sec-ond congressional district, was among those who hailed the creation of the monitor-ing body. Go, chair of the Spe-cial House Committee on Mindanao Affairs, said his committee will be working closely with the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization and the Committee on Energy on the proposed measure. “I believe that the cre-ation of MPMC will ensure a dynamic and efficient performance of all electric cooperatives and power al-liances in Mindanao,” said Go in a press statement. He added that the cre-ation of a monitoring body will help bolster a more effective generation and delivery of power in the island-region. “Together with the Min-danao lawmakers bloc in Congress, I will support measures that will address the energy needs of Min-danao,” Go, whose district is suffering from one to two-hour daily power cur-tailment, said.

Leaders...from page 1

Industry Regulation Act of 1998 or RA 8479 ensures a truly competitive market under a regime of fair prices, adequate and continuous supply of environmental-ly-clean and high quality petroleum products and encourages competition and the entry of new players in the oil market, Monsada also said.

Oil...from page 1

(68) were on the list. Others in the tailend were: Bucloc (77.2) and Lacub (67.2) in Abra; Ki-bungan (67.9) in Benguet; Jose Abad Santos (72.3) and Sarangani (72.1) in Davao del Sur; Panda (70.1), Guindulungan (67.7) and Gen. SK Pendatun (67.1) in Maguindanao; Mabu-hay (68.9) in Zamboanga Sibugay; Tagoloan (70.1), Nunungan (67.9), Munai (67.5) and Tangkal (67.4) in Lanao del Norte. On average, Zambo-anga del Norte has a lower poverty incidence on its households despite host-ing seven of the country’s poorest towns. Even then, its 55-percent average poverty incidence would mean half of its population are needing welfare assistance. Maguindanao, with three of the poorest towns, was in the company of Zamboanga del Norte, with a 55.64-av-erage poverty incidence. A bright spot would be flashed by Sulu island, once a perennial member of the country’s poorest provinces, but which has since shown a leap of faith in itself, with an average poverty incidence of 49.37 percent. Seven years earlier, in 2000, it had an incidence of poverty of 63.2 percent. Sulu shone brightest when the NSCB survey on selected food items lauded its selling of the country’s cheapest rice, much cheaper than those in Central Luzon, the country’s rice granary, and in the Cotabato prov-inces, the country’s rice bowl. The survey used the small area estimates of poverty among their population. Estrella R. Turingan, NSCB regional head for the Davao region, said the survey uses income figures of the lo-calities and computed per capita. The 2009 survey “com-bined the latest data avail-able such as the merged 2009 Family Income and Expenditure Survey [FIES]-Labor Force Survey [LFS], and 2007 Census of Popula-tion [PopCen],” the NSCB said in its web site posting. Meanwhile, reporters in Davao City grilled the NSCB here over the methods used in estimating the poverty of the municipalities, warning that the method of using per capita distribution would not reflect what interna-tional lending and ratings firms have seen as the wid-ening income disparity in the country. Some reports suggested to government statistical agencies to conduct field validations. The independent survey group, Ibon Philippines, has said that the latest govern-ment poverty surveys have “excluded the poor from the poverty count.” “Halfway into the Aquino administration’s second year in office until today, the 2011 poverty methodol-ogy comes under fire for reducing the number of poor by sheer term and method redefinition and

Towns...from page 1

Lao said that Mindanao needs to put up at least 1,000 megawatts of new capacities in the next 10 years and another 1,500 MW from 2021-2030 to support its growing economy. The committee, which shall be headed by the Min-danao Development Author-ity (MinDA), chaired by Sec. Luwalhati Antonino, is tasked to put forward and coordinate the efforts of national, regional and local governments, and power industry stakeholders to improve the power situation in Mindanao. “I am thankful that the President approved the cre-ation of MPMC which will monitor, harmonize, and in-tegrate measures to address the island-region’s power situation,” said Antonino, who represented President Aquino at the closing of the 21st Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) recently in Butuan City. MinBizCon is the largest annual gathering of business leaders in Mindanao. Antonino said MPMC shall lay the ground for the setting up of a One-Stop-Shop Processing Center (OSSPC) for mini hydro power plant applications in Mindanao, with support from the Department of Energy (DOE). MPMC is composed of MinDA, DoE, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Electrifica-tion Administration (NEA), National Power Corporation (NPC), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Manage-ment Corporation (PSALM) and representatives from MEPA and the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO). It is set to convene a Technical Working Group Meeting this week. Antonino stressed that as early as January this year, MinDA had initiated series of advocacies to push for measures and policies aimed at bringing to an end the recurring power problem Mindanao. At the height of the power problem in April, MinDA, in collaboration with the DOE, convened the Mindanao Power Summit in Davao City and rallied the Mindanao stakeholders around short and long-term solutions to the problem. “The committee will be working on the rec-ommendations presented by the Mindanao power stakeholders to President Aquino during the summit,” said Antonino in a separate statement. She said President Aqui-no has been earnest in his desire to address the power situation in Mindanao. She said that MPMC shall also ensure the establish-ment of a power monitoring mechanism that regularly generates information on Mindanao power generation and distribution, including status of efforts to add new generating capacities to the

the country were in this island, and most of them are in Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte and Davao del Sur. These were the same provinces where a separate NSCB survey on selected food items showed that beef and chicken meat were sold cheaper there or in their adjacent areas than anywhere else in the rest of the country. The NSCB report tagged the town of Siayan, an inte-rior mountain municipality of Zamboanga del Norte, as the Philippines poorest with a poverty incidence of 79.9 percent. That would roughly translate into four of every five residents unable to meet the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing. Six other Zamboanga del Norte towns of Bal-iguian (75.3 percent), Go-dod (71.1), Gutalac (70.4), Manukan (68.2), Sibuco (68.2) and Jose Dalman

not by employing substan-tial programs and policies that would physically and strategically address the causes of poverty,” Ibon said in its July 31 posting. It said the “third revi-sion to date [the first be-ing in 1992, the second in 2003], the 2011 methodol-ogy yielded a lower increase in the number of poor by 970,000 or from 22.17 in 2006 to 23.14 in 2009.” “The new count also re-duced the number of hungry Filipinos by 58,000 families, or around 290,000 individu-als. As a result, the Philip-pines was deemed closer to reaching the Millen-nium Development Goal [MDG] of reducing poverty by half by 2015 than if the old poverty methodology were used,” it said. At the very least, it added, “this makes the country’s economy appear to be im-proving, which is supposed to be good news for busi-nesses here and abroad.”

ber of players, however, those from fuel retail mar-keting, registered the most number of 1,019 players or 85.34 percent which already included the independent players of auto LPG stations. This was followed by liquid bulk fuel marketing with 136 players or 11.39 percent, bunkering with 19 players or 1.59 percent, LPG bulk marketing, 11 players or 0.9 percent and terminalling, nine (9) play-ers or 0.7 percent. As to the number of gas stations, a total of 4,490 gas stations were noted to have been in operation through-out the country, as of the end of 2011, of which 758 or 16.88 percent were new players, already including the 261 independent players. Of this number, 3,021 gas stations 67.28 percent are stationed in Luzon, 669 or 14.90 percent, are stationed in the Visayas and 800 or 17.82 percent are stationed in Mindanao. Monsada said there were only 3,658 gas stations in the country in 1996. In 2006, the number of gasoline stations was reduced to 3,472 or -5.08 percent, but increased to 4,490 or 29.32 percent, this year. Likewise, of the 758 new players in 2011, the most number of 261 were inde-pendent players, followed by Flying V, 175 stations, Seaoil, 144, Total Phils, 118, , Phoenix, 96 Jetti, 49, PTT/SBDI, 39, Unioil, 30, Eastern, 28, Filoil Gas Co., Inc., 27, Metro Oil Subic, 13, Uno Fuel, 12, City Oil, 11, Nation Petroleum, eight (8), and USA 88, seven (7). Monsada said the imple-mentation of Republic Act No. 8479, “An Act Deregu-lating the Downstream Oil Industry, and for other Pur-poses,” has paved the way for more new players, who are in current operation of the industry. The Downstream Oil

In response, Mr. Alexan-der M. Miego of DILG as-sured the enlistment of more members from the agency to partake in the Program as soon as the order will be forwarded to their offi ce. He

Feats...from page 9

also guaranteed the body to get updates relative to the issuing of an order to the LGUs in the establishment of technical working groups, both in the provincial and municipal ranks. The Convergence Pro-gram adopts the ‘ridge-to-reef ’ approach: a holistic, collaborative, multiple-use, and sustainable manage-ment of natural resources in attaining poverty reduc-tion and sustainable rural development by ensuring food security, enhanced access to lands and self-reliance of constituencies and increase resilience in communities. # (Joanne L. Olson, DA-10)

businessweek mindanao august 20,2012

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