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Volume III, No. 274
Market Indicators
As of 5:59 pm AUG. 7, 2013 (Wednesday)
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Briefly Confidence high MINDANAO business leaders have expressed confidence that the recent bombings in parts of the island will not in any way dampen their spirits in promoting the area as an investment haven. Ricardo Juliano, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industr y (PCCI) vice president for Mindanao, said in a statement that were not deterred by the attacks that rocked the business districts of the cities of Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro in the last two weeks. “We cannot be deterred. We just have to move forward. Being deterred means they -- those who want to create the troubles -- have won,” he said.
How to do business THE Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) in partnership with DTI Region 10 will conduct a s er i e s of i nfo r m at i o n sessions on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) through its “Doing Business in Free Trade Area” (DBFTA) program on August 13 at N Hotel here, August 14 in Iligan and August 15 in Ozamiz. The program is a massive ad vo c ac y c a m pai g n fo r businesses, industry groups, the academe, and other stakeholders to increase their awareness as well as foster appreciation for the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs), and how they could avail of these benefits. Moreover, these sessions will discuss how businesses could increase trade with Philippine FTA partners.
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WITH 54%-COAL, 24%-HYDRO IN 2015:
Govt sees M’nao power stabilized in three yrs. D
By BONG S. SARMIENTO, MindaNews
AVAO City — The government is expecting stable power supply in Mindanao in 2015, coming mostly from coal power plants although efforts are underway to also fast-track renewable energy projects to balance the energy mix in the island in the long-term, officials said.
According to the “Mindanao Power Situation and MPMC (Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee) Updates June 2013” of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), between
now and 2020 – or within seven years — the power generation mix in Mindanao i s e x p e c t e d to c h a n ge drastically from the present 52% hydro and 31% coal, power/PAGE 10
REJUV GINSENG:
MINBIZCON. President Benigno Aquino III speaks before the participants to the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference at SMX Lanang Premiere, Davao City on August 8, 2013. The 3-day conference provides a venue for key business leaders in crafting policy agenda that will prepare the Philippines for the Asean Economic Community (AEC) 2015 integration. mindanews photo by toto lozano
Largest BPO firm sets foot in M’nao
THE country’s biggest private employer is venturing into Mindanao, putting up its 22nd call center in Davao City with an initial 800 seats expected to be filled up by September. In a briefing, Convergys Corp executives said the Davao facility may be followed by another site BPO/PAGE 10
A Breakthrough in Skin Lightening, Revitalisation and Rejuvenation! Muzi Enterprises Inc recently held a press conference for the launch of its REJUV GINSENG 5 in 1 Active Formula Soap! The 1st Beauty Soap that uses Korean Gins eng as its core ingredient and promises
to give consumers beautiful glowing skin thru its Lightening, Revitalisation and Rejuvenating properties from the Ginseng Extract Formulation. Aside from its Korean Ginseng Extract, rejuv/PAGE 8 advertorial
Feedmiller to aid backyard hog raisers By BUTCH D. ENERIO Correspondent
ILIGAN City -- A growing concern on the seemingly imba lance bet ween hog raiser’s population and the growing meat, mainly pork, consumption has propelled feeds producer Pi lmico Animal Nutrition Corp. to scale up the promotion of backyard livestock raising in the country. B a s e d on P i l m ic o’s
a s s e s s me nt , w h i le t he local livestock industry is predominantly small-scale or backyard type, the lack of financing and technical know-how prompted many players to stop raising hogs. Sabin Aboitiz, Pilmico president and chief executive, said Pilmico will undergo education and information campaign on proper livestock
backyard raising through the company’s Diamond program. “We wa nt to be our costumers’ partner for growth and share with them the knowhow in livestock raising,” Aboitiz said. The Diamond Program focuses on key areas such as improved breeding and genetics, good management, complete healthcare, and excellent nutrition. aid/PAGE 10
A forklift uploads feeds for delivery at the warehouse of Pilimico milling plant in Iligan City. The downturn in backyard hog-raising prompted feed millers in the country to step up promotion to bolster their production.
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British firms eyeing PPP Projects By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
CITING the Philippine economy as a “rising star,” more British firms are looking at participating in the Philippines’ public-private partnership (PPP) projects and other opportunities in education, agriculture, energy and, retail.
At the same time, the British government is inviting Fi l ipi no cong lomer ate s to invest in t he United Kingdom particularly in the construction sector even as Iain Mansfield, director of UK Trade & Investment Manila in a briefing cited both countries’ booming econom ic relat ions but noted of the poor presence of Filipino companies in UK resulting in poor inward remittances. He said that Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Investments a nd S a n M ig uel C or p. ca n explore business opportunities in the UK, one of the more open economies in the world, particularly in construction.
Ma nsf ield said UK of fers oppor t u n it ies i n construction particularly in the rebuilding of its power plants for gas and renewable energy which had been built in the 1970s as well as in real estate like homes. UK, one of t he open economies in the world, allows foreign ownership and open to facilitating foreign busi nesses i n accessi ng financing. I n add it ion, Br it i sh compa n ies have st rong interest in the PPP projects in partnership with local firms by providing supply, design and architectural services. A lready, four British firms are participating in firms/PAGE 10
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ST Pablo-hit areas to produce ‘Hot Pablo’ DAVAO CITY—President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday bared the brand name “Hot Pablo” as a label for black pepper and chili-based food seasoning products which is planned to be produced in Typhoon Pablo-hit areas. In a press conference held after addressing the Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon), Aquino mentioned the production of “paminta” (black pepper) in areas devastated by Super-Typhoon Pablo as this can be quickly planted, cultivated and processed. He bared the recent P2.4 million worth exports of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the product in Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, and he cited such sales as just the beginning of the potential market for “paminta.” Noting the lucrative potential of paminta, President Aquino revealed that producing such would only require about P90,000 per hectare investment, yielding about P200,000 gross per hectare while the net is estimated to run about P100,000. He has tasked DTI Secretary GregoryDomingo and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alacala to work together to produce/PAGE 10
Senators seek creation of body to oversee local halal industry TWO senators have proposed the creation of a government body to oversee the halal industry to help the country secure a bigger slice of the growing market. Sen. Cy nt h ia Vi l la r, chairman of t he Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, filed Senate Bill (SB) 312, or the Philippine Halal Act, citing the state policy “to protect the interest of the people for clean, pure and healthy food.” In her explanatory note in SB 312, Villar also cited
the need for the government to “ensure compliance with internat iona l sta ndards of good ma nu facturing and hygienic practices by instituting a halal system for food, non-food products and services.” “Most important of all, however, is the fact that this bill is accorded recognition in respect to the rich tradition and way of life of the Filipino Muslims,” she said. S B 31 2 s e e k s t o create a Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory
Board responsible for the for mu l at ion , d r a f t i n g , management and implementation of programs relevant to manufacturing, production, distribution, pre pa r at ion, ha nd l i ng , storage and verification of halal approved-food, nonfo o d mercha nd i s e a nd services. Villar said the proposed measure “institutionalizes a national standard at par with world accepted halal s t a nd a rd s ord a i ne d i n advanced Muslim societies
and the same to be observed in all abattoirs, outlets, hotels, restaurants and other service establishments.” She said SB 312 also seeks to inform the people “of the basic culture characterizing the Muslim society,” among them, that halal products shou ld not contain a ny anima l parts prohibited u nder Sha r ia’ h L aw or animals not slaughtered according to the latter. Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. has also filed a similar proposal senators/PAGE 10
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Villar: Sustainable livelihood key to environment success SUSTAINABLE livelihood is key to the success of environmental projects. This was emphasized by Sen. Cynthia Villar in her speech before the Rotary Club of Pasig City, saying “I believe that for an environmental project to succeed and to be sustainable, it should have a livelihood component. There should be something in there that would compel people to get involved.” The lady senator, also managing director of the Villar Foundation, quoted Rotary International’s definition of sustainability as “the capacity for maintaining outcomes long-term to serve the on-going need of a community.” In 2002, the former Las Piñas congresswoman launched the Las Piñas-Zapote River Rehabilitation Program, after persistent floodings in the area. “When we conducted a study, we found out that the Las Piñas River has become a depot of water lilies and coconut husks,” Villar said. Her foundation formed the green social enterprises aiming to turn wastes that clogged the river to raw materials for livelihood. Water hyacinths were used for basket weaving enterprise and hand-made paper-making, while coconut husks were used for coconet weaving enterprise and charcoalmaking. “We should not just give people alms or dole-outs. We should equip them with the skills to fend for themselves and their families,” she said. The program initially benefitted over 500 families in Las Piñas. Currently, villar/PAGE 7
Iloilo eyed for major envi projs ILOILO CITY—This city has recently attracted three prospective major foreign investors for va rious env i ron ment-fo c u s e d projects. These investors are willing to pursue projects on wasteto-energy, sanitary landfill and solar power energy here in Iloilo City. Synova Power aims to pi lot a waste-to-energ y projec t. It w i l l conver t methane from the city’s existing controlled dump site into 18-megawatt energy. The P4-billion venture, if approved, will be the first in Western Visayas. “I f t h is projec t w i l l push through, this will be a pilot and a benchmark for waste-to-energy project in the region,” said Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog. Representatives from Synova have also met the city council’s committee on environment headed by Councilor R Leone Gerochi. They have also presented their proposal to the city’s Solid Waste Management Board, in hopes of pursuing the project. Meanwhile, Hydronet Consultants wants to convert the city’s existing open dump eyed/PAGE 7
Desiree and her 6-year-old daughter Glaiza making coco twine which they later weave into coco net in a backyard coco coir industry factory the Villar Foundation supports in Barangay Elias Aldana, Las Pinas City. photo by bong d . fabe
PHL warned of losing $2.5-B in potential RE investments THE Philippines risks losing “over $2.5 billion in potential renewable energy investments” due to delays in the crafting of rules and mechanisms that were causing investor uncertainty, a recent 2013 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) report said. “In 2011, at least 384 renewable energy service contracts were awaiting approval from the Department of Energy (DOE), equaling to 6,046MW of generation capacity,” according to the 2013 WWF report titled “Meeting Renewable Energy Targets: Global lessons from
the road to implementation.” “While the feed-in tariffs has been approved, unfortunately, many of these projects are still in limbo pending the approval of other renewable energy mechanisms…because of administrative bottlenecks,” it said. T he Ph i l ippi ne s p a s s e d t he Renewable Energy Act of 2008 five years ago which puts in place mechanisms that will help the development of the renewable energy sector. Among those, only one, the feed-in tariff has been warned/PAGE 10
Plans for new Tubbataha Ranger Station unveiled MANILA—Seeing the need to enhance the country’s ability and capacity to protect t he cou nt r y ’s foremost protected coral reef -- the Tubbataha reef -- authorities and an environmental group, in collaboration with the private sector, have unveiled plans to build a brand new Rangers Station. The Tu b b a t a h a Management Off ice and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) said the move to upgrade the station is part of celebrating Tubbataha’s 25th anniversary a s a Un ite d Nat ion s E duc at iona l, S c ient i f ic and Cultural Organization Heritage Site this Aug 11. Situated 160 kms southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, the squat white barracks, which started as a makeshift base station built by Philippine Navy Seabees to shelter law enforcers in 1995, has since taken many forms. Today it ser ves as a forward operations base for up to a dozen Park Rangers, drawn from the Tubbataha Ma nagement Of f ice, Philippine Navy, Coast Guard and Local Government of Cagayancillo who spend lonely two-month shif ts protecting the 97,030-hectare
reef from both internal and external threats. But after a decade of serious weathering, questions were raised if the aging offshore complex -- which has last seen renovation in 2000 -- can still function as a research hub and springboard for enforcement operations. “The station has served the country well, but we must revitalize it to be able to deal with fresh threats,” explained WWF-Philippines Consultant Dylan James Melgazo, an architect who spent three weeks assessing the offshore complex in 2012. “Poacher incu rsions, grounding incidents and climate change effects are critical issues. Enhancing our capacity to protect Tubbataha makes perfect sense, as the reef prov ides food a nd livelihood for millions of Filipinos,” he said.
The schematics for the planned Ranger Station jumps straight out of a science-fiction flick. Designed by Melgazo plus a team from the Emerging Architects Studio composed of K i m Pu l la nte, Dea n Ramos, Don Sebastian and Marc Virtucio, the planned space-age structure draws on technolog y like solar panels, micro-wind turbines and rainwater collectors to ma ximize both resource sufficiency and operational capacity. Proponents have slated the groundbreaking ceremonies for October 2013. “Sitting in the middle of the Sulu Sea, it is hard to resupply the station, which is why we designed it to be as self-sufficient as possible,” Melgazo said. Su nshades double as unveiled/PAGE 10
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World invests $244-B in RE
RENEWABLE energies have rapidly become a vital part of the global energy mix and account for an evergrowing share of electric capacity added worldwide. Renewable power capacity worldwide exceeded 1,470 gigawatts (GW) in 2012, up 8.5 percent from 2011. Last year was the second highest year ever for renewable energy investments and there was a continuing upward trend in developing countries topping $112 billion vs $132 billon in developed countries. It was a dramatic change from 2007, when developed economies invested 2.5 times more in renewables (excluding large hydro) than developing countries, a gap that has closed to just 18 percent. The 2012 global investment total for renewable energy (including small hydro-electric projects) was $244 billion. While global investments in renewable energy in 2012 failed to top the year before, the 12 percent decrease was mainly due to dramatically lower solar prices and weakened US and EU markets. In 2012, wind power accounted for about 39 percent of renewable power capacity added, followed by hydropower and solar photovoltaic (PV) which each accounted for approximately 26 percent. Solar PV capacity reached the 100 GW milestone, becoming the third largest – after hydro and wind – renewable technology in terms of capacity in operation. worldwide, solar PV installations reached a record 30.5 GW in 2012 but overall investment was down from the previous year due to a fall of 30 percent-40 percent in PV system prices. The lower costs spurred bigger investment in smallscale solar, rising from $77 billion in 2011 to $80 billion in 2012. Spending on large-scale solar projects of more than 1 megawatts fell 24 percent to $52.7 billion. Installed wind capacity hit a new record of 48.4 GW, up from 42.1 GW in 2011. Dollar investments fell 10 percent, however, reflecting a large number of projects financed in 2011 and completed in 2012. Costs also fell, with average prices paid for onshore turbines falling by a few percentage points compared with 2011. These figures come from two reports launched by the United Nations Development Program. these are the Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2013 (the 6th edition of the Frankfurt School-UN Environment Program Center/Bloomberg New Energy Finance and the standard reference for global renewable energy investment figures) and the REN21 Renewables 2013 Global Status Report, the most frequently-referenced report on renewable energy market, industry and policy developments. According to the reports, the acceleration in the geographical shift in renewables deployment is a widening trend towards an increasing number of countries, particularly in the developing world. Of the 138 countries globally with renewables targets or policies in place, two-thirds are in the developing world. At the lead is China, which in 2012 consolidated its position as the world’s dominant renewable energy market player – up 22 percent to $67 billion, thanks largely to a jump in solar investment. Elsewhere there were particularly sharp increases in South Africa, Morocco, Mexico, Chile and Kenya, with Middle East and Africa showing the highest regional growth of 228 percent to $12 billion. In the US, the market leader in 2011, investment was down 34 percent to $36 billion, mainly due to uncertainties over US policy. Investment in Italy and Spain was also hit by abrupt changes in policy, and concern about future support for the sector. Germany added another 7.6 GW of solar capacity in 2012 (representing 27 percent of the world’s new added capacity but the nation’s overall investment in renewables slipped 35 percent to $20 billion. The major reasons: lower solar cost and a drop in wind power investment. The brightest news from among the developed countries was in Japan where investment in renewable energy (excluding research and development) surged 73 percent to $16 billion, thanks largely to a boom in small-scale solar on the back of new feed-in tariff subsidies for installations. After the shift away from a nuclear power-dependent energy policy in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident, TEPCO commissioned its first three solar plants in 2011 and 2012 at Kawasaki and Mt. Komekura for a total of 30 MW. In Morocco, a $1.2 billion investment has been approved to finance the Masen Ouarzazate solar thermal project. In the Indian state of Gujarat a 605 MW PV solar park was completed in April 2012 that is expected to save around 8 million tons of carbon dioxide and 900,000 tons of natural gas per year. Close to $1 billion was announced for a 396MW wind project in Oaxaca State, Mexico. invests/PAGE 10
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Creatures of habit THINK
hink a minute…You’ve probably hea rd t he A Minute expression “A leopard can’t By Jhan Tiafau Hurst change its spots.” This, of course, is true of leopards. But is it true of people? Can people change? A re we hu m a n s ju s t creatures of habit? Do we not have any control over our actions and habits? One guy said, “Bad habits are like a comfortable bed: they’re easy to get into, but hard to get out of.” Someone else said: “The chains of habits are too small to feel until they’re too strong to break.” So ‘breaking the mold’ of our bad habits takes effort, yet one of the greatest freedoms in life is the freedom from bad habits. Habits are like the roads we take through life everyday. The problem is that not every road takes us where we need to go. Actually, our routes through life often become our ruts in life. We end up stuck in them and find it hard to dig ourselves out. That’s why we must change our bad habits as soon as possible before they become our ‘second nature’. You see, our habits become our character and our character becomes our life. As one wise person said: “First we make our habits, then our habits make us.” But we humans don’t like to change, do we? So we come up with excuses, like: “I can’t be different; that’s just the way I am.” Or we say: “I was born this way.” And the good ol’ saying: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But that’s just it: we’re not dogs or animals. In fact, we’re the only creatures who have the freedom and power to change and choose the kind of person we become. So what habits do you need to start changing today? You know, there’s one bad habit you need to change hurst/PAGE 10
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1987 Charter abets rebellion, must be changed
IFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves…” (Romans 13:1-2, the Holy Bible). -ooo 1987 CONSTITUTION WENT A BIT TOO FAR: Here’s a post from the not-so-distant past: “Do not get me wrong, but I really think the 1987 Constitution went a bit too far in many of its provisions, especially on the issue of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines being `the protectors of the Filipino people’. “This provision is now being relied upon heavily by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and Col. Ariel Querubin to justify their rising up in arms against the government of then President Arroyo, saying it was actually their Constitutional duty to fight officials who are corrupt, plunderous and abusive. “Because it was their duty to fight, Lim and Querubin are saying they could not be held guilty of rebellion. This is of course a reasonable interpretation of the Constitution, but the fact is that, it is likewise a very dangerous interpretation because it allows anyone from the AFP to take up arms against the government in the guise of obeying he Constitution. -ooo “PEOPLE POWER PROVISION” CAN BE A BASIS FOR TAKE-OVER: “The same thing is true with another provision of the same basic charter, the one which gives the people in general and their people’s organizations or associations in particular the right to literally meddle in all aspects of governance, which provision many call the `people power provision’. “This provision, found under Section 16, Art. 13 of the Constitution, reads: `The right of the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable participation at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making
shall not be abridged. The akampi State shall, by law, facilitate Mo A ng Batas the establishment of adequate By Atty. Batas Mauricio consultation mechanisms…’ “If we don’t watch out, any disgruntled Juan Dela Cruz will one day say that he is ousting our duly-elected officials, and is taking over the government, pursuant to his Constitutionally-given right to `effective and reasonable participation at all levels of social, political and economic decision making…’ -ooo CHARTER CHANGE IS NOW NECESSARY: “As anyone of us can see, these provisions can threaten the very survival and stability not only of government but of the nation as well, as they in fact encourage almost all sectors of society to fight the authorities. “This is the reason why I have been suggesting all along that the time has come for the Constitution to be amended, revised or even totally changed. We must remove these deleterious provisions from our basic law so that our country and our people can really start moving forward to claim its rightful place under the sun. “As it is, since the foregoing Constitutional provisions encourage fighting the government, they even invite God’s curses upon all Filipinos, pursuant to what Romans 13:1-2 of the Holy Bible is saying: do not fight government and its officials, for there is no government that God did not establish, and anyone fighting what God established is fighting God Himself and will receive punishment.” -ooo REACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo. com, mmauriciojr111@gmail.com.
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An emergency: Pancreatitis in capsule form
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HEALTH
he pancreas is one important organ that is located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It is very near the gallbladder and liver, too. Thus, it is not surprising to note that there are instances where, affectations of the pancreas will also affect the stomach, the small intestine, liver. Its functions is related to the secretions of the cells seen in the pancreas: the islet cells , through its insulin and glucagon regulate sugar ( glucose ) metabolism , and the acinar cells are responsible in the secretion of digestive enzymes. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. The clinical manifestations of pancreatitis is related to the production of the digestive enzymes while still in the pancreas. Ordinarily, these enzymes once secreted, these are pushed to the small intestines to do what it is supposed to dohelp in the digestive process. However, in the presence of gallstones, certain medications, infectious agents, abdominal surgery, smoking and alcohol intake, the functions of the pancreas is compromised. In cases where alcohol is the cause of the pancreatitis, the injury is related to damage and blockage of the pancreatic ducts due to digestive enzyme release and alcohol by products destroying the cell membranes damage to the cell membranes. In general, pancreatitis secondary to alcohol intake will require prolonged and hazardous drinking , which in turn causes a progressive and irreversible damage to the pancreas. It is quite difficult really to quantify how much or how often or how long the drinking must be, in order to cause damage to the organ. There are individuals who may not even succumb to pancreatitis. But, this doesn’t excuse one from doing harm to one’s pancreas.
Diagnosing the disease will require clinical history: pain I n Focus is sudden in onset, severe and By Dr. Mary Jean Loreche is felt in the upper abdominal area, that may radiate to the back, and worsens after eating. Characteristically, the pain is somewhat relieved by bending forward. Other manifestations include nausea and vomiting, and if it is chronic, the pain is recurrent, associated with passage of oily and smelly stool, indigestion and weight loss. Once seen in the clinic or emergency room, and pancreatitis is the initial impression, blood tests for digestive enzymes, amylase and lipase will be requested. Ultrasound and XRAY are likewise ordered. Complications include a patient’s increased vulnerability to infections, kidney failure, diabetes, pseudocyst formation and malnutrition. But, the more feared complication is circulatory collapse as it can cost the life of the patient unless attended to immediately. Treatment is directed towards what caused the pancreatitis , meaning, if it is all alcohol related, then, withdrawal of the alcohol. Hospitalization and directed symptom management is given in order to stabilize the condition of the patient. Lifestyle changes like alcohol and cigarette abstinence, low fat diet are simple things that will help one in preserving his/her pancreas.
Villar...
a P 2 9 7- m i l l i o n l o a n ag reement w it h t he Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). Also up for bidding is the need for a compactor and materials recovery facility, project supervision and civil works component. This sanitary landfill project w i l l promote a more healthy and livable community and generate jobs, said the mayor. On t he ot her ha nd , the third foreign investor, which Mabilog did not
towns or cities,” Villar said. “The income of the from page 4 livelihood enterprises is rethere are 242 livelihood invested in the expansion projects in the country: 172 of the enterprises to benefit in Luzon, eight in Visayas, more people.” (MB) and 62 in Mindanao. The river rehabilitation program won the first United Nations from page 4 Water for Life Best Water site into a sanitary landfill. Ma nagement Pract ices The project is expected Award during the World to start this year and to Water Day in March 2011. be completed within 14 “We are initiating and months. de velopi ng l ivel i ho o d In fact, t he cit y has e n t e r p r i s e s t h a t a r e a l r e a d y a p pr ove d t h e appropriate for specific project and has signed
Eyed...
name, is keen on Solar Power Energy project. The investors are present ly d iscussi ng w it h Pa nay Electric Company their Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) so they can produce power here in the city. They have already met t he ch ief exec ut ive to discuss the city’s potentials for solar energy. “This will definitely promote the use of renewable source of energy that is also good for the environment,” Mabilog said. (PNA)
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Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP), said that the issuance of the Notice of Call for Accred itat ion to ever y organization is based on what is listed in the Directory of Civil Society as provided and prepared by the Provincial Planning and Development Officer or by a duly designated appointive official, whether prev iously accred ited or seek ing accreditation for the first time. He added t hat a ny prev iously accredited orga nizat ion is to renew accreditation for the purpose of representation in a local special body. The SP shall evaluate all applications for accreditation, upon receipt thereof, but not later than the last working day of August. It shall also accredit CSO’s which comply with all the administrative requirements and satisfy the criteria enumerated in this Memorandum Circular. Also, the SP shall issue, before but not later t han t he la st work i ng d ay of Au g u s t , t he C e r t i f ic at e of Accreditation to ever y qualified CSO and give notice to every organization which applied but failed to submit all the required documents. T he SP a l s o encou r a ge s organizations to complete t he lack ing requirements and to others to apply for
accreditation. The decision of t he Sangguniang Panlalawigan, or the Secretary of Interior and Local Government or his duly authorized representative, as to t he stat us of t he accreditation shall be final and executory. The Local Special Bodies which the province envisions to be represented by t he representatives of CSO, as expressly provided by the said Memorandum, are the Local Development Council, Local Health Board, Local School Board and the Local Peace and Order Council. Vice Gov. Joey Pelaez, on his part, desires that his call for accreditation of CSO will be favorably responded and participated by the concerned groups in the province. He bel ieves t hat what to be forged is a solid partnership in governance between the Provincial Government and the CSO’s that will be all for the benef icial results and common good of the people in Misamis Oriental. The positive response of our CSO’s in the province will ma ke our Prov incia l Government more v ibr a nt , more dy na m ic , a nd p e o pl e - c e nt e r e d i n t he i mplementat ion of it s pr o g r a m s . W it h t he indispensable help of CSO in governance, the programs will
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VG Pelaez calls for Accreditation of Civil Society Organizations and selection of Representatives to the Local Special Bodies M i s a m i s O r ient a l- Vic e Governor Joey G. Pelaez is actively calling for the accreditation of Civ i l Societ y Organizations (CSO) and the selection of their representatives to the Prov i nce’s L oca l Specia l Bodies as a prompt response to the Memorandum Circular No. 2013-70 issued by the Department of the Interior a n d L o c a l G o v e r n m e nt (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas entitled “Accreditation of Civil Society Organizations and selection of Representatives to the Local Special Bodies”. The said memorandum functions to reiterate the prov i sion s of t he L o c a l G over n ment C ode a nd it s I mple me nt i n g Ru le s a nd Re g u lat ion s a nd to provide other clarificatory guidelines relative to the accreditation of civil society and in the selection of their representatives to the local special bodies to strengthen their participation in local governance and development process. A l l prov i nc e s , c it ie s and municipalities, and all civil society organizations i nt e n d i n g t o a p p l y f o r accreditation and to seek representation in the local special bodies are covered by this Memorandum Circular. Vice Governor Pelaez,as the presiding officer of the
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School Building at Camaman-an Elementary School Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez leads the lowering of the time capsule in the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a progressive type two story classroom building that cost P1.5 million at Camaman-an Elementary School. Also in photo are Cong. Maxie B. Roriguez of Abante Mindanao Partylist, City Councilors Enrico Salcedo, Teodulfo Lao, barangay officials and faculty members.
further bring the Provincial Government much closer to the people whom we profess to serve so well. With this, we can truly feel and witness the true essence of a functional democracy, Vice Gov. Pelaez added. It is expected that the a c c re d it at ion prop e r of duly qualified CSO’s will
be finished before the end of the month of August and the selection of representatives after the reconstitution and convening of Local Special Bodies shall immediately follow. Moreover, a Provincial Monitoring and Evaluation Commit tee sha l l a lso be orga nized to ensure t hat
t he per t i nent prov isions of the Local Government Code and this Memorandum Circu lar are strict ly a nd faithfully observed. It shall be composed of the following members: DILG Provincial Director, Secretary to the Sanggunian and Provincial Planning and Development Officer.
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Watching Never Never Land through Eyes of a Magician by Irene Joy B. Dayo of Mindanao Daily News
“Magic comes from the heart, from your feelings, your deepest expressions of desire.” ~Jim Butcher, Fool Moon
Cagayan de Oro Magician Reuben Rafael Lardizabal showcases his skills at the BWM Media Center during the 1st Anniversary Celebration of The Cagayan de Oro TIMES, August 8. Photo by Ronald Mastail
Most of the old folks said that one will be truly happy if he will spread happiness to the people around him. One ca n do t hat t hroug h accomplishing simple things like giving a meaningful gift, writing a letter, cracking a joke or preparing unusual surprises. Seeing other people smile is also a picture that Reuben is always taking. He usually does it through his “magic.” Reuben Rafael I. Lardizabal is a Bachelor of Science in Biology graduate of a leading university here in Cagayan de Oro. He is also doing fish cage and Bangus business with his mom. Despite his busy schedule and demanding work, he managed to pick time, do magic and make people shock, smile, and laugh and feel amazed. Reuben’s target markets are kids. To him, a kid’s smile is the very best picture of all. He usually performed in children’s parties and gatherings. “Makalingaw sa mga bata (Magic will cheer children up),” he said. Reuben also gave certificates to kids during the gatherings, showing how fond he is of young people. Before performing, it will only take him 2-3 days in practicing his magic tricks. His kind of magic is on cards and dove manipulation. He considered magic tricks as his source of happiness and as mentioned, his way to cheer other people especially
Ferdie volunteers for a trick Magician Reuben has in store for him. Photo by Ronald Mastail
BWM Magazine staff, Melrose, worried for this trick. Photo by Ronald Mastail
his family, friends and significant other. Reuben started his magic career since 2008, when he was in fourth year college. During this year, he joined the Inner Society of Magic. This is group of magic enthusiasts that has the passion to entertain and perform astonishing magic tricks, also known as street magic. This group originates from Cagayan de Oro City and now on its fifth year since it was conceived. Reuben said that this club of his is the one which mainly inspired him to do magic tricks. He also mentioned that in doing magic, it is very important to find a magic body or organization that will help you in doing the tricks. He commended that bonding with people who are doing similar hobbies as yours will greatly help since they can evaluate and assess your performance properly in order for you to do better. Reuben is also a member of Inner Magic Club, a national magic club who has produced numerous successful magicians in the country. Reuben has achieved various awards and recognitions. To name a few, he is an awardee of a Special Award during the Asian Magic Association Convention in Davao City in September of 2012. He also participated in Openstage Magic in Valenzuela City in
the following month. His greatest recognition is topping the Grand Championship of Magikerong Pilipino, a nationwide stage competition last year. This magician has learned a lot in magic which he applies to real life. He said t hat being polite in interacting with the clients is very important. He also said that he learned how to deal with kids and how to be patient with them. When asked on what advice he can give to aspiring magicians, he said: “Practice before performing.” He admitted that no one is perfect and everyone even in magic industry will commit mistakes sometimes and practicing is the key to commit few or no mistakes at all. He also said that a magician should always keep the secret to keep the suspense in performing. Doing magic tricks is just maybe a pastime to some, but to this magician, it is his way in spreading smile and love. Magic maybe an illusion but let all of us remember that once in our lifetime, we once believe in magic and let us admit that it transcended us to the “Never Never Land” during the times we find reality as being too much. It once gave us happiness and that is the important thing that all of us should remember. Keep seeing beyond what is there and let the force of magic burning.
REJUV GINSENG:
A Breakthrough in Skin Lightening, Revitalisation and Rejuvenation! Muzi Enterprises Inc recently held a press conference for the launch of its REJUV GINSENG 5 in 1 Active Formula Soap! The 1st Beauty Soap that uses Korean Ginseng as its core ingredient and promises to give consumers beautiful glowing skin thru its Lightening, Revitalisation and Rejuvenating properties from the Ginseng Extract Formulation. Aside from its Korean Ginseng Extract, REJUV GINSENG incorporated other Active Ingredients to ensure a healthy, youthful, glowing skin for the Filipino People. Other ingredients include Carica Papaya, AHA or Alphahydroxy Acid, Sun Protect and Kogic Acid. According to Mr. Revo Eslava, VP for Sales and Marketing, REJUV GINSENG not only makes your skin lighter but will provide its consumers youthful, glowing and radiant skin thru the 5 Active Beauty Formula. REJUV GINSENGS 1st Campaign "Kutis Angel" says it all, look like an angel! REJUV GINSENG will Lighten, Revitalize and Rejuvate your skin. REJUV GINSENG will be available in the Philippine Market starting August 2013 added Mr. Eslava. In the photo are from left Mr. Revo Eslava VP for Sales and Marketing, REJUV GINSENG 1st Rejuv Angel Ms. Karyn Johnston of RED Models and Talents and Mr. Josh Austria Administration Head.
For more information, please visit www.rejuvginseng.com , care@rejuvginseng.com or twit and facebook us at rejuvginseng.
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Power... from page 1
to 40% -hydro, 28% coal in 2016 and by 2019-2020, 56% coal and only 24 % hydro. Romeo Montenegro, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) director for investment promotion and public affairs, said coal power plants would be the immediate fix to solve the recurring power problem in the island. “By 2015 to 2016, we expect relief from brownouts as coal plants now under construction will address the base load capacity of Mindanao,” he told MindaNews. Montenegro cited the coal power projects of Therma South Inc. in the boundary of Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and that of Sarangani Energy Corp. in Maasim, Sarangani. Therma South is constructing a 300-megawatt (MW) coal power plant, with the first phase of 150 MW targeted to go on stream in the third quarter of 2014. On the other hand, Sarangani Energy is building a 200 MW power plant, with the first phase of 100 MW expected to run in early 2015. Coal plants are widely opposed by multisectoral groups due to concerns over the environment and human health. Between late 2014 and 2016, 500 MW are expected to come from coal-fired plants, while another 80 MW will be coming from diesel and geothermal power plants, MinDA data showed. As of 2013, hydro power plants run by the government supply 52% of Mindanao’s power requirement, followed by oil-based at 31 %, coal at 10 %, geothermal at 5 % and biomass at one percent, it added. By 2016, the power scenario in Mindanao, including the committed projects, is expected to be 40 % hydro, 28 % coal, 25 % oil-based, six per cent geothermal and one per cent biomass, MinDA data said. But by 2019-2020, the energy mix in Mindanao, including committed and indicative power projects, would be 56 % coal, 24 % hydro, 14 % oilbased, four per cent geothermal and one per cent each for biomass and solar, according to the same data. Montenegro said the government is also pushing for the development of renewable energy projects to balance the energy mix in Mindanao in the long-term. To encourage investments in renewable energy projects, a onestop shop will be established in the island to facilitate and fasttrack the application process, said Bryan Diosma, technical staff of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC). The MPMC, where MinDA serves as the secretariat, was created by Executive Order (EO) 81 signed on July 30, 2012, to spearhead and coordinate the efforts of the national, regional and local governments and power industry stakeholders to improve the power situation in Mindanao. Diosma said that it usually takes 612 days to process renewable energy application but with the onestop shop, “we expect to shorten the process by half,” he told MindaNews. Diosma said they are preparing the draft EO for the establishment of the one-stop shop that will be subjected for review by other concerned government agencies. “If everything goes smoothly, in three months’ time the one-stop shop could start operation,” he said. Diosma said that the Department of Energy (DOE) has approved hydropower projects in Mindanao that could produce 364 MW, but construction has yet to start. Pe n d i n g a p p l i c a t i o n s fo r hydropower projects have the potential to generate another 363 MW, he added. Aside from MinDa and the DOE, the other government agencies that will be involved in the proposed one-stop shop for renewable energy projects are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its bureaus, Department of
Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Commission for Indigenous People, National Water Resources Board, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, and local government units.
BPO... from page 1
site -- possibly in Cagayan de Oro City -- depending on how its first foray in Mindanao plays out. Besides venturing into Mindanao, Convergys also lined up expansion plans for its existing sites: Alabang 2, Alabang 3, Bacolod3, Baguio, Cebu-TGU, Megamall, MDC-100 in Libis and Cebu 5. Convergys president and chief executive Andrea Ayers said about 44 percent, or 35,900 of the company’s global workforce of 84,000 global, is in the Philippines. This makes the country the leading driver of the $2-billion business process outsourcing (BPO) firm’s growth. Next to the US’ 30 sites, the Philippines has the most number of Convergys facilities outside the company’s home base. Ayers said this rapid expansion in the Philippines is driven by talent, more than anything else. “The most important for us is access to talent, access to people. We also look for infrastructure, that’s important. Technology and focus on education is also important to us because that helps create our future employees,” said Ayers, who is in the country for the company’s 10th anniversary celebration. The quality of work that Filipinos render is something that its executives are proud of, earnings letters of commendation from chief executives of top global companies. “Steve Ballmer [of Microsoft] sent a letter of commendation to our agent in Cebu, for the excellent service he had on the phone,” said Marife Zamora, Convergys senior vice president and managing director for Asia Pacific and Europe. Aside from talent, when the company sets up operations in the region, that means they are in the area for the long haul and become an important player in the space, Ayers said. The Philippines has become a top destination for providing customer management services to Convergys clients in North America, UK and Australia. The local operation is providing support to all industries such as financial services, technology, cable satellite, telecommunications, automotive, retail and healthcare. Ayers said support services ares shifting from the simple billing and collection back-office work to more complex call services. Customers handle simpler transactions through self-service via the Internet, while customer service calls have become “more complex, which impacts the kind of talent that we need and the level of training we provide,” she said. But similar to what other BPO firms experience, Convergys is also facing the challenge of recruiting the right people in this market. The Philippines is touted to be number one in the voice-based customer service globally, so the company needs to have a steady supply of talented, English-proficient workers. “As part of our commitment to help improve employability of the talent pool, we have a free program called Near-Hire Training, which helps improve chances of success into getting hired for Convergys,” Ivic Mueco, Convergys Philippines Services Co vice president and country manager, said. Launched in April, this program has already trained almost 700 individuals and hired 343 graduates. It has 17-TESDA certified trainers and is running nationwide in six locations: Baguio, Alabang, Insular Life Building in Makati, San Lazaro, Nuvali and Cebu. Mueco said the company’s attrition rate has been going down every year and “don’t see it as a problem” any more. Convergy’s attrition rate is already at 50 percent, lower than the industry average of 70-80 percent.
Aid...
from page 1 One way to educate the farmers will be through the hands-on trial swine project, which the company initially rolled-out to a few local farmers to encourage sustainable backyard raising as a family endeavor. Hendel Cabral, Pilmico vice president for sales and sales support, said that a decline in the number of backyard raisers has contributed to the scarcity in supply of pork prompting importation of meat. Pilmico said that 70 percent of hog raisers in the Philippines are backyard. But statistics show that there is an eight percent decline from 9.8 million backyard raisers in 2008 to only eight million in 2013. C a b r a l n o t e d t h a t m a ny local farmers are accustomed to practices that prove unprofitable and unsustainable. “We have noticed that a lot of backyard farmers have the capacity and the facility to raise pigs, but a substantial number of pens are vacant. They tend to get discourage once their backyard farms do not yield. We are here to change that.” Cabral said. During the 2013 Pilmico Poultry and Livestock Expo held in Lingayen, Pangasinan in May, Pilmico’s swine consultation station was swarmed by farmers who shared issues on backyard raising. “Most small scale raisers turned out to be lacking in proper knowledge and skill about animal nutrition and management , including the maintenance of their facilities.” Cabral said. Pilmico, said that their swine project’s trial period, hog raisers will be selected and those who will qualify will be recipients of financing for both feeds and piglets. They will raise to full size market hogs and would be sold together with the more than 6,000 marketable hogs from Pilmico’s farm that the company sells monthly. The pilot study would be for about six months to a year to give the feeds producers enough time to assess the performance parameters of the pigs on a backyard level and to identify areas for improvement. Cabral, said that only 300 pigs monthly will be dispersed for growing to produce the market, and a minimum of 100 to 200 on the sow level for breeding. Pilmico, said that they are now on the process of selecting from out of the 500 possible linkages who will qualify for next year’s trial farm. “If the swine project proves a success, we will expand and reach out to more backyard raisers,” Cabral said.
Warned... from page 4
passed last July 2012. “The delay has caused frustration among industry stakeholders, who saw the anticipated development of renewable energy projects stalled due to lack of clarity in policies or slow action on these crucial rules,” the report said. “The delay on policy action has put thousands of megawatts of potential renewable energy projects at a standstill and put the country at risk to losing over $2.5 billion in potential renewable energy investments,” it said. The report also cited the country’s high electricity rates saying it has the second highest rates in Asia and the fourth highest in the world “partly attributed to high costs related to importing fossil fuels.” “While one of the main strengths of the renewable energy framework is that the policy mechanisms are legislated under the Renewable Energy Act, 2008, many of the details and rules pertaining to these mechanisms have been delayed and un-clarified since the law’s inception,” it said. “ These delays have been caused by resistance from many stakeholders- governmental, private, and utilities, among others- which has been the primary challenge in renewable energy development for the country,” the report said. The report also cited the country’s
already high mix of renewable energy from geothermal, biomass, and hydro energy. “As far as renewable energy sources, the Department of Energy reported that 40.6 percent of the primary energy mix was contributed by renewable energy sources in 2011, primarily composed of geothermal at 21.7 percent, followed by biomass at 12.4 percent and hydro at 6 percent,” the report said. Though the DOE aims to triple the country’s renewable energy capacity by 2030 there were still many setbacks that continue to slow the development of the sector. “Delays in policy decisions have mostly been affected by disagreements within governments and the opposition of various influential groups, such as Electric cooperatives, Freedom from Debt Coalition, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Consumers’ Associations and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),” the report said. “Opposition is mostly based on the argument that a feed-in tariff, to be called the FIT-allowance, will result in additional charges, which will be collected from all electricity consumers,” it added. The report concluded that the country needs to engage more with all the stakeholders as well as to improve coordination in the decision-making and project planning process. “Primarily, the challenges that lie ahead in the Philippines for renewable energy deployment and achievement if its national targets will be to properly mobilize all stakeholders involved in the sector through engagement and public participation,” the report said. “Furthermore, coordinating decision-making and project planning processes, and ensuring the technical and human capacity exist by involving beneficiaries in the development stages, operation and maintenance of projects will help strengthen the sector,” it said. (Eco-Business)
Unveiled... from page 4
rainwater collection systems while wind slats provide continuous ventilation. A helipad for medical evacuation purposes will also be added. “Years back, a Ranger was bitten by a Great Barracuda and had to be rushed to Puerto Princesa by speedboat. He made it, but his scar will always serve to remind others that out there, the sea is boss,” the WWF architect said. To be built beside the old barracks, the new structure will feature a research building for up to eight marine biologists, whose trips have always been confined by the weather to summer expeditions on live-aboard boats. A library, visitor center and merchandise shop shall also be added to entice visitors not only to interact with the Rangers but to provide a needed mechanism for future fundraising. The complex shall also house a museum, vital in showcasing Tubbataha’s rich history and even richer biodiversity. WWF is currently raising funds for the construction of the station, estimated at around P50 million. A host of institutions have already pledged to contribute to the station’s rebirth. Leading the pack is the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, which pledged to provide PHP40 million in seed money to jumpstart the station’s construction. Lafarge Philippines has committed to provide special Type 5 marine construction cement – explicitly engineered for the sea. Enfinity Propmech and several private individuals have pledged financial and in-kind assistance. In the meantime, Cebu Pacific Air, Banco De Oro Unibank, Gruppo Struktura, plus Magsaysay’s Travel People & Travel Solutions helped fund the architectural and structural designing of the new ranger station. The United States Agency for International Development expressed interest in deploying submerged
closed-circuit TV cameras to monitor what really swims beneath Tubbataha seas year-round. UNESCO will in turn donate equipment to enhance capacities. A multi-awarded UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park boasts of unparalleled marine biodiversity levels. Tubbataha Reefs Protected Area Superintendent Angelique Songco said over 360 hard coral and 600 fish species inhabit the park, which continuously seeds the Sulu Sea with life. Sadly, the Park lost 6,247 square meters of reef from back-to-back groundings of a US warship and Chinese poaching vessel in January and April this year. As of July 2013, no fines have been collected for the damage. “Though the USS Guardian and F/V Min Long Yu grounding incidents have left over 6,000 square meters of the reef in shambles, they have become a point of convergence,” Songco noted. More and more public and private institutions – even individuals – are taking up the cudgels of conservation, she said. “We call on all groups to help turn our dream into reality. A little support shall go a long way towards improving our Rangers’ home-awayfrom-home,” Songco added. Corporations and individuals who want to support the undertaking can email WWF or deposit donations to BPI Account Number 1993-0531-94 or Paypal Account 4AU7PYC6BQ7TG. If legendary heroes need great hideouts – Batman had his Bat Cave and Voltes V had Camp Big Falcon - dedicated Rangers standing vigil over the Philippines’ top coral reef is also in need of a great one: the brand new Tubbataha Ranger Station. (PNA)
Invests... from page 4
Warren Buffett’s MidAmerican Holdings launched an $850 million bond issue in February 2012 to finance its 550MW Topaz Solar Farm in California, only to see it oversubscribed by more than $400 million. $5 billion of ‘green’ bonds were issued in 2012, a 44 per cent increase over 2011. The phenomenon of crowd sourcing—in which capital is raised from large numbers of small investors—took off in small-scale solar in Europe and the United States. In 2012, an estimated 5.7 million people worldwide worked directly or indirectly in the renewable energy sector. The bulk of employment remains concentrated in a relatively small number of countries, including Brazil, China, India, members of the European Union and the United States. Employment is growing in other countries, and there are increasing technicians and sales staff job numbers in off-grid sector of the developing world. For example, selling, installing, and maintaining small solar panels in rural Bangladesh employs 150,000 people directly and indirectly. (ScienceNewsPhilippines)
Firms... from page 2
the bidding for the Mactan-Cebu International airport project. Without divulging the identities of firms, Mansfield also said that British firms are also keen on the Bulacan water project, the Batangas-Manila natural gas pipeline and the light rail transit projects. Mansfield also expressed hopes of Philippine Airlines finally able to mount direct flights from Manila to London PAL’s $7-billion, 54-aircraft contract with Airbus for its refleeting is by far one of the biggest deals a British company has clinched in the country. According to Mansfield, the UK was the highest European, and fourth highest overall, source of foreign direct investments in the Philippines. Mansfield also expects more British brands will enter the Philippine market as the UK is also big on retail
in the Philippines. Some of the British brands already in the countr y include Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Speedo, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse among others. Just this year, luxury cars Bentley and Rolls Royce have formally set up a distributorship in the Philippines. UK exports to the Philippines – mainly industrial machinery – stood at 332 million poijts pounds in 2012, up 17 percent from 2011. As of the first five months of the year, value of shipments was up 8 percent. In 2011, two-way trade amounted to a billion pounds. The Philippines exports mostly electronics to the UK. Combined net foreign direct and net portfolio investments of the UK in the country amounted to $12 billion from over 200 British companies doing business here. (MB)
Produce... from page 2
up consolidators “to market this particular product.” In a separate interview, DTI Davao Oriental Provincial Director Bel Ambi identified a Davao Oriental buyer and producer of chili products named Ricky Arezola whom DTI assisted to join the International Food Expo (EFEX) held in Manila in April this year. “Fortunately, he was the only one selling chili products at that time. He has domestic buyers and he has buyers from Singapore and Brunei Darussalam,” she said, revealing Porky Best and Mama Sita as among the institutional chili buyers of Arezola. It was during that IFEX when DTI discovered the potential market of chili products and the resiliency of chili plants to survive storms “based on his experience,” Ambi said referring to Arezola. DTI was expecting Arezola would fail to join the IFEX but he was able to make it because he had stored enough volume of dried chili and that some of his chili plants recovered from typhoon Pablo. So when DTI together with other agencies met in a planning session regarding Typhoon Pablo rehabilitation, DTI thought of promoting growing chili for the typhoon-affected families. Ambi revealed Secretary Rene Almendras , head of Task Force Pablo, first thought of coining the brand name “Hot Pablo” to put leverage on efforts of rebuilding the farm production of areas devastated by Typhoon Pablo. DTI is working with DA which has targeted to initially plant within the year, 20 hectares of chili through intercropping, involving 200 farmers , but Ambi revealed that DA is eyeing 1,000 hectares for chili production until 2015. Basing on estimates, Ambi said that for every 1,000 square meters of land planted with chili, a farmer will earn as much as P65,000.0. (PIA)
Senators... from page 2
contained in SB 294, or the Halal Act of 2013, which seeks to institute a halal system for certification and accreditation of food and non-food products and services patronized by the Muslim community. SB 294 seeks the creation of a Philippine Halal Executive Council which would later be “transformed” into the Philippine Halal Certification and Accreditation Board after five years. The global market for halal food is estimated at $547 billion a year. (BM)
Hurst... from page 6
that will help you change all your other habits. It’s the habit of living your own way, instead of your Maker’s way. He’s the only one who knows the road to the best, most satisfying life for you. So today, won’t you ask Jesus Christ to forgive you, and to take full charge of your habits and life? Just Think a Minute…
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