INSIDE LOOK
Shell sales up, thanks campaign vs smuggling
Increasing private projects to boost the construction sector
TVI completes technical requirements for Balabag
Steag is outstanding in environemental reporting
Weekend Prince and Princess of Dusit Thani Manila
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New computers DAVAO City -- The Aboitiz-owned electric utility Davao Light & Power Company in cooperation with its social development arm, the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI), has donated five units of brand new computer to Talandang High School in Tugbok District, Davao City. The school is located in Barangay Talandang, some 31 kilometers from downtown Davao City. The computers were turned over recently. Davao Light ’s Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Vic N. Sumalinog together with CSR supervisor Fermin Edillon and Network Infrastructure technician Mario Faeldonia turned over the new computer units to the principal of the school, Emma Villaver. The ceremony was witnessed by school faculty members and some students. S u m a l i n o g s a i d d o n at i n g computer hardware is one of many support projects the Aboitiz-owned electric utility does to enhance the quality of the country’s public education.
Davao’s rice bowl TAGUM City -- Davao del Norte is providing 50 percent of the rice requirement in the Davao Region, said Department of Agriculture National Rice Program coordinator Asst. Secretary Dante S. Delima, as he graced the opening of the 46th Araw ng Davao del Norte/Kadagayaan Festival. He presented no detailed data on the rice production performance of the province but he said Davao del Norte has the edge to produce more rice compared with Davao del Sur, which is also a rice-producing area because “it has wide production area.” Delima, however, asked local government units (LGUs) of Davao del Norte to observe proper delineation of areas for other development concerns such as those on housing and real estate, commercial and industrial without necessarily putting at stake the rice production areas of the province. He made the call as he expressed ways of sustaining the favorable rice production performance of the province despite conversion of rice production areas to other development purposes.
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A POWER generator in northern Mindanao recently received an award for exceeding the standards for self –monitoring and reporting under the country’s environmental impact study system (EIS). Energy firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI), was given two
national awards by the Department of Environment and Natural Resou rces’ Env i ron menta l Management Bureau (EMB) and the Pollution Officers Control Association of the Philippines during the recently concluded 1st National Convention on the
Philippine EIS at the Manila Hotel. Steag received the Outstanding in Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) and the Outstanding in Compliance and Validation Report (CMVR) Awards citing hike/PAGE 11
SMI threatens human rights in mining area
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By BONG D. FABE, Associate Editor
SUBSIDIARY of the Zug-based giant Xtrata group is threatening the basic human rights of indigenous peoples in a mining site in South Cotabato province in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.
Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) of the Glencore-Xtrata group plans to exploit Asia’s biggest copper and gold mine in the municipality o f Ta m p a k a n d e s p i t e vehement opposition from
various quar ters for its impact on the indigenous peoples community and the environment. A study commissioned by three Swiss and German nonmining/PAGE 11
One claim of the report is that the SMI mine would require resettlement of many members of the local population. (bobby timonera/fastenopfer)
P3B lost in banks collapse in first half of 2012: solon
A TOTAL of 84,873 depositors lost some P3 billion in savings as a result of the collapse of nine banks from January 1 to June 15 this year, a member of Congress said in a news Re-elected Misamis Oriental Rep. Peter M. Unabia (1st District) release Sunday. personally serves food to his constituents in Sugbongcogon during the Araw ng Sugbongcogon celebration Saturday, June 22, where In connection to this, at least 40 former officers of failed banks are the town’s newly-elected officials also took their Oath of Office. photo by rolando sudaria facing criminal charges filed this
year by the state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp., LPG-MA Rep. Arnel Ty, a member of the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries, said. The charges range from economic sabotage and syndicated estafa to violations of banking laws. collapse/PAGE 11
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Increasing private projects to boost the construction sector MANILA –- More construction projects in the private sector is seen as a key component for the growth of the construction sector, according to the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. (PCA).
Malacañang reviews plan to move Pandacan oil depot out of Manila MANILA -- The plan to move the Pandacan oil depot in Manila away from the city is currently undergoing study at the Office of the President (OP) after a warehouse in Sta. Ana, Manila, a stone’s throw away from said oil depot, reportedly leaked oil and other fuel products into the Pasig river last Saturday. Residents around the area complained of difficulty in breathing due to the oil and gasoline spill which the National Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Office and authorities were able to contain on Sunday. In a press briefing in Malacanang on Monday,
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa is undertaking the study after the issue was elevated to the Office of the President. He added the public will be informed of the results of said study when the OES finishes its probe. “Pinag-aaralan po yan ng Office of the Executive Secretary and we will let you know kung ano ang magiging resulta ng pag-aaral na yun,” Lacierda said. “ T h e O f f i c e of t h e E xe c ut ive S e c re t a r y i s studying the matter,” he added. (PNA)
In its country report for the first quarter, the PCA said it expects better performance in the construction sector in the second quarter as projects in the private sector continue to grow. Residential-type construction shares t he largest percentage w it h 71.7 percent of the private
pr oj e c t s ; 15. 8 p e rc e nt come s f rom add it ions , alterations and repair of existing structures; and the remaining 12.4 percent are non-residential buildings dominated by commercialtype building. ”Private construction, investments in building developments (commercial
office, retail, industrial, and housing) will continue to rise and further boost the sector’s expansion,” PCA said. Pr ivate const r uc t ion posted P236.7 million worth of projects in the first quarter of this year, a 35.6 percent increase, compared to last year’s P174.6 million. Among the constructions in the country, Region IV-A (CALABARZON), National Capital Region (NCR) and Region III (Central Luzon) boost/PAGE 11
units should work to improve cleanliness and peace and order, bringing the message down to vendors and jeepney drivers. Cebu Governorelect Hilario Davide III acknowledged the importance of tou r i sm for C e bu’s development and assured that his administration will support local government units in developing their own tourism programs. He urged local leaders to highlight heritage in their own towns and support sustainable local economic enterprises. urges/PAGE 11
MANILA –- Philippine stocks plunged for a third day on Monday, still on portfolio realignments arising from last week’s US Fed Reserve announcement it would end its economic stimulus program. The barometer Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plummeted 211.12 points or 3.41 percent to 5,971.05 from previous day’s 6,182.17 finish. It already incurred losses of 541.65 points during the last three trading days. ”Global and local investors could not digest the story well,” said Jonathan Ravelas, BDO Unibank chief market strategist. stocks/PAGE 11
Cebu business leader urges focus on heritage tourism CEBU CITY -- Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (C C C I) pre sid ent L ito Maderazo has urged tourism players in the province to put more emphasis on culture and heritage when developing tourism products. Maderazo also asked the government to do something about inf rastructure, citing problems like traffic congestion and flooding in Cebu as becoming frequent problems. Maderazo said it is culture and heritage that makes a dest i nat ion u n ique for tourists.
He urged the tourism industry to “sell the Cebu experience” and do away with the usual tours and conventional establishments and stores. Tourists, he said, should be immersed in the daily life of Cebuanos. “They need to experience what we ourselves enjoy in Cebu,” he said. He said tourists should be introduced to street food, markets, jeepney rides and the creative things that are being made here. Along with this, he said local and national government
Stocks plummet below 6,000
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In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the local unit of Hong Kongbased First Pacific Co Ltd said it inked an investment agreement with Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital (CLDH), infusing P187 million in cash for a 51 percent equity stake. Proceeds of the investment will finance the acquisition of major medical equipment and the implementation of an infrastructure development plan covering the construction of a new building to house new operating rooms, as well as additional patient beds and doctors’ clinics. The 200-bed CLDH will increase MPIC’s total bed capacity to 2,137 beds. The investment agreement is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions and scheduled to be finalized in the third quarter. “We are honored to have been given this opportunity to invest in a medical facility like CLDH with such a long legacy as Tarlac’s leading
healthcare provider. This is also our first investment in a hospital in Luzon outside Metro Manila,” said Augusto P. Palisoc Jr, MPIC hospital group president and chief executive officer. “Through our contributions by way of fresh capital, professional management assistance, and group synergies, we hope to further expand the capabilities of CLDH so that residents of Central Luzon in general, and Tarlac in particular, can continue to receive first-class health care right in their home province,” Palisoc said. CLDH was founded in 1962 by 15 pioneering doctors led by the late spouses Dr. Constante D. Quirino, Sr. and Mrs. Remedios P. Quirino, as well as Dr. Benjamin S. Paz. “We intend to make it a regional center for medical excellence for the people in Central Luzon. We’re happy to make that investment in a provincial hospital which
I think has good prospects,” MPIC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the 2013 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award. A s i d e f r o m C L DH , the group is also set to acquire a 200-bed hospital in Zamboanga by yearend, which Pangilinan has yet to name since discussions remain “preliminary.” He said the MPIC Hospital Group will end the year with three acquisitions, namely the De Los Santos Medical Center Inc, CLDH and the Zamboanga hospital. The group started with an investment in Makati Medical Center, followed by Davao Doctors Hospital, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Riverside Medical Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Asian Hospital and Medical Center and De Los Santos Medical Center Inc. According to Pangilinan, MPIC will be growing its portfolio of hospitals by “ lo ok i ng at prov i nc ia l hospitals in the nuclear cities of the country first. Aside from healthcare, MPIC is engaged in the business of power, toll roads and water utility.
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Metro Pacific plans to buy Zambo hospital METRO Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC) has moved to acquire Tarlac’s largest private hospital--making it the eighth healthcare facility in the conglomerate’s portfolio--and is eyeing another one in Zamboanga.
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Shell sales up, thanks campaign vs smuggling THE Philippine unit of Roy a l D utch Shel l Plc said its sales rose doubledig its in t he last t hree months, ascribing this to the government campaign against oil smuggling. “ We w o u l d l i k e t o thank and congratulate government because since April, May and up to now we have seen a significant drop in smuggling,” Pilipinas She l l Pe t role u m C or p country chairman Edgar O. Chua told repor ters over the weekend. Hence, Shel l ’s s a les
i n t he s e c ond qu a r ter increased double-digits, “which usua l ly doesn’t happen,” Chua said without providing figures. “It ’s c le a r t h at t he gover n ment ef for t s to add ress smug g l i ng a re star ting to pay of f,” he said. Chua sa id smugg led “white” products—those for commercial use such as diesel, gasoline, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)—have comprised 30 percent of the demand in the country, equivalent to
$500 million or P20 billion a year in foregone revenues for the government. Wit h less smuggling and a thriving economy, Shell aims to “grow with the market” in line with the 7.8-percent gross domestic produc t (GDP) g row t h posted in the first quarter, Chua said. Besides the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal to be put up in Batangas, there are “a few more projects we’re looking at,” Chua said, wit hout elaborating.
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SACRED MOUNTAIN. The sacred mountain of Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte as mined by TVI. photo by vicky cajandig
TVI completes technical requirements for Balabag MANILA - TVI Pacific Inc. said it has completed w i l l be in a position to President Eugene T. Mateo. the technical requirements for the Balabag gold- accelerate development of Located in the town of silver mining project in Zamboanga del Sur. the Balabag project to the Bayog, the Balabag project is TVI said its Philippine subsidiary, TVI Resource Development Philippines I nc (T V I R D), re c ent ly submitted the declaration of mining project feasibility (DMPF) to the Department of Environment a nd Natura l Resources. T he DMPF fol lows last January’s submission of the environmental compliance
certificate (ECC). T V I Chief E xecut ive Cliff James said the Balabag project is “ready to go” once the government approves the technical requirements. “We have the funding i n pl a c e , a nd we h ave completed all the technical requirements needed for approva l. Once t he documents are signed, we
Green footprint in cement plant CEBU CITY—Cement manufacturing, just like any industry, can be harmful to the environment if done irresponsibly. Cemex does its share in protecting Mother Earth by seeking ways to enable customers build more sustainable structures while mitigating environmental impacts. The Mexican cement giant constantly has improved its performance as an efficient, agile and innovative company by identifying, sharing and implementing best practices across its global network of plants and facilities. Locally, through the Cemex Philippines Group of Companies (Cemex Philippines)—the spin-off of its buying into Rizal Cement Co. Inc. in 1997 and Apo Cement Corp. in 1999—it has gone miles to lessen its carbon footprint and sustained resources well. Beyond business, Cemex Philippines has become a responsible corporate citizen that cares for its people and the communities around it, as well as the environment. This is apparent in the “green” operations already established in both plants in Cebu and Antipolo. As proof that cement making can be eco-friendly for both present and future generations’ use, its plant in the Visayas currently undergoes expansion aimed at creating and maintaining a sustainable production cycle. With an appropriation of P2.5 billion, the new investment— which involves a network of landing and discharge facilities, plus a vertical mill—is intended to increase production of the Apo Cement Plant to meet the growing national demand. green/PAGE 10
benefit of all stakeholders,” he said. S h o u l d g o v e r n m e nt approve t he DMPF a nd ECC, the company can start building the mine, mill and other facilities. “Wit h t he necessa r y project requirements in place, we have reason to have a positive outlook on the forthcoming issuance of our ECC,” said TVIRD
75 kilometers east-northeast of the company’s Canatuan copper-zinc mine. The 4,779-hectare Balabag property holds an estimated 1.78 million tons of mineral resources averaging 2.34 grams of gold and 72.3 grams of silver per ton of ore. This amounts to over 134 thousand ounces of gold and over four million ounces of silver. (Interaksyon)
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Taking corporate cause for nature DUE to the changing paradigms in the country’s business landscape, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs have become a must to most companies as a way of paying it forward or giving back to the community. Just like the Biblical adage “where much is given, much is expected,” businesses are expected to render more meaningful CSR undertakings that would have a more far-reaching impact, and not mere token community outreach projects. The new scenario has challenged companies to go to greater distance and greater depths to be a catalyst of change. One conglomerate – Metro Pacific Investment Corp. – has taken on the challenging task of helping rescue, restore and revive the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems. Dubbed Shore It Up, it is the country’s longest corporate-backed environment program which recently marked its five-year milestone as it kicked off its yearlong cleanup drive in Mabini, Batangas. Launched in 2009 day after the destructive typhoon Ondoy, the program is spearheaded by Metro Pacific Investment Foundation (MPIF) and volunteer divers from the MVP group of companies. The activities focused on underwater cleanup in the coastal barangays of Mabini and the adjoining island municipality of Tingloy which are among the country’s best dive sites. The activity yielded more than 300 kilograms of non-biodegradable trash materials in the surface of and beneath Balayan Bay. Moreover, some 50 elementary students from the Bagalangit Elementary School attended the Junior Environmental Scouts (JES) seminar to inculcate concern for Mother Earth among young children through creative art. The JES is a constituency-building campaign which aims to enlist school children for community-based environmental programs. The two-day event concluded with a scientific paper presentation by a Department of Science and Technology team on new breakthroughs in coral reef preservation which can be implemented by tapping Filipino innovation and creativity. MPIC Vice President for Communications Melody Del Nature/PAGE 10
Plastics makers cut down DTI beefs up investment production amid ban MANILA—A number of plastic manufacturers have reduced production after sales fell by half amid the ban on plastic bags in place in various local government units (LGUs), the Philippine Plastics Industry Association Inc (PPIA) said. “Continuous reduction of working hours and days will eventually lead to closing shops and layoffs affecting the 175,000 direct and indirect workers in the industry,” PPIA said in a report. Stevenson Tavera of PPIA said working days have been reduced to five from six days a week during the industry’s better days. And from 10-hour shifts, workers now have to do with five hours a day. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) claimed that 20 percent of the industry workforce or about 35,000 “have been affected” by the ban on plastics. About 300 companies manufacture and process plastic products. Tavera said the ban set to take effect in Manila next month will further reduce
drive for Mindanao
PLASTICS SEA. A fisherman paddles his banca through a sea of plastics in Manila. photo by mediamatters . org
sales, as the city accounts for half of the demand for plastic bags in the country. PPIA data showed that a total of 226 cities and municipalities across the country are covered by bans on plastic bags and styrofoam. In Metro Manila, 11 cities have put in place a ban on plastics, with six more considering similar ordinances. Albay, Bulacan, Cavite, La Union and Ban/PAGE 10
D A VA O C I T Y — T h e Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is beefing up its promotional activities for Mindanao to put the countr y’s second largest island in a better position to achieve economic growth through the expansion of its industries, inf low of investments and generation of employment. Through the “Investing in Priority Industry Clusters for SMEs: A Conference” forum, DTI hoped to push forward the collaborative efforts in developing and promoting industry clusters nationwide. Drive/PAGE 10
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Opinion
Above the law
T
THINK
hink a minute…Does a thief steal because he’s A Minute a thief? By Jhan Tiafau Hurst Or, is he a thief because he steals? Studies show that over 80% of criminals who have been in prison and then freed after serving their time are back in prison for the same crime in less than 1 year! So back to our question: Does a thief steal because he’s a thief? Or, is he a thief because he steals? The answer: he steals because he’s a thief. We do what we do because of what we are inside. Jesus said that you and I can still be a murderer even if we don’t murder anyone. If we hate somebody and wouldn’t mind if someone else killed that person, then we also are a murderer in our heart. Jesus said that if we lust and desire to have sex with someone who’s not our wife or husband, then we’ve already committed adultery because in our heart we are an adulterer. Jesus’ way of living is far above the law. It goes beyond just the minimum, small requirements of the law which simply try to keep society civil. But God did not create you and me just so we would not cheat or steal from our enemy. He designed us to love our enemy. Jesus knows that if we truly love and care about a person, then we don’t need a law to keep us from cheating or stealing from them! When you and I do something good to impress and look good in front of others, Jesus sees and judges our wrong heart and motives even for doing those good things. Jesus wants us to do them because we genuinely love Him and others, not for our own self-centered pride and good image in front of people. hurst/PAGE 10
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To this date the brand was never authorized to use the award B randing seal. Nevertheless, they used it By Harry Tambuatco for six long years, duping the public into thinking that they are a Superbrand. In fact, there is a pending case with the Intellectual Property Office against this lighting brand for trademark infringement and unfair competition. The brand was never in any of the biennial books published by Superbrands since Volume V (2005 to present day) nor in any of the Certificate Award events. It was never invited to any formal gala Tribute night, where the qualified Superbrands were formally awarded with their trophies. It is interesting to note how brands persist in unfair competition and trademark infringement only to promote what they are not. The aspirational value ofAkari is not surprising. Many, many brands ask to join the Superbrand program, but very few can qualify. In serving and protecting the public, it is a fact that Akari was never a Superbrand and will never qualify to be one. Misrepresentation to the public is an offense that must be dealt with accordingly.
SUPER
BSP at 20: Four Awards and Counting in 2013
he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will mark its 20th anniversary not until July 3, but the “gifts” have come well ahead of schedule starting from January this year. By gifts, I meant the awards from reputable organizations here and abroad that recognized the exemplary performance of the Philippines’ monetary authority. Showing great promise and focus, the BSP has already brought home four awards in just less than half a year. The first one came early 2013 when one of the world’s premier finance and banking resource, The Banker, named BSP Governor Armando M. Tetangco Jr. the “2012 Central Banker of the Year for Asia-Pacific.” Tetangco was credited by the publication for successfully steering our economy amid the financial crises that hit the global financial market last year. The award is already the third in a row for Tetangco, who was previously given an “A” rating by Global Finance magazine and was chosen as “Central Bank Governor of the Year for Asia” by the Emerging Markets magazine for 2012. BSP’s second “gift” came in April 23, courtesy of the Asian Banker, one of Asia’s leading financial services consultancies. After a rigorous selection process, the BSP was hailed as the “2013 Best Macroeconomic Regulator in the Asia Pacific Region” at the Asian Banker Leadership Achievement Awards (ABLAA) in Jakarta, Indonesia. The ABLAA is widely-acknowledged as the highest recognition for industry professionals in the Asia Pacific Region.
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Aspiration gone awry: a case of ‘trademark infringement’
lighting brand that was never qualified to be a Superbrand and will never be, but aspires to be, despite a court action, is what trademark infringement is all about. Sometime in 2005, Superbrand Marketing International, Inc. (SMI) published its Volume V. Akari, which produces electrical lighting products, aspired to be awarded as a “Superbrand.” It was of the impression they signed up to be a Superbrand only to realize they signed on to a bogus corporation not authorized by SMI. In fact, the very same group that duped Akari was the defendant in a court case filed in Hong Kong by Superbrands Ltd. which settled in a compromise agreement wittingly. Interestingly enough, realizing that their lighting brand was never registered in the Superbrands program, Akari nevertheless insisted on using the international award seal for close to six years, though it never really qualified to be a Superbrands. When finally (and officially) invited to participate, Akari decided to decline the invitation while slyly and silently removing from the marketing shelves its packaging, which showed the international Superbrands award seal. This must have been a costly strategy. Instead of legitimizing its use of the Superbrands trademark, this company instead dealt with a forked tongue. While it is almost unaffordable to participate in the Superbrands program for most, brands should never advertise that they are a Philippine Superbrand when they simply don’t quality. The perennial question we ask is, “Do you have what it takes to be a Superbrand?”
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The following month i n May, B SP w as ag ai n O ut commended, this time by By Ignacio Bunye the Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI). The Bank received the “Country Award,” CYFI’s top global honor, for its outstanding child finance program in partnership with the Department of Education. The program involves the integration of finance lessons in the elementary education curriculum and the promotion of saving among the youth by developing child-friendly deposit products in banks. Meanwhile, the latest award received by the BSP arrived last June 4. It is the “Red Orchid: award from the Department of Health (DOH), a special citation given to institutions that got a total score of 90-99 percent when it comes to implementing a 100-percent tobacco-free environment. Though fairly different in nature from the first three honors, the BSP takes pride of this award in the same manner as it emphasizes its adaptability, pro-activeness, and results orientation as an organization. More importantly, it shows BSP’s commitment to safeguard the health of its employees. After all, like Gov. Tetangco always says, the BSP’s secret to success is its people. bunye/PAGE 10
SPEAKING
Part 1: Transfusion Transmitted Diseases
hile I was doing my rounds of the Laboratories under my care, a patient came to see me, wanting an explanation and brought me her test result that was performed in another place, repeated three times in different laboratories. Result was the same: Positive for RPR, which is a screening test for Syphilis. The only pertinent data that I gathered was a history of blood transfusion ten years ago during delivery of her youngest child. Transfusion transmitted disease is a problem and a challenge that we still face even in this era of modern diagnostic capabilities to detect the micro-organisms that can be transmitted through blood and/or blood products. The problem is directly proportional to the prevalence of the infection in the blood donor community. It is not uncommon really to hear sad stories of patients claiming that they were infected after a history of blood transfusion. The infectious agents can be a virus, bacteria, or a parasite. Laboratory screening for donor’s blood include tests for Hepatitis B, C, HIV, Malaria, Syphilis. It is worth mentioning here that Filaria ( another mosquito borne disease ), is transmissible through blood.
HEALTH
I know for a fact that our friends at the City Health Office I n Focus are active in their monitoring By Dr. Mary Jean Loreche and surveillance activities in following up cases in the surrounding barangays. Bacterial contamination during extraction, handling and processing of the blood, and even during the preparation of the unit like in preparing for the blood or the components ( which I hope to discuss some other time ) during transfusion itself can be sources for transmission of infectious agents during transfusion. Blood being the elixir of life must therefore be treated with extreme caution. It is incumbent upon the members of the team: the requesting clinician, the donors and recipients, family members, the Nursing Unit and the Laboratory in the Blood Bank Centre and the Hospitals to join hands in making lroeche/PAGE 11
Misamis Oriental elected officials take oath of office under Liberal Party Photos and text by GERRY L. GORIT and ROLANDO SUDARIA
S
econd-termer Misamis Oriental 1st District Rep. Peter M. Unabia led other newly elected officials of the province in taking their oath under the Liberal Party on June 22, 2013 at the Sugbongcogon gym.
Unabia took his oath administered by RTC Branch 41 Judge Jeoffre W. Acebido. The order of o at h taking began with all Sangguniang Bayan members, followed by all vice mayors and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Benedict Lagbas, Vincent Pelaezm Virgelia D u ma d ag and Abi ng Bernaldez of the first congressional district and Oliver Boris Actub and Emmanuel Mugot of the second congressional district. Immediately afterwards were municipal mayors Alexis S. Quina of Balingasag, Romeo L. Gue of Salay, Binuangan Tomas R. Gumahin, Danilo A. Lagbas Jr. of Kinoguitan and Jerome P.
Lagbas of Sugbongcogon. The judges who took turns in administering the oath were Judge Acebido, MTCC Branch 1 Judge Cesar A. Merlas and RTC Branch 22 Judge Richard D. Mordeno. In his welcome address, Sugb ongcogon Mayor Jerome P. Lagbas acknowledged likewise the presence of newly elected Cagayan de Oro City 1st District Rep. Rolando Uy and municipal mayors Jhubert Pamisa of Lagonglong, Pedro Panulaya of Balingoan, Rommel Maslog of Talisayan, Jojo Pupos of Medina and Rey Buhisan of Magsaysay as well as Vice Mayor Eric Canosa of Gingoog City and the staff of Senator Loren Legarda. An ecumenical lit-
RTC Branch 41 Judge Jeoffre W. Acebido administers the oath of office to re-elected Misamis Oriental 1st District Rep. Peter M. Unabia during a formal program held on June 22, 2013 at the Sugbongcogon gym. The wife and other family members of the congressman join the ceremonies on stage.
urg y for thanksgiving was officiated by Rt. Rev. Felixberto L. Calang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Diocese of Cagayan de Oro City. Mayor Lagbas and Vice Mayor Mildred LagbasMondigo later led the 50th
Misamis Oriental 1st District Rep. Peter M. Unabia (right) poses with his wife Erlinda, children, sister Inday Unabia-Ababao, brithger Eugene Unabia, uncle Teogenes Unabia and other family members during the oathtaking ceremonies of the Liberal Party on June 22, 2013 at the Sugbongcogon gym. The congressman was the guest speaker of the event.
Sugbongcogon Vice Mayor Mildred Lagbas-Mondigo takes her oath office on June 22, 2013 administered MTCC Branch 1 Judge Cesar A. Merlas. The oathtaking ceremonies of Liberal Party officials were held at the Sugbongcogon gym. The town also celebrated on the same day its 50th charter day anniversary.
charter day anniversary celebration of Sugbongcogon. Congressman Unabia’s inspirational message dealt on his mission for the first district of Misamis Oriental. He said he will focus
on three things: political awareness, social responsibility and economic emancipation. “People who are aware will participate and cooperate in development,” Unabia said. “Our lives are not only
for us but also for others,” he added. To drive home his last point, he concluded: “When people break the bonds of poverty, they will be able to stand on their own and provide for their basic needs.”
RTC Branch 22 Judge Richard D. Mordeno administers the oath of office to newly elected Mayor Jerome Lagbas of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental on June 22, 2013 at the Sugbongcogon gym. With them on stage are the members of the mayor’s family.
MTCC Branch 1 Jusge Cesar A. Merlas administers the oath to newly elected Mayor Jun Lagbas of Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental on June 22, 2013 at the Sugbongcogon gym. With them on stage are the members of the mayor’s family.
RTC Branch 22 Judge Richard D. Mordeno administers the oath of office to newly elected Misamis Oriental provincial board members Vincent Pelaez, Virgelia Dumadag, Abing Bernaldez and Benedict Lagbas. The Liberal Party officials took their oath on June 22, 2013 at the Sugbongcogon gym. Newly elected Sugbongcogon Mayor Jerome Lagbas, Cagayan de Oro City 1st District Rep. Rolando “Klarex” Uy, Misamis Oriental 1st District Rep. Peter M. Unabia and Misamis Oriental provincial board member Benedict Lagbas strike a pose during June 22, 2013 oathtaking ceremonies of the Liberal Party at the Sugbongcogon gym.
Newly elected Misamis Oriental provincial board members Oliver Boris Actub and Emmanuel Mugot take their oath of office under the Liberal Party before RTC Branch 22 Judge Richard D. Mordeno on June 22, 2013. The two officials come from the second congressional district of the province. Newly elected Mayor Rommel Maslog of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental, provincial board member Virgelia Dumadag and Congressman Peter M. Unabia of the first congressional district of the province smile at well-wishers during the Liberal Party oathtaking ceremonies held on June 22, 2013 at the Sugbongcogon gym.
Romeo L. Gue with his family take his oath as mayor elect of Salay Misamis Oriental. Judge Richard D. Mordeno of RTC, Branch 22 Misamis Oriental adminester mayor Gue oath taking at Sugbongcogon gymnasium on June 22, 2013.
Misamis Oriental 1st District Rep. Peter M. Unabia and his chief of staff Inday UnabiaAbabao (beside him) are joined by the congressman’s staff in a photo opportunity during the oathtaking ceremonies of the Liberal Part held on June 22, 2013 at the Sugbongcogon gym.
Judge Jeoffre W. Acebido of RTC, Branch 41 of Misamis Oriental admenister the oath taking of Balingasag Mayor-elect Alexis S. Quina of Balingasag Misamis Oriental, this during the Oath Taking ceremony of the newly-elected officials of the 2013 Mid-Term Election of 1st district LP members at Sugbongcogon gymnasium, Sugbongcogon Misamis Oriental on June 22, 2013.
Mayor elect Tomas R. Gumahin with his family take his oath as mayor of Binuangan, Misamis Oriental at Sugbongcogon gymnasium on June 22, 2013. Judge Jeoffre W. Acebido of RTC, Branch 41 of Misamis Oriental admenister the oath taking of Gumahin.
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Steag is outstanding in LGU to receive environmental reporting Korean-assisted Villanueva, Misamis Oriental – Energy firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) is conferred with two national awards by the DENR Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the Pollution Officers Control Association of the Philippines during the recently concluded 1st National Convention on the Philippine EIS System at the Manila Hotel. Steag received the Outstanding in Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) and the Outstanding in Compliance and Validation Report (CMVR) Awards, citing it "for exceeding the standards for self-monitoring and reporting under the Philippine Environmental Impact Study (EIS) System. EMB 10 Regional Director Sabdullah Abubacar who is a lso concurrent chairman of the Multi-Partite Monitoring (MMT) Team for the 210 MW (net) Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant said that the award is EMB’s way of promoting excellence in the Environmental Impact Assessment Reporting in the country at the same time showcasing best examples of EIA reports following well-established scientific approaches, comprehensiveness and effectiveness. The awards specifically cited Steag “for demonstrating sound and scientific approaches and coherence, and for its technical comprehensive and impressive communication of monitoring results, in a manner that elevates it as a model for other CMRs". SPI joined the ranks of three other companies in the country to be recognized and honoured, and the only Mindanao-based company to receive such distinction. Steag owns and operates the only coalfired power plant in Mindanao located at the sprawling Phividec Industrial Estate
project
Outstanding in Environmental Reporting: Energy firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) is conferred with the Outstanding in Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) and Compliance and Validation Report (CMVR) Awards during the recently concluded 1st National Convention on the Philippine EIS System in Manila. The awards were received by SPI’s Communications Officer Jerome Soldevilla (2nd from left) and SPI’s Environment Officer Francis Libao (3rd from left). Joining them were Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 10 Director and Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) Chairman Sabdullah Abubacar (left) and MMT Secretariat Chief Atty. Abet Lao (right).
in Misamis Oriental. Apart from setting the standards in environmental reporting and transparency by pioneering an online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) in the country, Steag has also set-up an independent and empowered Multi-Partite Monitoring (MMT) Team that also serves as the community mechanism for a highly participative approach in social and environmental monitoring. Si nce sta r t of its power pla nt operations in November 2006, Steag has delivered more than 9 billion KwH of electricity to the grid, representing about 20% of the island’s total power
supply. Through the years, Steag has complied fully with all appropriate local and national labor and environmental laws and has managed to sustain a highly secured and safe work environment by achieving more than three million safe man-hours with zero lost time due to accident. Apart from ensuring an efficient, reliable a nd responsible business oper at ions , t he compa ny is a lso aggressively pursuing the implementation of community development programs and projects designed to help improve quality of life of the people in its host communities in Misamis Oriental.
The long awaited corn processing complex (CPC) granted by the Korean government is now within the reach of the corn farmers in the municipality of Claveria as the turn-over ceremony of the project will be conducted on June 24, 2013 at barangay Malagana in the municipality. The CPC is in support to the government’s bid to produce quality corn and reduce postharvest losses with project cost amounting to P 63.86M. The project comprises of integrated postharvest facilities, multi-purpose warehouse and a community center, established under the Rural Development Project in the Philippines through a joint funding by the Government of the Philippines and the Government of Korea. Moreso, the realization of the CPC also supports DA’s goals on poverty alleviation by providing better market access for local corn producers and opening employment opportunities which will strengthen the local corn industry in the region and will spur sustainable economic development. With the construction of the CPC, the local farmers will be able to save time on drying, hauling and transportation expenses during the marketing of their produce. The turn-over ceremony will be spearheaded by Sang-Wook Rong, International Deputy Director on Development and Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea. Also expected to grace the event to represent the Government of the Philippines are DA-Assistant Secretary Edilberto M. de Luna, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Lealyn A. Ramos, Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno and Claveria Mayor Redentor N. Salvaleon. (VANESSA MAE S. SIANO, DA-RAFID 10)
TESDA goes hi-tech with Google Apps The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the country's prime agency for providing technical vocational education and training (TVET), recently worked with Google to increase collaboration and improve communication for all TESDA employees. Technical vocational students, trainers and personnel will now have an access to a collaborative suite of free online apps through Google Apps for Education, also used by many educational institutions. With Google Apps for Education, they will be able to send and receive e-mail with a @tesda.gov.ph domain name, store data and share documents with Drive, hold web-based video conferences with Google+ Hangouts and easily build websites with Sites. "Technology is increasingly playing a starring role in schools and educational institutions in helping students learn. Our adoption of the Google Apps is
a testament to this," Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general, said. Janet Suzie Yoon, country lead for Google Apps Supporting Program, said she hopes the use of the apps would provide a new learning experience to both the students and educators, and help expand the reach of technical vocational education among Filipinos in the country and abroad. "We are very excited to be working with TESDA on this groundbreaking project, and hope it will empower both your staff and agencies," Yoon said in a letter to Villanueva sent before the project's official launch. According to plan, the project will first be implemented in the TESDA central office and will be expanded into the regional and provincial TESDA offices. It will also later on be used in TESDA Technology Institutes. Between 50 to 80 TESDA information
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technology administrators and trainers from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will undergo training and workshop on using the various Google Apps for later implementation. "The hope is that as students leave the classroom, they take the technology with them, not just the enhanced skills, so that jobs would come easy," Villanueva said. For the project, the following Google Apps would be made available: Gmail - a Google-powered email All TESDA employees and officials will have an email account that can be accessed using any device. The email user will each have 30GB of storage space shared between Gmail and Google Drive. Google Drive A free web-based office suite that allows users to create and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and drawings in real-time as well as upload and share any file type.
Google Calendar This will help TESDA easily coordinate work or class schedules, meetings and events online. Google Hangout It will provide a free web-based video conference with up to 10 simultaneous users, which can be increased to 15 under Google+ premium services. It may be used to set up meetings and may also be integrated to the TESDA Online Program to facilitate communication between the trainees and instructors. Google Sites This free website creation tool allows one to publish a website. It can be used by TESDA to create websites for its regional and provincial offices as well as its Technology Institutions. Students can also create their personal website using this where they can upload their curriculum vitae, projects, profile, thus building an online portfolio.
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Nature... from page 4
Rosario said the effort among MVP group of companies also aims to address community issues, and provide possible livelihood and ecotourism ventures. She said that to ensure the sustainability of its initiatives, Shore It Up will return to its previous cleanup destinations to build on their gains as part of the year-long campaign. These are Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro; Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan; and Subic Bay-Zambales area. (MB)
Green... from page 4
“The expansion is our answer to the increasing demand for cement brought about by the continued rise of the Philippine market,” Plant Director Normandy Chan said. The expansion program is expected to boost the plant’s current production capacity of 2.5 million metric tons (MMT) annually by 1.5 MMT per year, thus, bringing its total capability to 4 MMT per year. This is possible with the ongoing construction of a vertical mill, which, once completed in the second quarter of 2014, can produce 200 tons of cement per hour, in addition to two existing ball mills, with a combined
capacity of 170 tons per hour. The soon-to-rise, stateof-the-art facility boasts of “high-production capacity with low specific power consumption,” making it environment-friendly. “ S o we ’r e n o t on l y making investments in the amount of capacity that we’re thinking, but also the kind of capacity,” Cemex Philippines Vice President for Strategic Planning Paul Vincent Arcenas said. Explaining the use of energy as a requirement in the cement-making process, he said energy is the biggest cost element that comes in two ways—electricity and fuel for the kiln. While there are renewable sources of power, he said the bulk of energy used in the industry today remains to be f inite, hence they should be utilized wisely and responsibly. “Fortunately, the kind of equipment that we’re putting in is far more efficient in terms of the use of electricity. That will lower our electrical bill and effectively our carbon footprint. So we are very eager to make that kind of an investment in Apo [Cement Plant],” Arcenas said. In cement, the carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses generated throughout its life cycle: from the extraction of the raw materials to manufacturing,
distribution, use by customers and disposal. So even before infusing such big amount of fresh investment, Cemex already has limited the amount of waste from its production. Be it an excess heat or solid residue, the plant, just like in Solid Cement Plant in Antipolo, tries to exhaust everything it can before they are discarded. Using alternatives for fossil fuel has also helped the company manage well its resources in the past five years. While Cemex still uses coal as its primary fuel for its kiln to produce cement, it also uses alternatives, such as plastic waste from industries, used tires and rice husks and the so-called refuse-derived fuel coming from dumps. The alternative-fuel substitution in Apo Cement Plant has reached as much as 22 percent. “We’re really looking at what’s rich on an island like in the case of Cebu, and see how we can include in our process to reduce our [carbon footprint],” said Cemex Philippines National Sales Director Roberto Javier. With its strong adherence to international operating standards as shown in best practices it incorporates to its operation, Apo Cement recently was accorded the Integrated (International) Management System, which embodies the integrated systems of ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management, I S O 14 0 01: 2 0 0 4 f o r Environmental Management and OHSAS 18001:2007 for Occupational Health and Safety Management. Its products Apo Portland Premium and Apo Pozzolan, likewise, share the plum, declaring them eco-friendly in April 2008. All these, including the IMS certification that was also received by Solid Cement Corp., as well as the same citation for its products, made Cemex Philippines the first and only Filipino cement firm to be awarded the Green Choice Seal, which is a voluntary eco-labeling i nit iat ive sponsored by the national government, which ensures products are environmentally preferable. “Apo Cement business commitment goes beyond providing our consumers w it h qu a l it y pr o du c t s and reliable services, but extends to upholding our ac t ive pa r t icipat ion i n environmental protection and conservation, as well as the safety and security of our workers, visitors and our stakeholders,” said Chan. (BM)
Ban...
from page 4
similar ordinances. Albay, Bulacan, Cavite, La Union and Ley te are implementing prov incewide bans, while a similar prov incia l resolut ion is pending in Nueva Ecija. According to PCCI Vice President for Environment Edgardo G. Lacson, t he business group is “pursuing an advocacy supporting the plastic industry that is now besieged by the resolutions of LGUs banning the use of plastic bags in groceries, wet ma rkets a nd ma ny establishments.” “PCCI has taken this advocacy in recognition of the adverse impact of the plastic ban to the industry, economy, and the misplaced concern on plastic as a harmful material to the environment,” Lacson said. He sa id plast ic bags are recyclable, these have “superior qualities” that make them “efficient and environment-friendly.” “The use of plastic bags is not the cause of flooding and clogging of drainage but is caused by the indiscriminate t h row i ng of w a s te s or littering of the people,” he said, adding: “There should be a stricter implementation of existing laws on antilittering, waste segregation and collection.” To avoid f looding due to improper waste disposal, there should be “a concerted effort among all the sectors to establish a mechanism for the segregation, collection and recycling of plastic bags as this is the better alternative and the more sustainable solution to the solid waste problem and clogging of drainage systems experienced in the metropolis and in the country.” Republic Act (RA) No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 should be strictly and fully implemented by LGUs nationwide, he said. “The national government should also immediately fund and establish the National Ecology Center that will establish guidelines on the use of environmentallyacceptable mater ia ls as required under Section 29 of R.A. 9003 and use this list as the sole reference guide for LGUs before they pass ordinances for t he phase out of such materials officially identified as ‘nonenvironmentally acceptable,’” Lacson said. Also, “any regulation, ban or charge system through tax or environmental levy
on any packaging material should be backed by and based on a life cycle analysis and cost benefit analysis,” he said. (Eco-Business)
Drive... from page 4
Likewise, it intends to make t he most of t he private sector’s parallel initiatives in boosting investments in the country, particularly in Mindanao, said Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo. The forum, to be held from today (June 25) until tomorrow (June 26) at the SMX Convention Center i n SM L a na ng Prem ier here, aims to promote the various industries in the Philippines as investment opportunities to existing and future investors. Organized by the DTI t hrough its Regiona l Operations and Development Group (RODG) a nd i n partnership with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the forum aims at improving investment inf lows to Mindanao by promoting the country as a viable investment destination for loca l a nd foreig n businesses in such sectors as agribusiness, information and communications technology (ICT), support to tourism, health and wellness, and manufacturing, particularly fresh and processed tropical fruits, processed food, rubber, coconut, aquamarine life and poultry, among others. It also aspires to promote awareness on the country’s cluster-based industria l development strategy, which was developed through the National Industry Cluster C apac it y E n ha nc ement Project (NICCEP). “ Through indust r y clustering and provision of shared service facilities [SSF], we are developing and mobilizing productive a nd ef f icient MSM Es to be innovat ive a nd globally competitive and signif icant contributors to the government’s goal of inclusive grow th and employment generation,” Domingo said. “In line with the NICCEP’s first year of implementation, t his conference aims to promote investment and t r ade opp or t u n it ie s i n priority industry clusters to foreign and local investors and businessmen,” he said. The NICCEP, a threeyear project funded by JICA in collaboration with the DTI and in coordination w it h ot her gover n ment agencies a nd privatesec tor orga ni z at ions to develop industry clusters
nationwide, aims to increase the contribution of selected priority industry clusters to the national economy in terms of job creation, micro, small and medium enterprise (M S M E) d e v e l o pm e nt , i nve st ment gener at ion, export growth and poverty alleviation. “We ex pec t t hat t he con ference w i l l at t rac t actual sizable investments to the selected industr y clusters. With the various development efforts done to support these industry clusters, we envision the countryside, particularly Minda nao, to achieve economic growth through the expansion of its industries, inf low of investments and generation of employments,” said Trade Undersecretary Merly Cruz. (BM)
Hurst... from page 5
You’re probably thinking: “If Jesus’ commands are that high above the law, then is anyone that good and perfect?!” Of course not! No one is! That’s exactly why Jesus came: to finally change our heart and character inside. The law can only punish us for our crime, but it cannot change us on the inside. Jesus came to finally take the dishonest thief out of us, so to speak. So why not ask Jesus to forgive you for your wrong heart and way of living right now? Ask Him to start changing you inside into a new person. It’s only with His character and nature in charge of your heart, that you can finally enjoy the freedom of living above the law for the rest of your life. Just Think a Minute…
Bunye...
from page 5 Apart from these awards, there are also “gifts” in the form of achievements that can be directly or indirectly attributed to the BSP. These include the upgrades in the credit rating of our economy from the likes of Standard & Poor and Fitch, the low inflation rate, and the strong performance of the peso in the recent months. Still, however great and flattering these feats and awards are, the people of BSP know that their biggest achievement is still yet to come. And that is to realize its vision to become a “worldclass monetary authority, and a catalyst, for a globally competitive economy, and financial system, that delivers a high quality of life, for all Filipinos.” This goal remains as the guiding light of the BSP as it begins to count beyond 20 on its July 3 anniversary.
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sure that the unit of blood/or blood products be safe. The process in coming up with a SAFE UNIT OF BLOOD starts with the DONOR. Donors have as much responsibility in not just sharing their blood, but, in making sure that it is SAFE for the recipient. If one were engaged in high risk activities like having had sex in exchange for money or drugs, men that have had sex with men, or, if one had a recent history of having had a sexually transmitted infection, or if one has knowledge that he/she tested positive for the above mentioned diseases, he/she must inform the interviewer. All data gathered during the interview are kept confidential and the appropriate screening or confirmatory tests can then be done.
As an example, he said owners of historical homes can be encouraged to turn their houses into home-stay accommodations or cafes. He urged Cebuanos to work hard to get the coveted chance to host the principal event of the Asia Pacific E conom ic C ooper at ion (APEC) Summit in 2015. With the APEC, “Summit meetings and the World Eucharistic Congress to be held in Cebu in 2016,” Davide said Cebuanos should grab the chance to take Cebu tourism to a new level. (PNA)
from page 5
Boost... from page 2
share the highest number of projects, respectively. The construction sector is expected to boost in Q2 w it h t he fol low i ng considerations listed by PCA: a) trend of inf lation rate which is maintained at 2.6 percent in April and May 2013; b) positive effect of the slight peso depreciation on consumer spending by OFW families, exports, and other dollar-income earners such as the tourism and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industries; c) large growth prospects in the domestic economy ; d) susta i ned robust ness of ex ter na l accounts; and e) sustained increase in investment, particularly in construction, and higher public spending. Mea nwh i le, publ ic sector projects will also contribute to the growth of construction sector. ”Government spending will be expected to further intensify given the long list of infrastructure projects to be i mplemented v ia different funding modalities (e.g. local-funded projects, Public-Private Partnerships proje c t s , a nd O f f ic i a l Development Assistance),” the PCA explained. Wit h P 70. 5 m i l l ion worth of projects in Q1, private sector had seen an increase of 51.3 percent from P46.6 million in Q1 of 2012. C o m b i n e d p r oj e c t s f rom t he public a nd private sectors make the construction sector reached the P300 billion-mark and increased its share to total i nvest ments f rom 5 4 .6 percent in Q1 2012 to 58.6 percent in Q1 2013. In the recent GDP report, the construction sector has been the biggest contributor to t he i ndu st r y sec tor with 32.5 percent growth followed by manufacturing with 9.7 percent, electricity gas and water supply with 0.1 percent and mining and quarrying with -17 percent. (PNA)
from page 2
Stocks... from page 2
Ravelas said the downtrend could take a while, perhaps one to two months. ”First-half 2013 earnings and President Aquino’s SONA (State-of-the-Nation Address) could break the ice,” he said. President Benigno Aquino III will address his fourth SONA on July 22. The market slump was led by financials stocks that dived 75.27 points or 4.69 percent; and mining and oil that plunged 536.16 points or 4 percent. The sub-indices of other counters also fell sharply 2.26 percent to 3.97 percent. Trading volume reached 2.93 billion shares valued at P8.60 billion. Decliners dominated advancers, 165 to 17, while 34 issues were unchanged. Top losers were led by Globalport 900, Inc., MJCI Investments Inc., Megaworld Corp., Pacifica Inc. and House of Investments Inc. (PNA)
Power... from page 1
the power f irm’s way of promoting excellence in the Environmental Impact Assessment Reporting in the country at the same t i me showc a si ng best exa mples of repor t i ng following well-established s c i e nt i f i c a p p r o a c h e s , comprehensiveness a nd effectiveness. Sabdullah Abubacar, EMB director and concurrent chairman of the Multi-Partite Monitoring (MMT) Team for the 210 MW Mindanao Coal-Fired Power Plant, said that the award was EMB’s way of promoting excellence in the Environmental Impact Assessment Reporting. “The coal powered plant is demonstrating sound and scientific approaches and coherence, and for its technical comprehensive and impressive communication of monitoring results, in a manner that elevates it as a model for other CMRs”. Abubakar said. Steag joins the ranks of three other companies in the country to be recognized and honoured, and the only Mindanao-based company to receive such distinction. Steag owns and operates the only coal-fired power plant in Mindanao located at the sprawling Phividec
Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental. Apart from setting the standards in environmental reporting and transparency by pioneering an on-line continuous emission monitoring system in the cou nt r y, Steag has a lso set-up an independent and empowered Multi-Partite Monitoring (MMT) Team t hat a lso ser ves as t he community mechanism for a highly participative approach in social and environmental monitoring. Since start of its power plant operations in November 2006, Steag has delivered more than 9 billion kilowatt hour of electricity to the Mindanao grid, representing about 20% of the island’s total power supply. Through the years, Steag has complied fully with all appropriate local and national labor and environmental laws and has managed to sustain a highly secured and safe-work-environment by achieving more than three million safe man-hours with zero lost time due to accident. Apar t from ensuring an efficient, reliable and responsible business operations, the company is also aggressively pursuing t he i mplement at ion of community development prog r a m s a nd proje c t s designed to help improve quality of life of the people in its host communities in Misamis Oriental.
Mining... from page 1
non-government o r g a n i z a t i o n s ( N G O s) M I SE R E OR , t he Sw i s s Catholic Lenten Fund and Bread for All, and carried out by t he Institute for Development and Peace (INEF), based at DuisburgEssen University in Germany said that the Tampa kan mining project threatens the lives of tens of thousands of people since SMI was showing “insufficient respect for the rights of the affected population.” The 88-page report Human Rights Impact Assessment of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, released last week, said that the SMI project would require the destruction of large pristine forests, pose a serious risk to the local water supply, and require the resettlement of approximately 5,000 indigenous people. “About 5,000 indigenous people would be relocated and their traditional land destroyed. The mine would a lso t hreaten t he water supply of tens of thousands of people,” Fr. Joy Pelino, director of the Social Action Center of Marbel diocese said in a release. The Tampakan mine is the biggest open pit copper and gold mines in Asia, comprising some 28,000 hectares of land. SMI is reportedly pouring US$5.9 billion to the project, which is estimated to yield 360,000 ounces of gold and 375,000 tons of copper per year. The mine is planned to go into
operation in 2019. “[The] huma n rights to self-determination of indigenous peoples, to food, water, health, life and physical integrity are at stake,” the report said, adding that SMI has contravened its obligation of due diligence. “ According to Wikipedia, “due diligence may refer to the process of research a nd a na lysis t hat ta kes place i n adva nce of a n investment, takeover, or business partnership. The potential investor generally uses in-house resources or hires a consulting firm that specializes in due diligence and corporate investigations to investigate the background and principals of the target company. A due diligence assig nment genera l ly includes reviewing press and SEC filings, checking for regulatory and licensing problems, ident i f y i ng l iens a nd judg ments, and uncovering civil and criminal litigation matters. Sophisticated investigators will also search for conflicts of interest, insider trading and press and public records that identify problems that may have occurred under the principal’s watch.” But due d i l igence is voluntary. Bread for All General Secretar y Beat Dietschy stressed in a release that the Tampakan example shows that voluntary standards alone are not enough. MISEREOR, Lenten Fund and Bread for All, through the report, called on SMI and the Aquino administration to “enter into an honest dialogue with the people concerned – that could even lead to dropping the project.” T hey a lso u rged t he Swiss federal government to take action and introduce binding standards for Swiss compa nies over hu ma n rights. “Swiss companies have to respect all human rights, all over the world,” Dietschy said. Dietschy also said that the Swiss federal government must take action and lead the campaign for rights without borders even as he urged for legislation so that due diligence becomes a binding standard for corporations. Lenten Fund human rights expert Daniel Hostettler said in a statement that “a mix of government failure, a poor and marginalised population, and armed conflicts are the worst possible preconditions for operating an open-cast mine of these dimensions.” D e ve lopment p ol ic y e x p e r t of M I SE R E OR , CAGAYAN ORO MAIN BRANCH , E l isabet hDESt rohscheidt P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan stressedTel.that “theSts., rights of # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 the indigenous population to freely decide on the operating CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, of mining in their Camiguinprojects Tel. # (088) 387-0491 territory CORRALES must beBRANCH respected.” Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oroowns, City Glencore-Xstrata DIVISORIA BRANCHXstrata through its Australian Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. subsidiary, XstrataCopper, Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 62.5 percent of SMI. LAPASAN BRANCH The Tampakan Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan project de Oro City is Tel. # (088) 231-6739 stage still in the exploration CARMEN BRANCH “but Vamenta already, it appears to be Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011 dividing communities and
people. Conflict is escalating, even within families. Military and paramilitary groups are being sent to the region to protect foreign investment. The conflict is becoming more violent and has already cost lives – on both sides,” the report said. The report noted that investment and business activities are needed by countries to develop. But it stressed that business “must… guarantee[ ] that economic de velopment pr i ma r i ly benefits t he population, not just a few companies, a sma ll elite within the country and consumers from industrialized countries.” The report also said that the Philippine government, private companies such as Xtrata and a number of NGOs in the Philippines have endorsed the UN Guiding Pr i nciple s on Bu si ne s s and Human Rights, which confirm the duty of states to protect people from human rights abuses, including by private actors. They also underline, among others, the responsibility of private companies themselves to respect human rights in all activities along their supply chain. One of t he tools t he Principles recommended is t he conduct of a c omprehen sive Hu m a n Rights Impact Assessment. “However, neither the Philippine government nor the companies involved have so far undertaken such an assessment,” t he repor t lamented. The report also lamented t hat in t he Philippines, “human rights defenders are easily crimina lized, threatened or even extrajudicially executed, in particular when they are engaged in a struggle for land rights and against large-scale investments or powerful landlords.”
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“We welcome the forceful le ga l ac t ion s t a ken by regulators against erring bank officers. We are hopeful these will help deter the embezzlement of deposits solicited from the public, and also serve to discourage the conduct of unsafe and sound banking practices,” Ty said. A mong t hose faci ng charges for banking law violations are the former
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c h a i r m a n , t wo for me r presidents, and three other former senior officers of the closed Export and Industry Bank (EIB). EIB’s closure on 26 April 2012 distressed more than 50,000 depositors who lost a combined P15.9 billion. Meanwhile, the former president and five borrowers of the closed LBC Development Bank are facing a P229.5-million syndicated estafa case. M o r e t h a n 32 0 , 0 0 0 depositors lost a total of P6 billion when LBC Bank was shut on 9 September 2011. Ty is author of House Resolution 1749, seeking an inquiry into the banking industry’s condition, with a view to recommending remedial legislation meant to protect depositors, build up public confidence in banks, promote savings, and support responsible credit. Shut banks The nine lenders shut from January 1 to June 15 this year were Capitol City Rural Bank (Cavite) Inc., Rural Bank of Gainza (Camarines Sur) Inc., Rural Bank of Majay jay (Lag una) Inc., Rural Bank of Buenavista (Agusan del Norte) Inc., La Consolacion Rural Bank (Laguna) Inc., Rural Bank of K i nog it a n (M is a m is Oriental) Inc., Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan, Rural Bank of Naval (Leyte) Inc., and Rural Bank of Borongan (Eastern Samar) Inc. I n 2 012 , more t ha n 120,000 depositors lost some P19.5 billion as a result of the collapse of 24 banks. Un d e r t h e G e n e r a l Banking Law of 2000, unsafe banking activities include the excessive reliance on large, high-cost or volatile deposits or borrowing, including the offering of interest rates on said funds that are 50 percent higher than current industry rates. The weighted average interest rate offered by all commercial banks peso time deposits (for a term of 360 days) stood at 1.80 percent per a nnum as of Apri l, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The undue dependence on solicitation and acceptance of brokered deposits and spending large sums on commissions and referral fees to generate deposits may also constitute unsound banking practices.
CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947
DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631
CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491
LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739
CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City
CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011
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Prince and Princess of Dusit Thani Manila
Makati, Philippines - When people say it’s a Dusit Thani brand, it is basically the promise to deliver a unique experience for its guests. Hence, Dusit Thani Manila continues to roll out its red carpet this time with an even better and more exciting room package for children as they enter the world of Royal Thainess at Dusit Thani Manila with the Weekend Prince and Princess. Kids checking-in with their parents will truly enjoy the royal treatment as the hotel reinforces Weekend Prince and Princess – a room package replete with a royal program for your little prince and little princess. With a specially made stepper that will allow your little royal highness to experience actual check-in, an exclusive invite for a photo opportunity with the hotel’s Kim Player flown all the way from Thailand, with a bag of goodies, and gifts that any child will surely enjoy and a lot more of other surprises to ensure that your little one will truly be given royal treatment. Takers of the Weekend Prince and Princess Room Package, both adults and kids, may also enjoy a special rate should they wish to partake of the famed Sunday Famiy Brunch. Dusit Thani Manila is founded on a
vision to create a unique experience for all its guests by drawing on the majestic Thai culture for inspiration, giving it a contemporary expression and continually striving to redefine industry standards with sincere, gracious warmth that touches the heart. The Thai heritage and its rich culture are also very evident in the general concept of its product and services perfectly matched with the geniality and impeccable hospitality of the Filipinos. As guests succumb to the pleasure of its surrounds, they’ll begin to notice the way Thai sovereigns, creativity and responsive warmth are infused in every facet of the hotel. The Weekend Prince and Princess Room Package starts at Php5,500++ for a Deluxe Room with buffet breakfast for two persons valid from January 1 – December 30, 2013; Fridays to Sundays only. Terms and conditions apply. Dusit Wine & Dine members, get 10% discount. Advance reservation is required and subject to room availability. Rates are subject to service charge and applicable government taxes. Exclusive for local residents only. Expats with valid ACR ID may avail of the package.
Sinuglaw All You Want Story Baba Pelaez Photos Francis Manaloto Studio 8
Whether you want your sinuglaw with dilis (a kind of dried fish on the sweeter side), avocado, cassava or chicharon, you can have it all! The COHARA (Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association) together with the Department of Tourism headed by regional director, Director Catalino Chan launched the appetizer for this year’s Kumbira Festival with such a joygasmic event, the Sinuglaw Festival. This took place last Friday, June 14 at the SM Atrium.
Different COHARA partner establishments gave the public a taste of their very own version of the truly kagay-anon dish. Sinuglaw is a combination of two sumptuous pinoy dishes, the sinugba (roast) and the kinilaw (raw fish). The traditional sinuglaw contains malasuge, suwa (native lime), luya (ginger), sibuyas (onions), tuba (coconut vinegar), sili (chili) and tabon tabon (an exotic tropical fruit). A press conference headed by Miss Nelia Lee, President & Over All Chairperson and Miss
Eileen San Juan, Chairperson and Competition Committee followed as soon as everyone had their fill of the different sinuglaw renditions. The Sinuglaw festival was just an appetizer to the Kumbira Festival this coming August 14, 15 & 16. This year’s theme will be “Negosyo Kulinarya- Building Home Grown Brands” so mark your calendars and be part of the biggest running Food show in the country!
Hotel Koresco Sinuglaw
DeLuxe Hotel Sinuglaw
Bigby’s Sinuglaw
Xavier Sports & Country Club Sinuglaw Kagay-Anon Restaurant Sinuglaw Dynasty Court Hotel Sinuglaw
The VIP Hotel Sinuglaw