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Cagayan Times (June 16-22, 2013)

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The

Vol. 1 | No. 46 | Cagayan de Oro City | June 16-22, 2013

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CAGAYANTIMES d e O ro

Your Weekly Lifestyle Newspaper

SM CDO commemorates 115th Independence Day Select SM City CDO Employees re-enact the events that lead to the Philippines' Independence Day 115 years ago. The mini musical was directed by Hobart P Savior of the Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts. Photo by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

Synthesized an edible map out of Camiguin’s Vjandep pastel

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By Christine H. Cabiasa

n celebration of our anniversary as a free country from conquerors, 7, 107 islands of the Philippines had given utmost honor to sung heroes who offered their lives just as this present generation to experience liberty and this country to attain sovereignty. As noted, every region has its own way of commemorating the Independence Day. Some did it through live presentations portraying how our heroes fought for it; some went to tombs of our heroes; some shown respect to country’s patriotic symbols; some gave thanks and some just even

hanged on their necks PHL signatures to address their pride as a Filipino. Indeed, as much as individuals and groups showed their nationalism, SM City Cagayan de Oro never forgets, not just “never forgets” yet paid tribute to recognize this country’s exemplary latitude of freedom. With this, SM City in partnership with the regional offices of the Department of Tourism (DoT) and Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and Vjandep brought a different touch to PHL’s usual tradition on celebrating the Independence Day. SM|P2

Cynthia Villar to pour livelihood projects UCPB Savings in Mindanao bank expands branch network

Cagayan de Ooro City Mayor-elect Oscar S. Moreno leads the ribbon cutting as UCPB Savings Bank opened a new branch network at Market City, Agora Lapasan, this city on June 14. With him UCBP Tomas C. Cloa Jr., VP Branch Banking Division Head (right), Mayor Jojo Pupos of Medina (2nd from right) and Oro Chamber President Efren Uy (left). Photo by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

By Christine H. Cabiasa

Senator-elect Cynthia A. Villar

Photo by Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

CAGAYAN DE OROSenator-elect Cynthia Villar has vowed to pour different livelihood projects in Mindanao, specifically the plastic recycling project in which it would generate jobs for the people in the region. “The plastic recycling project will be beneficial, since raw materials are already there, operate it, improve the product, and out of those plastics, we can make chairs and others,” Sen. Villar said.

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“Kung ano ang mga ginawa ko sa Las Piñas, gagawin ko rin sa Mindanao”. As an advocate for producing livelihood projects, as she believes it will improve the lives of every Filipino, Sen. Villar will chair the agriculture and fisheries committee. “Gusto ko kasing ipagpatuloy ang mga gawa ni Sen. Manny Villar at naniniwala rin akong ito ang makakapagbigay ng hanapbuhay sa mga tao, kahit simpleng hanapbuhay lang,” she added. VILLAR|P11

By Christine H. Cabiasa

The United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) Savings Bank, the retail arm of UCPB has opened its 3rd branch network in Market City, Agora Lapasan, this city on June 14. Joseph C. Justiniano, UCPB President said that since Cagayan de Oro is pivotal to growth and development of UCPB Savings Bank in Mindanao, he decided to open the

new branch. According to Justiniano, UCPB Savings Bank has registered a 585 net income for the first quarter this year. “It is ahead of its projections on deposits, loans, and net income after tax. Its past due ratio stood at 2.7%, better than the industry’s 5.7%”, Justiniano added. UCPB|P8

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June 16-22, 2013

The Cagayan de Oro TIMES

MetroSpect

SM|from P1 In hand, they carved out an edible map and flag extending their great indulgence as citizens of this country and their great honor to be one. The edible map and flag was made out of Camiguin’s pride pastels, hopias, and cheese sticks in which according to Col. Virgilio Jose, Vjandep owner, “one you can’t resist”. Thus, it made their output “the country’s largest edible map and flag”. 3, 770 pieces of pastry delicacies were utilized just to come up with one, large map and flag. For the map, Luzon was made of 581 pieces of hopia, Visayas was made of 110 pieces of muffins and Mindanao was made of 275 pieces of pastel. Plus, 1, 750 pieces of polvorons and 1,000 pieces of cheese sticks as surrounding waters of PHL islands. According to Col. Jose, Luzon marks the color of blue since as everyone conceive that it is the mainland of the country and that gross and developments are at its stakes; Visayas as red as early conquerors, the Spaniards first came and that our hero Lapu-lapu fought them, thus red symbolizes

courage in which the “bisaya” can be highly noticed on; and Mindanao, the white color as it symbolizes the Mindaonons blessed with pure bliss and that different tribes dwells in the islands of Mindanao also. As the first largest edible map and flag came into reality, we must weigh also the efforts of Vjandep as the initiator and maker of the pastry delicacies that composed the map and flag. This writer, also from the Island Born of Fire- Camiguin, took pride as Vjandep originally is housed in Camiguin, came into such an art like this. Indeed, Vjandep has flourished their business and has flourished Camiguin’s tourism also. When one will come to the island, they will see to it that they will bring boxes of Vjandep pastels as “pasalubong” to their loved ones. And I’m a proud Camiguinon for it. Thus, SM City Cagayan de Oro, the DoT and DoLE, and of course Vjandep hope that next year they will have a lot more and new ventures to celebrate our country’s freedom.

SM City CDO executives together with DOT-10 Director Catalino “Butch” Chan III, DOLE-X Director Atty. Johnson Cañete and VJANDEP Pastels' Col. Virgilio unveil the ‘PASTEL Philippine Map’ during the mall’s Independence Day celebration. Photo by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

VJANDEP Pastels' Col. Virgilio Jose explains to the crowd how the concept of the "pastel map" came into reality. Photo by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

SM City Cagayan de Oro Executives pose together with the selected SM employee-performers during the mall’s Independence Day celebration. Photo by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY


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June 16-22, 2013

The Cagayan de Oro TIMES

Points of View

ALA MODE

WORDS & NOTES

Owen Jaen

Debbie Cabague

Throwbacks and Memories Have you noticed some posts on your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter during Thursdays? Those photos from yesteryears that make us cringe, laugh or wonder? Lately, there is another trend in posting photos on these social media sites, the TBTs or Throwback Thursdays, a world-wide craze that is hitting the social media networks by storm. FB or Instagram users either post photos of themselves or others from previous years as a look back on a certain moment in their lives or to share what they used to do way back in time. The origins of such online phenomenon is relatively a blur although some think it all started in 2012 on the photo sharing site Instagram and went viral on Twitter and Facebook right thereafter. In Instagram, photos with the hashtag (that # sign you often see with words linked to it) #tbt have ballooned to over 40 Million pictures worldwide! That’s a lot of baby photos, awkward poses, funny faces and hilarious flashbacks to browse into I must say. With the introduction of the hashtag as one of the features on

Facebook and will start to roll out in the coming weeks, expect more #tbt hashtags on your newsfeed and a deluge of embarrassing or out of this era photo posts. I think such trip down memory lane is a fun way to start a day albeit once a week but sometimes, it can also trigger some annoyance and embarrassment from those you involuntarily tagged and found their faces plastered for the world to see without their approval. We Filipinos like to poke fun at ourselves or at others but sometimes we need to draw the line. There is a thin line between cute and fun memories to those we would rather leave in the dusty old photo albums and never to be looked at, ever. So what is the best way to make a lasting #tbt impression? Make sure your post is really years after and not just last Thursday and would even be cool if it goes with the current theme of the month or perhaps a tribute to current trends. So if it’s about school days, why not post an old selfie (self-pic) of you in a school uniform? JAEN|P11

The Singer’s Medicine Chest Maintaining Vocal Health comes in handy when we know what vitamins, minerals and herbs are beneficial to us singers so here’s a list that might help you for voice maintenance. I have personally used these at some point to remedy my vocal enemies but since I am not an expert in this field, I still urge you to consult a physician before taking anything in this section. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (ORGANIC) Apple Cider Vinegar boosts the immune system, purifies the cells of the body and acts as a natural antibiotic. It is rich in Vitamins and Minerals and amino acids. When used as a gargle, apple cider vinegar heals a sore throat by killing the viruses and bacteria that cause a sore throat. 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar a day will keep the doctor away. Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar is highly recommended because it is pure and unfiltered organic, which contains all the beneficial nutrients. Other brands are strained of the essential nutrients. Pure organic apple cider vinegar will be cloudy, which means it is in an all natural source.

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CAGAYANTIMES We need d e O ro

CAGAYAN TIMES Publisher

ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, Ph.D. General Manager SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY Editor-in-Chief CHRISTINE CABIASA Associate Editor RONALD MASTAIL Art Director MIKE BAÑOS NELSON CONSTANTINO JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA RUEL PELONE ALLAN MEDIANTE CHENG ORDONEZ Editorial Consultants John del Bando Sales & Marketing Director PINKY DOMINGO CADAVEDO Marketing Executive ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI ATTY. ROBERTO A. CANTAGO, JR. Legal Counsels The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES newspaper is published weekly at FICCO Bldg., Lapasan Hi-way, with the editorial office at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 with Certificate No. 01801884, and with Business Permit No. 17211 with TIN No. 311-982-549-000 Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES email us at Editorial: thecagayantimes@gmail.com Advertising: cagayantimes@yahoo.com.ph Member: Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber)

better than best Thanks to Tito Mora of SULOG, (One Sendong is Enough), for bringing to fore the most important issue facing the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) today during the latter’s media conference last Friday. Mr. Mora asked COWD GM Rachel Beja how they were dealing with Non-Revenue Water (NRW). NRW refers to water produced or procured by COWD which are lost due to illegal connections, leaks and the like but are paid for by consumers just the same since this is included in the tariff computations. GM Beja replied that from a high of 59 percent, it is now averaging 52-54 percent. Good it’s been reduced, but as my good friend Ralph Abragan of Save CDO Movement puts it, “You did your best, but your best isn’t good enough.” In fairness, she admitted COWD can’t properly address the problem since its last programmed rate increase was disapproved two years ago. Ms. Beja claims addressing NRW is very capital intensive needing at least P500,000.00 for extensive pipe replacement and rehabilitation which was integrated into the proposed minimum water rate increase from PhP 16 to PhP 21/cu.m. Since the rate adjustment was shelved, she admitted “it has been very difficult to address without a major capex.” Why is this issue relevant to the problem in the West Service Area? COWD assistant general manager for technical services Jong Batar said demand doubles between 6-8AM that even if demand is only 40,000 cu.m. a day and daily water supply is 70,000 cu.m. consumers still have little or no water in some areas (60 percent of this water supply

BEE HONEY Bee honey is naturally antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal and antibacterial. The antibacterial substances in honey will help soothe laryngitis and coughs. 1 tablespoon of pure honey should be diluted in half glass of warm water before going to bed or 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 Calamansi diluted in half glass warm water should be taken before going to bed to soothe the throat or for voice maintenance. LEMON JUICE Lemon juice has its pros and cons. It is beneficial to a singer when used in moderation. Lemon juice will increase saliva production, which aids a dry throat, but it also contains citric acid, which is harsh on the vocal cords. A small amount of lemon juice is beneficial because it will help you salivate and help to clean out the mucus from the throat. Just learn your limits with lemon juice. VITAMINS AND MINERALS All vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy tissue growth and repair. CABAGUE|P11

Hammer and anvil

Mike Baños

is sourced by bulk water supplier Rio Verde and 30,000 cu.m. by COWD’s 10 production wells in the area.) In his presentation, AGM Jong said unless Rio Verde delivers its mandated 40,000 cu.m. a day at the steady rate of 1,667 cu.m. per hour, COWD has trouble maintaining sufficient pressure on its 500 kms. of pipeline to ensure 24/7 water service. But we doing a little math with the NRW imputed raised questions: If 52 percent of the 70,000 cu.m. daily supply in the West Service Area is NRW, then COWD is only left with only 48 percent or 33,600 cu.m. to distribute to its 40,000 concessionaires. That’s 6,400 cu.m. short of the demand. The 52% NRW will mean that you have to induce more water supply in the system or triple the demand requirement. since the system is centrally operated without any means of equally distributing the pressure and pumping operation is designed to float with the system that tends to induce more pressure. With the presence of leaks and pilferages, pressure easily dissipates resulting into low pressure or no water in some areas. Thus, when demand doubles in the morning to approximately 3,334 cu.m. per hour, COWD only has 1,400 cu.m. per hour left to distribute, or 1,944 cu.m. short of what it should be delivering during this time. In his briefing to media, Jong said the disruption of water service in the west service area were caused by the intermittent supply from RVWCI to COWD due to problems arising from turbidity and power interruptions. BAÑOS|P11

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Points of View SUPER BRANDING Harry Tambuatco

June 16-22, 2013

The Cagayan de Oro TIMES

HEALTH IN FOCUS

Financial Doctor

Dr. Mary Jean Loreche

Dr. Adonis Agcopra

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MBA, RFC ®

Dengue has a cure! It’s A Man’s World Money and the Law of Cause and Effect Dengue remains to threaten lives of people around the world not necessarily franchised in the Philippines. Like cancer the disease continues to take lives indiscriminately and if only man and science could battle this war with success we may just have more lives to add the growing population of the world now standing as some 7+ billion people. Sarcasm is but part of the narrative that plagues the multiple issues surrounding man in 2013 and in the Philippines. Commercialism of course has taken its toll with less than one percent enjoying the benefits of luxury and authority while the rest of humanity suffers till death is realized. A virus that has no cure will obviously threaten mankind. Is dengue such a virus? Hospitalization is but a stop gap measure to ease the burden of sudden death but comes with a hefty fee. And should you not come up with the monies after pawning your properties and even lives death becomes you. Hospitalization and the industry that succumbs to this commercialism called the pharmaceuticals and the medial authorities have found a sustaining demand to cover their sustained incomes by maintaining their relevance; withhold any information of a cure. Can you imagine – should I tell you there is a cure for dengue and now in the Philippines that is affordable but is denied information to same lives, would you like to believe this? If not, then you must be insane or a terrorist somewhat. There is no measure of money that can equate human life and so I think but obviously lives are no longer a measure other than the monies born out of the misery of others. Hospitalization can only monitor if not ease the burden of the dengue fever. Statistics have it lives are lost in great numbers but who cares of numbers if only one life is lost when there is hope? I am ashamed to be a businessman deriving profit out of commercialism should life be lost in turn for profit. Shame on our government hospitals, our doctors and even the authorities for trying to withhold a cure that can save lives. Surely dancing stints by the Department of Health cannot qualify as an alternative strategy to provide health services. It is simply incorrigible. Here is a link to one of my TV shows that interviews an advocacy to inform the public that there is a cure and it is affordable and available and with proof of efficacy. Part I - http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=DeoRdw2lixo - Part II - http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=-Xg-Y8j4XYE But think about it – is there any other option to date other than this presentation? And should there be no options are you even left with a choice? I think not! The stink of authorities trying to quell information that can save lives is totally unacceptable. Read this column, learn of this information, watch and learn of the cure for dengue and save yourself, your family and your community.

It’s Fathers’ Day. Health IN Focus would like to dedicate this article to the MEN who has made a difference in our lives and that of our children. Where before, our concept of a father is purely biological, nowadays, the meaning of a father has broadened its scope to include, but not limited to father figures. These father figures may not necessarily mean living under one roof nor related whatsoever to the members of the home, but, they serve as role models, spend some time with the kids, play and maybe just listen and take them out once in a while, and give them that sense of pride, respect and yes, love. Way back in Medical School, when Preventive Medicine was kind of new and integrated into the curriculum, I remember how, each time we discuss cases (meaning patients), we were taught how to compute for risk factors, morbidity, mortality rates and the like. And, one of the things that are kind of noticeable is that, for certain types of illnesses, men seem to have higher mortality rates. And, digging deeper into the factors, what stands out is this: men, often take their health for granted, and are neither as conscious nor as meticulous in seeking help. Simply put, they often visit their Doctors when it is kind of late already. Maybe, this is attributed to their feelings of invincibility, or, of, being too busy making both ends meet for their families, or just that, they do not really believe in early diagnosis or prevention. There are certain diseases that are commonly encountered by our MEN: prostate enlargement (hyperplasia), Big C of the prostate, Liver Cirrhosis , Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases. Health IN Focus would like to revisit an organ whose functions are vital to one’s quality of life. The liver is one huge organ of the body, tasked with so much work in order to make our daily functions worth their while. It performs functions that are necessary for survival. It manufactures vital nutrients, detoxifies harmful substances and purifies the blood. But, what is beautiful with this organ, is, its capacity to regenerate. Cirrhosis is caused by scar tissue as a response to damage that occurs repeatedly, over several years. Each time the liver is injured, it repairs itself, and during which, scarring occurs, and eventually, its functions are compromised. The most common cause is that of chronic alcohol abuse. Of course, we know that, viral and parasitic infections, and congenital disorders affecting the liver may also cause cirrhosis. Problem with full blown or progressive cirrhosis is the eventual development of hepatic or liver failure which can cause the demise of an individual. If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms: yellowish discoloration of the sclera ( white portion of the eyes ) or the skin, itchiness of the skin, abdominal pain, nausea, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite and changes in the color of the urine or stools, you must seek consultation, for proper work up to be done, with necessary treatment instituted. Lifestyle choices play a vital role in the prevention and protection of the liver. Avoidance or temperance in alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet, the use of chemicals very sparingly and yes, having one’s self tested for hepatitis B and C (and getting the most needed immunizations if tested negative) will surely go a long way in reaching that 100 years of quality life. To the men who has made a difference in our lives, been factors for good, and whose influence has made an impact , one way or the other, taking good care of your health, is but one way of showing us, that You care for us. Happy Father’s Day to all the great men out there!

When you’re in Davao City, read...

Life is the sum total of all the decisions we've made in our lifetimes. Whatever we are now is the effect of all the things we've been doing since our birth into this earthly sojourn. So goes the law of cause and effect in a nutshell. There's a logical and empowering corollary to this – the exact things that we are doing in our lives today can simultaneously be the reasons (or the causes) of what we can expect to happen in our lives tomorrow (the effects)! Each day is simply the sum total of all the finite 24 hours we have at our disposal. Seven days become one week, four weeks become one month, and a dozen months become an entire year. And for all we know, years have piled up and our lifetimes have gone by. We are finite beings and our time is limited. Being the most limited resource we have makes time no less than our most precious. In life, being rich or poor is just relative. Comparing two different individuals will always make one richer than the other, for no two people are alike in everything. Describing someone as rich or poor is simply politics. Everyone is rich in his own right. It all depends on your basis of comparison – friends, love, happiness, family ties, and a lot of others – not just money. A financially rich person has more accumulated assets of monetary value than others. A religious associate of mine once said, being materially "rich" is neither good nor bad. The morality lies in how your God-given assets are earned and used. Money indeed dictates power and control. But as the cliché goes, "With great power comes great responsibility." Some people are a lot more materially blessed than others. We might ask ourselves what could be the reasons of them being so? How did they do it? By the law of cause and effect, everything has an exact cause and having a good grasp of these causes will lead us to their exact effects! If your means of earning now or the way you think about money seems to be leading you nowhere near having great financial well-being in the future, then it just might be time to reconsider your current game plan. Should you change tactics? Should you upgrade your skills to earn more? Should you seek to understand more investing strategies to help make your money work for you? Should you practice more discipline with handling money? More importantly, you might further ask: "Do I have to do it? Shall I do it? Should I do it? What reasons do I have for doing it?" You alone will decide, nobody else! For you become what you think about most of the time. Choose to have a great financial destiny now!

Dr. Adonis Agcopra is a registered international financial strategic consultant with IARFC and is portfolio director of AFIC Meridian Consultants. URL: www.aficfinancialconsultants.com Email: aficfinancialconsultants@outlook.com

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June 16-22, 2013

BMW Introduces FlexiLease:

The Cagayan de Oro TIMES

Coops more successful than other enterprises – Rufus “COOPERATIVES exist because they want to serve their members and help them achieve their common goal,” said Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro. This, during the Joint General Assembly of the Allied Services MultiPurpose Cooperative and the Del Monte Employees Credit Cooperative, recently. He continued that the National Cooperative Business Association has said that members of cooperatives are n o t f i n a n c i a l l y, b u t morally invested in their cooperatives. “In today’s times where almost every corporation is geared towards profit, it is refreshing to know that there are still cooperatives that put the welfare of its members above everything else,” Rodriguez stated. In the same occasion, Rep. Rodriguez noted that cooperatives have more success as compared to other enterprises.

Enjoy BMW 100% at Half the Cost The BMW Driving Pleasure for as low as P22,490/month

In a study entitled Capital and the Debt Trap conducted by Claudia Sanchez Bajoand Bruno Roelants, it was stated that, “Cooperatives tend to have a longer life than other types of enterprise, and thus a higher level of entrepreneurial sustainability. Likewise, he note “the rate of survival of cooperatives after three years was 75 percent, whereas it was only 48 percent for all enterprises... and after ten years, 44 percent of cooperatives were still

in operation, whereas the ratio was only 20 percent for all enterprises.” The importance of co o p erat i v es i s al s o recognized by the International Labor O rg a n i z a t i o n ( I L O ) , which has stated that, “cooperatives contribute to economic development, generating more than 100 million jobs and securing the livelihoods of nearly a quarter the world’s population. Cooperatives provide an important channel for bridging market values and human values.”

Multiple iPad charger for schools iLuv Creative Technology, the premier provider of the most comprehensive line of accessories for the mobile lifestyle, announces the release of MultiCharger-X, an easy way to charge, sync, protect, and manage multiple iPad devices efficiently. Winner of the 2013 internationally recognized iF product design award and the 2012 Good Design award, MultiCharger-X is revolutionizing the way businesses, schools, and medical offices utilize the iPad. MultiCharger-X combines the best of form and function. This 10-bay charger for the iPad was built with a minimalistic exterior to better match the iPad and other iOS devices it was designed to work with. It has rounded corners for safety, handles and optional attachable wheels for portability, and a locking door for security. It also features individual 3-color LED lights that indicate when the iPad devices are charging, has charged or is syncing. The daisy-chain feature allows the MultiCharger-X to be linked to two additional units to sync up to 30 devices with iTunes. It allows users to sync data, menus and updates across multiple iPad

devices, making it an ideal tool to help manage high-tech investments. Additionally, MultiCharger-X will work with any of your new Lightning pin devices including new Lightning pin iPad 3s and iPad minis. The MultiCharger-X can store up to ten iPad devices in one unit and can be stacked on top of each other to help maximize space, making it a convenient and portable business tool. The MultiCharger-X also includes a lock and a set of two keys that provide extra security for iPad devices. MultiCharger-X and other iLuv products are distributed in the Philippines by MSI-ECS Phils, Inc. For pricing, availability and complete product specs, please email mfangeles@msi-ecs.com.ph

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With FlexiLease, it’s now possible for Filipino individuals and corporations to enjoy the full BMW Experience at half the cost of bank financing! Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, introduced the scheme to its clients and the local motoring media last May 23 at the Premium Motoren BMW dealership along Fr. William Masterson Avenue in Pueblo de Oro Business Park. FlexiLease is an operating lease program that offers flexibility for companies and individuals who want to experience sheer driving pleasure without the additional costs of ownership. With FlexiLease, customers can enjoy low initial cash-out and monthly rates and drive a brand new BMW vehicle every two or three years depending on the lease term applied for. “As a way of sharing the success we’ve had for the past 10 years in the local market, we’re introducing FlexiLease as an additional option for Filipinos to experience the BMW Brand. For this program, we have partnered with Asia United Fleet Management Services, Inc. (AUFMS),” said Maricar Parco, ACC President. “This program offers attractive benefits such as low deposit, low monthly fees, and an easy way to upgrade to a new BMW when new models are introduced.” With this limited offer, BMW customers will only have to pay 50% of the monthly lease rate for the first year if they opt for the 3-year term. For instance, customers can drive home a BMW 116i for as low as P22, 490.00 ++ per month. “With Flexilease, you can enjoy a brand new BMW automobile for two to three years at half the price of regular bank financing,” said. Gil B. Balderas, Deputy Sales Director of ACC-BMW. “At the expiration of your lease, you have the option to either buy your car at a much cheaper price or opt to get a new model under the same generous terms.” Open for both individual and corporate customers, the FlexiLease program features a minimal 10% Deposit; Operating Lease; 24 and 36 month lease terms; Lower Monthly Fees Inclusive of Comprehensive Insurance, LTO Registration and BMW Standard Maintenance Services. These unique features allow customers to experience a host of benefits that other car financing options such as loans don’t have. Lease applications are approved within five working days for individuals and seven working days for corporate customers. Value for Money Under FlexiLease, instead of a 20% down payment, the customer simply pays a refundable 10% guaranty deposit and one month cash advance rental fee. Under FlexiLease, instead of a 20% down payment, the customer simply pays a refundable 10% guaranty deposit and one month cash advance rental fee. “This relatively low deposit serves to free up other funds that can be used for other expenses. In addition, since there is no

purchase involved for the customer, there's no need for a chattel mortgage,” said Clemente Ch. Fernandez, Premium Motoren BMW General Manager. Optimize Use of Capital As an operating lease, FlexiLease allows qualified clients to redirect their funds to key investments, rather than tying up cash in a transportation asset. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to lower balance sheet liabilities since monthly payments are typically classified as rental expenses in the income statement. Qualified customers can therefore experience tax benefits since lease payments are taxdeductible. Flexibility and Convenience of Lease Terms FlexiLease allows for utmost flexibility and convenience in terms of being able to drive and experience a BMW. At the end of every lease term, the customer can either return the car and use the deposit to begin a new lease term for another brand new BMW, re-new the lease contract for another term, or simply end the lease term and return the car. Low Ownership and Maintenance Costs In addition to having the choice of flexible lease terms, customers need not worry about ownership costs. FlexiLease covers the comprehensive insurance coverage, LTO Registration, as well as the regular maintenance costs of owning a car. “What makes FlexiLease a convenient option in getting a car is that the lease fees already include insurance, registration fees from the LTO, and other standard maintenance costs, and still let you save more money at the end of every lease term,” says Glen Dasig, ACC Executive Director of Sales and Marketing. He also adds that since the FlexiLease plan is directly tied up with a BMW dealer, the customer is guaranteed the best service and maintenance for the car. "Maintenance costs are for the account of AU Fleet Management Services Inc. and ACC," said Ms. Bernadette A. Ramos, AU account officer. "We cover all maintenance costs bumper-to-bumper except for consumables." In case of a total wreck, AU will replace the unit while repairable units will entail the usual equity participation of the lessee. FlexiLease is part of ACC’s celebration of a Decade of Leadership. For ten straight years, the BMW brand has dominated the luxury vehicle segment in the Philippines, finishing with a 33% market share and reflecting a global trend that saw the BMW Group post an 11% increase in 2012 year-on-year, its highest ever. Interested applicants may inquire more about the FlexiLease program by visiting all authorized BMW dealerships around the country or www.bmwflexilease.com. They can also email their inquiries at information@bmw. com.ph. Better still, they can visit the Premium Motoren BMW dealership at the Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Fr. William Masterson Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City or call tel.no. (88) 851-7965

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June 16-22, 2013

The Cagayan de Oro TIMES

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June 16-22, 2013

The Cagayan de Oro TIMES

Feature

A TABLE FOR NINE Zola Gonzalez-Macarambon

"Freedom" by Nicolas Aca I am trying to remember the last time performance artist Nicolas Aca presented a persona with clothes or at least his wits on. It's a hard task for the presumed collective local and national art scene memory; it seems much easier to conjure images of that famous internet cat with a smile on. Since "Resbak" in 2009, when Aca walked the city streets in his skivvies, dragging a trail of sopping flood wreckage, he has walked more, longer, and farther roads with as little as just body paint on. The shrieking and babbling crazy persona typical to Nick was born earlier in the act, as far as I can remember, in 2005, when police tried to throw him out of an art show exhibited by his own art collective.

This "street-crazy/taong-grasa" device has gone ahead to become one of his richest tropes after a long and winding quest for a point in "11/23=57" (2010), Aca's commentary on the massacre in Maguindanao. The act fit the idea like a glove; for a moment there, after the tragedy, the whole country lost a little bit of their mind. Needless to say, he's been shirtless and loco all over the country and abroad - he's recently home from an exhibition in Malaysia - one would expect a "freedom" piece from him in the freest state any man has ever been: in the skin, naked as a wailing baby. In "Freedom" though, Aca chose a gentler, more clothed manner of expression.

Although the sight of a large man chained by the foot to a pole is still something to see on a crisp Wednesday morning when, say, after reverently singing the national anthem to a quivering Philippine flag, you are on your way to buy fruit around a Divisoria corner. Shock value is standard to Aca's performances. In "Freedom" though, he replaced the expletive with a silence that proved heavier than his body of ranting, foaming-in-the-mouth work. Fully dressed in white, except for a belt in flag colors, he laid on the ground, chained initially to the pole of a Mason's plaque which says: "Libertad, Igualdad, Fraternidad" (Freedon, Equality, Brotherhood"), a pensive look on his face, asking random

onlookers, "Naa kay yabe 'nang?" (Do you have a key, Ma'am?") This went on while in the back, a few steps behind Aca, the city celebrated the country's 115th Independence Day. After the program, Nic transferred the performance around the flagpole according to his original plan where earlier that morning, military guards will have nothing of a big man chained to a pole while the flag raised to beautiful choral music. The crowd in Divisoria eventually thinned. By mid-morning, the day has been grinding on warm, well-oiled, sputtering, but working machines, not stopping even on a national holiday. Nicolas Aca stayed on until high noon to ask his question.

UCPB|from P1

Cagayan de Ooro City Mayor-elect Oscar S. Moreno leads the ribbon cutting as UCPB Savings Bank opened a new branch network at Market City, Agora Lapasan, this city on June 14. With him UCBP Tomas C. Cloa Jr., VP Branch Banking Division Head (right), Mayor Jojo Pupos of Medina (2nd from right) and Oro Chamber President Efren Uy (left). Photo by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

When you’re in Cagayan de Oro, read...

Also, Tomas C. Cloa Jr., VP Branch Banking Division Head said that according to their deposit profile, Cagayan de Oro City is the biggest deposit contributor in the region whic h is 40-50% of the total. “UCPB is the only bank also which is accredited by the Depar tment of Education (DepEd) to lend to teac hers,” Cloa Jr. added. UCPB Savings Bank also embar ked on the renovation of selected branc hes to project the rebranding image which the bank has begun in 2009 in collaboration with

the parent bank. “This is intended to consistently deliver our brand promise of being the right partner to our customers by providing more branc hes and channels in line with our vision to be the preferred bank in the communities we serve,” Justiniano said. To date, UCPB has 38 branches nationwide and has installed 14 ATMs already. “As we are into the development of the countryside and the rural areas, we hope this will strengthen more businesses, be it small, medium, or micro businesses,” Cloa Jr. said.

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June 16-22, 2013

The Cagayan de Oro TIMES

Feature

Kalahi-CIDSS: Developing Environmental Advocates “You could just add 5 pesos more and you could reach heaven in a jiffy.” A silly joke on signifying that the area you are going to or have been to is quite far and Dangerous. A simple way to say this would be that the area is quite high a-top a mountainous area. But why is it that an exaggeration is used to tell how far and hard it is to get to a destination, especially if it is just a few meters below low-lying clouds? Maybe this is to signify that getting there would be hard or is hard, just to add to the bragging rights for reaching such far-flung areas. There are a lot of communities in Northern Mindanao tagged with the above phrase just because of the distance it has from other barangays in the municipality and the Poblacion and the difficulty of the terrain the barangay has. One could only reach these communities with the access to a habal-habal (powerful single motorcycle), big 4x4 SUVs or jeeps, a kumong-kumong (6-wheeled trucks commonly used for logging), or most commonly, a pair of two strong legs. Barangay Singalat in the municipality of Calamba, Misamis Occidental has this feature. Seven (7) kilometers from the nearest neighboring barangay; it is the outermost barangay of Calamba having to share mountain ranges with the municipalities of Sapang Dalaga and Concepcion. With the difficult terrain and access road going to Brgy. Singalat, there is difficulty bringing in services and bringing out products. The seven kilometers one embarks going to the barangay is a mix of steep slopes, passage through multiple rivers and creeks, and an endless rollercoaster ride if you take a vehicle. The two and a half hour walk is an experience one would not dare to have more than once. But amidst these circumstances the people of Brgy. Singalat are all hopes and prayers of having much suitable living conditions if only there was a better access to the neighboring barangays and the municipal Poblacion, basic services will surely be felt by the community. “Kung matarong lang kining among dalan, sigurado ako nga dali ra moabot ang serbisyo sa atong gobyerno diri sa amo. Karon man gud, tungod kay lisod man abton kining among lugar, mapugos among mga estudyante sa high school nga didto mopuyo sa sentro aron sila maka tungha kay wala man mi skwelahan sa high school diri kay maglisod man ug himo sa skwelahan tungod sa kalayo ug kadaot sa dalan”, Barangay Chairman Severino Bucog said. (If only our roads were in better condition, government services would reach our barangay easily. Right now, our high school students are forced to live at the Poblacion to be able to attend school because we do not have a high school here due to the fact that building one in our barangay is close to impossible because of the access to the area.) The worsened condition of the access road to Brgy. Singalat has is said to be due to the prevalence of logging (both legal and illegal) in the area. “Sukad ako bata pa, duna na gayud mga loggers diri sa among lugar, pero nisamot ug kadaghan na sa mga gapamutol ug kahoy karon. Duna man gud mga sapian dinhi sa Misamis Occidental nga nanag-iya ug mga yuta dinhing dapita nga nagtanum ug mga kahoy. Pero kasagaran nga gaputol dinhi illegal kay diri man sila gaputol sa bukid na gyud, unya dili sila ang tag-iya anang mga yuta-a”, Ms. Nineta Maglana (Brgy Treasurer) shared. (Since I was a child logging has already been present in our area, but this has become worse and more rampant as time went by. There are a lot of well off families in Misamis Occidental who own lands here and have planted them with trees. But mostly, those operating in the area are illegal loggers, because they operate in forests areas/ lands which they do not own. The people of Brgy. Singalat are aware of the situation but feel desperate about the situation. Brgy. Chairman Severino Bucog shared that the logging situation has caused the destruction of the access road going to their barangay but feel helpless because they have raised the issue to the Local Government Unit and to other government agencies but the situation is still unsolved. “Dugay na namo kini gi-reklamo apan aduna pa gihapon mga loggers sa among lugar. Nagkadugay

Members of the Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Project Management Office experience the hardships of the people of Brgy. Singalat first hand during the LGU assessment in Calamba, Misamis Occidental. The community hopes that their approved and on-going implementation of the .84 kilometers Farm-to-Market Road will solve their problems of poverty in their barangay. [Marko Davey Reyes]

nagsamot na kangil-ad among dalan. Salamat nalang sa atong Ginoo kay na prioritize mi sa Kalahi-CIDSS, maayo na gayud kining among dalan”, Chairman Bucog said. (We have already raised this problem to those in authority but still operations continue. This has worsened the condition of our roads the longer the operations are on-going. But we are thankful to God that we were prioritized in the KalahiCIDSS project, so now, our roads will surely be improved.) But this situation has prompted the Regional Project Management Office. One of the principles strongly promoted by Kalahi-CIDSS is SUSTAINABILITY. Before the barangay sub-project is completed, a full-proof plan to sustain the sub-project must be already prepared. This ensures that the funded sub-projects will be kept operational and in good condition so that the future generations may be able to benefit from them. During the conduct of the LGU Assessment for Barangay Singalat, Engr. Roel Jumao-as, Regional Community Infrastructure Specialist posted a challenge to the community. Part of the project implementation coming up with an Operations and Maintenance plan. Engr. Jumao-as asked if the volunteers would be able to maintain the condition of their .84 kilometers Farm to Market Road once it was done. “Dili nato matago ang kamatuoran nga anaay logging sa inyong lugar. Kung magpadayon gihapon kining logging, sigurado gyud ako nga maguba gihapon kining dalan sa mga kumong-kumong (6-wheeled trucks). Karon, unsa man ang inyong solusyon niini? Na aba kita’y mabuhat ani nga problema?” Engr. Jumao-as inquired. (We cannot hide the fact that logging is rampant in your area. If the operations will continue, I am sure the road will be destroyed by the kumong-kumong (6-wheeled trucks commonly used for logging) that will pass-by the area. Now, I ask you, what will be your solution to this dilemma? Is there something that we could do to solve this problem?) Mr. Rpger Alabado (Regional Community Project Specialist) on the other hand reminded the community that the Kalahi-CIDSS project uphold certain social and environmental safeguards. It is important that the project enlightens the community to several social and environmental issues, in which he says is one of the most important ways to empower the people or the community. “Atong hinumduman nga kita adunay obligasyon sa kinaiyahan ug sa katilingban. Dili nato itugot nga ang atong mga proyekto maoy mahimong hinungdan nga maabusar hinuon ang atong kinaiyahan ug matudluan atong katilingban sa butang nga dili maayo. Kun mahuman na kining atong sub-project, basin na hinuon modaghan ang mga loggers nga mosulod dinhi kay aduna na sila’y maagihan paingon sa bukid. Kinahanglan ato kining maatiman nga problema”, Mr. Alabado reminded the volunteers. (Let us remember that we have an obligation

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to protect our nature and uphold social decency. We must never allow our projects to be the tools of abusing our nature and promoting social insensitivity. I fear that if our sub-project is completed, maybe it will encourage more loggers to operate because they will have better access to the area. We have to deal with this matter.) This was already foreseen by the community. Led by their Community Facilitator Mr. Edgar Gudmalin and the rest of the Area Coordinating Team and the Municipal Coordinating Team, they have already come up with a good plan for the matter. A barangay resolution is on the way banning all logging operations in the area. Mr. Gudmalin even encouraged the community to come up with a community signature campaign condemning any logging operations in the area. The ACT/MCT on the other hand has met with Hon. Luisito Vilanueva Jr., Municipal Mayor of Calamba, Misamis Occidental, and brought the matter to the mayor’s attention. As action, the Mayor will support the resolution of the barangay to ensure that the sub-project will serve its purpose well. “Human kana gidala nga isyu sa akong opisina, amo kanang gipangitaan ug paagi. Gihatagan namo ang mga adunay kayutaan sa lugar nga anaa-ay mga tanom nga kahoy ug panahon nga maputol nila ang ilang mga tanum. Kung masugdan na ang sub-project, ato na gayud ibawal ang logging sa lugar. Mag-assign kita ug mga tao nga maoy mobantay diha aron maprotektahan ang dalan,” Mayor Villanueva said. (After the issue was raised, we made sure we found a way to solve the problem. We gave time to those who owned lands in the area to finish harvesting their logs. After that, once the sub-project is started, we will no longer allow all logging operations in the area. We will assign persons to man the area for loggers.) These are all plans. How to put them in action is another matter. But the people of Brgy. Singalat, after years of longing to have better road access to the Poblacion where they will be able to sell their products, promised to take care of this “God-given gift” to their community. With the cooperation of the Local Government Unit of Calamba, this endeavor of sustaining this farm to market road, which is very relevant to the community, will be attained. The Kalahi-CIDSS Project does not only provide infrastructure projects to the community. Above all else, the Project gives the community and the LGU an opportunity. An opportunity for the community to make their lives better through their own hard work and determination and an opportunity for the LGU to improve their governance by maximizing on the needs of their constituents with the help of the Program.

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June 16-22, 2013

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Over 1,400 schoolboys get free circumcision services By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy, PIA-10

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon—A total of 1,442 sc hoolboys ages 7 to 14 availed themselves of free circumcision during the annual ‘Operation Tuli” program offered by Malaybalay City Health Office (CHO). Dr. Dennis Sangalang, City Health Officer, said the ser vice was provided free to the young boys. “The CHO also funds the ‘post-operation’ drugs as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) does not cover circumcision fees. PhilHealth funds the foreskin removal only if it is medically necessary like penile infections,” he said. The average cost of circumcision in private clinics/hospitals in the province is P2,500. The amount is more than enough to help parents who are having trouble scraping up the sc hool fees. “In these dire economic times, more and more parents opt to avail of the government’s program on free circumcision for their sc hoolc hildren, whic h is essential to their good health and proper hygiene,” Dr. Sangalang said. Money saved by parents can go to families’ basic needs as sc hools open this month, he added.

FASHIONALISM. The Best of Philippine National Costumes. An exhibit at the SM City Cagayan de Oro during the mall’s Independence Day celebration, featuring the gown collections of CDO designers Boogie Musni Rivera, Juniel Doring, Alquin Cap-atan, and Dr. Mavy Cooper De Leon. It also features bags by VESTI.

(RLRB-PIA10, Bukidnon)

Photos by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

VILLAR|from P1 Also, Sen. Villar said she will focus on small, medium, and micro enterprises especially on the agriculture sector as it will boost the economy and will empower small businesses alike. “ S i n c e we a r e l a b o r intensive, we will conduct business trainings for agriculture and fisheries also,” she added.

As for Northern Mindanao, Sen. Villar said they will conduct studies on the region’s availability on raw materials, everything out of waste, so that they can take actions on what specific projects will fit the region. “But we will still promote the use of organic fertilizers to our farmers kasama na yung coconet and hog raising schemes.” Sen. Villar also cited

JAEN|from P4

CABAGUE|from P4

And if you plan to post a pic of you with your friends or family members, make sure it is something that illicit happy memories and not spark any negativities from the people whom you wish to tag, that way your #tbt is a truly nostalgic moment for everyone. And while you are at it, one to two old photos every Throwback Thursday are enough unless your intention is to flood everyone’s newsfeed and become a target for being ‘unfriended’. You don’t want that do you? So better show some restraint and resist the urge to upload an entire photo album from you grade school adventures. W h a t ’ s n ex t a f t e r Throwback Thursdays? I am pretty sure those trendsetters in the digital world are scrambling to overthrow TBT with the next big online thing. Let’s wait and see but for now, dig in to your old photo albums, scan those fading pictures and upload them this Thursday! Have fun everyone!

The following are some of the important vitamins and minerals that aid the singer’s body and promoting vocal health. • C A L C I U M / MAGNESIUM – Calcium and Magnesium maintain overall health. There is more calcium in the body than any other mineral but you lose calcium rapidly under stress. Calcium depletion can result to viral infection, so a daily dose of calcium is a must for cold prevention. Magnesium enhances the absorption of calcium in the body, reduces constriction of the bronchial tubes and strengthens the respiratory muscles. • P O T A S S I U M Potassium is the body’s main healing mineral. When combined with sodium, the body’s PH levels are maintained. When this balance is upset, infection occurs. • SODIUM – Salt is the best mineral for breaking up and flushing away excess mucus. When used as a solution for gargling, salt will clean and flush bacteria

that she will help improve the hand-made paper productions, since Salay is the forerunner of the handmade paper industry in the region. Meanwhile, Sen. Villar emphasized also that she will help cooperatives in rural and urban areas, specifically the MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center as the cooperative can greatly help small businessmen also.

infested areas. When you develop a sore throat mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water for a gargle solution. Gargling salt will speed up the healing process. • VITAMIN B COMPLEX - Vitamin B complex helps maintain a healthy nervous system and fights mental stress and depression. It is also known as the singer’s stress vitamin. Less mental stress means less tension in the throat area. • VITAMIN C – It increases white blood cell count, which increases your ability to destroy viruses and bacteria, thus preventing infection. • ZINC – It is an impor tant mineral for resisting infection in the body. When zinc is taken in the form of lozenge, it will help relieve a sore throat as well as reduce inflammation of the vocal cords. Zinc should be taken with precautions because high dosage of zinc over a long period of time can be toxic affecting proper immune system function.

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BAÑOS|from P4 But Rio Verde Vice President for Operations Joffrey Hapitan said in a text message from Leyte their plant can deal with all kinds of turbidity. He chose to operate when the raw water abstracted from the Bubunawan River was less turbid and costs less to process since they could still comply with the daily requirement of 40,000 cu.m. even if they did this. COWD management met with Rio Verde officials on April 24 and May 31 and have apparently solved the problem by increasing the volume of deliveries from Rio Verde since June 1st which has enabled them to deliver to COWD at the increased average rate of 2,000 cu.m. per hour. GM Beja said it would take a week for the situation to normalize in the entire Western Service Area but the supply from Rio Verde has been stabilized at a constant rate throughout the day enabling COWD to maintain delivery pressure in entire system. Although the water crisis may have been arrested for the moment, it is important for us consumers to keep in mind two important facts about this latest altercation: 1) As a bulk water supplier, Rio Verde is akin to the National Power Corporation in the power industry responsible for delivering water to the COWD Off-take; and, 2) COWD would be like CEPALCO which is responsible for the distribution of power just like the former is responsible for distributing the water it produces and procures to its concessionaires. We share our good friend Ralph Abragan’s view on the issue which he expounded in a letter addressed to COWD: “We acknowledge the efforts of the management to explain to the public how services failed in some occasions before and presently and how they address it, but to us the consuming public couldn’t care less about such details and that the board of directors together with the top management obviously was not able to anticipate, much more prepare, in arresting possible failures related to the works of the whole system.” “We see no concrete master plan on how to curb system loss, connection theft, future immediate demand increments and much more preventive maintenance to avoid service failures. Backup systems are clearly

not defined, rescue initiatives not evident. “ “We view your efforts to be your best but unfortunately your best wasn't good enough. The data you have accumulated over the years of operation are sufficient tools and references for your necessary study or analysis and that need not be the defining line of your shortcomings.” “On this light the public must be made satisfied, and participation of civil society and all other sectors must be given an outmost priority as taxpayers and stake holders of this failing institution.” COWD can call all the press conferences it wants to explain the problem with Rio Verde or NRW but it’s not going to solve the water supply problem. Consumers need solutions, not explanations. There seems to be a need for the COWD to revisit its mission and vision. Guided by this, an initiative to craft a master plan focused on the water equilibrium that will depict the future of the district for the next 25 years. A short, medium and long term development program aligned with the progressive development plan of the city and its stakeholders should be adopted to ensure a responsive, effective and efficient delivery of water services. Perhaps the incoming city administration can take this into account and persuade the city council and consumers it’s time to allow COWD to have that long delayed rate increase so NRW can be properly addressed. If after doing this, the water crisis remains, then we trust incoming Mayor Oca Moreno knows what’s best to do. Not the least, COWD can also consider outsourcing its anti-NRW initiatives considering how reducing and converting the losses into “cash” can finance the project on its own without burdening the consuming public. There are private firms which can finance the project without COWD spending a single centavo, no increase in water rate and allow the private sector to recover its investment over a period of time. Eventually, with the reduction of water losses, it will redound to the reduction of operational expense towards efficiency in operation that may lead even to the reduction of tariffs. Think about it…

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June 21, 2013

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VILLAR: Entrepreneurship is the Key to Financial Independence Senator-elect Cynthia Villar urged the Filipinos to strive to become “financially independent” as the nation celebrates its Independence Day. “I believe that the only way to empower people, especially the poor, is to help them to be economically or financially independent. We should not just give alms or dole outs; we should equip them with necessary skills and knowhow so they can fend for themselves,” said Villar. With still high unemployment rate of the country, Villar said entrepreneurship is the way to economic freedom and progress. “Nowadays, poverty is what keeps people from becoming really independent. This is the reason why we have been Senator-elect Cynthia A. Villar [Photo by S. Uy] promoting entrepreneurship as a way out of poverty for real estate developers. With the young and old people alike because help of God, coupled with sipag at it creates jobs,” Villar said. tiyaga (perseverance and patience), She said people should not be our business grew until we became afraid to start small businesses, the biggest home builder in the especially the Overseas Filipino country,” related Villar. Workers (OFWs). She emphasized “Senator Villar and I are living that the absence of capital should examples of what entrepreneurs can not dissuade one from venturing accomplish and achieve,” added into business because there are a Villar. lot of organizations that can lend Also known as “Misis capital. Hanepbuhay”, Villar said she wants She disclosed that their real to review government’s incentives estate company was born out of a to businesses particularly to micro, small gravel and sand business. small and medium enterprises as “When Manny resigned from well as tax incentives to laborhis job in 1975, he borrowed intensive businesses that generate P10,000 from a bank and bought more employment to Filipinos such two second-hand trucks, which he as manufacturing, and agriculture. used to deliver gravel and sand to

Senator-elect Cynthia Villar inducts the new MASS-SPECC Board of Directors and officers, Friday, June 14 at the N Hotel, this city. MASSSPECC Cooperative Development Center is the biggest regional cooperative federation in the country today that serves more than 300 primary cooperatives mostly in Mindanao. Photos by SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY


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