Headlines & Front Page – November 23, 2009

The No.1 Newsweekly in Cagayan de Oro and MisOr

No. 1 in Circulation * No. 1 in Readership

FRONT PAGE

COC Filing On

The filing of Certificates of Candidacies is now on going, starting last Friday 20^th of November until midnight of December 1, 2009.

According to Comelec, there are 17,888 election seats at stake in the 2010 elections which includes the position of President, Vice President, 12 Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Vice Governors, Mayors, Vice Mayors and members of the Sangunian Councils of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities.

The commission has been preparing for this stage of the election process and Comelec offices throughout the country will be accepting the COCs to be filed by candidates.

In the national headquarters of the commission the Comelec Law Department will be in charge of accepting the COCs of presidential, vice presidential, and senatorial candidates. It will be accepting the forms at the Project Management Office (PMO) at the first floor of the poll body’s office in Intramuros, Manila.

Those seeking congressional seats in the provinces must file their COCs to the provincial election supervisor concerned while those seeking congressional seats in legislative districts in cities outside the NCR and those running for local positions must submit their COCs to the city election officer concerned.

According to the Comelec spokesman, the COC must be personally filed by the candidate or by his duly authorized representative. He said that it shall not be filed or accepted by mail, telegram, or facsimile and that, through Resolution 8673, COCs not filed with the correct offices shall not be accepted.

The poll body also said that no person shall be eligible for more than one office in one election. If he or she files a certificate of candidacy for more than one office, he or she shall not be considered for either unless he or she cancels his or her COC for other positions.

On the matter of logistics, Commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento said that the poll body has no problems especially on the filing of COCs. He however said they are bracing for the proliferation of nuisance candidates.

Meanwhile, Political Parties are required to file the certificate of nomination of their candidates not later than the last day of the filing of COCs. This is important if after the last day for the filing of COCs, an official candidate of a party dies, withdraws, or is disqualified for any cause, because he or she may be replaced by a substitute candidate belonging to and nominated by the same party. However, no substitute shall be allowed for any independent candidate.

The commission said it would take them a month to process all the COCs and come out with a final list of candidates before the printing of the ballots.

There is one slot for president and vice president each; 12 for senators; 222 for Lower House representatives; 80 for governors and vice governors; 762 for provincial board members; 120 for city mayors and vice mayors; 1,514 for municipal mayors and vice mayors; 1,346 for city councilors; and 12,116 for municipal councilors.

In an interview by Manila based media, Comelec Chairman Jose A. R. Melo said the Commission is expecting a great number of candidates next year since it will be a national election. A total of 68,000 candidates ran in the May 2004 elections, also a national election, while some 46,000 aspirants filed their COCs in the 2007 local elections.

It is expected that the unofficial final line-up of candidates for both local and national positions will be known after the deadline on the midnight of December 1, 2009.

The campaign period for national candidates starts on February 9, 2010 while for local candidates will be on March 26, 2010.

The election period, where the gun ban will also be enforced, will start on January 10, 2010 until June 9, 2010

In another development, The Comelec, passed resolution No. 8701 last November 17, 2009 which is in compliance with Republic Act No. 9724 entitled "An Act Separating the City of lligan from the First Legislative District of the province of Lanao del Norte to constitute the Lone Legislative District of the City of Iligan.”

As an effect of this law, the First Legislative District of the province of Lanao del Norteshall now constitute the following municipalities: Bacolod, Baroy, Kauswagan, Kolambugan, Maigo, Linamon and Tubod.

Photo above shows the Precinct Count Optical Scan Machine (PECOS) as presented by Comelec to local media which will be used, for the first time, in the 2010 elections. Left bottom is Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez. File Photos

LAKAS-Kampi-CMD in MisOr

Gov Oca is Lakas National Vice Chair

Gov. Oca Moreno was elected as Vice Chairman of Lakas-Kampi-CMD in the party’s national convention held last week.

In a gathering with members of media at the capitol, the governor confirmed that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has relinquished the chairmanship o the party to its presidential candidate Gibo Teodoro. Edu Manzano, the vice presidential candidate of the party was elected vice chair together with the governor and Senator Miguel Zubiri was elected President of the party.

“It was the decision of the party and the leadership that the reign of the party be given to new Blood and New Leadership,” the governor said.

In answer to queries by members of media, this may have some local implications on the party’s ticket in the province and the city.

2nd District Congressman Bambi Emano was reportedly present in the convention together with his group, including Peter Unabia who is eyeing the congressional seat of the 1^st District.

“They will have to categorically say that they are supporting the national candidates of the party or else we will have to remove them from the party,” Oca said.

It was reported that Bambi’s father, Vice Mayor Donkoy Emano who is the head of their local party, Padayon Pilipino, has announced that Bambi will soon be leaving Lakas. Donkoy is openly supporting the candidacy of former president Erap Estrada.

If Bambi leaves Lakas, Julio Uy will become the official candidate of the party having announced that he is running for the post regardless of his being the official candidate or not.

In the 1^st district the broter of Oca, Genaro “Onyok” is the official candidate.

The governor mentioned that decisions have already been made on the party’s line up in the province. He has however withheld the announcement of the line up because of certain details that need to be ironed out.

In the city, the governor mentioned that the national leadership of the party has already decided on the thrust of the party and the line-up it should have. He however refused to mention who the official candidates will be except to say that this is “already Klarex in their minds,” insinuating the candidacy of Congressman Klarex Uy as Mayor.

Governor Oca narrated the line up he will have in the province, including in the municipalities, except for a town or two.

Prominent in the list are Presidential Assistant for Northern Mindanao Jojo Popus for Mayor of Medina, former Mayor Boy Tan in El Salvador, Oloy Emano of Tagoloan, Juliet Uy of Villanueva and Ruthie Guingona of Gingoog as guest candidate, because she has joined the Liberal Party where her son T.G. is a candidate for Senator.

EDITORIAL

PAGASA Budget

Last week it was reported that the Department of Budget and Management has reduced the budget of PAGASA. The agency had proposed a budget of P1.7 Billion to allow it to upgrade its personnel by hiring new and younger people.

This was supposedly turned down by DBM saying that it should stick to a ceiling of P614 Million, way below last year’s budget of P757 Million.

We wonder what prompted DBM and the Executive Department from reducing the amount. Surely, we find the importance of giving PAGASA a good amount considering the recent experience of the country with Typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng, Ramil and Santi.

Considering the fact that hundreds of lives are lost every year because of typhoons it would seem imperative that the agency should be given all the budget they need to be able to forecast as accurate as possible when these weather disturbances come.

We would rather reduce the Pork Barrel of the members of congress, the intelligence funds of government agencies that in stead get into the pockets of officials and even the modernization of the Armed Forces, that could never be at par with our neighbors, and the amount given to agencies like PAGASA so as to prepare our people by giving them the right information on incoming typhoons.

It is necessary for this government to review its priorities. As it seems right now, it is more concerned with putting funds in non-priority accounts rather than the more important ones like PAGASA.

… as it is! By Ed Montalvan

Villar and Loren

The other weekend, Loren was in town on the way to Iligan and she asked for an informal session with members of media before leaving. I was asked, as she always asks, to moderate the session.

It was a breakfast meeting and everybody partook of the breakfast while she only had a banana. She loves bananas.

A lot of questions were asked, at first about politics but later focused on the environment. You can sense the type of commitment she has on the environment and climate change by the way she answers the questions.

In that session, she already mentioned that her tie-up with a presidential candidate will be announced soon but, at that time, she refused to say who and the background of the candidate.

Finally, last Tuesday, she announced it was Manny Villar.

Why Villar?

He is, perhaps, the best candidate Loren can have. The other presidential candidates who still do not have a running mate are Gordon, Bayani Fernando, Ebdane, Eddie Villanueva, Perlas and maybe several others. She can no longer get anyone better than Villar.

For Villar, his choice of Loren is a sign of his weakness. It only shows that the Nacionalista Party does not have a deep bench to choose from. Unlike ERAP and Uno, they have their own team up and so does the Liberal Party of Noynoy-Mar tandem.

Gibo Teodoro chose Edu Manzano as his running mate, also a member of Lakas-Kampi-CMD. It wasn’t a very wise decision for Gibo but nevertheless he limited himself to the party roster.

Another sad thing is that the NPC has denied that they would support Villar for president. It seems he got a vp but not her party.

Things are starting to shape up. The filing of COCs have started last week, the 20^th and the last day will be next week on December 1^st. Between now and that last filing day a lot of things could still happen.

There are those who may decide to file their COCs even if they will withdraw later. I do not know how Comelec will handle this but I am sure there will be candidates like these.

In the local scene there are still no movements in the city. There are positionings however and I just hope people realize what they are getting into.

For instance, I heard that Alvin Calingin is back in the “arms” of Donkoy and is running for councilor under his ticket. Really Now!

Alvin ran for vice mayor in 2007 against Donkoy and even had some harsh words against him before and during the elections. Now, they are “Together Again!” It makes you wonder if he ever left the party.

Who will run against Emano for mayor is still quiet in the war front. We will just have to wait a week more for it.

The congressional race is still not clear in the 1^st District of the city. In the 2^nd though it is a done deal. Rufus Rodriguez has practically no opponent and he may just concentrate on campaigning for his own chosen candidates, including his siter Bebot, if she decides to run.

In the province, my mole has told me that Bambi Emano is definitely leaving Oca Moreno’s ticket since Julio Uy is definitely joining Oca’s group.

Oca, on the other hand was reported to have claimed that he had no alternative because Bambi cannot be expected to go against his father’s will. He therefore has no alternative but to take Julio who wants to run again, after left the group in 2007 because he was not chosen to run for congress, what he claims was promised to him by Donkoy.

This brings the question of where Jun Baculio will be since he too wants to get back his old post in congress.

In the first district the contest will be most interesting. Antonio Moreno, the brother of Oca and not his cousin priest, will be his candidate for congress. He will be pitted against Peter “The Chicken King” Unabia and Karen Lagbas, the only daughter of the late congressman Danny.

From what we have gathered, this will be a very close fight among the three and each one has something to brag about.

Tony is the brother of Oca and has, therefore the support of Oca’s machinery. Peter has a lot of beneficiaries in his chicken dispersal project and has the money. Karen, as the daughter of Danny, delivered the projects of her father in the 1^st district, even after his death.

The gubernatorial race is already a finished contest. Right now, anyone who wants to run wants to be included in Oca’s ticket.

I will try to comment about the other contests like in Bukidnon, Camiguin and other municipalities after the deadline of the filing of COCs.

Media Message By: John DeCleene

Media and Pacquiao

It's easy to love a winner, and, hard to love a looser.

With elections around the corner, the talk of corruption and scandals are increasing daily.

It seems the media of old would cover for politicians, musicians and actors. Then media went to the other extreme and reported anything about anyone. Now media does both.

When Kennedy was President, the media covered up his affairs. Most media also backed war efforts, for the sake of the country. In about the same era the alternate lifestyles of Hollywood stars were never discussed. The media allowed important people to have a private life, and still pushed their agendas.

When President George W Bush was in office, “main stream” media was allowed to say anything. War was constantly criticized. Name calling was at it's height. His finances, clothes, food, friends and family we all regularly discussed—negatively, of course.

It seems media is now reverting back to the “good ol' boy's” club, including women now of course. Their goal is to support government and degrade any media outlet that doesn't—including name-calling, again, of course. Now, those who don't vigorously approve of blatant, godless immorality are called “ultra-conservative” (They have to give it some kind of a bad name!)

President Arroyo is constantly beaten down by the press. Most media won't even call her 'President Arroyo.' They'll use “the president” or “Mrs Arroyo” (especially when speaking of cases against her husband). They just hate that she's president.

While the majority of Filipinos appreciate and live by time honored values, movie stars publicly practicing immorality are the talk of the town. Divorces, live-ins, alternate lifestyles are all taught and practiced on dramas and game shows.

But Pacquiao seemed to get a break (pardon the pun). Before last week's fight, little was said about his extra-marital affairs. The Philippines needed good news. A big win is a moral booster. It seems they've almost agreed to hush things up until after the fight. Even telling pictures weren't released until nearly a week after the fight.

It seems 'main stream' media can pick and choose those they will crucify, and, those to whom they'll turn a blind eye. Not only who, but when.

What makes a 'modern day hero' believe they have the right to say and do anything they want, then, demand to be judged only on what they do well?

When basketball stars used drugs and practiced open promiscuity they were allowed to say: “Hey, I never said I was a roll model! I play basketball, what I do off the court is my business” Soon sportscasters spoke only of the game. If you want an interview, follow the rules.

Now Pacquiao is allowed to say: “I hope we'll discuss my accomplishments in the ring and keep our nation positive!” (Or something to the like) In other words, he's willing to be a hero on his terms. He can win, make money, be a hero, but, also live blatantly immorally, but, no one is supposed to mention it.

Romans 1.21 “...their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened ...”

Mommy Thoughts By Mia M. Castrillo

Is it harder to be a Mommy or a Daddy?

Nadine asked her dad and me this question one time. My ever-observant little girl must have noticed me getting rattled again when for the nth time all three of them were try to vie for my attention. I did not reply and gave it a thought. She asked again this time more directed to her dad when she saw that I did not reply, “Daddy, is it harder to be a Mommy or a Daddy?”

“I think it is harder to be a Mommy,” was my husband’s reply. I smiled at his answer but was curious as to why HE thought this was so. “Why?” Nadine prodded. “Well, because I can’t do all the things that Mommy can do,” my husband answered.

I thought of this for a moment. Looking at my life as an example (and I know a lot of mothers are in the same boat too) you can see that motherhood is definitely a multi-tasking career. It isn’t easy to juggle being a teacher, doctor, tutor, driver, cook and nurturer at the same time. And perhaps, this is what my daughter sees, especially since it is I who is more visible to them (and the one who loses her patience more often with them).

But I do not believe that this responsibility is limited to being a “Mommy” or a “Daddy”. I have known couples whose situations are reverse: it is the Mommy who is working and earning while it is the Daddy who stays home and takes care of the children and the household. And they are happy with such environments. I think if both the husband and the wife have a clear understanding as to their roles and contributions to the family then they need not live up to the norms of society.

I always believed that there is more to having a man and a woman bear a child. It is still the most ideal set up to have both parents available and active in the upbringing of their children. Having both parents present creates a balance in the life of a child. While I may be more strict in discipline and routine, Mier balances me off by making sure that there is fun and enjoyment too. And when at times he raises his voice, the children know that they can find comfort in me.

So is the responsibility harder for the parent who stays home with the children? It may seem so but not necessarily, I think. I don’t really think that what I am doing is hard or harder for that matter. I consider it a joy doing what I do for my family. When I see them finish up with gusto the food I’ve prepared or when they give me a meaningful “thank you” for helping them dress up or take a bath, then I am content.

I think that while mothers are perceived as the more nurturing one, fathers also have their own method of nurturing their children. They have a crucial role in a child’s upbringing and development. Sometimes, as mothers we tend to think that we are superwomen, capable of doing everything. Sometimes we think that we can do a better job in parenting. And this actually gets in the way of giving the fathers responsibility over the children and the children bonding with the fathers. It takes a lot to let go and trust that all will be well and fathers are actually more than capable of handling their children.

The other night, Raya wanted some ice cream and Mier agreed to go out and get some after dinner with her. Nadine and I were still studying for a test the next day so we decided to stay home and just wait for the ice cream. But as they were about to leave, 2-year old Alyssa insisted on going too. I told Mier to take the two younger girls since our helper still had to eat dinner. He gave me a surprised look and said, “Kaya ko yun dalawa?” I said confidently, “Yes, because you’re their daddy.” We strapped them in their car seats and off they went to the store.

They came back after a while with ice creams in tow. “How did it go?” I asked him. He beamed, “We’re ok.” But I knew they were more than okay. It was another bonding moment for them.

Bounce Pass By John Montalvan

Pacman in Congress?

Two weeks ago, the whole country once again celebrated the victory of Manny Pacquiao over Miguel Cotto.

According to police records, Pacquiao fights are usually the time when the whole country is most peaceful as everyone set their eyes on the TV Screens to watch their Pambansang Kamao put the country on the world map once again.

The question that really boggles the minds of sportsmen right now is what’s next for Manny?

So he will be taking a break for the mean time then he will be putting his hat in the political arena as he runs for Congressman in Saranggani Province.

Manny is said to be running against businessman Roy Chongbian, the brother of incumbent Congressman Erwin Chongbian.

Sometimes I wonder if the people who give advice to Manny are really giving advice to Manny to help him or to help themselves.

Personally, I think Manny should just focus on being a boxer and not get into politics anymore.

People just have this misconception that they have to be in a government position in order to help people.

With Manny’s status now, I am sure it would be very easy for him to pool in national and even international sponsors to help his cause in helping his countrymen!

Perhaps Manny doesn’t know that the Congress is a law-making body and that he would have to author or co-author laws to really make him an effective Congressman.

Let us just say that he will be able to write something, will he be able to defend it on committee hearings and debate with his fellow Congressmen?

I just hope that Manny will just concentrate on his preparations for his fight against Mayweather, that is if it happens.

I also hope that if he loses (again) in the coming elections, he would not think that his fans don’t love him anymore.

LDN Motocross Championships

All Systems Go for 2009 Gov. Dimaporo’s National Motocross Championships

Hundreds of national and local riders are set to see action on December 12 to 13, 2009 in the biggest motocross competition in northern Mindanao after the completion of the world-class motocross dirt track at Lanao del Norte.

The province is no stranger to the hosting of national motocross championships as it boasts of being the preferred venue for bemedalled riders in this extreme motorsport specially with the inclusion of motocross as one of the regular highlights in its ”Araw ng Lanao del Norte” celebrations.

The racing track is inside the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) complex situated right in the heart of the capitol town of Tubod.

The track designers have carved out the expansive dirt track right in front of the MCC grandstand allowing the audience to watch every twist, turn and crash of the racers from the comfortable vantage point of the spacious grandstand.

This venue has added to the varied spectator sports continuously being showcased in the province making it fast becoming the sporting destination in northern Mindanao.

“The province has been annually hosting the PBA games and we are adding new and exciting sports every year. This time we’ve chosen motocross because people are very thrilled to see their jumps and stunts. It is the goal of the provincial government to make Lanao del Norte not only the sporting destination in northern Mindanao but the motocross capital of the country as well”, explained Provincial Information Officer Lyndon Calica. VNL/PIO-LDN

Socials By. Sarah A. Velez

Fellowship of Friends and Relatives at Dynasty

Mariano “Nonong” Gabor who tendered the dinner, with his wife Dr. Lucita Gabor for friends and relatives, was most happy, for, as in his words, I want to share the life I now live with Christ, my faith in the son of God who loves not only me but for others.

A night of soul searching for friends and relatives of Nonong, as pictures shows.

Nonong is now a Pastor in Maryland, USA and comes to visit relatives and friends in Cagayan de Oro once in a while.

Nonong – The Minister

Nonong’s wife Lucy with Dr. Rod Panopeo and Dr. Leo Generalao

Anita Villarin Karagdag and Victor Boy Gabor

Divina Jaraula, Daylit Fabregas and Alice Lacson

Emilio Mortola Jr., See Hong, Ed Montalvan and Virgil Soriano

This writer with Flory Montalvan, Telly Velez and Vic Gabor

Nena Gabor, Tina Pineda Benipayo, Gloria See and Nene Bartolome

The emcee – Telly Gabor Velez

Victor Gabor , Anita Karagdag with the host

Mitos Pineda Ortigas saying a few words about the host

Minda Gaerlan, Sarah Borja and Lennie Wilkom

Dr. Loloy Dael, Dr. R.J. Panopeo, Dr. Leo Generalao and Pastor Nonong Gabor

Minda Abarrientos and Jorgette R. Awa

Lulu Benipayo, Lily Raypon and Amy Mortola

Yoling Malferrari, Nena Hernandez and Inday Lavina

The late cousins Jose Corrales Roa and Jesus Gabor y Roa

Virgil & Nina Soriano

Write 50 years of Blissful Wedded Life

Virgil and Josefina “Nina” Soriano recently celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary with a Mass and Renewal of Vows at the Carmelite Monastery in Camaman-an and reception at Pryce Plaza Hotel.

It was a simple but elegant gathering with only close relatives and friends of the couple yet it filled up the ballroom of the hotel.

Also present were the 7 children (of 5 Boys and 2 Girls) and their respective spouses and 6 grandchildren.

Beyond “Dead End” By Jan Yumul

A World Class product

Once, I had this conversation with somebody who has been living in Hong Kong for two decades like I have. The only difference was, I grew up here and that she (probably in her late 40s or 50s) has been doing the same job for that long. Let me call her Ms B.

We shared what we loved so much about Hong Kong and fantasized about the Philippines becoming a world power or a world class city like HK until the topic faded into the lives that we’ve been supporting through the years.

Every time I share about life here, I get a bit emotional seeing what we had to go through to survive. “We”,here, doesn’t apply to my family and I but particularly the Filipinos in HK. There are lives worth writing about but only a few make history.

Ms B began reflecting how life has been like in this city and we share similar sentiments of how we are being thought of back in the Philippines. HK is a role model that developing countries can look up to. It’s small yet look at the leap she has taken over the years for people to deservingly associate her with words like “World class city”, “Clean and orderly”, “Safe “ and “beautiful” to name a few. Even Philippine government officials like making private trips here and that’s the part I do not understand the most, how applying what they appreciate about other countries does not seem to be a priority or at least an option or a way to improve the country.

If most of you think that our lives in a “world class city” seem to be extravagant and luxurious, well, it’s not. Even OFWs who had full hopes and dreams before leaving the Philippines still dream when they come to HK. It’s not all glamorous and easy like how they would usually portray it on facebook or what have you. Pictures like sitting on a couch with fluffy white pillows, basking in the sun at the beach or bending over a Rolls Royce may not necessarily intend to make you envious or jealous. It’s a message that could also say we can have all these if we start changing our ways. And let me add that it IS NOT impossible.

I hope that whatever one is going through right now, it’s time to believe that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am encouraging the youth in particular because the will and determination are there. Do not be poisoned by Trapos who only visit you during elections. Do not trade your intelligence for money; instead, impart it in rebuilding the country. Engage yourselves and be leaders. This is your time, your time to break free as prisoners of corruption, victims of promises centuries forgotten, break free from being spectators of the green grass over the fence. It’s time to be THE green grass that you once aspired for. Let’s give Pacman a break. Now, it’s your turn.

From Across the Seas By Ben Emata

Celebrities Marching On

It is amazing to watch so many movie stars, ex-movie stars, boxers, men from sports and everyone busy and noisy preparing to run for various positions in next year national elections. There are for senators, congressmen, governors, mayor and others.

This shows that politics is getting a much better career now than ever. Movie stars are highly paid people but these guys find it better in politics the reason they are switching occupation. Certainly, they are aware a lot of money, will be spent to capture victory. This is easy for them because of their popularity that is to their advantage and which speaks more than cash.

With their favorite movie stars, the fanatics organize groups to be identified as fans of a certain idol. When movie stars go to the province, so many people shouting and singing and swarm them. This is the style of Filipinos regardless of their category in life.

So be it when a movie star seeks a position in a political battle, they easily pass through with comfort. The have money to spend which almost always is not necessary or little is needed.

Celebrities do not need so much of the necessary education. What is important is popularity. This is because many of our voters do not mind much about the capability of the candidates but the good looks of the celebrities who are known to them.

But why so many good-looking young men in the movies who are less educated? The reason is simple. This bunch of ambitious young individuals are in school diligently doing their homework when they were spotted by movie scouts. After gullible tongue hunters approach them, they are hired right away and given a role in the movies. It is easy as that and the young man and woman who was discovered quit school and proudly face the camera without realizing the value of education that they leave behind.

Being offered a role in the movie has always been a dream of teenage guys. This is irresistible! Things go quickly and the next development is the newly discovered finds him in newspaper and magazines as a full pledge movie star. The dream for a higher education is set aside until it becomes a shadow in the past. Of course, there are some folks who go on with the job in the movies while also attending college. This rarely happens because once he is already getting acting roles, he usually forgets school. It is the power of money now that dictates their destiny. Imagine movie stars getting millions of pesos doing prestigious works as appearing in the movies. The objective of earning good money is achieved the shorter way in show business than getting a college degree.

But we know for a fact that education cannot be set aside in the top echelon of the government. The Legislative body, for instance, needs the power of the mind and when one without educational background is elected, the difference is really noticeable. The office is law-making and needs debate and argument to arrive at a point. So we still need leaders who are governed by higher learning than by just popularity.

Reflections By Fr. Leo Pabayo SJ

Candidates for Education First

“The quality of education in the country has sunk to its lowest level,” DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus said. “Our country ranked 52nd out of the 55 countries in education,” reports congresswoman Ilagan. She got this figure from the 2008 World Competitive Yearbook by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development.

We are particularly low in Math and Science. We are at the bottom 5 together with Ghana, South Africa, Botswana and Saudi Arabia. In contrast, our nearby neighbors countries, namely, Japan, Taipei, Hongkong, South Korea and the city state of Singapore are the top 5.

The main reason for our students’ poor performance is that most of our elected officials have not given the support for education that the country needs. Lapus cited the fact that other countries give 6% of their GDP to education while we give only 2%. Ilagan also quoted the Congressional Budget and Planning Office as saying of 2008 budget that “although the education sector gets the biggest share of the budget, it still lags behind the budget allocation to education of neighboring countries, which is above 20 percent.” For this school year Lapus proposed the budget needed to address the crisis but he did not get the support for it from the president and her allies in congress. What was approved was only less than two third of that. It has been like this for many years.

I already quoted in an earlier article the implications of the reduced 2009-2010 budget of the DepEd. It bears repeating them. This year the inadequate budget means DepEd has no funds for the needed 1,546 new classrooms, no funds for 3,021,009 seats, no funds for 29,762 more teachers that are needed, no more funds for 6,538 principals and for 33,049,177 textbooks and other instructional materials.

The lack of urgency with which we regard the education problem in the country has taken its toll not only in the increasingly poor performance of our students in tests studies as mentioned above, but worse, it has taken its toll in the continuing large number of students dropping out of school in the elementary and the secondary levels.

The implication of this for our country is dreadful. This means that a sizable number of our citizens have no adequate basic knowledge they need to have a good life and to be good citizens. It means that they have no basic knowledge of their social responsibilities and basic rights. This can lead to behaviors that are out of sync with the laws, customs, values, etc…of society and make them susceptible to abuse. It means that the ability of many of our fellow countrymen to think through problems in their life is inadequate. In a society that is becoming more complex this can lead to desperation and criminality. Lack of education of many means that many are bound to act from feeling and less on what their reason tells them as the good and fair thing to do. Some of them might even regress to barbarism. The increasing number of kidnappings, daylight robberies, murders and the growing number of hobos in public places and people who seem to have lost their wits that we now and then meet in the streets can be attributed to a great extent to failure in our educational system..

Good education for the young as well as the uneducated adults is a desperate need of our society. Let us vote for candidates who will do something about it.

Fr. Leo Pabayo is a member of the Society of Jesus

Features By: Wendy Ramos Garcia

Heartwarming & Heartbreaking Moments

Music, movies, memories, the written word – what do they have in common? All have the power to move us to be happy or to be sad. When I’m by myself at home, I like to listen to my favorite CDs of music from the Jersey Boys, Mama Mia, Rod Maclean’s “Vincent”, or Sinatra’s “New York, New York” and a meditation CD, a recent gift from Fr. Balchand, S.J. The first 2 always lift my sagging spirits; “New York, New York” brings pleasant memories of ballroom dancing back home while Maclean’s Vincent always makes me very sad because it reminds me of a dear nephew. The meditation CD has plaintive melodies that are soothing but sad as well but I don’t know why I still like to listen to it. Movies also can have the same effect – they can entertain, and make us laugh or cry.

Other stuff that elicit powerful feelings or reactions are news from home- like hearing about the devastation wrought by the recent typhoons, or about good projects being implemented in the old hometown and stories about kindness, good deeds and gallantry .

When word got around via email that Fr. Balchand was taking care of some old & physically infirmed Jesuit priests at the Ateneo de Manila Infirmaries, former students of these priests responded immediately. It’s because they remembered how these former mentors shaped them into what they are now. Fr. Balchand was overwhelmed by the show of support.

When a dear classmate, Grace Gaid Reyes, emailed me about stumbling on my article “Memories of the old hometown” in the kagay-an.com website; her excitement rubbed off on me. Tootsie Roa’s email, all the way from Florida, after reading “What makes Cagayan de Oro Tick or Why natives & non-natives alike love our city” to tell me how much he enjoyed the piece even though it was quite long made my day. It warmed my heart to know that people enjoyed reading my articles about our hometown. It happened again when I got a text message a few weeks ago from Biema Cruz Along informing me that Fr. James O’Donnell, S.J. had shown her & Manny a copy of a photo book I did about Cagayan and they wanted me to bring copies of the same on my next trip home. These are the friends who encourage me to keep on writing. In a similar vein, at the recent TAPOK in New Jersey, I was pleasantly surprised when my brother’s high school classmate, Dr. Manuel Marban of St. Louis, Missouri approached me to tell me that he wanted to be a sponsor at the golf tournament held at Pueblo in my brother’s memory because it was Boy who taught him how to play golf. These seemingly simple acts of saying “I enjoyed it” or “I remember him” would gladden any heart. My point is that it takes very little to make one happy.

And at the other end of the spectrum, we get sad when we hear bad news even though we don’t know the person or subject. A few weeks ago, Roy Gaane of Southern California posted an email to our Cagayanon e-group informing us that Jesus “Junjun” Flores, Jr. died of wounds sustained in a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. His parents, Jake & Alma Olar Flores hail from Bogo, Cebu and Malaybalay, Bukidnon respectively but were close to Roy and other Cagayanons in Los Angeles. People who read Roy’s email became very sad; some cried even though they did not know this young man or his parents. We all had the same thought - how young he was to suffer such a fate and felt even sadder just thinking about his parents and their loss.

JunJun had 4 older sisters and one younger brother. One of his sisters, Suzette, is in the Navy and was the first to be contacted about his death. U.S. military personnel, led by a colonel, went to Malaybalay to inform his parents. They were in the Philippines having just rendezvoused with him thereat for a week. It was there that he told his parents that if anything happened to him, he wanted to be buried in Malaybalay. A memorial service was held in Los Angeles then his remains were cremated and flown to Malaybalay for burial. He received several medals including the Purple Heart.

Such incidents make us realize and remember that it is because of men like the late Jesus Flores, Jr. that we have the freedoms we presently enjoy- the freedom of speech, the freedom to practice our religion, to vote & to choose our leaders, and to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Thanksgiving will be here in less than 2 weeks. It is good to pause & thank God for all the blessings we continue to enjoy even during this difficult time.

Asia Mobile Awards 2009

SMART wins 3 awards in Asia Mobile Awards 2009

In an “unprecedented” performance, Philippine wireless operator Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) bagged three out of 11 awards at the annual Mobile Asia Congress held here in Hong Kong by the GSM Association (GSMA), the global trade group for the mobile industry.

SMART’s winning entries were: Smart Money’s expanded mobile-based security feature for online purchases under the Best Mobile Money Service category; SMART Islands Activation Program (IAP) under the Mobile Money for the Unbanked Award category; and the AXE on Phone campaign, in partnership with Unilever, under the Best Mobile Advertising or Marketing category.

These entries won in the field of over 100 submissions from mobile phone operators all over Asia. They have been automatically shortlisted for the Global Mobile Awards, which will be held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in 2010.

“This is unprecedented (for the GSMA), that one company has won three awards in one night,” said Rob Conway, Chairman and CEO of the GSMA.

“These awards show that the Philippines has an innovative and vibrant telecommunications industry that continues to provide its customers with ground-breaking products and services,” said Napoleon L. Nazareno, President and CEO of SMART. “

“Para sa Pinoy ang mga awards na ito. (These awards are for Filipinos.) As we embed Smart Money into the web experience with our Mobile-based Online Security Feature, our Islands Activation program at the same time reaches deep into the grassroots and impact people's lives,” said Orlando B. Vea, SMART Chief Wireless Advisor.

“The AXE on Phone campaign shows our leadership in developing a new marketing space that will be a source of revenues in the future," he added.

The Smart Island Activations Program provides remote, underserved island communities with mobile money transfer services. This was piloted in Polillo Island, Quezon province which was cut off from financial services when the only rural bank on the island and the telegraphic transfer office closed shop in 2008. Working with the RHUDARDA Multi-Purpose Cooperative (RMPC), SMART enabled island residents to send and receive cash, buy airtime and pay for goods and services using mobile phones. This service will be replicated in 40 other small islands in different parts of the country through SMART’s partnership with SeedFinance, the Mindanao Microfinance Council and other MFIs.

Smart Money’s new internet payments security feature allows SMART subscribers to make online purchases even more secure with the help of their cellular phones. Purchases from MasterCard online retail partners using Smart Money accounts are authorized outside the internet environment via a Smart mobile phone. The new security feature unlocks the Smart Money account prior to a purchase and then automatically locks it after the transaction. This effectively prevents online fraud and other potential abuses.

The AXE on Phone campaign combined SMS, mobile content, and web components. SMART provided a special mobile number 09088933333 as a hotline, enabling consumers to participate in the promo of Unilever, the manufacturer of AXE. Open to adult males, the promo mechanics included calling the AXE hotline and answering two qualifying questions. Callers who answered the questions correctly got a unique promo code, sent via SMS, which qualified them for a raffle that gave away 50 iPhones. The promo was also supported by Unilever’s content provider, Megamobile, and its media partner, ARC.

The SMART Post-Marketing Waste Management Initiative (tarpaulin recycling) was also a finalist under The Green Mobile Award category.

The GSMA represents more than 750 GSM mobile operators as well as 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organizations, across 219 countries and territories.

Business News – Edited by Pip Panaguiton

Key Rates

20 November 2009

US$ 1.00 PhP 46.912

JAPAN YEN 0.527000

UNITED KINGDOM POUND 76.1695

HONGKONG DOLLAR 6.0536

SAUDI ARABIA RIAL 12.509900

EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION EURO 69.983300

Repo Rate 6.00%

Reverse Repo Rate 4.00%

Inflation Rate (Oct '09) 1.6%

NEER 12.666

91-day T-bill Rate 3.824%

Gold Buying/ troy oz. US$1142.10

Silver Buying US$18.50

Source: Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas

PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE

Active Stocks

As of Nov 20, 2009, 12:10 PM

No. Sec Name Symbol Price Volume

1 MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY MER 228.00 1.295

2. SM INVESTMENTS CORPORATION SM 315.00 928

3. PHILEX MINING CORPORATION PX 17.50 14,817

4. MANILA WATER COMPANY, INC MWC 16.25 13,982

5. Century Peak Metal Holdings Corporation CPM 5.60 32,155

6. AgriNurture, Inc. ANI 28.00 5,737

7. ISM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION ISM 0.065 2,582,200

8. PLDT COMPANY "Common" TEL 2,545.00 50

9. MEGAWORLD CORPORATION MEG 1.52 76.592

10. AYALA LAND, INC ALI 12.25 9,432

11. BANCO DE ORO UNIBANK, INC. BDO 40.50 2,746

12. METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY MBT 45.40 2,252

13. FIRST PHILIPPINE HOLDINGS CORPORATION FPH 51.00 1,823

14. METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS CORPORATION MPI 2.70 33,191

15. ALLIANCE GLOBAL GROUP, INC. AGI 4.35 19,984

16. ENERGY DEVELOPMENT (EDC) CORP EDC 4.10 2,105

17. SM PRIME HOLDINGS, INC. SMPH 10. 8,219

18. BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS BPI 47.50 1,619

19. GLOBE TELECOM, INC GLO 955.00 66

20. PHILWEB CORPORATION WEB 18.25 2,787

Top Gainers

As of Nov. 20, 2009, 12:10 PM

No. SECURITY NAME SYM VOLUME PRICE

1. WATERFRONT PHILIPPINES, INC. WPI 10,000 0.36

2. ISM COMMUNICATIONS CORP ISM 2,598,200,000 0.065

3. JOLLIVILLE HOLDINGS CORP. JOH 305,000 2.10

4. FIRST ABACUS FIN HOLDS CORP. FAF 6,540,000 0.91

5. PETRON CORPORATION PCOR 9,170,000 5.70

6. PAL HOLDINGS, INC PAL 4,000 2.90

7. MABUHAY VINYL CORPORATION MVC 41,000 0.95

8. ALCORN GOLD RES CORP APM 53,000,000 0.0085

9. PHILEX MINING CORPORATION PX 14,817,200 17.50

10. ISLAND INFORM AND TECH, INC. IS 2,300,000 0.09

Top Losers

As of Nov. 20, 2009, 12:10 PM

No. SECURITY NAME SYM VOLUME PRICE

1. ARANETA PROPERTIES, INC ARA 180,000 0.48

2. BDO LEASING & FINANCE, INC.. BLFI 159,000 1.40

3. DFNN INC. DFNN 5,000 6.90

4. VITARICH CORPORATION VITA 3,520,000 0.28

5. PHIL. SEVEN CORP "Common" SEVN 20,000 7.50

6. AgriNurture, Inc. . ANI 5,737,000 28.00

7. ATOK-BIG WEDGE CO, INC. "A" AB 7,100 52.00

8. EMPIRE EAST LAND HOLDS, INC. ELI 5,150,000 0.44

9. EVER-GOTESCO RES & HOLDS, INC.EVER 2,420,000 0.115

10. PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK PNB 1,778,200 25.00

Oro Chamber elects new set of officers

The country’s first Hall of Fame Most Outstanding Chamber of Commerce- the ORO CHAMBER, successfully held its election of officers last November 11.

In a 7-6 close race, Mr. Ralph U. Paguio of CEPALCO was elected as Chamber President for 2010. The other elected chamber officers are the following:

VP for Agri, Fishery & Mining Sector Dr. Hector San Juan (Helms Agri-business)

VP for BSO Sector Engr. Raymundo P. Reyes (COC-Phinma)

VP for Manufacturing & Industry Sector Ms. Ma. Teresa R. Alegrio (STEAG State Power)

VP for Services Sector Jeffrey T. Ang (Max’s Restaurant)

VP for Trade & Commerce Sector Antonio D. Uy (Music Vision)

Secretary Bans Gualberto (Ultracraft)

Treasurer Efren T. Uy (Cagayan Universal Hardware)

Immediate Past President (IPP) Rodolfo L. Meñes (Pueblo de Oro Corp.)

Trustees Dra. Fe R. Juarez (Capitol University),

Eduardo Alaba (Dynamic Pharmacy and DSAP)

Engr. Cerael Donggay (Bukidnon Hydro Project),

Jessie Co (New CCH Hardware),

PP Elpie M. Paras (Parasat CATV), and

PP Mr. Ruben A. Vegafria (Hatrima Corp.)

The Oro Chamber Board is composed of 15 trustees representing five sectors wherein each sector has three (3) representatives who will identify and deal with all the issues and concerns, respectively.

Incoming Chamber President Ralph Paguio is excited to serve the general membership of the Oro Chamber. Right after he was elected President, Mr. Paguio expressed his gratitude and also solicited the full support and cooperation of the other members of the Oro Chamber Board to be able to continue the group’s business policy advocacies and other business development and promotion programs to bring about more investments and developments so as to generate the needed jobs and revenues for the people in Region X and the entire island of Mindanao.

The 2010 Oro Chamber Board of Trustees will take their oath and will be presented to the general membership during its 4th Quarter General Membership Meeting cum Christmas Party on December 4 at the Embassy Hall, VIP Hotel, this city.

Pueblo Conducts Bamboo Planting at Calaanan Creek

Some 35 employees of Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation (PODC) and Pueblo Golf conducted a joint bamboo planting activity on the morning of November 14, 2009 along the Calaanan Creek. The creek forms the western boundary of the valley portion of the Pueblo de Oro Township. Volunteers planted some 100 bamboo shoots along the creekside to help fortify and protect the banks from soil erosion. The bamboo planting activity was organized by PODC Community Relations Unit and is part of Pueblo’s commitment to social responsibility.

OF Remittances Rise 8.6% in September; First Nine Months Level at US$12.8 Billion

Remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) coursed through banks rose significantly to US$1.4 billion in September 2009, posting a year-on-year increment of 8.6 percent, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today. As a result, cumulative remittances for the nine-month period increased by 4.2 percent to reach US$12.8 billion. Remittances from both sea-based and land-based workers expanded during the first three quarters of this year.

Steady remittance flows were shored up by the continued strong global demand for professional and skilled Filipino workers and the wider access of overseas Filipino workers and their beneficiaries to a broader array of financial products and services. These factors support the optimistic outlook for the sustained growth in remittances through the rest of 2009. The deployment of Filipino workers abroad is anticipated to increase given the continuing hiring arrangements between the Philippines with existing and non-traditional labor markets as well as the forthcoming relocation of U.S. military facilities from Japan to Guam over the course of the next five years. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) had earlier reported that a top-level Guam Senate team visited the country in September this year to finalize details on the hiring of Filipino skilled workers beginning July 2010. The Guam delegation indicated their preference for and intent to hire Filipino engineers, architects, professionals and skilled construction workers.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reported that, as of end-October 2009, total job orders processed reached 226,260, representing 43.9 percent of the jobs needed (515,438). About 80 percent of the total job orders processed was for service and production and transport related workers.

In the near term, remittances could rise even further as the series of strong typhoons that hit the country in September and October could have encouraged larger amounts of transfers from relatives based overseas with a view to assisting their families in their rebuilding efforts.

For the period January-September 2009, the major sources of remittances were the U.S., Canada, Saudi Arabia, U.K., Japan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Italy, and Germany. (BSP)

Small banks register improvement

COOP, Rural & Thrift Banks register improved ratios

The Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently announced that the small bank industries in the country, namely coop, rural and thrift banks, have registered growth and improvd ratios as of end-June 2009.

The NPL ratio of the cooperative banking industry improved by 0.22 percentage point to 8.60 percent from last quarter’s 8.82 percent and by 1.52 percentage points from year ago’s 10.12 percent ratio.

The quarter-on-quarter improvement came about as the 1.17 percent increase in NPLs to P0.86 billion from P0.85 billion was outpaced by the 3.71 percent rise in total loan portfolio (TLP) to P10.02 billion.

In terms of the three main geographical regions, cooperative banks in Luzon area had better NPL ratio at 6.75 percent compared with cooperative banks situated in the Visayas (at 12.36 percent) and Mindanao (at 13.94 percent).

The ratio of restructured loans (RLs), gross to TLP moved up to 2.17 percent from last quarter’s 2.00 percent. The quarter-on-quarter increment came about as RLs, gross grew by 12.26 percent to P0.22 billion.

Real and other properties acquired (ROPA), gross slightly moved up to P0.43 billion from its previous quarter’s level of P0.42 billion. However, with gross assets expanding faster, the ratio of ROPA, gross to gross assets fell to 3.02 percent from 3.08 percent.

The ratio of non-performing assets (NPAs) to gross assets improved to 9.04 percent from last quarter’s 9.35 percent and year ago’s 10.47 percent ratio. The quarter-on-quarter development transpired as the 1.84 percent growth in NPAs to P1.30 billion was outpaced by the expansion in gross assets.

The industry’s loan loss reserves rose by 0.35 percent to P0.49 billion from last quarter’s P0.48 billion. However the NPL coverage ratio narrowed to 56.31 percent from 56.77 percent last quarter as NPLs increased at a faster rate.

Likewise, the NPA coverage ratio of the industry dropped to 38.37 percent from last quarter’s 39.09 percent but was still better than year ago’s 33.48 percent ratio.

Meanwhile, the BSP also reported that as of end-June 2009, the rural banking system posted a non-performing loans (NPL) ratio of 10.75 percent, easing by 0.09 percentage point from previous quarter’s 10.84 percent. However, this ratio was 0.81 percentage point higher than year ago’s 9.94 percent ratio.

The quarter-on-quarter improvement came about as the 1.42 percent increase in NPLs to P10.27 billion from P10.12 billion last quarter was outpaced by the 2.25 percent rise in total loan portfolio (TLP) to P95.49 billion.

Based on the three major geographical regions, rural banks in the Mindanao area exhibited better loan quality at 8.32 percent as against rural banks in Luzon and Visayas which registered NPL ratios of 11.10 percent and 14.63 percent, respectively.

The ratio of restructured loans (RLs), gross to TLP, gross slightly rose to 0.65 percent from 0.62 percent last quarter as the RLs grew by 8.07 percent to P0.63 billion from P0.58 billion last quarter.

Meantime, real and other properties acquired (ROPA), gross remained unchanged from previous quarter’s P7.62 billion. However, with the expansion in gross assets, the ratio of ROPA, gross to gross assets fell to 5.03 percent from 5.24 percent last quarter.

The ratio of non-performing assets (NPAs) to gross assets improved by 0.37 percentage point to 12.23 percent from 11.86 percent last quarter. This development transpired as the 0.81 percent expansion in NPAs to P17.89 billion was outmatched by the rise in gross assets.

Quarter-on-quarter, loan loss reserves rose by 3.65 percent to P3.95 billion. Hence, the NPL coverage ratio widened to 38.46 percent from 37.63 percent last quarter.

Likewise, the NPA coverage ratio expanded by 0.48 percentage point to 24.43 percent from 23.95 percent last quarter. This developed as NPA reserves grew by 2.82 percent to P4.37 billion. This quarter’s NPA coverage ratio was also higher than year ago’s 20.61 percent ratio.

On the other hand, Thrift Banks’ NPL Ratio Eases to 7.47% in Q2 2009, the BSP likewise reported.

As of end-June 2009, the industry’s NPL ratio stood at 7.47 percent, easing by 0.24 percentage point from last quarter’s 7.71 percent yet up by 0.88 percentage point from year ago’s 6.59 percent ratio. The improvement from last quarter came about with the 3.90 percent growth in total loan portfolio (TLP) outweighing the 0.68 percent buildup in non-performing loans (NPLs).

Moreover, the industry was able to sustain a single-digit NPL ratio for the past 17 quarters and pinned it below the pre-crisis ratio of 7.74 percent (as of end-June 1997) for the past 8 quarters.

Exclusive of interbank loans (IBL), the NPL ratio also got better to 7.62 percent from 7.91 percent last quarter as the 4.48 percent growth in core lending to P305.66 billion canceled out the negligible increment in NPLs. Quite the opposite, this quarter’s ratio was higher than year ago’s 7.10 percent as the NPL buildup outpaced the expansion in core lending, i.e., 19.97 percent vs. 11.97 percent.

Restructured loans rose slightly by 3.95 percent to P4.28 billion between March and June. Yet, the proportion of restructured loans (RLs) to TLP at 1.36 percent hardly changed from last quarter’s ratio and even went down from year ago’s 1.57 percent ratio as the loan base grew at almost the same pace.

The ratio of real and other properties acquired (ROPA) over gross assets dropped to 4.31 percent from last quarter’s 4.66 percent. This occurred as ROPA slid by 0.42 percent to P23.42 billion. Likewise, this quarter’s ratio chalked lower by 1.12 percentage points from year ago’s 5.43 percent ratio.

The non-performing assets (NPA) ratio improved to 8.63 percent from last quarter’s 9.29 percent as the meager 0.13 percent increase in NPAs to P46.71 billion was stifled by the ample expansion in gross assets. In addition, this quarter’s ratio was 0.74 percentage point better than year ago’s 9.37 percent ratio.

Meanwhile, the NPL coverage ratio widened to 52.76 percent or by 3.91 percentage points from 48.85 percent last quarter. This stemmed from the 8.74 percent enhancement in loan loss reserves (LLRs) to P12.29 billion. In the same way, this quarter’s NPL cover was wider than year ago’s 49.33 percent ratio.

The NPA coverage ratio improved to 31.00 percent (from 28.94 percent in March 2009) due to the 7.24 percent increase in NPA reserves to P14.48 billion. Likewise, this month’s ratio was comparatively better than year ago’s 26.93 percent ratio. (BSP)

With an eye on profit, Mindanao processors adopt global food safety standards

In response to global market demand, even medium-scale processing companies in Mindanao are now setting up internal systems to conform to international food safety standards and thereby attract more buyers.

Amley Food Corp., Sagrex Food Corp., KF Nutri-Foods International, Inc. and Boom Marine Corp. are four Mindanao companies that recently received their HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) certification.

“This will open doors for us, since more buyers are requiring processors to have these measures in place, said Hayley Yu, president of Amley Food, which exports dried fruits such as mango, papaya and pineapple to North America, Japan and other countries, under the Island Tropicks brand.

“Buyers are now inspecting processing plants to check on cleanliness and efficiency,” Yu added. “When you’re HACCP-certified, they know that you’ve already taken steps to prevent problems.”

Previously, only the largest companies and multinationals like Dole sought certification in order to meet the phytosanitary requirements of export markets.

The four firms were assisted by USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao to develop the systems and procedures needed for HACCP compliance, and to arrange for the audit by TUV-SUD, Inc., an internationally-recognized third-party certifying agency.

The cost of acquiring certification can run to millions of pesos, depending on the changes each company has to make. These may include renovating or adding buildings, reconfiguring assembly lines, buying equipment, and establishing the requisite documentation and monitoring systems.

Despite the relatively large costs involved, however, the firms believe the investment is well worth it.

“We’ll not only be able to attract more customers through HACCP, we’ll get better prices as well,” said Contessa Factura, quality assurance officer of Boom Marine Corp., which exports aquacullture products to Japan and South Korea from Misamis Oriental.

Mindanao’s export sector is expected to grow as more of its food producers and processors comply with international phytosanitary standards.

The four firms that have just been HACCP-certified buy their raw materials from associations of growers who have consolidated production to create economies of scale, including farming cooperatives composed of former combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front.

As the firms acquire new customers because of HACCP, growers will increase production to keep up with the demand for more raw materials.

This in turn will help create jobs and boost the development of the fruit, vegetable, and high-value aquaculture and mariculture sectors across the region, including conflict-affected areas.

Earlier this year Boom Marine attended the international food show IFEX 2009 with support from GEM, which is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Economic Development Council.

Factura noted that a major concern of foreign buyers at the trade show was processors’ ability to comply with basic food safety standards. “It was one of the first things they asked about,” she said.

“This made us decide to seek HACCP certification,” said Factura. “Now that we’ve been accredited, we’re ready to get back to those interested buyers who met with us at IFEX.” GEM

MINDANAO PROCESSORS ACQUIRE HACCP CERTIFICATION Leslie A. Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy (4th from right) presented certificates of HACCP compliance to Mindanao food processors accredited by TUV-SUD Philippines, Inc., an internationally recognized certifying firm, at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental. Representing the four HACCP-compliant companies are: (l-r) Aldrick Fernandez, assistant marketing manager of KF Nutri Foods International Inc.; Hayley Kathleen Yu, president of Amley Food Corp.; Amy Chua, Amley operations manager; and (to the right of Ms. Bassett) Ferdinand Maranon, president of Sagrex Foods Inc., Contessa Factura, quality assurance officer of Boom Marine Corp., and Wilson Amad, Boom Marine manager. With them are (4th and 5th from left) TUV-SUD marketing manager Haya Amper and Robert Barnes, Economic Growth Advisor of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which helped the four firms to acquire HACCP certification through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, implemented under the oversight of MEDCo. GEM

DOST-X Regional Standards and Testing Center Expands its Services

Accelerated shelf-life evaluation and nutrition facts computation are now part of DOST-X’s testing and analysis services. The additional self-life evaluation laboratory is in line with DOST’s thrust of upgrading the facilities and competencies of the regional laboratories.

DOST-X Regional Director Alfonso Alamban said that the added laboratory services is a move by DOST to make Philippine products gain competitive advantage in the international market and at the same time comply with local requirements. Testing of these products by an internationally-recognized laboratory like that of the DOST-X’s assures the consumers that these products are of an international standard.

The DOST-X Standards and Testing Laboratories is the first government regional laboratory in Mindanao and the only one in Region X to be granted the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The accreditation covers quality management system, technical competence traceability and uncertainty of measurements.

At present, the laboratories renders services to industries and public and private companies/entities in the examination of their food products, ingredients in the production of food, environmental samples on food (such as swabs, water or wastewater), and the quality of drinking water, seawater and other recreational waters for bacteria, yeast and molds including the pathogens Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus, sanitation indices like E. coli and coliforms.

The existence of the DOST-X Standards and Testing Laboratories is of big help to exporters and non-exporters in Northern Mindanao as they would no longer go to Manila or other areas to look for laboratories to examine and certify their products. (Tess Superioridad Baluyos)

Aerial Spray Campaign

Groups intensify Church’s call for aerial spray ban

Following the dialogue initiated by the Archdiocese of Manila asking President Arroyo to heed the call of farmers from Mindanao to issue an executive order (EO) banning aerial spraying, regional and local agriculture organizations also joined the bandwagon calling for its complete ban.

The Southeast Asian Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (SEARICE), a regional development organization promoting community-based management of agricultural biodiversity and farmer’s rights in the Asian region wrote President Arroyo on Nov. 9, urging her office to stop the toxic rain in farming communities because small-holder farmers play a crucial role in producing and securing the food needs of the Philippines.

SEARICE Policy Information Unit Coordinator Paul Pedro Borja in a statement explained that small-holder farmers are at stake if the air that they breathe, their irrigation systems and drinking water are contaminated with pesticides. Their livelihood systems, which rely on diversity of animals, vegetables and fruit trees, are also compromised when pesticides from the banana plantations drift through aerial sprays.

“We believe that your office (Malacanang) has the mandate and the responsibility to ensure that the rights of every Filipino farmer, their families and communities to a safe and healthy environment should be protected and secured,” he added.

“We further urge you (PGMA) to use the power of your office to direct the banana industry to honor their corporate social responsibility and cooperate towards achieving the recommendations set out by the Department of Health (DOH) in the greater interest of public health,” said Borja.

SEARICE commended the efforts of the Department of Health for standing by and adopting the key recommendations arising from its study prepared for by the Philippine Society of Clinical and Occupational Toxicology and the University of the Philippines' National Poison Management and Control Center.

The said DOH study recommended that aerial spraying should be stopped and a shift to organic farming techniques should be considered.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and other bishops under the Church Province of Manila earlier wrote PGMA a letter urging her to issue an EO banning aerial spraying following the DOH recommendations.

Meanwhile, members of the Go Organic Mindanao (GOM), a coalition of non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations (POs) and individual advocates of sustainable agriculture, joined SEARICE and the growing number of national and international supporters calling PGMA to immediately issue the EO.

Believing in the principle of holistic health and the right of every person to a healthy ecosystem, GOM said that aerial spraying being practiced by banana plantations for 30 years “has been contaminating many farmlots with synthetic pesticide residues and hence has prevented many farmers in Mindanao to practice organic farming. Non-plantation farms near or beside banana plantations are very vulnerable to pesticide drift during aerial spraying because of the absence of vegetative buffer zones surrounding the plantations.”

The 12-GOM signatories stressed that “our government and its bureaucracy should be for preservation and protection of life and healthy living of its constituents as stipulated in our constitution and therefore duty bound to heed the clamor to ban aerial spray.” (Mark S.Ventura)

AGORA AWARDS

Sun Cellular hailed as “Marketing Company of the Year” at the 2009 AGORA AWARDS

Five months after Sun Cellular was internationally recognized as Asia Pacific’s Most Promising Service Provider by Frost and Sullivan, another prestigious award-giving body – the Philippine Marketing Association through the AGORA Awards – hailed Sun as this year’s Marketing Company of the Year.

Now on its 30th year, the Agora Award is given to outstanding individuals and companies who embody marketing excellence. The nominees pass through a series of stringent judging process and the panel is composed of top-level executives from leading Filipino corporations and institutions. Every year, corporations, institutions and individuals get nominated for various Agora Awards, such as Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship, Marketing Education, Export Marketing, Marketing Management, Advocacy Marketing and Agora Awards for Overseas Marketing Excellence. Among these, the Marketing Company of the Year award is considered the most coveted and most prestigious.

“This is a testament to our enduring excellence as our unparalleled Call and Text Unlimited products and other services continue to stand out with a distinctly unique proposition in the industry today,” says Sun Cellular CEO Charles Lim.

The Marketing Company of the Year Award, which is known as the pinnacle of marketing achievement, is only being given by the Agora to an elite few who have displayed creativity, ingenuity, and innovativeness in making the Filipino brand world class.

In 2004, Sun Cellular pioneered the 24/7 Call and Text Unlimited in the country, which has been the flagship product of the network ever since.

One of the judges said that “Sun rocked the industry, and their strategies have ultimately benefited the consumers.”

“If I were to choose one word that would describe this year’s winners, it would be the word, Giant”, says Mr. Mernardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr, 2009 Agora Awards Chairman of the Board of Judges. “Because this year’s winners are either giants in their field, or are competing against, and we might add, making headway against their field.”

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Lim pointed out their significant contribution in the telco arena. “We in Sun Cellular, are truly privileged and grateful to have played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way Filipinos communicate through their cell phones,” he said. Their aggressive marketing and pricing strategies, he said, have benefited the growing 2G and 3G markets. He, together with JG Summit Chairman & CEO Mr. James L. Go and other Sun Executives, received the award during the ceremony held last November 10 at the Hotel Intercontinental, Makati.

Sun Cellular’s win gave further honor to the JG Summit Group of Companies, as it ensured a grand slam win for the conglomerate. In 2007, URC won the Marketing Company of the Year Award, which was then bagged by Cebu Pacific the following year; both companies under JG Summit. “No other conglomerate in the country has earned such recognition,” says Edith Dychiao, PMA’s Director in-charge for the Agora Awards.

To date, the network boasts of over 5,000 cell sites and still on roll-out for network expansion all over the country. With a growing prepaid and postpaid subscriber base, Sun is confident that its network is reliable and robust enough to cater to their consumers with unlimited yet affordable services.

“But our work is not yet over. We intend to keep the momentum going as we aim for market dominance. It is our strong commitment to provide the consumers the best products and services as we strive to pursue the unlimited possibilities of advanced mobile communications,” added Mr. Lim.

The Winning Team: Sun Cellular Executives led by JG Summit Chairman and CEO James L. Go (5^th from the right) and Sun Cellular CEO Charles Lim (6^th from the right) during the Agora Awards Night.

Mantigue Island in Camiguin

Local residents of Mantigue Island in Camiguin earn a living by providing boat rides to tourists who want to spend the day on the island. Other means of living is through fishing and growing seaweeds (guso) which the locals sell in Mambajao and Mahinog. Mantigue Island is surrounded by a gleaming white beach of powdery coral sand. The clear waters reveal the hard and soft corals and sea weeds that envelop the island, making it ideal for water activities such as swimming., snorkeling and diving. In the center of Mantigue is a lush, green mini-forest where some 24 families reside. last year, the locals were threatened and charged with illegal occupancy by themunicipal government. Cai Panlilio/PPA-CdeO

For Homeowners & Associations:

Magna Carta for homeowners awaits PGMA signature

By: Ma. Victoria Palomar, MRS-PRIB

The proposed Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners' Associations that institutionalizes the rights and roles of homeowners as individuals and as members of the society is just a signature away from its full implementation.

Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City), one of the authors of the bill, said the measure which was approved by bicameral conference committee, provides for the rights and duties of every homeowner, the qualification of a member as well as the rights and powers of the association.

Rolando “Klarex” Uy of the 1st District of Cagayan de Oro is one of the Co-authors of the bill.

Biazon said once President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signs the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners' Associations, every association of homeowners shall be required to register with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

"This registration shall serve to grant juridical personality to all such associations that have not previously acquired the same by operation of the general Corporation Law or by any other general statutes," Biazon said.

Under the Magna Carta, the homeowners' association or its managing agent shall keep financial and other records sufficiently detailed to enable the association to fully declare to each member the true statement of its status.

All records involving the affairs of the association shall be available for examination by all owners, holders or mortgages on the lots, and their respective authorized agents upon reasonable advanced notice, during normal working hours at the office of the association.

The auditor, the treasurer and/or an independent certified public accountant, shall prepare annually a financial statement within 90 days from the end of the accounting period to be posted in the association office, bulletin boards, or other conspicuous places within the subdivision/village and to be submitted to the HLURB.

Likewise the funds of the association shall be kept in accounts in the name of the association and shall not be joined with the funds of any other association or any person responsible for the custody of such funds.

The proposed measure enjoins the homeowners' associations to complement, support and strengthen the local government units (LGUs) in providing vital services to their members and help implement local government policies, programs, ordinances and rules.

For their part, the LGUs shall, upon due notice, hold public consultations with the members of the affected associations, especially their officers and directors, where proposed rules, zoning and other ordinances, projects and programs affecting their jurisdiction and surrounding vicinity are to be implemented prior to the effectivity or implementation of such rules, zoning, ordinances, projects or programs.

Other Co-authors of the bill are Rep. Eduardo Zialcita (1st District, Paranaque City), Deputy Speaker Ma. Amelita Villarosa (Lone District, Occidental Mindoro), Reps. Ernesto Pablo (Party list - Apec), Eufrocino Codilla (4th District, Leyte) and Marcelino Teodoro (1st District, Marikina City).