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Thanks to a the vision of three dedicated professionals, Northern Mindanao (Region 10) has taken the first in a journey of a thousand steps to instill world-class design philosophy among its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

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bulawOne Exhibit at CU Art Gallery

Last month, a partnership between a university based think-tank, a government agency and a local design atelier graduated the first batch of 19 junior designers in what would hopefully the first of many aimed at creating a pool of local designers who would assist small businessmen gain a competitive edge in the design of their products.

Dubbed the “Certificate Program for Designer Competency”, the three month course ran from April 7 to July 9, 2018 with six hour sessions held every Saturday at Capitol University.

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Certificate Program for Design Competency

The Art Gallery of Capitol University’s Museum of 3 Cultures hosted the group’s exhibit named bulawOne which has now moved to its next exhibit venue at a show window of Limketkai Luxe Hotel where it will run till the end of July, 2018.

“bulawOne” is the maiden exhibition of the pioneering class of the Design Proficiency Certificate Program, the brainchild of the Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental Provincial Office (DTI Misor), Capitol University Business Incubation Center, and multi-awarded Mindanaoan designer Christopher Gomez.

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bulawOne Exhibit at Limketkai Luxe Hotel ground floor

Gomez is a multi-disciplinary creative and advocate of Sustainable Design. Among his many laurels: Finalist, 2011 National Philippine Art Awards; Grand Prize winner (water-based category) 2012 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence Awards, and Finalist, 2014 Look of Style Awards (British Council/Look Magazine).

He is a Product Development Mentor accredited by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, and a Product Design Specialist of Design Center Philippines (DCP).

​First in PH​

“The program is the first to ever be offered in the country, conceptualized to answer the need of a growing MSME base for design services.” reads the group’s page in social media. “This pioneering class will seed the Cagayan de Oro Design Council, forming the Philippines’ first locally-rooted design talent pool, an initiative boldly taken in the city that opened the nation’s first business-mentoring Negosyo Center.”

 “It all started seeing the increasing number of MSME’s with the need for packaging, labeling, and even improving their product designs,” said Jesse Abear, Sr. Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental Provincial Office (DTI Misor).

“It was actually an idea that rose because of this and then also we have a designer in mind who can really help, and that is Chris Gomez of Chris Gomez Creative Design. It’s a good thing Capitol University has been very supportive and we also see it very important that it shall be lodged under an institution like a school,” she added.

While Capitol University commits itself to provide quality education that responds to the challenge of producing globally competitive graduates, it also sees the increasing need to expand its services to offer continuing education to professionals and entrepreneurs, reads the concept paper on the project prepared by Heidi Grace P. Mendoza, Director of the CU Business Development and Management Program and Manager of the CU Business Incubation and Support Center.

Mendoza said CU’s Business Development and Management Program realizes that besides the rising number of micro and small enterprises, there is also a need to add value to their products, which must compete for the attention of the market.

With the creation of the Business Incubation and Support Center, it was envisioned that learning opportunities can be supplied to both business enterprises and budding designers through a basic Certificate Program for Design Competency.

“This will not only provide support to MSMEs, but will also set the beginnings of the design industry within Cagayan de Oro City and North Mindanao. A partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental Provincial Office and Chris Gomez Creative Designs made this possible,” Mendoza noted.

“We noted the lack of designers in the region. We were thinking of doing a workshop and Ms Heidi Mendoza came in just after I arrived after completing my Master Class in Design Competency in Manila at Design Center Philippines,” Gomez said.

“Heidi was a business mentor under the MentorMe Program and suggested I do a modular course. So I did nine modules including Design Awareness and Appreciation, Material Development and Exploration, Product Development, Communication Design, Packaging and Labeling Design, Fashion Accessories and Compliments Design, Basic Furniture Design, and Visual Merchandising. A special internship was also arranged where student-designers were matched with micro and small enterprises from Misamis Oriental,” he added.

“We hope that the graduates of the program have evolved into designers with a definite creative point of view and who are positioned to transform their talent into the basis of a creative enterprise through training and exposure to effective design methods and techniques,” Mendoza said. “Even with the limited modules, our students have assembled a portfolio to promote their entry to a career in product design and today we are celebrating it through bulawOne, the product design exhibition.”

“To have dreamed of it at the very beginning and it’s a bigger pleasure to have found DTI as a partner. We hope through this first batch we will be able to create another venue, it’s a gift to have all the students and it’s a bigger gift to be able to host and hold this exhibition,” she added.

​Further On​

“After this program, we’ll focus on training the students in finishing techniques, because design needs lots of exposure. So we don’t want to lose any momentum, we will focus on the business aspects of design to be conducted by DTI,” Gomez explained.

“We plan to visit the FAB Lab in Iligan at MSU-IIT so they can appreciate the facilities they can use there.  And after that we will partner with DTI Region X to invite trainers from Design Center Philippines to further enhance their knowledge and techniques with trends and forecasts, finishing techniques and advanced furniture design.”

“At their present level they can be called aspiring or junior designers. After this they can proceed to being Senior designers after their respective apprenticeships. And we plan to tap local qualified designers for further trainings. As of now, the graduates still have ways to go.”

​Junior Designers​

The nineteen graduates are equally divided with eight males and eleven females. They also provided a varied cross-section of society including a broadcaster/restaurateur, graphic/surface pattern designer, government employee, retail marketing officer, freelance designer (architecture/construction), Visual Artist/Painter, museum curator, and marketing specialist.

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Chris Gomez (left) with junior designers Nat Mariano, Ryan Carreon and Donna Ocampo at the bulawOne exhibit at CU Art Gallery. (photo by Mike Baños)

The first batch of junior designers include the following: Donna G. Ocampo, Farrah Estabaya, Simonette F. Sagaral, Nathalie Mariano, Bernadette Batucan, Judy Ann Estrobo, Rubydel Fanugao, Beverly Candole, Sozie Alamban, Shu-jen Cruz, Vavan Poligrates, Dexter Valdez, Ryan Aristotle ​Carreon​, Cris Paraguya, Nik Azkuna, Kyle Mugot, Errol Balcos, Oscar A. Floirendo, and Dale B. Lagonera.

Former broadcaster Donna Ocampo shared her views of the course. “This course changed my perspective in design in a way that I realized everything was just self expression but with design I realized that there has to be more than self expression. It’s listening to the client, listing to consumers, listening to friends, balancing beauty and functionality. It entails a lot of discipline, and a lot of hard work.”

“There’s so much material to be manipulated and there’s no designers. If Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao can produce more beautiful products by having more designers, why not design them for our local weavers and local clients?”

On the other hands, Carreon, who already has a following for his religious paintings and is a campus celebrity in Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier Ateneo) for drawing the images of “Mary’s Windows” the stained glass panels of the XU Church of the Immaculate Conception when he was still a Development Communication student, took the course to expand his creative horizons beyond painting.

“I’m looking for more ways to express myself besides painting. With no formal training in visual arts, this course enabled me to differentiate designers from artists. In designing you have to listen to your clients, combine aesthetics with functionality. This course taught me I could do things other than painting. Designing expands my painting perspective.”

Natalie Mariano, who teaches yoga, works online and a content writer, and runs a graphic design business, revels in creative synergy from her fellow participants.

“There’s something that being around other creative people that feeds your creativity. It’s fun to flex your creative muscles and apply them in areas you’ve never applied them on before like product and furniture design. It opens up horizons and possibilities.”

Some guests who were viewing the exhibit during the time of my visit chimed in with kudos about the first fruits of the participants’ efforts.

“This is an awesome first effort for the entire Philippines,” said John Bermudo, graphic designer and illustrator at Chris Gomez Creative Design. “I appreciate the idea of such a design course. Follow up courses are important to develop the potential talent uncovered in the students.”

“They have the magic touch,” shared Maria Theresa Bacal, “I’m impressed that our fellow Kagay-anons are capable of such designs,” said Bambi Bartolome-Fabian. “Many hidden talents were uncovered.”

In his brief talk during the exhibit’s launch at its first venue, Capitol University President Casimiro Juarez, Jr. stressed the need for local schools to think “out of the box.”

“While formal education is still in the minds of our citizenry, there is really a need for short term courses like this so that we will be able to help our communities. We should really support all these talented people. They are the chosen people of God.”

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MAKATI – Metro Pacific Water, the wholly-owned water investments subsidiary of infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), received another award in brand excellence for its Metro Pacific Water Rebranding Project at the recently held 16th Philippine Quill Awards Night.

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The Quill Awards are given annually by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines to recognize achievements in business communication practices. It is one of the prestigious awards in the communications and public relations industry. Over 800 nominations vied for the Quill Awards this year.

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Metro Pacific Water won a Quill Award of Merit for its sole entry, Metro Pacific Water Rebranding Journey: Rebuilding the Brand through Human-Centered Design which focused on MPW’s corporate identity transformation last year. The MPW Identity Rebrand Project was a 360-degree, multi-stakeholder process following a human-centered design framework.

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Guided by the new brand message “Helping water flow to homes, through hands”, the new waves and hands logo represents Metro Pacific Water’s core identity as not just another company that invests in water infrastructure but also as one that builds lasting partnerships with communities to improve water access. 

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The Quill Award is the latest recognition that branding is more than just aesthetics, but a deeper understanding of the company’s identity. This year, Metro Pacific Water also received a Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and a Silver Stevie Award at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards last April in Hong Kong for its rebranding efforts.

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Since embarking as the water investment team of MPIC in June 2014, Metro Pacific Water now has presence in Metro Iloilo, Laguna, and Cagayan de Oro, Vietnam, and in an investment in the country’s leading wastewater technology company – EcoSystem Technologies.

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Metro Pacific Water continues to expand to bring more water to communities in the Philippines and key cities across Asia.

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MARAWI CITY, Philippines – On a sunny, windy Tuesday morning (July 17), sixty families, displaced by a brutal siege, officially received the keys to their transitory houses at the Angat Buhay Village, Barangay Sagonsongan in the Islamic City of Marawi, capital of Lanao del Sur.

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TURNOVER CEREMONY. Leading the turnover of transitory shelters at the Angat Buhay Village are (from left to right) Metro Stonerich Corp chief operating officer Eliseo Aurellado, Xavier Ateneo president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, Vice President Leni Robredo, Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra, and Asec Felix Castro of Task Force Bangon Marawi. Photo by Rogelio Amarille.

Vice President Leni Robredo led the turnover ceremony, along with Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan president Fr. Roberto C. Yap SJ, and Metro Stonerich Corporation (contractor) chief operating officer Eliseo Aurellado, and other partners of the housing project for internally-displaced people (IDP).

“Nakakadurug ng puso na marinig ang mga kwento nga mga pamilyang nandito, ang mga pinagdaanan nila,” Robredo said. “Ang nais natin ay makatulong tayo kahit papano para maibsan ang kanilang paghihirap. Marami tayong partners na palaging handang tumulong sa mga taga-Marawi.” 

(It’s heart-rending to hear the stories of the families here, what they had been through. What we want is to help them somehow to relieve their suffering. We have many partners who are always ready to help the residents of Marawi.)

“Kung titignan natin ang enormity ng problema, maliliit lang talaga ang mga ganitong tulong pero kung lahat tayo ay magpi-pitch-in, lumalaki ang tulong na ating napapaabot sa kanila.”

(If we look at the enormity of the problem, these are only small acts of helping out but if everyone will pitch in, the assistance we extend to them becomes bigger.)

VP Leni urged the private sector to continue their support for the rebuilding of the war-torn city, particularly in providing livelihood and educational programs.  

Each house in the Angat Buhay Village has a floor area of 24​ square meters​, kitchen sink, restroom, yards, and a rainwater catchment. The design and construction of the houses were provided pro bono by the United Architects of the Philippines – QC Elliptical Chapter and Metro Stonerich Corp, respectively. 

Funding for the construction materials of the houses was sourced from the donations of the “Piso Para sa Laban ni Leni” Program (around Php7M), non-government organizations, and all Ateneo schools across the country through the Tabang Marawi operations.

The Philippine Toy Library Foundation also put up a toy library and indoor playground for kids, while the Latter-Day Saints Charities built a temporary learning space in the community. 

From Xavier Ecoville to Angat Buhay

Xavier University’s engagement in this housing project is a continuation of Tabang Marawi, which began almost immediately after the Marawi siege that erupted in May 2017 and has been sustained up to today, even after the fighting ceased in October last year.

For its remarkable experience in building Xavier Ecoville, a resettlement community for over 500 families displaced by Tropical Storm Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City, the university was tapped as the local implementing partner by the Office of Vice President for this project.

“Our promise in Xavier Ecoville is the same with our promise here in the Angat Buhat village,” said Xavier Ateneo president Yap. “We are not just building houses, we are building a community.”

To integrate social formation and holistic community development, Xavier Ateneo has committed to working with the local government and civil society groups, such as the Al-Mujadilah Development Foundation, in ways appropriate and sensitive to the Maranao culture.  

Yap added: “Thank you to the OVP, LGU of Marawi, and all our partners for trusting us and giving us the opportunity to help in building the Angat Buhay Village. Thank you for your cooperation.”

He assured that after the turnover of houses, the university’s support will continue. He said: “We are committed to strengthening the community here through social formation. Our promise is to be here with the community until May 2019.”

After the construction of 60 houses, 40 more will be added in the coming months. Donations for the construction of the additional units may be coursed through the Tabang Marawi of Xavier Ateneo. 

New community, new hope

The LGU of Marawi secured the site in Brgy Sagonsongan for the Angat Buhay Village as well as the light and water connection. The area development activities had been undertaken with funding assistance from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Task Force Bangon Marawi.  

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PLAY AND LEARN. Children from Barangay Sagonsongan enjoy playing and learning at the toy library and indoor playground put up by the Philippine Toy Library Foundation. Photo by Rogelio Amarille.

“On behalf of the City of Marawi, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Office of the Vice President, Xavier University, and all the partners of Angat Buhay for this housing project,” said Gandamra.

LGU Marawi, through its technical working group on Kalambalingan (a Maranao term for “homecoming”) and in coordination with Xavier Ateneo, identified and screened the beneficiaries of the said village.

Noralyn Bangon, one of the beneficiaries, shared how their family made do after the Marawi siege. 

“This is my first time to speak in front of many people, I’m nervous and I don’t know what to say,” Bangon shared in a program following the turnover ceremony.

She continued: “I cried when I learned that I am one of the beneficiaries of this housing project. We came back to zero, everything we owned was gone. All the things we had worked hard for were gone. If it weren’t because of the help and assistance of our relatives, siblings, and friends who were not affected [by the war], we would have nothing.”

More than a year after the Marawi war, Bangon’s family, for now, has a house to come home to.

“I consider this [house] as my mansion now,” she quipped. 

Bangon’s story was not far from those of the thousands of families who are still waiting for the national government’s comprehensive rehabilitation on the ground zero of  Marawi, which includes the construction of permanent houses for the IDPs.

The Marawi siege was a five-month-long (May-October 2017) urban battle between government forces and the ISIS-affiliated Maute Group that displaced more than 600,000 individuals.

Local leaders and residents have acknowledged that rehabilitating Marawi is an immense task that requires massive financial and logistical resources and support to achieve.  

As Gandamra said: “Because of the magnitude of the problem here in Marawi, we cannot solve [the challenges] alone. We need the support of the national government, private sector, international agencies, NGOs, and everyone, dahil marami pa ang nangangailangan (because a lot more people still need help).”

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Cleanergy, AboitizPower’s brand for its clean and renewable energy (RE) portfolio, received a merit award at the 16th Philippine Quill Awards, held recently at Manila Marriott Hotel.

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It was AboitizPower’s first time to join the Quill Awards and the Cleanergy campaign was its lone entry.

Institutionalized as a brand in 2009, Cleanergy took off in recent years as more and more customers “walk the talk” in sustainability and choose renewable energy for their power supply. As a group, AboitizPower and its partners produce more than 1,200 megawatts (MW) of RE through its portfolio of geothermal, hydro, and solar power plants located all over the country. 

With Cleanergy, big load Open Access customers now have the power to choose and get their power supply entirely from RE through AboitizPower. Electric cooperatives and distribution utilities also add Cleanergy to balance their supply mix between thermal and renewable energy.

Cleanergy is part of AboitizPower’s bigger balanced mix strategy – tapping available resources to meet the country’s energy ​goals of energy sufficiency, affordability, and sustainability.

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Cleanergy. Hedcor’s 7 Megawatt Tudaya 2 Hydropower Plant located in Sta. Cruz​,​ Davao del Sur generates clean and renewable energy for the Mindanao grid.

“That has always been part of strategy – to tap renewable energy as long as it is available and cost-effective for the consumers, but at the same time utilize the reliability of thermal power plants,” said Antonio R. Moraza, AboitizPower President and CEO, in an earlier interview. 

“We support the government’s efforts to bring in more supply from different technologies. At the end of the day, this will encourage more options and competition for the lowest price and better service. The end consumers will be the winners,” he added.

AboitizPower started its push for renewable energy forty years ago, beginning with its run-of-river hydro subsidiary, Hedcor, then expanding later on to also include its geothermal and solar business units, AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI) and San Carlos Sun Power, Inc. (SacaSun), respectively.

Recognized under the Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication category of the Philippine Quill Awards, the Cleanergy campaign underscored AboitizPower’s deliberate efforts to become the power partner and neighbor of choice of its customers and host communities who are looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

Also part of AboitizPower’s Cleanergy portfolio are its educational facilities namely Cleanergy Center in Laguna and Cleanergy Park in Davao, which have remained as preferred destinations for people who want to learn Cleanergy in a fun and engaging manner. Both the Cleanergy Center and Cleanergy Park have been welcoming thousands of visitors annually.

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AboitizPower’s 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich hydro in Bukidnon is also targeted for completion this year.

In line with its commitment to sustain the growth of its Cleanergy brand as it strives for a balanced mix portfolio, AboitizPower’s 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich hydro in Bukidnon is also targeted for completion this year.

As a whole, the Aboitiz Group emerged as Top Company of the Year – 2nd Runner-up with a total of 12 Quill awards across various categories.

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The private sector and the Dutch government will seek ways to increase the scope of their partnership to improve agricultural production technology in Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao.

“Oro Chamber is keen in exploring opportunities for the establishment of Waste to Energy programs for greenhouses and also set up of incubation centers for agribusiness ventures,” said Ma. Teresa R. Alegrio, regional governor for Northern Mindanao of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) led by President Robertino E. Pizarro and the PCCI met with Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Marion Derckx last June 26 to explore areas of cooperation, particularly in agriculture.

“Our mission statement is to strengthen economic ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands, while contributing to inclusive development and a more sustainable world,” Derckx said in her talk during the Oro Chamber’s 2nd Quarter General Membership Meeting.

“We look for opportunities where we not only make the entrepreneur richer but more people get good jobs and we contribute to a more sustainable world,” she added.

Derckx said she sees agriculture and agri-technology as the primary area where Dutch expertise can help ramp up Northern Mindanao’s agriculture production.

In 2017, the region’s value of production (at constant prices) increased 4.5% compared to the previous year. According to figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority in Region 10 (PSA-10), Northern Mindanao ranked third among the country’s 16 regions with a 9.6% share of the country’s gross output in agriculture.

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It ranked first in pineapple production (1,554,637 metric tons and 11.7% share of the PH total); 2nd in bananas (1,930,062 MT/11.9% share); 2nd in poultry production (159,086MT/11.3% share); 2nd in root crops (736,546MT/2.1% share);  3rd in corn production (1,287,303MT/10.4% share); 3rd in coconut production (1,805,551MT at 4.5%) and 4th in pork production (188,448MT at 11.3%).

Region 10 also ranked 1st in crops production with an 11% share of the total national output; 3rd in livestock production with 8.1% share of the national output; 3rd in poultry production (8.9% share) and 6th in fisheries production (7.1% share).

Except for fisheries production which experienced a negative growth of -2.6% for 2017, the crops (+6.3%), poultry (+4.4%) and livestock (+3.7%) subsectors all experienced net growth for the period.

Agriculture also remained Region 10’s second major industry employer in 2017, employing 37.3% of the total labor force, 35.6% of whom were employed in the agriculture, hunting and sector sub-industry and 1.6% in fishing. Skilled agricultural forestry and fishery workers also ranked as the second ranked of the top 3 major occupation groups with 18.7%.

 “Holland is the world’s second largest agri-food exporter and the agri-food industry is among the top three contributors to the Dutch GDP with €50.2 billion (B) in added value, accounting for almost 10 % of Dutch economy and generating employment for 660,000 people,” Derckx said.

The Netherlands exports nearly $100 billion a year in agricultural products, second only to the United States. This sector also generated €94-B in agricultural (food and technology) in 2016, of which approximately 80% is exported to EU-member states.

Due to limited land for agriculture and growing population, Derckx said the Netherlands is constrained to push for innovation, and this innovation is driven by the “Golden Triangle” of Research, Business and Government.

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“Collaboration between government, private sector, research institutions, on national, regional and local level, originates from traditional cooperation in education, research and education, but now also creates frameworks for innovation.”

“The Dutch agriculture sector intends to be the world leader in sustainable solutions in agriculture in 2020. It is too important not to be ambitious,” she said.

As an indication, drones and airplanes enable Dutch farmers to do more with less by giving them detailed pictures of which areas need more or less water, fertilizers or pesticides.

“Dutch farmers are constantly educated through government centers of information,” she stressed. “Thus, there is constant professional development across the whole value chain.”

Areas of cooperation

A research on how the Philippines and the Netherlands can cooperate has been completed and among the recommendations done by the study are the following.

“Currently most of the meat in the Philippines is imported and a lot is coming from the Netherlands. There ample opportunities for raising livestock and poultry in the Philippines at home. As you saw from the data what we can do in Holland, you could really have more in the Philippines. Our horticulture, pork and dairy are far ahead of others.”

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In a 2014 study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the comparison of productivity between the two countries, Dutch farmers could produce yields of 156 eggs per layer compared to only 49; 7,800 kgs of milk per cow vs. 3,600 kgs., and 13.7 metric tons of corn per hectare compared to only 2.9 MT/ha. in the Philippines.

“Domestic feed mill production, hatcheries, poultry and livestock housing, slaughterhouses – of the 75 accredited slaughterhouses in the Philippines, only four have Triple-A status,” Derckx noted. “There is also a need for smaller slaughter houses to service distant areas so you should have small solutions like we have in the Netherlands.”

Citing figures from the Department of Agriculture, the envoy said it is expected that by 2025, demand for chicken would rise by 50-60 percent and pork and beef probably 35 percent more.

Already, the Netherlands established in partnership with the DA the ATI-International Training Center on Pig Husbandry in 1985 at Lipa City, Batangas to provide training for pig farmers.

Derckx also addressed the problem of properly transporting fresh produce to the consumers.

“About 70 percent of what farmers produce in the Philippines is lost on its way from the produce to consumer,” she said. “There are many things that can be done there and we are specialized in it [transporting fresh produce].”

Region 10’s agriculture is concentrated in Bukidnon (pineapple, sugar cane, banana, corn) and Lanao del Norte (rice, coconut) while its industries are mainly found in Misamis Oriental (Phividec Industrial Estate) and Iligan City.  

Over time, its services and industrial sectors have become vertically and horizontally integrated, leading to varying degrees of interdependence and autonomy.

For instance, many agricultural products produced in Bukidnon are processed in Cagayan de Oro or the Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental before they are shipped out abroad or to markets in the Luzon or the Visayas. Changes which adversely affect a specific link in this supply chain would inevitably have repercussions downstream and upstream of the affected sectors.

Systems Orientation

Derckx said it’s not only agri-technology which can make a great difference in agricultural production but also the systems orientation of Dutch farmers.

“One example that would be great for the Philippines that I think is going to happen is not so much the technology but the way we work. We don’t sell individual machines but we talk whole concepts. You have to organize the whole community to process the waste in a certain way. In the Netherlands we are systems people, we look at full systems.”

She cited how greenhouses in Holland are sited next to industrial factories in closed loop systems to the carbon dioxide from the factories enable the greenhouse crops to grow much faster.

“Greenhouses are now complete closed loops of production with rainwater harvesting, with no need for pesticides, and full recycling. Ninety one percent of the waste in the Netherland is recycled, the rest we burn off and whatever we burn is turned into energy. So successful we even import waste from the U.K. so there is no waste anymore.”

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InnovateGov’s Consultative Dialogue held July 5, 2018 in Cagayan de Oro is the first part of two good governance dialogues scheduled in Luzon and Mindanao for the coming National Governance Summit.

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The Cagayan de Oro dialogue brought together advocates of participatory governance including the youth, media, business, public officials and civil society organizations.

“We need ordinary citizens. We need participatory mechanisms. But sometimes, it starts with having a network of champions-within a city or a municipality. It is very important for champions to work together to improve the ecosystem,” said Dr. Francisco Magno, Director of the Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance at De La Salle University.

The one-day InnovateGov National Summit will be joined by good governance advocates and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss challenges and solutions to strengthening and mainstreaming good governance practices in the country by drawing greater media attention and public awareness on good governance indicators, performance standards and framework for greater public-private dialogue.

“Accountability can only be expected from those whom people chose to vote in power. Thus, the pursuit of good governance has always been seen as the responsibility of who holds position,” said Ryan Patrick Evangelista, regional coordinator of the Center for International Private Enterprise and InnovateGov Project Head.

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InnovGov Project Head Ryan Patrick Evangelista moderates the FDG on Economic Freedom (RMB)

“This dialogue looks into some of civic society’s innovations to contribute to effective public service, and continuous development,” he added.

Members of the advisory council chose Cagayan de Oro city because of its strong foundation of think tanks, academe, civic engagement, and local government- a pool of resources which can best extract the local realities and possible initiatives that contributes to participatory governance.

 “The key to effective participation depends on all the stakeholders agreeing to co-share and co-own the responsibility to attaining good governance. This means taking these outputs to the right avenues that will sustainably institutionalize them in the rule of law,” Evangelista stressed.

“In essence, the roundtable discussions promote appreciation of local data for policy analysis, which are then streamed to advocacy networks to support champions who can convert these ideas to actions and actual reforms.”

“A knowledge-driven leader uses evidence to understand and collaborate in addressing collective action problems. Lessons from history are studied to prevent repeating the mistakes of the past,” Magno stressed.

In her discussion with Magno and Outgoing Oro Youth Development Council Chair Ernesto Neri prior to the break-up sessions, Ma. Teresa R. Alegrio, Phil. Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Regional Governor for Northern Mindanao, shared her views on stakeholder engagement in government projects, emphasizing the role of the business sector in community development.

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PCCI 10 Gov. Ghaye Alegrio speaks on stakeholder engagement in government projects during the recent InnovateGov Consultative Dialogue on Good Governance.

“The dilemma of infrastructure development is the lack of consultation,” Alegrio noted. “Development calls for involvement in the planning, execution, implementation, evaluation and monitoring. We look at the comprehensive development plan, because we need to align efforts of the sectors in helping the local community.”

For his part, Neri stressed the need for transformative leaders who would challenge mindsets, systems and behaviour to break the cycle of transactional politics.

“Poverty perpetuates because most of us treat governance as a transaction. You give because I gave.” 

Following the Open Forum, the participants were divided into four focus discussion groups (FDGs) to discuss the four dimensions of the TrustedGov Framework : Institutional Development for Good Government (Institutional Strengthening); Sustainable Economic Development (Economic Freedom); Inclusive Social Development (Access to Social Services); and, Sustainable Environmental Development (Environmental Governance).

Roundtables to Reform

The FDGs sought to collate the perceptions of various sectors on-ground to come up with case-studies, policy recommendations and/or amendments as inputs for the Citizen Engagement Playbook, meant to provide ordinary citizens with guidelines on how they can effectively ensure good public service from their government.

The dialogue also evaluated and critiqued the current standard of local governance- a critical stage in shifting from the present to the ideal government. From this, the networks and the initiatives that address realities in the grassroots were linked. The database of the participants’ collective experience and expertise would serve as inputs to future policies, reforms, and further development programs.

“Basically, the dialogue underscores the importance of public citizen engagement in effecting positive change in the government by vetting the precepts of democracy- upholding the rule of law, maintaining citizen participation, strengthening economic security, and ensuring transparency and accountability,” Evangelista said.

“These dimensions and components form part of the roadmap to eventually coming up with the on-ground insights of the citizens to be materialized as recommendations.”

InnovateGov

The Innovations for Good Governance (InnovateGov) project aims to promote innovative approaches in policy-advocacy through performance-based standards for public institutions and multi-stakeholder participation for effective good governance.

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It envisions contributing to the ecosystem of ideas that support the Philippines’ broader sustainable and long-term development agenda that solicits “confidence-building by being clean, fair and citizen-centered public institutions” while “building open, responsive, and accountable” government-civic engagement that harnesses democratic principles of citizen participation, economic freedom, rule of law, transparency and accountability.

The project supports the development of a long-term agenda that elevates the discussion of good governance reforms to a collective level of nation building. The Philippines’s development blueprint AmBisyon Natin 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #16 (SDGs) of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions serve as ideal anchors to support initiatives for good governance.

InnovateGov is a joint project of Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Competitiveness Council, De La Salle University Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance, Security Reform Initiative and Center for International Private Enterprise.

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For the past three years, a local non-government organization has taken up the cudgels to act as the eyes and ears of civic society to identify and seek solutions to issues and problems of Cagayan de Oro’s 124 public schools.

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The CheckMySchool (CMS) initiative has visited just under a hundred of the city’s 124 primary and secondary schools in pursuit of its constructive engagement agenda under the Social Accountability Framework in the last 36 months.

“CMS aims to continuously improve the quality of public educational services in the Philippines,” said Jonathan M. Mongcal, CMS chapter coordinator, who engaged in the initiative as Executive Director of the NGO Citizens Watch for Good Governance (CWGG). “We partner with other organizations and identify NGOs willing to partner with us in our mission.”

CMS started in 2011 as an experimental partnership project with the Department of Education (DepEd) along the advocacy for access to information and social accountability. It is a participatory monitoring initiative for the education sector in the Philippines which aims to continuously improve the quality of education services by engaging citizens and communities into the governance of public schools in the country.

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CMS operates in three stages: data access, feedback, and issue resolution. All these stages require training for volunteers and linkaging with various stakeholders. The complete cycle normally takes three to six months to finish.

During a recent CMS exhibit at Plaza Divisoria set up by its volunteers, the group shared its successful “Stories of Change” arising from its monitoring activities.

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ChooseMySchool Chapter Coordinator Jonathan Mongcal helps set up the CMS exhibit at Plaza Divisoria with high school student volunteers (RMB)

Improvement/Renovation of Cugman Elementary School: The CMS team visited school in Feb. 2015 and found a four door classroom which was unused with no visible improvements works going on. The principal acknowledged the concern raised by the team and the building was fully furnished and ready for the opening of classes by June for SY 2015-2016.

At the Sacred Heart Village Elementary School, the principal converted the comfort room at the ground floor of the school building to address the need for a school clinic, as recommended by the CMS team.

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High school student volunteers set up the ChooseMySchool exhibit at Plaza Divisoria (RMB)

“Throughout the CMS operations, school authorities have been cooperative in discussing and addressing issues and concerns raised by the visiting CMS team,” Mongcal said. “The principals and teachers engaged the team in conversation with the volunteers. In the process, information was collected openly and accurately on time.”

Still, much remains to be done. Mongcal cites the  Kiam-is Elementary School, located some 7 kilometers by rough road from the Barangay Lumbia poblacion with no  water connection and rainwater as its only source of drinking water. CMS is still actively seeking partners to fund and adopt the project.  

In addition to its monitoring and evaluating public schools, CMS also undertakes the following Special Projects: SaGIFT Aral Educational Kit Distribution, SaGIFT Aral First Aid Kit Distribution, SaGIFT Aral Tutorial Class Project, and SaGIFT Aral Supplemental Feeding Day Project.

“We have served three schools in 2016, two in 2017 and are finalizing beneficiaries for the coming school years for the SaGiftAral Educational Toolkit Project,” Mongcal said.

“In 2016, CMS partnered with Kiwanis International Macajalar Bay who invited us to present it to their members during one of their regular meetings,” Mongal said.”We identified the beneficiaries and KI Macajalar Bay provided the school supplies.”  

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Other partners engaged by CMS for its SaGIFT Aral project include DepEd, Mindanao Daily, Voice Network, Cagayan de Oro LGU, and ABAMIN Partylist, Regional Training Center (RTC) 10, Ranao Women and Children Resource Center (RWCRC) and private individuals and friends.

CMS is preparing to undertake its initial foray into SaGIFT Aral First Aid Kit with 150 toothbrushes donated by Doctors Generic Pharma to be incorporated into hygiene kits, while Kong Hua School has already committed to a SaGIFT Aral Tutorial Class Project with the immersion of its Senior High students in public schools.

However, Mongcal admits formidable obstacles have so far constrained them from undertaking a SaGIFT Aral Supplemental Feeding Day Project.

But this has not deterred organizations such as the Tagoloan Community College (TCC) – Community Development Students’ Organization from volunteering their assistance to CMS.

“The CMS Initiative served as a venue for students to experience actual advocacy work, to understand and appreciate the value of volunteerism, partnership and the significant roles of every citizen to contribute to society. The student volunteers were taking Community Development and Sociology courses at TCC,” Mongcal said.

This engagement was also supported by the City School Division of Cagayan de Oro, Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) of the DILG Regional Office 10, GROUP Foundation, Inc. and VOICE Network.

CMS also cited the solid support from the Office of the City Mayor and Cagayan de Oro City Local School Board headed by City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno as LSB Chair who has endorsed CMS under the education program of his 8 point agenda for Cagayan de Oro.

 ANSA-EAP

Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in East Asia and the Pacific (ANSA-EAP) Foundation, Inc. hosts and implements the CMS initiative with support from the Open Society Foundation. It is a non-stock, non-profit corporation registered under the Philippine law.

The ANSA-EAP promotes social accountability in the region by providing networking and learning facilities. By social accountability, it advocates the process of constructive engagement between citizens and government for the monitoring the use of public resources. It aims to improve the delivery of public services, promote community welfare and protect people’s rights.

For more information and partnering opportunities, contact Jonathan M. Mongcal, Chapter Coordinator, mobile 0935-877-1333, or email: jonathan.mongcal@gmail.com.

–  INDJC –

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A team from the Taekwondo CDO Main Gym recently came home after a successful campaign in the 7th SeongNam Open International Children Taekwondo Championship held July 13-15, 2018 at Seongnam City in South Korea.

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Taekwondo CDO Main Gym

The delegation was composed of 14 jins from six schools: Xavier Ateneo (Grade & High Schools) 5; three from Kong Hua School, and two each from Gusa Regional Science High School, Corpus Christi School, and Cagayan de Oro College (PHINMA).

Coming from Xavier Ateneo were Katrina Faith P. Chua, Zandro Pete P. Chua, Christian Dynniel M. Llanos, Jeffrey F. Jadap II and Ian Roie Benedict P. Fajardo (Xavier University).

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The Taekwondo CDO Main Gym Team which competed in the 7th SeongNam Open International Children Taekwondo Championship held July 13-15, 2018 at SeongNam Cityin South Korea:
Standing Back Row (left to right) Katrina Faith P. Chua (Xavier University High School), Katrina Marie S. Regis (Gusa Regional Science High School), Alexandra Simone G. De Mesa (Corpus Christi School), Anna Mikaela Curilan (Kong Hua School), Mary Danielle D. Benedicto (Cagayan de Oro College-PHINMA), Lorenzo Josh A. Orcales (Kong Hua School), Elrique Vinzo A. Orcales (Gusa Regional Science High School), and Marlou B. Pabericio (Cagayan de Oro College-PHINMA)
Kneeling Front Row (left to right) Zandro Pete P. Chua (Xavier University High School), Andrew Rynier C. Cinco (Corpus Christi School), Riareese Zoe A. Orcales (Kong Hua School), Christian Dynniel M. Llanos (Xavier University Grade School), and Jeffrey F. Jadap II (Xavier University High School).
Not in picture: Ian Roie Benedict P. Fajardo (Xavier University)

The other team members were Riareese Zoe A. Orcales, Lorenzo Josh A. Orcales, and Anna Mikaela Curilan (Kong Hua School); Andrew Rynier C. Cinco,  and Alexandra Simone G. De Mesa (Corpus Christi School); Katrina Marie S. Regis, and Elrique Vinzo A. Orcales (Gusa Regional Science High School);  Mary Danielle D. Benedicto, and Marlou B. Pabericio (Cagayan de Oro College-PHINMA).

They were accompanied by assistant coach Jason B. Pabericio and head coach and instructor Engr. Vincent Cecil M. Orcales.

During the first day of competitions (July 13) featuring international teams (except South Korea), the CDO Main Gym team won 25 medals: 11 Golds (5 in Individual Poomsae, 4 in Sparring (Kyurogi) and one each in Team Poomsae and Pair Poomsae; 5 Silvers (2 each in Sparring/Kyurogi and Team Poomsae; 9 Bronzes (5 in Individual Poomsae and 4 in Sparring/Kyurogi). Four other jins made it to the quarterfinals (3 in Individual Poomsae and 1 in Sparring/Kyurogi).

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On the 2nd day of the competitions (July 14) now including Korean jins, the CDO Main Gym team garnered 12 medals: 3 Golds (2 in Individual Poomsae and 1 in Team Poomsae); 4 Silvers (2 in Team Poomsae, and 1 each in Individual Poomsae and Pair Poomsae); 5 Bronzes (all in Individual Poomsae) with another 5 jins making it to the quarterfinals.

Not the least, the team won 7 medals on the last day of the competitions featuring sparring with Koreans: 2 Golds (one each in Kyurogi and Team Sparring); 5 silvers (4 in Kyurogi and 1 in Team Sparring) with another 5 jins making it to the quarterfinals.

The youngest and smallest member of the delegation came home with the most number of medals.

Andrew Rynier C. Cinco, an 8-yr old Grade 4 student from Corpus Christi School, took up the Korean martial art only last April 28, 2017 but has already attained the rank of a junior black belt.

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On the first day of competition (July 13) featuring international jins from outside Korea, Andrew won two gold medals for Individual Poomsae (Children Category 1&2 Male) and Sparring (Kyurogi) in the  Children Category 2 (Male) and another gold with team mates Riaresse Zoe A. Orcales and Christian Dynniel M. Llanos for Team Poomsae (Children Category 3).

The following day in competition with Koreans, Andrew garnered gold in Individual Poomsae (Children Category 2/Male) and a silver medal again with team mates Riaresse Zoe A. Orcales and Christian Dynniel M. Llanos in Team Poomsae (Children Category 3).

Not the least, he won another gold in Sparring (Kyurogi) with Koreans in the Children Category 2/Male) on the last day of competitions to bring his total medal haul to six medals (four individual and one team gold)) and one silver medal (team).

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Following are the complete results of the team’s campaign courtesy of the Taekwondo CDO Main Gym FB Page:

July 13 Poomsae (Open/Non-Korean)

– [ ] INDIVIDUAL POOMSAE

Katrina Faith P Chua (Gold) cat Junior 1 (Female)
Andrew Rynier C Cinco (Gold) cat Children 2&3 (Male)
Riaresse Zoe A Orcales (Gold) cat Children 3 (Female)
Marlou B Pabericio (Gold) cat Junior 2 (Male)
Ian Roie B Fajardo (Gold) Cat Junior 1 (Male)
Anna Mikaela Curilan (Bronze) cat Junior 1 (Female)
Elrique Vinzo A Orcales (Bronze) cat Junior 2 (Male)
Christian Dynniel M Llanos (Silver) cat children 3 (Male)
Zandro Pete P Chua (Bronze) cat Junior 1 (Male)
Mary Danielle D Benedicto (Bronze) cat Junior 1 (Female)
Jeffrey F Jadap II (Bronze) cat Junior 1 (Female)
Katrina Marie S Regis (Quarter Finals) cat Junior 1 (Female)
Lorenzo Josh A Orcales (quarterfinals)cat Junior 1 (Male)
Alexandra Simone G De Mesa (quarter finals) cat Junior 1 (Male)

– [ ] TEAM POOMSAE

Alexandra Simone G De Mesa, Katrina Marie S Regis, Katrina Faith P Chua (Gold) / Category Junior 1 (Female)

Christian Dynniel M Llanos, Zandro Pete P Chua, Jeffrey F Jadap II (Silver) / Category Junior 1 (Male)

Riaresse Zoe A Orcales, Andrew Rynier C Cinco, & Christian Dynniel M Llanos (Gold) Category Children 1

– [ ] PAIR POOMSAE

Elrique Vinzo A Orcales & Lorenzo Josh A Orcales (Gold) / Category Junior 1 (Male)

– [ ] SPARRING (Kyurogi)

Riaresse Zoe A Orcales (Gold) / Category Children 3 (Female)
Lorenzo Josh A Orcales (Gold) / Category Fin (Male)
Elrique Vinzo A Orcales (Gold) / Category Bantam (Male)
Andrew Rynier C Cinco (Gold) / Category Children 2&3 (Male)
Zandro Pete P Chua (Bronze) / Category Fly (Male)
Anna Mikaela Curilan (Silver) / Category Welter (Female)
Christian Dynniel M Llanos (Silver) / Children 3 (Male)
Katrina Faith P Chua (Bronze) / Category Fly (Female)
Alexandra Simone G De Mes (Bronze) / Feather (Female)
Katrina Marie S Regis (Bronze) / Fin (Female)
Jeffrey F Jadap II (Quarter Finals) / Category Fly (Male)

July 14 Poomsae (With Koreans)

– [ ] INDIVIDUAL POOMSAE

Andrew Rynier C Cinco(GOLD) / cat Children 2&3 (Male)
Elrique Vinzo A Orcales (GOLD) cat Junior 2 (Male)
Riaresse Zoe A Orcales (Silver) cat Children 3 (Female)
Zandro Pete P Chua (Bronze) cat Junior 1 (Male)
Anna Mikaela Curilan (Bronze) cat Junior 1 (Female)
Lorenzo Josh A Orcales (Bronze)cat Junior 1 (Male)
Christian Dynniel M Llanos (Bronze) cat children 3 (Male)
Mary Danielle D Benedicto (Bronze) cat Junior 1 (Female)
Marlou B Pabericio (Quarter Finals) cat Junior 2 (Male)
Alexandra Simone G De Mesa (quarter finals) cat Junior 1 (Male)
Ian Roie Fajardo (Quarter Finals) Cat Junior 1 (Male)
Katrina Faith P Chua (Quarter Finals) / Category Fly (Female)
Katrina Marie S Regis (Quarter Finals) / Fin (Female)

– [ ] TEAM POOMSAE

Christian Dynniel M Llanos, Zandro Pete P Chua, Jeffrey F Jadap II (Gold) / Category Junior 1 (Male)

Riaresse Zoe A Orcales, Andrew Rynier C Cinco, Christian Dynniel M Llanos (Silver) Category Children 2&3

Alexandra Simone G De Mesa, Katrina Marie S Regis, Katrina Faith P Chua (Silver) / Category Junior 1 (Female)

– [ ] PAIR POOMSAE

Elrique Vinzo A Orcale & Lorenzo Josh A Orcales (Silver) / Category Junior 1 (Male)

July 15 (Sparring with Koreans)

– [ ] SPARRING (KYUROGI)

Andrew Rynier C Cinco (GOLD) / cat Children 2&3 (Male)
Alexandra Simone G De Mes (Silver) / Feather (Female)
Lorenzo Josh A Orcales (Silver) / Category Fin (Male)
Katrina Marie S Regis (Silver) / Fin (Female)
Riaresse Zoe A Orcales (Silver) cat Children 3 (Female)
Zandro Pete P Chua (Quarter Finals) cat Junior 1 (Male)
Jeffrey F Jadap II (Quarter Finals) / Category Fly (Male)
Katrina Faith P Chua (Quarter Finals) / Category Fly (Female)
Anna Mikaela Curilan (Quarter Finals) / Category Welter (Female)
Elrique Vinzo A Orcales (Quarter Finals) / Category Bantam (Male)

– [ ] TEAM SPARRING

Alexandra Simone G De Mesa, Katrina Marie S Regis, Katrina Faith P Chua (GOLD) / Category Junior 1 (Female)

Elrique Vinzo A Orcale, Jeffrey F Jadap II & Lorenzo Josh A Orcales (BRONZE) / Category Junior 1 (Male)

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The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)​ ​has ​energized the newly constructed Aurora-Polanco 138-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line 1 on 20 June, and line 2 on 22 July 2018 as part of ​ its ​​continuing ​efforts to upgrade its facilities and address the recent voltage fluctuations in Northern Mindanao.

Due to Mindanao’s rapid load growth in recent years, NGCP sought to keep ​itself ahead of the curve ​with​several key projects to mitigate congestion and voltage issues in the area and ensure the integrity of the entire grid. The Aurora-Polanco 138kV project is one of NGCP’s initiatives to reinforce power transmission services in the Zamboanga del Norte area.

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The new Aurora-Polanco 138kV line will supplement the old 69kV line in the area, and will enable more power to be transmitted to Zamboanga del Norte, all the way to Misamis Occidental.

Dipolog City, Dapitan City, and the Municipality of Polanco are three important load centers in the Zamboanga del Norte area, which have been growing in power consumption year after year. 

These areas have been suffering from a recent series of voltage fluctuations as only one 69kV transmission line ​was​ carrying​ power to these areas all the way from Aurora in Zamboanga del Sur. The new 138kV line will not only supplement the old line, but ​also ​enable more power to be transmitted to Zamboanga del Norte, all the way to Misamis Occidental – effectively ensuring the continuous and reliable supply of power to the entire area.

NGCP also simultaneously upgraded its Aurora and Polanco Substations to accommodate twice the amount of power flowing into its facilities.

“As we continue to improve the country’s transmission grid, we also intensify our focus on the development of Mindanao as an integral part of the country’s growth,” NGCP s​aid​. “The energization of the Aurora-Polanco 138kV Transmission line is another step towards decreasing power interruptions, mitigating the recent series of voltage fluctuations in the area, and ensuring the best quality power flows into homes, businesses, and industries in Northern Mindanao,” NGCP explained.

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NGCP also simultaneously upgraded its Aurora and Polanco Substations to accommodate twice the amount of power flowing into its facilities.

Apart from the Aurora-Polanco 138kV, NGCP is also working on the completion of its Mindanao 230kV Backbone project, to further st​abilize​ the entire Mindanao grid upon the entry of new generating plants, and the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), which was declared as an Energy Project of National Significance by the Department of Energy, and is slated to be completed by 2020.

NGCP continues to appeal to energy stakeholders, local government units, and the public, to support NGCP for the expedited completion of all its projects, especially the MVIP.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders Henry Sy, Jr. and Robert Coyiuto, Jr.

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Cucina Higala has again been recognized for its product and service excellence.

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A communication received by Cucina Higala operations manager Joe Jake Almodobar from Atty. Salvador A. Lopez, Chairman, National Product Quality Excellence Awards of the 15th Q Asia’s National Product Quality Excellence Awards 2018 (Q Asia’s Seal of Quality Excellence Awards), informed the establishment,  “As chosen, your company/product/services are conferred the “Seal of Product Quality/Seal of Quality Service” based on consumer survey and market research.”

Cucina Higala was cited as the Best Modern Mindanaoans Cuisine Restaurant (Misamis Oriental).

The National Product Quality Excellence Awards was launched to recognize companies, products or services that demonstrate product quality excellence.

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National Product Quality Excellence Award

“ That your product/services have met the standards of product quality excellence deserves the praise and commendation of consumers and the public in general,” the awards giving body said.

The awarding ceremonies will be held on  at the Grand Ballroom, Diamond Hotel, Roxas Boulevard on November 10, 2018 at & 7PM.

Cucina Higala recently topped the 2018 Elite Chef Challenge sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions held at Luxe Hotel Cagayan de Oro city with its entry Crispy Pata Sinigang & Ostrich Caldereta.

Earlier, it was named by the City Health Office as one of five “Best Restaurants of Cagayan de Oro City” this year in recognition of strict adherence to food and sanitation standards.

It has gained a loyal clientele as Cagayan de Oro’s Modern Filipino and Heritage Cuisine Restaurant with its menu of heritage dishes from Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao.

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DTI-DPWH ROLL-IT Convergence Program

Northern Mindanao’s biggest business organization has endorsed eleven key road projects for the Phividec Industrial Estate-Misamis Oriental for inclusion in the DTI-DPWH Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) Convergence Program) for 2018-2020.

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DTI DPWH ROLL-IT PIE-MO Map Layout

During its regular meeting held 17 July 2018, the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) passed Resolution No. 003-JUL-2018 endorsing the proposed 11 road projects of Phividec Industrial Authority (PIA) including the construction of a fly-over along the Bukidnon-Iligan CdO Road and Tagoloan Alae-intersection under the ROLL-IT Convergence Program.

The package of projects includes Phase 1 of the Service Road 6 (SR 6), the road from Triple C to Provincial Road and Tagoloan-Malitbog Road for 2018; Dinugon Road Construction with Revetment, National Highway to Sta. Cruz Access Road, Construction/Improvement of the Access Road along Power Transmission Line, Improvement/Concreting with Drainage System of Barbero Road (PR-2), and Improvement/Concreting with Drainage System of Service Road 6 (SR-6) for 2019, and Service Road 6 (SR 6) Phase II, Proposed Circumferential Road and Access Roads within Parks 2 and 3 for 2020.

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Phividec Industrial Estate Misamis Oriental complex with Mindanao Container Terminal in the background

The resolution acknowledged the Phividec Industrial Estate as a prime and strategic economic industrial center in Misamis Oriental vital to the development of the adjacent towns and cities and the proposed road projects would enhance the flow of traffic and delivery of services within the area and cut the logistical cost of transporting goods.

As the prime mover of business in the region, the Oro Chamber endorsed the road projects for consideration of the DTI and DPWH under the ROLL IT Program for 2018-2020.

According to DTI-10, the following projects in Phividec’s wish list are already included in the 2018 National Expenditure Program (NEP 2018) for implementation by DPWH: Parallel Road from Industrial Park 3 connecting proposed Misamis Oriental-Bukidnon-Agusan Road (Tagoloan-Malitbog Section) for P25-million (M); and, Service Road 6 connecting Park 3 and Mindanao International Container Port (MICT) in support of existing locator industries, IT-BPM and transport and logistics, Gracia, Baluarte, Tagoloan for P25-M.

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Phividec Industrial Authority Administration Building at Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental

Among the qualification requirements as indicated in the four Classifications of Requirements (i.e. Identification, Importance, Necessity and Implementability/Readiness) under the Road Leveraging Linkages Evaluation Rating System (ROLLERS) for the ROLL-IT program is that all proposed road projects must connect or lead to a national road or provincial/local road that is in good condition.

“Only 7 road projects should be reflected for 2018-2020 since 3 projects have already been endorsed in 2017 and only 2 projects were considered,” said Elsie A. Limosnero, Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist,Business Development Division of DTI-Misamis Oriental. “Road projects are being endorsed based on the existing industries in the area.”

She added there are already 4 road projects in the list for approval for 2018 and another 3 projects for consideration in 2019. 

However, Batucan said the secretariat would still consider projects not included in the current year for implementation in subsequent years since the ROLL-IT program runs until 2022. 

“The 11 road projects in support of PIE-MO will surely benefit the existing locators in their operation, in particular, Road Project No. 3 (Tagoloan- Malitbog Road from National Hi-way Junction in Barangay Sta. Cruz passing Mohon to  Bgy, Sta Ana) since that is the only entry and exit of the Municipality of Malitbog,” noted Dante F. Clarito, San Miguel Corporation consultant and former manager of PIA’s port management division.

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ROLL-IT Road Projects for PIE-MO are aimed at supporting the operations and growth of locator industries (EEI photo)

 “The residents and businessmen of the Municipalities of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, and Malitbog, Bukidnon would  benefit most once this road is completed,” he added.

“Once the road projects are in place, more locators will be attracted to locate inside the Estate thus create more employment and taxes for both PIA and the local governments,” Clarito noted. “There are other projects that we will suggest to DPWH-DTI under ROLL- IT Convergence Projects to enhance the Marketability of PIE-MO”

The ROLL-IT Convergence Program is a working arrangement between the DTI (along with the BOI) and DPWH to jointly undertake the planning, budgeting, advocacy for legislation, identification, evaluation, prioritization, regulation, supervision, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of industry-developing infrastructure projects in priority economic and manufacturing zones in the Philippines.

ROLL-IT is a cornerstone of the Duterte administration’s “Golden Age of Infrastructure”, which aims to allocate an infrastructure budget of 7 percent of GDP, or some P8.2 trillion.

Under Phase 1 of the ROLL-IT program, industry stakeholders are tasked to identify potential industry road projects, which will greatly benefit both the industry and community, hence the Oro Chamber endorsement of the 11 Phividec road projects.

Potential projects which will be prioritized by the DTI are those which will benefit any of the DTI’s Priority List of Industries as mentioned in the ROLLERS Guidelines.

The industry stakeholders will then submit the list of identified potential projects to the DTI-DPWH Regional Offices. BOI Sectoral Champions may be given a furnished copy of the proposal to inform and enable them to help in monitoring the road project proposal.

The Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) evaluates the road projects proposed by the priority industries to ensure that they meet the requirements of the criteria. Road project proposals that meet the criteria are then forwarded to the Central Technical Working Group (CTWG) for further validation and final approval. Finally, the DPWH is tasked to implement the approved projects.

During its first-year, the ROLL IT Program has been allocated a budget of Php 12.3 Billion under the 2018 NEP with a total of 229 projects for an approximate length of 492 kilometers worth of road projects for FY 2018.

With the increasing budget for national infrastructure, the continuous implementation of the ROLL IT Program in the coming years definitely plays an important role in realizing the Philippines’ Golden Age of Infrastructure.

Consistent with their respective mandates, the two agencies are also guided by the Export Development Act, the SME Act, and the DTI-Board of Investments Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy (CNIS).

The creation of the Program in 2016 was considered timely because as of year-end 2017, the DPWH would have paved most of the national roads and made permanent the national bridges.

 This would create the opportunity to utilize the projected substantial increase in the budget for infrastructure into the development of complementary networks of regional and local roads that will connect to, and optimize the use of, the improved national roads system. 

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Recyclable, eco-friendly utensils for CEB all flights starting Oct 1

The Philippines leading domestic carrier has launched Juan Effect, a sustainable tourism program targeted at the grassroots where everyJuan can do his share to sustain the environment for present and future generations.

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Teaming up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) with the support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Cebu Pacific (CEB) hit the nail on the head with its program aimed at engaging travelers and local stakeholders to mitigate the impact of tourism on the environment.

“As Cebu Pacific aims to fly 22 million passengers in 2018, we recognize sustainable tourism as a key priority for the airline. The Juan Effect program is a call for all stakeholders to come together, collaborate and cooperate towards concerted efforts, to ensure that the tourism industry progresses sustainably,” said Lance Y. Gokongwei, CEB President and CEO, during the program launch held July 31st at Makati Shangri-La.

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DOT Sec Berna Romulo-Puyat and CEB CEO Lance Gokongwei answer questions from media during an impromtu press conference following the Juan Effect launch (RMB)

“Tourism is a boon for economic activity at all levels—from the grassroots, to the resort and ancillary businesses, and even airlines. But it comes with a price: visitors can overwhelm a place by their sheer number and by how they care for the environment,” Gokongwei noted. “And we have seen businesses take advantage of the boom for short-term gains. This is where sustainability and responsibility, as envisioned by the Department of Tourism now, becomes critical and necessary. Cebu Pacific will do its share and work with DOT towards this goal.”

“The Juan Effect program is at the core of our journey towards sustainable tourism. It is a call for all stakeholders to come together, collaborate and cooperate towards concerted efforts, to ensure that the tourism industry progresses sustainably,” he stressed.

Gokongwei explained the program has been dubbed “Juan Effect,” since it best describes how actions taken by each of us, no matter how small, can create a significant impact in helping protect our islands when done consistently.

“It is incumbent upon all of us to act now, while there is still time to manage tourist activities without harming the environment or putting livelihoods at risk,” he added.

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Cebu Pacific CEO Lance Gokongwei, DOT Sec. Berna Romulo-Puyat and DENR Usec. Sherwin Rigor show the palms out pledge sign for Juan Effect’s Sustainable Tourism

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat concurs.

“Preserving and restoring environmental integrity requires our collective effort to fully realize it. The tourism industry will not be able to significantly contribute to the economy if it is not sustainable. Thus, I would like to enjoin your proactive participation in this advocacy,” Romulo-Puyat stressed.

“The tourism ecosystem is composed of interdependent stakeholders, thus, we welcome Cebu Pacific, one of the leading carriers in the country, in its launch of the Juan Effect program which promotes a culture of sustainable tourism,” she added.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines sustainable tourism as “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities”.

The Department of Tourism, through RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 and the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for 2016-2022, recognizes sustainable tourism development as an integral part of the national socioeconomic development efforts to improve and support the growth of our industry.

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CEB CEO Lance Gokongwei, DOT Sec Berna Romulo-Puyat ang DENR Usec Sherwin Rigo pledge their support to the Juan Effect campaign for sustaibale tourism (RMB, NPN)

DENR Usec Sherwin S. Rigor noted how sustainable development had been repeatedly invoked in the past to justify development in favor of big business with only token concessions to the environment and to equitable and all-inclusive development.

“The culture of tokenism must stop. If we continue on that business-as-usual path, the result will be more disruptions like Boracay,” Rigor noted.

“The deterioration of our ecotourism resources is certainly alarming. The Boracay crisis, mirrored to various extents by many other ecotourism destinations, tells us that many sectors from households to businesses, contribute to this deterioration. This suggests the solution: partnerships among various stakeholders,” he added.

“We also call on airlines to eliminate plastic stirrers and single-use plastic packaging from in-flight services, and to think of more ways that they can contribute to making ecotourism in our country sustainable,” Rigor said.

Gokongwei earlier announced Cebu Pacific will replace non-recyclable plastic spoons, forks, stirrers and cups with sustainable alternatives on all its domestic and international flights starting October 1, 2018.

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The shift to eco-friendly utensils for in-flight meals and refreshments is part of CEB’s initiatives to be sustainable and reduce in-flight waste. It will also cover flights mounted by subsidiary Cebgo.

On the average, the Cebu Pacific group has some 400 flights daily across 37 domestic and 26 international destinations. Those flights use approximately 18,500 pieces of plastic spoons and forks, plastic cups, and plastic stirrers daily.

“Part of the Juan Effect program is looking at the way we do things at Cebu Pacific. We want to cut down on our use of non-recyclable plastic to use only what is necessary, and commit to rolling out more initiatives to help protect our planet and ensure we operate sustainably,” added Gokongwei.

From the current plastic spoon and fork, CEB will shift to bio-compostable cutlery made from polylactic acid (PLA) made from corn starch, a renewable resource. This material is molded like conventional plastic but break down into harmless biomass or organic matter. Plastic cups would be replaced with biodegradable paper cups; while plastic stirrers for beverages would be replaced by compostable wood stirrers.

“We are continually reviewing our operations to see where and how else we can reduce our impact on the environment. We are investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft, and in technology that improves flight operation efficiency, allowing the airline to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Cebu Pacific is committed to rolling out more initiatives to help protect our planet and ensure that we operate sustainably.”

Over the past several months, the carrier has invested in technology and other operational measures that help reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions.

These include a fuel management system that helps optimize operations; the Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) cockpit technology for its Airbus fleet, which monitors and calculates optimal runway landing conditions; and Area Navigation (RNAV) data for more accurate navigation and approaches to various airports.

It also partnered with the WWF – Philippines for ten years to support climate adaptation programs in the Philippines Great Reefs – the Tubbataha and Apo Reefs.

On a national level, Juan Effect aims to encourage responsible travel among passengers, and empower everyone to change at least one everyday habit. On a local level, Juan Effect will collaborate with island stakeholders to concerted action for the conservation of the environment.

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Siargao will serve as the Juan Effect pilot module, wherein the airline together with the DENR, local government units and tourism associations, will work together to implement sustainable tourism action plans. The local initiatives will be rolled out before the peak tourist and surfing season begins in Siargao in September 2018.

“Hence, sustainable and responsible tourism is a key priority for Cebu Pacific. Cebu Pacific has enabled visitors to fly to our beautiful islands. Now, we want to do our share to ensure our natural attractions remain vibrant for future generations,” Gokongwei explained.

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Megaworld’s newest ‘airport hotel’ for millennials and business travelers

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Savoy Hotel Manila Facade as seen from NAIA Terminal 3

A stone’s throw away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 rises Savoy Hotel Manila—a 12-storey hotel within the 25-hectare Newport City in Pasay City.Situated right across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the new ‘airport hotel’highlights the luxurious comforts that business and leisure travelers look for in a home away from home.

A gateway to exciting adventures 

The P5-billion development has 684 rooms ranging from 23 to 27 square meters in size and suites from 35 to 50 sq.m. From the most basic standard rooms (Essentials) to comfortable executive suites (The Runway, The Space, and The Deck), all rooms welcome travelers and staycationers alike who are looking for a much-deserved respite in the midst of the bustling city.

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The Runway Suite offers the best view of NAIA and the urban skylines of Pasay and Makati cities

“Savoy Hotel Manila provides the spaces that everyone needs. From businessmen who need a venue for meetings, travelers who want to spend the night beside the airport terminal, to families who want to enjoy a staycation together, Savoy Hotel Manila is a perfect venue for a different hotel experience beside NAIA Terminal 3 and within the 24/7 leisure and entertainment complex of Newport City,” says Lorenzo Tang, general manager, Savoy Hotel Manila.

The hotel opened to the public last June 2018 and guests can relax at the rooms with panoramic views of the airport’s runway and highways, the Makati and Fort Bonifacio skyline, or the hotel’s garden atrium.

Making connections matter

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Savoy Hotel Manila’s Unique Squares defines its Space to Experience

Designed for people who are constantly on-the-go and understand the value of meaningful interludes, Savoy Hotel Manila also offers themed spaces called The Squares where collaboration, leisure, and business interactions are made more fun.

These co-working spaces are located on several guest floors of the hotel and are equipped with high-speed Internet connection and electric outlets, as well as books, express checkout counters, and a snack corner.

Guests can access this facility round-the-clock, allowing them to find their own spaces for casual group hangouts, intimate chats and meetings, or even relax while reading or listening to music.

“We wanted to offer something unique to guests. Hotels have always been so conventional and stiff and The Squares challenges that norm,” adds Tang.

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Savoy Cafe offers Breakfast and Dining Buffets featuring Asian & Western cuisines

Savoy Hotel Manila also has three Food and Beverage (F&B) outlets: the Savoy Café where guests can experience buffet dining featuring Asian and Western cuisines; Zabana Bar for lounging over cocktails and drinks; and The Poolside for after-swim chill and indulgence.

The hotel also has the Connect Lounge, a club lounge exclusively for guests staying in the executive suite rooms. The lounge serves as an extension of Savoy Café where club guests can have breakfast and snacks, complete with facilities for work or for relaxation.

“Savoy Hotel Manila’s amenities and facilities aim to highlight different spaces to have share-worthy experiences – the space to share, to coexist, to be you, to relax, to express, and more,” Tang noted. 

In the midst of a ‘leisure city’

Strategically located in the bustling entertainment center of Newport City, guests staying at Savoy Hotel Manila can dine, shop, and treat themselves to a world of entertainment options to their heart’s content.

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Savoy Hotel Manila swimming pool

Fun destinations like Resorts World Manila and Newport Mall, among others, are easily just a few blocks away from Savoy Hotel Manila. Guests can even go around Newport City in style onboard the hotel’s Mini Cooper, which is available for rent.

What’s more, traveling to and from the airport right across the street from Savoy Hotel Manila also becomes a breeze via Runway Manila, an enclosed, air-conditioned 220-meter pedestrian link bridge that connects NAIA Terminal 3 to Newport City.

These are just a few of the things you can look forward to the moment you step in at Savoy Hotel Manila. Now, all that’s left to do is pack your things, book that stay, and finally realize your staycation dreams after countless hours of daydreaming.

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Savoy Hotel Manila Lobby

Savoy Hotel Manila is Megaworld’s second hotel under its homegrown Savoy brand. The first Savoy Hotel opened in Boracay Newcoast last year, while another Savoy Hotel is expected to open in Mactan Newtown next year.

Savoy Hotel Manila is located at 101 Andrews Avenue, Newport City Complex, Pasay City. For booking and reservations, call (+632) 317-2869.  To know more about Savoy HotelManila, visit their official website at https://www.thesavoyhotelmanila.com/ 

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By next year, some 50,000 households or an estimated 300,000 people will benefit from a new pipeline that will service the Cagayan de Oro City Water District’s East Service Area from Barangays Lapasan to Bugo.

“More water and stronger pressure,” said Eduardo Montalvan, chairman of the COWD Board of Directors, when asked to comment on the impact of the new pipeline on the individual concessionaire living in the East Service Area.

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The East Pipeline will tap treated water from COBI’s bulk water treatment plant in Baungon, Bukidnon for COWD’s East Service Area.

The project involves the laying of a 600 millimeter (mm) steel pipeline along the South Diversion Road in Barangays Indahag, Macasandig and Camaman-an, which will carry treated water from the Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water, Inc. (COBI) bulk water treatment plant in Baungon, Bukidnon to the COWD’s existing 5,300 cubic meter (cu.m.) Camaman-an Reservoir, and a new off-take point in the barangay, and the Retrofitting and Waterproofing of the said reservoir which has been unused for the past few years.

“The Eastern Pipeline will enable COWD to bring water to the eastern part of the service area,” said Engr. Bienvenido V. Batar, Jr., COWD Acting General Manager.

“Ultimately, this pipeline will carry 40 million liters daily (MLD) and increase our capability to deliver water service to areas such as Taguanao, Mandumol, Upper Cugman, Upper Gusa, and Camaman-an.”

“This will also help us balance the existing supply from Macasandig and Bugo, and hopefully improve water service in the entire eastern part of the city,” Batar added.

Total cost for the nine kilometer pipeline and the Camaman-an Reservoir retrofitting and waterproofing is estimated at P251-million.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp.(MWIC) will finance the project up front but it will be turned over to and operated by the COWD upon its estimated completion date 12 months hence.

The ground-breaking ceremony was held Friday, August 3, 2018 at Tipolohon Junction, Barangay Camaman-an, graced by top officials of MWIC, MPIC, COWD and City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno.

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Mayor Oscar Moreno leads COBI, COWD, MWIC, MPIC and LGU officials during groundbreaking rites for the Eastern Pipeline Project held August 3 at Tipolohon Junction, Bgy. Camaman-an. (RMB,NPN)

“This is a breakthrough, a milestone, a crucial big leap for Cagayan de Oro!” quipped Moreno when asked to comment on the project. “Thanks to COWD and Metro Pacific Water!”

According to Engr. Elezar Linaac, COWD Assistant General Manager for Technical Services charged with coordinating the project with MWIC, the new pipeline and reservoir will improve water pressure and supply to the East Service area by June 2019 at the latest.

The new facility is expected to initially supply an additional 20 million liters daily (MLD) of treated potable water to benefit the East Service Area from Barangays Lapasan to Tablon, (including Camaman-an) during the first year of operations, to be augmented by an additional 20 MLD during the second year.

This would bring to 100 MLD the total bulk water supplied to COWD by COBI, which only recently increased bulk water delivery to the West Service Area from 40 MLD to 60 MLD daily.

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If the Cagayan de Oro City Water District had its way, every household in Cagayan de Oro would soon be enjoying a round the clock supply of clean, safe and potable water.

During ground breaking rites for a new pipeline held August 3 at Barangay Camaman-an,  COWD Chairman of the Board of Directors Eduardo Montalvan said the water district is targeting a 24/7 water supply for every household regardless of their location in the city.

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Mayor Oscar Moreno stresses a point with MPIC CEO Joey Lim other Metro Pacific & COWD officials during the Aug. 3 ground breaking for the East Pipeline project in Bgy. Camaman-an. (photo by Tom Udasco)

“We have been receiving complaints from various parts of the city that water supply is only available during certain times of the day,” Montalvan said in Bisayan. “With this project, we are striving to catch up to make sure water supply is available to anyone in the city during all times of the day.”

COWD officials joined Mayor Oscar S. Moreno and officials of the Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water, Inc. (COBI), Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), Metro Pacific Water and barangay officials in ground breaking rites for the nine kilometer pipeline which aims to deliver 20,000 million liters of water daily (MLD) by 2019 to COWD’s East Service Area and 40 MLD a year after.

“But this is not the end; we still have more projects to implement after this. Now we are catching up with the progress of the rest of the city, we will try even harder to keep pace and stay ahead by providing clean and safe water for all residents of the city,” Montalvan assured.

At present, COWD has estimated water demand in the East Service Area at 114,456 cubic meters (or 114.456MLD) which is barely covered by its 17 production wells in Barangays Bugo, Agusan, Tablon, Macasanding and Nazareth.

With the commissioning of the new pipeline, total supply for the East Area is expected to increase by 17.5% to 134.456MLD with an additional 20MLD from the COBI bulk water plant in Baungon, Bukidnon and by a further 15% and an additional 20MLD by 2020.

However, Jose Ma. K. Lim, CEO of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. which is underwriting the P251-million project which also includes the retrofitting and waterproofing of the 5,300 cu.m. Camaman-an Reservoir, said it’s possible the project would be completed sooner than expected.

“This project will start with the improving of water distribution to the city’s east service area by 2019. Actually we’re targeting October of 2018, and progress to a long-term and sustainable water distribution system that will ultimately lead to a better quality of life for the residents,” Lim said.

“The facility is expected to add 20 million liters of treated, potable water daily for the benefit of the East Service Area barangays from Lapasan to Tablon, including Camaman-an during the first year of operation, and in the second year we will add another 20 MLD. This will bring the bulk water capacity to 100 MLD to be available to the water district, from the bulk water company.”

“Only recently we increased the capacity from 40MLD to 60MLD, so you can look forward to almost doubling it by 2019. With this increased supply we can expect the improvement in pressure as well,” Lim explained.

Current supply to the West Service Area from eight COWD production wells in Barangays Cala-anan and Balulang has been pegged at 31.824MLD  which with the previous bulk water from COBI of 40MLD was barely sufficient to cover the 71.824 MLD demand from concessionaires in the area.

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COWD Water Supply Situation

However, the recent addition of 20MLD from COBI has increased the available water supply 28% to 91.824MLD and has stabilized the pressure and supply such that residents in elevated areas now have improved water supply during most of the day.

“We wish to thank Metro Pacific Water for being our partner in our bid to improve the services of the COWD. We would never have been able to do this project alone due to our limited resources. Thanks to them, we can now look forward to the improved water supply in our city,” Montalvan noted.

“Thanks to God, our water supply has now been stabilized in our West Service Area, and with this project, we can look forward to the improvement of our water supply in the East Service Area, “he added.

“Our aim at COBI is simple: it is to improve to clean water of Kagay-anons by supplying clean and safe bulk water to the water district. By improving both supply and pressure we will have moved closer to achieving our main objective: the improvement of the quality of life of the Kagay-anons,” Lim stressed. COBI is a joint venture between Metro Pacific Water and COWD.

Metro Pacific Water COO Mikkel Gutierrez reiterated the Metro Pacific’s group commitment to improving the quality of life in all areas where it operates.

“Metro Pacific believes that access to safe water is a basic human need and a fundamental human right. We operate to assure and ensure existing facilities, so that everyone in the area we operate will have access to clean and safe water.”

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno acknowledged the import and historicity of the ground breaking event for the city’s future.

“This is a breakthrough and milestone which will propel Cagayan de Oro to a greater advantage that we really deserve. I cannot thank MPW and COWD enough for doing what should have been done 20 years ago when CDO was starting to grow,” Moreno said.

“Now we have this chance to rectify the past. Cagayan de Oro will never be a team without the water district. The water district is very, very essential. In the same manner that all other utilities are essential. We need the COWD to grow; we need the COWD to be even ahead of the city’s growth.”

In response, Gutierrez reiterated Metro Pacific Water’s commitment as a development contributor and partner for the upkeep of Cagayan de Oro’s competitive index.

“We believe this 600 millimeter steel pipe to be laid along the South Diversion Road of Barangays Indahag, Macasandig and Camaman-an, together with the retro-fitting and water proofing of the 5,300 cu. m. Camaman-an Reservoir, will improve water pressure, leading to improved water distribution in an impactful way, and lead to an improvement in the quality of life for all Kagay-anons,” he stressed.

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7 August 2018 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has cited the Philippines’ acceptance of two international agreements that will further boost efforts in ensuring sustainable management of the country’s marine resources.

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The bounty of the sea freshly caught at a fish vendor’s stall in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental (RMB, NPN)

The Philippines is a global center of marine biodiversity and boasts one of the longest coastlines in the world. The country is among the top fish producers globally, according to FAO’s 2018 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report.

The Philippine Government has formally accepted the following: (a) Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas (The Compliance Agreement), and (b) Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing (PSMA). The two agreements were approved by FAO Member States and entered into force in 2003 and 2016, respectively.

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Pumpboat convoy acts as a tugboat to pull in a harvest boat with freshly harvested marine bangus during the Lambangus Festival at Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. (RMB, NPN)

The Compliance Agreement aims to enhance the role of countries and guide them in strengthening control over their vessels to ensure compliance with international conservation and management measures, in accordance with the relevant rules of international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

This Agreement also emphasizes that countries are responsible for ensuring that none of their vessels are fishing on the high seas unless authorized, and that they can effectively exercise their responsibilities to ensure their vessels comply with international measures. The maintenance of records of fishing vessels, international cooperation, and enforcement are also covered extensively by the provisions of the Agreement.

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Fishermen hauling in milkfish (bangus) from fishpens in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental (RMB, NPN)

The Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), on the other hand, is the first binding international agreement that specifically targets IUU fishing. It lays down a minimum set of standard measures for Parties to apply when foreign vessels seek entry into their ports or while they are in their ports. 

The PSMA aims to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing by preventing vessels engaged in IUU fishing from using ports and landing their catches. Through this, the PSMA reduces the incentive of such vessels to continue to operate while it also blocks fishery products derived from IUU fishing from reaching national and international markets.

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A solitary Sama Bangingi fishermen off the Greater Sta. Cruz Island of Zamboanga City.(RMB,NPN)

“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing continue to be a major threat to  our marine resources, as well as to the well-being and resilience of fishing communities whose livelihoods and food security depend on this vital sector,” FAO Representative to the Philippines José Luis Fernandez said.

“The effective implementation of these international instruments ultimately contributes to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources and marine ecosystems. FAO stands ready to support governments, including the Philippines, in their capacity to formulate sound measures to combat IUU fishing, and promote management and development of the fisheries sector.”

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Dr Migs de Leon with 22 kg wahoo caught trolling near Mantigue Island at Camiguin Channel.

The healthy status of world fisheries and aquatic resources as well as the well-being of fishing communities and fisher workers is central to FAO’s policy work, its Blue Growth Initiative and FAO’s Strategic Programme to Reduce Rural Poverty, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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TAGUIG CITY, 9 AUGUST 2018– City Mayor of Taguig, Ma. Laarni ‘Lani’ Cayetano, signed last August 9th the Paris Declaration to Fast-Track Cities: Ending the AIDS Epidemic, at the Kalayaan Hall in SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

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SIGNED COMMITMENT: Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni ‘Lani’ Cayetano (center) signed Thursday the Paris Declaration to Fast-Track Cities: Ending the AIDS Epidemic. In photo with her are (L-R) Department of Health-NCR Cluster Head for Infectious Diseases Prevention & Control Cluster Dr. Stanley Roy Carrascal, City Health OfficerDr. Erlinda D. Rayos Del Sol, Miss Universe-Philippines 2018 and Love Gala ambassador Catriona Elisa M. Gray, HIV advocate/actor John Carlo A. Santos, Country Director for the Philippines Dr. Louie Ocampo, and LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan.

By signing the Paris Declaration, the Mayor of Taguig City pledged to put the city on the Fast-Track to ending the AIDS epidemic through a set of commitments that include achieving the 90–90–90 targets by 2020, which will result in 90% of people living with HIV knowing their HIV status, 90% of people who know their HIV-positive status on antiretroviral treatment and 90% of people on treatment with suppressed viral loads.

“We need urgent action to help address the HIV-AIDS epidemic in protecting the welfare of our people belonging to key affected populations at risk to sexually transmitted infections. The partnership with UNAIDS, The LoveYourself and The Red Whistle with the help of celebrity ambassadors ramps up Taguig City’s preventive measures to combat the epidemic and eventually end AIDS,” said City Mayor Ma. Laarni L. Cayetano.

The Declaration was signed in presence of Department of Health-NCR Cluster Head for Infectious Diseases Prevention & Control Cluster Dr. Stanley Roy Carrascal, City Health Officer Dr. Erlinda D. Rayos Del Sol, Miss Universe-Philippines 2018 and Love Gala ambassador Catriona Elisa M. Gray, HIV advocate/actor John Carlo A. Santos, Country Director for the Philippines Dr. Louie Ocampo, and LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan. The Red Whistle founder Niccolo Cosme also attended the event wherein their latest video campaign #MoveTogetherPH was shown. Also in attendance is Taguig City 2nd District Representative Pia Cayetano.

In July, the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) composed of 145 member-cities pledged to fast-track the AIDS response in the cities, by signing a partnership agreement with UNAIDS to take actions and make investments which would contribute to reducing the number of new HIV infections in the country. 

“By providing technical expertise and practical solutions, UNAIDS is here to facilitate how cities can take bold actions and implement innovative solutions to bring the epidemic under control and faster, said Dr. Louie Ocampo of UNAIDS.

The event also officially appointed Miss Universe-Philippines 2018 Catriona Elisa M. Gray as the new ambassador of the 2018 Love Gala and Ripple Awards, alongside with Miss Universe 2015 and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who was named as the first-ever ambassador of Love Gala in 2017.

“It has become my personal advocacy to help the LGBT community and the affected populations in their journey to stop HIV and stigma to eventually end AIDS. I hope that this ambassadorial role will touch more lives to rally for the cause and become an agent or a ripple of positive change in the community,” Gray said.

Gray announces the Call for Nomination of the 2018 Ripple Awards (www.lovegala.org/nominate-now), which will honor three individuals, three organizations and a project that demonstrates the genuine ability to move other people towards uplifting the lives affected by the HIV-AIDS epidemic.  The Ripple Awards will culminate at the Love Gala event on 30 November 2018 in time for the commemoration of World AIDS Day.

Last year, Taguig City supported the pioneer Love Gala event, which is a collaboration of private and public institutions and youth-oriented organizations that aims to strengthen their efforts in mainstreaming HIV advocacy to a larger audience. 

Based on the June 2018 HIVAIDS & ART Registry data, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that there are 31 new HIV incidences in the country everyday. The registry presented that sexual contact remains the predominant mode of transmission.

Of the reported sexual contacts, 88% of the new HIV infections occurred among men who have sex with men (MSM). 

The data also showed that people aged 25-34 has the highest infection rate at 512 (52%), followed by individuals aged 15-24 with 287 (29%) cases.

To face this situation proactively, Taguig City, UNAIDS, and the advocacy groups –The LoveYourself and The Red Whistle alongside with their celebrity ambassadors, are joining efforts to shed more light on ending the AIDS epidemic not only in Taguig, but throughout the country and in the region.

The Fast-Tack declaration intends to stop all new HIV infections and avert AIDS-related deaths, including deaths caused by tuberculosis. It also aims to end stigma and discrimination. It envisions that every person in each city must have access to life-saving HIV and tuberculosis prevention, treatment, care and support services.

Taguig city plans to expand HIV services by putting up two integrated clinics with free diagnostic and treatment facilities, and hiring of additional health personnel to provide those services. 

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Northern Mindanao’s biggest business organization is looking to promote the concept of “Inclusive growth through Inclusive Business” in partnerships with like-minded organizations in Northern Mindanao.

Inclusive Business, defined as “Engaging the Base of the Pyramid (i.e. Marginalized) in the “Core Business of Business”, is the proven strategy to minimize poverty worldwide.

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MOA Signing between the Bukidnon-Taguluanen Tribe and Kennermer Foods International at the Manila Yacht Club, Roxas Blvd., Malate. Metro Manila

The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. Program Management Office (PMO) recently sat down with the Federation of Peoples’ Sustainable Development Cooperatives (FPSDC) to develop complementary roles for the two Organizations to attain their respective objectives.

“We are looking at having our beneficiaries supply raw materials for the markets FPSDC has access to. At the same time, further strengthen FPSDC logistics by consolidating their material base,” said Roberto W. Ansaldo, Inclusive Business Program Director.

A former Agriculture Undersecretary under the administration of President Corazon C. Aquino, Ansaldo conceptualized the program entitled Inclusive Agri Business Development Center for Northern Mindanao(IABDC4NM)  which was extended USD 194,000 assistance by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Philippine-American Fund Economic Growth Grant dubbed “Program Support for the Chamber’s Promotion of Inclusive Growth through Inclusive Business”.

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The Bukidnon-Tagulanen Tribe of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Conceived as a vehicle to popularize the Concept, the Program seeks to benefit Marginalized Sectors like Bukidnon’s indigenous peoples’ (IPs) communities, as well as Agrarian Reform beneficiaries in Northern Mindanao – who have Land Rights to thousands of under-cultivated lands but have none of the Financial, Markets, or Management Resources to develop that land and uplift their standard of living and contribute to the country’s food sufficiency.

The IB Program seeks to link up with FPSDC, a federation of Cooperatives that provide financial and non-financial services to empower marginalized sectors and encourage members to support advocacies on sustainable agriculture that follow the 4Ps of sustainable development (People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace).

“This entails ensuring the development of stakeholders (people) and the preservation of the environment (planet), while ensuring economic viability and equitable growth (prosperity), in the hope of promoting harmonious coexistence within and among communities (peace),” explains FPSDC General Manager Christie Rowena Plantilla.

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Oro Chamber Program Director Bobby Ansaldo chats with FPSDC Gen Manager Tetay Plantilla during a recent visit to Coopville, a resettlment area for TS Sendong survivors in Bgy. Lumbia (RMB,NPN)

Following on the successful Proof of Concept with the Chamber’s first two Cooperatives, plans are underway to elevate the initiative from the initial program to the Inclusive Agri-Business Development Center for Northern Mindanao (IABDC4NM).  Ansaldo cited its three main functions and the rationale for each:

Education and Extension

The IB Center needs to spread the “gospel” of Inclusive Business since many people are still unable to tell the difference in philosophy between Inclusive Business and Philanthropy.

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Bobby Ansaldo presents Oro Chamber’s Inclusive Business program to USAID’s Melissa Kennison & Robert Barton with the Oro Chamber & USAID-SURGE Core Team last March 2017. (photo courtesy of Irene Floro)

“The Inclusive Business message needs to get out to Government, Business and Civil Society- which in the Philippines is strongly influenced by the Catholic Church,” Ansaldo noted. 

“Government  provides the supportive policies, financial resources, and linkages to LGUs we will work with on the ground; Business will provide planting materials, technology transfer, management know-how, purchase agreements and transparent pricing; while Civil Society (through the Catholic Church dioceses Social Action Centers(SACs)  would provide mediation services when conflicts of interest arise, (as they inevitably will) and help in the education and extension of Inclusive Business to dioceses outside Northern Mindanao – assisting  interested Dioceses establish their own Inclusive Business Development Centers.

Applications

These Centers would cultivate crops chosen by the concerned communities that its members have experience growing. It would also seek out reputable companies and match them with cooperatives in IB Models where the Corporations provide the Cooperatives the planting materials, techno-transfer, management know-how, purchase agreements and transparent pricing systems.

Mediation Services

The relationship between cooperatives growing crops and the company buying it from them will always be a changing, dynamic and on-going process of conflict management and resolution.

Thus, Ansaldo envisions Inclusive Business pilot centers in Dioceses which have established chapters of the Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference (BBC), to work closely with the diocesan SACs in promoting a climate conducive to business and stakeholders within the diocese.

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The Ancestral Domain of the Bukidnon-Taguluanen Tribe near Malabalay City, Bukidnon

In this manner, the local community can serve as ambassadors-at- large for conflict resolution to arrive at Win-Win Remedies which are acceptable and beneficial to all parties.

 The Education (Advocacy) thrust, covers spreading the gospel of Inclusive Business which we now want to do with a secondary level Cooperative (FPSDC) who is also in Northern Mindanao.

“The Application thrust involves expanding to other communities other than IPs, such as   disaster victims of Tropical Storm Sendong and adding another Crop (Ube) suggested by FPSDC, which is needed by a huge Market that FPSDC already has.”

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Northern Mindanao’s premier business organization has been quietly laying the ground works for the Inclusive Growth through Inclusive Businesses paradigm being championed by international economic development institutions such as the World Economic Forum, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

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Farmers of the Odino Clan-Higaonon Tribe raise corn & sweet potatoes thru slash & burn subsistence farming for their daily needs.

Since 2015, the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) has been promoting inclusive growth for the sustainable economic development of Cagayan de Oro City and her influence areas through its pilot project that over the next few years aims to create an independent Inclusive Agri-Business Development Center for Inclusive Business (IABDC4NM).

“We believe that engaging the marginalized in the core business of our businesses is a very good solution in our country’s development,” said Robertino E. Pizarro, Oro Chamber president. “It is the solution to include them in the country’s progress and development. Not only does it benefit the poor, it’s good business for business.”

The project simultaneously addresses prevalent poverty issues by carrying out IP Community agro-forestry projects in partnerships with High Value Commercial Crop Corporations (HVCCC).

Initially, the project dubbed received a USD 194,000 grant from the US Agency for International Development’s Philippine–American Fund Economic Growth Grant as Program Support for the Chamber’s Promotion of ‘Inclusive Growth through Inclusive Business.’

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Bobby Ansaldo presents Oro Chamber’s Inclusive Business program to USAID’s Melissa Kennison & Robert Barton with the Oro Chamber & USAID-SURGE Core Team last March 2017. (photo courtesy of Irene Floro)

Engaging the Base of the Pyramid

“This project will demonstrate the benefits of Inclusive Business by Engaging the Base of the Pyramid at the Core Business of Business through the supply of raw materials to meet industry needs, create livelihood opportunities for communities, effect poverty reduction and improve peace and order,” said Program Director Roberto W. Ansaldo, a former undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture and Oro Chamber vice president.

“Oro Chamber partners with private companies for technical assistance, quality planting materials, assured markets, and transparent pricing. Project benefits and best practices in inclusive growth will be communicated to a wider audience through an information campaign,” Ansaldo explained.

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Datus of the Bukidnon-Taguluanen Tribe

The project identified the Bukidnon-Taguluanen Ancestral Domain near Malaybalay City, Bukidnon as a pilot area. The Taguluanen tribe who maintains a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) over the area was identified as the first group of project beneficiaries and currently grows cacao as their primary crop. 

“The word Taguluanen is derived from the fact that we are from the ulohan or headwaters,” said Atty. Burt Estrada (Datu Manhan-Ayan) of the Bukidnon-Taguluanen Tribe.

 “When the IPRA Law was enacted 20 years ago, my father (Tribal Chieftain Judge Ben Estrada (Ret.) whose native name is Lumalambong Datu Manlumakbaw) initiated the filing of an ancestral land claim over the area adjacent to the City of Malaybalay. The most important part of this claim is that area which is our sacred ground.”

After the group expressed their willingness to undertake a long-term financing package to develop their lands into high-value tree crop plantations, the project team initiated a series of community consultation activities with the CADT holders with 21 elders (38 percent women) actively participating.

“This could be an opportunity to help us develop that sacred ground and protect our culture,” Atty. Estrada said. “To give our people the means to meet their economic needs, and enable us to return to our indigenous culture and customs.”

Discussions focused on the project objectives, the role of the chamber and a discussion on Responsible Agricultural Investments led by Ansaldo. It concluded successfully as the Bukidnon-Taguluanen Tribal Council Elders formulated a resolution accepting the project as beneficiary and co-participant.

Meantime, the project team identified the second beneficiary – the Odino Clan – Higaonon Tribe of Brgy. Kibalabag, Malaybalay, Bukidnon whose 200-hectare ancestral domain is adjacent to the first community of beneficiaries.

The community members currently farm at a subsistence level, growing corn and sweet potato for food, since they lack the funds and access to improved technologies, markets and post-harvest equipment critical to their crop of choice.

The Clan confirmed their determination to develop their lands via the expansion and cultivation of an already existing high-value crop they are familiar with – Abaca.

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Erson Odino, Datu Manimaan of the Odino Clan, stripping abaca fibers by hand.

Erson Odino, Datu Manimaan of the Odino Clan, and a resident of Barangay Kibalabag, related how they had to plant and harvest the abaca by hand, strip the fibers manually, and then walk from Bgy. Kibalabag to Malaybalay on foot since it was too expensive to take the habal-habal (motorcycle taxi). There being no regular buyers of abaca in Malabalay, they were not assured a good price for their product, or worse, forced to take a pittance for it.

Business partners, not mere landlords

After a series of Community Consultations with both communities, the Project Team conducted  Business Planning Workshops to Develop Business Plans for their respective Crops; General Assemblies for Information and dissemination to all tribal members; Community Profiling and Area Mapping; and Pre-Registration Seminars needed to form a Cooperative as the community’s economic arm and juridical entity.

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Stripped abaca fiber has to be brought from Bgy. Kibalagag to Malaybalay by foot since it’s too expensive to take the habal-habal.

Notwithstanding specific goals for each of these activities, all had the common objective of empowering the Communities to access financing for funds needed to cultivate their areas; link them directly with Institutional Markets to ensure regular buyers and good prices for their products; and, access the latest growing technologies to increase yields, and post-harvest practices to improve the quality of their cacao beans and abaca fiber.

“What will be the effect of all these? The owner of the land becomes the cultivator of the crop,” Ansaldo noted.

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) subsequently registered both community coops, as the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative, and the Kibalabag Matanus Agriculture Cooperative last November 20, 2017.

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The Oro Chamber project teaches members of the Odino Clan of the Higaonon tribe to be partners in business rather than landlords merely leasing out their lands.

In addition to the successful CDA Registrations, the Bukidnon Taguluanen Tribe also secured the En Banc approval and recognition of their Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) after 4 years  from the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) Central Office, signifying the State’s recognition of their governance structure that would serve as the Tribe’s Political Arm.

By December 2017, the Bukidnon Taguluanen Tribe was able to submit their Loan Application for Cacao 100 Program to Land Bank of the Philippines; and draft a Marketing Agreement with Kennemer Food International as their Institutional Market.

Inclusive Business is Good Business

“Business entities which partner with small growers who produce the necessary commodities needed by the agri value chain means companies do not have to spend for machinery, supervision, land rentals, security, and all other expenses involved if they engage in leasing lands and farming themselves,” Ansaldo explained.

Since the Grower Cooperative absorbs the natural risks inherent to agricultural production, such as natural calamities, insect infestations, etc., Business is guarantees quality produce at the factory gates. Erratic free market price fluctuations are eliminated through previously negotiated pricing formulas, and land and tenurial problems diminish since the landowners are now the cultivators themselves.

Looking up to the future

“It takes so long for models like this to finally get off the ground because people simply didn’t believe it could happen,” noted Eugene Gonzales, Phil-Am Fund Chief of Party, during the MOA signing between the Bukidnon-Taguluanen Tribe and Kennemer Foods International held March 22, 2018 at the Manila Yacht Club, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Metro Manila.

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MOA signing between the Bukidnon-Taguluanen Tribe and Kennemer Foods International held March 22, 2018 at the Manila Yacht Club, Roxas Blvd., Malate. Metro Manila. (L-R) Eugene Gonzales, Chief of Party, Phil-Am Fund; Atty Burt Estrada, Bukidnon-Taguluanen Tribe; DOF Asst. Sec. Edita Tan; and Managing Director Simmon Bakker, Kennemer Foods Int’l.

 “In less than two years of actual implementation, they got this model running, and hopefully continuing and scaling up in the next few months and hopefully continue on being sustained, and replicated in other areas,” he added.

“This innovative approach of inclusive business is aligned with the administration’s thrust to improve access to economic opportunities,” said Dept. of Finance. Asst. Sec. Edita Tan. “The Department has been very supportive of various efforts and initiatives that would enable the Philippine government to maximize and increase the country’s potentials in achieving the desired inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Now both communities are entering into the Enterprise stage. After successfully establishing their Juridical Entity as Cooperatives, they are now in a position to access financial resources from Government Financial Institutions like LBP or DBP to establish and cultivate their desired plantations.

“As we are closing this program now and the tribe is taking over already because they are going to run the plantation themselves, we’re not going to do that,” Ansaldo stressed. “We empowered them to be able to do that. As they build up and grow they will need help so we’ll be here to hold their hands as they move along their business journey.”

Following on the successful Proof of Concept with the first two Cooperatives, plans are underway to elevate the initiative from the initial program to an independent Inclusive Agri-Business Development Center for Northern Mindanao (IABDC4NM) which will have its own corporate charter to fulfill its mandate of Inclusive Growth through Inclusive Business.

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Today’s customers act, and react, at lightning speed. They spread the word about their experience—good or bad—with comments and images captured across a dizzying range of social media platforms. Seeing that social media has become the foremost venue for ordinary people to voice out their issues and concerns, Cebu Pacific has decided to invest in a 24/7 Customer Command Center—its first major step towards revamping its services and improve passenger experience.

The first-ever Customer Command Center

The Customer Command Center is the airline’s multi-million peso investment that was launched in August to establish and strengthen its relationship with its travelers. The command center aims to engage customers and offer assistance throughout their Cebu Pacific journey. It allows for real-time monitoring of trends and issues on social media, making it easier to track and address customer complaints and manage potential risks.

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Cebu Pacific Pres & CEO Lance Gokongwei being briefed by Customer Care Director Jackie Lou de Paz at the CEB Customer Command Center.

Located at the CEB’s main office building, the center is equipped with large monitors showing six real-time dashboards to track any customer problems and inquiries posted online. The airline adapted a cloud system from Salesforce, one of the leading providers of cloud-based customer relationship management technology, to help administer and analyze the online traffic regarding Cebu Pacific.

How it works

A 55-member team closely follows the trends on what people feel about the airline. When any issue is received from any of CEB’s online accounts or detected in the social universe, the team members quickly act to ensure that each query is solved at the shortest amount of time.

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Cebu Pacific Customer Care Director Jackie Lou de Paz explains the workings of the command center to media from the Visayas and Mindanao, (RMB, NPN)

Upon discovering a customer concern, a customer care team member creates a case and files it in a database. They then cascade or alert the departments concerned to ensure the customer’s concern is addressed appropriately as soon as possible.

With the advanced service cloud, the team creates a knowledge database consisting of customer profiles, most frequent queries and other frequently-asked information to help increase the command center’s efficiency and reliability.

It also gives the team access to collaboration tools that allow them to monitor feedback and gather suggestions for a more effective customer engagement.

“More and more as an organization, we are becoming conscious about the customer experience, what they are saying and what they need,” said Candice Iyog, CEB’s Vice President for Marketing and Distribution.

What this means for the CEB frequent flyer

By listening to the comments and concerns of passengers, Cebu Pacific is able to step-up responsiveness to their customers. It allows them to listen to concerns, get feedback and other details on the circumstances of the passenger and provide resolution or much-needed assistance.

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Cebu Pacific Customer Care Director Jackie Lou de Paz fields queries from Visayas and Mindanao Mindanao during a recent tour of the CEB Customer Care Command Centre, (RMB, NPN)

By next year, the airline has set ambitious goals, making good on its commitment to improve customer experience: a ratio of none-to-one complaint for every 1,000 passengers; one commendation for every ten complaints; and less than an hour response time to sustain customer retention and loyalty.

More than flashy screens and high-tech social listening, the CEB Customer Command Center is a beacon to Cebu Pacific passengers, employees, executives and stakeholders that the country’s largest carrier is institutionalizing a customer-first mindset across the organization.

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