“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity”

CEBU January 28 - February 3, 2020 P15.00 BUSINESSVolume 2 Series 19 12 PAGES

Room 310-A, 3rd floor WDC Bldg. Osmeña Blvd., City WEEK You may visit Cebu Business Week Facebook page. Ban PH workers in Kuwait: Mendoza Over 200 Filipinas died in hands of employers in 4 years Rep. Raymond Demo- generalized like injuries. at Philippine Embassy in crito Mendoza (TUCP Party- But the National Bureau Kuwait. List) has urged government of Investigation (NBI) They discussed about to fully implement a total ban reported that she was raped, problems in Kuwait on deployment of Overseas sodomized, and her genital like employers illegally Filipino Workers (OFWs) was mutilated. She suffered confiscating the passports in Kuwait and recall home broken arms, broken head and mobile phones of home existing workers. and countless wounds at the service workers. Mendoza made the back. A joint monitoring call while conducting a According to NBI doctors, committee in the congressional inquiry on the Villavende suffered a painful and Kuwait was tasked death of Jennelyn Villavende, and humiliating death. She to monitor incidents like 26, of South Cotabato. She was malnourished. this but there was only one worked as an OFW in Kuwait In four years time, meeting in 2018. and was tortured to death by Mendoza said more than With the Memorandum her Kuwaiti employer. 200 Filipinas already died of Agreement (MOA) bet- Mendoza said there is with questionable causes or ween the Philippines and an estimated 1,600 OFWs in killed by their employers in Kuwait, diplomatic ties was Kuwait who are not inclined Kuwait. restored, and the Philippines to come home possibly He recalled that in 2018, started to deploy workers. because they have no jobs to Duterte was fuming mad But the Kuwaiti get at home and their families that he cut the diplomatic authorities evidently had will further suffer in poverty. relations with Kuwait after bad faith. They reasoned that “Most OFWs had an OFW named Dimapiles a MOA is different from a borrowed money to pay was found dead and stashed worker’s contract. their recruiters and when inside the freezer for one “Jennelyn died on Dec. they come home through year. 28, 2019, one year after the repatriation, they will not But negotiations fol- MOA was signed by then be able to pay it, plus the lowed because OFWs’ remit- Foreign Affairs Secretary problem of where to get tance involved billions Alan Peter Cayetano who another job to sustain of pesos. The P36 billion is now the House Speaker. their family’s daily needs,” remittance a year does not If Kuwait will not respect Mendoza said. include the other 40 percent human rights, we should But Mendoza asked, of the 257,000 OFWs who stop deploying OFWs. “Will the Philippines continue have higher salaries from Mendoza said Villavende deploying OFWs in Kuwait even P40,000 a month and above. had a salary contract of when its nationals don’t respect At present, Mendoza said P21,000 a month. She only women and human rights?” there are about 50 OFWs had a maximum of P5,000 The autopsy report on who ran away from their a month working in the Villavende abroad was only employers and are housed Philippines. EOB Senator Pia Cayetano and Rep. Raymond Mendoza 2 January 28 - February 3, 2020 Cebu Business Week LOCAL Malapascua for tourism: Salimbangon The Department of inhabited and the island was long before the declaration of Environment and Natural and still is very much suitable the island as timberland. Resources (DENR) will start for living and in reality it is She said that the surveying Malapascua Island not a forest land. management of the certain in connection with House Bill “The main industry in lands in Malapascua to No. 5731 filed by Rep. Janice Malapascua is tourism with agricultural, commercial, Z. Salimbngon rationalizing diving as its main pull for the residential and for other the management of natural island with Monad Shoal, a similar productive purposes resources in the area. unique dive site due to the must be the government’s Malapascua, a tourist presence of thresher sharks,” initiative to answer the needs destination, is located at Salimbangon said. of the time. Barangay Logon, an island of Salimbangon further “The rationalization of Daanbantayan, Cebu which is explained that it is the main the management of these under Fourth Congressional effort of her House Bill 5731 lands will pave the way for District, containing 138 to develop the island as the establishment of different hectares more or less. tourism destination. infrastructures especially the On record, the DENR “To do so, the government creation of a circumferential declared Malapascua as must take the necessary steps road of the entire island and timberland on June 30, to attract private individuals services that would cater 1987. This was pursuant to and entities willing to pour the need of the island,” Presidential Decree (PD) investment to provide the Salimbangon said. 2151 issued by then President services needed, thus the She said that considering Ferdinand Marcos declaring need to rationalize the the magnificence and the rich certain island and/or parts management of Malapascua,” local heritage of the island, of the country as wilderness Salimbangon said. the government’s affirmative areas. Moreover, Salimbangon stance in reclassifying In her explanatory said the government must these areas will contribute country as well. significant number of jobs note, Salimbangon said that give the people security of the much to the success of the “Economic development but likewise protect the since time immemorial, ownership of their parcels of tourism industry not only in will definitely soar whichisland,” Salimbangon said. Malapascua has been land which have been theirs Malapascua but to the entire will pave to the creation of EOB Biggest shipping group BOC revs up anti-smuggling drive The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intensified. its anti- smuggling campaign in 2019, nabbing P20.58 billion-worth to meet in of smuggled goods, mostly counterfeit goods, illegal drugs and tobacco products. The Philippine Coastwise combined, considering that Teresa C. Abad of 2GO Group In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Shipping Association Inc. Maritime Industry Authority as corporate secretary. the BOC said it also filed criminal cases against 345 importers (PCSA) will hold its quarterly (MARINA) 7 has the biggest The PCSA board of and 75 customs brokers last year. It likewise revoked the general membership meeting gross tonnage of ships trustees are: Lucio E. customs accreditation of 196 importers and customs brokers on Jan. 31, 2020 at Casino registered among all regions. Lim Jr., Paul Rodriguez, for various violations of customs rules and regulations. Español de Cebu, Cebu City. The PCSA has appointed Vicente Montenegro Jr., Preliminary data submitted earlier by the BOC to the PCSA was organized last Edgardo “Egay” G. Nicolas as Alexander Cohon of Lapu- Department of Finance (DOF) showed that the bureau was June 11, 2019 and is now the administrator and secretariat Lapu Shipping Lines, Arthur able to collect P630.571 billion in revenues in 2019, up by P37 biggest maritime group in head based in Cebu City. Kenneth Sy of Trans Asia billion over the P593 billion collection in 2018. the country. It is the merger In the oath-taking of Shipping; Jose Emery Roble The BOC’s collection efficiency remains consistent at 95.4 of three associations namely PCSA officials last year,of Roble Shipping; Teresa percent. Philippine RoRo Operators Former President Gloria Abad, Pio Serafin Fulache, “The collection in 2019, apart from the efforts of our Association (PROA), Visayan Macapagal Arroyo gracefully and Benson Go. Collection Districts, is also attributed to revenue collection Association of Ferry Boat and accepted the association’s Lim said the association’s from issued Alert Orders amounting to more than P40.9 Coastwise Service Operators nomination as its chairman primarily aims to foster million, Post Clearance Audits with more than P2 billion (VAFCSO) and United emeritus. goodwill, fair competition, collected revenue, and more than P527.9 billion from public Trampers Association of the The PCSA 2019-2020 mutual understanding and auctions,” the BOC said in its report. Philippines (UTAP). officers who also tookfellowship their among members. To facilitate trade, the BOC was able to finally join the PCSA Chairman Lucio oaths of office before ArroyoIt is to unify and organize ASEAN Single Window (ASW) last Dec. 30 for the exchange Lim Jr., the president/CEO are the following: Lucio E. ship owners and ship of the electronic Certificates of Origin (ATIGA e-Form D) of Lite Shipping Corporation, Lim, Jr., President/CEO of operators in the country for with Malaysia and Indonesia. said the three different Lite Shipping Corporation the promotion of a viable The BOC also officially launched the Authorized Economic associations are now united as chairman; Paul Rodriguez public policy framework to Operator (AEO) Program providing the bureau and its as one under the banner of Super Shuttle Ferry as accelerate the modernization stakeholders heightened security while ensuring the flawless of the PCSA to further president; Benson Go of and development of the movement of goods. strengthen its advocacy in Seensam Shipping as Vice- domestic shipping industry. Its online accreditation program also resulted in the the development of a robust president for cargo shipping; Most importantly, PCSA is to accreditation of 17,760 importers and 2,241 customs brokers domestic shipping industry Vicente Montenegro, Jr. of promote among its members with zero backlog. through mutually beneficialMontenegro Shipping as responsible ship ownership As part of its good governance program, the BOC enrolled government and private Vice-president for passenger and adherence to the into the Performance Governance System (PGS) of the sector cooperation. shipping; Pio Serafin W. accepted standards of safety Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) and passed the initiated PCSA also has the biggest Fulache of Medallion and service in domestic stage with a Gold Trailblazer Award during the ISA-Public total gross tonnage of ships Shipping as treasurer; and shipping operations. Governance Forum held last Nov. 28, 2019. Cebu Business Week January 28 - February 3, 2020 3 LOCAL SCENE VM Alegado may run for congresswoman

Consolacion, Cebu being a municipal councilor, branding,” Alegado said. congresswoman because of Consolacion and the people of Vice Mayor Teresa “Nene” vice mayor for three terms, She said that she was her record as daughter of a Cebu. Collaboration between Alegado said she is ready mayor for three terms, and happy when Congress former Consolacion mayor, the public and private to run for congresswoman now vice mayor again. removed City from brother of the late Cebu Board sectors, and collaboration representing Cebu 6th Alegado made it clear that the 6th District because the Member Bebs Pepito, her rise of all government offices is District come 2022 election they are supposed to be in fund allocation will increase. from municipal councilor, to encouraged,” Alegado said. if it is the will of God. business only. But the people But she was saddened mayor and back to vice mayor. Alegado said that because The 6th District is now want them in politics so the because many politicians are She said she has already Cebu’s development is going composed of Consolacion and Alegados can serve them. jockeying to run for congress, put the political level of towards Consolacion, she Cordova after Congress passed Alegado’s son, Dr. even those who have no Consolacion into an educated and mayor-son Johannes a law declaring Mandaue City Johannes Alegado is track records in government one. The voters will not elect a are working double time to as a lone district. Consolacion’s incumbent service. candidate because of money, finish their comprehensive Alegado is the all-time mayor. She said those who are and they shun patronage development plan for favorite for congresswoman In the 2019 election, interested in running to politics. They now know everyone to follow. taking into account that Johannes and Nene ran represent 6th District in how to choose candidates She is supportive of Consolacion now has for mayor and vice mayor, Congress must know the who really fulfill theirPresident Rodrigo Duterte’s 95,000 voters compared to respectively, without opponents. landscape of Consolacion responsibilities in office. statement to concentrate on Cordova’s only more than “I am in politics maybe and should know the plans “What I want to happen Mono Rail Transit (MRT) 30,000. Secondly, Alegado because I was the daughter of a and programs of this district. in my lifetime is that we can or Light Rail Transit (LRT) has an unblemished public poor mayor, and the people are Alegado is considered contribute something for because there is less room for service record starting from looking for that kind of political the most qualifiedthe for good of the people of road widening. EOB

Labella to cut prices of fruits, vegetables

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo from to Cebu at a Labella has strongly supported landed cost of P25 per kilo. the move of cooperatives from CPAAC can sell that to the Cebu and Mindanao to ship public at P30 per kilo. to Cebu, fruits and vegetables He said that as arranged by that will tremendously bring businessman Douglas Labra, down prices and create a Oro Integrated Cooperative will steady supply. get Cebu Province Association In a meeting with Labella of Accredited Cooperatives last Jan. 21, Oro Integrated (CPAAC) as conduit. Cooperative based in During that meeting, Cagayan de Oro City headed Labella promised to Cebu and by Chief Executive Officer Mindanao cooperatives that cooperatives, it will provide Carbon market and malls limit the stocks to be sold to big Floriano R. Hilot told the Cebu City Government will them additional income. from monopolizing the prices traders and mall owners. mayor that they can bring provide them a huge landing The coop leaders said of fruits and vegetables. He said selling big fruits and vegetables here area probably at the defunct their Cebu conduits will One recalled that a trader volumes of fruits and in Cebu through the Cebu slaughterhouse near SM City surely gain because they can at Carbon market went to vegetables to unscrupulous Province Association of at North Reclamation Area. deliver at least 600 tons of Pier Area regularly and traders will result to Accredited Cooperatives Labella said he strongly fruits and vegetables daily. bought volumes of fruits and exorbitant prices. (CPAAC) at prices far lower supports the realization of At P3 jack up price per kilo, vegetables from Mindanao. CPAAC leaders said it can than those of Carbon market. the project because it will that means millions of pesos Then he dictated the prices to partner with Oro Integrated Hilot cited as example assure enough supply of of income a day. the detriment of the public. Cooperative and maintain the carrot which is currently fruits and vegetables in Cebu The two coop groups also Labra, one of those who very low prices, steady supply sold at P70 per kilo at Carbon at very low prices affordable discussed about preventing arranged it, suggested to supply to barangay markets, and market. That can be brought to all Cebuanos. For unscrupulous people at the barangay markets, and will eradicate monopoly. EOB

Consolacion gears up for Centennial Celebration on February 6 All roads lead to the and shows. Dalagang Bukid or Zarzuel Consolacion Mayor Joannes to remind nga kita tinuoray bustling town of Consolacion Various activities Play, Visual Arts Exhibit, Mr. Alegado said that everything nga Pilipino ug lumad nga in northern Cebu as it include Sarok Grand and Ms. Centennial, Battle is all set for the centennial taga Consolacion,” said gears up for the 100 years Parade, Centennial Job of the Bands, Sarok Street celebration. Alegado. celebration on February 6, Fair, Centennial Culinary Dancing and Sarok Ritual “This is a very rare Consolacion was 2020 Festival and Centennial Expo Showdown Competition. occasion, talagsaon ra nga formerly a “barrio” or a Dubbed as “Consolacion Trade Fair, Drum and Bugle For the ritual showdown mag centennial celebration neighborhood of Mandaue. Yesterday, Today and Beyond: Corps Competition, Sarok competition, the grand ang usa ka lugar and we are Through a certain executive Fulfilling Dreams, Building Making, Sarok Painting, winner will receive P100,000, very blessed that we are one order in February 6, 1920, Legacies”, the weeklong Sarok Designing and Sarok 2nd placer (P75,000), 3rd of those,” Mayor Alegado the town of Consolacion activity (from February 1-6) Decoration Contest, Sarok placer (P50,000) and 4th said. “Gi activate nato atong became the 51st municipality will feature different activities Ball and Fashion Show, placer (P30,000). cultural commission in order in the province of Cebu. 4 January 28 - February 3, 2020 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Was a bomb stopped?

Nothing happened. The police just went about their usual business without a report that the cell signal shutdown indeed stopped a determined bomber out to disrupt 2020. There was no intelligence report. Just pasikat that they did something. And it was better Weekly Notes than Quiboloy shouting at Emmanuel Nacorda Mongaya bombers to istap! They just all hailed success despite the reality (it was obvious before people’s eyes) that the grandstand was half full when a presidential guard assisted our strongman President Rodrigo Duterte climbed the stairs during his Sinulog 2020 appearance at the Cebu City Sports Center. And while Sinulog 2020 organizers struggled to make themselves look good the people suffered silently. Oh, they talked about the signal and made not a few curses. Netizens also good-naturedly made what Dan Gian Beliña Novel did viral on Sinulog day. Yes, Beliña was that young guy who displayed a Coronavirus placard saying “Asa ka Jen. Paeta way signal” during the Sinulog parade last January 19, 2020. According to Beliña, Jen is a friend who he planned to be with on Sinulog day. Unfortunately, he was late and could not contact her. They were only able to communicate when the cell signal was restored that evening and realized he became viral. Editorial The placard apparently struck a chord and prompted netizens to react, comment, and share. It articulated a common sentiment about not fully enjoying a Sinulog during the Information Age. As I asked in a Facebook post, could a signal shutdown Happy New Year! really stop a determined bomber? The trigger could be through radio signal. Or the bomber could just use time- Celebration of the consider the year good for Despite news of the delay. It’s a no brainer. Chinese New Year on accumulating some wealth. coronavirus especially This made me ask myself. Do our security officials January 25, 2020 may not This bit of feng shui lore in China, this won’t stop have this gray matter called brain? be as auspicious as it should should be good for the economic growth. From *** be. But the Year of the Metal morale of many Cebuano another point of view, growth Mayor Edgar Labella need not answer media questions Rat augurs well for business entrepreneurs. After all, in the economically strong about banning Chinese nationals from Cebu City. A yes especially the self-employed Cebu had been historically a country might slow down but or a no, even a maybe, will make him look absurd. How or the entrepreneur. commercial melting pot with this will enable the Philippine can he order or not order a ban when the Mactan-Cebu This year is the 4717th a local market populated economy to catch up. International Airport (MCIA) is in LapuLapu city? Chinese year. The zodiac by small to medium A number of A statement about not banning Chinese nationals sign of 2020 is the Rat. businessmen. This sector entrepreneurs might even is silly enough, he corrected himself with another press According to the Chinese forms bulk of our Cebu profit from the huge sum statement about the possibility of banning them. zodiac calendar, 2020 is the community’s middle class. the Chinese government Instead, he should do what Yorme Isko of Manila is Male Metal Rat year. The The more progressive will spend in managing their doing. Help in the information drive so his constituents color of Metal in the Chinese our middle class, the wider crisis. will understand the virus and act accordingly. Horoscope is connected to wealth become shared as As they say, the year An information drive is the best course of action for a mayor white or golden. Therefore, more employees and workers will deal us with set of cards. of the second biggest city in the country and chairman of the 2020 is also called the year of become employed. Each Whether it benefits Cebu or country’s mayor’s league should do. Let’s leave the monitoring the White Rat or Golden Rat. employee feeds a family here not depends on how Cebuanos and banning to our quarantine and health officials. Many feng shui masters and in the province. will play these cards.

“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” Atty. Gerardo Carillo Emmanuel delos Santos Rabacal Cebu Business Week is published every Chairman President week by Cebu Newsmakers Forum, Inc. All CEBU contents of this newspaper are placed online through Cebu Business Week Facebook page. Emmanuel “Anol” Mongaya Bebie Hiñola Baquero BUSINESS Editor Marketing Manager email: [email protected] Emmanuel R. Espina Room 310-A,3rd floor WDC Bldg. WEEK Production Head Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City Cebu Business Week January 28 - February 3, 2020 5 OPINION Coronavirus: Could it damage the global economy?

at the economic damage done it began, is an important di na mababalikan, sira na. founders. by previous similar episodes, transport hub. Hindi nadapatbalikanpa,” Bryant died Sunday in a notably the outbreak of the Transport restrictions he told the media during a helicopter crash in Calabasas, severe acute respiratory are also a problem for any briefing. California at the age of 41. syndrome – better known business that needs to move Mandanas said of this “For 20 seasons, Kobe as Sars – in 2002-03, which goods or people around. number, most are located in showed us what is possible also began in China. Industrial supply chains will the volcano island and other when remarkable talent It is within China that be affected. Some deliveries villages near the danger zone. blends with an absolute BIZBITS there already is some economic may be disrupted and some “Those in the volcano devotion to winning,” NBA Manny de los Santos Rabacal damage. Travel restrictions will become more expensive. island, our initial estimate is Commissioner Adam said in have been imposed in parts There will be lost economic 22,000 houses that are up for a statement Sunday. “He was of the country at a time (the activity as a result of people resettlement. We already have generous with the wisdom China is struggling with Chinese New Year) when not being able or willing to a resettlement area but the he acquired and saw it as his a new virus that has killed a many people travel. So the travel to work. (BBC) roads, electricity, and water mission to share with future lot of people. It is a serious tourism business is already * * * can not be provided for now. generation of players.” health issue. The World being hit. Around 22,000 houses That will take around Bryant diversified his career Health Organization has Consumer spending have been “totally damaged” two years to finish. Becauseby breaking a into the investing called it an emergency for on entertainment and gifts by the eruption of Taal true resettlement area should world even before leaving the China, though not for the will also be affected. For Volcano, the provincial be able to provide means of NBA. world, not so far at least. entertainment, many will government of Batangas livelihood. We will look for In 2013, he co-founded Inevitably, it will have be reluctant to take part in bared Sunday. Batangas Gov. solutions to help those who venture capital firm Bryant economic consequences. activities outside the home Hermilando Mandanas said are here,” he added. (CNN Ph) Stibel along with Web.com But how severe and how far that could lead to exposure this was the initial estimate * * * founder Jeff Stibel. Bryant will they spread?Economists to the virus. Many people of authorities on shelters that Kobe Bryant’s legacy followed the model of select are very wary about putting are sure to have cancelled will not be livable anymore, extends beyond his time on number of other sports figures on it at this early plans of their own volition even if residents intend to go the basketball court. He was legends who have been able to stage. to avoid risks of exposure back to their respective areas also known to the business transform skills developed on But is it possible to to the disease.The impact following the lowering of the world as a brand-builder, the court into business success. identify what form the is magnified by the volcano’sfact alert status. an investor, and a coach to (mannyrabacal1144@gmail. impact will take and to look that Wuhan, the city where “Sa ngayon 22,000 bahay other athletes and company com)

Cebu’s Tartanilla ordinances

centavos for the first 30 minutes to a fine of not more thanSolon questioned the legality of animal drawn vehicles were or less. If over 30 minutes but P200 or imprisonment not of the City Ordinance No. required by the city ordinance. not more than one hour, it was exceeding six months or both 241. It was an ordinance Juanito Solon, the rig P1.00 and for every additional fines and imprisonment at providing for the elimination driver was assisted by lawyer hour or fraction thereof was the discretion of the court. of manures from city streets. Antonio T. Uy of Hinunangan, P0.75 centavos. The presiding officer of The ordinance required Leyte who was admitted to the City Limits meant that it was the Municipal Board was that drivers were to pick up, Philippine Bar on January 21, the area of Cebu City comprised its president, Honorato S. gather and deposit in the 1955. Uy, a new lawyer then within and bounded by Carlock, Hermosisima, the first lawyerreceptacle the manure emitted acted as Solon’s counsel up to Tres de Abril, Mango Avenue of Sibonga, Cebu. Honorato or discharged in any part of the Supreme Court. Cebu Legal (now Gen. Arcadio Maxilom was admitted to the Bar on the public highways or streets. The Supreme Court En Pedia Avenue), and Martires Street December 19, 1931. A son It was enacted by the City Banc on November 23, 1960 Atty. Clarence Paul V. Oaminal (now M.J. Cuenco Avenue) and and namesake, Honorato Jr. Council on March 6, 1958. decided that the Cebu City the sea. became a lawyer on June 10, Juanito Solon, was Ordinance was valid and Passengers using rigs 1975. convicted by the Municipal did not violate the equal When the Japanese (tartanilla) beyond the city A notable member of the Trial Court for violating protection of the Constitution. Imperial Army surrendered limits shall pay more than P0.10 Municipal Board was Atty. the city ordinance and was The decision was written by and Philippine democracy centavos. The ordinance also Cecilio dela Victoria, admitted given the penalty of paying Justice Jesus Barrera. The restored, the Municipal provided that every cochero or to the Bar on February 23, 1926 the fine of 1.00 peso andconviction of Juanito Solon Board of Cebu City enacted tartanilla driver shall post the (father of retired City Fiscal imprisonment in the event was affirmed by the Supreme an ordinance regulating tariff in a conspicuous place in and Regional Trial Court Judge that he fails to pay the fine.Court and was required to fares of the tartanilla. the tartanilla. Loreto Dalton dela Victoria. Solon, questioned this, and pay the fine imposed by the The mode of transportation Notably, just like The latter became a lawyer on appealed his conviction Municipal Trial Court. then was tartanilla and the today on the law on public February 28, 1958, his younger before the Court of First The decision of the Cebu City councilors found it transportation, the ordinance brother, Rafael, also became Instance. His appeal was Supreme Court strengthened wise to regulate the fares. Cebu provided that no cochero a lawyer on March 19, 1965 denied by the Court of First the city ordinance and City Ordinance No. 2 enacted shall refuse to conduct any and served Cebu as one of the Instance and Juanito Solon rig drivers in Cebu City on July 12, 1945 was entitled passenger to his place of ablest trial lawyers of the Public went to the Supreme Court. then faithfully followed “An Ordinance Providing for destination. Attorney’s Office. A nephew Solon, challenged the the gathering of the horse Tariff or Schedule of Rates for The ordinance was of Cecilio, Isaac Bacalso dela legality of the ordinance manures. It was a big Tartanillas Operated for Public not just a piece of paper to Victoria also became a lawyer on arguing that it violates the problem of the city then and Use.” The ordinance provided be ignored, it provided a January 20, 1955 and became equal protection clause of the was seen as a health hazard that the fare within city limits penal provision, mandating the first regional director of the1935 Constitution. He said it as they were about 5,000 be P0.10 centavos while the that any person or entity, Citizens Legal Assistance Office was unfair that it was only the rigs plying in the city streets fare beyond city limits be P0.10 whether an association or or CLAO, Region 7, to what is rig drivers who were required and horse manures emitted centavos plus P0.05 for every corporation, who charges now known as the PAO). to pick up, gather and deposit and scattered. The ordinance additional kilometer. and/or causes to be charged A later ordinance was horse manure. Solon said ensures that these manures There is also a tariff on fees in excess of the tariff questioned. A rig (tartanilla) that the city ordinance was be gathered and deposited in fares by the hour. It was P0.60 or schedule shall be subject driver by the name of Juanito discriminatory as not all drivers a receptacle. 6 January 28 - February 3, 2020 Cebu Business Week OPINION

aid in addressing the present and collection. cheaper and more consistent to restore and maintain the malady. Daluz explained that supply of water to MCWD. At pipes is a way to stump district Unbundling? Why not? although water can be the end of the day this will concern as maintained by the Like a sudden flash of freshgenerated from the surface, redound to the benefit of theincoming chair. water, the idea of unbundling ground and even seawater consumer. is something novel yet but in order to have a reliable Prepaid Collection offers a new solution to the supply it has to be offered to Privatize Distribution And finally the collection problem. He said we owe the private sector. The second is the concern. Daluz said another it to the public to let them Recently, a number distribution. The pipe concern of the district is the know the details of what they of water suppliers crop lines and its maintenance water collection. He said are paying. He also plans up such as Mactan Rock, should also be given to the if there is was where water to break down the various Pilipinas Waters Resources private sector. This would collection can be prepaid services of the water district Inc. (PWRI), Manila Water mean privatizing the water through a top up system and offer it to the private and the local Government distribution lines from the then it would be easier for The Legal Front sector in order to hasten Units such as the City of ejection point up to the the District to collect the Atty. Gerry Carillo service delivery and do Talisay, City of Danao, and consumer end. Hence, the water consumption and away the usual red tape that the Municipality of Liloan. perennial of concern of water easier for the consumer to government agencies suffer. Although part of the short loss due to pipe leakage could monitor the consumption. Unbundling first found term solution is setting up properly be monitored with He mentioned that there are Unbundling its roots in the EPIRA Law of a desalination plants but promptness and reliability. already subdivisions and where the various services of he said the cost should be Pipelines maintenance is condominiums in the City that MCWD the Electric Power consumers competitive than that the another critical issue of the are doing prepaid collection is unbundled into the power surface and ground water. supply of water. through a top up card. With Can the water system consumption components Putting up of dams and MCWD reported that this the needed assistance of services be unbundled? I pose such as generation, gabions is something he look the archaic and antiquated the private sector this can be this concern to Chairman transmission, distribution, forward to be implemented. pipes created a huge loss on done, he said. Joey Daluz after our coffee metering and supply. Daluz quipped that by the part of the water district With these, we can only chat at the uptown White Akin to water con- then various suppliers can and the rehabilitation of the hope water will flow to our Knights Hotel last week. He sumption is also the compete with and present entire pipelines would incur faucets. was very pragmatic in saying same charges such as the more competitive price billions of pesos on their part. Write us at carillogerry@ that Unbundling MCWD will generation, transmission which will result to much Allowing the private sector yahoo.com.ph

Inevitable: Death and Taxes

breathing new life to the local banker has been replaced this 2019. After all, plans and all of their branches to economy. by former Budget Secretary to “Build, Build, Build” and demand tax payments. Economic growth has Benjamin Diokno, the firstexpand healthcare benefits The House of averaged 5.8 percent as of time in over a decade when are only as good as the Representatives has begun end-September, short of the an outsider took the post. available budget. work on a bill setting the tax 6-6.5 percent goal for 2019. JG Summit founder The second wave of duties of POGOs tentatively President Rodrigo Duterte’s John Gokongwei, Jr., the increases in oil excise taxes set at 5 percent of gross economic managers are third-richest in the country, under the Tax Reform for receipts. counting on catch-up passed away in November, Acceleration and Inclusion Still on deck are future This Business spending to boost fourth long after taking the backseat (TRAIN) law took effect phases of the government’s quarter prospects just to pull in the group’s brands like January 1, adding 2 per liter tax reform program, of Living up the full-year average. Cebu Pacific and Robinsonsof fuel. This was followed including the proposal Emm R. Espina Tycoon deaths mall chain. The Gokongwei by the implementation to further raise duties on The year 2019 forced children were orphaned of the controversial Rice alcoholic drinks and to The year 2019 came and several conglomerates to in a week after John’s wife Tariffication Law on Marchimpose taxes on e-cigarettes went. As we look forward to face changes in leadership Elizabeth followed days later. 5, which removed existing and vapes. 2020, we shall see how the — planned or otherwise The death of Lucio import limits for the staple in More next issue. country fared, businesswise — with the passing of “Bong” first- Tan, Jr., the son exchange for a fee. emmanuelbernespina@ or otherwise. In a story in generation taipans. and namesake of the tycoon Tariff collections have gmail.com CNN Philippines, Melissa Retail magnate Henry behind Philippine Airlines reached 11.4 billion as of Lopez delved on the death Sy, Sr., founder of the SM and Tanduay, came as a end-July, already surpassing and taxes, among other Group and the long-running shock in November after the 10 billion earmarked as things. richest man in the country, he collapsed in the middle direct aid to rice farmers She wrote Death and died in January. The of a basketball game. The affected by the influx ofSmoking taxes generally characterized 94-year-old Filipino-Chinese younger Tan, 53, was cheap rice from abroad. local business this year, businessman was chairman supposedly being groomed to However, farmers quickly (2019) marked by the rise emeritus of SM Investments be the “Kapitan’s” successor bore the brunt as the supply Kills and fall of taipans, corporate Corporation and held key until his passing. glut pulled down palay (rice deals, and tariffs. positions in firms within the Meat processing firm paddy) prices, leaving them The Philippine economy conglomerate. CDO Foodsphere, Inc. with little earnings left to saw highs and lows in 2019 The Bangko Sentral ng chairman and co-founder support their families. as budget woes slowed Pilipinas also saw a sudden Jose “Pepe” Ong also passed Authorities also cracked down growth and business change at its helm when away in November at 78. down on Philippine offshore prospects. Activity has been two-year Governor Nestor Taxes and tariffs gaming operators (POGOs) revived towards the second Espenilla, Jr. succumbed to The government became this year, with the Bureau of half, with new taxes and a tongue cancer in February. more aggressive in raising Internal Revenue padlocking fresh infrastructure boost The homegrown central funding for state projects three service providers Cebu Business Week January 28 - February 3, 2020 7 TOURISM

Budbud Kabog Festival of Catmon, Cebu February 10 in honor of San Guillermo de Aquitania The rich agricultural with banana leaf (budbud). seeds of millet grass are found landscape of the Philippines In contrast, budbud kabog to be a favorite of these bats so produced a number of is made from millet grass, when the farmers discovered products by which people which grows abundantly in an ingenious recipe that is converted into livelihood. One the area. These seeds are coarse and bland to the taste, of them is the budbud kabog – then mixed with sugar and they began experimenting a special type of delicacy that coconut milk and wrapped by adding sugar and coconut originated in Catmon, Cebu. with banana leaf. If you are milk resulting to mouth- Many people are familiar with from , you’ll know watering delicacy the town the sticky rice cooked with that kabog actually refers to became known for and named coconut milk then wrapped the fruit bats in the island. The it budbud kabog. Photo from cebufestivals.blogspot.com

ceremonious occupational presentation of how Budbud Kabog was processed and prepared – from planting to driving away of the birds, harvesting, pounding, cooking, and wrapping the budbud kabog. Budbud Kabog Dance Steps consist of Kabhig (planting of kabog seeds), Bugaw (driving away the birds that are about to prey over the ready-to-harvest kabog seeds), Kayo (harvesting Millet Grass. Photo from catmontree.wordpress.com the plant stalk with a sickle); Gi- ok (separation of grain from the Celebrating the Vice-mayor Avis Monleon, stalk); Asod (pounding of the abundance of rich harvest, SB members, and committee seed); Pasiko (final separation Catmon then came up with a members. of the grain from the shell), festival that would at par other Budbud Kabog Festival is Pasiko (mixing of ingredients municipalities – the Budbud celebrated every February 10 using a wooden spoon), and Kabog Festival which began in honor of their patron saint lastly, Kilikiti (wrapping of last 2006 through the efforts San Guillermo de Aquitania. budbud kabog using banana of Mayor Estrella Aribal, The festival came to be a leaf). Budbud kabog. Photo from www.budbudgourmetsuman.com

Ajinomoto is inviting interested applicants from The Academe the Philippines to apply for the 2021 Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship Grant. This grant can be applied to specified graduate schools at the UV ETEEAP Program University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Nagoya Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony of University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, the University of the Visayas (UV) Expanded Tertiary Ochanomizu University, Waseda University and Education Equivalency & Accreditation Program UP announces 2021 Kagawa Nutrition University. (ETEEAP) and Ferrand Training Center Quatar last Ajinomoto Postgraduate For more information, visit https://www.up.edu. January 21, 2020 at the ETEEAP Conference Room. Scholarship Grant ph/…/call-for-applications-2021-ajinomo…/ Source: UP Facebook page

CIT-U holds orientation for CCNS High School Fourteen Grade 12 students from the Cebu City National Science High School had an orientation yesterday, January 21, 2020, for their work immersion in CIT University starting February as part of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum. The orientation was followed by a tour around the University Library then a visit to the From Left to Right: Senior Finance Officer and CBA Dean Dr. Rosemarie following laboratories: Cental Visayas - Food C. Español, CEA Dean Ar. Adeline C. Lauron, Ferrand Representative Innovation Center, Ergonomics Laboratory, (CREATE), MakerSpace, and the soon-to- Director of International Affairs & Graduate Program Dr. Imee C. Mold and Die Laboratory, Automation be office of the Wildcat Innovation Labs. Acosta, University President Mr. Gerald Anthony S. Gullas, ETEEAP and Instrumentation Laboratory, and the The tour ended with a group picture at Director Dr. Rosanna R. Gullas, Executive Vice President Mr. Joselito Civil Engineering Testing Laboratory. The the University Gear and a quick stop for F. Gullas, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Anna Lou C. Cabuenas, and COEd students also visited the Center for Robotics, refreshments in the Wildcats Lounge. Dean Dr. Nerissa S. Lopez. (Source: The Visayanian Publication) E-Learning and Technology Education Source: CIT-U Facebook page 8 January 28 - February 3, 2020 Cebu Business Week BUSINESS GCash partner, PayMongo to empower MSMEs DFA simplifies requirements

GCash partners with PayMongo to provide an expanded mobile payments platform for for APEC Business Travel Card micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. In a bid to push more of ABTC, with its designated GCash is the country’s leading mobile wallet It has 20 million users and more than entrepreneurs to obtain an special lanes in immigration 50,000 partner merchants APEC Business Travel Card zones, is to improve business and has been at the head of (ABTC), the Department mobility within APEC. creating a cashless payment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Aside from streamlining system in the Philippines. It announced it is simplifying requirements from 16 to has even received a number the requirements for the 8 documents for the card, of awards and citations privilege. the DFA also now permits from the Bangko Sentral ng The ABTC is valid for individual applications Pilipinas for its innovations 5 years and serves as visa as an option to going in mobile financial services. waiver for business owners through certifying business PayMongo on the and executives to all 21 organizations (CBOs) other hand, is a payments Asia-Pacific Economic At the moment, the three facilitator supported by Cooperation (APEC) member CBOs for the Philippines Silicon Valley’s Y Combinator, economies except for the US are the Philippine Chamber Peter Thiel and Stripe, said and Canada. of Commerce and Industry PayMongo Chief Executive Acting Director Oliver (PCCI), Makati Business Officer Francis Plaza. Delfin of the OfficeClub (MBC), of and Philippine “PayMongo provides the easiest way for Filipino merchants to accept credit card, e-wallet the Undersecretary for Exporters Confederation, and over-the-counter payments as it has 3,500 merchant accounts on its platform,” Plaza. International Economic Inc. (PhilExport), all in said. Relations said that the goal Manila. “A strong cashless ecosystem will benefit MSMEs, who are the backbone of our economy. With PayMongo, GCash will help social and online entrepreneurs to optimize their businesses and grow in the internet economy,” said Anthony Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer of GCash. Honda Ph holds 2020 Honda

Nokia 2.3 launches in the Philippines Riders Convention Visayas Leg HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones has launched the Nokia 2.3 in the Philippines. At least 40 motorcycle clubs in the Visayas took part in the The Nokia 2.3 features a dual camera powered by AI for the best shots, a large 6.2” HD+ gathering initiated by Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI) dubbed screen and two-day battery life. Being Android™ 10 ready, the new Nokia 2.3 will receive as 2020 Honda Riders Convention Visayas Leg at The Tent, guaranteed monthly security updates for three years and OS upgrades for two years, ensuring Mandani Bay in Mandaue City on Saturday, January 25. this smartphone gets better over time. “Consumers world over have really appreciated the Nokia 2 family of products. The Nokia The riders were treated to a whole day event of fun-filled activities such as motorcycle test ride, riders skill challenge 2.3 is a step forward in our promise of offering you an experience that stays fresh longer – competition, motor shows, Riders Got Talent, Miss Honda giving consumers access to two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security Riders and The Nervous Rider. updates even in the affordable price tier. On top, it offers industry leading AI for this segment, Moreover, the motorcycle enthusiasts got to enjoy a selection large screen and our signature promise of two-day battery life – making it the ideal pick of music from local bands “Peace of Mind” and “Juan Paasa”. for those who rely on their smartphone as their primary screen,” said Juho Sarvikas, Chief Honda also introduced their new motorcycle models: the Product Officer, HMD Global all new Honda Genio, Honda ADV 150 Honda Air Blade 150 Sancho Chak General Manager, HMD Global Philippines said that they are bringing the manufactured in 2020 and Honda Supra GTR 150 which was next-generation Nokia 2.3 to the Philippines, “as we want to reach more of our Filipino fans, assembled in 2019. especially those who are looking to level up their smartphone experience with a phone that Meanwhile, Jerissa Barbon from Click Squad Cebu won is not only reliable and packed with advanced features but also comes with a budget-friendly the Riders Got Talent portion while Diane Culaba she was price tag. We at HMD Global are very excited for the launch of the Nokia 2.3 in the Philippines named Miss Honda Riders 2020. and we look forward to more fans enjoying the Nokia smartphone experience that just keeps getting better,” he said.

Union Bank sees higher profit on loans, trading Nestlé shifts from virgin plastics Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc. saw its net earnings almost double in 2019 due to higher loan portfolio, margin recovery and strong gains from trading activities. to food-grade plastics In statement on Monday, UnionBank said it booked a record high net profit fo P14 billion Nestlé leads the shift materials between now and last year, almost double the P7.3 billion it posted in 2018. This translated to a return of equity from virgin plastics to food- 2025. on 16.3% and return on assets of two percent. grade recycled plastics as it Mark Schneider, CEO of “UnionBank ended 2019 on a high note. Our performance was supported by solid invests up to CHF 2 billion Nestlé said that no plastic fundamentals given a healthy loan portfolio and steady margin recovery. Trading gains also (Swiss franc to hasten the boosted the bank’s bottom line. Moreover, CitySavings delivered their targets for the year should end up in landfill or development of innovative as litter. “Making recycled given successes in the salary loans and motorcycle business,” UnionBank Treasurer and CFO sustainable packaging plastics safe for food is an Jose Emmanuel U. Hilado was quoted as saying in the statement. solutions. enormous challenge for Its customer loans rose 21% year on year to P393.4 billion in 2019 on the back of sustained The leading food our industry. That is why double-digit growth in small and medium enterprises, credit cards, consumer loans and company will trim down its in addition to minimizing commercial lending, which had soared by 40%, 35%, 31% and 16% year on year, respectively. use of virgin plastics, making plastics use and collecting UnionBank President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista said the bank’s digital initiatives also good on its 2018 commitment waste, we want to close the contributed to its growth as the bank continues to expand its business. to make 100 percent of its loop and make more plastics “I am glad of the strong growth we achieved and the superior returns we delivered amid packaging recyclable or integration of new subsidiaries and continued investments in digital transformation. Our infinitely recyclable. We are reusable by 2025. taking bold steps to create a digital strategy was key as we scaled up our businesses while maintaining lean operations,” Nestlé says it is committed wider market for food-grade Bautista said. to sourcing up to 2 million recycled plastics and boost UnionBank’s total assets also rose 15% year on year to P770.9 billion at end-2019. metric tons of food-grade innovation in the packaging Moody’s Investors Service has also affirmed its credit rating of Baa2 and maintained a stable recycled plastics and industry. We welcome others outlook for UnionBank with its strong capital and liquidity position. This is likewise in line apportioning more than to join us on this journey.” with Moody’s credit rating on the Philippines. CHF1.5 billion for these He added. Cebu Business Week January 28 - February 3, 2020 9 BUSINESS RCBC to launch digital-only rural bank Phoenix Petroleum goes ahead Rizal Commercial February but a lot of work Banking Corp. (RCBC) will and investments have been of gov’t in Fuel Marking Program join the digital banking race made in that space.” in the country by establishing In November 2019, Phoenix Petroleum The government is set to domestic consumption are a rural bank. It will also RCBC Executive Vice- proves its support to the fully implement the program blended with molecular upgrade its medium term President and Chief government’s crusade to in February this year. markers to identify and note program (MTN) from Innovation and Inclusion reduce oil smuggling in the In its statement released distinguish if the product the original $2-billion plan Officer Angelito “Lito” M. country by marking all of its to the press, Phoenix went through legal import to $3 billion. Villanueva said the bank petroleum products received Petroleum Chief Operating channels and paid the RCBC said the is looking into joining in its import terminals. Officer Henry Albertcorrect excise and import rural bank will have an the digital-only banking Phoenix is the fastest- Fadullon said that “we fully duties. Random testing of “electronic payment and bandwagon in the country growing and leading support the government’s petroleum being sold in the financial services and as they envision capturing independent oil company in campaign against oil market will be conducted cloud-based core banking the mass market as clients the country. The company’s smuggling in the country by the government starting licenses from the Bangko for their virtual bank. fuel import facilities, as this unfair practice also February to check if the Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).” Acevedo said that their including its terminals affects our business, and products are already Its establishment will be digitization drive will greatly in Calaca, Batangas; ultimately, our customers. marked. subject to the approvals help them with cost reduction Villanueva, Misamis We hope that through the Phoenix has assured the of the BSP, Securities and as well as allows them Oriental; General Santos fuel marking program, we public that there will be no Exchange Commission, and to improve the customer City; and in Davao City, have will be able to help secure changes in the quality and other regulatory bodies, as experience in a huge way. all been complying with the and improve the oil industry appearance of its petroleum necessary. Virtual banking players rules and regulations of the in the country and provide products nationwide. It still RCBC President and in the country at present Fuel Marking Program since motorists with safe and offers high-quality fuels Chief Executive Officerare ING Bank N.V. Manila November and have already quality products that passed blended with the Phoenix Eugene S. Acevedo had and CIMB Bank Philippines. marked approximately the industry’s standards.” PULSE Technology additive hinted earlier that they are Both started their operations 263,449 kiloliters of Phoenix Under the program, across all of its variants at the “launching something in in 2019. fuels nationwide. petroleum products for best value.

Job opportunities available for Cebuanos as Tech Mahindra opens fourth site More than 1000 job said Anand Achuthan, APAC Requirements are not Other than the skill set, we company in the country that opportunities are available for Head of Tech Mahindra Ltd. stringent and even Senior can also cater to Senior High is expanding this quarter. Cebuanos as Tech Mahindra Tech Mahindra Ltd. is a High School students are School graduates since they “We are very lucky. We Ltd. opens their fourth site in multinational subsidiary of the welcome to apply. Applicants have better competencies hope to continue to expand FilinvestCyberzone Tower 2 Mahindra Group. They provide should just know how to now,” said Reynaldo Beluso in the future and provide of IT Park, Lahug. information technology and speak in English and use the II, J.D., Cebu HR Head of jobs for more Cebuanos and “We started off with business process outsourcing computer. Tech Mahindra Ltd. quality service to our clients,” just 400 employees back in (BPO) services. Established in “Tech Mahindra values Compared to other said Beluso. 2011 in our Fuente Osmeña 2011, they now have over 3000 diversity and inclusion in the BPO’s, Tech Mahindra For inquiries and more branch. Now, we have 3000 employees in Cebu. Two of their workplace. We are very open is continuing to expand. information on how to apply, people and we are looking at sites are located in General to LGBT and differently- According to the Cebu IT visit Tech Mahindra’s Facebook having 4000 to 5000 people Maxilom Avenue while one is in abled employees as long as BPM Organization (CIBO), page at Tech Mahindra – Cebu over the next fiscal year,” Ebloc 3 in IT Park. they can speak and type. they are the only BPO Recruitment.

Photo Gallery of Cebu Business Week readers

CBW readers who hold hard copies of Cebu Business Week and enjoyed reading its contents which are all positive news. Left to right: LTO 7 Director Emmanuel Caindic, Art R. Barrit of ALU-TUCP and Dr. Van Phillip Baton of DOH 7 10 January 28 - February 3, 2020 Cebu Business Week BUSINESS LTO says motorcycle dealers BSP to ‘go slow’ on interest rate cuts BANGKO SENTRAL ng have low unemployment. I’m Pilipinas (BSP) will “go slow” optimistic that the economy evade paying taxes on easing benchmark rates will grow between 6.5-7% this year and will remain this year and we even have an The Land Transportation it and it reached to the “Every motorcycle data-dependent. inclusive growth. As you can Office (LTO) 7 said some point that they had zero sold at P100,000 through Monetary policy easing see, the data says that in 2015, motorcycle dealers are backlog in the registration installment allows the will be delivered at a slower the poverty incidence was cheating the government. of motorcycles and issuing dealer to profit pace P72,000. as inflation is expected around 23.3% then it’s down LTO 7 Director Victor licenses to drivers. But he only reports it to the to stay within target, and to 16.6% in 2018.” Emmanuel Caindec said At any point, there must government as cash sales, with other data showing the The BSP’s 75 bp worth they are now preparing be no pending application for without disclosing to the economy remains strong. of policy rate reductions last “syndicated estafa” cases registration of motorcycles so BIR his huge profit on the BSP Governor Benjamin year partially unwound the against the motorcycle there will be no more reason installment,” Caindec said. E. Diokno, in an interview 175 bp in hikes fired off in dealers in the Philippines. for delay, Caindec said. He added that if that with the ABS-CBN News 2018 in the middle of rising “If we will consult the He added that they dealer is obliged to pay Channel (ANC) on Monday inflation. Solicitor General, perhaps this were surprised why they 30 percent of his business morning, said they have Diokno added that the can be classified to economic still received reports from income to the BIR, but did “a lot of room” for further government has a lot of fiscal sabotage,” Caindec said. motorcycle buyers that not pay it, that is tax evasion. monetary policy adjustments space with a “financeable” He said that one they never received their Granting dealers are this year after the 75 basis budget deficit, which is motorcycle dealer was registration documents, liable to pay P5,000 for each points (bps) in cuts it capped at 3.2% of gross summoned by LTO 7 last despite the fact that LTO 7 motorcycle but did not do so implemented in 2019. domestic product (GDP) December 2019, but he chose has no more backlog. because they misinformed “Maybe not as aggressive this year, as the ongoing tax not heed it and instead went “When the LTO 7 the government, that is a as last year because we are in a reform program will be able directly to their central office lawyers made a research, criminal act, Caindec said. very nice place right now. We to increase state revenues. in Manila to explain. the motorcycle dealers “Under the law, if a thing Caindec recalled that do not report their sales is being bought through then Cebu City mayor Tomas through mortgage to avoid installment, the dealer must R. Osmeña sided with the paying taxes to the Bureau report it to the Register of motorcycle drivers when of Internal Revenue (BIR),” Deeds for chattel mortgage. LTO 7 started apprehending Caindec said. The dealers may pay the the unregistered motorcycles Caindec said a motorcycle amount of from P2,500 to driven by unlicensed drivers buyer who bought the unit by P3,000. But the dealers for fear that they may lose installment for two years, that is did not report that the their livelihood. 36 percent interest per annum motorcycles were mortgage BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) He said LTO 7 solved or 72 percent in two years. but cash,” Caindec. EOB Governor Benjamin E. Diokno

Investment concierge center in Cebu in the offing Ubi Festival to encourage Bohol Cebu City Mayor farmers to pep up ube industry and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce The Province of Bohol and Industry (CCCI) are is celebrating the Ubi working on establishing a Festival from Jan. 28 to 31 Cebu Investments Concierge at the Bohol Agricultural Center (CICC). Promotion Center (APC) Through the CCCI, in Tagbilaran City to give interested and prospective tribute to the province’s most investors and businesses popular and loved crop. . will be able to have access The Office of the Provincial to credible and updated data Agriculturist (OPA), lead tourism office says the ube on trade and investment organizer of the event, said crop (Dioscorea alata L.), with opportunities in both the the current local government its different varieties including City and Province of Cebu. under Governor Arthur C. Yap the native kinampay, is Mayor Labella, together and Vice Governor Rene L. considered as the “agro- with Acting City Treasurer probably be realized by center, set to be located Relampagos have identifiedhistorical-geographical- Jerone Castillo, met with January 2020, although within the CCCI building. the ubi, also called “ube,” as religious” symbol of Bohol. Ube is part of the officials from the CCCI,he saidled that Cebu still has In a recent PwC a priority sector, it being the by its President Virgilio more work to be done to Philippines survey, Cebu province’s inconspicuous Department of Agriculture’s list of high-value crops, and Espeleta, in his officecreate last an environment business owners are plagued high-value crop. Tuesday, January 21 to more conducive to with government regulations OPA, in a statement, the kinampay is considered discuss details about the business growth. and corruption, high utility said the festival, now on as the “Queen of Philippine CICC as well as other projects He said the investment costs and lack of quality its 20th year, is a way of Yams.” The crop’s roots that are planned by the CCCI center will be key to infrastructure The business “encouraging” farmers to are processed and used in in partnership with the City make doing business in sector was hoping such sustain the industry. This various food products, while Government. Cebu more attractive. survey will jazz up dialogue year’s festivities highlight the skin serves as a raw Late last year, Cebu To recall, Labella said between the public and the importance of the next material for food coloring. Chamber of Commerce and his office would draft private sectors and eventually generation of farmers and Apart from ube, Bohol is Industry (CCCI) president an executive order for lead to reforms and more the industry’s potential famous for its chocolate hills, Virgilio Espeleta said the the creation of a public- progressive policies to induce contribution to tourism- “kalamay”, tarsier, beaches, investment center will private-led investment Cebu’s competitiveness. related income. The Bohol and peanut kisses.

ube varieties and products on display at the Ubi Festival, on from Jan. 28 to 31, at the APC in Tagbilaran City. — GOV. ART YAP FB PAGE Cebu Business Week January 28 - February 3, 2020 11 LIGHTER SIDE

FUn TRiVIA Your brain is more active and thinks more at night than during the day. 85% of the population can curl their tongue into a tube The earliest fossil cockroach is about 280 million years old – 80 million years older than the first dinosaurs! The praying mantis is the only insect that can look behind its shoulders. The weight of all the termites in the world outweigh the weight of all humans 10 to 1

Best Quotes from Successful People

“The value of an idea lies in the using of it.” — Thomas Edison, co-founder of General Electric

“The stars will never align, and the traffic lights of life will never all be green at the same time. The universe doesn’t conspire against you, but it doesn’t go out of its way to line up the pins either. Conditions are never perfect. ‘Someday’ is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you. Pro and con lists are just as bad. If it’s important to you and you want to do it ‘eventually,’ just do it and correct course along the way.” — Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Work Week “Make every detail perfect and limit the number of details to perfect.” — Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs, co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Apple Inc. 12 January 28 - February 3, 2020 Cebu Business Week SPORTS 3 golds for Hidilyn Diaz at weightlifting World Cup Hidilyn Diaz, the de Janeiro in 2016. the past few years, bagging Philippines’ pride took home The 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medals in the 2018 3 gold medals in the 2020 berths will be handed out after Asian Games and the 2019 Weightlifting World Cup in the Asian championships in Southeast Asian Games. Rome on Tuesday, January 28.. Kazakhstan in April. “As we get closer and She aced the snatch Diaz said China will be one closer to #tokyo2020 I can’t (93 kilograms), clean and of the countries she expects to stop my training since we are jerk (119 kg), and overall give her a run for the money, 4 weeks out from competition lift (212 kg) in the women’s followed by Kazahkstan (World Cup). These are the 55-kilogram division. and Uzbekistan. “If we’re sacrifices, we athletes and Diaz is looking to return ready, if we’re willing to coaches make to achieve the to the Olympics after 3 give everything with guts, dream for our country and I straight stints, the last one kayang-kaya po natin,” said am grateful for my coaches,” snatching silver medal in Rio Diaz, who has been on a roll Diaz said

Cebu’s prized weightlifter seals bronze Hidilyn Diaz Cebuano weightlifter January 27 and culminates snatch and 152 in the clean weightlifting thru the Cebu hosted by the Philippines in John Fabuar Ceniza ramped on January 31, 2020 jerk. City Sports Commission’s December 2019. up his chance of getting a Ceniza didn’t disappoint the Vietnam’s Kim Tuan (CCSC) grassroots sports Together with him in slot into the 2020 Tokyo Cebuanos as he grappled to Thach who had a total program and competed in Rome are fellow Cebuano Olympics after bagging a get his bronze on the firstlift of 288-kgs bagged the the 61 kilograms category. weightlifter, Elreen bronze medal finish inday the of competition, Monday gold while Georgia’s Shota Ceniza pulled off a Ann Ando, and 10 other Roma 2020 World at the night, January 27, 2020. He Mishvelidge who had a total silver medal in his first-everPhilippine weightlifters, Pala Pellicone in Rome. had a total lift of 269-kgs lift of 286 took the silver. Southeast Asian Games including Olympics silver The tourney is started last broken down into 117 in the Ceniza started training in (SEAG) athletic engagement medalist Hidilyn Diaz.