CEMCDO Digest City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office

CEMCDO Digest, Volume No. 1 Issue #2

Success stories: MSME’s Success from rags to riches Page 12 SUCCESS: Tiding barangay Truly MSME’s economies on the MSME way sari-sari stores Page 6

The Yaman ng entrepreneur’s Gensan products Page 10

Gensan’s Act Kalilangan of opening doors 2016 to global Page 18

What’s new: CEMCDO reports and upcoming events CEMCDO worth watching NEWS Page 24 CEMCDO Digest, Volume No. 1 Issue #2 2 About CEMCDO Digest CEMCDO DIGEST Ronnel C. Rivera City Mayor CEMCDO Digest is the official publication of the City Economic General Santos City Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) published quarterly. On its second issue, the digest Riza Marie T. Paches, CE, EnP will feature the MSME’s of the city, success stories of different Acting Department Head entrepreneurs. Joaquin Tiongco, MBA Acting Assistant Department Head CEMCDO Digest also aims to give its readers substantial information regarding the programs and activities of the EDITORIAL STAFF department and the city all year round. This is to enhance Editor-in-Chief the participation in the activities and to promote the city of Antoniette Gay T. General Santos to be an investment hub and tourist destination Llido-Velasquez in the country. Associate Editors Roy John V. Malaluan Charles U. Pesodas ABOUT THE COVER Layout Artist The second issue of Rem Floyd M. Herceda the Cemcdo Digest Segmundo B. Capada features the Micro, Concept and Design Small, and Medium Antoniette Gay T. Enterprise (MSMEs) in Llido-Velasquez the city. Rem Floyd Herceda Segmundo B. Capada

The cover of this issue Photographer features the various Gregorio Dominick S. Velos products of the MSMEs that are faring well in the market. Contributors With the arrows at Wilfredo M. Guerra the background Joselito Torrecampo representing their Investments Division driving force to reach the top, this goes to Alma D. Zerrudo Adelyn C. Yucamco show that the MSMEs Special Project and Cooperative do have the capacity Division to reach the top of the stairs, the success of their business. Ma. Cora C. Tito Tourism Promotion Division frontpage photo: Shirley T. Cunanan Administrative Unit

City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 2 Publisher MessageCEMCDO Digest, from Volume the No. 1 Issue President #2 3 GSC SMEDCI

Greetings to all Generals,

The General Santos City Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, Inc. (GSC SMEDCI) carries great hopes in the evolution of transitional economy and the drive to promote Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) throughout the years. Sustained and healthy growth of our organization is necessary in adherence to our vision.

Our purpose is to create and sustain successful businesses around the region. We are committed to understand the needs and expectations of mSMEs but at the same time our organization recognizes that our success depends on collaboration with companies, talented individuals and resources.

The robust working relationship of GSCSMEDCI with the Local Government Unit of General Santos through City Economy Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) and other National Government Agencies spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) has made a remarkable impact in the innovation and development of mSME.

As a partner, we express our appreciation to your continuous support. We are committed to the advocacy of CEMCDO and it is our honour to be a part of its advancement.

Together let us continue to accelerate national business expansion, strengthen and enhance development capabilities and witness the further growth of the economy of General Santos City.

God bless us all!

FELICIDAD T. INTO

President General Santos City Producers Association

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 3 CEMCDO Digest, Volume No. 1 Issue #2 4 Message from the CEMCDO Department Head

Our second issue of CEMCDO Digest is an affirmation of our continued transparent service to our stakeholders. It is a commitment to tell a story of our department’s accomplishments, our mandate and other deliverable necessary for economic development. This issue is anchored on the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). As for 2015, MSME has accounted for almost 99.46% of the registered enterprises. This gives an impression that a huge portion of our economic activities can be owed to MSMEs. As such, various programs are designed to support them, especially on trade and product development. The confluence of public and private stakeholder played a great role in developing a conducive business environment. The private enterprises who are the key players are consulted to level the sensitivity of the market. For small enterprises, tourism is becoming their lifeblood. Succinctly, the increasing number of tourist arrivals which incur daily spending helps the new enterprises recoup their investment capital. It is on this approach that we invite more tourists to come in, aside from letting them experience the Gensan culture and adventure. To this end, we invite you to flip each page and appreciate the role each segment in the society made as well as the impact they created – from the government side to your end. Enjoy reading.

RIZA MARIE T. PACHES, CE, EnP Acting Department Head City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 4 Table of Contents

Truly MSME’s: Kalilangan 2016: Tiding Barangay 77th Foundation Economies on Sari-sari Anniversary of Gensan Store. P6 P18

Building the MSME Capability: Tourism Statistics: Training on Tuna What’s trending Processing P8 P20

Yaman ng Gensan: Going Green: Entrepreneur’s The CEMCDO Way Products P22 P10

Kelvin Parreno: CEMCDO: Asim Kilig to The 1st quarter Success activity report P12 P24

Competitiveness Lea Cunanan-Delfin: Ranking: Dagdag sarap sa The Gensan rank ulam at kita P26 P14

Caridad Felisilda: Talk on Paper: My creation, my story, One way of saying it my success P27 P16 CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 5 TRULY MSMEs TIDING BARANGAY ECONOMIES ON SARI- SARI STORES [email protected]

presence problematic times. Doing spouse at home to tend certainly has business the entire week a sari-sari store, earn an endeared them and probably the whole income and likewise still to warrant a year-round and sans the take care of the family; Itscloser look at the difference usual opening time-shift, that helping the family contributed to the lives these stores have earnings economically helps the of the families in the that could afford families barangay moving that spills barangays, of which indeed meet both ends. Consider: over to its economy all-in- affecting the economies for that matter. Not a few of these sari-sari stores have This is why, it is renowned that these become “just a stop-gap stores are also thriving and have its share measure” (pantawid lang in vernacular), but make no of loyal patrons or “suki,” mistake about it as they are enabling families to hurdle one spouse is working while all in terms of taxes and financial difficulties, found the other stays at home to livelihood. it offering a ready stream attend to the family. And of cash thus gets hold of whiling away the time, it Sari-sari stores have been the way to navigate the would be prudent for the sprouting in the barangays (prevalently in non-urbanize CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 6 villages)) as it is the easiest they have inclined to go one to form and manage underground gauged from and requires a small its ever-present existence amount of capital. if look at various It has proven its perspectives. Not dynamism drawing discounting of course from the strength that at CEMCDO— that shows these City Economic stores are the Management hub where interactions and Cooperative and commerce Development Office—809 sari- sari stores, as are mostly done beneficiaries, in barangays. were granted loans Their role is well from the financing acknowledged as program amounting a channel of trade to Php3.9 million from playing it up to the 1996 to 2013. Financing hilt or maximum. Which granted notwithstanding, brings to the contention that the office had provided the development of sari-sari these for up to and including stores is paramount to the sari-sari stores would that time other means, invariably help the constitu- such as entrepreneurship, ents of the barangays avail marketing, information of much needed goods management, skills training, as they’re there just in the and improving products neighborhood selling basic and services. Combining commodities saving for the said number of stores time and indeed easily then, there exists a reservoir reach; and likewise sell- wanting so much attention ing in single packets or implying their conspicuous “tingi,” which are hardly presence is something to found in supermarkets reckon with. and malls. This is why, it is renowned that these The challenge of elevating stores are also thriving and the domain of sari-sari stores have its share of loyal pa- goes beyond merely a trons or “suki,” as the case provider of neighborhood maybe. goods, it borders on tapping the potential as micro- Meanwhile in Gensan, the entrepreneurs and pursuing wellbeing of the barangays official record in the year it as a livelihood option to all viewed from the stimulus 2015 showed 443 sari-sari intents and purposes. And derived thereat. stores registered, but there so, sari-sari stores for anyone! Helping to further develop could be more as probably photo source: www.40cg.com www.travellingthephilippines.com CEMCDO Digest, Volume No. 1 Issue #2 8

BUILDING THE MSME CAPABILITY TUNA Processing and How to Start a Business

he local government conduct of livelihood trainings The entrepreneurial of General Santos City, and seminars. Identified seminars and skills training Tin its continual effort participants coming from to be conducted for this in providing total quality men and women of different year 2016 are: moral values service has been extending barangays of the city are formation; food safety (a technical assistance to willing to learn additional skills basic training on haccp) and entrepreneurs through the to improve their business. solid waste management

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 8 CEMCDO Digest, Volume No. 1 Issue #2 9

Caridad Felisilda demonstrating how to do tuna process food

for entrepreneurs, food CEMCDO personnel Adelyn conducted the training on preservation (fruits & Yucamco discussed the topics tuna processing where she ), balloon and on how to start a business demonstrated three (3) other party needs, marketing with the following topics to recipes namely tuna chorizo; and packaging strategy, wit; tuna embutido; and tuna events planning and siomai. management, beauty care 1. Why go into business? II, bag making and advance 2. Rewards of course on photography. Entrepreneurship For the 1st quarter, this office 3. Why not go into business through the Special Projects and Cooperative Division had 4. Risks and Trials conducted and facilitated the 5. Determine product/ Seminar on How to Start a service line and type of business & Training on Tuna business Processing to forty (40) PNP women last March 31, 2016 6. Types of Business at the Multi-Purpose Building, according to ownership Police Regional Office XII, 7. Writing a business plan Tambler this city. This is in line with the Theme: “ Juana 8. Getting your business Isama sa Agenda” for the started International Women’s Day Celebration. Caridad Felisilda as trainer CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 9 Kyen’s Suka Natural Sweet Haven Enterprises General Sanrtos City

YAMAN NG GENSAN: Rosechie Food Products Bo. Bla’an Labangal Entrepreneur’s General Santos City Products

Mamang Puring’s Atchara 3 Dels Food Industries Ligaya, General Santos City

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 10 REMA RJH Food Products Katangawan, General Santos City

YAMAN NG

GENSAN: SACC Foods Vege Cracker SACC Food Products Entrepreneur’s Quirino Ave., General Santos City Products

Green Tropics Coffee San Isidro, General Santos City

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 11 SUCCESS STORIES: Kelvin A. Parreño: Asim kilig to success

uring the two years the reason and inspiration to of research and be successful for it is the fear Ddevelopment, I and of failing that causes most my wife Yenni Teng-Parreño, people to fail. Modesty aside, started the business we received recognitions for all with the capitalization of our efforts and perseverance. P150. We experienced We were confered as one of different hardship and almost the Semi-Finalist to the “Young quit. However, learning from Entrepreneur 2015” during DTI Seminars, DOST Seminars the Youth Entrepreneurship and ACE Academy, the rule Development Workshop Mr. Kelvin A. Parreño, owner, Sweet Hav- of thumb, “Start Small, Think National Competition en Enterprises Big” and “Never-never quit”, Sponsored by the US Embassy we persevered to succeed. We and the Go-Negosyo held at did not stop working towards Heritage Hotel, Manila last improving the KYen’s Suka December 2015. We were also Natural until we perfected one of the FINALISTS for the the exact taste and the right Entrepreneur Academy Award ingredients. 2015 National Competition for Entrepreneurs for product Those trials gave me innovations, Held at Cebu City CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 12 last May 2015. is naturally fermented and aged. It contains no water, I understand the has no added , and no dynamics of the Organic preservatives,Thus chemical- Vinegar market and I recognize free the unique opportunity to supply organic vinegar in our Officially, we founded country and the neighboring and registered the business countries. I believe that the last 18 March 2014. We are consumer for organic vinegar now a registered brand at the market is in its GROWTH stage Intellectual Property Office and that I uniquely positioned (IPO) of the Philippines. Our to successfully capture KYen’s Suka Natural Brand is the market by our unique now known for as medicinal innovations of our KYen’s Suka vinegar and its unique Natural Products. KYen’s Suka delicious taste with aromatic Natural is made from 100% smells. pure coconut nectar, and

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 13 SUCCESS STORIES:

Dagdag sa Sarap at Kita

Dels Food Industries prepared as a send off gift. of the country where a year started as a dream of a In Manila, Giov’s family and long abundance of 3 husband and wife team friends wait in anticipation is always endangered by the in Manila who were both not for Giovs homecoming frequency of the storms on a employees for a long time. They but for the atchara. This same yearly basis. both dreamed of having their atchara recipe is the usual gift own business. Fortunately, that Leah gives to her friends The company was formed the husband, Giovanni Delfin during Christmas or special in 2011 as a practice run for took his early retirement from occasions. the business. While they are a pharmaceutical company learning the new business, where he worked for 22 years The business decision was to Giov worked as a Marketing and asked his wife, Leah manufacture atchara using Manager for a retail company. Delfin, who was in the banking the most modern equipment For 3 long years they had trial industry for 12 years, to resign affordable to them. They and error from barbeque and start a business. But what revolutionized the atchara stalls to supermarkets. The would be the business that tradition by looking for a demand never went up to a they will start? packaging that can replace the comfortable level. For this heavy and delicate glass jars. time, the couple absorbed the They both remembered that This will make preparation cost of the operations. There during the time that they and shipping easier. With the was no Income, the cost was were still boyfriend and abundant supply of papaya high but lots of learning. Also, girlfriend, everytime Giov and the favorable weather in during this period, Leah and goes to Gensan to visit Leah Gensan where there are no her sister Karen became active or vice versa, Leah’s mother storms (where the Papaya with the DOST, DTI and Gensan Mamang Puring prepares 2 big tree can survive longer), the City Economic Management containers of atchara for him to couple have envisioned to and Cooperative Development bring to Manila. Painstakingly market atchara in other parts Office (CEMCDO). Leah now had to fly back and forth the food service market. They demand of 5 tons. to Gensan to attend and shifted the 250 gram packs to participate to seminars and kilogram packs and created As per the feedback from exhibits which proved to be 3 more recipes for different their clients, they are happy very helpful in their education price levels. to be relieved of the task of as novice entrepreneurs. Giov making the atchara for their and Leah were lucky to have The negotiations with outlet’s requirement because Ms. Rose Kwan (introduced Goldilocks went for the next the process is complicated by DTI Gensan) and Danny 10 months. They even have to and time consuming. As Team Canencia of the General Santos get a loan using their house 3 Dels has been telling their City Field Health Services in Manila as collateral to clients “Your chefs should Office who both guided them finance this new hope. Finally, focus on dishes that you can in building their production on March 2014, Goldilocks sell and leave the atchara area to ensure efficiency and placed their first order of 500 to us”. It’s like supplying adhere to good manufacturing - 1kg packs. Again, the couple chopstick to Japanese standards. patiently tested this new Resaurant. It’s a necessity but business model for 6 months. they do not sell the chopsticks In 2013, the break came. DTI On October 2014, Giov nor are they the expert on Gensan and Gensan CEMCDO resigned from his employment chopstick production.Next for invited the company to and devoted his time in the 3 Dels is venturing into retail participate in the International development of the business. ( stores, bazaars Food Expo in Manila. Since and even supermarket chain). the couple lives in Manila, The couple, started the They want to help make they gladly participated in the expansion program on the this truly Pinoy exhibit. They featured their first week of November. available to every Filipino original 250 gram pack of the They visited commissaries specially the young ones who original recipe of Mamang after commissaries and were are no longer exposed to Puring. They were able to sell surprised that in 2 weeks of this traditional dish that our almost 1000 units. Happy with working together, their 500 kg parents enjoy in almost every this result, but the biggest order from Goldilocks grew to meal. gain for them was the link they more than 2 tons from 8 more were able to establish with new accounts ranging from This is a story of how the one of the country’s biggest fast food chain restaurants, to simple couple’s dream food chain - Goldilocks. Their 5 star hotels, to caterers. Now becoming reality because of minds were opened to the toll they are working to end the government’s assistance. manufacturing opportunity for year with a regular monthly SUCCESS STORIES: Caridad Felisilda My Creation, My Story, My Success

t the sidewalk kiosk banana . On its first assist me in preparation. It of Pioneer Avenue day, I started to sell 100 lasted for five (5) years until Astarted the story of pieces of Turon , on the the space was recalled by SACC Food. For the love next month it went up to the owner. With a fear of snack food, I tried to 500 pieces to 1000 pieces. to invest again, I moved venture to make a special Then, I got a helper to to do my passion at my

own house preparing snack food, and banana cake and delivered them to school canteens. It was not easy to pursue the busines because of lack of resources. I paused for a while and contemplated on what really is in store for me. One of our Barangay officials, Kagawad Rosario Abao, asked me if I can be a resource speaker and talk about my little livelihood since CEMCDO was looking for a trainer. Ms. Adelyn Yucamco was a blessing

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 16 CEMCDO supported me in my career as a trainer, DTI encouraged me to be an entrepreneur. YAMAN Gensan is the avenue which molded me to aspire more. Most of all , God is my strength to practice what I preached , backed up with my family who assisted me in my dreams to showcase my talent and skills. As a mother, they say , a little of everything inspired by passion and love , SACC Food Products was born , located at Quirino Avenue, as a processor of tuna value added to me because she and CEMCDO products, old favorite binangkal, opened my door to another room customized cakes, veggie noodles in my life. For this reason , I was and snackfood. encouraged to study, research and attend different livelihood trainings that our government offers.

I was lucky to be invited by my friend to attend seminars on Fruit and Vegetables Preservation and Cooking Lessons from the Department of Trade and Inductry. DTI encouraged me to be part of the producers association and I was blessed to be a participant of some trainings on food processing in the University of the Philiipines, Los Baños. This opened my enthusiasm to be part of city activities as an exhibitor selling my turon, puto cheese and banana cake.

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 17 2016

GENSAN and BEYOND: Connecting Cultures 77th Foundation Anniversary of General Santos City

ne of the major of some members of the formally acknowledged on innovations of the diplomatic corps, namely, the stage. festival was Gensan’s Consul General of Malaysia O The city’s festival partner act of opening doors to go Abdullah Zawawi Tahir, the global, by way of connecting Acting Consul General of the this year is the Mindanao with our Asean neighbours. Republic of Tatiana State University (MSU), Their culture, cuisine and Handayani and the Director & through Chancellor, Atty. art were viewed at the Asyan Consul of Japan Tomoko Dodo. Abdurrahman T. Canacan Pavillion, where everyone as Festival Co- Chairperson , tasted the food of our asian A courtesy call was arrranged and Vice Chancellor Dr. Mary neighbours, viewed their for them, and Honorable Lynn S. Abierra as the Festival decors, dances, costumes Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera warmly Director. and destinations photos and received, distributed tokens and treated them to watch Kalilangan remained to be videos. This was further the most awaited cultural highlighted by the presence the grand opening ceremonies of Kalilangan 2016, and were festival of the city, being the

Mayor Rivera Cong. Robredo Cong. Acharon Atty. Canacan carrier event of Gensan’s soothing nostalgic music. Filipiniana Attire, where all foundation anniversary festivalfunds emanates from. celebration, every February. THE COMPANY One of the major spectacular Most if not all constituents While the nationally joined, participated or merely sights during the Foundation a c c l a i m e d a n d f a m o u s Day, was the participation of enjoyed the activities in this group, “The Company” year’s celebration. the Philippine Air Force Sky rendered a series original Diving Unit, where sky divers THE PLATTERS Pilipino music with exhibited their skills with one their version of some Diver bringing the Philippine Another major innovation a c a p e l l a t y p e o f m u s i c a t Flag, just in time for the singing during the festival is the Greenleaf Hotel mainly of the National Anthem. The presence of one international t o t h e d e l i g h t o f and one national group of kalilangan sponsors and Gensan skies were scattered artists performed at KCC donors. with flower drops, as the PAF Events Center in Gensan in planes unloaded the Divers time for Kalilangan. During the Foundation Day, and flowers , to make a February 27, at the PARADA difference in the cheering The international classic NG LAHI event, the dynanmic crowd waiting below at Plaza musical group “The Platters” department CEMCDO Heneral Santos. filled the concert venue of emerged triumphant in their TOURISM PROMOTIONS DIVISION: 2016 1ST QUARTER TOURIST

STATISTICAL REPORT

The beginning of the Year 2016 proved promising for tourism industry of the city. The first quarter data showed a 35% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the last year’s data of the same period ( 243,517 in 2015 to 328,247 arrivals in 2016. The beginning of the Year 2016 proved promising for tourism industry of the city. The first quarter data showed a 35% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the last year’s data of the same period ( 243,517 in 2015 to 328,247 arrivals in 2016.

TOTAL GENSAN TOURIST ARRIVALS SUMMARY REPORT TOURIST ARRIVALS' TOUR OPERATORS' DAYTIME TOURISTS' MONTHS DATA DATA DATA 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 JAN 34,639 32,889 40 - 61,847 83,175 FEB 34,079 41,767 7 60 38,230 54,337 MAR 25,704 39,448 10 854 48,961 75,717 TOTAL 94,422 114,104 57 914 149,038 213,229 Source: TREs Data GOING GREEN! The CEMCDO Way! By: Jing Velos

ourism changes people’s (DOT) and the Department on the dynamics of green lives and so is the of Environment and Natural tourism initiatives facilitated Tenvironment. The advent Resources (DENR) are now by CEMCDO will be of urban people seeking remote both active and participative discussed. The topic and adventure destinations in ensuring local mechanism will include the prompted a shift in the mind- for productive tourism growth. series of activities set of the ecotourism industry that lead to the players around the world to In General Santos City, the development campaign for a much aggressive Tourism Division of CEMCDO is of K’laja Karst approach in safeguarding local taking the lead in the realization Ecotourism tourism products and mitigating of these green challenges. Park and to its socio-environmental On the forefront of this the progressive impacts. Ensuring that tourism development is the K’laja Karst effort to address development safeguards Ecotourism Park (KKEP), a 9,147 the challenges are followed, the “GREEN hectares of mountainous karst that it is facing now. TOURISM” movement landscape on the northeastern Tourism exploratory becomes the battle cry of part of the city and the Bula activities at KKEP started the industry. To date, more Coral Reef- a 21 hectares of in late 1990s to early 2000s on and more destinations are stable and disturb coral reefs. the park’s potential tourism now prioritizing the aspect of Both areas are of great tourism products. Initial effort to map engaging local communities and and environmental importance the area was made through using eco-friendly structures in as buffer zone to food and a 1950s topographic map their strategies. Collaborations water security as well as nature from NAMRIA. Identified between private sector, Local interpretation zone to tourists during this time were the Government Units (LGUs) and and constituents of the city. K’laja Cave, Bunga Spring as national line agencies such as campsite, Malakong Wall for the Department of Tourism On this issue, a brief insight rock climbing, Malakong Cave

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 22 and Dalas Gorge. The resulting mountaineering, mountain composed of 13 organizations GPS coordinate was made to biking and orienteering followed was organized as a promotion provide detailed location and by a mini competition. For 3 to the place. From that on, distance on the map and was years the festival persisted and the park continuously gained used to help plan out produced young adventurer visitor’s interest and ensued the development of to become outdoorsmen with the increased in its tourism the area. By 2003, enhanced interest in the area. statistics year-by-year. By 2015, the first city-wide In 2006, the outdoor festival tourism gains recorded more promotional was upgraded and replaced by than 22,000 visitor’s wherein activity was the famous Gensan Eco Karera in several instances, the gains conducted in (GEK), an adventure race resulted in crowded camping partnership that aggressively promotes experiences exceeding the place with local adventure sport and was later carrying capacity. Unwanted mountaineering granted national award as development problems and groups through “Best Adventure Sport – City pollutions unknowingly appears the conduct of Klaja Category” by the Association that caught the community Outdoor Festival. The of Tourism Officers of the by surprise. As of this writing, objective of the event Philippines (ATOP) and the the situation is now being is to introduce the potential DOT. It is during the GEK period addressed at the Sangguniang tourism products to outdoor that the place was given media Panglungsod (SP) with the groups and thereafter to exposure and thus gain public current public consultative educate the participants on attention. At this time in 2010, hearing on the proposed proper outdoor techniques and during the 4th GEK, Sanchez SP Ordinance regulating to engage in environmental Peak was introduced to the adventure activities at the park advocacy campaign. Activities public. Corresponding camping and with the corresponding included in the event are activities jointly organized penalties thereof. actual and on-hand training in by the office and the local rock climbing, caving, tropical mountaineering clubs in the city

CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 23 CEMCDO Digest, Volume No. 1 Issue #2 24

CEMCDO Activities

1. BUDGET CONVERSION TO Investment Promotion include final targets of the NEW CHART OF ACCOUNTS program (8999), Livelihood department plan, OPCR, IPCR program (8999), Tourism which were initially submitted As a directive from the Office Development program (8852) to PMT on December 29, of the City Mayor per CMO-01- and the main CEMCDO (8971) 2015. The DPMT of the office 2016-005762 dated January fund were consolidated into has gone several meetings 13, 2016 all departments were one under 8971 CEMCDO; with PMT coach Engr. Nadine instructed to revise the 2016 as well as the various type of Yson to come up with the final Budget to the prescribed Chart expenses are to be realigned copy which was submitted of Accounts. (reference: COA to the new chart of accounts. on March 14, 2016. Duly Circular No. 2105-009 dated approved SPMS documnts 12/1/15 entitled “Prescribing 2. SPMS REPORTS were received April 13, 2016. the Revised Chart of Accounts for the Local Government • DEPARTMENT PLAN • OPCR AND IPCR TARGETS 2016, OPCR Units.” ST ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND IPCR TARGETS-1 – 2ND SEMESTER 2015; The administrative section SEMESTER 2016 DEPARTMENT QUARTER was challenged on the said ACCOMPLISHMENTS directive especially the The administrative section previous three (3) program facilitated submission of Evaluations on funds which includes Local the SPMS reports which accomplishments in the CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 24 CEMCDO Digest, Volume No. 1 Issue #2 25

Becoming of an Excellent you Presented by: Rev. Andres Docena

Earthquake drill Discussed by: Jing Velos

Basic Life Support Training Reported by Basic Planning Ms. Sarah Chua Lesson Presented by Engr. Riza Marie T. Paches

2nd semester of 2015 resign effective November came up with an activity every were facilitated. Quarter 5, 2015; and Sarah Kristina Friday wherein we invite accomplishment reports Nejemiah Chua who was speakers to discuss significant were submitted to CPDO on newly appointed as Tourism topics; but often times we January 20, 2016. The DPMT Operations Officer 1 effective use the session for learning evaluated accomplishments December 1, 2015. Summary intervention. Employees on of 20 plantilla and 22 job List of individual performance travel, who avail external order employees using rating was received by training are required to the web-based monitoring HRMDO on March 29, 2016; echo their learnings and system called CPMS designed while the final OPCR rating of experiences in that particular by Mr. Segmundo Capada the department in the second activity attended. Spiritual of the investments section. semester of 2015 was 4.64 enhancements are also MOV’s were all scanned and equivalent to Very Satisfactory facilitated by some staff during uploaded and can be viewed rating. sessions. We tagged this as online. Two employees were “Friday Learning Session.” not included in the rating 3. FRIDAY LEARNING period July to December SESSION – DEPARTMENT 2015. One is Dioscoro Daarol INITIATED TRAINING who filed a leave of absence As part of the department- since September 1 and finally initated-trainings, the office CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 25 Gensan Up its Notch in Philippine Competitiveness Ranking in 2016

By: Joselito Torrecampo

uring the recently 2016, government efficiency due recognition to deserving concluded 4th Regional category from ranked no. LGUs which made strides in DCompetitiveness 13 in 2015 to ranked no. 12 their efforts to improve its Summit held on July 14, 2016 in 2016, but declined in the competitiveness. The survey at the Philippine International infrastructure category from is group and measured Convention Center (PICC), no. 17 in 2015 to no. 24 in based on the three (3) major General Santos City was 2016. pillars of competitiveness adjudged as the overall no. namely, economic dynamism, 15 Most Competitive City, The awards is the culmination government efficiency and Highly-Urbanized Cities of the annual conduct of the infrastructure. The awards are Category out of the total 34 Cities and Municipalities classified into 5 categories: (1) HUCs for 2016. This put the Competitiveness Index (CMCI) component cities category, city up its notch higher by 2 survey organized by the (2) highly-urbanized cities places from its overall ranked National Competitiveness category, (3) 1st – 2nd class of no. 17 in 2015. The city Council of the Philippines (NCC) municipalities category, (4) also improved its ranking through its implementing arm, 3rd – 6th class municipalities for the economic dynamism the Regional Competitiveness category, and (5) provinces category from ranked no. 14 Committees (RCCs) across category. in 2015 to ranked no. 10 in the country. It aims to give 2016 MOST COMPETITIVE CITY, HIGHLY-URBANIZED CITIES (HUC) CATEGORY Overall 3 Pillars of Competitiveness HUC Ranking Economic Dynamism Government Infrastructure Efficiency General Santos City 15 10 12 24 In addition to this, the city reclaimed its lofty billing as the 3rd most competitive city in Mindanao behind perennial frontrunner Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City. Another reason for encouragement and inspiration is the ranking of the province of South Cotabato declared as the no. 3 most competitive province, Provinces Category in the same event. TALK ON PAPER (And be competitive or so it says) [email protected]

People use so many long words in writing albeit long words like “aforementioned” and a thou- sand among others are confusing; one language that comes between the writer and reader, thus creating a partition that curtails them from understanding each other fully.

There are many reasons why people use long and dazzling words when writing. Some of these words are used because the writer wants to shield himself in a blanket of self-esteem. Some are used for circumventing. Some are used to communicate the power of the organization that stands behind the writer. Not a few grandeurs are used because writers are accustomed to move away from simple, straightforward, and everyday words and look for more grand substi- tutes. And in a farther scale, some are used simply because the writer wants to show off.

Below is a list of the most common of these words—long enough to cover those widely used but short enough to remember each word individually and feel a contraction whenever it is about to be put on the paper. Avoid using them as substitute for the simple words used in talking to the readers. The simple words are enclosed in the punctuation marks parentheses as ( ). o affirmative (yes) o engross (engage) o presently (now) o anticipate (expect) o ensconce (hide) o profess (admit) o appease (pacify) o espouse (promote) o prohibit (ban) o ascertain (find out) o exhort (urge) o propel (push) o assimilate (integrate) o expeditious (quick) o provide (give) o assistance (help) o exploit (use) o reimburse (refund) o assuage (ease) o forevermore (forever) o residence (home) o augment (increase) o forward (send) o reveal (show) o collaborate (join) o handiwork (output) o stockpile (hoard) o collate (gather) o heighten (raise) o subsequent (later) o compel (force) o incriminate (accuse) o substantial (big, large) o delineate (outline) o indemnify (pay) o sufficient (enough) o disclose (show) o narrate (tell) o terminate (end) o discontinue (stop) o negative (no) o transcend (surpass) o discretion (choice) o noteworthy (notable) o transpire (happen) o disseminate (circulate) o obtain (get) o trustworthy (reliable) o elucidate (explain) o pertaining to (of, about) There are more of these long words dangling around and if there is an attempt to use one and in most likely cases tempted to do so, think twice before indulging and look at the dictionary to replace them with the simple words, which are hassle-free and user-friendly thus endearing oneself to the readers. CEMCDO DIGEST I ISSUE #2 I 27 CEMCDOCALENDAR

7th Business Plan Competition September 2016 Pasko sa Gensan 2016 Yaman December 2016 Gensan 2016

October 2016 a yearly business activity for small and medium National enterprises in the Tourism Week city E-Business Celebration Week 2016 September 2016 November 2016

Tuna Festival 2016 September 2016

City Economic Management and Cooperative Office of the City Mayor Development Office Letf wing, Ground Floor, City Hall GSC Investment Action Center, Government Center Osmena Street, General Santos City 9500 General Santos City 9500 General Santos City tel. No. : 083 553 8338 tel. No. 083 552 6792 email : [email protected] website: gensantos.gov.ph website: gensantos.gov.ph