Makati City News February 2015

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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Monument of Ninoy Aquino

Biotech corn now planted in 831,000 ha in Philippines

By Marvyn N. Benaning

MORE Filipino farmers are now cultivating a biotech crop in the Philippines with 415,000 of them planting the high-yielding, low-input Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt corn) in 831,000 hectares.

Thus, reported the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) in Friday’s briefing at a hotel in Makati City. Globally, the Philippines is now ranked 12th on the list of countries growing biotech crops.

Area-wise, the land devoted to biotech corn rose from 795,000 hectares in 2013 to 831,000 in 2014. Dr. Gil Saguiguit Jr., director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, told journalists during a media briefing on the ISAAA annual report for 2014 on Friday that biotech crops are necessary for the country to achieve food security.

Dr. Paul S. Teng, chairman of the board of trustees of ISAAA, explained that biotech crops actually reduce substantially the use of chemicals for farming and, thus, help cut the emission of greenhouse gases.

For his part, Dr. Randy Hautea, ISAAA global coordinator and director for Southeast Asia, said biotech crops have been adopted at a faster clip than any other types of crop since agriculture was invented.

Significantly, the Philippines, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Bureau of Plant Industry and the DA-Biotechnology Program Office, achieved corn self-sufficiency in 2012.

The land dedicated to corn zoomed in 2006, when a biotech corn variety with combined traits of pest resistance and herbicide tolerance (HT) was introduced.

By 2014, the total hectarage reached 761,000 hectares for the stacked traits variety, with 70,000 devoted to HT variety. “Since 2011, biotech corn production has exceeded corn utilization in the Philippines, reducing the country’s reliance on corn imports for food and feed.

“By 2013, the National Corn Competitiveness Board reported that biotech corn has contributed to feedstock-supply security and helped in food self-sufficiency. In addition, Philippine corn silage has been exported to South Korea since 2013 due to its quality,” ISAAA said in its report.

With the writ of kalikasan on Bt eggplant, the Philippines could hardly approve new biotech crops, while Vietnam is set to approve biotech corn this year, while Indonesia is said to be ready to issue the green light for drought-tolerant sugarcane.

Vietnam is actually the Philippines’s competitor for the South Korean corn market and possibly for the Malaysian market that needs about 2.5 million metric tons of corn annually. ISAAA said many Filipino farmers are opting for biotech crops since they are known to yield higher and do not require a liberal dose of farm inputs.

Based on a global study of more than 100 researches worldwide last year, ISAAA said, “on average, genetic modification technology adoption has reduced chemical-pesticide use by 37 percent, increased crop yields by 22 percent and increased farm profits by 68 percent.” Share this:

Makati allots P2.1B for education

By Anna Liza V. Alavaren

Makati City continues to prioritize education as it allotted P2.1 billion for its public education programs this year.

The city’s education budget, which will cover preschool, elementary, high school, K-to-12 senior high school, and tertiary, is 17.02 percent of its P12.28-billion budget for calendar year 2015.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the city government for over two decades has consistently provided substantial funding to public education, putting it among its top three biggest expenditures annually.

“We remain focused on developing the potential of the youth to the greatest extent possible, using all available resources and tools, including modern technology and innovative methodologies in education. How well they will fare in an increasingly globalized and competitive environment largely depends on how well they are being educated and trained in our learning institutions,” Binay said.

He said that P476.91 million has been allocated for free school supplies, reading materials, and uniforms for preschool to high school, and free meals for undernourished elementary students.

On the other hand, P150 million has been earmarked for workbooks and reading materials, P212 million for school and physical education uniforms, P84.6 million for school supplies and bags, and P9.8 million for dental kits for kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils.

For its supplementary feeding program called “Project: Feed” or Food for Excellent Education and Development, the city government allocated P14.5 million.

Last year, 3,881 elementary students benefited from the program, which aims to address the nutritional needs of undernourished schoolchildren in public elementary schools to help improve their academic performance.

Ayala Land subsidiary to build office condo in Circuit Makati project

By Darwin G. Amojelar (InterAksyon.com)

MANILA - A wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Land is building a new office condominium in Makati, targeting both domestic and foreign enterprises.

In a briefing, Jennylle S. Tupaz, project development group head of Alveo Land Corporation, today told reporters that the construction of The Stiles Enterprise Plaza would start this month for turnover by the fourth quarter of 2019.

The Stiles Enterprise Plaza is a two-tower development offering a total of 283 units for its first phase, the West Tower. The 29-storey building will cover a 2,460-square meter space with office units ranging in size from 79 to 180 square meters. Unit prices range from P10.6 million to P25.8 million.

The company is expected to earn P4.4 billion in revenues from the West Tower, Tupaz said.

She said the project is part of the P39 billion Circuit Makati district, which is a 21-hectare mixed-used master planned community.

Alveo is targeting local small and medium enterprises as well as foreign companies from Singapore, Japan and Indonesia for The Stiles Enterprise Plaza.

"Location is a primary consideration for investors and Circuit Makati is part of the most prestigious business addresses in the country. It lends a sense of distinction for creative professionals, entrepreneurial start-ups, SMEs and other organizations as it sets them apart from more established corporate institutions within the Makati CBD," Tupaz said.

"Our pre-selling will be happened this Saturday, if you based on the towers that we have launched so far -- the take up is very , very good," she said.

Tupaz said the robust Philippine economy is driving the demand for the real estate sector.

"We are in a very good sweet spot and then you have the rising middle class and businesses are thriving and I think it inspires SMEs to have their own spaces right now and that's where the demand is coming in," she added.

The government expects the Philippine economy to grow between 7-8 percent this year.

Phivolcs to strengthen earthquake early warning system

(PNA) lgi/CLTC/Antonette B. Tagnipez & Mariane Clarize V. Noriega (OJTs)

MANILA, Feb. 25 (PNA) -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has installed about 100 earthquake intensity meters to strengthen the earthquake early warning system in the country.

According to Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr., the system would locate where the earthquake is and warn the areas that will receive the second wave but the earthquake early warning may not be applied to all areas.

"The earthquake early warning would need that particular community or facility to have a certain distance from the epicenter so that there is sufficient time," Solidum said during the Preparatory Meeting for Reslience Conference on Earthquake sponsored by the Romulo Foundation for Peance and Development held in Makati City.

At present, the Phivolcs chief said the agency is planning to add 200 more earthquake intensity meters with a vision of reaching a total of 300 nationwide by the end of 2016 or 2017.

Solidum explained that the earthquake intensity monitoring system would let the agency know the intensity of the earthquake immediately after it strikes.

"The minimum requirement for damage to happen is intensity six. If you don’t know the intensity, you do not know where to send to without the report from the community," the Phivolcs director said.

Solidum added that the intensity meters will be used for early response and the data garnered will be used for possible early warnings for certain areas.

"Right now, we have 75 earthquake monitoring stations in the Philippines. By next year, the 30 remaining will be via satellite. So all will be via satellite and this is preparing for the possible evolution of an earthquake early warning," he said.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs planned to put up a communication warning which would involve the use of digital television where earthquake early warning may be received like in Japan where they made use of digital broadcasting system to inform the public.

Solidum said that Phivolcs has provided sensors around Metro Manila to monitor the Valley Fault through GPS where they could observe the movement of the ground but not the triggering of an earthquake.

Some of the primary concerns of the agency were the residential houses and low-rise to mid-rise buildings which would receive more potential damages.

"Some residential homes are non-engineered. These were built without the supervision of licensed engineers or architects and earthquake science would tell us that if the fault is nearby, the shaking is fast and it would shake the lighter buildings than heavier buildings. There are houses that are at risk," Solidum stressed.

He advised schools (public and private), and families to devise evacuation plans that would detail possible route for evacuation.

"We made a module on earthquake evacuation plan for schools during drills. All you have to do is to change the schools into family," he said.

BAP sets sights on single e-platform for cash transactions

By DANESSA O. RIVERA (VS, GMA News)

The Bankers' Association of the Philippines (BAP) is envisioning a single electronic platform in five years time to help Filipinos transfer cash and other money transactions anytime, anywhere.

The group is currently working on the e-peso project, "which will benefit a lot of unbanked Filipinos," BAP president Lorenzo Tan said during the Management Association of the Philippines economic briefing in Makati City on Tuesday.

"We cannot send armored trucks to the mountains. It does not make economic sense. In rural cities you don't find universal banks, you find pawnshops, money transfer companies," he said.

"With this project, we'll eventually have one platform where octopus cards, ATM transactions – even large transactions – will go through a central clearing house," he added.

A similar platform exists in South Korea and South Africa.

However, the industry official said this may come into fruition in five years given the lack of proper infrastructure in the Philippines.

The first step for a single electronic platform is the merger of Megalink and Bancnet, which happened on January 30.

"Last month, we signed the [memorandum of agreement] with Megalink and Bancnet, after 20 years of trying to merge both organizations. We were also working with government," Lorenzo said.

Lorenzo noted the platform would raise productivity and encourage sustainable economic growth and development.

"The rapid growth and development of the economy will require more innovative and more inclusive solutions by continuously harnessing the use of technology advancements and increased cooperation with government and business," he said.

Makati primary health care center caters to 5,000 patients

(PNA), SCS/CLTC

MANILA, Feb. 23 (PNA) -- The city government of Makati is providing immediate medical assistance to thousands of residents through its pilot primary health care facility operating 24 hours, seven days a week since its launching last Aug. 16.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the 24/7 services made available at the Palanan Health Center has provided much relief to residents, especially to working parents with young children because they no longer need to take time off from their day job to bring a sick child to the doctor.

“It appears that our main objective of easing the burden of working parents is being met by the all-hours medical services in Palanan Health Center open to all residents. We will continue to monitor its operations so that we can develop a template for adoption later in other selected health centers in the city, especially in the second district,” Binay said.

At present, the center has six doctors, 10 nurses, six midwives, three nursing aides, two utility workers and two security guards working in shifts.

The results of the first five months of operation of the pilot primary health care facility in Makati show that majority of its patients were toddlers and pre-schoolers, and most of them were brought in by parents beyond office hours on weekdays, and at all hours on weekends.

Based on the latest report of the Makati Health Department (MHD), the patient workload of the health center from its opening in mid-August last year to Jan. 11, 2015 reached 5,244, including 678 medical inquests.

The 24/7 facility in Palanan offers basic health services such as general outpatient consultation, well baby immunization, prenatal check-up, family planning services, minor surgery, and re-insertion of in-dwelling catheter.

In addition, residents can also avail themselves of basic laboratory services such as platelet count, urinalysis, fecalysis and gram staining. The health facility has an in-house pharmacy store and an ambulance for patient transfer.

To receive free medical services and free medicines, residents should present their updated Yellow Card (Makati Health Plus Card) or PhilHealth Card.

As of December, there were over 120,000 Yellow Card holders, which add up to around 300,000 qualified beneficiaries of the program, including dependents. Entitled to subsidized health care at the city’s 27 barangay health centers, three lying-in centers, and Ospital ng Makati are city residents, city government workers and immediate dependents, and national government employees based in Makati, such as public school teachers, policemen, firemen, and judges.

Alcala eyes crown in Prima tourney

(Manila Times)

YOUNG Filipino badminton sensation Mark Shelly Alcala of Allied Victor Badminton Club will smash it out in the prestigious Prima Pasta Badminton Championship 2015 slated on February 28 to March 1 at the Power Smash in Makati City.

The 15-year-old Alcala, son of former national badminton coach Malvin Alcala and protege of business icon and former national singles and doubles champion Conrado Co during his prime, will try to sustain his winning streak in local competitions as he competes in the open singles class.

Alcala reigned supreme in the open men’s singles of the Smart Philippine Open and Bingo Bonanza tournament last year. He also scored victory in the junior division of the 2014 Singapore Junior International Badminton Championship.

“Marky is a top player in his class. He is a gem of an athlete at his young age and a force to reckon with locally and internationally,” said Allied Victor team manager Pacita Co.

Besides Alcala, the younger brother of former Philippine No. 1 player Malvinne Ann, the other members of the Allied Victor team are Gelita Castillo, Kevin Alfred Dalisay, Pauline Tan, Mary Ann Maranon, Paola Beatriz Bernardo, Ethan Joshua Malelang, Lorenzo Miguel Leonardo and members of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines badminton champion team University of the Philippines.

”My aim is to win big at Prima Pasta, which is one of the barometers in my ambition to be a national player. I love to represent our country in international competitions. I’m optimistic that I can contribute honors and pride to our people given the proper break,” said Alcala.

“My wish is to be guided and mentored by my father/coach (Malvin) during training and actual matches,” he added.

No kickbacks from Alphaland deal – Binay

By JC Bello Ruiz

No one believes them anymore.

A confident Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said this of his detractors as he dismissed allegations that he got kickbacks from the alleged anomalous transaction between the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and developer Alphaland Corp. for the development of a one-hectare prime property on Ayala Ave. in Makati City.

“Hindi na naniniwala ang mga tao doon,” Binay told reporters while visiting Iloilo Thursday, referring to corruption allegations of his foes.

Binay said contrary to reports, all his properties are declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.

He also brushed aside the allegation of his former ally, ex-Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, that he got up to P651 million in kickbacks from the BSP-Alphaland deal.

“Hindi puwedeng mangyari sa Alphaland iyon, ang kasosyo nila foreign company hindi naman puwedeng mangyari yung lagayan na iyon,” said Binay, also president of the BSP.

He said that the public have come to realize that the allegations against him are just “lies” perpetuated by his political foes.

Every time they charge you, the public will immediately believe it. Later on when they finally come to know the truth, sasabihin nila ah mali pala,” he said.


Makati City closes streets on Sunday for Caracol Festival

(PNA), LAM/CLTC

MANILA, Feb. 20 (PNA) -- The Makati Public Safety Department (PSD) has issued a traffic advisory announcing the closure of some streets near Circuit Makati effective February 22, Sunday at 3 p.m. to make way for Caracol Festival 2015, the city’s official festival.

PSD chief Hermenegildo San Miguel said on Friday the stretch of Hippodromo Street from Liwayway St. to A.P. Reyes St. will be closed to traffic, as well as the stretch of A.P. Reyes St. from J.P. Rizal to Pascua St. The said areas will be used for the assembly and parade of hundreds of participants prior to entering Circuit Makati grounds for the festival’s main event – the dance competition.

Portions of streets adjacent to Hippodromo St. will also be closed, specifically the streets of Liwayway, Sampaguita, Kakarong, Zapote, Hiwaga and Economia.

According to San Miguel, only the gate of Circuit Makati near Taliba St. corner Hippodromo St. will be open to the public. Thus, only event organizers, participants and special performers will be allowed to enter through the other gates.

Vehicles plying J.P. Rizal going towards Taft Avenue shall go straight past A.P. Reyes St. instead of turning right. Those bound towards EDSA/Guadalupe may take Kalayaan Avenue, which will be open to two-way traffic. Jeepneys plying the Mantrade-Libertad-PRC route, coming from Pasong Tamo Extension shall turn left at J.P. Rizal then left to Pasong Tirad towards their destination.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes and avoid the staging areas to avoid delay. PSD (MAPSA) traffic personnel will be deployed during the event to assist motorists and manage traffic in the affected areas. For assistance, the PSD hotlines are 8193270/71 and 8437294.

Meanwhile, Circuit Makati will be allotting 350 parking slots to accommodate participants and revelers coming with their own vehicles.

The 29th Caracol Festival of Makati is expected to draw a huge crowd of spectators with its main attraction – the dance competition featuring young performers dressed in stunning nature-inspired costumes as they dance to vibrant music.

Three groups formed by students from Comembo, Nemesio Yabut and La Paz elementary schools will compete in the Elementary category, portraying marine life with ballroom dancing movements. In the high school category, students from San Isidro, Benigno Aquino and Gen. Pio del Pilar high schools will dance to retro or pop music dressed as endangered species, except aquatic plants and animals.

Four more groups from the barangays will compete in the youth category, dancing to either ballet or waltz dressed as flowers and insects.

In all categories, winners will receive cash prizes and trophy, as follows: P75,000, first prize; P62,500, second prize; and P50,000, 3rd prize. The over-all champion will get an additional P75,000. Cash prizes will also be given to the winners of special awards: P25,000 for the "Most Original Costume" and P25,000 for the "Best in Choreography".

GMOs play important role on food security, nutrition - Monsanto

By Cielito M. Reganit [(PNA), FPV/CMR]

MANILA, Feb. 19 (PNA) -- A global leader in seeds, crop protection and agri-biotechnology on Wednesday highlighted the role of modern agriculture, particularly crop biotechnology, in attaining food security and at the same time maximizing nutrition during a forum held at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City.

In the said forum, Monsanto Company, in coordination with the US-ASEAN Business Council, discussed the importance of science and innovation in meeting the challenge of feeding a rapidly growing global population.

Dr. Milton Stokes, director of Global Health and Nutrition Outreach for Monsanto, said that there will be about nine billion people in the world by 2050 and providing a balance plate for them means effectively doubling the current food supply.

“To do this, sustainable agriculture solutions should be crafted in order for our farmers to efficiently produce more food while utilizing every square foot of agricultural land available and make a balanced meal accessible to everyone,” he said.

He said that biotechnology offers novel ways to reduce crop losses due to plant disease, infestations or scarce water resources.

“These improvements are designed to help farmers get more harvest from the same footprint of land while using fewer resources,” Stokes said.

The Monsanto expert explained that massive increased crop production in the past years is related with modern agriculture.

Between 1996 and 2011, crop biotechnology was responsible for an additional 15.9M metric tons of cotton lint, 195M metric tons of corn and 110.2 metric tons of soybeans.

“In the absence of biotechnology, it would take an additional 123M hectares to produce the same amount of food produced in 2012,” Stokes said.

He noted in particular how modern agricultural biotechnology has been able to improve the lives of about 500,000 corn farmers In the Philippines,

Monsanto, which is broadly known for its work in plant biotechnology or GMO crops, introduced the first genetically-enhanced hybrid corn seed - Bt corn - in the country in 2003.

The Bt, or Bacillus thurengensis trait, has helped control corn borer that resulted in higher crop yield.

A total of four variants of biotech maize from the US-based company have been approved for commercial planting in the Philippines.

These hybrid corn seeds contain traits that make them either insect resistant or herbicide tolerant or both.

“Filipino corn farmers experienced increased incomes by as much as 40 percent. They benefited Php46.44 million net income from Bt corn farming since cost of production had been reduced by 0.23 centavos per kilogram,” Stokes said.

“In this country where agriculture is sometimes associated to chronic poverty, abundant harvests and increase incomes means that farmers can now position family members out of poverty,” he said.

As the country imports about 300,000 to 500,000 metric tons of yellow corn annually, he likewise said that the increase in production of the crop would substantially reduce dependency of the local poultry aand livestock industry on corn importation.

Stokes also highlighted the environmental benefits of modern agriculture.

“In 2012 alone, biotechnology helped prevent an estimated 26.7 billion kg of CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing 11.8 M cars from the road for a year,” he said.

He added that from 1996 to 2012, the reduction of pesticide use, through biotech crops, was estimated at 497 kg or an 18.5 percent reduction.

“In the Philippines, Bt corn plays an important role in making agriculture more sustainable and more productive due to the use of less pesticides,” Stokes pointed out.

The Monsanto official likewise stressed that GMO crops are safe, nutritious and conventional as crop biotechnology is just an extension of traditional crop breeding.

He said that the World Health Organization has in the past decade affirmed that GM foods currently available in the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health.

“In addition, WHO experts have verified that no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved,” he said.

“Besides WHO, there were more than 1,000 independent studies made supporting that GMO crops are as safe as those developed through traditional breeding,” he said.

Apart from these, he said that it takes average of 13 years to develop and test GMO seeds before they are grown commercially.

At present, there are 63 countries where genetically-modified crops were found to be safe for growing or import and with 3.95 billion acres of farmlands being for GMO.

Moreover, he said that biotechnology is used in many common products.

Biotechnology is used to make enzymes and yeast to produce cheese and bread.

“Without biotechnology, there would be a shortage of insulin. Most insulin used by diabetics today is produced through biotechnology,” he said.

“People are more prone to get sick or die from food mishandling rather from biotechnology,” Stokes stressed.

Meanwhile, biotechnology also plays an important role in maximizing nutrition.

According to studies made by the UN, an estimated 2 billion people worldwide are malnourished while 870 million are undernourished.

In the Philippines, Stokes, who is also a registered dietician, noted that 1 out 3 pre-school children is considered malnourished and 1 out of 5 is underweight.

“While underweight prevalence continues to decline, it is not fast enough to meet the Millennium Development Goals target because people, especially children, eat less vegetable,” Stokes said.

“Vegetables are among the most nutritious foods available but taste, texture and convenience are keys to increasing consumption,” he said.

He said that through biotechnology, vegetables could be bred with improved color and taste to build consumer appeal, with improved shelf life; and be more nutritious at affordable prices.

He added that these agricultural innovations present safe and nutritious alternatives to our conventional crops for our family’s consumption.

Stokes said that scientists have demonstrated that genetic modification can be used to increase the amount and stability of crop’s nutrient levels such as pro-vitamin A, iron and zinc.

“Plant biotechnology also can help breeders develop high quality hybrids more quickly. This can improve productivity and sustainability faster as farmers are able to grow more with less,” he said.

“Today, modern agriculture, nutrition and public health are converging into one issue. As the strongest and most active proponent of GMO, Monsanto is committed to pursuing smarter ways to nourish the world and helping Filipino farmers produce more with fewer resources,” Stokes said.

Makati grants Php 100k to families of SAF “Heroes 44”

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan [(PNA) /CLTC/with reports by Antonette B. Tagnipez/ Mariane Clarize V. Noriega (OJT)]

MANILA, Feb. 18 (PNA) -- The city government of Makati led by Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. on Wednesday distributed Php 100,000 to each family of the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) killed in the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

“Just like you and our fellow Filipinos, we in Makati are also crying for justice. We cannot say that we know how painful it is in your shoes but we understand your anguish,” Binay said as he personally hand over the checks to the families of ‘Heroes 44’ at the Session Hall, 22/F Makati City Hall on Wednesday.

Aside from that financial assistance, the city government also gave the children or siblings of the slain troopers a college scholarship in the course of their choice at the University of Makati (UMak). The scholarships will be available through the University’s ten colleges which included Arts and Sciences, Allied Health Studies, Business Administration, Education and Technology Management.

“This is our humble way of honoring our heroes. This is our way of showing our heartfelt gratitude for their courage to remain true to their duty of safeguarding the peace up to their last breath,” Binay related to the bereaved families.

Furthermore, National Housing Authority (NHA) Assistant General Manager Froilan Kampitan informed the families that the agency will be giving them Php 300,000 worth of house or lot, depending on the choice or need of the slains’ and injured kinsmen. This housing plan will be given to the families of both killed and wounded PNP SAF members.

The national housing assistance will provide Zen type, two-story house of 22.00 square meters with a loft.

“I know how tragedy leaves its painful scars in our memories. However, we all know as well that our beloved heroes- your son, your brother, your husband, your father- would have wanted a bright future for all of you, their families. Let me therefore urge you to remain strong for them and for everyone else in your family. Never let go of their memory, but never let go of those dreams you shared and built with them when they were still alive, ” Binay concluded.

Christine Kiangan, wife of Police Officer 2 (PO2) Noble Kiangan admitted that they are satisfied by what the government is giving them.

“We are being assisted by the government. Sometimes, they are personally granting us things that we need,” Kiangan said.

Meanwhile, Raechel Sumbillan, seven-month pregnant and wife of PO3 John Lloyd Sumbillan, said that they preferred justice for the victims’ death than financial and legal assistance.

“Yes, they are granting us financial assistance. But apart from those, the most important thing for us is to attain justice- to punish those who were responsible,” Sumbillan pleaded.

Family members who were present in the tribute were Esther P. Anniban, mother of PSINSP Cyrus P. Anniban; Rico M. Erana, father of PSINSP John Garry A. Erana; Erica S. Pabalinas, wife of PSINSP Ryan B. Pabalinas; Leah M. Tabdi, wife of PSINSP Gednat G. Tabdi; Guillermo G. Tria, father of PSINSP Maxjim R. Tria; Merlyn D. Gamutan, wife of PINSP Joey S. Gamutan; Trinidad Tayrus, mother of PINSP Rennie L. Tayrus; Liezel A. Inocencio, wife of SPO1 Lover L. Inocencio; Cleofe S. Acain, wife of PO3 Victoriano N. Acain; and Haslyn R. Acob, wife of PO3 Rodrigo F. Acob, Jr.

The other recipients of the grant were Jennifer G. Allaga, wife of PO3 Robert D. Allaga; Rohirmina A. Asjali, mother of PO3 Jedz-in A. Asjali; Melanie L. Duque, wife of PO3 Andres V. Duque; Marie Angeli O. Golocan, wife of PO3 Noel O. Golocan; Maryjane N. Kibete, sister of PO3 Junrel N. Kibete; Raechel June M. Sumbilla, wife of PO3 John Lloyd R. Sumbilla; Yvette S. Villanueva, wife of PO3 Virgel S. Villanueva; Cornillie M. Agabon, wife of PO2 Chum G. Agabon; Noel M. Balaca, Sr., father of PO2 Noel N. Balaca, Jr.; and Santiago Baluga, father of PO2 Richelle S. Baluga.

Also included in the attendance were Adelisa S. Bedua, wife of PO2 Glenn B. Bedua; Zilsa Cabanlet, wife of PO2 Godofredo B. Cabanlet; Janet B. Carap, wife of PO2 Peterson I. Carap; Emeliza M. Danao, wife of PO2 Walner F. Danao; Benedict C. Danao, brother of PO2 Franklin C. Danao; Joseph Dulnuan, father of PO2 Joel B. Dulnuan; Eliza A. Esmula, wife of PO2 Amman M. Esmula; Aurelyn Kayob, wife of PO2 Jerry D. Kayob; Christine S. Kiangan, wife of PO2 Noble S. Kiangan; Miya C. Mejia, wife of PO2 Ephraim G. Mejia; Roselle B. Nacino, wife of PO2 Nicky D. Nacino; and Gae Ann G. Nacionales, wife of PO2 Omar A. Nacionales.

And the rest of the ‘Heroes 44’ were represented by Helen Eva Ramacula, mother of PO2 Rodel E. Ramacula; Edelyn E. Senin, wife of PO2 Romeo V. Senin; Celestino Bilog, father of PO1 Russel B. Bilog; Michelle G. Candano, wife of PO1 Windel L. Candano; Loreto T. Capinding, father of PO1 Loreto G. Capinding II; Julie B. Cayang-o, wife of PO1 Gringo C. Cayang-o; Kristine E. Clemencio, wife of PO1 Mark Lory O. Clemencio; Francis Kodiamat, father of PO1 Angel C. Kodiamat; Flavio S. Sagonoy, father of PO1 Joseph G. Sagonoy; Virgie C. Viernes, wife of PO1 Oliebeth L. Viernes; Ellene E. Cordero, wife of PO2 Roger Cordero; and Christin Cempron, wife of PO1 Romeo Cempron.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, his daughter Senator Nancy Binay as well as the city department heads and officials from National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Southern Police District (SPD) were also present in the event.

EDSA billboard promotes gender equality, ‘all kinds of love’

(NC)

MANILA, Philippines—A billboard promoting gender equality and celebrating “all kinds of love” has risen along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) in Guadalupe, Makati City.

The billboard, which is part of the latest advertisement campaign of lifestyle brand Bench, shows magazine creative director Vince Uy holding hands with boyfriend Nino Gaddi and makeup artist Ana Paredes being hugged by girlfriend Carla Peña.

The four-part billboard also features movie icon Gloria Romero with grandson Chris Gutierrez and actress Solenn Heussaff with fiancé Nico Bolzico.

The Bench campaign has earned the admiration of netizens for its “bold” move that they said could “change the game of advertising.”

However, the hands of Uy and Gaddi in the billboard were painted over days after it had been set up, earning the ire of some netizens.

A report from Scout Magazine on Friday said that in 2011, Bench was compelled to take down its billboard featuring the Philippine Volcanoes in fitted underwear after Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos requested the billboard be dismantled, saying people deemed it “inaapropriate and offensive.”

As to how the painting over their hands happened, Uy was quoted in the story: “I do have a feeling that perhaps it was to get AdBoard to give a go signal on the materials.”

“We feel that the positive reception to the campaign shows that Filipinos are more open-minded and progressive than we’re given credit for. On the bright side, we are still happy and thankful because, holding hands or not, Bench still gave the opportunity to spread the message of acceptance, tolerance and equality of any kind of love—perhaps slowly, but definitely surely,” he added.

Makati grants Php 100,000 to 3 centenarians

(PNA) FPV/CLTC/Antonette B. Tagnipez/ Mariane Clarize V. Noriega (trainees)

MANILA, Feb. 16 (PNA) – The city government of Makati on Monday awarded Php 100,000 as cash gift to three centenarians in the city.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay awarded the cash gift to Paz D. Garcia of Barangay La Paz, 100 years old; Irene R. Carrillo of Brgy. Valenzuela, 100; and Rizalina B. Cardenas of Brgy. Dasmariñas, 100 which were located and identified through the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA).

“The life stories of these new honorees speak of admirable strength, courage and hard work. Most of all, they epitomize the selfless love of a mother for her children. They are certainly an inspiration to us all, especially to the youth of today,” Binay said.

Garcia, one of the awardees, was a dressmaker who worked in a garment factory in Binondo to raise her four chidren and send them to school after her husband, Aurelio Garcia, died in 1958. Her four daughters were able to finish vocational courses.

Carillo, born on October 18, 1914 in Maragondon, Cavite City, is a mother of four children (one deceased) and a licensed pharmacist during her prime.

Cardenas, born on December 3, 1914 in Bangar, La Union, was the wife of the deceased Maximo Cardenas and the mother of three children. Her husband was killed during World War II while serving in the Medical Corps of the USAFFE. This caused her to raise her three children and send them to schools. Cardenas retired as Regional Director of what is now known as National Food Authority (Region 1).

These beneficiaries were chosen after meeting the requirements set by MSWD which is the lead implementer of the BLU Card Program.

Based on these criteria, the beneficiaries must be a Filipino citizen; must be a bonafide resident of Makati; must have reached 100 years old as of January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2014; and must be a BLU Card and White Card holder for at least five years.

Since last year, the awarding is being held quarterly, as practiced when the one-time benefit was granted in 2012 through City Ordinance No. 2012-099.

There were already 21 centenarians in Makati who were granted Php100,000 by the city government.

First Metro opens new investors’ facility in Makati

By Richmond S. Mercurio (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC), the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, has opened a new investors’ facility in Makati to make its investment products become accessible to more retail investors.

The new Investors Center Makati is a one-stop investment hub open to both big and small investors, offering easier access to information and investment products and services that the First Metro Group offers.

First Metro Group’s products and services include indicative investment rates from the company’s treasury financial instruments, First Metro Asset Management Inc. (FAMI) Save and Learn mutual funds, First Metro Securities online stock trading facility, and the First Metro Philippine Equity exchange-traded fund (First Metro ETF), the country’s first ever exchange-traded fund.

FMIC said its own investment professionals are readily available in the center to provide investment solutions and financial guidance through investment advisory tailored to the client’s individual needs and wants, as well as analyses on current and expected market conditions.

“We are happy to be bringing here in Makati the First Metro Investors Center, as we are hoping to educate and aid more people to invest, manage their investments, or have their own portfolio investments in this central business district,” FMIC president Roberto Juanchito Dispo said.

The Investors Center Makati is located at the 19th floor of the PSBank Center along Paseo de Roxas Avenue in Makati City together with the newly-reconstructed offices of First Metro subsidiaries FAMI and First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp.

FMIC’s first investors’ center was inaugurated in 2011 at the ground floor of the Wellington Building in Binondo as part of the company’s mission to broaden its market base, particularly in the retail sector.

In the same year, a branch was launched in Cebu City, at the ground floor of the Metrobank Plaza on Osmeña Boulevard.

FMIC said it plans to launch other centers in strategic locations nationwide in the coming years.

FMIC and its subsidiaries offer a wide range of services, from debt and equity underwriting to loan syndication, project finance, financial advisory, investment advisory, government securities and corporate debt trading, equity brokering, online trading, asset management, and research.

P1.27-B underpass project

(PNA) CTB/CLTC/ Mariane Clarize V. Noriega (trainee)

The Department of Public Works and Highways will st‎art the construction of the P1.27-billion Makati City underpass in April.

The 880-lineal meter Sen. Gil Puyat Ave.-Makati Ave.-Paseo de Roxas Vehicle Underpass Project aims to improve traffic flow in the Makati Central Business District and nearby areas.

“As early as now, I appeal for the understanding of the motorists and commuters on any inconvenience the project may cause as I have directed the contractor to maximize project time schedule,” DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said.‎

The DPWH will begin the civil works immediately after the completion of pre-construction activities next month.

Makati exceeds revenue goal by 8.8% in 2014

(PNA) CTB/CLTC/ Mariane Clarize V. Noriega (trainee)

MANILA, Feb. 12 (PNA) -- Makati City treasurer Nelia Barlis on Thursday confirmed that the city government has surpassed its revenue goal for 2014 by 8.8 percent with a total revenue collection of Php 12.79 billion.

Barlis said that for the past 28 years, Makati's revenue collection, mainly sourced from business and realty taxes paid by business owners and real property owners, has been consistently growing despite financial crisis.

According to her, the city's financial stability is due to the strong investor confidence portrayed by the high number of business registrants each year, in which there was a recorded total of 4,618 new businesses registered last year at the Business Permits Office of Makati.

The total revenue collection increased by seven percent from 2013 with the biggest share coming from business taxes amounting to Php 6.58 billion or 51.4 percent of the total revenue.

Compared to 2013, the total revenue collection of the city increased by seven percent, from P11.99 billion to P12.79 billion last year. The biggest share was from business tax which increased by seven percent to P6.58 billion, or 51.4 percent of total revenue. Real property tax increased by eight percent to P4.49 billion, making up 35.1 percent of total income for the year. From other local sources, the city collected P638.21 million from fees and charges and P243.53 million from economic enterprises.

The city treasurer pointed out that the city’s share from the national government or IRA amounted to P769 million, only six percent of total income.

“Makati is among the few local government units in the country that are not dependent on the IRA,” she said.

Barlis explained that Makati has continuously surpassed its revenue goals because of the increasing efficiency in the process of acquiring business permits and in the collection of business and realty taxes.

The City Treasurer ensured the residents and the business community in the city that there would be more innovative programs and services coming from the city government with the assurance of adequate funding for the 2015 budget of Php 12.2 billion.

Starting this January, the city has expanded its computerized barangay real property tax payment system by establishing 17 more satellite payment centers in the barangays. This brings up the total number of payment centers to 31 – one in every barangay, excluding the two disputed barangays. These are opened on scheduled dates on the first month of every quarter to accept tax payments from real property owners, who only need to go to the nearest barangay hall instead of going all the way to City Hall. Electronically linked to the City Treasury, the centers are capable of issuing official receipts to clients, who only need to present their latest official receipt or tax declaration number.

Pilot test for 'express bus system' set March 16

(PNA) FPV/CLTC/Antonette B. Tagnipez/Mariane Clarize V. Noriega (trainees)

MANILA, Feb. 11 (PNA) – Pilot testing of the express bus system is set on March 16 to determine its potential benefits to commuters.

The express bus system is a joint project of the MMDA, DOTC, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to help ease traffic along major thoroughfares particularly during rush hours along the stretch of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).

The initial run of the new system aims to test its feasibility in easing the commuters’ travel from Fairview to Ayala.

“Based on the study conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), most of the commuters coming from Fairview and Tandang Sora are headed off to Ayala. Therefore, there would be a large number of passengers aiming to go to Ayala,” DOTC Secretary Emilio Abaya said after a meeting with MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Winston Ginez.

Abaya said 50 express buses will be deployed on March 16 in Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Makati.

Abaya said the express buses will run two initial routes, which is from Fairview to Ayala and from Fairview to Ortigas. These destinations were chosen because many people are working in these areas.

Abaya said these buses will use the MMDA bus stops to ensure the safety of passengers.

Unlike the regular bus system with 25 bus stops each for southbound and northbound from Mall of Asia (MoA) to Manila Central University (MCU), the segregation scheme of this new bus system will only have 15 bus stops each for southbound and northbound from Kamuning to Magallanes.

“The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) stops at every station. But in this new system, buses will go straight from Fairview, or from Tandang Sora to Ayala, without stopping. Therefore, the new system will consume lesser commuting time,” Abaya explained.

Abaya added that the buses will observe time and schedules in conducting continuous travels.

He added that they will make use of MMDA dispatch stations to serve as terminals for these buses. They will be exempted from coding and will not travel along the yellow lane which is used for picking up passengers.

According to the DOTC Chief, bus fare will remain the same for the pilot test since they will be applying the same formula for every kilometer.

Abaya concluded that if the pilot test proves to be good and people will appreciate it, they would push for the implementation of the system.

A total of fifty express buses, converted from non-express, are set to travel from Fairview to Ayala and Fairview to Ortigas for the initial test of the new system.

For his part, Tolentino said the express buses will be allowed to use the underpasses along EDSA and will be exempted from number coding to reach their destinations on time.

Tolentino said the new bus system aims to lessen the volume of vehicles along EDSA by encouraging employees to leave their cars at home and take the bus to work.

Tolentino said the express buses should have a designated color for identification.

The MMDA said travel time from Fairview in Quezon City to Ayala in Makati is expected to be cut down by 30 minutes from a regular two-hour travel time.

Meanwhile, Ginez said they had already tapped around 15 bus companies for the project.

Ginez said the express buses will not add to traffic congestion because they have existing franchises.


Century Properties expands commercial property portfolio amid growing economy

(PNA), LGI/LDV

MANILA, Feb. 10 (PNA) -- Publicly-listed property developer Century Properties Group expects Php2.5 billion in sales from its new office developments as it continues expanding its commercial property portfolio on the back of a strong economy.

In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Century Properties said it launched a minimum of 23,000 square meters of office spaces at the Century Spire tower in Century City located in Makati.

“We are aggressively pursuing our business expansion plans this year, which includes strengthening our commercial portfolio on top of our current concept residential projects. Diversifying to other product offerings, such as for sale strata office space, is instrumental in sustaining the growth for the company,” said company chief operating officer Marco Antonio.

Century Spire’s single unit office spaces range from 50 to 90 square meters, with a price range of Php185,000 to P205,000 per square meter. Units may be combined to form up to an entire floor of office space.

The company said the units will be sold to end-users seeking a prime location for their business, as well as to those seeking to lease out their purchased units upon completion. Current Makati rental rates for prime office is approximately Php900 to Php1,300 per month.

Century Properties said it is expanding its commercial assets on the back of a strong economy that fuels the demand for office space, especially for the sectors of business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT).

Citing a Colliers report from 2014, Century confirms the strong demand for office space in Makati, with vacancy rates dropping to 1.9 percent because of demand from the “BPO and traditional office takers.”

As more investments are expected to pour into the country, chiefly in the Central Business District of Makati and Fort Bonifacio, Century said it is positive about the prospects of its planned commercial space portfolio, with Century Spire offices as the newest project.

Makati to celebrate 29th Caracol Festival on Feb. 22

(PNA) lgi/CLTC/Mariane Clarize V. Noriega (OJT)

MANILA, Feb. 9 (PNA) -- The 29th Caracol Festival is scheduled to start on February 22 at the Globe Events Ground, Circuit located at Hippodromo St. in Barangay Carmona in Makati City.

The event, sponsored by the Makati city government and Ayala Land Inc., will showcase the city's own version of Mardi Gras, highlighting the city's advocacy for environmental protection and preservation.

The festivities will begin with a grand parade featuring about a thousand dancers, wearing costumes depicting vibrant colors of nature.

Makati City's Musuem and Cultural Affairs Office (MCAO) stated that the highlight of the event will be the dance competition for three categories: elementary, high school and the newest youth category.

MCAO head Rosalinda Cervantes announced that 10 groups will be competing for the prizes this year.

The three groups from Comembo, Nemesio Yabut and Lapaz elementary schools will be dressed in marine life costumes and compete in ballroom dancing.

Meanwhile, three groups from San Isidro, Benigno Aquino and Gen. Pio del Pilar high schools will dance to retro or pop music, while dressed in costumes inspired by endangered species.

This year's newest category in place of the previous barangay category will feature young people dressed in flower and insect-inspired costumes dancing ballet and waltz.

Cash prizes and trophies await the winners of the competition with Php75,000 for first place, Php62,500 for second, and Php50,000 for third. The overall champion will receive an additional Php75,000 cash prize.

Furthermore, Php25,000 will be presented for the winners of special awards for "Most Original Costume" and "Best in Choreography."

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay invites local and foreign visitors to witness the city’s own version of Mardi Gras that remains a major showcase of the city’s sustained advocacy for environmental protection and preservation.

“We invite everyone to come join us in this grand celebration of Mother Nature. As always, the performances will highlight the importance of taking care of the environment and our natural resources, with various creatures, flowers and plants depicted by the performers,” Binay said.

The 29th Caracol Festival was conceptualized in 1986 and became a part of the Fiesta Islands Program of the Department of Tourism in 1989.

MMDA plans to put 'express buses'

[(PNA), SCS/CLTC]

MANILA, Feb. 8 (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) plans to put "express buses" that will offer point-to-point, non-stop trips to ease commuters’ daily travel along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA).

In the weekly agency's radio program on Sunday, Emerson Carlos, MMDA assistant general manager for operations, said that plans for the express bus service are now in the works to help ease the daily traffic jam in the metropolis.

He said talks are ongoing among the officials of the MMDA, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the project.

“Magkakausap dito ang MMDA, DOTC at LTFRB na kung saan meron silang isang fleet ng buses na magta-travel from one point to another. Derecho na ito. The express bus will only load passengers, like for example, at Ayala Business Center (in Makati), it will travel straight to a point in Quezon City,” Carlos explained.

He said one of the reasons for this project is to let those commuters with private cars to leave their vehicles and ride the public utility buses that may also lessen the traffic congestion.

He said the routes being considered are those that connect business districts in Metro Manila, like Quezon City, Makati, and Taguig, among others.

The new public transport concept will involve a fleet of 50 public utility buses with existing franchises.

"In order for us to lure office workers in Makati City not to use their private cars, they need comfortable public transport," Carlos said.

He said the buses which will be used for the project already have existing franchises which will be just amended by the LTFRB.

"We will not be adding buses because we will be using public utility buses with existing franchises," he said.

He said the DOTC has already asked MMDA if these express buses can take regular lanes and underpasses along EDSA.

In terms of the fare, Carlos said the express bus will have a special rate since this is considered as a premium bus.

DENR to hold ‘biodiversity-friendly’ business, investment forum

(PNA), RMA/DENR-PR/PJN

MANILA, Feb. 7 (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is spearheading an investment forum to encourage companies to invest in businesses that promote sustainable use of marine- and forest-based resources within the country’s key biodiversity areas (KBAs).

Invited to grace the Biodiversity-Friendly Business and Investment Forum slated for February 11 in Makati City include DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, Senators Loren Legarda and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, UNDP Country Director Maurice Dewulf, key officials from the Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry.

Also expected to attend are local executives and representatives of non-government organizations as well as peoples organizations.

With the theme “Conserving Biodiversity to Promote Inclusive Economic Growth,” the forum will showcase available business opportunities identified by the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) in some KBAs.

KBAs are sites that contain one or more viable populations of a globally threatened species that requires immediate conservation action.

The BMB, through its Biodiversity Partnership Project (BPP), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, and Department of Agriculture, has identified a number of business opportunity ventures, which may be supported by potential private sector partners and investors.

These include an ecotourism project and furniture and handicraft production within the 200,155-hectare Malampaya Sound Protected Land and Seascape Area in Taytay, Palawan; community-based coffee enterprises and processed food at the Quirino Protected Landscape in Quirino province;

Handicraft production and handloom weaving using the “bakong” plant and a wine, vinegar, jam factory using a local fruit called “Lubeg” inside the Northeastern Cagayan KBA in Cagayan Valley;

An eco park project integrating a lemongrass and citronella plantation and essential oils extraction facility and gifts and houseware production using tiger grass, nito, bamboo and abaca in Northern Negros Natural Park in Negros Occidental; houseware products from abaca, bamboo and nito in Central Panay Mountains in the island of Panay; and

Almaciga resin production in Mt. Hamiguitan Wildlife Reserve Sanctuary in Davao Oriental; and community-based coffee enterprises and handicraft production in Mt. Kalatungan, a New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project (NewCAPP) site in Bukidnon province.

Apart from presenting investment opportunities, the DENR will also launch the “biodiversity-friendly” or BF-label branding program. Select people’s organizations (POs) will have the chance to present their respective BF products and enterprises during a plenary session.

BPP, also called “Partnership for Biodiversity Conservation: Mainstreaming in Local Agricultural Landscapes,” was launched in November 2012 with a USD 17-million funding from the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility.

The six-year project, which is being implemented in five biodiversity-important regions, aims to strengthen the capacities of local government units in adopting biodiversity conservations as a priority in their development plans, capacitate POs in pursuing economic activities that enhance biodiversity conservation efforts in their areas, among others.

The project is implemented in KBAs located in Regions 2, 4-B, 6, 10, 11 and 13. It prioritizes the conservation of threatened species and their habitats from threats such as unsustainable agricultural production and incompatible land use.

It also hinges on the convergence of the DENR with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, the National Economic Development Authority, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to promote biodiversity conservation in national and local development planning activities.

The BMB said there are now a total of 228 KBAs in the Philippines, consisting of 128 terrestrial and 123 marine sites. Several of these are on protected area status, but majority are outside of protected areas proclaimed under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, thus requiring additional interventions from initiatives like the BPP to complement the DENR’s biodiversity conservation efforts in these areas.

IPOPHL vows enhanced anti-piracy campaign

By Mike Frialde (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines - The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has vowed to press on with its drive against fake and pirated products in the country and further improve intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and enforcement.

Speaking to reporters in Makati on Friday, IPOPHL deputy director general Allan Gepty said the protection of intellectual property rights will be further enhanced through inter-agency cooperation, especially with the Philippine National Police and the Optical Media Board.

According to Gepty, the Philippine was removed from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Special 301 Report in April last year. Gepty said it was the first time that the Philippines was taken out of the report in the past 20 years.

The USTR Special Report is prepared annually by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 as amended by the Trade Act of 1974. The report identifies trade barriers to US companies and products due to the intellectual property laws such as copyright, patents and trademarks in other countries.

Each year the USTR must identify countries which do not provide "adequate and effective" protection of intellectual property rights or "fair and equitable market access to United States persons that rely upon intellectual property rights."

“The Philippines’ removal from the USTR Special 301 Watch List in 2014 is a manifestation of the country’s efforts to build-up the image of the country where intellectual property rights are fully respected and enforcement laws are complied,” said Gepty.

As proof of the IPOPHL’s drive against piracy and counterfeiting, some P13.3 billion worth of pirated and fake products – or a 70 percent increase from 2013’s P7.8 billion – were seized in inter-agency operations. Gepty said 2014’s seizure was the largest in the country’s history.

Among those seized last year were 2.3 million pieces of pirated software in compact discs with an estimated value of P831.2 million.

The ladies behind the art fair

By J. T. Cruz [(PNA) SCS/LSJ & AJD-OJT)]

LOVERS of contemporary Philippine art are in their element this week thanks to the Philippine Art Fair 2015 which is ongoing until Feb. 8 at The Link, the car park next to the Makati Shangri-La, plus a plethora of related activities -- exhibits, tours and talks -- throughout the metro called Beyond the Link.

All of this is organized by the three ladies behind Philippine Art Events, Inc. -- Trickie Lopa, Lisa Periquet and Dindin Araneta.

To get a better sense of the art fair, BusinessWorld thought of interviewing its three organizers and their relationship with art.

Ms. Lopa said she had always been interested in art, but her early exposure had been to Philippine masters like Vicente Manansala, Juan Luna, Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, and Victorio Edades. She was aware of contemporary artists, but she wasn’t deep into the scene. In 2003, she went to an exhibit called The American Effect at New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art. At that show, she saw a piece entitled Ma McKinley by Alfredo Esquillo, Jr., which was an American with eagle hands cradling a Filipino baby.

“I thought, who is this guy? How come I don’t know him? And I thought I was already interested in art,” said Ms. Lopa. From then on she paid more attention to contemporary art.

When Ms. Araneta graduated from college, she did not know what to do. Then she went to the Louvre Museum and saw she the classical Greek sculpture Winged Victory of Samothrace. “When I saw it, I thought it was so amazing,” she said. Things became clear to her after that -- she would devote her life to art.

It was an art exhibit of works by Solomon Saprid at ABC Galleries in Cubao’s Ali Mall that called Ms. Periquet to art. She was in high school when her father brought her to that exhibit of sculptures depicting creatures of Philippine mythology. “I was fascinated,” she said.

Ms. Periquet’s family, the Ongpins, were immersed in art. Her great-grandfather, Alfonso Ongpin, opened a gallery called Arte in R. Hidalgo St., in Quiapo, and “was probably the biggest art collector in the Philippines before the war,” she said. Alfonso’s father had a hardware store in Binondo called L82 that also sold art materials imported from Europe. Since there weren’t many art stores at the time, painters like Hidalgo and Luna would buy their supplies there, said Ms. Periquet. To top it all off, the Ongpins are also descendants of painter Damian Domingo.

“Everybody had a high awareness of art,” she said.

The three women have different tastes when it comes to art.

Ms. Lopa says she likes the “dark strong works” and the “creepy and scary” type. “It just pulls me in,” said Ms. Lopa, explaining that works like these stir something in her mind. “I just feel more of a connection with them.”

Ms. Araneta said she is attracted to a broad range of art. “I like [everything from] Samothrace to Lani Maestro,” said Ms. Araneta. “It really appeals to me based on gut reaction, and it also helps if I like talking to the artists.”

Ms. Periquet enjoys modernist art. “Maybe I’m more of a conservative person,” she said, but added that she is fond of abstract art, contemporary works, and assemblage. “But I’m not as focused on contemporary art as Trickie,” said Ms. Periquet. “Maybe it’s because I’ve been looking at modernist art for so long and that was the first art that impinged on my imagination.”

Though their tastes in art are not the same, the organizers still gel well. “In terms of taste, we are very different,” said Ms. Lopa. “But one thing we agree on is we really want the Philippine visual art scene to be accessible to a wide audience.”

PSOD and MeadJohnson Nutrition support Rare Disease Week observance

By Leilani S. Junio and Arianne J Dolar [(PNA) SCS/LSJ & AJD-OJT)]

MANILA, Feb. 4 (PNA) -- In support of individuals and families suffering from “rare diseases,” the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders Inc. (PSOD) and MeadJohnson Nutrition announced on Wednesday their lineup of events in observation of the 6th National Rare Disease Week (Feb. 22-28) and the 8th (World) Rare Disease Day.

Wally Panganiban, corporate affairs manager of MeadJohnson Nutrition, said that to highlight the celebration, they will be featuring “The Angelos” — a classical pop trio composed of young, dashing and vibrant world-class artists George Sison Tagle, Rei Paolo Libiran and John Louie V. Abaigar — in a special Valentine’s concert on Feb. 12 at 8 p.m.

“The concert will be held at the Teatrino Theater of the Promenade in Greenhills. It is also dubbed as 'Seasons of Love', since the proceeds of the concert will be for the benefit of the PSOD,” Panganiban said during a round-table discussion held at the Max Restaurant in Jupiter St., Makati City about rare diseases and the pending bill in the Senate that will benefit patients and families affected by rare diseases.

Panganiban said the proceeds from the show will be used by the society for its Patient and Family Welfare Program to access critical medical treatments and therapies, cover emergency confinement, and critical supportive care of its young beneficiaries.

As a long-time support for the patients as part of the promotion of its corporate social responsibility, MeadJohnson Nutrition engages itself in helping the families of rare disease patients by donating products for patients suffering from rare diseases since most families find difficulty in providing due to financial constraints.

“About 20 years ago, the Institute of Human Genetics of UP-PGH (University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital) approached us asking for support in terms of medical formula for patients with rare disease such as maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). Since then we have committed to giving donations for them,” Panganiban said.

In addition, he said they are also helping in creating some awareness campaign to let the public know more about rare diseases and encourage them to help the patients.

He said that one of the action plans they undertake is continuous engagement with PSOD and supporting the passage of Senate Bill No. 2098 or the "Rare Diseases Act of 2014" authored by Senator Pia Cayetano.

Among the salient features of the bill are: A Rare Disease Registry, referral of patients suspected or diagnosed with rare disease to the Regional Newborn Screening Centers to ensure that the afflicted person receives adequate medical care for his or her condition and is referred to a healthcare practitioner who specializes on rare diseases.

Other notable features are giving same benefits to rare disease patients as enjoyed by persons with disabilities (PWDs), as mandated by Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and making the cost of treatment of rare disease included in the benefit package under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

Cynthia K. Magdaraog, president of PSOD, said that it is very timely that through the passage of the bill at the soonest time, revenues generated by R.A. 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Act shall include medical assistance to patients with rare disease.

PSOD was launched in June 2006 and has since then supported people with orphan disorders.

The organization aims to involve principal stakeholders such as government agencies, health institutions, non-government organizations, media and other institutions to further establish and realize PSOD’s goals.

“We hope that President Aquino and our lawmakers, as well as government agencies, will realize the crucial need for the passage and signing of this bill before the end of the Aquino administration in 2016," Magdaraog said.

She added that patients need early detection and management thereafter is sometimes very difficult among those who have less in life or cannot afford treatment, thus depriving them of the chance of survival or fighting chance.

“If he (President Aquino) will heed our call, that will be a lasting legacy that he can leave to us,” Magdaraog said, adding that they are sending an invitation for the President to have him personally see the children and individuals with rare diseases.

Aside from the concert, a Fun Run will also be held on Feb. 22, 2015 at Sta. Rosa City, Laguna for the benefit of children with rare diseases.

A disease is considered rare if it affects one in 20,000 individuals as defined by the Institute of Human Genetics of the National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines-Manila.

No one can predict who can have it as it can only be known after birth through new born screening.

Based on a study, a combination of certain “not so good genes” can also result to rare disease of a child if one of the partners (husband/wife) is carrier of said genes.

There are about 6,000 to 8,000 rare diseases listed all over the world.

Battle of Manila exhibit reminds Filipinos not to forget lessons of war

By Nestor Corrales (INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines—“We should never forget the lessons of war, the loss of lives and heritage.”

This was the central message of the opening of the commemoration of the 70th year of the Battle of Manila, which kicked off at the Ayala Museum in Makati on Tuesday.

The event dubbed as “Manila, My City at War!” is a month-long series of exhibit and symposiums showing the various losses brought about by war.

“We won the war. It is a very important event in the Philippine history that the Filipinas Heritage Library wants to share to the Filipinos especially to the young generation,” said Faye Johanna Cura, associate manager of the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL).

Cura said the young generation should learn from the hurts and hardships of our forefathers.

She said the exhibit and mini conference at Ayala Museum would allow the young generation to “dig a little bit from our history and learn from it.”

During the opening ceremony, Col. Emmanuel de Ocampo, a war veteran, shared his experiences during the war and how Filipinos survived against the Japanese forces.

Ocampo said, “Filipinos are not war-like but no one should touch the Filipinos because they will fight until their last blood.”

Director Uro de la Cruz, who compiled photographs of Teodulo Protomartir during the postwar in Manila, showed the crowd what Manila and other places in the Philippines were like before the war.

Inside the museum, artworks, photos, maps, military artifacts and various memorabilia were displayed for public viewing.

“We have original documents and military artifacts,” Cura said, adding that the exhibit would enlighten the historical awareness of the present generation.

The exhibit will run from Feb. 3 to March 3. Resource speakers, including academics, cultural advocates and war veterans will give a talk on life in Manila pre-war, during the war and post-war.

Cura said the generation today had a different perception of war.

“War for us is ISIS and the continuing war in Mindanao. I think we have to know also how our grandfathers fought because we can learn for them,” she said.

“Are all the loss of lives and heritage worth it? What are we willing to risk?” she asked saying all these questions would be answered during the symposiums.

She said it is important that the present generation “put a value to things now” and preserved our heritage as Filipinos.

ASEAN legal eagles to converge in Manila

(InterAksyon.com)

MANILA - An association of lawyers, judges, and justices from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold its general assembly in this city this month, and will make a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III, parallel to the holding of events that include workshops for Filipino lawyers.

The workshops will address, among other things, the legal implications on the ASEAN integration of cross-border practices and commercial laws of the ASEAN legal community, as well as such fundamentals as commercial arbitration, free access to courts, and the rights of citizens to justice within the ASEAN countries.

Avelino Cruz, regional VP of the ASEAN Law Association (ALA) and president of ALA Philippines, announced that the ASEAN chief justices and select ALA officials will visit Malacañan Palace on Feb. 27, the third day of the association’s four-day 12th General Assembly (GA).

ALA Philippines, where Cruz is also chairman of its National Committee, has worked closely on the preparations with the office of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno as host for the Summit Meeting of all ASEAN chief justices, to be held in Boracay on March 1-2, and who will converge in Manila for the ALA GA at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

The separate meetings on Boracay are on-track, and will not be attended only by ALA officials and delegates as guests, but also by members of the Philippine Supreme Court, the SC's Zaldy Trespeses said.

Michael Toledo, chairman for the Standing Committee on Legal Information at ALA Philippines, stressed the importance of the ASEAN economic integration, saying that bureaucracy must be trimmed for the free flow of goods, services, and capital among the member states.

“If you want to stimulate a level playing field, remove the red tape and promote transparency,” explained Toledo, media bureau head of the MVP group of companies and is SVP for Regulatory and Public Affairs at Philex Mining Corp. “It may not even be a question about competition policy and law, but about good governance.”

Cruz said the preparations for the Feb. 25-28 general assembly of ALA, are complete, including the holding of six workshops, with a conference theme “Sharing Prosperity at the Crossroads of ASEAN Integration—the Legal Challenges.”

The workshops will address, among other things, the legal implications on the ASEAN integration of cross-border practices and commercial laws of the ASEAN legal community, as well as such fundamentals as commercial arbitration, free access to courts, and the rights of citizens to justice within the ASEAN countries.

The workshops, touching on all subjects of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) for Filipino lawyers, are on: Legal Profession, Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Law, Business Law, Trade & Investment, and Legal Education. The paper writers and chairmen of these workshops will come from the 10 ASEAN countries.

Indonesia’s Chief Justice Hatta Ali, the incumbent ALA president, and ALA Secretary-General Swandy Halim have said that preparations of all delegates from the nine other countries who will travel to Manila for the GA are on high gear, and will be ready for the opening day on Feb. 26.

ALA was founded in 1979 and will meet here in Manila for the first time since 1995.

The presidency of ALA, designated in the ASEAN Charter of 2007 as the regional bloc’s only civil society affiliate for law, rotates among the member nations every three years. Cruz was nominated Jan. 26 by the ALA Philippine National Committee for theposition of incoming president of ALA.

ALA’s Philippine National Committee is headed by Cruz and Vice Chairman Alonzo Ancheta, with the following as members: Sereno; Justice Antonio Carpio; Lilia de Lima, director of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority; Prof. Myrna Feliciano; Danilo Concepcion, dean of the University of the Philippines’ College of Law; Andres Bautista, chairman of the Philippine Commission on Good Government; retiredchief justices Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno; and ex-officio members,former senator Edgardo Angara and Senate President Franklin Drilon, who is also regional chairman of the ALA Foundation.

The other officials of ALA Philippines are: Victoria delos Reyes, secretary; Regina Geraldez, treasurer; Eduardo Hernandez, deputy secretary-general; Feliciano, editor of ALA Journal, and Victoria Loanzon, assistant secretary.

Subway project rolled out by first half of 2015 -- DoTC

By Chrisee Jalyssa V. Dela Paz

THE MOST expensive public-private partnership (PPP) deal in the government pipeline is set to be rolled out within the first half of the year, once it secures final approval from President Benigno S. C. Aquino III this month, a Transportation department official said. Transportation spokesperson Michael Arthur C. Sagcal said by phone on Friday that his department “targets to publish an invitation to bid within the first half of 2015, and award it by the first quarter of 2016.”

The P374.5-billion Makati-Pasay-Taguig Mass Transit System Loop was one of the seven infrastructure projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee Technical Board and Cabinet Committee meeting on Jan. 14.

It will also be one of the projects that could be approved in the next NEDA Board meeting, tentatively set for early February, Rolando G. Tungpalan, deputy director-general for Investment Programming of NEDA, said by phone on Sunday.

“We’re allocating at least seven months after the rollout for the one-on-one meetings with prospective bidders, qualification of those interested, and actual bidding itself,” Mr. Sagcal said.

The spokesman of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) said that his department is “preparing for the next NEDA board meeting where we are hopeful that the project will be given the final green light for bidding.”

The planned 20-kilometer (km) system will consist of a 16-km tunnel, a 4-km elevated railway and 11 stations, which is expected to ease road congestion in the cities of Makati, Pasay and Taguig, according to the PPP Center Web site.

Veteran PPP bidders Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and MTD Philippines, Inc. have set their sights on the P374.5-billion PPP deal, the country’s first subway system that will link Bonifacio Global City, Makati central business district and the SM Mall of Asia.

“We are interested in the mass transit. We will wait for the terms and will look into the terms of reference,” MTD Philippines, Inc. President Isaac S. David said via mobile phone reply on Jan. 18.

For his part, MPIC President Jose Ma. K. Lim said in a text message: “We are interested and we will study it closely.”

Another transportation project requiring a major investment is the P177.22-billion North-South Railway Project (South Line), which is also set to be tackled in the next NEDA Board meeting.

The railway project -- involving 89.7 kms of track -- will connect to the state-owned Philippine National Railways system. It will have two phases, namely: the Malolos-Tutuban line which will be funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the rehabilitation of the Tutuban-Calamba line under the PPP scheme.

The second phase will involve an interchange at Tutuban station and will run southwards to Calamba.

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