Turning adversities into opportunities has always been one of the top most principles of a good leader. Thus, a group of young professionals from all regions of Mindanao joined efforts to come to conceptualize a common goal consequently giving transcend to the program called “The Successor Generation”.
The Successor Generation program as a concept is a borrowed idea from Coalition of Development – Non Governmemt Organizations or CODE-NGO’s “Kami Naman” program. This an eight-month course designed to train second-liners or middle managers of Caucus of Development NGO’s (CODE-NGO) member networks. The idea behind is not only to equip middle managers with knowledge and information they need to come up with sound decision, analysis and courses of actions but also equip them with necessary skills and expertise that will help them run and manage their own organizations in the future.
Taking off from CODE-NGO’s initiative, the Technical Assistance Center for the Development of the Rural and Urban Poor (TACDRUP) expanded the idea of coming up with its own Successor Generation program not exclusive for NGOs but a design that is open enough to absorb all interested young professionals of Mindanao. This concept is aligned to TACDRUP’s program and its role as catalyst in consensus building efforts in Mindanao, like the Kusog Mindanaw.
The Kusog Mindanaw Experience
The creation of Kusog Mindanaw (“Strong Mindanao”) in 1994 had so far brought a couple of roundtable conferences centered on peace and development for Mindanao. This multi-sectoral coalition, whose creation was spearheaded the late Mr. Rey Teves and Fr. Eliseo “Jun” Mercado, Jr., OMI, was primarily established to promote peace and development, and begin a process of increasing the voice of Mindanawons in national policymaking.
Kusog Mindanaw proceeds on the basis of and is guided by the spirit of unity in diversity. It seeks tohighlight points of unity rather than of disagreements.Proceeding from minimum consensus among Mindanawons, Kusog Mindanaw aspires to build a criticalmass that will undertake concerted action that can secure for Mindanao. It is just due in terms of politicalparity and economic equity.
The Challenge
In the last Kusog Mindanaw roundtable conference held last May of this year, conference participants coming from heads of major religious groups, business networks, military, legislators, non-government organizations, media, and academic institutions of Mindanao were looking for the participation of the youth and the young professionals. While the forum tackled pertinent issues securing Mindanao’s future but those that will benefit their discussions i.e. the youth were not well represented in the forum.
On the one hand, the youth including the young professionals comprise more than half of thepopulation of not only Mindanao but also the entire country. Yet, no mechanisms are there that cantruly represent collective views of the young on specific Mindanao issues without being suspected to bepartisan or allied to a particular group. On the other hand, there are a lot of thematic and issue-basedorganizations that are youth-led, yet, none are representative of a Mindanao-wide “consensus”.
Hence,the challenge is on how to direct and organize all these efforts leading towards a common vision forMindanao.
Picking from these realities, TACDRUP pushed through with the idea of consulting the regions on whether there is a need to organize a Successor Generation i.e. designed for Mindanao young professionals geared towards a continuing leadership formation. Fortunately, all regional consultations (e.g. Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Digos City, CARAGA, SOCSKSARGEN, etc.) positively responded to the idea and were looking forward to coming up with a mechanism that can consolidate all the efforts that are already done locally. Furthermore, there is a hope and aspiration from the group to hopefully influence policies and the policy makers in the near future to the benefit of Mindanao and its people. Hence, a Mindanao Young Professionals (MYP) Forum is born.
Defining the MYP Forum: Its Vision-Mission-Values
In August 25, after so many months of organizing and doing regional workshops, MYP Forum crafted itsVMV (Vision-Mission-Values) to give direction and definition of the group as Mindanawons vis-à-vis theirrole as professionals in making peace and development truly a reality in Mindanao.
Their vision is to become a leading network of young professionals committed to work for a better Mindanao ; and their mission is to facilitate a pro-active and consensus-building forum of young professionals that will helpin nurturing the next generation of Mindanao leaders to become dedicated in advancingMindanao Agenda including peace and development.
They will be guided with the principles ofCOMMITMENT for MINDANAO: SUGA-I!Which stands for Commitment for Mindanao, Sustainability, Unity in diversity, Good governance, Accountability, and Integrity.
They have plans of conveninh annually the Mindanao Young Profs Forum representing the (6) six sectors (i.e.business, religious, civil society, local government unit, national agencies and academe) to concretizethe Mindanao agenda and identify key issues affecting their sector and Mindanao, ingeneral and to mobilize sectors for policy advocacies and organize sustainable programs/activitiesaddressing specific issues in their communities; and to organize capacity-building programs to better prepare young leaders to assume strategicroles in the future.
Perhaps this successor generation of Young Mindanao Professionals will bring about the era of peace and development that we all have been dreaming for in our island.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
WILL THERE BE A POWER CRISIS IN MINDANAO?
Each and every businessman who recently attended the 18th Mindanao Business Conference in Koronadal City last week expressed serious concern over the truthfulness as to whether there will be a power crisis in Mindanao. The Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed this in a statement and further revealed that if the government and companies concerned will not provide a solution by the end of the year, the problem might get worst.
Certainly, there is a shortage and the critical period has been known to the government especially from the DOE’s point of view as early as 2007. The critical period had already started this year and we are facing an uncertain situation. The officials of the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) admitted that Mindanao is inevitably headed towards a crisis of very serious proportions. Mindanao’s major cities—Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Butuan and Zamboanga will experience darkness, if no concrete actions to avert the power crisis will be done.
You can just image what will happen to cities like Davao, Cagayan and Zamboanga who have been heavily selling their cities as the future “ICT (information Communication Technology) Hubs for BPO’s (Business Process Outsourcing). BPO businesses thrive best in areas where there is assurance and permanence of sufficient power supply. What will happen to the tuna canneries in Gen. Santos and to the sardine plants in Dipolog without continuous supply of power?
The entire Mindanao will expect to have long hours of brownout if the power crisis cannot be averted on time. Power supply is crucial to the existence of businesses and investments in the island. We will all suffer tremendous losses; more so with the small and medium sized businessmen who may not be able to afford the cost of expensive generators. This scenario may further result to scaling down of enterprise activities which can lead to unemployment and eventually an increase in poverty
Power Demand of Mindanao
The present demand of Mindanao’s five key cities is put at 484MW while the peak demand of power users is expected to hit an average of 5.76 percent in the next five years. A strategic approach as proposed by the DLPC presented a 13.1 percent reserve capacity in order to enable the Mindanao grid to supply the total power demand of the island. This approach is based on the theory that the grid must maintain a reserve capacity equivalent to the capacity of the biggest generating plant so that in the event that a single plant fails, there would still be enough to supply 100 percent of the requirement of the power users.
Moreover, the DLPC projects that the gap between the requirement and the reserve capacity of 13.1 percent will gradually deteriorate over the next five years. Mindanao is now feeling the crisis since the 13.1 percent power reserve during off peak to ensure continuous supply of power has already dropped to one percent.
Contradicting Statements
On the contrary, the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) said that research shows there is no power crisis in Mindanao. In fact, the Philippine Energy Plan 2004-2014 report of the DOE indicated a total surplus power of about 373 megawatts for the Mindanao grid. The report also indicated that there is enough power supply for the deficits of both Western Mindanao (62MW) and Southern Mindanao (233MW) which comes from the surplus power of 670MW in Northern Mindanao. FDC also found out on its own research that there is, in fact, a low demand for energy because of the current economic turmoil that is being experienced on a global scale. Most industries are slowing down operations due to the slowing down economy, thereby reducing demand for power.
Action Agenda to Avert the Crisis
However, the government identified an immediate solution by putting up three new power plants but it would take about three years to get all of them done. Among the three projects are the Sibulan Hydro, which is currently being completed, the Mindanao 3 located at the peak of Mt. Apo which is almost done and the Kabulig Hydro which is experiencing some problems. Even if these guaranteed power plants are completed, they will still project a shortage of around 400 megawatts (MW). In addition to these three plants, the Conal Holdings Corporation, owned by the Alcantaras, has unveiled a $450 million coal-fired power plant in Sarangani Province to be up by 2013. This plant is expected to generate up to 200MW of power which would be enough to sustain the requirement.
There’s another theory that this looming power crisis is caused by “transmission constraints” which is already being addressed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. And that, as of April 2008, there is a 382.1MW reserve which is enough to supply whatever imbalance that may occur in power supply and demand. We are being supplied with 1,933.4MW as total installed capacity of power generating plants in Mindanao while 1,682.1MW is the dependable capacity. Plus Hedcor Sibulan and Conol Holdings in Sarangani Province supply an additional capacity of 242MW. We actually have more than enough, if this is the case.
Clearly, power shortage is a looming threat. This is the time that business, government and the various groups of the civil society should work together to avert this crisis NOW before it is too late!
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Certainly, there is a shortage and the critical period has been known to the government especially from the DOE’s point of view as early as 2007. The critical period had already started this year and we are facing an uncertain situation. The officials of the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) admitted that Mindanao is inevitably headed towards a crisis of very serious proportions. Mindanao’s major cities—Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Butuan and Zamboanga will experience darkness, if no concrete actions to avert the power crisis will be done.
You can just image what will happen to cities like Davao, Cagayan and Zamboanga who have been heavily selling their cities as the future “ICT (information Communication Technology) Hubs for BPO’s (Business Process Outsourcing). BPO businesses thrive best in areas where there is assurance and permanence of sufficient power supply. What will happen to the tuna canneries in Gen. Santos and to the sardine plants in Dipolog without continuous supply of power?
The entire Mindanao will expect to have long hours of brownout if the power crisis cannot be averted on time. Power supply is crucial to the existence of businesses and investments in the island. We will all suffer tremendous losses; more so with the small and medium sized businessmen who may not be able to afford the cost of expensive generators. This scenario may further result to scaling down of enterprise activities which can lead to unemployment and eventually an increase in poverty
Power Demand of Mindanao
The present demand of Mindanao’s five key cities is put at 484MW while the peak demand of power users is expected to hit an average of 5.76 percent in the next five years. A strategic approach as proposed by the DLPC presented a 13.1 percent reserve capacity in order to enable the Mindanao grid to supply the total power demand of the island. This approach is based on the theory that the grid must maintain a reserve capacity equivalent to the capacity of the biggest generating plant so that in the event that a single plant fails, there would still be enough to supply 100 percent of the requirement of the power users.
Moreover, the DLPC projects that the gap between the requirement and the reserve capacity of 13.1 percent will gradually deteriorate over the next five years. Mindanao is now feeling the crisis since the 13.1 percent power reserve during off peak to ensure continuous supply of power has already dropped to one percent.
Contradicting Statements
On the contrary, the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) said that research shows there is no power crisis in Mindanao. In fact, the Philippine Energy Plan 2004-2014 report of the DOE indicated a total surplus power of about 373 megawatts for the Mindanao grid. The report also indicated that there is enough power supply for the deficits of both Western Mindanao (62MW) and Southern Mindanao (233MW) which comes from the surplus power of 670MW in Northern Mindanao. FDC also found out on its own research that there is, in fact, a low demand for energy because of the current economic turmoil that is being experienced on a global scale. Most industries are slowing down operations due to the slowing down economy, thereby reducing demand for power.
Action Agenda to Avert the Crisis
However, the government identified an immediate solution by putting up three new power plants but it would take about three years to get all of them done. Among the three projects are the Sibulan Hydro, which is currently being completed, the Mindanao 3 located at the peak of Mt. Apo which is almost done and the Kabulig Hydro which is experiencing some problems. Even if these guaranteed power plants are completed, they will still project a shortage of around 400 megawatts (MW). In addition to these three plants, the Conal Holdings Corporation, owned by the Alcantaras, has unveiled a $450 million coal-fired power plant in Sarangani Province to be up by 2013. This plant is expected to generate up to 200MW of power which would be enough to sustain the requirement.
There’s another theory that this looming power crisis is caused by “transmission constraints” which is already being addressed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. And that, as of April 2008, there is a 382.1MW reserve which is enough to supply whatever imbalance that may occur in power supply and demand. We are being supplied with 1,933.4MW as total installed capacity of power generating plants in Mindanao while 1,682.1MW is the dependable capacity. Plus Hedcor Sibulan and Conol Holdings in Sarangani Province supply an additional capacity of 242MW. We actually have more than enough, if this is the case.
Clearly, power shortage is a looming threat. This is the time that business, government and the various groups of the civil society should work together to avert this crisis NOW before it is too late!
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A NEW GENERATION OF MUSLIM LEADERS
Last 16 July 2009, I was invited as a resource speaker for the a simple reunion of former and present Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders (CIPYML) in Davao City. I had the opportunity to personally talk to many of them and I was impressed by their in-depth understanding of the problems pertaining to peace that had been hounding us in Mindanao for centuries. All of them are already employed in different public and private offices and are holding important positions and so I believed that the training program would enhance their abilities to influence the way other people perceived the Mindanao peace problem to be.
My advocacy work for Mindanao has given me opportunities for inter-actions with different groups of people- from businessmen and women, professionals, members of non-government organizations (NGO’s) and even politicians. Often times, I am surprised by their wrong understanding and interpretation of our problems in Mindanao. Because of this, despite my busy schedule, I really try to accept as many speaking engagements because this is a very effective way for people to see Mindanao in a different light.
CIPYML Program Internship
This program offers opportunities for young people from Mindanao’s Muslim community to undertake internships in the Philippine House of Representatives, where they will have the opportunity to observe and gain first-hand experience in public policy formulation. The internships have a four-month duration and are offered to recent graduates of colleges and universities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other conflict affected areas of Mindanao who have the potential, in the future, to assume leadership positions in business and government
The goal of the program can be summarized into three words; ENHANCE, EXPAND, PROVIDE. The aim is to enhance the commitment of young people within the ARMM and conflict-affected areas in Mindanao to democratic values and institutions by increasing their knowledge of the process of policy formulation and legislative processes. And in the long term increase their appreciation and understanding of the work that has to be done to fast track the peace process.
Planting the Seed of Change
True enough that change starts from within. I applaud the leadership and initiative of these young Muslim leaders as they view the resolution and the progress of Mindanao will be achieved through the programs they would formulate and implement .These are the young leaders who will plant the seed of advocacy that economic development is a much better alternative than rebellion and the use of arms.
The program also aims to continuously increase the number of young Muslim men and women in Mindanao who have a broad understanding of national issues and democratic governance. Mindanao’s problem can only be solved by the people of Mindanao themselves. Awareness and understanding of both cultures and the respect of each other’s opinion plays a vital role in the peace process.
These leaders as they are being trained, gains a broader knowledge that Mindanao is a diversified region with a huge potential for economic progress that waits to be harnessed. Knowledge is power as they say, and it is true.
The Selection Proces
This program is divided into two major components; academic enrichment and leadership enhancement training. But before they get into the program Potential youth Muslim leaders undergoes a rigorous screening process before they are accepted as CIPYML Interns.
During the first phase of the screening process, student’s academic standing, leadership potential and their contribution to their community are taken into consideration for the selection. Soon after, the best 30 students will need to attend the “Introductory course on Government” at the Mindanao State University in Marawi.
From the group, only 25 of them will be given chance to participate in specially designed training programs covering various governance topics in Manila. They would also be given assignments to standing and special committees and subcommittees of the House of Representatives and some selected offices of the members of Congress.
Working in Congress
While working in Congress, the Congressional Representatives and their staff will have the chance and the time to socialize and interact with these young articulate Muslim leaders ; and giving the latter a huge opportunity to explain and further discuss the policy issues and concerns .These exposures provides them a broader perspective of the policies, deepening their awareness of the benefits that they would reap should the policy succeed.
They are also exposed to field visits to the government agencies and LGUs, preparation of special reports, policy studies and draft legislation and attend legislative committee briefings and plenary sessions.
USAID SUPPORT
The USAID GEM(Growth with Equity –Mindanao) funds 90% of the training cost and the remaining 10% is shouldered by MSU and the Congress.
To date, we have 168 young Muslim leaders that finished the said program. A few days from now, 3rd of August, the 9th batch of young Muslim leaders will embark to a new 4 month program. Most the graduates are now employed in different corporations, government agencies, NGOs, academe and policy makers, all of which aiming for a better Mindanao
I would like to quote Ambassador Kristie Kenney as she quoted US President Barrack Obama “The world is what you make of it, you don’t have to accept the world you’re given. You have the power to hold your leaders accountable and create institutions that serve the people… If we wait for some other person, or some other time, change will not come; there will never be a better time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek.”
(JojiIlagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of JojiIlaganFoundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
My advocacy work for Mindanao has given me opportunities for inter-actions with different groups of people- from businessmen and women, professionals, members of non-government organizations (NGO’s) and even politicians. Often times, I am surprised by their wrong understanding and interpretation of our problems in Mindanao. Because of this, despite my busy schedule, I really try to accept as many speaking engagements because this is a very effective way for people to see Mindanao in a different light.
CIPYML Program Internship
This program offers opportunities for young people from Mindanao’s Muslim community to undertake internships in the Philippine House of Representatives, where they will have the opportunity to observe and gain first-hand experience in public policy formulation. The internships have a four-month duration and are offered to recent graduates of colleges and universities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other conflict affected areas of Mindanao who have the potential, in the future, to assume leadership positions in business and government
The goal of the program can be summarized into three words; ENHANCE, EXPAND, PROVIDE. The aim is to enhance the commitment of young people within the ARMM and conflict-affected areas in Mindanao to democratic values and institutions by increasing their knowledge of the process of policy formulation and legislative processes. And in the long term increase their appreciation and understanding of the work that has to be done to fast track the peace process.
Planting the Seed of Change
True enough that change starts from within. I applaud the leadership and initiative of these young Muslim leaders as they view the resolution and the progress of Mindanao will be achieved through the programs they would formulate and implement .These are the young leaders who will plant the seed of advocacy that economic development is a much better alternative than rebellion and the use of arms.
The program also aims to continuously increase the number of young Muslim men and women in Mindanao who have a broad understanding of national issues and democratic governance. Mindanao’s problem can only be solved by the people of Mindanao themselves. Awareness and understanding of both cultures and the respect of each other’s opinion plays a vital role in the peace process.
These leaders as they are being trained, gains a broader knowledge that Mindanao is a diversified region with a huge potential for economic progress that waits to be harnessed. Knowledge is power as they say, and it is true.
The Selection Proces
This program is divided into two major components; academic enrichment and leadership enhancement training. But before they get into the program Potential youth Muslim leaders undergoes a rigorous screening process before they are accepted as CIPYML Interns.
During the first phase of the screening process, student’s academic standing, leadership potential and their contribution to their community are taken into consideration for the selection. Soon after, the best 30 students will need to attend the “Introductory course on Government” at the Mindanao State University in Marawi.
From the group, only 25 of them will be given chance to participate in specially designed training programs covering various governance topics in Manila. They would also be given assignments to standing and special committees and subcommittees of the House of Representatives and some selected offices of the members of Congress.
Working in Congress
While working in Congress, the Congressional Representatives and their staff will have the chance and the time to socialize and interact with these young articulate Muslim leaders ; and giving the latter a huge opportunity to explain and further discuss the policy issues and concerns .These exposures provides them a broader perspective of the policies, deepening their awareness of the benefits that they would reap should the policy succeed.
They are also exposed to field visits to the government agencies and LGUs, preparation of special reports, policy studies and draft legislation and attend legislative committee briefings and plenary sessions.
USAID SUPPORT
The USAID GEM(Growth with Equity –Mindanao) funds 90% of the training cost and the remaining 10% is shouldered by MSU and the Congress.
To date, we have 168 young Muslim leaders that finished the said program. A few days from now, 3rd of August, the 9th batch of young Muslim leaders will embark to a new 4 month program. Most the graduates are now employed in different corporations, government agencies, NGOs, academe and policy makers, all of which aiming for a better Mindanao
I would like to quote Ambassador Kristie Kenney as she quoted US President Barrack Obama “The world is what you make of it, you don’t have to accept the world you’re given. You have the power to hold your leaders accountable and create institutions that serve the people… If we wait for some other person, or some other time, change will not come; there will never be a better time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek.”
(JojiIlagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of JojiIlaganFoundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
RO-RO YOUR BOAT TO MINDANAO
Agricultural products is Mindanao’s top export top export commodity. In 4th quarter of 2008 the food export amounted to P 956,114,443.00 and growing at a rate of 22.28%.
In the recent meeting of the Export Development Council, where I sit representing Mindanao and the National Competitiveness Council with President Arroyo, the report of the council showed a slowdown or a decline in the export of agricultural commodities. The agriculture and food sector of Mindanao view this as an opportunity to re- focus their marketing strength to the local or domestic market. And this is where transportation and logistics will be very critical for us.
RORO(Roll On/Roll Off)ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers or railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels. RORO vessels have built-in ramps which allow the cargo to be efficiently "rolled on" and "rolled off" the vessel when in port. The RORO project was launched around 2003 aiming to help entrepreneurs for a faster transport of goods domestically.
I was one of those who strongly supported the RORO program because I believed that these system of routes calledthe Strong Republic Nautical Highway(SRNH) offers an efficient and shorter way to travel to Luzon ,Visayas and Mindanao regions plying the western seaboard.
In her 2007 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Arroyo identified the Ports of Balbagon and Guinsiliban of Camiguin for inclusion in the Central Nautical Highway, as these ports connect the SRNH to Mindanao.
Iloilo via Ivisan town is about 4-hour drive from Caticlan. One may drop by Roxas City (about 10 minute drive from Ivisan) to buy some fresh seafoods. When in Iloilo, one can drop by Guimaras Island to have a taste of Philippine's finest mangos before going further south to Bacolod, then to Dumaguete then finally board the RORO to the eastern part of Mindanao , Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte
Mambajao Port is the nearest RoRo point linking the Visayas to Mindanao via the port of Jagna in Bohol, while Guinsiliban Port connects Camiguin to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental to the mainland of Mindanao. The Benoni Port in Mahinog, also a RORO point and connects the province toMisamis Oriental via Balingoan Port.
The Central Nautical Highway of the SRNH includes Cagayan de Oro City to Balingaon, Misamis Oriental to Camiguin, Bohol to Cebu, Masbate and Camarines Sur towards Luzon.
Fish dealers from Zamboanga Cityprefer RO-RO ships over big conventional cargo ships due to faster ship turn-around time and more trips are available. RO-RO trips start as early as 5:00 am. In the afternoon, fish carriers can go back to Dapitan for thc next trip.
The port development in Dapitan is another great example of the cost efficiency of the RORO system. The grains bulk handling terminal within the port is poised to support the grains production (particularly corn) in the western part of Mindanao - mainly Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. Together, these provinces produce about 500,000 metric tons of corn a year.
With this project, entrepreneurs can reduce their product price as much as 50% of the current export prices since the shipping is easier and much cheaper than the conventional shipping practices. Spoilage of perishable goods is also reduced due to their faster transportation.
A cargo truck drives off the ferry from Zamboanga City onto the roll-on, roll-off (RORO) landing at Lamitan Port in Basilan. After USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program upgraded the port and outfitted it with the RORO ramp, vessels calling at the port experienced faster turn-around rates, transport costs were reduced by about a third, and RORO traffic in the province more than tripled.
The southwestern Mindanao RO-RO connections consist of the following routes: Zamboanga City - Isabel (Basilan) ; Lamitan (Basilan) Z ; Siasi (Sulu) ; Bongao (Tawi-Tawi). Agricultural produce such as sugar, rice, bananas, marine products, and seaweeds, are shipped from TawiTawi, Sulu and Basilan to Zamboanga City. Majority of these cargoes go all the way to Visayan and Luzon markets via western nautical highway.
From a tourism perspective and for some one like me who loves to travel, the route allows you to hop from one island to another and enjoy the scenery in the comfort of your car. These can also promote domestic tourism.
Tourism professionals especially those from Mindanao should design better routes that would showcase breath-taking tourist spots without the hassle of worrying how to get to their destinations.
The project clearly gives entrepreneurs earn more and lose less. And maybe one day we can sing just like an old nursery rhyme with a twist “RO-RO-RO your boat, Gently down the Mindanaostream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Good Life is not just a dream.”
(JojiIlagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of JojiIlaganFoundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
In the recent meeting of the Export Development Council, where I sit representing Mindanao and the National Competitiveness Council with President Arroyo, the report of the council showed a slowdown or a decline in the export of agricultural commodities. The agriculture and food sector of Mindanao view this as an opportunity to re- focus their marketing strength to the local or domestic market. And this is where transportation and logistics will be very critical for us.
RORO(Roll On/Roll Off)ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers or railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels. RORO vessels have built-in ramps which allow the cargo to be efficiently "rolled on" and "rolled off" the vessel when in port. The RORO project was launched around 2003 aiming to help entrepreneurs for a faster transport of goods domestically.
I was one of those who strongly supported the RORO program because I believed that these system of routes calledthe Strong Republic Nautical Highway(SRNH) offers an efficient and shorter way to travel to Luzon ,Visayas and Mindanao regions plying the western seaboard.
In her 2007 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Arroyo identified the Ports of Balbagon and Guinsiliban of Camiguin for inclusion in the Central Nautical Highway, as these ports connect the SRNH to Mindanao.
Iloilo via Ivisan town is about 4-hour drive from Caticlan. One may drop by Roxas City (about 10 minute drive from Ivisan) to buy some fresh seafoods. When in Iloilo, one can drop by Guimaras Island to have a taste of Philippine's finest mangos before going further south to Bacolod, then to Dumaguete then finally board the RORO to the eastern part of Mindanao , Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte
Mambajao Port is the nearest RoRo point linking the Visayas to Mindanao via the port of Jagna in Bohol, while Guinsiliban Port connects Camiguin to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental to the mainland of Mindanao. The Benoni Port in Mahinog, also a RORO point and connects the province toMisamis Oriental via Balingoan Port.
The Central Nautical Highway of the SRNH includes Cagayan de Oro City to Balingaon, Misamis Oriental to Camiguin, Bohol to Cebu, Masbate and Camarines Sur towards Luzon.
Fish dealers from Zamboanga Cityprefer RO-RO ships over big conventional cargo ships due to faster ship turn-around time and more trips are available. RO-RO trips start as early as 5:00 am. In the afternoon, fish carriers can go back to Dapitan for thc next trip.
The port development in Dapitan is another great example of the cost efficiency of the RORO system. The grains bulk handling terminal within the port is poised to support the grains production (particularly corn) in the western part of Mindanao - mainly Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. Together, these provinces produce about 500,000 metric tons of corn a year.
With this project, entrepreneurs can reduce their product price as much as 50% of the current export prices since the shipping is easier and much cheaper than the conventional shipping practices. Spoilage of perishable goods is also reduced due to their faster transportation.
A cargo truck drives off the ferry from Zamboanga City onto the roll-on, roll-off (RORO) landing at Lamitan Port in Basilan. After USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program upgraded the port and outfitted it with the RORO ramp, vessels calling at the port experienced faster turn-around rates, transport costs were reduced by about a third, and RORO traffic in the province more than tripled.
The southwestern Mindanao RO-RO connections consist of the following routes: Zamboanga City - Isabel (Basilan) ; Lamitan (Basilan) Z ; Siasi (Sulu) ; Bongao (Tawi-Tawi). Agricultural produce such as sugar, rice, bananas, marine products, and seaweeds, are shipped from TawiTawi, Sulu and Basilan to Zamboanga City. Majority of these cargoes go all the way to Visayan and Luzon markets via western nautical highway.
From a tourism perspective and for some one like me who loves to travel, the route allows you to hop from one island to another and enjoy the scenery in the comfort of your car. These can also promote domestic tourism.
Tourism professionals especially those from Mindanao should design better routes that would showcase breath-taking tourist spots without the hassle of worrying how to get to their destinations.
The project clearly gives entrepreneurs earn more and lose less. And maybe one day we can sing just like an old nursery rhyme with a twist “RO-RO-RO your boat, Gently down the Mindanaostream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Good Life is not just a dream.”
(JojiIlagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of JojiIlaganFoundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
BUSINESS AT MAJESTIC MT. APO
There has been hundreds of articles about how majestic and beautiful Mt Apo is. This Davao's unique natural wonder is the Philippines' highest peak at 3,144 meters. Its base covers about 72,796 hectares of mountain ranges that extend from Davao City, Davao del Sur, Northern Cotabato, Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur to Misamis Oriental. Apo means "grandfather of all mountains". It is an inactive volcano with no recorded eruptions. Mount Apo's attractions are thundering waterfalls, rapids, lakes, geysers, sulphur pillars, primeval trees, endangered plant and animal species and a steaming blue lake.
Holy Week is a one of the best time for climbing Mt. Apo. I remembered that I was invited to climb Mt Apo several times in the past ; but I had to declined since I was told that I would need weeks of preparation which would include intensive exercise and jogging.
TOPOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY
The Mt. Apo Natural Park covers parcels of lands situated in the municipalities of Magpet and Makilala and City of Kidapawan in the Province of North Cotabato; municipalities of Bansalan and Sta. Cruz and City of Digos in the Province of Davao del Sur, and in the City of Davao, all in the Philippines.
The Mt. Apo , Mt. Sibulan and Mt. Talomo volcanic edifices are the major mountain ridges in the park. The peak of Mt. Apo has an altitude of 3,142 meters (10,311 feet) above sea level, the highest in the Philippines . The highest elelvation of Mt. Talomo is 2,674 meters above sea level while Mt. Sibulan has an elevation of around 1,322 meters above sea level.
Mt. Apo Natural Park has a typical volcanic terrain. Its features exhibited within the park area are cinder cones ( Mt. Talomo , Apo complex), volcanic plateaus (Todaya Plateau now known as Kapatagan) and breached craters.
ECONOMIC PROSPECTS
More than a million Filipinos from the three surrounding localities depend on Mt. Apo for livelihood, mostly from agriculture products due to its fertile slopes. Almost 50 percent of the park’s area has been converted into agricultural production.
Natural rubber is abundant on the mountain. In 2003, rubber was the top export earner for Mindanao, registering sales of US$44.2 million from production volume of 32.8 million kilograms. The mountain is ideal for the growth of rattan, one of the most sought materials for making furniture. About 10 percent of the total abaca production comes from Southern Mindanao. Majority of which is grown within the feet of Mount Apo.
Another product of Mount Apo’s generous soil is Abaca. The Philippine contribution of the export market of abaca fiber is about US$ 84 million. On the average, the farmer only gets 500 kilos per hectare per year but Southern Mindanao especially within the fields of Mount Apo hit 750 kilos per hectare per year although potential yield is at 3,000 kilos per hectare per year given the necessary and appropriate farm inputs.
Banana, another top exporter of Mindanao, also grows lavishly within its slopes. Aside from being traded in the market, the supply is sufficient enough to accommodate local consumption within the surrounding villages.
Mount Apo also emits sulfur from its summit. Sulfur is another commodity that is being harnessed and traded in the market.
Since Mount Apo is declared as a Natural Park, it is also one of the hot destinations for tourists. Although the National Government does not charge anything for climbing the mountain, the local villagers benefit by having day jobs such as trek guides and assistants. One trek guide/assistant could go as much as Php 300.00 - Php. 500.00 depending on how much stuff do they need to carry for you for the climb.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Mt. Apo is considered critical to the sustainable development of Mindanao because it is a vital watershed of major river systems that are sources of freshwater requirements for agricultural, domestic, and industrial users in Central and Southern Mindanao, specifically the provinces of North Cotabato and Davao Sur, and Davao City.
The Mount Apo Natural Park has also been subject to destructive uses that have severely compromised the ecology. Extensive illegal logging operations, indiscriminate extraction of non-timber forest products like rattan, wildlife poaching and even ranching have further eroded the pristine ecological value of the area.
Environmental consciousness has gained a foothold in both the public and private sectors. A number of initiatives have evolved to preserve and manage the nature park. What has developed is a menu of stakeholder approaches that respond to some specific aspect of biodiversity and sustainability issues. These include management zoning, resource assessment, resources protection/habitat preservation, habitat restoration, environmental awareness campaigns, and institutional support programs to enhance the capability of the different stakeholders.
Efforts to conserve Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) in South-Central Mindanao is getting a needed support which started with a workshop for MANP stakeholders under the aegis of the USAID-funded Philippine Environ-mental Governance Project (EcoGov), which is implemented with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Mount Apo is a symbol of Mindanao’s towering potential for growth. It reflects a diversified ecosystem that generates not only a source of food for the locals but livelihood as well.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council .Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Holy Week is a one of the best time for climbing Mt. Apo. I remembered that I was invited to climb Mt Apo several times in the past ; but I had to declined since I was told that I would need weeks of preparation which would include intensive exercise and jogging.
TOPOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY
The Mt. Apo Natural Park covers parcels of lands situated in the municipalities of Magpet and Makilala and City of Kidapawan in the Province of North Cotabato; municipalities of Bansalan and Sta. Cruz and City of Digos in the Province of Davao del Sur, and in the City of Davao, all in the Philippines.
The Mt. Apo , Mt. Sibulan and Mt. Talomo volcanic edifices are the major mountain ridges in the park. The peak of Mt. Apo has an altitude of 3,142 meters (10,311 feet) above sea level, the highest in the Philippines . The highest elelvation of Mt. Talomo is 2,674 meters above sea level while Mt. Sibulan has an elevation of around 1,322 meters above sea level.
Mt. Apo Natural Park has a typical volcanic terrain. Its features exhibited within the park area are cinder cones ( Mt. Talomo , Apo complex), volcanic plateaus (Todaya Plateau now known as Kapatagan) and breached craters.
ECONOMIC PROSPECTS
More than a million Filipinos from the three surrounding localities depend on Mt. Apo for livelihood, mostly from agriculture products due to its fertile slopes. Almost 50 percent of the park’s area has been converted into agricultural production.
Natural rubber is abundant on the mountain. In 2003, rubber was the top export earner for Mindanao, registering sales of US$44.2 million from production volume of 32.8 million kilograms. The mountain is ideal for the growth of rattan, one of the most sought materials for making furniture. About 10 percent of the total abaca production comes from Southern Mindanao. Majority of which is grown within the feet of Mount Apo.
Another product of Mount Apo’s generous soil is Abaca. The Philippine contribution of the export market of abaca fiber is about US$ 84 million. On the average, the farmer only gets 500 kilos per hectare per year but Southern Mindanao especially within the fields of Mount Apo hit 750 kilos per hectare per year although potential yield is at 3,000 kilos per hectare per year given the necessary and appropriate farm inputs.
Banana, another top exporter of Mindanao, also grows lavishly within its slopes. Aside from being traded in the market, the supply is sufficient enough to accommodate local consumption within the surrounding villages.
Mount Apo also emits sulfur from its summit. Sulfur is another commodity that is being harnessed and traded in the market.
Since Mount Apo is declared as a Natural Park, it is also one of the hot destinations for tourists. Although the National Government does not charge anything for climbing the mountain, the local villagers benefit by having day jobs such as trek guides and assistants. One trek guide/assistant could go as much as Php 300.00 - Php. 500.00 depending on how much stuff do they need to carry for you for the climb.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Mt. Apo is considered critical to the sustainable development of Mindanao because it is a vital watershed of major river systems that are sources of freshwater requirements for agricultural, domestic, and industrial users in Central and Southern Mindanao, specifically the provinces of North Cotabato and Davao Sur, and Davao City.
The Mount Apo Natural Park has also been subject to destructive uses that have severely compromised the ecology. Extensive illegal logging operations, indiscriminate extraction of non-timber forest products like rattan, wildlife poaching and even ranching have further eroded the pristine ecological value of the area.
Environmental consciousness has gained a foothold in both the public and private sectors. A number of initiatives have evolved to preserve and manage the nature park. What has developed is a menu of stakeholder approaches that respond to some specific aspect of biodiversity and sustainability issues. These include management zoning, resource assessment, resources protection/habitat preservation, habitat restoration, environmental awareness campaigns, and institutional support programs to enhance the capability of the different stakeholders.
Efforts to conserve Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) in South-Central Mindanao is getting a needed support which started with a workshop for MANP stakeholders under the aegis of the USAID-funded Philippine Environ-mental Governance Project (EcoGov), which is implemented with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Mount Apo is a symbol of Mindanao’s towering potential for growth. It reflects a diversified ecosystem that generates not only a source of food for the locals but livelihood as well.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council .Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Monday, March 23, 2009
WOMEN OF MINDANAO – MOVERS OF THE ECONOMY
March is a celebration of women’s power and so I would want to give honor and recognition to the women of Mindanao who continue to be its greatest resource and treasure. These women play a very important role whether as guardians of peace or movers of business and investments in the region.
There are many women that I had met in my advocacy work for Mindanao. These women are so successful in running their own businesses but more significantly these are the women who went out of the comforts of their air-conditioned offices and the luxury of their homes ; and contributed their talents and skills in the community that they do business in and helped improved the investments in Mindanao.
In the business and the chambers of commerce arena, there is Elena U. Haw who is the current Vice President for Mindanao of the Philippince Chamber of Commerce and Industry and recently was considered as the point person for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Haw was part of the Philippine delegation who joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the 5th BIMP-EAGA Leaders Summit late last month in Thailand. Elena had made it her passion to work for the development of small businesses particularly those in agriculture, corn and hog raising in South Cotabato where she is from.
Ann Pamintuan and Leny Castillo are outstanding business women in the furniture and handicraft sector. Both women spend all their energies honing their craft, looking for new markets, joining foreign trade exhibits and always manage to bring home the big orders assuring jobs for all of their workers and their families. Anne is also the only Asian featured in the International Design Yearbook 2002.
There is Davao hotelier, Mary Ann “Baby” Montemayor who steers the private sector in the promotion of tourism in Davao City. While Chair of the BIMP EAGA Tourism Council, Baby had inspired many women in the travel sector from all over Mindanao to think “ out of the box “ and not to be discouraged every time there are negative events that seems to hamper the growth of the sector. She continuously brings in innovative ideas as she tirelessly moves around ensuring that tourism is at its best anywhere in our island.
Ten Outstanding Women of the Nations (TOWNS) Awardee, Evelyn Abellera Magno is the first woman Rotary governor from Mindanao. Evelyn is the Chair of their family owned university in the city of Davao and as an educator, I personally had seen how she had touched the lives of many of her students, particularly those coming from the poorer communities. This woman is everywhere – from medical and dental missions, giving out assistance during disaster and calamities and to helping others find better opportunities in life.
Charita Puentespina, Sally Luenberger and Fanny Yuhico had transformed their love for orchids into a very lucrative business and in so doing had employed and also trained hundred of men and women to put up their own livelihood in flora and fauna.
Women are always trend-setters and we can easily spot them in the restaurants and food businesses in Davao City. I really admire the vision of Charito Lizada who set the trend in the “barbecue” business thirty (30) years ago. Following her footstep was her eldest daughter, Amylou Lizada Aarts who started the “ tapsilog” concept in the city and made it into a chain of eateries. The “lechon manok” was introduced to the city by another woman who seems to be always on the go and that is Lena Benedicto. The coffee shop business in the city was started by Larcy Gatchalian who made famous the “durian coffee” The businesses of these women were copied and imitated by many, but despite all the competitions they found fulfillment knowing that they had motivated many to follow the trend that they had set. At the end, what is important is that jobs were given to multitudes of people.
In the small town of Tandag, Surigao is where you will find Annie Ty, a businesswoman in construction and housing and who also happens to be the President of the Tandag Chamber of Commerce and the prime mover of the Red Cross. She plays a very important role in the development of investments and generation of jobs in such a far flung area.
Zamboanga del Norte is home to Rosa Lim who is the president of a rural bank and owns a sardines production plant and she plans to increase her production by 100% and export volume by 20% next year, thus giving more jobs to her workers, mostly women and their families. Lawyer and educator Marycel Engracia owns and operates a school in Zamboanga City and generously shares her expertise to many other technical schools in their region for them to improve their training delivery.
Mindanao’s top jeweler mother and daughter, Emilia and Eileen Sitjar established their own foundation that grants educational scholarships; likewise Emilia also is the head of the Divine Mercy Apostolate in Davao and has her hands full going around the different parishes doing works of mercy and propagating the devotion to the Divine Mercy.
These women had worked in partnership with many of the business organizations in Mindanao seeking ways and means to accelerate the economic momentum through the programs that they are implementing . Both Milalin Javellana of Philippine Australian Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF) and Myrna Lim of the Women in Education and Development of Cotabato City ensures that their development programs have a social component and responsibility to ease poverty in the area where they implement their projects in partnership with business groups.
There are many more of these kind of women who do business with a heart . They realize that more than making profits in their businesses; it is also their responsibility to nurture the community where they do their business.
These women are to be admired for their outmost creativity and their ability to make very quick decisions amidst an economic turmoil. Their capacity to survive is being constantly tested, more so when you do business in Mindanao. All of them will never allow anything to break their spirits and their will to succeed; and that is what makes Mindanao women different!
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council .Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
There are many women that I had met in my advocacy work for Mindanao. These women are so successful in running their own businesses but more significantly these are the women who went out of the comforts of their air-conditioned offices and the luxury of their homes ; and contributed their talents and skills in the community that they do business in and helped improved the investments in Mindanao.
In the business and the chambers of commerce arena, there is Elena U. Haw who is the current Vice President for Mindanao of the Philippince Chamber of Commerce and Industry and recently was considered as the point person for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Haw was part of the Philippine delegation who joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the 5th BIMP-EAGA Leaders Summit late last month in Thailand. Elena had made it her passion to work for the development of small businesses particularly those in agriculture, corn and hog raising in South Cotabato where she is from.
Ann Pamintuan and Leny Castillo are outstanding business women in the furniture and handicraft sector. Both women spend all their energies honing their craft, looking for new markets, joining foreign trade exhibits and always manage to bring home the big orders assuring jobs for all of their workers and their families. Anne is also the only Asian featured in the International Design Yearbook 2002.
There is Davao hotelier, Mary Ann “Baby” Montemayor who steers the private sector in the promotion of tourism in Davao City. While Chair of the BIMP EAGA Tourism Council, Baby had inspired many women in the travel sector from all over Mindanao to think “ out of the box “ and not to be discouraged every time there are negative events that seems to hamper the growth of the sector. She continuously brings in innovative ideas as she tirelessly moves around ensuring that tourism is at its best anywhere in our island.
Ten Outstanding Women of the Nations (TOWNS) Awardee, Evelyn Abellera Magno is the first woman Rotary governor from Mindanao. Evelyn is the Chair of their family owned university in the city of Davao and as an educator, I personally had seen how she had touched the lives of many of her students, particularly those coming from the poorer communities. This woman is everywhere – from medical and dental missions, giving out assistance during disaster and calamities and to helping others find better opportunities in life.
Charita Puentespina, Sally Luenberger and Fanny Yuhico had transformed their love for orchids into a very lucrative business and in so doing had employed and also trained hundred of men and women to put up their own livelihood in flora and fauna.
Women are always trend-setters and we can easily spot them in the restaurants and food businesses in Davao City. I really admire the vision of Charito Lizada who set the trend in the “barbecue” business thirty (30) years ago. Following her footstep was her eldest daughter, Amylou Lizada Aarts who started the “ tapsilog” concept in the city and made it into a chain of eateries. The “lechon manok” was introduced to the city by another woman who seems to be always on the go and that is Lena Benedicto. The coffee shop business in the city was started by Larcy Gatchalian who made famous the “durian coffee” The businesses of these women were copied and imitated by many, but despite all the competitions they found fulfillment knowing that they had motivated many to follow the trend that they had set. At the end, what is important is that jobs were given to multitudes of people.
In the small town of Tandag, Surigao is where you will find Annie Ty, a businesswoman in construction and housing and who also happens to be the President of the Tandag Chamber of Commerce and the prime mover of the Red Cross. She plays a very important role in the development of investments and generation of jobs in such a far flung area.
Zamboanga del Norte is home to Rosa Lim who is the president of a rural bank and owns a sardines production plant and she plans to increase her production by 100% and export volume by 20% next year, thus giving more jobs to her workers, mostly women and their families. Lawyer and educator Marycel Engracia owns and operates a school in Zamboanga City and generously shares her expertise to many other technical schools in their region for them to improve their training delivery.
Mindanao’s top jeweler mother and daughter, Emilia and Eileen Sitjar established their own foundation that grants educational scholarships; likewise Emilia also is the head of the Divine Mercy Apostolate in Davao and has her hands full going around the different parishes doing works of mercy and propagating the devotion to the Divine Mercy.
These women had worked in partnership with many of the business organizations in Mindanao seeking ways and means to accelerate the economic momentum through the programs that they are implementing . Both Milalin Javellana of Philippine Australian Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF) and Myrna Lim of the Women in Education and Development of Cotabato City ensures that their development programs have a social component and responsibility to ease poverty in the area where they implement their projects in partnership with business groups.
There are many more of these kind of women who do business with a heart . They realize that more than making profits in their businesses; it is also their responsibility to nurture the community where they do their business.
These women are to be admired for their outmost creativity and their ability to make very quick decisions amidst an economic turmoil. Their capacity to survive is being constantly tested, more so when you do business in Mindanao. All of them will never allow anything to break their spirits and their will to succeed; and that is what makes Mindanao women different!
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council .Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Sunday, March 01, 2009
JOJI BIAN JOINS ROSTER OF ESTEEMED BUSINESS PEOPLE
Businesswoman Joji Ilagan-Bian shares her life and her passions in Go Negosyo’s third book “GO NEGOSYO: Joey Concepcion’s 55 Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs” launched on February 26 in Manila.
Launched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the book focuses on successful women entrepreneurs, their confidence as good role models and inspiration to the Filipinos. These women were selected from various fields and industries like fashion, tourism, health, beauty, among others.
Apart from Bian, the book features other women entrepreneurs that come from both micro- and large-scale businesses. Among them are Zenaida Tantoco of Rustan’s, Milagros Yee and Clarita Go of Goldilocks, Elizabeth Lee of Universal Motors Corporation, Vivian Sarabia of Sarabia Optical, Gladys Reyes of KSA Magic, and Jennilyn Antonio of Ehje’s Peanut Butter.
Go Negosyo’s first two books were the “Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories,” was recognized as the number one bestseller in the non-fiction category of National Bookstore, and the “Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories Celebrity Edition,” which has also climbed the ranks of National Bookstore’s Top Four Bestsellers.
The third book will be available in leading bookstores nationwide starting February 26. (source mindanao daily mirror, date: March 2, 2009)
Launched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the book focuses on successful women entrepreneurs, their confidence as good role models and inspiration to the Filipinos. These women were selected from various fields and industries like fashion, tourism, health, beauty, among others.
Apart from Bian, the book features other women entrepreneurs that come from both micro- and large-scale businesses. Among them are Zenaida Tantoco of Rustan’s, Milagros Yee and Clarita Go of Goldilocks, Elizabeth Lee of Universal Motors Corporation, Vivian Sarabia of Sarabia Optical, Gladys Reyes of KSA Magic, and Jennilyn Antonio of Ehje’s Peanut Butter.
Go Negosyo’s first two books were the “Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories,” was recognized as the number one bestseller in the non-fiction category of National Bookstore, and the “Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories Celebrity Edition,” which has also climbed the ranks of National Bookstore’s Top Four Bestsellers.
The third book will be available in leading bookstores nationwide starting February 26. (source mindanao daily mirror, date: March 2, 2009)
Monday, February 23, 2009
MORE PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES NEEDED TO REVITALIZE BIMP-EAGA TRADE
Last week two of my old friends , Ms. Shelley Sondakh, Executive Director of the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei- Indonesia-Malaysia- Brunei , East Asean Growth Area) and Ms. Hannah Mandagi , Director of Manado-Bitung Integrated Development Zone visited Davao and met with me to renew old ties . Over a cup of coffee with Davao based Indonesian Consul General Lalu Malik Partawana, we reminisced the “good old exciting days “ of the BIMP –EAGA during the time of Pres. Assistant Paul Dominguez where the private sector of the four (4) countries were at its best in promoting and initiating educational, cultural, tourism and business exchanges. Pres. Arroyo will be the speaker of a BIMP EAGA Meeting on February 26, 2008 in Thailand and she is expected to re-affirm the Phil government’s commitment to the EAGA initiatives. It would need much more than government support more so during these hard times to make the businessmen excited again about the prospects of these cooperation.
First, there is a need to bring back to the arena the real business players who can ensure that there is support on the ground . The Philippine Chambers of Commerce –Mindanao together with the thirty (36) Chambers of Commerce in all cities and provinces of the island had lost touched with the BIMP-EAGA since the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) had never consulted or invited them to be part of the regional cooperation since 2004. I am glad that because of the intervention of the PCCI leaders through Pres. GMA; the Vice President-PCCI Mindanao, Elena Haw will be part of the official delegation of the President next week. I hope that this will be a start of the active participation of the chambers of commerce of Mindanao to the BIMP EAGA.
Just recently, Davao inaugurated its new P420-million port expansion of the Sasa Wharf. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Davao City is all set for the entry of more cargo vessels from the South East Asia, Middle East, United States (US) and the BIMP EAGA. In 2007 alone, the port facilitated a total of 3.2 million metric tons of cargo shipments for both domestic and foreign markets. Southern Mindanao Port District manager Abdussador Sawadjaan is very optimistic that this development will result to an additional of P30 Million in revenue. The expanded port now can serve eight (8) cargo vessels at one given time. Sasa Wharf, holds the distinction as the premier export and import hub in Mindanao. It ranks fourth nationwide in terms of container cargo traffic and container volume performance.
Tuna exports may had declined in Gen. Santos but the exports of livestock and frozen meat had not been badly hit. Some P3.3 billion worth of livestock and assorted frozen meat products have been shipped out from General Santos City . In his annual state of the city address, Mayor Pedro Acharon pointed out the city sent out P1.4 billion worth of livestock and P1.9 billion worth of assorted frozen meat products. For live animals, there were 199,659 heads of swine shipped out in 2008 with a value of P1.1 billion; 6,765 heads of cattle for P175.9 million and 4,907 heads of carabaos for P98.1 million. For frozen meat products, pork reached 13 million kilograms (kg) with a value of P1.4 billion; beef generated P385.7 million at a volume of 962,564 kilograms; and poultry (chicken) products was valued at P99.3 million at a volume of 1.1 million kilograms. General Santos City has several swine farms accredited to export cut pork meat products to Singapore. This city was the second largest swine producer last year in the country, next only to Bulacan.
The Mindanao Rural Development Program 2 (MRDP2) of the World Bank is now being implemented in Mindanao and I am glad that they had installed safety nets so as to avoid corruption in this P 8 billion project. The Department of Agriculture and the Local Government Units (LGU’s) who were part of the project formulated an anti-corruption plan which is “embedded” in every phase of the project.
The first phase which had a funding of P 400 million involved 5 provinces and 32 municipalities and the 2nd phase had 27 provinces and 225 municipalities. The LGU’s themselves were responsible for bidding out the projects to local contractors.
The special allocation for MRDP for 2009 is P1.3 Billion; with 50-50 sharing agreement / counter-part funding from the LGU’s. It is projected that there should be a 20% increase in income of the participating households in the first 5 years of implementation.
The Cocoa farmers of Malagos and Calinan in Davao City were jumping with joy when Askinosie Chocolate in the United States used the Davao 77% dark chocolate for its newest premium chocolate line. The chocolate from Davao was described as “ dark and deep with a touch of toastiness; its dry like a full bloodied, well-aged red wine”. One single Davao dark chocolate bar was sold at $ 7.50 while a pack of 5 at $ 35.00. For the first time in 25 years, the cocoa beans found its way to the USA and this will create new markets for the farmers. But the farmers’ happiness with this new found market was short lived. According to the organizers of the Mindanao Farmers Community Development, it is the middlemen or the traders that is reaping all the benefits. Cocoa beans that were bought from the farmers at a measly sum of P 25.00-P91.00 per kilo are being passed on by the traders at P 141.00.
It would be good for the farmers and the traders , together with LGU and the agriculture department to sit down and develop a sustainable marketing plan ensuring that the farmers will also get an equitable share from this transactions. These problem is nothing new – corn and crop farmers always complain about the presence of middlemen and traders who “exploit” them since most of the time, farmers do not have the capital to plant, process , store or even transport their produce to the market. And the middlemen/traders will always be around to fill in that gap – and of course the there will always be a price to pay for that intervention.
Congratulations to my lawyer Mary Ann Arnado , a Mindanawon peace advocate who is this year’s Ninoy Aquino Fellow for Public Service. Mary Ann is secretary-general of the Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus (MPC) wand was awarded the fellowship last February 5 at the Peninsula Manila Hotel. She said that
she owed this distinction to the selfless, tireless and passionate grassroots leaders who have always inspired her to take bolder steps and be more creative in finding ways to resolve the armed conflict in Mindanao. Together with the hundreds of Bantay Ceasefire volunteers who are in the war zones risking their lives to protect women and children who are caught in the armed conflict , Mary Ann, is indeed one of the many “peace heroes” of Mindanao.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
First, there is a need to bring back to the arena the real business players who can ensure that there is support on the ground . The Philippine Chambers of Commerce –Mindanao together with the thirty (36) Chambers of Commerce in all cities and provinces of the island had lost touched with the BIMP-EAGA since the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO) had never consulted or invited them to be part of the regional cooperation since 2004. I am glad that because of the intervention of the PCCI leaders through Pres. GMA; the Vice President-PCCI Mindanao, Elena Haw will be part of the official delegation of the President next week. I hope that this will be a start of the active participation of the chambers of commerce of Mindanao to the BIMP EAGA.
Just recently, Davao inaugurated its new P420-million port expansion of the Sasa Wharf. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Davao City is all set for the entry of more cargo vessels from the South East Asia, Middle East, United States (US) and the BIMP EAGA. In 2007 alone, the port facilitated a total of 3.2 million metric tons of cargo shipments for both domestic and foreign markets. Southern Mindanao Port District manager Abdussador Sawadjaan is very optimistic that this development will result to an additional of P30 Million in revenue. The expanded port now can serve eight (8) cargo vessels at one given time. Sasa Wharf, holds the distinction as the premier export and import hub in Mindanao. It ranks fourth nationwide in terms of container cargo traffic and container volume performance.
Tuna exports may had declined in Gen. Santos but the exports of livestock and frozen meat had not been badly hit. Some P3.3 billion worth of livestock and assorted frozen meat products have been shipped out from General Santos City . In his annual state of the city address, Mayor Pedro Acharon pointed out the city sent out P1.4 billion worth of livestock and P1.9 billion worth of assorted frozen meat products. For live animals, there were 199,659 heads of swine shipped out in 2008 with a value of P1.1 billion; 6,765 heads of cattle for P175.9 million and 4,907 heads of carabaos for P98.1 million. For frozen meat products, pork reached 13 million kilograms (kg) with a value of P1.4 billion; beef generated P385.7 million at a volume of 962,564 kilograms; and poultry (chicken) products was valued at P99.3 million at a volume of 1.1 million kilograms. General Santos City has several swine farms accredited to export cut pork meat products to Singapore. This city was the second largest swine producer last year in the country, next only to Bulacan.
The Mindanao Rural Development Program 2 (MRDP2) of the World Bank is now being implemented in Mindanao and I am glad that they had installed safety nets so as to avoid corruption in this P 8 billion project. The Department of Agriculture and the Local Government Units (LGU’s) who were part of the project formulated an anti-corruption plan which is “embedded” in every phase of the project.
The first phase which had a funding of P 400 million involved 5 provinces and 32 municipalities and the 2nd phase had 27 provinces and 225 municipalities. The LGU’s themselves were responsible for bidding out the projects to local contractors.
The special allocation for MRDP for 2009 is P1.3 Billion; with 50-50 sharing agreement / counter-part funding from the LGU’s. It is projected that there should be a 20% increase in income of the participating households in the first 5 years of implementation.
The Cocoa farmers of Malagos and Calinan in Davao City were jumping with joy when Askinosie Chocolate in the United States used the Davao 77% dark chocolate for its newest premium chocolate line. The chocolate from Davao was described as “ dark and deep with a touch of toastiness; its dry like a full bloodied, well-aged red wine”. One single Davao dark chocolate bar was sold at $ 7.50 while a pack of 5 at $ 35.00. For the first time in 25 years, the cocoa beans found its way to the USA and this will create new markets for the farmers. But the farmers’ happiness with this new found market was short lived. According to the organizers of the Mindanao Farmers Community Development, it is the middlemen or the traders that is reaping all the benefits. Cocoa beans that were bought from the farmers at a measly sum of P 25.00-P91.00 per kilo are being passed on by the traders at P 141.00.
It would be good for the farmers and the traders , together with LGU and the agriculture department to sit down and develop a sustainable marketing plan ensuring that the farmers will also get an equitable share from this transactions. These problem is nothing new – corn and crop farmers always complain about the presence of middlemen and traders who “exploit” them since most of the time, farmers do not have the capital to plant, process , store or even transport their produce to the market. And the middlemen/traders will always be around to fill in that gap – and of course the there will always be a price to pay for that intervention.
Congratulations to my lawyer Mary Ann Arnado , a Mindanawon peace advocate who is this year’s Ninoy Aquino Fellow for Public Service. Mary Ann is secretary-general of the Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus (MPC) wand was awarded the fellowship last February 5 at the Peninsula Manila Hotel. She said that
she owed this distinction to the selfless, tireless and passionate grassroots leaders who have always inspired her to take bolder steps and be more creative in finding ways to resolve the armed conflict in Mindanao. Together with the hundreds of Bantay Ceasefire volunteers who are in the war zones risking their lives to protect women and children who are caught in the armed conflict , Mary Ann, is indeed one of the many “peace heroes” of Mindanao.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
THE MEDCO STORY
The Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) was established on 19 March 1992 through Executive Order No. 512 signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino. The aim is to promote and coordinate the active participation of all sectors to effect the socio-economic development of Mindanao through a holistic and integrated approach. The council was placed under the supervision of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process.
It was also created to address the need to promote and strengthen interregional linkages, ensure the integrated viability of the programs and projects in Mindanao.
Medco was designated to work with the local government units, which will serve as frontline entities, to help realize the development of specific geographical areas.
The agency was likewise created to address the need to promote and strengthen interregional linkages to ensure the integrated viability of the programs and projects in Mindanao, with the local government units as frontline entities that will realize the development of specific geographical areas.
The Business Chambers of Commerce of Mindanao partnered with MEDCO in promoting investments and economic activities. I had also the opportunity to work closely with the first MEDCO Chair, Paul Dominguez and later on with Jess Dureza, who is now the legal Counsel of Malacanang in my economic advocacy work for Mindanao
The agency became a source of pride for Mindanawans. When ever I am invited to talk about investments and businesses; I would never fail to mention MEDCO and its role in enhancing trade and commerce; but more significantly is that it is only in Mindanao that you can find such a body whose mandate is to focus only in our islands’ economic development and poverty reduction.
On May 15, 2000, then President Joseph Estrada signed EO No. 244 mandating MEDCo to act as the official and permanent Philippine Coordinating Office (PCO) for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia the Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). It maintained the close ties among the members of BIMP-EAGA. And it did serve the purpose of its creation; the development of Mindanao.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed EO 757 on 13 October 2008, placing MEDCo under the oversight of the National Economic Development Authority as it aims to be aggressive with a more focused approach for the continuing economic growth of Mindanao.
Today, NEDA will now have general supervision over the agency in formulation of continuing and integrated socio-economic development plans, policies and programs as well as the exercise and implementation of its regular functions.
The transfer of MEDCo to the oversight of NEDA resulted to different reactions from Mindanao. Many were surprised about it and questioned the motive behind the change of set-up. Business sector claims that MEDCo would be more effective and relevant if they would not be placed under NEDA. History would show that MEDCO really served Mindanao very well.
MEDCo on the other hand, had been very successful on handling gigantic tasks which is not limited to project development and management. It also was able to source fund not only for its agency but its projects. Their staff is known to reach even the smallest and most remote town in Mindanao. Close consultations with people from the different regions of the island had been MEDCO’ s strength.
Over the years MEDCo maintained its credibility to the foreign funding agencies mainly due to the integrity of its staff and the projects it had launched. MEDCo certainly knew how to walk their talk.
They had maintained a valuable database of statistics vital to making critical decisions for economic development. Its database became the only source of information to gauge Mindanao’s growth. Anything about Mindanao can be responded to by this agency.
It is very hard to compare the projects of NEDA and MEDCo. But as it seems MEDCo had far out-run NEDA for a mile. MEDCo became a clearing house for Mindanao projects for development. It is effective and efficient in representing the country in the BIMP-EAGA and in other international bodies.
Currently, a house bill is pushed proposing to create the convert MEDCo into Mindanao Economic Development Agency. The bill aims for the consistency and continuity of policy support. "Historically, there’s no consistency of policy support. The consequences of that are the loss of time, energy... and continuity in terms of programs and projects," USEC. Leyretana, the current MEDCO Chair said.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
It was also created to address the need to promote and strengthen interregional linkages, ensure the integrated viability of the programs and projects in Mindanao.
Medco was designated to work with the local government units, which will serve as frontline entities, to help realize the development of specific geographical areas.
The agency was likewise created to address the need to promote and strengthen interregional linkages to ensure the integrated viability of the programs and projects in Mindanao, with the local government units as frontline entities that will realize the development of specific geographical areas.
The Business Chambers of Commerce of Mindanao partnered with MEDCO in promoting investments and economic activities. I had also the opportunity to work closely with the first MEDCO Chair, Paul Dominguez and later on with Jess Dureza, who is now the legal Counsel of Malacanang in my economic advocacy work for Mindanao
The agency became a source of pride for Mindanawans. When ever I am invited to talk about investments and businesses; I would never fail to mention MEDCO and its role in enhancing trade and commerce; but more significantly is that it is only in Mindanao that you can find such a body whose mandate is to focus only in our islands’ economic development and poverty reduction.
On May 15, 2000, then President Joseph Estrada signed EO No. 244 mandating MEDCo to act as the official and permanent Philippine Coordinating Office (PCO) for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia the Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). It maintained the close ties among the members of BIMP-EAGA. And it did serve the purpose of its creation; the development of Mindanao.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed EO 757 on 13 October 2008, placing MEDCo under the oversight of the National Economic Development Authority as it aims to be aggressive with a more focused approach for the continuing economic growth of Mindanao.
Today, NEDA will now have general supervision over the agency in formulation of continuing and integrated socio-economic development plans, policies and programs as well as the exercise and implementation of its regular functions.
The transfer of MEDCo to the oversight of NEDA resulted to different reactions from Mindanao. Many were surprised about it and questioned the motive behind the change of set-up. Business sector claims that MEDCo would be more effective and relevant if they would not be placed under NEDA. History would show that MEDCO really served Mindanao very well.
MEDCo on the other hand, had been very successful on handling gigantic tasks which is not limited to project development and management. It also was able to source fund not only for its agency but its projects. Their staff is known to reach even the smallest and most remote town in Mindanao. Close consultations with people from the different regions of the island had been MEDCO’ s strength.
Over the years MEDCo maintained its credibility to the foreign funding agencies mainly due to the integrity of its staff and the projects it had launched. MEDCo certainly knew how to walk their talk.
They had maintained a valuable database of statistics vital to making critical decisions for economic development. Its database became the only source of information to gauge Mindanao’s growth. Anything about Mindanao can be responded to by this agency.
It is very hard to compare the projects of NEDA and MEDCo. But as it seems MEDCo had far out-run NEDA for a mile. MEDCo became a clearing house for Mindanao projects for development. It is effective and efficient in representing the country in the BIMP-EAGA and in other international bodies.
Currently, a house bill is pushed proposing to create the convert MEDCo into Mindanao Economic Development Agency. The bill aims for the consistency and continuity of policy support. "Historically, there’s no consistency of policy support. The consequences of that are the loss of time, energy... and continuity in terms of programs and projects," USEC. Leyretana, the current MEDCO Chair said.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Monday, January 05, 2009
MINDANAO MOVING FORWARD IN 2009
The year 2008 played a very significant milestone for Mindanao. Amidst the fear of global economic recession, we had proven in the past that we are able to withstand challenges and obstacles. Local and foreign investments overflowed in Mindanao that it can now be considered the priority location for business due to its natural resources and highly skilled human resources.
Mindanao, specifically Davao City, is now considered the Next Generation ICT hub. According to the study conducted by XMG Global Off-shoring Leadership Study, 3 years from now the city will be emerge as one of the top sites for off-shore business processes. It came in par with other locations like Montevideo, Uruguay; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Casablanca, Morocco. It also revealed that the city is considerably higher than other Tier-2 off-shoring cities globally. The city boasts its various educational institutions yielding a higher number of Information technology (IT) and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) qualified graduates than Subic, Clark and Baguio by 689%, 278% and 40% respectively. The JIB e-Academy, Davao and Mindanao’s largest call center agents’ training school could hardly cope up with the demands of contact centers from Manila that had put up offices in Davao City.
Davao City’s population is 71% higher than Cebu City, 499% larger than Olongapo-Subic City 333% higher than Angeles-Clark City and 340% larger than Baguio City. The city’s estimated workforce is twice of Cebu, 9 times of Subic and 7 times of Clark and 6 times of Baguio. This has not even taken to account the manpower pool at the nearby cities and provinces of Davao City.
As of today, the city already has around ten (10) BPO centers and is expecting more BPO’s to open since there are two (2) giant mall companies, Ayala in partnership with Anflocor and Robinson’s that will set up IT/BPO parks and is expected to open late 2009. The creation of the parks will generate more jobs and attract more investors to consider Mindanao as a new business destination.
The abrupt spread of IT/BPO parks within the whole of Mindanao created a lot of opportunities for its locals. Mindanao can now be considered to be one of the fastest rising cities in the country. It may have already gone even beyond Metro Cebu.
A government-owned telephone company also eyes Mindanao as an investment destination for its expansion. MEDCo Undersecretary Leyretana said that the representatives of Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru) already met with Davao City’s ICT players.
TelBru board chair and delegation head Dato Paduka Hj Othman expressed the company’s interest in exploring possible partnerships with the Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector in Mindanao.
Mindanao’s Communications Technology has gone greater heights as before. There are already 749,217 installed fixed telephone lines in Mindanao and 33 percent of which are subscribed which translates to a total of 247,344 fixed telephone subscribers across the island-region. It is still continuously developing due to the recent investments of foreign BPO players.
With this developments and investments Mindanao has placed itself in the ICT/BPO investment destination map. Looking forward Mindanao might be their top priority.
Mindanao is also known for its natural abundance of its agricultural resources and products. Within 2008, the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines facilitated Php 17.2 billion loan-exposure to Mindanao. The loan was used mostly by Mindanao farm growers for their expansion and upgrading for their facilities.
Coconut oil remains to be Mindanao’s top export product making up at least 31% of its revenue for the first half of 2008. It posted a value of $481.10 million during the first quarter which is about 106% increase compared to last year’s figures on the same period.
Banana made it big by posting $204.86 million, a 4.7% increase as to last year’s statistics. Banana chips exports from Southeastern Mindanao were the only ones spared when Chinese authorities confiscated banana product shipments from Philippines reacting to a report that it contained high levels of the preservative sulfur dioxide.
Other top export-revenue generators are the organic chemicals such as lauryl, cetyl, and stearyl alcohol which generated $78.83 million, flat-rolled iron products and non-alloy steel with $67.31 million, iron ore agglomerates (sinters) at $ 66.05 million, nickel ores at $ 64.57 million, preserved pineapples at $ 55.34 million, tuna at $ 50.23 million, and fresh pineapples at $ 30.29 million.
Canned tuna remain another top export product for Central Mindanao. It reached $136.60 million on the first half of the year alone.
Mindanao’s top export market is the United States of America which gets at least 25% of all the export products. Mindanao earned over $378.65 million, a 63% increase over last year for exports to US alone.
MEDCo had identified some Mindanao’s other major export markets such as the Netherlands for coconut oil (crude and refined), China for nickel ores and coconut oil, South Korea for organic chemicals and fresh bananas, Malaysia, Iran, Taiwan and Singapore.
Recently, Mindanao’s export revenue from Indonesia posted $34 million compared $4 million last year, which over 800% increase for Mindanao’s flat-rolled products of iron and non-alloy steel, rice in the husk suitable for sowing and other anionic washing preparations..
It also gained a 70% increase in export revenue from Taiwan coming from $ 18 million last year to $ 31 for just the first semester of this year Mindanao’s organic chemicals, natural rubber and fresh bananas.
One way or another Mindanao has proven that even with the turmoil of a supposed war or economic recession; Mindanao can go leaps and bounds with its economy. Our rich natural resources and the strong confidence of the Mindanawans will always be our armour against all odds.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Mindanao, specifically Davao City, is now considered the Next Generation ICT hub. According to the study conducted by XMG Global Off-shoring Leadership Study, 3 years from now the city will be emerge as one of the top sites for off-shore business processes. It came in par with other locations like Montevideo, Uruguay; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Casablanca, Morocco. It also revealed that the city is considerably higher than other Tier-2 off-shoring cities globally. The city boasts its various educational institutions yielding a higher number of Information technology (IT) and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) qualified graduates than Subic, Clark and Baguio by 689%, 278% and 40% respectively. The JIB e-Academy, Davao and Mindanao’s largest call center agents’ training school could hardly cope up with the demands of contact centers from Manila that had put up offices in Davao City.
Davao City’s population is 71% higher than Cebu City, 499% larger than Olongapo-Subic City 333% higher than Angeles-Clark City and 340% larger than Baguio City. The city’s estimated workforce is twice of Cebu, 9 times of Subic and 7 times of Clark and 6 times of Baguio. This has not even taken to account the manpower pool at the nearby cities and provinces of Davao City.
As of today, the city already has around ten (10) BPO centers and is expecting more BPO’s to open since there are two (2) giant mall companies, Ayala in partnership with Anflocor and Robinson’s that will set up IT/BPO parks and is expected to open late 2009. The creation of the parks will generate more jobs and attract more investors to consider Mindanao as a new business destination.
The abrupt spread of IT/BPO parks within the whole of Mindanao created a lot of opportunities for its locals. Mindanao can now be considered to be one of the fastest rising cities in the country. It may have already gone even beyond Metro Cebu.
A government-owned telephone company also eyes Mindanao as an investment destination for its expansion. MEDCo Undersecretary Leyretana said that the representatives of Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru) already met with Davao City’s ICT players.
TelBru board chair and delegation head Dato Paduka Hj Othman expressed the company’s interest in exploring possible partnerships with the Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector in Mindanao.
Mindanao’s Communications Technology has gone greater heights as before. There are already 749,217 installed fixed telephone lines in Mindanao and 33 percent of which are subscribed which translates to a total of 247,344 fixed telephone subscribers across the island-region. It is still continuously developing due to the recent investments of foreign BPO players.
With this developments and investments Mindanao has placed itself in the ICT/BPO investment destination map. Looking forward Mindanao might be their top priority.
Mindanao is also known for its natural abundance of its agricultural resources and products. Within 2008, the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines facilitated Php 17.2 billion loan-exposure to Mindanao. The loan was used mostly by Mindanao farm growers for their expansion and upgrading for their facilities.
Coconut oil remains to be Mindanao’s top export product making up at least 31% of its revenue for the first half of 2008. It posted a value of $481.10 million during the first quarter which is about 106% increase compared to last year’s figures on the same period.
Banana made it big by posting $204.86 million, a 4.7% increase as to last year’s statistics. Banana chips exports from Southeastern Mindanao were the only ones spared when Chinese authorities confiscated banana product shipments from Philippines reacting to a report that it contained high levels of the preservative sulfur dioxide.
Other top export-revenue generators are the organic chemicals such as lauryl, cetyl, and stearyl alcohol which generated $78.83 million, flat-rolled iron products and non-alloy steel with $67.31 million, iron ore agglomerates (sinters) at $ 66.05 million, nickel ores at $ 64.57 million, preserved pineapples at $ 55.34 million, tuna at $ 50.23 million, and fresh pineapples at $ 30.29 million.
Canned tuna remain another top export product for Central Mindanao. It reached $136.60 million on the first half of the year alone.
Mindanao’s top export market is the United States of America which gets at least 25% of all the export products. Mindanao earned over $378.65 million, a 63% increase over last year for exports to US alone.
MEDCo had identified some Mindanao’s other major export markets such as the Netherlands for coconut oil (crude and refined), China for nickel ores and coconut oil, South Korea for organic chemicals and fresh bananas, Malaysia, Iran, Taiwan and Singapore.
Recently, Mindanao’s export revenue from Indonesia posted $34 million compared $4 million last year, which over 800% increase for Mindanao’s flat-rolled products of iron and non-alloy steel, rice in the husk suitable for sowing and other anionic washing preparations..
It also gained a 70% increase in export revenue from Taiwan coming from $ 18 million last year to $ 31 for just the first semester of this year Mindanao’s organic chemicals, natural rubber and fresh bananas.
One way or another Mindanao has proven that even with the turmoil of a supposed war or economic recession; Mindanao can go leaps and bounds with its economy. Our rich natural resources and the strong confidence of the Mindanawans will always be our armour against all odds.
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
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