Aussie bizmen seek opportunities in Cebu, Mindanao
By Digna Banzon May 27, 2018, 6:05 pm
DAVAO CITY--A number of Manila-based Australian investors are looking beyond the National Capital Region to find business opportunities, the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines said.
Ambassador Amanda Gorely said this in an interview shortly before the opening program of the Philippines Australia Friendship Day celebration held at the SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on Saturday.
"Once they come into the Philippines they realize it is not all Manila because there are other opportunities in other parts of the country too," Gorely said.
She added: "Although I am not sure but I think there is a tendency by Australian business people to focus on Manila when they think about the Philippines because it is where the biggest market is."
She said a number of NCR-based Australian companies have already expressed intention to put up shop in other locations, such as Cebu and Mindanao areas.
She pointed out that several Australian firms have business interests in Mindanao's mining sector, though she conceded that Australia still has "some works to do to encourage further Australian interest" in the countryside.
"We have to educate people on what opportunities are here to consider beyond Manila and Cebu. And I think Davao is the next place to come," she said.
A huge potential, she said, is Mindanao's rising cacao industry - citing the popularity of chocolate products in Australia. She pointed out that a number of cacao farmers benefitted from the Australian scholarship -- where farmers were provided insights on marketing and packaging of their products.
Another active partnership is the collaboration between the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) on a mango research center in the Island Garden City of Samal.
The research center was established eight years ago, focusing on raising the skills and knowledge of local growers for them to tap overseas markets.
Among the activities marking the 72nd anniversary of the Philippine-Australia Friendship Day include the unveiling of Australian corner in the Davao City Library, the turnover of books and educational materials to several public schools and handover of grant to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
The embassy also hosted a lecture on how Filipinos can study in Australia, as well as mall tours highlighting the accomplishments of Australian-educated Filipino entrepreneurs. A concert capped the event featuring Filipino and Australian singers. (Digna Banzon/PNA)
In Photo: Scientists and researchers, including DOST -NRCP personnel representing the stars on the Philippine flag, participated in the human flag formation during the singing of the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” onboard the BRP Davao del Sur deck. With them are members of the Philippine Navy, Department of National Defense and National Security Office, other government agencies and volunteers.
It was a proud Filipino moment, especially for Filipino scientists and researchers, when President Duterte, aboard the BRP Davao del Sur on May 15, assured total support to the all-Filipino team of marine scientists and researchers, who will conduct biological investigation and assessment of the vast natural bounties and rich resources of the Philippine Rise.
Scientists expressed optimism on new discoveries during the research in the rich vast marine area.
President Duterte signs Proclamation 489, series of 2018, declaring a portion of the Philippines within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippine Sea, northeastern coast of Luzon Island, as Marine Resource Reserve pursuant to Republic Act 7586, or the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992, to be known as the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve.
Dr. Doralyn Dalisay, a member the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), said in a news interview that the vast resources underneath can be a source of new drugs, new antibiotics, new anticancer compounds, anti-dengue and anti-malaria.
“We could find something new here that we could exploit for drug discovery,” Dalisay, a DOST Balik Scientist and a marine scientist from the University of San Agustin, Iloilo, said in a news release from the DOST-NRCP. She was part of the DOST-NRCP contingent to the Philippine Rise commemoration.
Dalisay is currently conducting a research on marine sediments in the NRCP-funded project, titled “Marine Sediment-Derived Actinobacteria: New Vista for Natural Products Discovered in the Philippines,” a three-year program.
In its first year, Dalisay has already discovered antimicrobial actinobacteria from marine sediments in the islands of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Occidental and Panay, which are essential in discovering new antibiotics.
Dr. Gil Jacinto, representing the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI), said that besides the rich marine biodiversity, the importance of Philippine Rise is seen in fisheries, oceanography and meteorology. He hoped for the continued support of the government in their research activities.
“Research will not only be done in two years, but decades, for the future generation,” he added. Jacinto is a member of the Division V Biological Sciences of the NRCP.
Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña (in black jacket) poses with government officials, scientists and researchers showing their support for the all-Filipino team that will explore the bounties of Philippine Rise. (From left) Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, director of the Marine Resources Research Division, PCAARRD ; Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, deputy executive director for administration, Resource Management and Support Services, PCAARRD ; Dr. Richard N. Mualil, MSU Tawi-Tawi; Dr. Fernando P. Siringan, UP-MSI director and academician, National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST ); Dr. Perry S. Ong, professor, College of Science, UP Diliman; Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, chancellor, UPLB; Atty. Harry L. Roque Jr., presidential spokesman; Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay, NRCP; and Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development, UP Diliman.
World-class scientists
In his speech aboard BRP Davao del Sur, Duterte said: “Today, we send off our team of talented and competent Filipino scientists who will undertake the Coordinated National Marine Scientific Research Initiatives and Related Activities in the waters above the Philippine Rise.
“I join the Filipino people in wishing you all the best as you embark on your mission to conduct mapping, surveys, biological investigations and assessment of the coral reef and fisheries stock in the area until November. These activities will be vital [in] the protection and management of the Philippine Rise and its vast resources. I have complete faith in the capabilities of our world-class scientists and I recognize the need to provide them with the necessary means to fulfill their mandate,” Duterte was quoted by in the DOST-NRCP news release.
The President led the one-year commemoration of the renaming of Benham Rise to Philippine Rise under Executive Order 25, which was signed on May 16, 2017.
He declared that around “50,000 hectares of the Philippine Rise shall become a Strict Protection Zone limited to scientific studies—at this time only Filipinos, while more than [300,000] hectares shall be designated as a Special Fisheries Management Area.”
50 marine scientists and researchers
About 50 marine scientists and researchers from government agencies and universities who will be part of the marine scientific research initiatives were welcomed by Lt. Gen. Emmanuel B. Salamat, commander of the Northern Luzon Command, while Director General and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon presented them to Duterte.
The DOST, through its councils—the DOST-NRCP and Philippine Council for Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)—was part of the contingent.
The others were from the UP-MSI, UP-Los Baños, UP-Visayas, Mindanao State University (MSU) Tawi-Tawi, Ateneo de Manila University, De LaSalle University and University of Santo Tomas.
Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, one of the honored guests, congratulated the scientists and researchers in the all-Filipino team to conduct research in Philippine Rise.
Historic buoy casting, flag marker laying
On the second day of the event, BRP Davao del Sur sailed to the shallowest part of the Philippine Rise bank. Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna led the activities and reiterated the ownership of the resource-rich 13-million hectare underwater plateau by the Philippine government.
At the singing of the national anthem with a human flag formation at the BRP Davao del Sur deck, the first buoy was cast, followed by the laying of a flag marker underneath the Philippine Rise.
This was accompanied by the sailing of ships of the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources nearby, as Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets also made a fly-by.
Accordingly, this was the single largest coordinated mobilization of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force in recent years, possibly its first major operation in the open waters of the Pacific Ocean.
DOST-NRCP staff also participated in the two-day activity and were part of the human flag formation, representing the four stars of the Philippine flag. They were Dalisay, Maria Elena A. Talingdan, Beverly Mae de la Cruz and Cecilia Baquireza.
The National Security Council, through Director Renia Corocoto, invited marine scientists who are members of the DOST-NRCP.
Philippine Rise: ‘Atin ito! [It’s Ours!]’
In 2012 the United Nations awarded the then-Benham Rise, and now Philippine Rise, to the Philippines as an extension of its continental shelf. With the ruling, the country was granted “sovereign rights” over Benham Rise, which means the Philippines has the exclusive rights to explore and exploit resources here.
“Philippine Rise: Atin Ito!” were written in the banners, messages, exhibits and in the minds and hearts of all the scientists, researchers, representatives and volunteers during the two-day event.
Duterte said: “Indeed, these developments would not have been possible without the efforts of our dedicated public servants, scientists and legal experts who worked together to bolster our claim over the Philippine Rise.
“When the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf approved our claim to the Philippine Rise a few years ago, we were not just granted access to the vast resources. We were also entrusted with the responsibility to protect it from abuse and misuse.
“Let us, therefore, explore this [new frontier], fully aware of our responsibility to [properly manage] and conserve its natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations of Filipinos.
“As we send off our experts to explore and discover what our seas have to offer, may we all have a renewed sense of commitment to promote the welfare of our people, safeguard our national interest, [and] assert our sovereign rights over our waters and all other areas within our jurisdiction.”
Oceana: ‘Much-awaited’ move
Environmental group Oceana Philippines, which has been campaigning for the protection of Philippine Rise, commended the President and government officials and partners from the civil society and private sectors who worked tirelessly to protect the Philippine Rise.
Lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana in the Philippines, said in a news release, “The presidential proclamation is much awaited as it paves the way for the conservation, management and protection of corals, fisheries and the rich biodiversity in the iconic place. It is now subject to the governance structure and requirements under the National Integrated Protected Areas System.”
She added this is much needed to protect fragile marine habitats, address food security and increase the resiliency of our marine ecosystems to the impacts of climate change.
Ramos also noted that the proclamation is highly significant as it has happened this year, which was declared as the International Year of the Reef and the month of May as the Month of the Ocean.
Marianne Pan Saniano, marine scientist for Oceana Philippines, said the protection of the Philippine Rise was achieved through the pooled efforts of government agencies and advocates who supported the urgent call to protect the Philippine Rise, and especially declare the Benham Bank as a strict protection zone.
Oceana and Filipino scientists have been doing research in Philippine Rise.
“When we went to Benham Bank in 2016 with our government scientists, Navy and Coast Guards, we saw terraces of corals, as far as the eye could see. We still have such a vast and pristine coral reef ecosystem within Philippine territory, which we still need to protect,” Saniano said in an Ocean news release.
In 2016 government scientists reported 100-percent coral cover in several sampling sites during an expedition in Benham Bank, and documented diverse species of reef fishes, Oceana said. Scientists said the Philippine Rise is also the spawning site of the Pacific Bluefin tuna, one of the most expensive fish in the world.
SM Foundation offers better lives, greater opportunities for bright but poor students
Academic Year 2018-2019 is unique as schools welcome the first batch of Grade 12 graduates. Many of the incoming college freshmen come from families that are financially-challenged and barely have the means to make ends meet, more so for their college education.
SM Investments Corporation Chairman and SM Foundation Inc. President Jose Sio together with SM Group matriarch Felicidad ‘Nanang’ Sy and SMIC executive director Harley Sy award the scholarship grants to SM college scholars of Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan
Determined to continue schooling despite the challenges, a number of these young people studied very hard to qualify for college scholarships. Among those available for bright yet poor students is SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI), the scholarship program arm of retail giant ShoeMart Store.
While SMFI increased its technical-vocational scholars in the middle of the K-12 basic education curriculum transition, its collegiate scholarship program continued.
As expected, new scholars for the transition year were not as many as in previous years, but for the new academic year, hundreds of new scholars throughout the country have simultaneously signed up for the program last month.
Barring unforeseen events, they now have the likelihood to obtain a college degree – their stepping stone to good jobs, which clearly means that they have just been given the chance to better their lives and can now aspire for greater opportunities for themselves and their families.
Qualification and benefits
Arwin Stephen Samonte Lalim with mom
To qualify for SMFI scholarship, the student must come from an indigent family, with the head of family earning barely minimum income; must meet the required grade; plus the dream and passion to have a better life.
The scholarship (free tuition plus allowances) also comes with benefits of social activities—free movies, personality development seminars, religious retreats, Christmas parties, among others—to make the scholar well-rounded and develop social skills.
An added opportunity, if the scholar so desires, is to work with any SM store during summer or Christmas breaks to augment their allowances. Upon obtaining college degree, scholars get priority hiring as participants in an exclusive job fair by the SM Group, as compared to the general job fair held annually.
The scholarship does not bound anyone to work for any SM Group company after graduation.
“The only requirement [for a scholar]is to pay it forward by being productive and viable citizens to their country and their families,” SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) chairman and SMFI president Jose Sio said.
Those who have government-sponsored scholarships such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or free tuition fees in state colleges and universities (SUCs) must choose which offers them the best option to enable other poor and deserving students to enjoy SMFI scholarships.
Profiles
One of the scholars is Arwin Stephen Samonte Lalim from Marikina City. A son of a UV driver, he will enroll at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) for a degree in Accountancy. He applied for the grant online, took the qualifying exams and interview at SM Marikina.
“I must study hard so I can help my two younger siblings to school. Ano na lang ang saya at ginhawa maibibigay ko sa mga magulang ko kung makatapos ako ng pag-aaral? Salamat sa Panginoon at sa SM sa malaking biyayang ito,” he said.
Kit Adrian Martin came to the awarding with his father, an air-con technician, who encouraged him to pursue an Electrical Engineering course in Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) after his graduation from the Malabon National High School.
He said he would not be able to go to college if he did not win this scholarship grant.
“That is why as soon as I finish my studies I must give back to SM the greatest and the best graduation gift I have ever received,” he said.
Ashley Khay Hanapin graduated valedictorian at the Amazing Grace School and went to senior high at the University of Perpetual Help in Laguna.
She qualified as an SM scholar to take up BS Accountancy at PUP. Her father earns a living as a barber while her mother is a casual teacher aide. Ashley said she is determined to finish her course so she can help her parents.
“Makabawi man lang ako sa hirap nila at makabawi ako sa SM sa binigay nitong oportunidad sa isang estudyanteng tulad ko,” she shared.
Seventeen-year-old Chenalyn Rioveros from Bacoor graduated from Gov. Juanito Reyes Remulla Senior High School. She went to Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo High School for her Grades 6 to 10 studies.
She will pursue college in San Sebastian College in Cavite City, which is near her residence to save on transportation expenses and to help out her carpenter father Noel and her mother Emelita, who runs a small carinderia.
She was interviewed in SM Bacoor and was told she qualified as an SM scholar.
“Ipaabot naman po ninyo kay Tatang [Henry] Sy at Nanang [Felicidad] Sy ang lubos kong pasasalamat sa binigay na scholarship ninyo sa anak ko,” Chenalyn’s father Noel said.
“Balang araw masusuklian ko rin ang SM ang kabaitan ninyo,” the teener enjoined.
SMFI scholar-graduates Christian Acosta and Katherine Velasquez shared their experiences as scholars and how the scholarships changed their lives.
The signing of agreements was witnessed by no less than SM Group matriarch Felicidad Sy and son Harley (who himself has personal scholars), Sio and the different executives of the SM Group and SMFI trustee Chito Macapagal and SMFI Director for Education Linda Atayde.
In her speech, Atayde emphasized to the graduates that their “journey has just begun” with the scholarship program and that it is up to them to prove deserving of it until they complete their degrees. The SMFI scholarship program has been going on for 25 years now.
The signing of scholarship contracts was held at the SMX Hall B while simultaneous contract signings were held in other parts of the country by the SMFI.
Another unique feature of the signing was a hall-wide “selfie” of the scholars with the SM Group matriarch and her son and Chairman Sio.
