Canada Links Business Magazine Feb 2012

President’s Page

JULIAN H. PAYNEPresident

Dear CanCham members and friends of CanCham:

The core pillar in a chamber of commerce is its Executive Director. The Executive Director melds and welds together the enthusiasm, interests, needs and talents of the “inside” stakeholders including the members at large, the major financial supporters, and the professional staff, as well as the volunteer Trustees, Governors and elected corporate officers. The Executive Director is the continuing face of a chamber in its relations with its “outside” partners including academe, business associations, governments, and the media, as well as other non-profit organizations.

The Executive Director’s responsibilities and required talents are equally diverse and wide: providing timely analysis of emerging issues; formulating sound policy recommendations; advocating positions persuasively; providing relevant information and useful services for business; facilitating networking for members; serving as the Secretariat for governing bodies, committees and elected officers; and managing the professional staff, finances and physical assets of the organization.

When founded in 1989, CanCham did not immediately retain a full-time Executive Director. The planning, program management and day-to-day activities were done by the elected and volunteer President as Chief Executive Officer, supported by two Vice Presidents and the Treasurer. Only later in 1997 did the Trustees approve the position of a full-time Executive Director and appoint Daniel Galler as CanCham’s first Executive Director.

The Trustees at that time, given CanCham’s limited financial resources, concluded the most practical solution was to retain a younger business person in an early stage in a business career who wanted more experience in international business. It was also accepted that CanCham could not offer its Executive Director a lifetime career with upward mobility within CanCham and had to assume that its Executive Directors would leave after several years in office for career advancement. In 2003 Dan Galler resigned to pursue his own business career. Our second Executive Director, Sean Georget, was appointed in 2004 continuing the tradition of a younger Executive Director serving CanCham as stage in a business career.

Sean has been serving as CanCham’s Executive Director with commendable dedication. He has contributed significantly to CanCham’s evolution. In addition to spearheading the successful celebration of CanCham’s 20th Anniversary in 2009, he has put its finances on a sound sustainable footing, given its various publications an updated style, introduced a redesigned its website, implemented a Code of Conduct for its officers, managed an outstanding ICT Awards Program, and established the first CanCham chapter outside Manila in Cebu. Sean’s contributions to CanCham have been great and will be lasting.

But time does not stop: in 2012 CanCham will face another change in its Executive Director as Sean will be seeking new opportunities to advance his own business career beyond what CanCham can offer. To effect a smooth transition, it has been mutually agreed by all concerned that Sean will continue as Executive Director until after the forthcoming Annual General Meeting with a replacement sought to start as soon as possible after June 30, 2012.

Your Board of Trustees has no illusion about the challenge it faces to find a qualified and suitable candidate to fill this demanding position. To seek the best, we plan a wide-open search and competitive selection. To this end your Executive Committee has appointed a Search Committee comprising Executive Committee member & Treasurer Christopher Bell-Knight (as chair) and two non-Executive Committee Trustees, James Dantow and Tammy Lipana. The Search Committee will seek out and invite applicants, will assess and screen those applying, and will submit a short list to the Board of Trustees including a recommended candidate to be approved by the Trustees. Richard Mills, Immediate Past President of CanCham and Chairman of Chalre Associates, a leading executive search firm in the Philippines, has kindly agreed to advise the committee.

We plan to complete the selection process before the Annual General Meeting at the end of April. To facilitate our search we are publishing the first advertisement seeking a new Executive Director in this issue of Canada Links, including qualifications and experience sought. I encourage members to suggest suitably qualified and experienced candidates submit their applications by the deadline of 12 April. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

JULIAN H. PAYNE

2 January — February 2012

HONORARY MEMBERS

Sydney GoulbournFounding President

Fidel V. ramoS

WaShinGton Sycip

alFonSo t. yuchenGco

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Julian h. paynePresident

roGer dimmell1st Vice President

mercedeS l. marquez2nd Vice President

chriStopher bell-KniGhtTreasurer

atty. VirGilio del roSarioCorp. Secretary

JameS dantoW

tammy lipana

erneSt loiGnon

Flora naceS-mateo

nicK ooSterVeen

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

amb. chriStopher thornley

JacK GaiSano

robert lee

roGer mandriaK

richard millS

Julian h. payne

celSo ViVaS

eSther tan

alFonSo S. yuchenGco iii

CEBU ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Jimmy chua

JoSe Jaime eScaño

heiKo KÄeFer

dr. nonito narVaSa

ritche riVera

our miSSion

To represent, support and promote Canada-Philippines business interests

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES

• To represent the collective business interests of the membership

• ToincreasethebusinessprofileandCanadianconnectionofthemembers

• To advocate improvements in the Philippines business environment tobenefitmembers

• To assist Canadian business get established in the Philippines

• To assist members in accessing business support resources

• To arrange events and facilities for members to exchange business experience, expertise, ideas and news

• To provide business oriented social opportunities

CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PHIlIPPINESUnit 1406 Antel Corporate Center 121 Valero Street, Salcedo Village

Makati City 1200 PhilippinesPhone:+(632)843-6457•+(632)843-6466•+(632)843-6471

Fax: +(632) 843-6469 Email: [email protected]

Cebu Chapter: 12/F, Unit 1201 FGU Center, Mindanao Avenue, Cebu Business Park

Cebu City 6000 PhilippinesPhone:+(6332)231-3368•+(6332)583-8708Email:[email protected]

www.cancham.com.ph

SECRETARIAT

Sean R. GeoRGet, Executive Director

Heidi H. del PilaR, Office Manager & Publications In-charge

GRace VentoSa, Marketing & Events Manager

Jemela ann Gomez, Administrative Officer (Cebu)

JeRRy aGaRin, Administrative Assistant

caRolina maRcelo, Office Assistant


Publisher:canadian chamber oF

commerce oF the philippineS

Consulting Editor:Sean GeorGet

Production & Advertising:heidi h. del pilar

Editorial Staff :Grace r. VentoSaJerry l. aGarin

carol r. marceloJemela anne Gomez (cebu)

The views and opinions expressed in the various articles contained within Canada Links are not necessarily those of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., nor it’s Board of Trustees, nor the individuals of which the board is comprised. The information provided within any news release or advertisement contained within Canada Links has not been verified by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. Any claims, statements, or assertions made in any news release or advertisement are strictly the responsibility of the individual company or advertiser. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any claims, statements, or assertions in connection with the contents of any news release or advertisement appearing in Canada Links and disclaims all responsibility and liability that may arise.

CONTENTSSpecial Feature:

9 Corporate SoCial reSponSibility

leGal iSSueS:6 how arbitration could save companies time and money should a dispute arise— by atty. maria rivera

in action:16 manila

» Business Briefing on Arbitration » CanCham Monthly Networking Night at Murphys’ Makati » CanCham Executive Management Series » CanCham Monthly Networking Night at Conway’s Bar

18 cebu » Profood Gallery opens to promote Philippine tourism

reGularS:19 cebu chapter • Cebu offes promising opportunities for 2012

20 advocacy page •Arangkada Philippines Forum • DCCCI 44th Installation of officers and Trustees

21 insights • The never ending story — by Peter Wallace • The importance of country competitiveness — by Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala

25 people, places & events26 canada-asia news27 NewMembers’Profile29 members’ update30 Service directory


POSITION OPENING MID YEAR 2012

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORAfter more than eight years as the professional, full-time manager of CanCham, the present incumbent has decided to further his career and pursue other business interests. CanCham, with its mission “To represent, support, and promote Canada-Philippines business interests”, now seeks a suitable candidate for appointment as its third Executive Director at a time it is expanding the scope of its activities, its presence in other cities in the Philippines, and its membership.

The Board of Trustees of Cancham invites applicants for this position who are/have:-• Preferably Canadian citizens holding a valid Canadian passport •If applicable, eligible to apply for a Visa and permit to work in the Philippines• Fluent in reading, writing, listening and speaking English, linked with editorial skills • A University undergraduate degree from a recognized University• References from Supervisors for at least the last 3 years

Eligible Applicants should have:-• A minimum of 10 years full time employment in business related positions• A minimum of 5 years full time employment in Canada and/or the Philippines• Availability to start in the position within 2 months of receiving an offer

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate they have:-• An ability to work in both Western and Southeast Asian business cultures• Good interpersonal relations with outside stakeholders and interest groups •Leadershipskillsappropriatetoworkwithavolunteerexecutiveandsmallofficestaff• Analytical capacity to identify business issues and assess implications •Asolutionorientedapproachinaddressingopportunities,issues,problemsandconflicts• Computer and internet literacy• Self motivation and an ability to work both on own initiative and as part of a team • Skills in strategic planning, initiating and managing change

RemunerationandBenefits–negotiable

All applications will be reviewed and a short list of candidates will selected and interviewed by a Search Committee chaired by Mr. Christopher Bell-Knight, Trustee and Treasurer of CanCham. Applicants should send: a sealed letter of application marked “Strictly confidential” (the letter should summarize the applicant’s performance accomplishments as well as how he/she meets the required qualifications and experience) with attached supporting documentation including: a full CV / Resume, present remuneration, and copies of educational certificates, degrees, diplomas, relevant testimonials together with a recent passport size photo. All documentation sent and the letter will be respected as confidential. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview by the Search Committee.

The original letter of application with all supporting documentation should be addressed to: President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Unit 1406 Antel Corporate Center 121 Valero St., Salcedo Village 1200 Makati City, Philippines. Copies of the letter of application (without supporting documentation) should also be sent by email addressed to: the President of CanCham at [email protected]; and the Chair of the Search Committee at [email protected].

Submission of a CV / resume indicates agreement that the Search Committee of the Board of Trustees of CanCham may verify any and all information provided.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: APRIL 12, 2012


With the unresolved European crisis and the recession still looming over the United States, several companies have turned to Asia to do business. That should be well and good, except that, while bringing business to Asia may now be the most optimum time,

many companies fail to plan for the event should a dispute arise in the foreign country where they do business. At times, significatnt amount of money is lost simply because companies either didn’t know the legal landscape in the foreign country or mistakenly assume that they have the same legal recourse and protection as they may have in their home countries.

How arbitration could save companies time and money should a dispute arise

Doing Business in the Philippines: by atty. maria lourdes Rivera

Businessmen who have previously dealt with foreign entities know from experience (or from the experience of others) that in resolving disputes they are to use the method of arbitration rather than litigation. On the other hand, SMEs, or those entering foreign markets for the first time have the mistaken idea that the forum of first choice in resolving disputes should be through the local courts, not realizing that arbitration offers greater protection in dispute resolution.

What is Arbitration?In layman’s terms, it is a form of dispute resolution

whereby parties settle their disputes in a “private court” by choosing their own “judges” (known as the arbitra-tors) to hear their cases and issue a decision (known as

the “award”). Arbitration could either be domestic or in-ternational, depending whether there is a foreign element in the contract. For example, it is “international” if one of the parties is a foreign company, or the place of execu-tion or performance is found in a place other than in the Philippines.

Why Arbitrate?Speedier disposition of cases. The question most busi-

ness entities would ask is why resort to arbitration when they could avail the services of the local courts. The an-swer is, speed. The average time it would take to enforce a contract in the local courts would be 3-5 years excluding the period of appeal. To finally resolve a dispute, at times, it could take 18 years, depending how much interlocutory process is availed of by any of the parties. What this means is, for businessmen who unfortunately find themselves in a legal squabble, they will have to go through a period of uncertainty as to whether they should take the risk of con-tinuing with their operations (not knowing whether their contract would be declared void, and therefore waste their investment) or stop their operations completely and halt any further investment pending the resolution of their dis-pute (and in that case, suffer an opportunity loss). In either case, the businessman loses.

In arbitration, either domestic or international, disputes could be resolved within a year or two.

Neutrality. To have a neutral forum, each party will be given an opportunity to participate in the selection of the tribunal. If this tribunal consists of single arbitrator, he or she will be chosen by agreement of the parties, or by some outside institution (say the PDRCI) to which the parties have earlier agreed to. If the tribunal is to consist of

The author expalins to the participants of the CanCham Business Briefing held on 25 January 2012 at the CanCham Boardroom the importance of putting an arbitration clause in the contract.


continued to page 8

three arbitrators, two of them may be chosen by the par-ties, and then the two appointed arbitrators will have to mutually agree to select the third member who will act as the presiding arbitrator (also known as the “Chairman”). The consequence of not having an arbitration clause in an international contract is that once a dispute arises, a party may just may find himself commencing proceedings in a foreign court with judges other than those who are experts in the field and be part of the local proceedings he may not procedurally (and linguistically) understand.

Internationally Enforceable decision. Once an award has been made, it will be directly enforceable by court action, both nationally and internationally. To enforce domes-tic and/or foreign arbitral awards the general procedure is to file a petition with the Regional Trial Court having jurisdiction with notice to the other party or his lawyer. Once confirmed, the award will have the same force and effect as though it was rendered in the court in which it sought confirmation. The importance of having the award confirmed is that until confirmation, a successful party to an arbitration could not secure a writ of execution which would enforce the award in its favour.

And because a foreign award could be enforced in any of the more than 150 countries who are signatories to the New York Convention, the victorious litigant could en-force his award wherever assets of the losing party could be found. This means, if the losing party has no assets in the Philippines, the party in whose favour the award was made could enforce the award in another country, say in Singapore, and recover the sums it is entitled to.

Flexibility. Because arbitration is not governed by the rigid evidentiary and trial rules of any state, the arbitral tribunal is afforded procedural freedom in grasping the salient issues of fact or law in dispute. This in turn contrib-utes to the speedy resolution of disputes. Say for example, because there is no need to follow the rigid rules of proce-dure, parties are able to do without the formalities of lo-

cal court proceedings like the tedious process of marking exhibits, having to schedule and attend pre-trial or even having to appear before the court every time a motion or petition is made. This is because, in arbitration, parties are able to communicate faster and more direct by simply fil-ing its documents or letters to the tribunal through email, with the other party copied or included in the email chain.

Confidentiality. Because arbitration is simply resolving disputes in a “private court”, businesses who may have trade secrets or competitive practices or who are simply reluctant to have details of their commercial dispute sub-ject to adverse publicity could be protected as arbitration proceedings are confidential. Hearings are done in private rooms and only people who have legitimate interests in the case, that is, the lawyers and their clients, are allowed to be present. After the arbitration proceedings have ter-minated, records, evidence and the arbitral award shall be considered confidential and shall not be disclosed except for the limited purpose of disclosing to the court relevant documents for enforcement purposes.

How to put an arbitration clause in the contract?

Before parties could avail of arbitration, there must be a provision in their contract which provides for disputes to be resolved through arbitration. This is known as the ar-bitration clause. There is no one generic arbitration clause. Each clause is carefully tailored to meet the needs and types of disputes between the parties. Because the arbi-tration clause will determine the structure of the arbitra-tion proceedings, it is important that it be able to clearly and unequivocally, provide, at the very least a) a state-ment that the parties submit their disputes to arbitration b) that the arbitral award would be final and binding c) the scope of arbitration and d) whether proceedings would be governed by an institution (e.g. by the PDRCI) or ad hoc. These are the essential elements in a functional arbitration


clause. Other terms (like the number or arbitrators or the method of selecting arbitrators), while important, are not essential.

What are the cases that could be submitted to arbitration

Not all cases are arbitrable. Say for example, labor disputes, the validity of marriage and criminal liability (among others) are not subject to arbitration. On the other hand, most, if not all, commercial disputes could be sub-mitted to arbitration, the most common being breach of contract by reason of failure to deliver, execute or pay. Arbitration in the Philippines as a means of Unclogging Court Dockets [Optional- in line with Integrity Initiative]

While the concept of arbitration may seem new, in truth, this is not the case. As early as 1953, Congress enact-ed Republic Act No 876, otherwise known as the Arbitra-tion Law, in order to facilitate an inexpensive and speedy method of settling disputes other than through litigation. Fifty years later, Congress enacted a supplement to the Arbitration Law, Republic Act No 9285, otherwise known as Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004, which ad-dressed the need to provide the rules for international arbitration. However, despite having alternative means available litigants choose to have their disputes settled

at the very first instance with the courts, instead of else-where. .

In 2004, a total number of 785,670 cases were pending before the trial courts. At the end of 2008, the lower courts had 642,082 pending cases that it carried over to 2009. This is in addition to the 320,785 newly filed cases or a total of 962,867 (or nearly a million) cases. Out of the 962,867 cases, our lower courts disposed 363,927 cases. In other words, that’s a 37% disposal rate with the balance having to be carried over to the next year.

If we could simply take out the arbitrable cases and refer them to either domestic or international arbitration, this would undoubtedly de-clog our court dockets and al-low judges to dispose cases more speedily.

ConclusionIt is difficult enough to convince investors to do busi-

ness in the Philippines. And with the few who actually do, they at times even get frustrated when disputes arise and it takes the judiciary nearly forever to resolve their cases. The law has provided a mechanism for us to resolve con-tracts that have gone wrong. It does not have to be through the courts. There is a faster, more cost efficient way to do so, and that is through arbitration.

The author, Atty. Maria Lourdes Rivera (sixth from left) joins Sean Georget (fifth from right) and the other attendees of the CanCham morning briefing.

Atty. Rivera is a lawyer called to the Philippine and New York State Bar. She has previously been attached with the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and worked as a Registered Foreign Lawyer in Singapore law firms where she assisted in various international arbitration matters. Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Doing Business...continued from page 7


TELUS International Philippines formally launches charitable foundationTELUS International Philippines Community Board will donate $100,000 annually to local charities

TELUS International Philippines (TIP) announced the launch of the TELUS International Philippines Community Board, an innovative corporate philanthropy model that further demonstrates the company’s commitment to its philosophy “we give where we live”.

Charitable organizations are invited to apply for one-time funding for projects in the areas of health and wellness, education and sport, and arts and culture. The TELUS International Philippines Community Board will distribute up to US$100,000 to local charities annually.

“We are very proud to announce the launch of the TELUS International Philippines Com-munity Board,” said Jeffrey Puritt, president of TELUS International. “Our TELUS philosophy to give where we live, guided by the knowl-edge and wisdom of the TELUS International Philippines Community Board, will help to improve the lives of those in our communities who need our help the most.”

The board brings together local community leaders and TELUS International Philippines team members who will work collectively to identify local charitable activities that will pro-vide positive, sustainable benefits to the com-munity. The TELUS International Philippines Community Board will be chaired by Javier Infante, vice-chair of the TIP Board of directors and former president of TIP.

“I am deeply honored to chair the TELUS International Philippines Community Board,” said Mr. Infante. “We have assembled an out-

Ambassador Christopher Thornley (third from right) with TELUS and Canadian embassy representatives at TELUS-GK Village

continued to page 10


standing board of accomplished business and community leaders to join us in this endeavor and we are eager to get to work.”

Jeff Uthoff, TIP president, stated, “All of the Community Board members have significant track records supporting corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. These remarkable leaders have played noteworthy roles in improving the lives of Filipino people. We look forward to working with them to achieve great success, together.”

TIP is actively involved in supporting the community. The company organizes an annual TELUS Day of Service dur-ing which team members volunteer their time and energy to support local community projects such as house construc-tion and painting, medical missions, tree planting, lectures on healthy living, and livelihood sessions. TIP also partners with a range of non-profit organizations that share the same ultimate goal of alleviating poverty in the Philippines, and enhancing the health and well being of children and families. These include Gawad Kalinga, Bantay Bata, Bantay Ka-likasan, Charity First Foundation and Virlanie Foundation.

Eleven TELUS Community Boards in Canada distribute more than $5.3 million dollars a year to community projects. Since their inception in 2005, TELUS Community Boards have contributed more than $30 million and supported more than 2,300 community projects.

To apply for TELUS International Philippines Community Board funding please visit www.telus.com/community or visit www.telusinternational.com.ph.

Manulife Philippines and Manulife Business Processing Services (MBPS)* has supported the development of a community for more than 120 underprivileged families identified by the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Foundation, Inc. in partnership with

the local government of Muntinlupa City.

The Manulife-GK Village is a 3,118 square-meter housing community project located in Soldiers’ Hills, Barangay Pu-tatan, Muntinlupa City. In December 2011, Manulife turned over the first cluster of 16 homes. Construction of the second cluster of 20 homes (32.5 square meters, two storeys) started in January 2012. In addition to Manulife’s financial support of this project, employee volunteers from Manulife Philippines, Manulife Chinabank Life Assurance Corporation and MBPS are helping to build the homes.

*MBPS is a Manulife Financial Corporation unit located in Quezon City, Philippines, servicing North American back-office requirements.

Manulife Philippines builds communities for the future

Beneficiaries pose with Manulife Philippines executives, Gawad Kalinga and Muntinlupa LGU representatives and Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley during the symbolic turnover of the first cluster of houses to the first batch of beneficiaries.

TELUS International...continued from page 9


Everyone Gives, the global social giving campaign officially launched on 22 February 2012, has successfully raised

over US$735,000 for charities around the world in less than three weeks. By encouraging participants to make a small donation to a charity of their choice through the platform, and then use their social networks to invite friends, co-workers, clients and family to give, this exciting global giving effort attracted more than 12,000 participants from 64 countries around the globe.

Over US$735,000 raised for charities around the world through Everyone GivesAnimals Asia in Hong Kong, which received donor support from 24 cities, won a bonus donation of US$5,000

As the founding sponsor of Everyone Gives, Colliers International is proud to be a supporter of this campaign. “It is wonderful to experience first-hand the power of per-sonal networks, and to be able to leverage this network to generate a global giving viral effect,” said Piers Brunner, Chief Executive Officer of Colliers International Asia. He added that since the campaign’s official launch in Asia, re-sponse has been fantastic, with enthusiastic participants quickly multiplying their donation through their personal networks.

“Community giving is firmly embedded into the cul-ture of our company. There are many inspiring stories, and our participation in Everyone Gives serves as an important tool through which we can further strengthen our support to the community which we work in,” com-mented Brunner.

To build on the excitement in the lead up to Everyone Gives, Colliers International also sponsored a competition where additional bonus donations were awarded to the top three giving trees measured by the highest number of active participants, most cities covered and most money pledged. The competition results recently announced are:

In Asia, Animals Asia - a registered charity headquar-tered in Hong Kong and devoted to ending the barbaric practice of bear bile farming and improving the welfare of animals in China and Vietnam, bagged second place in the competition by having the highest number of cities

impacted. The organisation will receive an extra US$5,000 bonus donation.

Speaking to the representative from Animals Asia fol-lowing the prize presentation, Edwina Cheung said that, “Everyone Gives offers a simple and easy way for support-ers to donate to Animals Asia. We are delighted to have received support from donors in 24 different cities. This shows that the Everyone Gives platform can drive aware-ness for our work to countries and potential supporters that we wouldn’t normally be able to reach. It paves the way for increased funding for our vital work operating bear sanctuaries in China and Vietnam and campaigning to end bear bile farming.”

In the Philippines, Colliers International supported two charities, namely: The Philippine Red Cross and The Phil-ippine Christian Foundation. The campaign generated a total of $1,318 - $486 & $832 respectively. PRC donation is given to the victims of the Sendong tragedy in the south whereas PCF’s focused on improving school IT facilities for indigent families of the Tondo dumpsite.in which Col-liers does business. We walk our talk.”

In the Philippines, some 80 Colliers staff participated in repair and maintenance activities at three public schools in Mandaluyong City - Plainview Elementary School, Renato R. Lopez Elementary School and Highway Hills Integrat-ed School - as well as school donation activities in Cebu.

David Young, Managing Director of Colliers Inter-national in the Philippines said, “Our assistance to the Mandaluyong schools was a great project to support. A number of our staff live in Mandaluyong so we were pleased to support their local community. Additionally, we utilized the resources and skills of our Facilities Man-agement business, which is based in Mandaluyong, to complete urgently required repairs to the school’s fabric.”

In the Philippines, Colliers International Managing Director, David Young, walks through the Everyone Gives platform with his staff


L earning Math, Science and English becomes more fun and exciting for Grades 5 and 6 pupils of all public elementary schools in the coastal town of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte as the Text2Teach alliance brings to the area an innovative way of teaching via mobile

technology beginning this school year.

Text2Teach mobile technology invades PagudpudGlobe introduces special SIM cards for T2T schools

The Text2Teach consortium led by Globe Corporate Social Responsibility Head Rob I. Nazal (fourth from left, standing) and Ayala Foundation, Inc. Operations Manager for Text2Teach Marisse Catangay (fifth from left, standing) together with Pagudpud Mayor

Maja Sale s(sixth from left, standing) turn over Text2Teach kits to 11 public elementary schools in Pagudpud

Text2Teach is a collaboration between the private and public sectors composed of Globe Telecom, Ayala Founda-tion Inc., Nokia Corporation, Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH), the Department of Education, and the local government units.

“Text2Teach shows how mobile technology can be used in various ways, not only to call, text, and browse the inter-net but also to enhance the educational experiences of the students. Through the Text2Teach alliance, we at the pri-vate sector together with our public sector counterpart, are able to work hand-in-hand in harnessing this technology to bridge the gap between education and the ever-grow-ing demand for a highly-competent labor force,” said Rob I. Nazal, Globe Head for Corporate Social Responsibility.

At the same time, Globe introduces the Globe Bridge-Com SIM card as the new communications platform for Text2Teach schools.

The Globe BridgeCom SIM cuts regular rates in half, thereby, giving users a chance to enjoy a very low P0.05 per second rate for Globe/TM-to-Globe/TM calls and P0.50 per text. This will primarily benefit those in the grassroots level who are financially challenged. The Globe BridgeCom SIM may also be customized to send out in-formation such as public advisories, new projects, among others.

Pagudpud is the first community launch of Text2Teach in 2012, and likely the last for the third phase of the project, and brings to 57 the total number of Text2Teach schools in Ilocos Norte. Text2Teach also has 28 existing schools in Ilocos Sur or a total of 85 schools in the two provinces.

Using the power of mobile technology, almost 2,800 grades 5 and 6 students in 11 public elementary schools

in Pagudpud can now watch any of the 389 educational audio and video materials loaded in the N86 8MP phones donated by Nokia and equipped with the Nokia Educa-tion Delivery (NED) application.

Beneficiary schools in Pagudpud include Burayoc ES, Caunayan ES, Dampig ES, Gamaban ES, Luzong ES, Pagudpud Central ES, Pagudpud South Central ES, Pan-cian ES, Pasaleng ES, Saud ES, and Subec ES.

NED allows teachers to play the educational audios and videos on Math, Science and English specifically designed for the project, providing a highly effective visual aid for teachers. It also creates an interactive, student-focused learning environment in the classroom which makes the students eager to go to school.

Globe, on the other hand, provides pre-paid SIM cards, free P150 monthly load allowance for one year to each beneficiary-school to be used for helpdesk concerns, and an additional P1,000 load if there are new or updated ma-terials to be downloaded through the mobile phones using its network.

Students can watch the videos using 29-inch television sets purchased from Kolin Philippines International, Inc. The TV sets, Teachers Guides, as well as part of the teacher training costs, were covered by the counterpart funds pro-vided by the LGU led by Mayor Matilde Sales. The proto-type lesson plans in the guides were created by the DepEd master teachers themselves to meet local education guide-lines and standards, and are fully integrated with the basic education curriculum.

Since 2003, more than a million public elementary school students and almost 3,000 school heads, teachers and local DepEd officials in 553 schools in the country are benefiting from Text2Teach.


“Perhaps the best part is that with the NetSuite approach, we will have flexibility and

scalability – we can keep rolling out access to more schools in the city of Parañaque,

and perhaps the whole country.”— Rotary Club of Parañaque St. Andrew (RCPSA)

NetSuite helps Philippines Rotary Clubmake school books available to local children

Taken during the launched of the RotarE Library at the Paranaque National High School (PNHS) with Netsuite (Philippines), Inc. GM and VP of WW Support, James Dantow (seated, third from right) joined by members of the Rotary Club of Parañaque St. Andrew and PNHS representatives.

Innovative effort will reduce costs of donating hard-copy books by storing soft copies in a central NetSuite repository, accessible via the local library

CHALLENGES•rcpSa had donated 150 computers to 10 public schools in

the city of parañaque for upgrading their computer lab facilities.

•rcpSa also wanted to increase book donations to students, but hard copy books were prohibitively expensive.

•rcpSa decided to use soft copy books, but a secure, server-based system would be very expensive.

SOLUTION•rcpSa brought in netSuite to serve as a central repository

for its “rotare-library” program, where soft copy books could be donated by rotary clubs worldwide and other corporate sponsors.

•TheRotaryClubusesNetSuite’sfilecabinetfeaturetoorganize the books by school grade and subject matter.

•School children log on securely to netSuite’s customer portal to access books from their school desktops.

•next step: migrate the rcpSa website to netSuite ecommerce to improve performance, ease of use.

RESULTS•thousands of students will now be able to access

hundreds of books for free, because the netSuite customer portal doesn’t require multiple user licenses

•rcpSa saved thousands of dollars over installing comparable server-based system that would have required extra server hardware, multiple databases, and maintenance and security personnel


Sun Life sparks the imagination with Mind MuseumWho says Math cannot be playful and fun?

L ocated in Bonifacio Global City, the Math Pocket is a 249 sqm outdoor playground that shows how mathematics can tickle the mind as well as the senses. “We want kids of all ages to discover the lighthearted side of math, and how it can be applied in our everyday

lives, ”explains Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Veronica Estrella. Officially opens to the public last March 16, 2012.

THREE DYNAMIC EXHIBITS In the Sun Life sponsored activity area, museum visitors can marvel at the principles of geometry and physics dis-

played in three impressive and larger than life installations. As interactive pieces, these can help facilitate better under-standing of abstract concepts like cycloids and equilibrium. Aboard the Brachistocrone slide, children can try to figure out which among the slides is the fastest way down. Over the MoBius Wall cliMBer, one can ride the revolutionary belt shaped loop that only has one side and edge. Both these designs show geometrical concepts as applied to reality. In the FulcruM area, the physics behind force and balance is demonstrated. Families can ride the seesaw and teeter totter to better understand how the field of physics is a relevant and vital component of the physical world.

SPARkS FOR EDUCATIONThe Mind Museum pledge, which amounts to P15 million, is part of Sun Life Foundation’s commitment to educa-

tional campaigns. Given the languishing Math performance of Filipino students as shown by global assessing bodies like TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), the Mind Museum venture is a timely contribution.

“Sun Life has always been an advocate for education, whether in terms of financial planning or providing other avenues for learning. We hope that with the Math Pocket, we can spark the minds of Filipinos and see mathematical theories in a different light,” affirms Estrella.

With education as one of its main thrusts, the Foundation also partnered with the Knowledge Channel to produce 20 episodes teaching high school algebra. It also gives college scholarships to students nationwide. The Foundation’s more prolific initiatives are the It’s Time! financial literacy advocacy, Hapinoy partnership, and the annual SunPIOLOgy col-laboration with Hebreo Foundation. Experience the wonders of science and visit the Math Pocket in the Mind Museum. For more information about the Sun Life Foundation, go to www.sunlife.com.ph. To know more about the Mind Mu-seum, visit www.mindmuseum.org.

Experience the theories of numbers as science and imagination spark to life with the Sun Life Financial - Philippines Foundation’s Math Pocket in the innovative Mind Museum complex.


The dream of a decent home is soon a reality for a number of Subanons with the launch of TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc’s housing project for the indigenous peoples of Zamboanga del Norte. The housing project is being done in partnership with Gawad

Kalinga (GK).

To date, 50 Subanon families are now contributing man-hours as part of their commitment in building new homes for themselves in Tanuman Village, Barangay Kilalaban, Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte.

Soon, these Subanon families will be living in a concrete, one-bedroom (loft-type) single detached house in a parcel of land inside their sprawling 8,000 hectare Subanon ancestral domain.

GK’s Kholee Calzada (in white shirt) and Tito Cajules (wearing black shirt) confer with Joel Alasco, CReDO Manager, during the planning stages of the Tanuman GK village. Middle photo shows Engr. Jay Nelson, VP for Environment and Civil Engineering Services Departments looking at the village site. Accompanying him is Gemma Tolentino, company forester and member of the GK Caretaker Team. Third photo is TVIRD’s VP for Corporate Social Commitment Renne Subido.

Subanons mill around Tito Cajules, GK’s National Director for Partnerships as he shows how their houses will look like. Second photo shows an artist’s rendition of the house.

TVIRD builds homes for Subanons – the GK way

Self-reliance and sustainability through the Gawad Kalinga (GK) community model

Subanon family members are all eager to do labor for their new homes and their new community.

During the ceremonies, Tito Cajules, GK’s National Director for Partnerships said, “The important thing is TVIRD and GK are building a community of people that help each other. And to start community building, their first need is to have decent homes”.

Renne Subido, Vice-President for Corporate Social Commitment of TVIRD said, “We don’t only want to give them houses but we want them to be a thriving commu-nity that can stand on their own and united in their ef-forts for sustainable development even after the company is gone”.

The Tanuman GK village is expected to be finished by the middle of 2012 and another community for the next 50 families will start after. (Joseph Arnel Deliverio)


IN ACTION

CanCham Monthly Networking Night26 January 2012 @ Murphy’s Makati

Sponsored by:


CanCham Monthly Networking Night22 Febuary 2012 @ Conway’s Makati Shangri-La, Manila

Supported by:

CanCham Executive Management Series22 Febuary 2012 @ New World Makati City, Manila Hotel

Creating ROI from HR Initiatives: Having a comparative advantage


T he Profood Gallery officially opened inside the Profood International Corporation compound in Mandaue City last February 15, 2012. Lunch was served followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30 pm. The ribbon cutting was led by Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes,

Department of Tourism Regional Director Rowena Montecillo, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and Honorary Consul of Portugal Samuel Chioson, Cebu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Filomeno Lim, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Eric Mendoza, Song Shin Travel and Tours President Mr. Song Woo, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa Cebu Chairman Park Yong Jun, and Profood’s Company President Mr. Justin Uy.

Profood Gallery opens to promote Philippine tourism

Profood aims to promote Philippine tourism by giving the tourists more reasons to come to Cebu. This gallery is just like the Asahi Brewery Tour (Japan), the Dole Pine-apple Plantation Tour (Hawaii), and the Jelly Belly Factory Tour (California, USA). Aiming to be another tourist spot in Cebu, this gallery is initially open to foreign Korean tourists. Other foreign and local tourists will follow when the gallery’s amenities are complete.

The gallery aims to bring in tourists who are curi-ous about the Philippine mango, especially the world-renowned Philippine dried mango, by having exhibits on mango growing and other interesting qualities of the fruit. It also educates people about Profood International

Corporation in general: its history, the products it offers, and an overview of how these products are made through exhibits and a factory tour. The gallery has a museum, an area for sampling the company’s products, and two small theaters where videos on Profood and the mango fruit are shown. For a minimal admission fee, the tourists also bring home a beach bag full of goodies.

The Profood group of companies also caters to the tour-ist industry through its luxury resort, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa Cebu, as well as J Centre Mall in Mandaue City.

L-R: Evilla Uy, Consul Robert Lee, Anna Lee, Judith Uy, Jerome Uy

DOT Regional Director gives a speech


Cebu offers promising opportunities for 2012

While the Philippine economy, as well as the giant economies all over the world, remains in a

fragile state, Cebu’s economy on the other hand offers promising opportunities this year, something that Cebuanos should positively look forward to.

Cebuano economist and professor Fernando “Perry” Fajardo projected that Cebu can continu-ously bank on its strong (growth) assets being lo-cated strategically in the country, as a transport hub, and strong outward orientation, such as large export manufacturing base, fantastic tourism attraction, and the growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sec-tor.

Fajardo, who was one of the speakers during the Eco-nomic Views and Prospects, hosted by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in partner-ship with the Cebu Business Club (CBC) said a strong in-dication for this year’s encouraging economic growth for Cebu, is the rising trend of local tax generation, and huge revenues in investments, among others.

Last year alone, Cebu got P9.7 billion worth of internal revenue allotment from the national government’s coffer, poured into the local government units (LGUs) treasury. Additionally, Cebu earned about 30 percent more from the local taxes, which basic income calculated to reach in an average of P12 billion.

This year, while manufacturing, tourism, services, BPO and other sectors are expected to grow, Cebu will be able to cushion itself from the untoward developments exter-nally, specifically the ongoing monetary problems of the United States and Europe.

Cebuanos’ natural grip on entrepreneurship has also helped the province stay afloat while the rest of the econo-mies in the country and the world are having difficulties.

According to Fajardo, the strong spirit of collaboration, and optimism of the local entrepreneurs in Cebu to propel the local economy has helped Cebu stood amid the threat-ening economic condition.

However, he said although Cebu has been able to with-stand the test of difficult times economically, it is not immune to the effects it may get from the fall-out of the continuous global economic slowdown.

That is why, he said it is important for Cebu to make extra efforts in boosting further its economic drivers, spe-cifically tourism and BPO in other to get lesser negative effects from outside problems.

Cebu’s BPO sector is expected to expand in the sophis-ticated and high-paying services, “no more ordinary call centers.”

Tourism on the other hand, should take an extra atten-tion in providing expanded attractions that would primar-ily attract the significantly growing domestic market.

Although, foreign arrivals in Cebu is in the upswing, Fajardo said tourism can rely more on the growing domes-tic travelers.

However, Fajardo warned the hotel and resort opera-tors here, to be friendly with their rates, that would ap-peal to the domestic visitors. More often, he said it is much cheaper to travel to other countries like Thailand and In-donesia because of their affordable accommodation rates, with the lower airfare promotions, than traveling to Cebu, with sky-rocketing rates of accommodation facilities.

In these countries, tourists can also see the “sun, and sea” just like in the Philippines, but what Cebu needs is making the accommodation facilities’ rate much attractive.

Consumer demand is expected to surge further, as OFW remittance remains strong, and growth in popula-tion is evident.

Moreover, he said the government’s announcement to release spending money started with the P170 billion fi-nancial stimulus to shield the country from the impending global recession.

Hopefully, he said private capitalists would also spend more investments in education, health and other related services, especially in Cebu, as these sectors are also seen to generate promising returns this year.

Most importantly, Fajardo said that Cebu should be able to address the looming problems on water, and power supplies, transportation and communication infra-structure as these are few of the basic bedrocks of a fast growing economy. – (FREEMAN)

12/F Unit 1201 FGU Center Mindanao Avenue,Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000 Philippines

Tel. No.: (63 32) 583-8708 • (63 32) 238-0762Fax No. (63 32) 231-3368 • Email: [email protected]


www.cancham.com.ph

IN PHOTO: (L-R) Myrna P. Valdez, DCCCII Corporate Treasurer, Dr. Malou Monteverde, DCCCII, President and Sean Georget, CanCham Executive Director

Arangkada Philippines Forum26 January 2012 @ Marriott Hotel, Manila

His Excellency Philippine President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III with the heads of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce

Davao City Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DCCCI)

44th Installation of new set of OfficersandTrustees

20 January 2012 @ Waterfront Insular Hotel


Mining is unavoidable. This is a fundamental point that cannot be ignored, and must be taken into account in any discussion on mining. Our modern daily lives are intrinsically intertwined with minerals. Everything we use has metals in it somewhere — from our

clothes (metal needles and machines) to the now ubiquitous cellphone (put up your hand if you don’t own a cellphone).

Banning mining would take us back to Neanderthal times. It would open the door widely to illegal, irresponsibly done mining. To say “let someone else do it” would be un-Christian in the extreme.

The answer is to control mining. The problem with that is that the government, in every administration, has proven massively unable to impose control. So the answer is for us to help it to. We need to step in and be part of that control. The Catholic Church with its enormous influence and nationwide coverage could monitor and prod government toward effective control. Environmentalists can help.

Total bans never work on anything. Human ingenuity and sheer greed can always subvert it. So control is the answer, control to ensure mining is done responsibly. It’s not an argument between large and small, it’s between responsible and irresponsible. It just happens that most, virtually all, small-scale miners do operate irresponsibly. But they need not do this, they too could be responsible if controlled. They could act within the bounds of the law if they are controlled.

It’s no good bringing up the past. We all agree the bulk of historical mining was disastrously done, with a ew noted exceptions (such as Philex, Benguet Corp., Atlas, and Lepanto).

What we should look at is today. And let me give you one example to show what can be done with proper control (in this case, control by the company, which is the best control you can have). That company is Canadian-owned TVI Pacific Inc. The company owns and operates the Canatuan mine in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. As of 2011, total investment for the project, which started in 2004, already reached P14.6 billion. TVI directly injected to the economy about P537 mil-lion in total taxes it has paid the government.

But aside from taxes and royalties, TVI also spent P655 million for its Social Development & Management Program in Siocon. The area used to be an ecological disaster – mining tailings ponds from small-scale miners were pouring mercury

The never-ending storyby:

Peter Wallace

Through its social commitment and environmental protection programs, TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc. has made sustainable development possible for its Subanon indigenous hosts.

At its copper-zinc project in Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, the human rights paradigm has guided the Company as it implements community development projects that can be sustained beyond the life-of-mine and into the future.

Know how the Company is making this happen. Visit www.tviphilippines.com today.

In Canatuan, responsible mining isa catalyst for sustainable development.



and cyanide into the watershed. Even before the start of the project, TVI conducted an environmental clean-up of the wastes and damage from these illegal small-scale miners. TVI has also provided training for sustainable livelihood in the impact community. About 2,500 students are en-joying free education through the company’s scholarship grants. A total of 85 kilometers of roads, 4 bridges, and a spillway, along with 6 schools and a clinic were built. An ambulance was also provided for the residents. The town now has water purification systems, cell towers, and port facilities. All these contributions of TVI helped Siocon to advance from being a Class 4 to a Class 1 municipality. Those who oppose mining should go and see for them-selves―and then decide if they still want to so rabidly op-pose. That’s what the future can be in other mining areas too, if control is exerted. We all need to pitch in and ensure the least possible damage is done; the local community is supported and indigenous people protected; and the area is restored to good condition at the end of the mine’s life.

If responsible mining is fully supported, it can not only bring wealth to the community where it is located, but to the nation as a whole. Local communities benefit from roads built, schools and hospitals constructed, power and water brought to the people, jobs provided. The nation sees growth from the exports and support industries, and an economy finally reaching the 7 percent “tipping point” needed to break the poverty trap. If, though, government

continues to allow local governments to usurp national law, an unconstitutional act if ever there was one; and does not maintain a consistent, predictable policy frame-work whilst oppositionists rule the day, then watch GDP sink to a 3.5 percent to 4 percent trickle.

It is estimated that the mineral wealth of the country amounts to $840 billion (P47 trillion), four times our total annual GDP. Saudi Arabia is rich because it has oil in the ground and pumps it out and sells it.

The Philippines is poor because it has minerals on the ground, and leaves them there.

There’s been some complaint that mining dislodges farmers. Well, in the main that’s not true. Mineralrich soils generally will not support agriculture. But even if it did, agriculture employs one person per hectare on an average income of P260 per day, or P260 per hectare. A mine em-ploys four people per hectare on a wage of P550 per day, or P2200 per hectare. Which is the more profitable use of the land?

As to the other complaint that government doesn’t get enough from a mine, it’s a fair point but you must look at three things. Firstly, what does government get – in total, including the roads and schools it would otherwise have had to build (payment in kind)? Secondly, what do the governments of other countries get?

The Philippine must be competi-tive if it’s to attract investors. Third-ly, you can’t compare a basically juststarting industry like in the Phil-ippines with a well-established one such as in Australia or Canada.

The mining companies I’ve talked to don’t mind at all government get-ting a fair share of the profits, but it must be of the profits, the net rev-enues. In tough times when prices are low and there are no profits, it’s asking a bit much to expect compa-nies to pay taxes then to just add on to the expenses and losses they are suffering. Start-ups should not be burdened with excessive taxes ei-ther. Mines require huge amounts of capital that cost needs to be recov-ered within a reasonable time frame.

So on top of the above, I have some suggestions for the Cabinet team that is looking at changes in the mining policy. These are:

1. Put small-scale mining under national control.

• Ensure they act responsibly so as to minimize harm to the environment

• Stop their use of mercury• Require them to pay taxes• Sell their gold to the BSP – as

mandated• Stop illegal export2. Strengthen the capability

of the DENR and MGB to properly and fully manage minerals development –by both

The never.....continued from page 21

Ü


small- and large-scale mines. And fund it adequately.

3. Local laws cannot be allowed to overrule national law. Any ban or control in a particular area must come from the national government and be in line with national law.

4. Share of revenues to government must be fair. But must keep the country competitive with others to maintain investor confidence & interest.

5. Any change cannot be retroactive, and must respect international treaties. Granted agreements must be honored.

6. The environment must be protected – but in a realistic fashion. Mines must progressively restore the land and do a full rehabilitation at the end of the mine’s life. Responsible companies will.

Mining is unavoidable, we have to have it. So we have to control it, not ban it. Let’s all work together to do that. I think private prosecutor Vitaliano Aguirre, the lawyer who covered his ears with his hands during the impeachment trial, deserves a medal.

Countries, like companies, compete. Nations compete for investments, trade, trade in services, and tourists. This focus on national competitiveness has been increasingly reinforced by global competitiveness rankings published, on a regular basis, by a variety

of institutions. These are comprehensive reports that benchmark our performance and attractiveness as nation states in the economic sphere.

Global rankings are important for two reasons. First, they are a set of diagnostic tools which highlight the strengths we can build on, as well as the challenges that must be overcome, in order to become more globally competitive.

Second, investors pay close attention to the indicators and use the information to assess country standings across a variety of metrics.

While the Philippines has not ranked favorably in many of these surveys, it is encouraging to see a significant im-provement. In the latest World Economic Forum report, the Philippines moved up ten places, from 85th (of 139) in 2010 to 75th out of 142 countries in 2011, one of the largest jumps recorded by a country in worldwide.

In Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, we also moved up five positions to 129th compared to the prior year. However, we slipped by two positions to 136th in IFC’s Doing Business Report.

Our top three immediate challenges, as defined by the surveys, are in the areas of Corruption, Inefficient Government Bureaucracy, and Inadequate Infrastructure. Our longer term challenges lie in the area of Education, Science and Tech-nology, and Innovation.

Let me highlight four important drivers.

The importance of country competitivenessBy:

Jaime augusto zobel de ayala

FiRM-LEvEL coMPETiTivENESS. While a trusted and efficient economic system, with stable institutions and strong political, legal, and social frameworks underpin the success of an economy, they are not by themselves suffi-cient to sustain country competitiveness. These broader macro conditions are only half of the

Adapted from a speech delivered before FiNEX on 12 January 2012. The author is chairman and cEo of Ayala corporation and a member of the National competitiveness council.

The never.....continued from page 22



competitiveness equation. The other half lies in the micro, or firm level, of an economy where the private sector car-ries much of the responsibility.

Companies are the entities that create national wealth and so their productivity, efficiency, and dynamism are central to country competitiveness. An economy cannot be competitive unless companies operating within it are competitive and productive.

HuMAN RESouRcES. At the core of productivity is the quality of the human resources of a nation. This is greatly influenced by the quality and standard of edu-cation we provide. It is imperative that we invest in the proper education and training of our workforce to prepare them for jobs in industries where our country has a com-petitive advantage. Continuous professional training is imperative to keep our human resources at par with global standards.

Here lies one of the greatest long-term challenges to global competitiveness for the Philippines. Our general education standards, along with our science and technol-ogy education, research and development, ability to in-novate, and our level of industry-academe collaboration have been rated low by investors. In a world where com-parative advantage is increasingly based on human capital rather than on natural resources, we cannot afford to ig-nore this sector. Our ability to address new problems and the challenges of tomorrow is directly linked to our ability to raise our educational standards today.

iNcLuSivE GRowTH. We cannot, as businesses op-erating in an emerging economy, ignore the needs of the broader population, the majority who belong to lower income groups and with poor access to basic goods and services. As businesses, we are in a unique position to be able to put resources to work to address the needs of this

The importance.....continued from page 23

broader market effectively, while simultaneously generat-ing new growth for our own businesses. National com-petitiveness simply cannot be achieved if majority of the population is struggling to meet their most basic needs.

REGioNAL coMPETiTivENESS. I do not think it is possible for a country to become globally competitive based on only one or two economic hubs. We need to build more economic growth centers across the country. This year, we plan to work with more local groups to de-velop suitable metrics for measuring their own competi-tiveness. More importantly, they need to begin to measure themselves against other cities in ASEAN.

Ultimately the challenge for any nation is how to sus-tain its competitiveness over the long term. The first thing to remember is that change is a constant. In the short-to-medium term, the competitiveness bar gets raised as one moves up in terms of GDP per capita.

The second is that the whole definition of competi-tiveness is also evolving. It is moving in the direction of measuring sustainable competitiveness in the sense that metrics now include measuring the ability of today’s econ-omy to grow without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

There is no single policy or grand step to achieve com-petitiveness. It comes from a series of many improvements across all sectors, over long periods of time. Everything matters in improving country competitiveness---educa-tion, infrastructure, efficient capital markets, workforce quality, social and political environments.

But clearly, one sector cannot do it without the other moving in step. It is for this reason that we all have to work together in the public and private sectors to truly improve country competitiveness. We are equal sides to the equation.


Have a cool Easter at InterContinental Manila. This year’s Easter Sunday, April 8, celebration will start with Holy Mass at the Legaspi Ballroom

at 9 AM. An aquatic-themed party with an undersea scenario will be held at the Grand Ballroom from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Tickets are priced at P 1250 net per adult and P 800 net per child aged 12 years and younger. Registration will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

An Easter Aquatica Room Package for local residents will be available for the period of April 2 to 8, 2012. This consists of Deluxe Room accommodation at P 8,888 net per night inclusive of buffet breakfast for two at Cafe Jeepney and Easter Aquatica Party tickets for two per stay.

Starting March 26 until April 8, Easter goodies like chocolate rab-bits, hens and eggs, walnut pralines, and hot cross buns will on sale at the lobby from 10 AM to 9 PM. The Prince Albert Rotisserie will

Intercon goes aquatica for Easter

be open during Holy Week and will of-fer a special menu for Easter. A sump-tuous Easter brunch buffet spread at P 1,888++ per adult and P 944++ per child aged 5 years to 12 years will be available at Café Jeepney.

The British School Manila hosts the Maths

FOBISSEA

L ast March 1-4, 2012, the British School Manila in the Fort hosted the FOBISSEA

(Federation of British Schools in South East Asia) Primary maths competition.

The Maths FOBISSEA began 3 years ago at Alice Smith school in KL and the British School Manila is the third school to host this prestigious event.

The best 10-11 year old mathemati-cians attended from the British schools in South East Asia. This year 92 stu-dents competed from 20 different schools across the region.

The children spent the 2 days com-peting in a variety of maths challenges, both individual and team to determine an overall champion.

The first event was a mixed team event with a maths trail around the Fort High Street area, followed by chal-lenging individual and team rounds and for the first time competitors did tests on-line. The event ended Satur-day evening with a gala dinner and an awards ceremony.


MONTERO SIGNS MOU WITH STAR EARTH MINERALS OF INDIA FOR RARE EARTHS

Toronto-based Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. announced that it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Star Earth Minerals (Pvt) Limited, a rare earth chemical company based in Mumbai, India. The MOU’s primary purpose is to lay out the basis of cooperation between Montero and Star Earth Minerals, with the aim of reaching an off-take agreement for Star to buy cerium carbonate and mixed rare earth from Montero. Montero Mining is a mineral exploration and development company engaged in the identification, acquisition, evaluation and exploration of mineral properties primarily focused on rare earth elements, phosphates and uranium in Tanzania, South Africa and Quebec. Star Earth Minerals is a producer of rare earth compounds. It supplies mixed rare earth oxides, nitrate, sulphates, carbonates used in chemical and ceramic industries, and has customers in Southeast Asia and Japan.Information summarized from: Marketwire

TWO NEW BC-CERTIFIED SCHOOLS PLANNED FOR SHANGHAI, CHINA

BC Education Minister George Abbott signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Huangpu Education Bureau in China, and BC officials met with the Minhang Education Bureau,

paving the way for two new BC-certified offshore schools in Shanghai. The MOU with the Huangpu Education Bureau marks the final stage of the groundwork towards certification next year of a BC-certified offshore school at Luwan Senor High School. The BC-certified school will accommodate students from grades 10 to 12.Information summarized from: Government of B.C. Press Release

NEW FILM FESTIVAL CONNECTS TORONTO AUDIENCES WITH JAPANESE FILMMAkERS

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and Shiseido (Canada) Inc. announced the inaugural Toronto Japanese Film Festival (TJFF), a two-week showcase of Japanese contemporary cinema in Toronto from June 7-21, 2012. Through the support of its industry sponsor Alliance Films Inc., TJFF acts as forum to connect Toronto audiences, Japanese filmmakers, industry professionals and supporters. TJFF also aims to continue to focus awareness of and support for the ongoing needs of the Japanese people following last year’s earthquake and tsunami. A portion of the proceeds of the festival will go to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund which has already raised over C$1.5 million for the relief effort. For information, visit www.torontojff.com. Information summarized from: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Press Release

APF CANADA APPOINTS MICHAEL GOLDBERG AS SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Goldberg, Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Sauder School of Business at University of British Columbia, as Scholar-in-Residence at the Foundation. From January 2005 to July 2007, Dr. Goldberg was Chief Academic Officer of Universitas 21 Global in Singapore before which he was Associate Vice President International at the University of British Columbia and the HR Fullerton Professor of Urban Land Policy in the Sauder School of Business. Asia has been a special focus of Dr. Goldberg’s research, professional life and work for more than three decades. He has written widely about the globalization of real estate markets especially in Asia and North America.Information summarized from: Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Press Release


Through its website tradingcharts.com the company is (literally) a world leader in providing free futures market information. This operation can be considered analogous to traditional publishing, in that TradingCharts aggregates and produces informative

content, publishes the content in the form of charts, quote tables, and news articles on pages of its website, and generates revenue through advertising sponsorship. Revenues from this publishing aspect of operations form about 65% of total company revenue which is almost completely from advertising clients based in the U.S.A. and overseas. TradingCharts strives to expand both audience and revenue of this operation through continuous innovation, marketing and development. The company also provides website development services, primarily to local and provincial organizations, trading as M.R. Website Development Studio.

Forming about 35% of revenues, this aspect of company operations has been increasing dra-matically every year. Our goal is to continue to expand this area of operations to provide service to organizations beyond national boundaries.

The company has 9 employees. Due to staff shortages in Saskatchewan TradingCharts is forced to seek alternative sources for skilled staff, and alternative locations for operations.

The King’s School is a British Curriculum international school serving the expatriate community in Manila. The school is currently open for children aged 2 to 14 years and will expand over the next few years to include A-Levels and IB (Pre-Nursery to completion of

Secondary)

King’s is governed by the British Schools Group, an organisation that aims to promote quality British-style education worldwide. The British School’s Group is a member of The Federation of British International Schools in South East Asia (FOBISSEA), and is accredited by the Univer-sity of Cambridge Examination board, and is registered with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in the UK.

The school will open in August 2012 with a capacity for 500 students, later to expand to 1,000 students. Enrolment at the school is selective, and the school has an enrolment policy limiting the number of non-English speaking students. Students from the UK, USA, and Austra-lia are expected to form the largest groups within the school.

INTERNATIONAL TRADING CHARTS.COM. INC.

kING’S SCHOOL MANILA


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Phone: +(632) 570-9082Fax: +(632) 570-3432

Emails: [email protected]: www.straightarrow.com.ph

HARAYA DEL ROSARIO Managing Director

TREISHA TAGIMACRUZ Marketing Integration Specialist

Reynaldo CarpioGrand Monaco Estate Dev. Inc.

6 Pittsburgh St. CubaoQuezon City, Philippines

Phone: +(632) 911-6109Fax: +(632) 501-2274


kING’S SCHOOL MANILABradco Avenue,Aseana City

Parañaque City 1700 PhilippinesPhone: +(632) 478-9859 Emails: [email protected]: www.kings.org.ph

JANET BROCKHead Teacher

MARK JOHNSONAdmin Manager

INTERNATIONAL TRADINGCHARTS.COM, INC.

501-1101, 101st StreetNorth Battleford, SK S9A OZ5 Canada

Phone: +1 (306) 445-7330Fax: +1 (306) 445-0880

Emails: [email protected] • [email protected]

Website: www.tradingcharts.com

MIKE RITCHIECEO

BRENDAN WALL

Affiliate

Hon. Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan3742 Henderson HighwayEast St. Paul, Manitoba

R2E 1B1 CanadaPhone: +1(204) 219-5878



AIRlINES

philippine airlineStel: (632)777-4800

SuperSonic SerViceS, inc./air canada

tel: (632) 840-4827Fax: (632) 8195545

COURIER FORWARDER / MOVER

FOOD & BEVERAGE PRODUCTS AND

RESTAURANT SRVS.

countryStyletel: (632) 817-0130 Fax: (632) 813-1156

General Sales agent - Philippines:Supersonic Services, inc.

Unit 14-a, Ground Flr, colonnade Residences132 c. Palanca Jr. St. legaspi Village, makati city

tel. (632) 8404615 to 16, 8404626 to 29Fax (632) 8195545 e-mail: [email protected]

CAR RENTAl

caRS & VanS at VeRy aFFoRdaBle RateSmaKati Head oFFice

1839 eureka St., la Paz Village, makati cityTel nos.: 896-5927 • 896-4196 • 890-7851

890-3606 • 899-2942Fax no.: 899-2304

email: info@safarirentacarinc. comWebsite: www.safarirentacarinc.com

Sta. Rosa, laguna Station: tel. nos.: (049) 541-1958 / 541-1959

manila direct: (02) 6800-5062

cavite Station:tel. nos.: (046) 402-0394 / 509-2076


calamba, laguna Station:tel. nos.: (049) 545-9675 / 545-2588


CONSTRUCTION / ARCHITECTS

Jcl international, inc. (project and construction management)

tel: (632) 890-9788Fax: (632) 890-9596

DESIGN & PRINTING

aVanGuard aGp SerViceS inc.tel: (632) 556-4338

(632) 985-3980

EDUCATION /TRAINING CENTER

HOTEl & RESORT

aSia diVerS/el Galleon reSort-puerto Galera

tel: (632)834-2974Fax: (632) 551-8063

no. 10 P. antonio St., Barrio Ugong, Pasig cityPhone: (632) 671-8000 Fax: (632) 671-8338

email: [email protected]

Canada’s premier international moving company

Phone: (905) 670-6683 Fax: (905) 670-6684Email: [email protected]

Make it Alabang. Make it The Bellevue.Filinvest corporate city, alabang, muntinlupatel: (632) 771-8181 Fax: (632) 771-8282

email: [email protected]: www.thebellevue.com

service directory

ACCOUNTING /MANAGEMENT

ADVISORY SERVICES

EMPlOYMENT / MANPOWER SERVICES

enerGy manpoWertel: (632) 759-4119

(632) 817-7045Fax: (632) 817-7045

olivares Plaza e. aguinaldo Hi-waytagaytay city

telefax (046) 413-3310 / (046) 413-3097email: [email protected]

Manila Sales Officeolivares collage cmpd dr. a. Santos ave.

Sucat Road, Parañaque citytel: (632) 826-4332


ICT OUTSOURCING, CONSUlTING AND ADVISORY SRVS.,

CONTACT & DATA CTR

rcG inFormation technoloGytel: 893-2322 loc. 2201Fax:893-2322 loc.100

INSURANCE / FINANCIAl

INVESTMENTS

PETROlEUM PRODUCTS / OIlFIElD

DRIllING

cSa reSourceS corporationtel: (632) 892-2605Fax: (632) 892-2554

REPRESENTATIONAl SERVICES

REAl ESTATE / PROPERTY SERVICE

GateWay propertyholdinGS, inc.

tel. (632) 892-2916-23Fax: (632) 812-8408

moldex realty marKetinG, inc.

tel: 536-0079 Fax:522-8622

Cavite’s Premier Economic Zone

transcom center Building las Fiestas RoadFrontera Verde compound, Pasig city Philippines

Phone: (632) 702-2400 • Fax: (632) 702-2433

Helping you makebetter financial decisions

16/F lKG tower 6801 ayala avenue, makati cityPhone: (632) 884-5433 Fax: (632) 884-2560


offering full range of financial protection and wealth management products

16/F tower 2 the enterprise center6766 ayala avenue, makati city

Phone: (632) 849-9888 • Website: www.sunlife.com.ph

Supports the Canadian Chamber of

Commerceof the Philippines

[email protected]

Searep Limited

G AT E WAYBUSINESS PARK

Barangay Javalera, general trias, CaviteTel (046) 433-0071 • Fax (046) 433-0129

Home of the world-class GBR museum

IMMIGRATIONSERVICES

TElECOMMUNICATION

ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY

HERE !!!For more information,

please contact:Heidi H. del Pilar

Phone: (632) 843-6466 email: [email protected]


MEMBERS NON-MEMBERSLine Ad (max. of 2 lines only -1 year) q P 5,000 q P 6,000Box Ad (1 year) q P 10,000 q P 12,000 This is to confirm my reservation of advertising space marked above.

comPany name: ____________________________________________________________

addReSS: __________________________________________________________________

PHone: ______________________________________ FaX: _________________________

indUStRy claSSiFication ___________________________________________________

aUtHoRized ReP. : _______________________ PoSition: ________________________ (Signature over printed name)

CONFIRMATION OF ADVERTISEMENT

Phone: (632) 843-6466 • Fax: (632) 843-6469 • Email: [email protected]

Would you like your company be listed in the service directory?Please fill out the form below and send to CanCham secretariat:

service directory

prime positions (Full page/Full color - 21 cm w x 30 cm h) back cover p 19,500 inside Front/back cover 12,500 First right hand page 12,500inside pages (Full color) centerspread (42.0 cm w x 30.0 cm h) p 18,000 Full page (21.0 cm w x 30.0 cm h) 10,500 half page (20.5 cm w x 15.0 cm h) 7,500 quarter page (8.75 cm w x 13.0 cm h) 6,000 Strip (V/h) 6,000LoosePageInsert/Leaflets(300pcs.) 5,000Service directory (1-year) line (max. of 2 lines) 6,000 per additonal line 1,500 box (6.0 cm w x 4.0 cm h) 12,000

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement which, it feels is in bad taste or is in conflict with the interests of the chamber and/or it's members.

2. All accounts are payable prior to publication unless otherwise agreed.

3. Advertising materials is on advertisers account.4. Discounts:

• Three (3) months — 5% / Six (6) months — 10%• Additional Discount for Members — 10%

For more information, please contact:

Heidi H. del PilarPhone: (632) 843-6466 • Fax: (632) 843-6469


Documents

Canada Links Business Magazine Feb 2012