Month: May 2015

Bam on the Liberal Party’s 2016 Process and Canada’s Trash (Excerpt on Status Update)

On LP split due to Grace Poe’s entry

Hindi naman. We’re part of a democracy. Demokrasya tayo. Siyempre po, may gusto tayo at ayaw. Gaya ng taumbayan, may mga gusto kay ganyan, may mga gusto kay ganoon. Siyempre, ganoon din po ang Liberal Party.

May proseso pong pinagdadaanan. Palagay ko naman kapag tapos na ang prosesong iyan ay muling magsasama-sama ang partidong kinalalagyan ko.

Nasabi ko na rin ito noon. Ang palagay ko, ang pagpili sa taong mamumuno, whether president man iyan, senador, congressman, mahalagang proseso. Importanteng proseso at kinakailangang iniisip talaga iyan at pagdaanan ang tamang proseso.

Tama rin lang na tingnan natin ang lahat ng puwede at lahat ng may gustong tumakbo para sa mga posisyong natin. Tanungin natin sila, ano ba ang plano nila para sa ating bansa, ano ba ang maibibigay nila sa ating bansa.

Siguro sa prosesong iyon, mapipili kung sino ba ang dapat suportahan. Ganyan naman ang proseso ng demokrasya, Hindi puwedeng instant-instant.

Kapag natapos na ang desisyong iyan, hindi na po tatanungin, nag-i-split ba, naghahati-hati ba. Dahil may panahon pa namang magkakasama-samang muli. That’s really part of the process.

Ang tanong ko diyan, iyon ba talaga dapat ang tanong. Hindi ba dapat ang tanong, ano ba ang plano ng taong ito para sa atin?

Kasi, personality based na lang. Ang lalabas diyan, pagandahan, papogian, pagandahan ng commercial na naman iyan. Dapat tanungin natin, ano ba talaga ang plano nila. Sino ba ang may kakayahan na dalhin tayo sa kinabukasan?

Five years from now, dapat ang Pilipinas yumayaman na, dapat ang mga kababayan natin di na kailangang mangibang bansa para makakuha ng magtrabaho, dapat iyong mahihirap mayroon nang pagkain, trabaho at may negosyo na.

Ang tanong diyan, sino ba ang tutulong sa atin na madala ang bansa doon? Palagay ko, iyon din ang tinatanong sa mga gustong tumakbo.

Kapag nasagot na ng partido, iyon po ang susuportahan natin. At may proseso pa.

On Canada’s trash

I think ang issue po dito, hindi po maayos ang proseso ang pagdala ng waste materials dito. Kung iayos ang prosesong iyan, kailangang ilagay iyan sa tamang lugar, kasama na ang ibalik.

The fact na ipatatanggal natin iyan, kailangang kung may papasok dito na waste material, dapat dumaan sa tamang proseso.

Kung mali ang proseso, dapat hindi natin tatanggapin. Kung mali ang proseso, dapat ibalik sa pinanggalingan.

Mahirap pag hazardous. Pag sa landfill iyan, maraming maaapektuhan gaya ng tubig.

Babantayan po natin iyan. Kapag mali ang proseso, mali ang proseso.

Towards fair competition, healthier economy

In a competitive market, businesses gain success by creating quality products, managing expenses, achieving operational efficiency, and effectively communicating and catering to their market.

 

Nations around the world recognize the need to create a business environment that best reflects this through competition policies that guard against bad business behavior.

Back in 1890, the US enacted the US Sherman Act, the first set of national laws to deal with monopolies and restraints of trade.

 

Australia followed suit in 1906 with the Australian Industries Preservation Act. After World War II, Japan passed its Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (Inquiry and Control) Act.

 

More recently, our neighbors in Southeast Asia have also passed their respective competition laws: Indonesia and Thailand in 1999, Singapore in 2004, Vietnam in 2005, and Malaysia in 2012.

 

Finally, after two decades worth of attempts, the Philippines is on its way to enacting its first comprehensive competition law – a legislation aimed at protecting local businesses and building a vibrant, more competitive economy by putting an end to anti-competitive agreements, cartels, collusions, unfair & abusive practices.

 

At its core, the competition law is about maintaining opportunities for all to compete so that present market leaders cannot exclude up and coming challengers who might be able to lower prices, improve product quality, offer consumers more choices, or spark the next wave of innovation in the market.

 

The Fair Competition Act of 2014 has successfully passed through the Senate and the House of Representatives just recently approved the bill on its third reading – a big win for the Philippine economy, for local businesses, and for every Filipino consumer.

 

Reaping benefits

 

The benefits of healthy competition in industry, in developing countries in particular, have long been acknowledged. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on International Investment (2008) hailed the positive impact of promoting market competition in a number of developing economies, and among them is attracting foreign investments.

 

The OECD paper, “Competition Policy Enforcement: Experiences from Developing Countries and Implications for Investment,” stated that an effective competition policy will eliminate barriers to entry and exit of new business entities, curb anti-competitive practices, and lead to increased competition and, inevitably, greater investment into the country.

 

In our recent history, there are actual, observable examples of how increased competition has improved industry, spurred innovation, and resulted in better and cheaper choices for consumers.

 

In fact, we reap the benefits of healthy competition every time we flip through TV channels, struggle to decide which new restaurant to try, or marvel at the new upgrades on our latest smartphone.

Try and recall the first mobile phones introduced to the market in the early 1990s. Who would have guessed that in just two decades, those bulky analogs would transform into light, touch-screen devices of the future?

 

In just a few years, cellphones of all shapes and sizes were introduced, each one trying to one-up the other. The antenna became obsolete, screens got bigger and more colorful, batteries got lighter and more compact, and a variety of new features were introduced until the cellphone morphed into an all-in-one life-hacking device with an HD camera, editing tools, a music library, Internet access, Candy Crush, world maps, GPS tracking, Twitter, and a wealth of other helpful applications.

 

In the Philippines, with more and more companies selling mobile phones, there are a variety of brands and models to choose from. With this power to choose comes the power to demand quality phones at the lowest prices.

 

In 1997, a Nokia 5110 cost over P10,000. Today, that amount can buy you a Nokia Lumia with features that move well beyond calling, texting, and playing snake. Plus, you can purchase a similar, local brand mobile phone from Cherry Mobile or MyPhone for just a fraction of that price.

 

While the mobile phone used to be a status symbol for the elite, today you see anyone from students to sari-sari store owners and taxi drivers swiping through their own touch-screen phones.

 

Competition between mobile phone manufacturers spurred innovation in targeted markets, diversifying products while driving down prices for the benefit of both the industry and the consumers.

 

We’ve seen the same pattern in the airline industry. In the 1980s, the flights zipping through our archipelago were few, far between, and expensive. Flying to Davao to visit my mother’s family was a calculated, budgeted expense.

 

But with more airline companies came more flights and more choices for us Filipinos. Companies began getting to know the market better and started targeting specific groups – like budget travelers. Opportunity was found in lower prices and today, the country is in a flurry with ever promo fare announcement.

 

Power of competition

 

Now, more Filipinos get to explore the Philippines and the world for cheap. More entrepreneurs can fly across seas quickly and at any time of day to scout for partners and make sound business deals. The local tourism sector also benefitted greatly from the intense competition in the airline industry.

 

Such is the power of healthy competition in these specific industries, which we hope can be replicated in even more industries in the country. The Fair Competition Act can spearhead this healthy, competitive environment for our local business sector.

 

The legislation’s priority is to create a fair environment for all businesses – new or old, small or large. It penalizes business behavior that is anti-competition and that hinders our markets from providing the best options and opportunities for our consumers.

 

Businesses can no longer make moves to create barriers to entry for new players nor can they bully smaller enterprises by selling below cost or restricting market opportunities.

 

Colluding with other dominant players to fix prices, divide territories, or refuse deals with particular vendors will also be penalized and, in fact, criminalized.

 

But while this law is vigilant against exercise of market power, it is not against bigness. It respects dominance gained by competing on merits.

 

The Act seeks to establish a Fair Competition Commission (FCC) to look into the cases filed and objectively determine whether there have been abuses. The FCC is tasked to promote competition, enhance economic efficiency, and prohibit anti-competitive acts and abuse of power.

 

It will be supported by the existing Office for Competition (OFC) of the Department of Justice (DOJ). It will serve as the prosecutor in criminal cases filed and have exclusive authority over the criminal enforcement of this Act.

 

The FCC, OFC and other government agencies will work hand in hand to build a better business environment that the consumers desire and deserve.

 

For too long, the lack of a competition policy has crippled new businesses and left micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) vulnerable to abuse. At the end of the day, it is our consumers that are robbed of better quality, more choices, and lower prices for products and services.

 

The Fair Competition Act is pro-poor, pro-people, and pro-business. It safeguards the welfare of businesses, large and small, and protects honest, hard-working entrepreneurs against abuse of dominance and other unfair practices that put them and their consumers at risk.

 

With four years of sustained economic growth, it is now time to work on strengthening our local industries, promoting a culture of competition and innovation, and boosting our potential to serve the global market with outstanding products and services.

 

While we acknowledge that the Fair Competition Act is not the miracle cure that will sustain our thriving economy, we believe that this is the necessary step, the significant leap towards a culture of healthy competition that promotes efficiency, and inspires ingenuity, creativity, and innovation in the Philippines.

More importantly, this culture of healthy competition is a fundamental building block in our transition to a sustainable and inclusive middle-income country – a dream for many of us Filipinos that now has a chance of becoming a reality.

 

First published on Rappler.com

 

 

Bam: Is Metro Manila Ready for a Massive Quake?

“Handa ba ang Metro Manila sa pagtama ng malakas na lindol?”

Senator Bam Aquino has filed a resolution seeking to assess the capacity and preparedness of different stakeholders in case a massive earthquake hits the country.

Sen. Bam’s move stemmed from the recent massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Nepal that killed more than 8,000 people and the magnitude 7.2 tremor that shook Bohol and Cebu in 2013 that killed more than 200 people.

“There is a need to assess and strengthen the capacities and preparedness of the concerned national government agencies, local government units, and partner stakeholders to mitigate and prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impact of a massive earthquake,” Sen. Bam said in Proposed Senate Resolution 1354.

With the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, Sen. Bam said the institutionalization of systems, plans, programs and approaches must be prioritized to beef up disaster resilience of local communities, especially in vulnerable areas in the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA).

Sen. Bam said the GMMA is vulnerable to earthquakes because of the presence of a Valley Fault System composed of a 10-kilometer East Valley Fault in Rizal and a 100-kilometer West Valley Fault that runs through different cities and municipalities of Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite and Laguna.

Based on a study conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study in 2004, a potential rupture of the 90-kilometer West Valley Fault would lead to heavy or partial damage to 40 percent of all residential buildings, 34,000 deaths, and 114,000 injuries.

“A significant factor in ensuring earthquake safety is ensuring the ability of houses, buildings and all public infrastructure to withstand earthquakes even with magnitudes of 8 to 10,” Sen. Bam said.

With this, Sen. Bam said there is an urgent need to audit the safety of existing and future construction projects to ensure their strict adherence to relevant and appropriate regulations, standards and guidelines, including those provided by the National Building Code.

“Dapat nating tiyakin na tayo’y handa sa pagtama ng malakas na lindol at siguruhing ang kaligtasan ng lahat,” the senator said.

Also, locations of houses and buildings must be checked for safety based on the Valley Fault System (VFS) Atlas recently published by PHIVOLCS.

“Kailangang matuto tayo sa nangyari sa Nepal, sa Cebu at Bohol. Huwag na nating hintayin pang maraming buhay ang mawala at mga ari-arian ang masira,” Sen. Bam added.

NEGOSYO, NOW NA!: Expertise

Mga Kanegosyo, noong nakaraang linggo, tinalakay natin ang kaha­lagahan ng ­integridad sa pagnenegosyo — na ang pagiging tapat sa pag­pa­patakbo nito at ang hindi panloloko ng mga mamimili at supplier ang isa sa mga susi para magtagal at maging matagum­pay ang ating mga negos­yo.

Ngayong linggo nama­n, pag-usapan natin ang tungkol sa ­pagiging bihasa natin sa ­larangan na ating papasukin upang mas maging malaki ang bentahe ng itatayo ­nating negosyo o pagkaka­ki­taan.

Mas mahirap kasing magsimula at umasenso kung wala tayong alam o mangangapa pa sa negosyong itatayo. Baka mas matatagalan ang pag-a­ngat ng negosyo kung hindi kabisado ang linya ng papasukin.

Halimbawa, kung ang linya natin ay may ­kaalaman sa ­computer ngunit laundry shop ang ating papasukin, mas maraming detalye ang kailangang ­pag-aaralan bago magkaroon ng gamay sa pagpapatakbo ng isang laundry shop.

Sa isang artikulo sa Forbes.com, isa sa mga website na tumatalakay sa matatagumpay na negosyo, ang pagiging bihasa sa larangan ay ang pinakamalaking sandata ng isang entrepreneur.

Sa paliwanag ng nagsulat na si Kevin Ready, isang negosyante, manunulat at marketing specialist, kapag bihasa na tayo sa larangang pinasok, makakabisado na ang pasikot-sikot nito at mas madali nang malusutan ang kahit anong uri ng problema.

Maliban dito, ­dahil alam na ang sistema ng pagpapatakbo sa negos­yo, mas madali nang mailalatag at mapagha­handaan ang mga plano’t programa para sa hinaharap.
Magiging kabisado na rin ang galaw ng merkado; mas madali nang makapag-adjust sa mga produkto o serbisyo na ipapasok.

Puwede rin namang pumasok sa mga negosyong wala tayong karanasan. Mas magiging malaki nga lang ang kailangang habulin.

***

Natapos ni Dra. Vicky Belo ang Bachelor of Science sa UP Diliman noong 1978 at nakumpleto ang kanyang degree sa Medicine and Surgery sa University of Sto. Tomas noong 1985.

Nagtrabaho muna siya ng isang taon bilang resident doctor sa Makati Medical Center bago pinursige ang kanyang diploma sa Dermatology mula sa Institute of Dermatology sa Bangkok, Thailand noong 1990.

Pagbalik niya ng Pilipinas, sinimulan niya ang pangarap na magtayo ng sariling clinic para sa liposuction at laser sa isang 44-metro kuwadradong espasyo sa Medical Towers sa Makati.

Malaking sugal ang ginawa niya dahil noong mga panahong iyon, bihira lang ang mayroong ganitong uri ng klinika sa bansa at kakaunti pa lang ang may interes na suma­ilalim sa tinatawag na enhancement.

Sa una, mabagal ang dating ng kliyente dahil puro mayayaman lang ang nagpupunta sa clini­c niya.
Ngunit ­dalawang ling­go ang nakalipas mula nang buksan niya ang klinika, bumisita ang isang sikat na singer na kanyang naging regular na kliyente at modelo.

Kumuha rin siya ng isang publicist na isa ring kilalang TV host upang ipakilala sa madla ang kanyang klinika.
Mula noon, sabi nga nila, the rest is history. Dahil eksperto si Dra. Belo sa kanyang negosyo, maraming serbisyo ang kanyang nailabas para sa merkado.

Dalawampu’t limang taon ang nakalipas, malayo na ang narating ng Belo Medical Group. Ito na ang itinuturing bilang numero unong medical aesthetic clinic sa bansa.
Mula sa maliit na klinika sa Makati, nga­yon ay mayroon nang siyam na klinika sa Metro Manila at tig-isang klinika sa Cebu at Davao.

Basta’s bihasa sa larangan na papasukin, hindi na mangangapa at kadalasan, mas magiging mabilis pa ang pag-angat ng negosyo!

 

First Published on  Abante Online

 

 

The miracle of unity

The last-minute reprieve of Filipina prisoner Mary Jane Veloso by the resolute Indonesian government last April 29 was a welcome shock to the Philippine community and was heralded by many, including myself, as a miracle.

The miracle I found was not only in the inexplicable and seemingly supernatural shifting of circumstance but in the fact that so many individuals, government agencies, and civil society organizations, who are usually in constant conflict with each other, actually worked together for a common purpose – and succeeded.

This miracle is the best sort. It was borne out of compassion, hard work, and unity despite differences and animosity toward each other.

The President, Vice President, Department of Justice (DOJ), government agencies, human rights advocates, religious groups, leftist groups, Filipinos here and all over the world came together, even Manny Pacquiao called for, and worked to save the life of one Filipina.

And though short-lived, we were willing and able to join our voices and our efforts to create a collective force so strong and so convincing that it stopped the inevitable from happening.

Mary Jane struck a cord in all of us. She became a symbol of the Filipino, who, in desperation to provide a better life for her family, falls victim to abuse for nefarious purposes.

She is just one out of too many Filipinos suffering injustices to build a better life for their family. Her case of alleged drug trafficking is just one out of too many cases in the country victimized by drug syndicates, capitalizing on the poverty of the Filipino family.

She has brought to our collective consciousness the grave injustices suffered by Filipinos around the world. We have been made starkly aware of the tremendous risk our countrymen are willing to take in the hopes of a brighter future for their children.

But her reprieve also revealed that we, in fact, have the power to change the course of history when we set aside our differences and work for a common objective.

There are at least 7,000 Overseas Filipinos (OFs) incarcerated abroad. In their 2014 Annual Report, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that there were 80 death penalty cases being monitored, 45 of which are drug-related.

How many of these prisoners were unjustly arrested and imprisoned? How many of them were actually involved in the drug trade and deserve to be incarcerated and how many were unwitting pawns and scapegoats?

Clearly, there are thousands of Mary Janes out there with cases coursing through the justice system of other countries.

Recently, we filed a resolution to thoroughly look into the cases of our incarcerated overseas Filipinos and, more importantly, evaluate the ways in which the Philippine government can offer more support. At the minimum, we need to make sure they get sound legal advice and a fair and just trial.

We have to get over our deep-seated biases and political rivalries and find it in ourselves to come together to ensure that the rights of the thousands of our imprisoned countrymen are not violated.

First published on Manila Bulletin

Bam on Grace Poe and RESCYouth Act (Interview after Hearing)

On Grace Poe as Possible 2016 LP candidate

 

Right now, dumadaan din sa proseso ang partido. The President has also said na very soon, the party will decide on who the standard bearer will be.

 

I think it’s just right na kausapin ang iba’t ibang tao. Kailangan lang sigurong antabayanan kung ano ang magiging desisyon.

 

As party member, of course, we look at the different processes na kailangan. Very soon. Sooner than you think, lalabas na rin ang final decision of the party.  Ang hanap natin ay iyong best for the country. Ang mahalaga riyan, kung sino ang magpapatuloy ng reporma.

 

Sisiguraduhin na hindi tayo babalik sa napakaraming corruption in the past. We just really need to look at the options and all the alternatives.  Very soon, once this is decided, we can really start moving forward already.

First of all, I think Secretary Mar Roxas is still the presumptive candidate of the party. But palagay ko mahalaga rin na i-explore ang lahat ng possibilities, kasi kung tutuusin may proseso naman iyan, and even sa senatorial slate, all the positions I think, will have to go through the process also.

Ngayon, it’s time to really go and ask all of these people who want to run kung ano ba talaga ang mga plano nila. What do they really want for the country?

 

I think we’re too focused sa personalities. I think ang mahalaga, alamin natin kung ano ba talaga ang mga plano nila para sa ating sa bansa.

 

I don’t think that we’re asking that question. Ano ba ang gusto nilang gawin para sa bansa? Ano ba ang reporma na gusto nilang itulak? Palagay ko, iyon ang kailangang malaman, hindi lang ng partido, ‘di lang ng presidente kundi pati ng taumbayan.

 

We’re less than a year from the elections, people aren’t even asking kung ano ba ang plataporma ng mga presidentiables na ito. Palagay ko mahalaga na malaman natin kung ano ba ang gusto nilang gawin sa bayan at doon tayo magdesisyon.

 

Q: Bakit presumptive candidate si Roxas?

 

The process is still ongoing. So that’s why it’s still presumptive at wala pang final decision ang partido. Of course, he’s someone who I think has been talked about for a long time, obviously, he’s part of that very short list.

 

Q: Hindi pa ba sapat na itapat siya ng partido kay Binay?

 

Palagay ko, ang sagot sa tanong na iyan, mare-resolve iyan in a couple of weeks. The party is still undergoing this process at kapag nakapagdesisyon na talaga ang partido, malalaman natin kung sino ba talaga ang lalaban sa kung kanino.

 

At this point, it’s all speculation. I think ang taumbayan natin, need to start asking the question, ano ba ang repormang gusto nating maitulak, ano ba ang gusto nating baguhin at sino ba ang magpapatupad noon?

 

We’re not asking those questions enough. Sayang naman ang pagkakataon natin  na tanungin iyong mga tanong na iyon.

 

Kasi kung puro Binay ba, si Grace Poe ba o si Mar Roxas ba, tanungin natin kung ano ba ang madadala nila sa ating bayan. Ano ba ang kaya nilang gawin para sa Pilipino?

 

If we start having that discussion, mas magiging mayaman ang diskusyon natin.  Iyon ang palagay ko na mas mahalagang tanong.

 

On inclusion of NYC Commissioner to the NDRRMC

 

We’re hoping na mapasa natin ang RESCYouth Act as soon as possible. Marami na ring activities ang mga kabataan pagdating sa disaster preparedness.

 

Palagay ko naman, there will be little or no opposition to this bill so we’re hoping that we can have this passed soon.

 

Tamang tama na malapit na rin ang rainy season, so palagay ko if we can get this bill passed, we can already include the youth sa planning processes natin sa mga iba’t ibang councils.

 

Kung mapapansin mo ang bill na isinusulong natin, we are adding a representative of the youth in every council sa national and local levels.

 

Ang mga kabataan, very active na sila. Sila rin iyong no. 1 volunteer, sila ang unang-unang pumupunta kapag may rescue, unang-unang kasama sa rehabilitation. Nakita naman natin na kahit sa disaster preparedness, kasama rin sila.

 

Kaya it’s really time na ilagay rin ang mga kabataan sa ranggo ng nagpaplano ng disaster management.

 

All of the resource speakers, I think, supported the bill, even DILG, the local governments that were here, ang Climate Change Commission and of course, the National Youth Commission.

 

I’m hoping that we can pass this bill as soon as possible and magawa na natin iyong probisyon na ang mga kabataan ay mayroong espasyo sa mga council natin na may kinalaman sa disaster management.

 

Sa national will be the chairman of the NYC. On the local level, it will be chosen by the local government units.

 

Right now, ang mga different LGUs natin, katrabaho nila ang mga kabataan but usually as volunteers. We want to raise that participation, gawin nating kasama sa planning process.

7 Tips Para Makakuha ng Kapital Para Sa Pinapangarap Na Negosyo

listahan

By ListAvengers

 

Marami sa ating mga Pilipino ang may pangarap na makapagnegosyo. Kaya lang, mahirap ding makakuha ng kapital para makapag-umpisa.  Narito ang ilang tips para makahanap ng puhunan. Negosyo, now na!

1. Mangutang. Lapitan ang inyong mga BFF, kapalan ang mukha at mag promise na babayaran mo siya with interest. Siguraduhin lang na magbayad nang tama sa oras para hindi ma-FO (Friendship Over).

Pwede ring lumapit kina Mama at Papa. Magdrama at magparinig na nais mong magtayo ng negosyong swak na swak pero kulang ang pera sabay buntong-hininga. Siguraduhing naririnig ka nila habang nag momonologue at magbayad para makaulit.  Huwag lang masyadong atat na kunin ang mana.

keepcalm

 

2. Makipagpartner. Para hindi lang ikaw ang papasan ng problema, humanap ng karamay sa negosyo. Kung may mga kamag-anak o malapit na kaibigan na OFW, i-message at i-impress sila sa iyong business proposal. Gumawa ng powerpoint presentation, kumanta, o umiyak para ma-eengganyo silang mag-invest at makipagpartner sa iyo!

OFW

 

 

3. Mag-ipon. Gutumin ang sarili. Kung apat na beses kumakain sa isang araw, gawin na lang dalawa para may maipon. Mag 3 in 1 na kape na lang imbis na frappucino.  Mag-order ng 1 rice imbis na 2.  Maglakad mula Taft hanggang Santolan imbis na mag-MRT. Nakaipon ka na, nakapag-diet ka pa. Kung hindi mo naman kaya, ibenta ang mga gamit na hindi mo na napapakinabangan. Nagkapera ka na, nabawasan pa ang kalat sa iyong kwarto. Huwag mo lang ibenta ang atay mo.

savings

 

 

4. Makipagsapalaran sa mga pacontest ng barangay. Tamang-tama, Mayo ngayon at patok ang mga amateur singing contests, dance contests at mga pa-liga sa barangay. Kung hindi palarin sa sariling lugar, dumayo sa ibang barangay para more chances of winning. Kung may beauty ka namang pang rampa, pwede ring patulan ang mga Santacruzan at beauty contests, siguraduhin lang na mas malaki ang premyong matatanggap kaysa sa pinambayad sa gown na isusuot.

amateursingingcontest

 

 

5.Tumaya sa Lotto. Libre ang mangarap kaya tumaya nang tumaya sa lotto. Malay mo suwertehin ka at lumabas ang numerong inaalagaan mo. Yun nga lang, 1 in 30 million ang chances of winning sa lotto, mas mahirap pa sa chance mong magaka-boyfriend or girlfriend, kaya kailangan ng matinding pasensya at dasal.

lotto

 

 

6. Mag-Loan.  Kung may pang kolateral, maaaring umutang sa bangko. Gawing kolateral ang anumang ari-arian, huwag lang ang ari-arian ng ibang tao, baka ma-asunto.

landbankloan

 

 

7. Lumapit sa isang Microfinance Institution. Kung wala ka namang pang kolateral, tamang-tama ang mga microfinance institutions dahil mas mababa ang kanilang interes kaysa sa 5-6. Bisitahin ang www.microfinancecouncil.org, mag-e-mail sa mcpi.ph@gmail.com o tumawag sa (02) 6316184 upang malaman ang pinakamalapit na MCPI sa lugar ninyo. Mahirap nang maligaw kaya maniguro.

Kasagana Microfinance

 

 

Kung mayroon kayong naiisip na lis7ahan at nais maging miyembro ng Listavengers, mag-e-mail sa team.bamaquino@senado.ph!

 

 

 

Sponsorship Speech of Sen. Bam on Microfinance NGOs Act

An Act Strengthening Non-Government Organizations
Engaged in Microfinance Activities for the Poor otherwise known as  the Microfinance NGOs Act

 Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV

16th Congress, Senate of the Philippines

Sponsorship Speech, 6 May 2015

Good afternoon, Mr. President, my distinguished colleagues, mga kaibigan, mga kababayan.

It is with great privilege that I address you today to support the development and inclusive growth of the poor and marginalized as I sponsor Senate Bill No.    , under Committee Report No.  , entitled An Act Strengthening Non-Government Organizations Engaged in Microfinance Activities, or otherwise known as the Microfinance NGOs Act.

The Philippine economy has grown immensely in the past years. We saw that in the last quarter of 2014, our economy grew at 6.9%, contributing to our annual gross domestic product growth rate at 6.1%[1].  This figure is still one of the highest growth rates in the region.

We are cited as the second fastest growing economy in Asia[2], second only to China. We are the fastest growing economy in the ASEAN. And we expect to sustain this momentum in the next few years.

Moreover, we have been earning improved investment grade ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor. 

When a decade ago, we were called the “Sick Man of Asia,” now we are among Asia’s “Rising Stars”.[3]

Ngunit sa gitna ng pag-unlad ng ating bansa, marami pa rin sa ating mga kababayan ang hindi nakararanas nito at di nakakatikim ng ginhawang dulot nito.

In the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority, our poverty incidence for the first quarter of 2014 is 25.8%.  

Ibig sabihin nito, Mr. President, mayroon pa rin tayong 25 milyong kababayan ang maituturing na mahirap[4].

Habang tuluy-tuloy ang pag-angat ng Pilipinas, ang hamon sa ating lahat ay siguraduhing nakikinabang ang lahat ng sektor ng bayan.

Hand in hand with civil society and the private sector, we need to support and strengthen programs and efforts, private organizations and institutions that aid the poor in their journey to prosperity.

Apart from helping the poor directly through government programs, we also have the opportunity to bolster an entire sector willing to take part in advancing inclusive growth.

The Microfinance NGO Act aims to recognize the microfinance NGO sector, and the crucial role it plays in our struggle to alleviate our fellow Filipinos from poverty and enable the poor to build their own businesses and create their own sustainable livelihood.

Mr. President, time and time again, we have emphasized the important role of the micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs, in our nation’s endeavor to foster inclusive growth.  MSMEs compose 99.6% of total establishments in the Philippines and they have contributed 61.2% of the country’s total employment[5].

Out of this substantial piece of the pie, 91.6% are micro-enterprises[6]. These micro businesses are composed of sari-sari stores, handicraft makers, service shops, and other modest businesses that serve as the main source of livelihood for many Filipinos.

Micro entrepreneurs also include local artisans, market vendors, and farmer entrepreneurs who transform local materials with products and services at greater value for their communities.

Ang maliliit na negosyong ito ay maaaring lumawak at maglaan ng mas mabuting kinabukasan para sa mga pamilyang Pilipino, basta’t bigyan lamang natin sila ng tamang suporta.

 

Stories of Grit

Mr. President, bilang dating social entrepreneur at ngayon ay Chairman ng Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, marami-rami na tayong narinig na kuwento ng ating mga kababayang nais magnegosyo.

Sa ating patuloy na pakikinig at pakikipag-usap sa kanila, ang paulit-ulit na tanong sa atin ay, “Senator Bam, saan po kami makakahanap ng kapital para makapagpatayo ng maliit na tindahan?  Saan po puwedeng humiram na mababa lamang ang interes para mapalago ko ang aking negosyo?”

Napakahalaga na mabigyan natin ng suporta ang ating mga negosyante, lalo na sa kapital, para mapalago nila ang kanilang mga negosyo at ang kanilang estado sa buhay.

Mr. President, nais kong ibahagi sa inyo ang dalawang kuwento ng ating mga kababayan na dahil sa tulong ng mga microfinance NGOs, ang kanilang mga pangkabuhayan ay lumago at umasenso.

Aling Ester and Pandan Bags[7]

Lumaki sa paghahabi ng mga banig na pandan sina Aling Ester Lumbo at ang kanyang asawa na si Mang Bartolome sa Negros Occidental.  Sila ang unang nagbenta ng mga hinabing pandan bags sa merkado.

Ngunit nang kinailangan ng surgery ang kanilang ikatlong anak sa Maynila, napilitan silang iwan ang kanilang negosyo upang tiyaking bumuti ang kalagayan ng kanilang anak.

 Nang pagbalik nila sa kanilang bayan, naubos ang kanilang pangkabuhayan at nabaon sila sa utang.  Buti na lang at natagpuan nila ang Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), na isang microfinance NGO, na siyang tumulong sa kanilang makabalik sa pagnenegosyo.

Ngayon, sila’y nakakabenta na ng 150,000 na produktong gawa sa Pandan kada-buwan. Nakapagpatayo na rin sila ng bagong bakery. 

 Higit sa lahat, nasustentuhan nila ang kanilang pamilya at nakapagtapos na ng kolehiyo ang kanilang tatlong anak. 

Ate Consuelo and Sabutan Handicrafts[8]

Ang pangalawang kuwento ay tungkol sa pangangailangan ni Consuelo Valenzuela na kumita para sa kanyang pamilya.  Siya ay panlabing-isa sa labinlimang magkakapatid, kung saan ang tatay niya ay isang karpintero at naiwan sa bahay para mag-alaga ng  mga anak ang kanyang nanay sa Baler, Aurora.

Ninais niyang tulungan ang kanyang pamilya nang makatapos siya kaya bukod sa trabaho niya sa munisipyo, nag-isip siya ng iba-ibang mga produkto.  Nakahiram siya ng P5,000 mula sa Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), isang microfinance NGO, na nagturi sa kaniya ng marketing at sales.  

 Dinala nila ang kanyang mga produkto sa mga provincial at regional trade fairs.  Para kumita, binenta niya nang wholesale ang kanyang mga produkto sa labas ng kanilang probinsya.

Sa ganda ng kanyang mga produkto, nakakakuha na siya ng mga order mula sa California sa Estados Unidos.  Napag-aaral na niya ang kanyang mga pamangkin at nasusustentuhan ang pangangailangan ng kanyang pamilya.

There are many more Aling Esters and Ate Consuelos out there – stories of grit, challenges and struggles from poverty to determination and triumphs of growth through small-scale businesses and community livelihood projects.

These would not have been possible without microfinancing and particularly, microfinance NGOs.

Pangarap ng maraming Pilipino ang magpatayo ng maliit na negosyo at maging lunas ito sa kanilang kahirapan.  Ang tulong na handog ng mga microfinance NGO ang nagiging simula ng landas tungo sa kaunlaran.

 

Microfinance and the Access to Loans

Mr. President, microfinance is defined by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as,

(Quote) “…the provision of a broad range of financial services such as – deposits, loans, payment services, money transfers and insurance products – to the poor and low-income households, for their microenterprises and small businesses, to enable them to raise their income levels and improve their living standards[9].” (end quote)

Para sa nakararami nating kababayang may maliit na negosyo, napakahalaga ng tulong ng microfinance imbis na lumapit sila sa mga nag-fifive-six.  

Sa sistemang 5-6, sa bawat limang pisong inutang mo, ang kailangang ibalik ay anim na piso bawa’t araw.  In other words, you pay an additional 1 peso per day for every 5 peso loan, which is a monthly rate of 600%!

 Mr. President, this is where microfinance can fill in the gap and address the needs of our small businesses, specifically, our micro entrepreneurs.

Microfinance Institutions and Microfinance NGOs

Mr. President, there is also a need to distinguish microfinance NGOs from other microfinance institutions. In the Philippines, microfinancing services are provided by cooperatives, rural and thrift banks, and non-government organizations or NGOs.

It is important to note that the Microfinance NGO Act covers only microfinance non-government organizations, and does not cover for-profit microfinance institutions.

Microfinance NGOs are non-stock, non-profit entities that share in the State’s goal of inclusive growth and sustainable poverty alleviation. As not-for-profit institutions, the main purpose of a microfinance NGO is to empower the marginalized sector and give them the means to move themselves out of poverty and into financial sustainability.

Microfinance NGOs offer a variety of loans to low-income households with an average nominal interest rate of 2 to 2.5% and a usual loan cycle of 6 months[10].

Loans offered are not limited to business or livelihood loans. Types of loans can range from housing and educational to medical and even energy related [11] .

In 2013, the 23 microfinance NGO members of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) alone had a gross loan portfolio of over 15.26 billion pesos. This catered to more than 2.7 million micro-entrepreneurs[12].

But their services go beyond microfinancing.

The earnings of these Microfinance NGOs are either 1.) used for the sustainability of the organization, 2.) reinvested to expand the services for more to benefit from the loans, or 3.) used to fund other programs towards uplifting the poor, such as research, financial literacy training, capacity building trainings, marketing activities, or other micro-business development services.

Mr. President, more than just reasonable financing programs, microfinance NGOs also provide training programs and seminars to enhance the entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy of their borrowers [13] .

With our push for the passage of the Microfinance NGO Act today, we will recognize these institutions, which help deliver government services to the poor.

Microfinance NGOs as Partners in Development

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has forged partnerships with microfinance NGOs Alalay Sa Kaunlaran Incorporated (ASKI), the Center for Community Transformation (CCT), and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Microfinance (RAFI Microfinance) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program to enhance the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Kinikilala rin ng Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) ang kahalagahan ng mga microfinance NGOs.  Kasama ng DAR ang Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Inc. (CARD) upang isagawa ang kanilang microfinancing strategy para makatulong sa mga agrarian reform beneficiaries.[14]

Nagsanib-puwersa rin ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Coca-Cola Philippines, mga local government units (LGUs), ang ASKI, at Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF) sa programang, “Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program.” [15]

The Link to Negosyo Centers

Since we passed the Go Negosyo Law and began building our Negosyo Centers around the country, we have found that the public are most excited about the center’s ability to connect and refer entrepreneurs to legitimate financial institutions willing and able to cater to their needs.

 Microfinance NGOs can work hand in hand with the Negosyo Centers around the country to expand their reach and help even more Filipinos improve their standard of living through improved access to loans, business networks, and effective training programs.

—

The Microfinance NGO Act will help microfinance NGOs become more effective sources of support for the poor and it will encourage more institutions to help in the promotion of the development of micro businesses all over the country.

In the end, the goal of this measure is to ensure more Filipinos will be able to write their own stories of success and development.

Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, I urge you to join us in our continued push to empower our Filipino people with the skills and financial means to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve their own financial security.

Let us support the microfinance NGOs that help make our dream – of prosperity for all – a reality.

Maraming salamat po, at magandang hapon sa ating lahat!

[1] Vera, Ben. 29 January 2015. Philippine Daily Inquirer. “PH GDP Grew 6.1% in 2014, 6.9% in 4th Quarter.” Accessed via http://business.inquirer.net/185733/ph-gdp-grew-6-1-in-2014-6-9-in-4th-quarter last 15 February 2015.

[2] Dancel, Raul. 29 January 2015. The Associated Press. “The Philippines is Asia’s Second Fastest-Growing Economy in 2014 after China.” Accessed via <http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/01/29/the-philippines-asias-second-fastest-growing-economy-2014-after-china.html> last 12 February 2015.

[3] Torres, T. 27 November 2013. The Philippine Star. “Phl Lone Asian Country in S&P List of Rising Stars.” Accessed via http://www.philstar.com/business/2013/11/27/1261217/phl-lone-asian-country-sp-list-rising-stars last on 16 December 2013.

[4] Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). March 6, 2015. “Poverty incidence among Filipinos registered at 25.8%, as of first semester of 2014 – PSA”. Last accessed May 4, 2015. <http://www.nscb.gov.ph/pressreleases/2015/PSA-20150306-SS2-01_poverty.asp>

[5] MSMED Council. Micro, Small and Medium Development Plan 2011-2016. http://www.dti.gov.ph/dti/index.php/msme/smed-plan

[6] MSMED Council. Micro, Small and Medium Development Plan 2011-2016. http://www.dti.gov.ph/dti/index.php/msme/smed-plan

[7] Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. Small Steps to Success: Citi Micro entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Accessed last 13 February 2015.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. “Microfinance.” Accessed via http://www.bsp.gov.ph/downloads/regulations/attachments/2001/circ272.pdflast 14 February 2015.

[10] Information from the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI)

[11] Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc.

[12] Ibid. 

[13] Ibid.

[14] Anjanette Nemiaga. March 25, 2013. “DAR-CARD, Inc. launches microfinance operations”. Last accessed on 2.25.2015 (http://piazampen.blogspot.com/2013/03/dar-card-inc-launches-microfinance.html)

[15] Coca-Cola Journey Staff. “Coca-Cola Philippines Kickstarts Christmas Celebration with Gathering of Women Entrepreneurs”. <http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/5by20/coca-cola-philippines-kickstarts-christmas-celebration-with-gathering-of-women-micro-entrepreneurs>

Bam: Help DepEd Prepare for K-to-12 Challenges

Senator Bam Aquino urges different stakeholders to help the Department of Education (DepEd) prepare for the challenges ahead regarding the K-to-12 Program, instead of tearing down this crucial educational reform initiative.

“The challenges ahead are real but we still have time. Change is difficult. Reforms are difficult but they need to be done,” said Aquino during the Senate Committee on Education hearing on the implementation of the K-to-12 program.

“From where we are now and where we need to be next year, needs a lot of cooperation from many different sectors,” the senator stressed.

Sen. Bam suggested the creation of K to 12 Local Readiness Councils composed of teachers, parents and businesses to help address any gaps left for the K-to-12 Program.

“The DepEd can convert existing Brigada Eskwela structures in localities to be their main partners on the ground to support the K to 12 implementation,” suggested Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth.

During the hearing, Sen. Bam emphasized that concerned government agencies must be prepared for challenges ahead as they implement the program that is expected to modernize the country’s educational system.

“Now is the time to work together for our youth, not tear down reforms that we need to be globally competitive,” added Sen. Bam.

DepEd officials, led by Secretary Armin Luistro, expressed confidence that the department can fill up around 30,000 vacant teaching positions needed to effectively implement the program.

“We need to ensure that we can get teachers who are competent and have the right discipline to match the needs the schools have,” Sen. Bam said.

During its presentation, the DepEd said it is currently training 70,000-plus teachers for elementary and 80,000-plus teachers for high school as of 2015 to prepare them for the program.

“We’ve been doing the reforms for five years now.  Ngayon pa ba tayo bibitiw? Kailangan lahat ay kasama rito – ang pamahalaan, ang private schools, ang mga teachers’ groups, mga estudyante, pati business sector – dapat magkaisa sa pagpapatupad ng repormang ito,” the senator said.

 The DepEd also plans to conduct a massive information campaign, including the establishment of help desks in schools, to enlighten the public about the program.

“The Philippine education reform is not only the DepEd’s responsibility, it’s everyone’s responsibility,” added the senator.

7 Things To Do Para Maka-Move On sa Pagkatalo ni Pacman

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By Listavengers

 

Hindi mo pa rin ba tanggap na natalo ang ating People’s Champ? Ito ang pitong suhestyon para maka-move on sa depression!

1. DENIAL. Ilista mo na lahat ng dahilan kung bakit dapat si Pacman ang nanalo! I-search sa social media ang lahat ng posts na may hashtag na #MayPac at doon maglabas ng hinanakit. Makipag-debate sa mga nakakaasar na Mayweather fans. #BitterOcampo

maypactweets

2. ISOLATION. Magkulong sa videoke at ilabas sa kantahan ang sakit ng loob. Save the best Pacman song for the last…Para sa’yo ang laban na ‘to!

xtrememagicsingpacquiao

 

3. ANGER. Mag-print ng mga mukha ni Mayweather at idikit sa punching bag. Um-all-out na sa boxing gym at ilabas ang galit kay Floyd!

mayweatherspeedball

4. BARGAINING. Gumawa ng online petition para sa rematch.  In fact, you can click HERE to sign the ongoing petition for Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch.

PacquiaoandMayweather rematch

5. DEPRESSION. Umiyak. Group hug, guys.

vice ganda onpacquiao's loss to may weather

                               Click PHOTO to WATCH the VIDEO

6. HUMOR. I-share lahat ng nakakatawang meme ni Mayweather! O di kaya ilabas ang true creative and funny self at gumawa ng sariling viral sensation na makakatulong din sa ibang bitter Pacman fans.

mayweathervsManny

7.  ACCEPTANCE. Ang dami na ring napatunayan ni Pacman at humahanga na sa kaniya ang buong mundo. We’re proud of you, Maneeeeee!

we'reproudofyoumanny 

Kung mayroon kayong naiisip na lis7ahan at nais maging miyembro ng Listavengers, mag-e-mail sa team.bamaquino@senado.ph!

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