just you wait, 'enry 'iggins

I am still well on my way to becoming a fair executive.

I am still in the constant development of my executive skills, and on the process of furthering my career and personal growth.

But even at this point, while I continue setting my directions, I know I owe it to my Pygmalions who had the vision, interest, leadership, wisdom and big hearts to craft and mold me into what I am today.

I am blessed to have worked with managers and leaders who stretched me to my full capacity.

Somehow, they knew and they showed me what I was capable of doing, and they were confident to give me the guidance and at the same time the latitude for me to deliver the finished product in good quality but with my stamp of individuality. It was also fortunate that I worked not only with heads of offices but with executives who also manifested creativity, confidence, and good judgment, and who are successful leaders on their own.

In turn, the challenges were not wearing me down, but building me up to my full stature. Whatever difficulties I may have experienced were just a part of the process, the chisel that was able to define my shape and smooth out my texture.

With those valuable experiences, I have learned to achieve. And with those experiences of achieving, I have learned to share those facilitating and engaging qualities with those that I work with, and work under my management. I try to not forget what I learned along the way, and pay it forward – that the good deeds of those who developed me will be repaid by me doing the same to others.

As is expected of me, so I shall strive to become.

- Conclusion to
"Becoming the Fair Executive"
A Reaction Paper to the HBR Article "Pygmalion in Management"
DBM216 Executive Development

finishin' the job

Teacher's clearance at Capitol University
for the following subjects taught:

MKG19 Professional Salesmanship

MKG11 Sales Management and Market Development

MGT28 Organizational Management

MGT05 Human Behavior in Organization

Regional Office Performance Assessment Report for the Development Academy of the Philippines in its Organizational Performance Evaluation for 2011 of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 10

Paper titled "Leadership : Its Impact on the Individual,
Organization and Society" for the subject
DBM217 High Impact Leadership enrolled at Xavier University

Now I'm ready for more.  Bring it on!

training the trainers

The LINC-EG Project continued its involvement in the streamlining the business and permitting and licensing (BPLS) program of the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) by providing technical and material support to the training of trainers (TOT) Workshop for DILG and DTI personnel in Mindanao held in Cagayan de Oro City last August 16 to 18, 2010.

The program seeks to reduce the cost and shorten the processing time of getting local business permits and licenses to encourage more investment in local communities nationwide.

The 38 DTI and DILG personnel trained during the 3-day TOT workshop will guide the personnel of local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao establish streamlined business permitting and licensing systems (BPLS) in the participating LGUs.

The BPLS they are to help establish will use one single unified form for new applications and renewals; reduce the number of signatures and steps to 5; and limit the processing time to a maximum of 10 days from the date of the submission of the application form for new applications and 5 days for renewal as required under the provisions of the Anti-Red Tape Law of 2007.

The workshop included discussions of the process of establishing the reformed BPLSs as well as simulations of the coaching sessions to be conducted by the DTI and DILG personnel for their LGU counterparts.

LINC-EG provided for the resource persons who conducted the training, the training venue, and the accommodations for the participants, resource persons and support staff.

A second TOT in Mindanao, this time for DTI and DILG personnel in Southern Mindanao, will be held 7-9 September in Davao City. LINC-EG will again support this initiative.

- From the LINC-EG Highlights for the Month, August 2010

butuan city and its potentials

In one voice, the government and business leaders of this northeastern city of the Agusan Valley of Mindanao expressed their vision for a more competitive Butuan.

In a meeting with the representatives from USAID Philippines and the policy-reform project LINC-EG or Local Implementation of National Competitiveness for Economic Growth, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. and Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John Amante presented the plans for reforms of the local government that the newly-inaugurated officials will pursue to make Butuan City a business-friendly environment for investors.

In a separate meeting, DTI Caraga Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran enumerated mining, wood and agri-aquaculture as the winning products of the area. He says that with a renewed strength, Butuan City can draw on its attractive industries as it pushes through with its agenda of becoming one of Mindanao’s progressive cities.

The same optimism was shared by Butuan City Chamber of Commerce President Engineer Alan Silor. Expressing his high hopes for better management of the local government, he confirmed the private sector’s willingness to partner with the government to improve basic services that will encourage more economic activity in the city.

In agreement, the leaders named some of the crucial features to make their city competitive – streamlined government processes, proper implementation of priorities, and transparent and accountable leadership.

They expressed to John Avila, representative of USAID Philippines, their continuing interest and commitment to the various projects of the USAID in the city.

LINC-EG organized the meetings last July with the Butuan City leaders to explore the possibilities of partnership in their various projects. Chief of Party Alid Camara, whose mandate is to bring the policy-reform project to the main cities in Mindanao, is confident that with the right attitude and effective implementation of reforms, Butuan City will soon realize its competitiveness potential.

one-stop shop installed

Cagayan de Oro Mayor Constantino Jaraula opened last June 28 the newly-installed Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) that will deliver efficient business permitting and licensing activities in the city.

Present to witness the simple rites were officers and members of the Promote CDO Foundation, the Oro Chamber of Commerce, the regional and provincial offices of the Department of Trade and Industry, representatives of various business sectors, and the Business Permitting and Licensing System (BPLS) Streamlining project partner, Local Implementation of National Competitiveness for Economic Growth (LINC-EG).

The project, among other things, will reduce the process steps of securing a mayor’s permit to operate a business and provide the center where all activities will be concentrated under one roof. The project shall also collaborate with other government regulatory office to ensure timely processing of permits for fire, building occupancy and sanitation.

Two days shy of handing over the seat as the city’s local chief executive, Mayor Jaraula was pleased to present the facility to the public. As a major part of the BPLS Streamlining project, it shall be turned over to mayor-elect Vice Mayor Vicente Emano within the first week of July for his support.

“I see a smooth transition and continuation of this LINC-EG-assisted project and I look forward to further strengthening it during the term of Mayor Emano. In fact, since 2006, streamlining the city hall processes of starting a business has already been in the plans between the city government and the local business stakeholders," said Mr. Ruben Vegafria, president of the Promote CDO Foundation.

"Mayor Emano has been wanting to improve the status of the city in the competitiveness surveys and this BPLS Streamlining project is the answer. I am sure he will readily support it,” he added. The private sector group is set to meet with the newly sworn-in mayor by the first working week of July.

Photo courtesy of the City Information Office

private sector speaks up

Cagayan de Oro City – Capitol University released last June 19 2010 the results of its survey on the impact of the city’s licensing processes to the business community.

Dr. Numeriano G. Escalante, the Director of the Research and Extension Office of the university, presented to the officers and employees of the city hall the partial results of a study that involved interviews, focus group discussions and survey among Cagayan de Oro business establishments.

The respondents from the private sector related their experiences with business permitting processes, whether they are registering for the first time, renewing their registration, on the process of registering, or have not accomplished their registration.

The survey was conducted through a purposive sampling among owners, managers and bookkeepers of local business establishments. The survey findings included feedback, among others, on the existing process of securing a business permit, the most difficult requirement to comply with and the time associated with that requirement, the assessment mechanism for business renewals, and the length of time in the issuance of the business permit.

The survey showed that the barangay clearance and the fire safety certificate are two of the most difficult business permit pre-application requirements to secure. On the other hand, the assessment portion was reported as the most difficult step in the business licensing process.

The partial results of the survey were presented during the local government unit’s business permit and licensing system (BPLS) streamlining workshop last week. Acknowledging the difficulties in the system as experienced and narrated by the various private sector survey respondents, city hall officers and employees shall use the results as a guide in the ongoing project of BPLS streamlining.

Reacting to the survey, the local government officers agreed that shortening the permitting process into three steps only and further professionalizing the delivery of services shall improve the satisfaction level of the business community and entice more establishments to register.

The survey was conducted by Capitol University with the support of the Local Implementation of National Competitiveness for Economic Growth (LINC-EG), a USAID-funded policy reform and implementation project.

The full survey results shall be presented to the incoming mayor, Hon. Vicente Emano, for his appreciation.

biz permitting in 3 steps

Cagayan de Oro City – Members of various offices of the city hall gathered together June 17-18 2010 for a two-day workshop to develop an effective business processing and licensing system (BPLS) model in the city.

Participating in the activity were the City Treasurer’s Office, Business Licensing Division of the Mayor’s Office, City Administrator’s Office, City Planning Office, City Building Official, City Health Office, City Fire Marshall, City Information Office and the Human Resource Management Office.

As part of the Streamlining BPLS Project, an ongoing endeavor of the local government unit, the workshop participants discussed and agreed on the streamlined process of processing business registrations which reduced the steps into only three: validation of application, payment, and receipt of permit to operate.

The workshop, which was also joined and supported by the Misamis Oriental provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as well as the Promote CDO Foundation, put together the plan of institutionalizing the Business Processing and Licensing Office (BPLO) which shall be the overseer of the BPLS operations and its continuous improvement at the city hall.

Aside from the planned changes in the business permitting process, the city hall group also looked at the clearances and permits required prior to the application for business permits, and identified future partnerships with the concerned government agencies and offices to further improve client servicing.

The preliminary study for the BPLS streamlining project started during the term of the former chief executive Hon. Constantino Jaraula, but the full plan will be submitted to the incoming mayor, Hon. Vicente Emano, for his approval and support and the plan’s eventual implementation.

Aimed to improve the Cagayan de Oro system to exemplify the established national standards and encourage business investments into the city, the BPLS streamlining project is a collaboration with the Local Implementation of National Competitiveness for Economic Growth (LINC-EG), a USAID-funded policy reform and implementation project. LINC-EG works with government and private sector to improve governance of the business environment leading to more investments, fiscal responsibility and economic growth.

logistics study completed

To support local exporters and establish an updated document on the state of competitiveness of transporting key commodities of Northern Mindanao, the Confederation of Philippine Exporters Foundation Region 10 Chapter, Inc. (PhilExport-10A) recently completed its study entitled “Shipping Cost and Competitiveness in Northern Mindanao – A Closer View on Northern Mindanao’s State of Competitiveness”.

The focus of the study is the Cagayan de Oro base port and the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), being Mindanao’s strategically-located gateways. Aside from referencing with government offices, the study team of Mr. Noel Tan and Mr. Mike Ignacio conducted a survey among shippers, truckers, shipping lines, cargo handlers and importers within Northern Mindanao.

With the data gathered, the study tried to identify present and pressing transport-related issues detrimental to Northern Mindanao’s competitiveness of selected export and import commodities. The study also showcased the best practices done on the different segments on the logistics chain, aimed at reducing costs and maximizing efficiency. Finally, the study attempted to provide recommendations which would lead to policy changes in the ports, shipping and infrastructure at all levels of government.

Among the study results, it was discovered that exporters are raising the issue of double charges when shipping their goods. An examination of the costs of shipping would illustrate that an exporter has to pay terminal handling charges (THC) to the shipping line aside from paying the port charges to the port operator for the same activities on the ground. Aside from that, another pressing issue is the difficulty in procedures as a result from policy disconnects. Initiatives from the central offices of the national government agencies do not easily translate to areas like Cagayan de Oro. Laws which were passed in order to simplify procedures for exporters are also not strictly implemented.

Nevertheless it was also learned that both ports have accommodated the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for free in their respective areas, which resulted to the BOC’s non-charging of inspection site fees and to comparably low charges for importers. The bureau also ensures that all new exporters undergo a full inspection before given the clearance to send their products overseas. Perhaps one best practice that shows the initiative of the local stakeholders is the setting up of a vessel tracking system for the whole Macajalar Bay. The system utilizes the tower and radar system of the MCT, enabling the Coast Guard to monitor all incoming and outgoing vessels within the stretch of the bay.

While it can be summed up in the study that Northern Mindanao is a competitive place due to the presence of fair roads and infrastructure facilities as well as comparably low trucking and handling rates, results also show that exporters and other stakeholders are endorsing for the full compliance of EO 554, which orders the appropriate agencies to improve the competitiveness of the country’s export sector by simplifying exporting procedures and documentation or cutting down the fees of such requirements. It was noted that while other regional offices of national government agencies complied with the directive, other offices have not.

If the EO 554 shall be fully implemented, PhilExport 10-A, through the study, sees that the establishment of One-Stop-Shop facilities within the ports can be made possible. An improved system that can issue exporters their commodity clearance at a shorter period and enable the transport of their goods on time is expected to further enhance the competitiveness of Northern Mindanao.

The study highlights and draft report was presented last April 23 to representatives of the Local Implementation of National Competitiveness for Economic Growth (LINC-EG) program and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which facilitated and funded the study.

Mindanao's distance to the traditional markets and exports is a major competitiveness issue since logistics costs are deemed higher in terms of freight and associated costs. Mr. Wilson C. Amad, PhilExport-10A President, looks forward to using its recently concluded logistics study to push for the economic growth and development of its members and other players in the export business.

reforming a bpl system

Department heads of the Cagayan de Oro City government office, together with representatives from the business community, translated lessons from their March 4-5 2010 benchmarking activity in the cities of Lapu-lapu and Cebu into strategies for the improvement of the existing business processing and licensing system (BPLS) in the city.

As part of the streamlining project of Cagayan de Oro, the post-benchmarking workshop was held at the Conference Room of the Mayor’s Office last March 8 2010 where participants evaluated the two areas for improvement in the BPLS – the process and technology of the system, and the inspection component.

Among the major strategies identified were the institutionalization of the streamlined BPLS process, the establishment of a year-long Business One-Stop-Shop, the development of the Citizen’s Charter of the city, the creation of its MIS department, the amendment of present ordinances on validity periods of permits, and the establishment of a monitoring scheme through a Joint Inspection Team composed of the regulatory agencies like the city building, fire and health offices.

These strategies were ascertained after the team, under the leadership of the project Management Committee Chair and Promote CdO Foundation President Ruben Vegafria, evaluated the existing BPLS practices of Cagayan de Oro against those observed in the cities of Lapu-lapu and Cebu during the benchmarking activity. Also using the BPLS National Standard as point of reference, the group identified gaps, the areas for reforms and the proposed strategies for these reforms.

The strategy identification is marked as one of the milestones in the BPLS project that the local government unit (LGU) is undertaking and it will soon be followed by the setting up of an action plan that will ultimately recognize and implement the official streamlined BPLS process in the city.

The BPLS enhancement project is executed by a three-party group composed of the LGU of Cagayan de Oro, Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental Office, and the Promote CDO Foundation. This project, which officially started last February 5 2010, is aimed to simplify business licensing and encourage the entry of business in the city. As Technical Assistance Package (TAP) 1.2 of the Local Implementation of National Competitiveness for Economic Growth (LINC-EG) Project, it is implemented with the support of USAID.

planning for agribiz and mining

Mindanao business practitioners named projects and programs that can help improve the island’s opportunities in two priority sectors – agribusiness and mining – in a forum conducted at Davao City last January 26.

Action agenda seen to address identified concerns and improve the sectors’ performance were submitted to the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC), the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) and the Local Implementation of National Competitiveness for Economic Growth (LINC-EG) during their jointly-organized business forum.

Dubbed “The Global Financial Crisis, A Year After: Addressing Challenges and Increasing Competitiveness in Mindanao”, the forum presented three studies made by the Center for Research and Communications (CRC). Visiting CRC consultants discussed how Mindanao can address the negative impacts of the international financial crisis and increase the island region’s competitiveness as it emerges from the said crisis.

Coming from five administrative regions of Mindanao, business representatives gathered in the one-day forum which the MEDCo Chairman Virgilio L. Leyretana considered as an opportune activity for the area. In his message, Usec Leyretana conveyed that Mindanao has to address competitiveness and governance issues that have challenged business, investment and trade in the island. He added that the MEDCo, which is now in the process of preparing the Mindanao 2020 Plan, shall consider the results of the forum as an input to the development and peace framework plan for Mindanao.

Lending support to the activity is the USAID, which was represented by Mr. John Avila, who emphasized that he looks forward to seeing Mindanao catch up with mainstream national development and at the same time, to the whole nation waking up and getting competitive along with its Asian neighbors.

Among the specific agenda identified, the participants highlighted the need for the creation of a responsive minerals protocol, a certification system for small-scale mining standards compliance, refocusing of Mindanao priority agricultural product from rice to other high-value crops through market development and funding support, as well as easier access to short-term financing for seaweeds farmers and long-term financing for coconut farmers.

Showing optimism in the forum was Atty. Daniel Fitzpatrick, Chief of Party of the LINC-EG, who indicated that the policy-reform program is willing to work with the business leaders and business support organizations in their projects that will push for Mindanao’s development.

a new beginning

USAID Philippines is implementing a 4-year policy reform project, aptly named LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH or LINC-EG. With the aim to effectively assist local stakeholders, particularly in Mindanao in their respective efforts to increase investments, expand business activities, create more jobs and alleviate poverty, a Mindanao Field Office has been established here in Cagayan de Oro City.

As we explore potential partnerships with the staunch movers for Mindanao, we are seeking your presence and participation during the

LAUNCH OF LINC-EG FIELD OFFICE
August 20 2009 Thursday 8:30am
Door #7 JSJ Townhouse, Molawan Street, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

We are also pleased to invite you to witness a forging of partnership between the LINC-EG Project and the Cagayan de Oro City Government and prospected partner organizations as we all seek to streamline Business Permitting and Licensing (BP&L) in the city.

HANDSHAKE CEREMONY BETWEEN THE LINC-EG PROJECT
AND THE PROPONENTS OF THE CITY BP&L STREAMLINING PROJECT
August 20 Thursday 10:30am
Dynasty Court Hotel, Tiano Street, Cagayan de Oro City.

A Press Conference will immediately follow to enable us to define and showcase to the public the LINC-EG Project and the emerging cooperation with the local stakeholders.

when i play secretary

After three years of being the Secretary General of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce & Industry Foundation, I hung my performing hat and bag of tricks, signifying the end of being the eyes, ears and hands of an organization.

A few weeks after leaving the chamber, the family business worked on its incorporation and I was automatically named Corporate Secretary. I think it was expected. The rest of the family must think I am so attached and friendly and familiar with papers and records.

My photography group, the Oro Photographic Society, recently elected its officers and hands-down, I was named Secretary. Maybe because I'm the sole female member, and maybe also because that was the guys' plan all along.

Being the Secretary is a boon and a bane. You know everything, and having access to the information gives you a central role to the organization. But it's just like being a bridesmaid too - you are so there in the altar among the officers, yet you are not actually the bride wearing the gown of power.

I have always dawdled and put off the preparation of the papers of the corporation I'm organizing. Should be the best time to finish it and for a change - be the President!

how to be a teacher

After a complete week of classes, I was already armed with the first paper submissions of the 170 students enrolled in the Business Management subject that I teach.

Angela, my undeniably 9-year old Mini Me, was reading the papers and checking out which one she would like. After picking up one with a respectable cover and with more features than the rest - because she said this one had a goal, and she liked that - Angela has lined up for me the Do's and Do Not's of teaching.

She was at it a good deal of the day so I asked her to write them on paper so I won't forget. Here are the seven points she laid down for me:


1. Once you get inside the classroom say "Good morning" or "Good afternoon".

2. Bad posture is bad so make sure they are seated properly. If they are not, say "Please sit properly: back straight and feet on the ground".

3. If you are discussing and you notice your students are not listening, call their attention for a "quiz" to check if they were listening.

4. Once you told them that you are having a "quiz", tell them you will only say the question 2 times.

5. If they talk to you not in English, do not entertain them.

6. If you want your class to enjoy, have fun or make fun with them at the end of your class.

7. Once you say goodbye, tell them to wait for their next teacher.

P.S. When they ask you why you are so strict or how did you get these ideas tell them: "You will/shall learn the basics in college if you want to be a teacher." Don't tell them your daughter (me) taught you.


The view from a grade school girl! My work load is just two hours a day. But oh boy. My business students will get a surprise next week!

Angela's photo by Mike Mendoza

some classes to teach

Course Number:
BM12

Course Title:
Business Research

Course Description:
The course affords the student a look into the factors that make a business enterprise successful. The student realizes that a business entity is not put up overnight but that a thorough research into demand analysis, production, finance, marketing and economics is needed. Business research aims at maintaining competitive advantage and attaining organizational objectives efficiently.

General Objective:
At the end of the course, the student is expected to submit a business plan and to defend the plan before a panel.

Specific Objectives:
1. To introduce the student to the world of business research.
2. To illustrate how a thorough business research can aid in the formulation of a business plan.
3. To illustrate how a thorough business research increases the feasibility of a business plan.
4. To involve the student in the actual planning, organizing and strategizing for a business enterprise that they will actually be implementing.

tentative topics of the 1mrc-ict

Two weeks before the 1st Mindanao Resources Conference on ICT, and the preparations have reached a high pitch. The most important thing we're looking into right now is the program, and for the two-day event, here are the topics lined up subject to the availability and confirmation of the invited speakers:

Intervention for Mindanao ICT: Going the Needed Extra Mile
- Commission on Information & Communications Technology

The Report Card on Mindanao ICT Human Resources
- Commission on Higher Education

Bringing Viable Infrastructure and Services to Mindanao
- National Telecommunications Commission

Investors and Players in the Philippine ICT Industry
- Department of Trade and Industry

Mindanao as the Next Generation ICT Hub
- Cyber Services Group

ICT 101: Human Resource Supply and Demand in Mindanao
- Philippine Call Centers Alliance Inc.

The Current Issues Facing the BPO Industry
- SITEL Philippines Corporation

Growing and Preparing the ICT Youth
- Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology

Iligan ICT Reinforces Excellence in Education
- Iligan City ICT Council

Taking Specific Steps in Fueling the Growth of Davao ICT
- ICT Davao Inc.

The Enthusiasm and the Work Behind General Santos ICT
- ICT Solutions Association of Region 12 - General Santos City

Panning for the Best Find in the Cagayan de Oro ICT Goldmine
- DTI Misamis Oriental

Impact of Research and Development in Resource Availability
- Advanced Science and Technology Institute

Roadmap for a Government, Academe & Industry Linkage Program
- Technical Committee on TC GAIL Program

The Service Science, Management and Engineering Initiative
- IBM Philippines

The Challenges from Preparation to Recruitment
- Ateneo de Davao University

Our Human Resources: How Do they Fare and Where Do They Go?
- Synnex-Concentrix Corporation

The Right Mix of Hardware, Software and Peopleware
- Syntactics Inc.

Nurturing Small & Medium Information Technology Enterprises
- Office of the President MSME Program

Update on the Major Policy Resolutions for Mindanao ICT Development
- USAID Growth for Equity in Mindanao

I just hope that with the discussions in store, ICT stakeholders will attend the conference and take this invitation to assess, intervene for and monitor the industry.

confirm after reading

Cagayan de Oro City has been initiating various activities to develop the ICT sector, not only in the city and the region, but for Mindanao as a whole. One of its strong collaborations for this year is the hosting of the Cagayan de Oro ICT Business Council, with the RITECC of Region 10, of the

1st MINDANAO RESOURCES CONFERENCE
ON INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
October 2-3 2008 at the Grand Caprice Restaurant,
Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City

As we continue the efforts in bringing investments and jobs to our area in the country, we constantly face the challenge of equipping ourselves with competitive and efficient telecommunication infrastructure, and adequate pool of skills and talents from our human resource.

This Mindanao-wide conference is called to focus on these resources and see how Mindanao and its cities and other major areas would fare and continually prepare for this rapidly expanding global economy. We shall not only look at benchmarks, but we shall work on a road map that will help secure the needed human and technical resources.

We believe that you and your organization want to share in this goal. We are inviting you to be a part in the gathering of ICT stakeholders, business companies, government agencies, academic institutions and committed individuals eager to work together for ICT development.

You are warmly invited to participate in this two-day event. Coincidentally, the 1st Mindanao Resources Conference on ICT (1MRCi) is one of the major events of the 2nd Cagayan de Oro Business Enterprises, Services and Trade Exposition (Oro BEST Expo 2008) of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce & Industry Foundation, Inc. For a minimal registration fee of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P1,500) per participant for the 1MRCi, you will find it most advantageous to your company as you can maximize your investment with the other related events.

We look forward to seeing you as we line up opportunities in the ICT sector. Join us as we AIM FOR ICT! Assessment, Intervention and Monitoring for Mindanao ICT Resources.

For your confirmation or inquiries, please contact the 1MRCi Secretariat c/o Ms. Cheche Seronay at the Oro Chamber Business Development Centre, President Macapagal Drive, Cagayan de Oro City through telephones (088) 859-1426, 859-2911 and 309-0044 or drop an email to orochamber@gmail.com.

corporate secretary

Photo by Mike Mendoza

from here to the next

This is to tender my resignation from the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. effective June 15, 2008.

Being the Secretary General/Executive Director of the Oro Chamber has given me the chance to gain new lessons and meet and work with the leaders of our local business community. It has also given me the opportunity of sharing the experience I have gathered and the education I continually try to expand to the delivery of the mission and vision of the organization.

With the chamber, the noble work of being a conduit for development as well as my personal growth has been enormous, but I also believe that there is always time to move on and elevate the cycle of creating and helping others while learning in the process. My highest regards always to you, the board of trustees, the professional team, and to the general membership.

Yours sincerely.

with xavier 4th year high

I am so honored to be here and make this talk with you. Like the fairy creature Donkey, I love to talk. I send text messages a lot, and my outbox is five times longer than my inbox. I chat very well through the internet messenger, but it seems everyone else wants to place "busy" in their status line. I talk quite much in graduate school, in your Corrales campus; that is why one of your professors who happened to be my classmate has invited me to be here. Finally, all my blabber has paid off.

It is a great pride to be in fourth year high. You go around the campus and feel so mature and actually, you feel like royalty. You see the freshmen and you say, oh we’ve been there and we’ve done that. Most of all, you are going to be graduating soon – and you will have your hand at being an adult.

You know, nature operates in a funny way, and you will find out that sometimes it is in the end that we start from. Your four-year secondary education will soon finish and your next higher education will define your career. Your choice for your education after high school will help you identify not only your course subjects, but also the course of the rest of your life.

Each day the world turns, you are affected by it and you affect it. The business trends in our country and the international scene are beckoning you to make your preparations as you will join it in the near future.

So in what manner will you touch the community where you belong? How will you do it? I read somewhere that “all serious daring starts from within.” I share in the belief that no matter how your life is right now, the process of getting clear about the direction of your future and your life starts with some serious self-reflection.

Search starting from the inside. Big chances are your declaration of “what you will be when you grow up” from way back in kindergarten will not work anymore. It’s a big bonus if you still want the same thing, but nevertheless, you need to do a process check and this will start from within you.

What do you love? The best and most enduring career decisions ever made are those that considered your motivation and challenges, your opportunities and vision, your interests and priorities. You may hear a few who claim that they became successful through mere luck, but what if you do not get that lucky? Your future is too important to be thrown to luck. Prepare by knowing yourself. What are you hoping to achieve? What is your dream? How do you define success?

Do you know what’s happening to you, the youth, these days? Almost all of you enroll in nursing in the hope of getting that job in a hospital abroad. No problem, as long as you do not forget that we also need those who will work on research to eradicate viruses here in your country. A number of you will study engineering to construct that building in that piece of land. No problem, as long as you recognize it is equally important for us to have smart farmers who will produce more than enough for the people. Some of you will be in a business course so you can land in a marketing job with a car plan. No problem, as long as you remember that we also need those who will be entrepreneurs and establish new companies and bring in more jobs - jobs that could be for the classmate sitting beside you now.

As you prepare for your career, be glad to know that gone are the days when it was expected of you to be a lawyer, a butcher, or a pilot all your life. Today, there are many ways to carry a career and live a life, and there are many paths that you can take. You can be a soldier who writes children’s books. You can be a teacher with a farm to harvest in the weekend. You can be a dentist who will join the next swimming competition. Why, just between us? I am a CPA who would rather spend and make those expenses rather than account for them into straight lines in a book. But it sure does help that I know against where and how they are deducted.

Keep your mind and eyes open. You will never know what lessons and decisions you are going to meet in a given situation. These will help you mold the career and the life that you want. But then again, there is one thing that you must face. You must not be afraid to make decisions. Some of those you will make may not be correct at the time. See those boys making hoops? I think they only make a basket in every ten attempts they make, and they do not get everything right. But they're at it, and those were decisions just the same - and as long as you learn from them and become wiser in the process, then taking the risks is all worth it.

Also remember, you are unique: in the same manner that I keep on remembering it through the various career moves I made in my life. You see, I am keeping a career mosaic. You know what a mosaic is? It’s those small pieces of colored glass or stone arranged to form an overall design. My career mosaic is the collection of all my experiences – and so far, the design that I’m creating is not so bad at all. I have experiences (and these are not in chronological order because sometimes they overlap) with a university, two car dealerships, a USAID project, a national government agency, a small-town concert production, a power distributor, a radio station, a church volunteer association, and now, a business organization.

Maybe I love too much - and too impassioned. But nevertheless, I am clear on what makes me happy, and what I do well. My competencies and my choices may appear incongruent and unrelated – but they actually fall together perfectly in the roles I play in my life – as an MBA student, as a creative worker, as a business planner, as a person. Again, just like a mosaic.

It is a real privilege for me to be here. My excitement for the past two weeks has all come to this – my pleasure of seeing you and knowing that you are in good hands. Your families, your school, your teachers, your church, your friends, your friends who are more than friends: they all help you become the best that you can be. They will help you to be strong when you fly to the skies. But remember that the most important thing in the equation is you. It’s only you that knows your heart well.

So young ladies and gentlemen, I would not tell you that you are the future. You have been hearing that and you know that. Instead I will tell you to prepare for it now, and rightfully claim your destiny. But more than that - work on that inspiration and turn it into something concrete and definite. I would not know if this talk at all has reached you. But if you have felt a bit of curiosity raise your brows, a flicker of a passion spark deep inside you, a small seed of action grow in you - then I shall have done my job.

To all of you – there is so much ahead. Be ready, the world awaits you. See you out there and thank you very much.


* An excerpt from my message to the fourth year high school students of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan during their December 15 career convocation.

Mosaic art courtesy of Therese Desjardin Studio

delivering on the promises

At the beginning of this year, the Board of Trustees and the Professional Team of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce had set the task for 2006.

We have agreed among ourselves that our commission for the next twelve months is not merely to hold office and make ourselves comfortable. We understood that we are here in order to enable the members and the business community of Cagayan de Oro to run their enterprises more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of cooperation, hope and achievement. Tonight we shall measure ourselves up against the agenda that we have established.

2006 has seen the chamber work up on its heels as we performed according to the 8-point agenda we have set at the beginning of the year.

We made stands on issues for Business Policy Advocacy. We helped set up the Family Welfare at the Workplace. We strengthened Small & Medium Enterprise Development. We pursued our Membership and Chamber Development & Promotion. We started the establishment of the European Chamber of Commerce Office in the Oro Chamber. We took the industry lead for Information & Communications Technology Development. We conducted various Business and Trade Missions with the City Government. We did preliminary work on the Oro Chamber Business Development Centre at Pueblo de Oro.

Policy Advocacy
The ORO CHAMBER worked for specific policy directions that would best serve its members and the business community where it belongs. We gave statements on issues and significant matters through its position papers, petition statements, and board resolutions. Among those we sponsored this year are the position papers on the full adoption of the full implementation of the Environmental Guarantee Fund mechanisms of DENR, the review on the procurement method of goods and supplies by the government through DBM, the minimum wage and the proposed Php75.00 across-the-board increase affecting Cagayan de Oro City and Region 10, and the review of the new BIR zonal valuation for Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental.

Enterprise Development TrainingsORO CHAMBER remained to be open for the conduct of enterprise development trainings. We partnered with other organizations and would continue to do so in order to be able to deliver capacity building activities to members and non-members alike. Not only are we looking outside of the organization, but our management and professional team also conducted an in-house chamber management workshop among ourselves last January.

Trade Missions
ORO CHAMBER moved for cooperation among chambers of commerce & industry and business associations in the Philippines and abroad. Trade missions yielded business inquiries for possible joint ventures and investment locations in the area. ORO CHAMBER partnered with the Cagayan de Oro City leaders and business leaders. This year we conducted foreign trade missions to India and Germany last June and to Australia and New Zealand last October.

Sisterhood Agreements
To pursue specific gains from missions, ORO CHAMBER signed agreements for cooperation with foreign chambers of commerce. It tied up with the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines for the establishment of the ECCP desk in ORO CHAMBER to boost business development activities. We also signed a chamber sisterhood agreement with the Australia Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Sydney. We are reinforcing our partnership with the American Filipino Chamber of Central Florida and we started to discuss about future ventures on establishing Cagayan de Oro as a retirement haven for Central Florida. We are looking forward to visiting them next year and strengthen this sister partnership.

Trade Fairs and Conferences
With the Premier Events Plus Group, ORO CHAMBER was a cooperator last June for the Mindanao 2006 Food Processing & Packaging Technology Expo which brought to southern Philippines a world-class exhibition showcasing products and services for the food industry.

We actively promoted Cagayan de Oro City as the ICT Goldmine of the country and hosted the most successful ever Mindanao Information & Communications Technology Congress. We worked starting January and delivered a full-packed 5th MICT Congress that could match a national congress with our roster of distinguished speakers, first-of-a-kind quiz show, exhibition and trade fair, job fair, and an extensive 2-day program. Partnering with us were the Mindanao Business Council, Mindanao Economic Development Council, Cagayan de Oro City Government, and the Regional Information Technology & E-Commerce Committee. Vice President for Chamber Relations Elpie Paras was our Congress Director.

We also staged the 1st Northern Mindanao Business Summit on ICT last June, and we plan to make this an annual event. Work has already started for the 2nd Northern Mindanao Business Summit on ICT and we look forward to be with you again on June 2007.

Business Development Centre
ORO CHAMBER has started its biggest project – the construction of the Business Development Centre. To stand in the 2,700sqm piece of land donated by the Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation, the Centre will be the chamber quarters and the venue for training and business development. We had the official launching of the area last June and the ceremonial pouring of the cement of the first columns last October 29, on the celebration of our Chamber’s 21st foundation anniversary. Vice President for Business Development Al Brito is our Chairman for this project.

Oro Chamber Bus
ORO CHAMBER acquired, through the assistance of the city government of Cagayan de Oro, a service bus which will help us service visitors and guests in their trips to potential investment areas of the city. We are still finalizing our rules and policies regarding the bus, as we plan to maximize its use, which may include future industry visits to our members.

The OBE Awards
Tonight we award the deserving winners to our Outstanding Business Enterprise Awards 2006 to cap an annual search as we recognize the contribution of homegrown establishments in the local economy. Trustee Bing Juarez is our Project Chairman for this activity and she will discuss this more thoroughly later tonight.

Academe-Industry Forum
With the economic revolution brought about by business process outsourcing, we organized the first Academe-Industry Forum in partnership with the Capitol University to provide the venue for colleges to discuss with industry players a possible linkage for an ICT incubation program for students. We gathered representatives from colleges and universities as well as from large corporations and ICT companies and together we discussed how to prepare our human resources for the ICT industry.

Workplace Family Welfare ProgramORO CHAMBER recognized employee productivity as an important component of business profitability and therefore identified this program. Implemented for the whole year of 2006, the program provide the needed training and technical assistance to 25 member companies along data generation and services delivery in their workplace family welfare programs. In partnership with PRISM, we were able to witness two member companies launch their family welfare programs. The Oro Chamber looks forward to expanding and this project next year.

CORE Project
We began this year the Creation of Opportunities and Resources Management for Enterprises or CORE Program. It aims to provide interventions along trainings, policy consultations, product development, and strengthening of our chamber organization. A component of this program is supported by the PROPEL Development Program of Senator Francis Pangilinan. Through the CORE-PROPEL Project, we were able to sustain our Good Business Forums. Geared to provide a venue for dialogue on current issues, Good Business Forums are conducted every third Thursday of the month. Offered free of charge as a special service to members, the invites notable speakers and discusses varied topics suggested by members.
Information Services and Assistance Desk
ORO CHAMBER released regular publications for distribution to its members and partners in order to provide the avenue for reporting chamber updates and developments. We are already preparing for the updating of our website which will bring ORO CHAMBER and its members to the world. We encourage you also to give us your email address – we have started our info dissemination system through the internet for faster delivery to you.

As part of our assistance desk to members, we provided services, free of charge, to our micro, small and medium enterprises as they file their requirements for registration to the Micro Business Enterprise Program of the government. ORO CHAMBER also continued to issue Certificates of Origin for exporters and we can pride ourselves for fast and efficient service.

Dynamic Chamber Management
To handle projects and provide services effectively, ORO CHAMBER is fortunate to have a dedicated management and professional team. Your Board of Trustees met once a month at the minimum, and special meetings have become a norm rather than the exception. Each quarterly general membership meeting of ORO CHAMBER had been organized for increased network and business opportunities for all members.

ORO CHAMBER continues to be the Voice of Business in Cagayan de Oro City and Northern Mindanao. As it is my pleasure to be presenting to you this annual accomplishment report, it is also my personal pride to be serving for it.

2006 has been a good year. To all the members of the board, the active and supportive members, our perennial sponsors and donors, our city mayor, and all our partners - thank you very much for being a part of it. Mabuhay tayong lahat.

* The annual report presented to the General Membership during the 4th Quarter Meeting on December 8 at the Grand Caprice Restaurant.