Mindanao Key to Progressive Philippines, More Infra Projects Underway

Wazzup Pilipinas!

BDO Economic Forum in Davao

Mindanao plays key role in gov't infra program. Under the Duterte administration's ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, the infrastructure masterplan for Mindanao includes a number of expansion and modernization projects, as explained during the recently-held BDO Economic Forum in Davao. Speaking during the event are (left to right) Tomas Lorenzo, president and CEO of Torre Lorenzo Development Corp.; Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade as keynote speaker; Edgar Saavedra, chairman of Megawide Construction Corp.; Vincent Perez, founder and CEO of Alter Energy Partners; and Eduardo Francisco, president of BDO Capital and Investment Corp.

RICH in economic resources, Mindanao is considered a key to a progressive Philippines. If further developed, the island region poses continued if not an unprecedented growth for the country, said Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade at the recently held BDO Economic Forum in Davao.

The forum, which carried the theme “Progressive Philippines”, was attended by nearly 600 Davao-based businessmen who bank with BDO.

Citing a World Bank study, Sec. Tugade said efforts to further grow the economy will be futile unless Mindanao is developed alongside the other regions. And progress, he added, cannot be achieved without first and foremost – infrastructure.

“Every nation, every country, every region that has experienced growth and development is always predicated on the kinds of plans it has on infrastructure. And therefore, we say, unequivocally, you want development, let's have infrastructure. And therefore, we say, you want development in infrastructure, you do it also with Mindanao,” he said during his keynote speech.

Under the Duterte administration's ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, Sec. Tugade said the infrastructure masterplan for Mindanao include expansion and modernization of various airports, seaports, and maritime facilities, the development of the Mindanao Railway System, and the modernization of the region's public transportation system which will pilot test in Davao. All these are part of the P7-trillion budget the government has allocated for infrastructure spending until 2022.

For instance, he said, airports in Cotabato, Dipolog, Ozamis and Pagadian are underway to be night-rated, which means people and cargo can travel to and from these locations even during the night. Sec. Tugade added another welcome development is the ground-breaking of the Bukidnon airport, which may happen by the end of the year and the near completion of the Cagayan de Oro Port new passenger terminal, which will be the country's biggest with a capacity of 3,000 passengers.

These infrastructure projects were welcomed by the invited panelists, namely, Edgar Saavedra, chairman of the Megawide Construction Corporation, Vince Perez, Founder and CEO of Alter Energy Partners, Ed Francisco, President of BDO Capital and Investment Corporation, the investment banking arm of BDO Unibank, and Tomas Lorenzo, president and CEO of Torre Lorenzo Development Corp.

In lauding the efforts of the government, Lorenzo, a Mindanao native said, future investments in the region should also include education, technical and vocational education in particular to address the growing shortage in skilled workers. Based on experience, he said his company has to import skilled workers from Manila and Cebu, where many have relocated for a higher pay. He added the issue of perception should also be addressed, as Mindanao is “very healthy, wealthy and with Martial Law, safe”.

Meanwhile, Perez, a former secretary of the Department of Energy, said increasing the power capacity in Mindanao is also key to sustaining growth in the region especially now that infrastructure projects are in full swing. He cited the region’s electricity consumption last year already grew 6.9 percent, faster than the national average. Higher consumption is expected as more businesses are expected to be put up with improved infrastructure. Perez added increased power capacity also presents more opportunities to Mindanaoans. “This is the concept of latent demand. The more you bring capacity to a rural community, the more they want to consume.”

Saavedra for his part underscored the importance of having a good working relationship with the government to avoid delays in the implementation of infra projects, thus called for the cooperation and support of the current administration.

Speaking on behalf of BDO, Francisco,meanwhile, committed support to both the government and the private sector. “We're really here to support everyone, the SMEs, as well as the MSME. We intend to be there to assist in their growth. BDO has various subsidiaries to support them because the objective really is the trickledown effect.”

4 Misconceptions about Exchange

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Exchange is an exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the diverse people you will meet to the exciting activities you will take part in, the opportunity will expand your horizons, change the way you view the world, and help you realize your true potential. In just a few month’s time, exchange will shape you to be the best version of yourself.

But with every big decision that we have to make comes our common fears and inhibitions. What if it is difficult to go on exchange? What if I will feel alone when I get to the host country of my choice? What if I do not get the experience I envisioned myself to be in?

Let AIESEC shatter your fear of the unknown, as we debunk 4 misconceptions about exchange:

1. It is difficult to go on Exchange

Many exchange hopefuls are held back by the logistical difficulties they think they might encounter. After all, booking your flights, arranging your accommodations, and processing your visa is no walk in the park. On top of that, you have to coordinate with your host in the country of your choice, set expectations for the trip, and create an itinerary for yourself. Sounds pretty daunting, right?

But never fear, AIESEC is here! An Exchange Manager from AIESEC in the Philippines will be assigned to guide you through your exchange journey— from beginning to end. Once you have successfully chosen an exchange country of your choice, your Exchange Manager will talk to you about the iconic exchange experience, provide you with an exchange brief to walk you through the planning stage, and consult with you about your expectations, fears, and everything in between. Even when you touchdown in your host country, your Exchange Manager will never leave your side. He will constantly ask for updates, check on you, and give you insights to help you make the most out of the experience. When you arrive back in the Philippines, your Exchange Manager will still be there to debrief you about exchange, ask questions about your trip, and synthesize all that you learned. Needless to say, you can be assured that AIESEC in the Philippines will hold your hand as you embark on exchange!

2. It is expensive to join the Exchange program

Some people say that exchange will empty your wallet. Covering your expenses abroad can be costly, especially when you have flights, lodging, meals, and other things to spend on. Because of this, people think that they must have a large sum of cash before they can even consider to go on exchange.

But this isn’t always the case! AIESEC does the best they can to make exchange affordable for everyone, because we believe that exchange is the greatest gift we can give the youth. Some exchange opportunities cover anything that you will need— from your accommodations, to meals, and everything in between. Other programs even offer monetary compensation for some students who choose to participate in their exchange opportunity. Now, everyone can go on exchange and enjoy the opportunities it has in store!

3. Only the top students can go on Exchange

A few aspiring exchange applicants believe that the top students are the top picks for exchange. People believe that the exchange application process is similar to the ones offered by their universities— applicants are ranked based on their academic standing, extra- curricular activities, and other endeavors, assessed on their backgrounds and abilities, then offered an exchange opportunity. Supposedly, only the best students are given an immediate exchange invite, while the lower ranked students do not make the cut at all.

However this is far from the truth, unlike other exchange programs, AIESEC opens exchange to all! We believe that everyone has the potential to be a leader, so we allow everyone to go on exchange to explore their capabilities. We do not process applications based on your grades, org activities, amongst others. Rather, we conduct interviews to get to know you better— what topics interests you, what experience you are looking forward to, what kind of worker you are. From your answers, we will match you provide you with a shortlist of exchange opportunities that we think you will enjoy.  With this application process in place, AIESEC ensures that all exchange participants get the experience they deserve and maximize their fullest potential!

4. If I go on Exchange, I will get delayed

Most college students think that going on exchange means flying out during the semester, missing out on classes, and ultimately getting delayed. Since graduating on time is of utmost importance for most students, they completely forego their dream of participating in exchange. They lose sight of the life-changing opportunities that exchange can give them, simply because they are trying to chase the graduation clock.

But time is never a problem with AIESEC exchange! You can go on exchange at any time, during any season, on any given date. All you have to do is choose an opportunity that fits perfectly into your schedule, apply for the program, and viola— you get to go on an exchange! Now, you can get the best of both worlds— you can graduate on time with all your block mates and friends, while enjoying the sights, wonders, people, and places when you are on exchange. Isn’t that great?

Now that we have shattered these misconceptions on exchange, you have no more excuses to wait! Your exchange journey starts with your decision to make a difference, break free from your comfort zone, and explore the world around you. Finally, you can Create Tomorrow, Today with AIESEC exchange!

To know more about AIESEC, visit our website at www.aiesec.org. Follow us also on
www.facebook.com/AIESECPH for more updates!

Written By: Colleen Anne Chua

Cusi Launches “Mindset Revolution” Program

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Reiterating previous calls to veer away from a “business-as-usual” attitude, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi launched yesterday (23 August) a department-wide “Mindset Revolution” Program (MRP) in a move to raise the benchmark of public service within the DOE.  

“We always talk about change and how lasting change begins from within. This entails altering our perspectives. Huwag tayo magpabihag sa mga nakasanayan na. Hindi dapat gawing dahilan yung ‘yan na yan’ o ‘yan na kasi ang inabutan ko eh’,” Sec. Cusi said  

(We should not allow ourselves to be stunted by routine. “It is what it is”, or “It is already what I came into”, should not be used as an excuse.) 

Under the MRP, all members of the DOE family are encouraged to self-reflect, particularly on how things are being done at the Department and transform them for the better. All officials and employees are invited to submit to the Office of the Secretary their ideas, suggestions or solutions that would further enhance the agency’s processes and overall functions, as well as foster the spirit of innovation within the Department.  

Proponents of proposals that will be implemented will receive, among others, a Certificate of Recognition and the fulfillment of translating his or her vision into action.  

Sec. Cusi further underscored that for deep-rooted developments to occur, such mindset revolution should start from within. 

“We should be the change we are espousing. If there are errors, let us immediately correct it. If there are blind spots, let us fix it. If something could be improved further, then let us do it. Mula sa atin para sa ikagiginhawa ng lahat,” the Energy Chief emphasized.  

([Changes] from ourselves for the benefit of everyone.)