Building personal wealth

By just looking around, you can understand why the lack of wealth cripples a person’s ability to enjoy life. (An indigent person will always be thinking of his day to day survival. This means that comfort and pleasure is treated as a rare luxury. )

Is building wealth really as difficult as most Filipinos say?

Well, that depends on their definition of wealth.

I don't care much for luxury cars, huge houses or flashy entertainment components. As far as I know, I just want to live life on my terms, and that doesn't take much.

Most Filipinos probably feel the same way I do, the problem is that they don't know how to achieve it.

Financial advisers say that wealth creation isn't really all that complicated. In fact, they believe there are just four vital steps for an ordinary Filipino individual to achieve personal financial security:

Save first and refrain from buying unnecessary items. This can be difficult for compliant Filipino parents who want to please their demanding kids; but learning to say no can work wonders to the family coffers. (one of my pet peeves is someone who makes a habit of asking money or treats me like an Automatic Teller Machine).

More often than not, financial growth is incremental, with our personal net worth increasing steadily over time. Savings cover a significant role in wealth creation.

Most rich people are quite conservative in what they buy. This habit is what enables them to become wealthy in the first place, but even after they have achieved financial security they tend to appreciate the value of saving (and buying assets), rather than purchasing luxuries.

As research show, many people who buy expensive watches, clothing, cars and homes are, in fact, not yet wealthy. Rather, they want to appear wealthy. By spending money on items that do not produce income (liabilities), wealth remains elusive for most of these individuals.

Take the case of Filipino Overseas Contract Workers. Most consume all of their earnings to buy consumable items for “pasalubongs” to their family and relatives, easily burning a hole in their pockets. They end-up as poor as before they left to work abroad.

Buy assets, not liabilities. Asset means: something that will put money in your pocket over time such as investing in stocks. Liability means: something that will cost you money over time such as buying a luxury car which depreciates and expensive clothes (and even “ukay ukays” if done to the extreme) which become rags in a year.

Be very careful with handling loans. An official of a credit information provider once said that for Cebu to become the “next big thing in Asia,” Cebuanos need to change their views on handling debts. This means that Cebuanos must learn discipline in their use of loans and must pay their basic obligation.

“Non-payment of loans when these are due causes an increase in the cost of borrowing, thus resulting in a slowdown of the economy and the inability of most companies to expand their business.”

Continue to learn how to earn money and find new ways of managing it. Enroll yourself and your kids to schools that teach investment or overall financial know-how.

I believe that kids as young as five years old should be exposed to knowledge on wealth creation and management, especially here in Cebu, a hub of trade in the Visayas-Mindanao area, where everyone is expected to be entrepreneurial. “Today's global economy demands a constant upgrading of skills, and a general overall knowledge of investing.”

Financial security is within everyone's reach; it just takes knowledge and discipline.

Handbook on Consumer Assistance and Protection

I'm currently writing my initial inputs for the Handbook on Consumer Assistance and Protection which will be used by members of the Barangay Consumer Advocacy Assistance and Protection Team (C.A.P.T.)

I. Sample cases of scams

A year ago, unscrupulous persons posted themselves as representatives of "Masumi Corporation and Sakaki Takiyama" with supposed address at No. 188 Sergio Osmena Street, Cebu City.

Despite the various advisories issued by the DTI, there were still consumers who were fooled by these swindlers. These swindlers promised bigger cash prizes and claimed that they were provided by SMART and GLOBE with cellphone numbers of their subscribers.

These cellphone callers then informed their victims that their cellphone number won during a raffle activity conducted under the supervision of a DTI representative.

To win the confidence of their would be victims, the caller will give them the following information to make the sales promo seem legitimate:- company name which is foreign sounding;- a sales promo permit number;- a company's representative of which they can only be contacted through their cellphones;- postal address.

Another ploy used by unscrupulous persons is to call the victim and tell the victim that his mobile number won as a homepartner winner in the Lotus Ballpen Philippines' "Magkapera't Magkakotse Raffle Promo" and that he won a Toyota Corolla Altis and P20,000.00.

These callers then identify themselves using fictitious names. One caller even mentioned a DTI-NCR permit number 772813-5 to make the promo appear credible.

The victims are then asked to give the callers the numbers of their two (2) prepaid cards worth P300.00 and for the victims to shoulder the storage cost of the Toyota Altis at P16,000.00 per day by depositing the amount at a certain account in a specified bank.

Another sales promo scam used by swindlers is tell the victims that their names, which appear in the PLDT directory, were chosen as winners of a raffle draw.

The callers will then cite the name of the Philippine Racing Commission, PAGCOR and even well known companies as promo sponsors to appear credible.

These callers ask their victims to deposit as much as P20,000 by 12:00 noon on that day to a certain account so as not to forfeit their prize. These callers will say that this amount is needed to defray cost involved in the transport of the vehicles won.

If their victims are not convinced the first time, these callers will again call and persuade the victims to change their minds.

Still another favorite ploy of swindlers is to call people and tell them their mobile phone numbers were picked as the winning numbers in a sales promotion allegedly approved by DTI or DOH-BFAD.

Other swindlers inform the consumer through text messages. Among the schemes employed to deceive the public is persuading the unsuspecting consumer to purchase eight cell cards from a certain cellphone company and tell him to text the pin numbers of these cell cards in order for him to avail of the first prize amounting to P 2 million. These swindlers sometimes drop names of prominent individuals just to convince the victim to join.

Another bogus scheme is for swindlers to use an existing sales promo such as the well known GAME K-N-B. They will tell the victim that he has just won in the home partner raffle draw last July 26, 2002 amounting to P3 million pesos.

The most alarming modus operandi employed by another swindler is introducing himself as an employee of DTI, to trick the victim into joining. Afterwhich, the swindler tells the victim that he has won P750,000 to P1 million in a PAGCOR promotion.

In all these promo scams, the name of a contact is given and his cellphone number. The person contacted will then give the victim instructions such as depositing a substantial amount in a certain bank account or giving the pin numbers of cellcards in exchange for of the prizes.

The DTI7 has observed that the swindlers posing as sponsors of fake promos are now offering cash prizes instead of the expensive cars which they used to offer.

II. Definition of the Problem

Q. When is a sales act considered deceptive?

A. A sales act or practice is considered deceptive whenever the producer, manufacturer, supplier or seller, owner or operator of a consumer service or repair shop induces a consumer to enter into a sales or lease transaction of any consumer product or service through concealment, false representation or fraudulent manipulation.


Q. What is unfair or unconscionable sales act?

A. An act of the producer, manufacturer, seller or supplier of a consumer product, or the owner or operator of a consumer service or repair firm of inducing, or enticing a consumer to enter into a sales or lease transaction of a consumer product or to avail of its services grossly inimical to his interests or grossly one-sided in favor of the producer, manufacturer, distributor, supplier or seller, owner or operator, by taking advantage of the consumer’s physical or mental infirmity, ignorance, illiteracy, lack of time or the general conditions of the environment or surroundings.

Q. Why is the “No Return, No Exchange” notice considered deceptive?

A. The “No Return, No Exchange” notice is considered deceptive because it creates a misconception on the part of the consumers that they do not have the right to return shoddy or defective goods or demand for remedies in case of defective or imperfect service.

On the contrary, consumers may return or exchange goods or avail of other remedies in case of hidden faults or defects, or any charge not known to buyer. By provision of law, sellers are obliged to honor their implied warranties and grant corresponding remedies.to consumers.

Q: What is a home solicitation sale?

A: Home solicitation sale means consumer sales or leases which are personally solicited by any person, organization through person-to-person contact at the buyer’s residence, place of work, at the seller’s transient quarters, or any appointed place, except the seller or lessor’s usual place of business.

IV. Common practice or modus operadi

DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte points out some of the present modus operandi of unscrupulous traders that consumers should be wary of:

Instant Raffle Draw Contest
"Don't be deceived if somebody approaches you either in the mall or in any business establishment telling you of a free raffle", Caberte warns. "Usually the pseudo-raffle draw is the scratch and win type.

If you take their bait, you will soon find out that you will be made to shell out a substantial amount of money for high end products as a pre-condition for the release of a promised prize."

Caberte describes how three or four sales people will gather around customers to overwhelm and subtly pressure them to buy. "They even go to the extent of filling out the forms for customers, so these customers will give cash or use their credit card", she said.

Raffle Draws Through Text Messages and Cellphone Calls
If you receive a call or a text message congratulating you for winning either one million pesos or a brand new luxurious car, think again. You might fall prey to this trap, Caberte relates, "after telling you of the supposed "good news", they will tell you to deposit an amount to a certain bank account before 12:00 noon on that same day, otherwise, another winner will be drawn since you have not met the deadline."

Before, it used to be only P6,000. Now it has reached P18,000 or even P20,000, Caberte added. "A day after depositing the amount you cannot reach the person who called you over the cellphone and worse, the account where you deposited your money has already closed.

Door to Door Selling
Unscrupulous sales representatives conduct a door to door selling activity telling an unscrupulous housewife that the wares they are selling are very much lower and better than those in the market.

Caberte says that buying such products from them is unwise. "If it turns out that these products are defective, consumers have no way of returning their products, especially if they forget to ask the sales representatives' business name, their business address or even their identities."

Caberte reiterates to the public to check the validity of all sales promotions they intend to join. "Check if sales promo is indeed genuine before parting with your hard earned money", she says. "Try to get as much information about it such as sales promo permit number, the name of the sponsor, the coverage and most of all the mechanics of the promo. Only then can you detect if it's a scam or a legitimate sales promotion.

If it is a door to door selling activity, ask the sales representative for a home solicitation sale permit. Just like the sales promotions in business establishments, DTI also regulates door to door selling through home solicitation sale permit, Caberte says.

Should consumer fall prey to these unscrupulous sellers, they are advised to file a fomal written complaint with any of the provincial offices of the DTI. Consumer Arbitration Officers will attend to all consumer complaints.

V. Role of the Agency
Monitoring, preventing and enforcing the laws on sales, home solicitation and warranties are handled by the Trade and Industry Regulatory Division of the Department of trade and Industry.(TIRD).

The TIRD performs a number of functions to ensure that consumer's welfare is promoted and their rights protected.

It also provides services to businessmen to help them sustain the viability of their ventures. Its specific concerns in these areas include:
· registration of business name
· issuance of licenses/permits
· accreditation of service and repair enterprises
· processing of patents and trademarks
· technical assistance/consultancy on product standards and other quality-related technical information
· legal assistance
· consumer information and protection
· resolution of consumer complaints and grievances
· enforcement of fair trade laws
· price and supply monitoring and etc.

The National Consumer affairs Council (NCAC) is the body created by the Consumer Act to improve the management, coordination, and effectiveness of consumer programs and policies of the different government agencies and private organizations.

The council is composed of representatives from the following government and non-government agencies:- Department of Trade and Industry- Department of Education- Department of Health- Department of Agriculture- Consumer Organizations of nationwide base- Business/Industry sector


VI. Quick Tips
In order not to be victims of promo scams, the DTI offers all consumers some tips to determine a fake or genuine sales promotion:

1. Consumers who won in a sales promotion amounting to P500.00 or more are always notified in writing by the sponsor with the instruction of what documents to bring in claiming their prizes. Notices through text messages or through phone calls are not enough.

2. Consumers are advised to ask for the sales promo permit number as well as the DTI office or DOH-BFAD office which approved the promo. Better still inquire the name of the DTI or BFAD representative who supervised the draw.

3. Check the promo period as well as the areas covered by the promotion.

4. Always ask the name of the contact person of the sponsor, his address and his landline. All sponsors provide their landline number when applying for a promo.

5. Try to know the mechanics of the promo and how you won.
Under the Consumer Act, a winner of a prize amounting to P500.00 or more shall be notified in writing or by registered mail of by any other form of communication wherein proof of notice or service can be verified.

So if somebody calls you through the cellphone, ask why you were not provided a written notice. Verify also from the DTI-Regional Office or the DTI Provincial offices if they have approved of such a promo.

Sales promotions for food, beverages, drinks, medicines and cigarettes are approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs – Department of Health. You may also inquire from their office.


Don’t easily part with your hard-earned money. Always check if the sales promo is genuine or not. Try to get as much information about it, the sales promo permit number, the name of the sponsor, the coverage and most of all the mechanics of the promo.

Only then can you detect if it’s a scam or a legitimate sales promotion. Remember " that a well informed and vigilant consumer is the best-protected consumer."

VII. Filing a Complaint

Q. What can a consumer do if he has a complaint?

A. Identify the problem. Identify the problem and what you believe would be a fair settlement. Do you want your money back (Refund)? Would you like the product repaired (Repair)? Will exchange do (Replace)?

Gather documents. Gather documents regarding your complaint. Sales receipt, repair orders, warranties, cancelled checks, or contract will substantiate the complaint and help the company solve your problem immediately.Go back tow here you made the purchase. Contact the person who sold you the item or performed the service. Calmly and accurately explain the problem and what action you would like taken. If that person is not helpful, ask for the supervisor or the manager and repeat your complaint. Many consumer problems are resolved at this level.

Write a formal letter of complaint. If you are not satisfied with the company’s response, write a formal letter of complaint to the consumer protection agency concerned. State your name and address; the name and address of the establishment you are complaining; and the circumstances regarding the complaint including names, dates, places, etc. Also, enclose supporting documents such as official receipts, deed of sale, and the likes, and be prepared to make an appearance when called, especially during the mediation conference.

Q: What is the prescriptive period for filing consumer complaints?

A: Within two years from the consumer transaction was consummated or the deceptive or unfair and unconscionable act or practice was committed, and in cases of hidden defects, from discovery thereof.

Q: Where can a consumer complaint be filed?

A: The administrative complaint shall be filed in duplicate with the Provincial Office of the Department having jurisdiction over the subject of the complaint. In areas where there are no Provincial Offices, the complaint shall be filed in eth Regional Office.

In cases where the complainant and respondent are situated in different provinces, the complainant has the option to choose the place where to file the complaint.

Q. What are the available remedies available to consumers?

A. For Administrative Proceedings:- Replacement or repair of product or services- Refund of payment made- Restitution or rescission of contarct- Reimbursement to complainant fo amount spent in pursuing the complaint.

For Civil/Criminal Action:
Civil action- Award of damages- Replacement of repair of product or services- Refund of payment made- Restitution or rescission of contract- Reimbursement to complainant of amount spent in pursuing the complaint

Criminal Action- Imprisonment or payment of fine or both, at the discretion of the courtQ. What are the consumer responsibilities:

A. Critical Awareness. The responsibility to be more alert and questioning about the use, price and quality of goods and services.

Action. The responsibility to assert ourselves and act to ensure that we get a fair deal. As long as we remain passive consumers, we will continue to be exploited.

Social concern. The responsibility to be aware of the impact of our consumption on other citizens, especially disadvantaged or powerless groups, whether in eth local, national, or international community.

Solidarity. The responsibility to organize together as consumers to develop the strength and influence to promote and protect our interest.

Environmental Awareness. The responsibility to understand the environmental consequences of our consumption. We should recognize our individual and social responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect the earth for future generations.

VIII. Contact details
Consumer Complaints: btrcp@dti.gov.ph
DTI (head Office) Hotline: (02) 751-3330

DTI Central Visayas Offices:

DTI Cebu Provincial Office
Nelia Navarro, Provincial Director
(032) 412-1863
Email: nelia@dticebu.net.ph / dticebu@dticebu.net.ph

DTI-Bohol Provincial Office
Ma. Elena Arbon, Provincial Director
(038) 422-1764
Email: dtibohol@globelines.com.ph / dtibohol@yahoo.com

DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Office
Javier Fortunato, Jr., Provincial Director
(035) 422-1764
Email: dtinegor@glinesnx.com.ph

DTI-Siquijor Provicnial Office
Nimfa Virtucio, Provincial Director
(035) 480-9065
Email: dtisiquijor@yahoo.com

Check Rediscounting Facility

Here's part of a speech I wrote for my boss. This will give you an idea of the new Check Rediscounting Facility of the Cebu-GTH.

How does government assist exporters, particularly those based in Cebu, to face up to the challenge from the domestic and international fronts?

I believe one of the essential steps we need to take is to help their suppliers and subcontractors who contribute 85% of the production process.

The Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency (PhilEXIM) recently provided the Cebu-GTH Foundation Twenty-Five Million Pesos (P25M) to open a Check Rediscounting Facility for the benefit of subcontractors of members, paving the way for easier access to funding in order to purchase raw materials for production.

In Cebu, we all know that exporters rely heavily on subcontractors for their production. It is a sad reality that subcontractors are often confronted by lack of capital which compels them to regularly borrow money from usurers, who charge interest rates between 10-20%.

That is why I am happy to know that the Cebu-GTH Foundation has agreed to provide assistance to its members by way of this Check Rediscounting Facility.

This is a first in the country where an industry foundation tries to professionalize a common practice among subcontractors. Documents such as promissory note, request for availment, job order and post-dated check will have to presented to the creditor in order for a loan to be released.

PhilEXIM, which provided financial assistance to the Cebu-GTH, is a government financial institution attached to the Finance department that is mandated by the government to assure the export sector's speedy and unobstructed access to trade finance.

This is just one way for government to assist exporters who are currently affected by the strong peso.

Government is acknowledging the huge contribution of exporters to the Philippine economy and is doing everything it can to ease their burden.

In any economy, exports provide an opportunity for rapid growth since the other components of National Gross Domestic Product (GDP), such as government spending, consumer spending, and investments may be impacted by other dynamics central to the country itself, and may not grow as fast as the export sector, as has been shown in recent years.

Growth in exports leads to greater employment opportunities and fosters greater productivity which, in turn, allows specialization to occur. In time, as higher rates of economic growth are sustained, a leveling in skewed income distribution takes place.

Exports, in other words, constitute a viable and effective tool against poverty.

Checking on our statistical data, the Philippines’ export landscape has drastically changed in the last 25 years. From being largely agricultural and resource based, exports today consist mainly of manufactured items. Resource-based products have gradually shrunk to a little above 5% of total trade. This means that the export industry is hiring a lot more subcontractors to produce items than they did years ago.

It goes without saying that the DTI will always be supportive to the Philippine export sector.

However, let us bear in mind as we face the global challenge that what happens to us is entirely in our own hands. That is why initiatives such as this Check Rediscounting Facility to ease fund availability for subcontractors is significant.

With this, I would like to encourage those concerned to avail of the new service facility of the Cebu GTH foundation for their liquidity needs.

Let us all support this project.

Visayas fast crafts

Fast ferries in the Visayas will take you to the most popular places of the Visayas in comfort.

It is comparable to flying in quick time. These fast crafts typically have a bar where you can buy snacks and drinks.

To entertain passengers, they show movies or other videos on big television screens.These fast seacrafts are what our office personnel normally take when traveling between islands in Central Visayas.

There are three plying the islands from Cebu: Weesam Express, Supercat and Oceanjet.I took the Weesam in my recent trip to Tagbilaran City for the Sandugo Regional Product Showcase.

Weesam is the newest addition to the fleet of fast crafts in Cebu. The boat looks smaller than the Supercat or the Oceanjet; but the Weesham Express travels faster in my opinion.

What I like about Weesam is that it is always on time (Their engines are probably new). And the ferry’s airconditioner temperature is set just right… comfortable enough for me.

On the other hand, the Supercat temperature seems to be always set too high.

The first and economy class sections in all fast ferries aren’t normally packed with people except during holidays and “fiestas”. So, you can move around to any seat you want. The prices of fast ferries are usually between 350 to 500 Pesos.

There are separate terminals for passengers of fast ferries in Cebu. In Tagbilaran, Dumaguete and Larena, the same terminal is used by all the ferries.

All fast ferries have their own websites for prospective passengers to check out their destinations and schedules. Weesam Express and Supercat have online service which provides a free, easy-to-use, automated reservation system, where anyone can reserve seats.

Most locals usually check schedules of seacrafts in newspapers and buy tickets in travel shops scattered around cities. But I’d rather go directly to the pier to inquire and buy tickets …. nothing beats getting first hand information from the companies.

Jungle in my front yard

My sister enjoys gardening.

It’s not that she cares for plants; it’s just her way of releasing stress and all the tribulations of work.

Unfortunately, she doesn’t have an eye for aesthetics. She plants whatever catches her fancy. Three months ago it was papaya. The grown plant is presently leaning awkwardly by the balustrade, beside a bunch of ferns. I’m currently sitting under it right now ---- reading a book and sipping hot Chamomile tea.

I also need to relax.

In fact, I’ve voluntarily imposed a “news blackout” for myself today. This means no television, radio or newspapers --- just silence and the company of plants.

A constant supply of "bad news" isn't healthy for our bodies—our cells are designed to take in joy and peace, not catastrophe.

I’ve spent my weekends for the past few months just gazing at these plants, sipping tea, and trying not to think about the office.

There is something about nature that mutes internal chatter and heals the spirit. I also sleep better at night.

Strong Peso

The Peso’s strength against the Dollar is increasing.

So, what is the hullabaloo all about?

For those (they are surprisingly in the majority) who have no idea on the significance of the peso exchange rate to the lives of ordinary Filipinos, let me take a leaf from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilpinas.

The appreciation of a currency against other currencies is generally viewed as good as this is a reflection of improved economic fundamentals, that is, lower inflation rate, high balance of payments surplus, etc.

On the other hand, to the extent that the depreciation of the peso against other currencies was due to deteriorating economic or other negative conditions in the Philippines, then a depreciating peso is not good news.

Certain parties, however, may not welcome this increase in the value of the currency. For instance, our exporters and overseas workers get fewer pesos from their foreign exchange earnings every time the peso appreciates.

If the peso’s exchange rate against the US dollar appreciates to P48 from a previous P50 to one dollar, a family which receives $1,000 monthly from their breadwinner-father employed as a computer programmer in New York will get only P48,000. For a ready-to-wear exporter to the USA, the appreciation of the peso by P2 will not be welcome news also. If she sells $100,000 monthly, her total peso sales equivalent will be lower by P2 million.

For foreign exchange earners, an appreciating peso will also be good for a country as a whole if the people prefer imported goods over those locally available, especially if these goods are non-essentials. This is so since less pesos are needed to purchase imported items.

In a situation where the Philippines is getting more connected with the rest of the world, it is more important to see the peso moving along with major currencies, and its trading partners and competitors.

Moreover, it is also significant to consider whether these ups and downs in the peso’s value proceed in a stable manner or at wider fluctuations. Wider fluctuations or greater volatility are disruptive, whether for business planning or for individuals who need other currencies in their transactions. Thus, the Bangko Sentral pays more attention on how the peso moves, causing it to intervene in the market to cushion or smoothen abrupt changes in its value.

As regards to some people who think that government can manipulate a country’s currency value, it may be possible through export subsidies. However, this distorts trade more than any other measure. Undervaluation of a currency through this measure constitutes a prohibited subsidy under international law because the exchange rate does not reflect market conditions.

Export subsidy is the only type of subsidy that the World Trade Organization prohibits outright because this is very damaging to competing economies.

Cebu Island Economic Zone

As reported in the local papers, there is a proposal to turn the whole island of Cebu into an economic zone.

Proponents are currently doing a study to determine the positive and negative effects of the proposal, including reduced cost of doing business, better capabilities, loss of taxes by local government units because the declaration will entail a tax holiday for businesses and industries.

A special economic zone enjoys privileges under the law such as tax holidays and incentives for companies operating within it. The area ideally operates with minimum government interference and allows the employment of foreign nationals.

If this proposal is realized, Cebu will be the first province in the country to become an economic zone. So far, the president, governor of Cebu, some mayors and, of course, all businessmen are amenable to the idea.

I believe this plan will be beneficial to Cebu and can trigger further economic development in the province. Whatever loss the government would have in terms of taxes could be offset by more vigorous development and economic activities in Cebu. The island will become very attractive to investors because of the tax breaks and increased facility in doing business.

The idea to have the entire Cebu Province declared an economic zone will hopefully render the reasons behind the “Sugbuak” moot.

Frankly, I prefer this proposal over that of dividing Cebu island into three provinces (Sugbuak). Dividing the island will not only be counterproductive to business, it will also entail additional expenses for the national government (such as replicating all government agencies in the new provinces, hiring more government employees etc).

Moreover, the availability of additional shares from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for the towns of the three prospective provinces doesn't guarantee better delivery of basic services --- the same way that having more money doesn't ensure efficiency. Ask anyone who has ever been involved in any humongous project or better yet take a look at the people living in the larger islands surrounding Cebu which have been chopped into smaller provinces. Have their lives improved ?

It is too simplistic to say that the economy of a province will automatically perk up if given a bigger IRA which is the main basis for the bills. Fact is there are several factors to consider in economic development such as infrastructure, accessibility, bureaucratic red tape, peace and order, labor force, sound leadership, corruption, financial management etc.

I hope the residents of Cebu's 4th district, 2nd district and 3rd district have not been waylaid into thinking otherwise. I'll leave it to the Cebu Island Ecozone study group to elucidate further my point since they are better at this.

I’m happy to know that Cebu island ecozone project is nearing realization as the government of Germany, through the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), has committed to fund a feasibility study on the proposal until its completion in November this year.

The Cebu Island Economic Zone proposal was conceptualized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The chamber is also taking the lead in its realization.

The move is consistent with the goal of the business sector of making Cebu an investment hub and dispersing benefits of business development to other parts of the province.

Clavel Asas-Martinez (Cebu, 4th district), Simeon Kintanar (Cebu, 2nd district) and Antonio Yapha (Cebu, 3rd district) were the congressmen who filed separate bills proposing for the creation of three separate provinces out of Cebu Province. The bills are still pending in congress.