Each and every businessman who recently attended the 18th Mindanao Business Conference in Koronadal City last week expressed serious concern over the truthfulness as to whether there will be a power crisis in Mindanao. The Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed this in a statement and further revealed that if the government and companies concerned will not provide a solution by the end of the year, the problem might get worst.
Certainly, there is a shortage and the critical period has been known to the government especially from the DOE’s point of view as early as 2007. The critical period had already started this year and we are facing an uncertain situation. The officials of the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) admitted that Mindanao is inevitably headed towards a crisis of very serious proportions. Mindanao’s major cities—Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Butuan and Zamboanga will experience darkness, if no concrete actions to avert the power crisis will be done.
You can just image what will happen to cities like Davao, Cagayan and Zamboanga who have been heavily selling their cities as the future “ICT (information Communication Technology) Hubs for BPO’s (Business Process Outsourcing). BPO businesses thrive best in areas where there is assurance and permanence of sufficient power supply. What will happen to the tuna canneries in Gen. Santos and to the sardine plants in Dipolog without continuous supply of power?
The entire Mindanao will expect to have long hours of brownout if the power crisis cannot be averted on time. Power supply is crucial to the existence of businesses and investments in the island. We will all suffer tremendous losses; more so with the small and medium sized businessmen who may not be able to afford the cost of expensive generators. This scenario may further result to scaling down of enterprise activities which can lead to unemployment and eventually an increase in poverty
Power Demand of Mindanao
The present demand of Mindanao’s five key cities is put at 484MW while the peak demand of power users is expected to hit an average of 5.76 percent in the next five years. A strategic approach as proposed by the DLPC presented a 13.1 percent reserve capacity in order to enable the Mindanao grid to supply the total power demand of the island. This approach is based on the theory that the grid must maintain a reserve capacity equivalent to the capacity of the biggest generating plant so that in the event that a single plant fails, there would still be enough to supply 100 percent of the requirement of the power users.
Moreover, the DLPC projects that the gap between the requirement and the reserve capacity of 13.1 percent will gradually deteriorate over the next five years. Mindanao is now feeling the crisis since the 13.1 percent power reserve during off peak to ensure continuous supply of power has already dropped to one percent.
Contradicting Statements
On the contrary, the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) said that research shows there is no power crisis in Mindanao. In fact, the Philippine Energy Plan 2004-2014 report of the DOE indicated a total surplus power of about 373 megawatts for the Mindanao grid. The report also indicated that there is enough power supply for the deficits of both Western Mindanao (62MW) and Southern Mindanao (233MW) which comes from the surplus power of 670MW in Northern Mindanao. FDC also found out on its own research that there is, in fact, a low demand for energy because of the current economic turmoil that is being experienced on a global scale. Most industries are slowing down operations due to the slowing down economy, thereby reducing demand for power.
Action Agenda to Avert the Crisis
However, the government identified an immediate solution by putting up three new power plants but it would take about three years to get all of them done. Among the three projects are the Sibulan Hydro, which is currently being completed, the Mindanao 3 located at the peak of Mt. Apo which is almost done and the Kabulig Hydro which is experiencing some problems. Even if these guaranteed power plants are completed, they will still project a shortage of around 400 megawatts (MW). In addition to these three plants, the Conal Holdings Corporation, owned by the Alcantaras, has unveiled a $450 million coal-fired power plant in Sarangani Province to be up by 2013. This plant is expected to generate up to 200MW of power which would be enough to sustain the requirement.
There’s another theory that this looming power crisis is caused by “transmission constraints” which is already being addressed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. And that, as of April 2008, there is a 382.1MW reserve which is enough to supply whatever imbalance that may occur in power supply and demand. We are being supplied with 1,933.4MW as total installed capacity of power generating plants in Mindanao while 1,682.1MW is the dependable capacity. Plus Hedcor Sibulan and Conol Holdings in Sarangani Province supply an additional capacity of 242MW. We actually have more than enough, if this is the case.
Clearly, power shortage is a looming threat. This is the time that business, government and the various groups of the civil society should work together to avert this crisis NOW before it is too late!
(Joji Ilagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of Joji Ilagan Foundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
NEW AND VIABLE AGRI-BUSINESS VENTURES IN MINDANAO
If you can notice, in almost all of my articles I always present the vastness and the great growth potential of the Agriculture& Fishery industry in Mindanao. If I remember it right, on my last article I presented the resolutions established by the Mindanao Technical Vocational Education and Training; and one of them is giving more emphasis and focus on developing the Agricultural Tech-Voc.
One of the main reasons why I am fond of sharing with you the agricultural prowess of the Mindanao region is obvious great potential of the industry to pull up our economic status. Mindanao’s climate is better than any other region in our country. We, in Mindanao do not experience typhoons. Another fact is that Mindanao is 474% percent larger than Central Luzon which is has the largest plain in the country and produces most of the country's rice supply, earning itself the nickname "Rice Bowl of the Philippines". If Mindanao’s Agriculture Industry is well developed, the scarcity of food in our country will be eliminated.
GOAT CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
Business opportunities continue to grow in Southern Mindanao amid the spillover of the global financial crisis as businessmen continue to diversify and search for new investments. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Southern Mindanao slated a new investment opportunity in Davao del Sur -- goat rising.
Goat raising is now become a niche for enterprising entrepreneurs who want to try a relatively new but viable business ventur. And Davao City, our largest city and home to the majestic Mt. Apo, will soon become the goat capital of Southern Philippines and probably in the whole country.
Goats are very popular among Filipinos because they require low initial capital investment, fit the small hold farm conditions, and multiply fast. About 10 native goats can be fed on the feedstuffs sufficient for one cattle. And about 6-7 purebred dairy goats can be fed on the feedstuffs adequate for one dairy cow. Although a goat is small, it can produce as much as four liters of milk a day if it is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements.
Our neighboring countries in the East Asean Growth Area like Brunei also requires a high volume of goat meat for daily consumption.
If an investor is to engage in sale of breeders, investments include pure or upgraded Nubian, Toggenburg or Boer buck which costs P7,500 – P12,000/head plus native or upgraded does which cost P1,500 – P4,000/head. An investor could sell his produced upgraded breeders at P3,000 – P12,500/head.
For investors who desire to engage in the sale of goat meat, there is a need to invest in one upgrade Boer for every 25 does. Live goat for sale commands a price ranging from P120 – P180/kilo or minimum of P4,500/head.
To raise goat for commercial milk production, pure or upgraded goats of the Anglo Nubian or Saanen breed is recommended as breeder buck. Goat of this breed could produce 0.7 – 2 liters daily in 215 – 250 days of milking.
Goat-raising is highly profitable. With minimal capital investment of P67,250 for 25-doe level; P174,500 for 50-doe level; or P349,000 for 100-doe level, positive net income and return on investment (ROI) are realized, even as early as the first year. The ROI for five year is 67 percent from a 25-doe level operation under semi-confinement scheme and 60 percent from 50-doe and 100-doe level operations under pure confinement system. Payback period is two years.
As goat production requires low initial investment and small risks compared to other livestock, it is therefore an attractive undertaking among resource-poor families.
SEAWEEDS GALORE
Mindanao’s seaweed exports have almost doubled in 2008. From January to October 2008, exports of processed seaweeds reached 5,085 metric tons (MT) valued at US$12.6 million. This is a 92 percent increase in volume and 114 percent increase in value over exports for the same period in 2007
Eucheuma and kappaphycus seaweed varieties, which are grown in the Philippines, are used for the production of carrageenan, a thickening and stabilizing agent used worldwide in many processed foods and in products such as toothpaste, shampoo, paints, and pharmaceuticals.
Marine products of the many species of seaweed, the most commonly developed and cultured species in Zamboanga city is the EucheumaCottonii seaweed because of its numerous uses. It enjoys the heaviest demand in the market, both here and abroad. In addition, Eucheuma can be farmed commercially almost anywhere in the city’s coastal areas. Eucheuma seaweed has been commercially introduced in various method of propagation, after extensive experimentation. It was disclosed that eucheuma seaweeds grow faster on reefs than other areas which prove that seaweed farming is viable in this city. When the study of Eucheuma seaweeds propagation was initiated, its technical advancement was transferred to the private sectors, thus making the seaweed industry one of the leading ventures in the country today
The country produces most of the world’s carrageenan in 14 processing plants located in Cebu, Southern Luzon, and Zamboanga. And the top regional supplier of raw materials for these plants is Mindanao, which produces 75 percent of the country’s eucheuma and kappaphycus seaweeds, which mostly come from Zamboanga peninsula and Sulu archipelago.
The country’s processing plants alone need a minimum of 134,000 MT of dried seaweed annually, yet the total Philippine seaweed output decreased from 95,600 MT in 2004 to 74,650 MT in 2007 due to weather conditions. rising energy and transport costs, and other factors.
(JojiIlagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of JojiIlaganFoundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
One of the main reasons why I am fond of sharing with you the agricultural prowess of the Mindanao region is obvious great potential of the industry to pull up our economic status. Mindanao’s climate is better than any other region in our country. We, in Mindanao do not experience typhoons. Another fact is that Mindanao is 474% percent larger than Central Luzon which is has the largest plain in the country and produces most of the country's rice supply, earning itself the nickname "Rice Bowl of the Philippines". If Mindanao’s Agriculture Industry is well developed, the scarcity of food in our country will be eliminated.
GOAT CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
Business opportunities continue to grow in Southern Mindanao amid the spillover of the global financial crisis as businessmen continue to diversify and search for new investments. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Southern Mindanao slated a new investment opportunity in Davao del Sur -- goat rising.
Goat raising is now become a niche for enterprising entrepreneurs who want to try a relatively new but viable business ventur. And Davao City, our largest city and home to the majestic Mt. Apo, will soon become the goat capital of Southern Philippines and probably in the whole country.
Goats are very popular among Filipinos because they require low initial capital investment, fit the small hold farm conditions, and multiply fast. About 10 native goats can be fed on the feedstuffs sufficient for one cattle. And about 6-7 purebred dairy goats can be fed on the feedstuffs adequate for one dairy cow. Although a goat is small, it can produce as much as four liters of milk a day if it is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements.
Our neighboring countries in the East Asean Growth Area like Brunei also requires a high volume of goat meat for daily consumption.
If an investor is to engage in sale of breeders, investments include pure or upgraded Nubian, Toggenburg or Boer buck which costs P7,500 – P12,000/head plus native or upgraded does which cost P1,500 – P4,000/head. An investor could sell his produced upgraded breeders at P3,000 – P12,500/head.
For investors who desire to engage in the sale of goat meat, there is a need to invest in one upgrade Boer for every 25 does. Live goat for sale commands a price ranging from P120 – P180/kilo or minimum of P4,500/head.
To raise goat for commercial milk production, pure or upgraded goats of the Anglo Nubian or Saanen breed is recommended as breeder buck. Goat of this breed could produce 0.7 – 2 liters daily in 215 – 250 days of milking.
Goat-raising is highly profitable. With minimal capital investment of P67,250 for 25-doe level; P174,500 for 50-doe level; or P349,000 for 100-doe level, positive net income and return on investment (ROI) are realized, even as early as the first year. The ROI for five year is 67 percent from a 25-doe level operation under semi-confinement scheme and 60 percent from 50-doe and 100-doe level operations under pure confinement system. Payback period is two years.
As goat production requires low initial investment and small risks compared to other livestock, it is therefore an attractive undertaking among resource-poor families.
SEAWEEDS GALORE
Mindanao’s seaweed exports have almost doubled in 2008. From January to October 2008, exports of processed seaweeds reached 5,085 metric tons (MT) valued at US$12.6 million. This is a 92 percent increase in volume and 114 percent increase in value over exports for the same period in 2007
Eucheuma and kappaphycus seaweed varieties, which are grown in the Philippines, are used for the production of carrageenan, a thickening and stabilizing agent used worldwide in many processed foods and in products such as toothpaste, shampoo, paints, and pharmaceuticals.
Marine products of the many species of seaweed, the most commonly developed and cultured species in Zamboanga city is the EucheumaCottonii seaweed because of its numerous uses. It enjoys the heaviest demand in the market, both here and abroad. In addition, Eucheuma can be farmed commercially almost anywhere in the city’s coastal areas. Eucheuma seaweed has been commercially introduced in various method of propagation, after extensive experimentation. It was disclosed that eucheuma seaweeds grow faster on reefs than other areas which prove that seaweed farming is viable in this city. When the study of Eucheuma seaweeds propagation was initiated, its technical advancement was transferred to the private sectors, thus making the seaweed industry one of the leading ventures in the country today
The country produces most of the world’s carrageenan in 14 processing plants located in Cebu, Southern Luzon, and Zamboanga. And the top regional supplier of raw materials for these plants is Mindanao, which produces 75 percent of the country’s eucheuma and kappaphycus seaweeds, which mostly come from Zamboanga peninsula and Sulu archipelago.
The country’s processing plants alone need a minimum of 134,000 MT of dried seaweed annually, yet the total Philippine seaweed output decreased from 95,600 MT in 2004 to 74,650 MT in 2007 due to weather conditions. rising energy and transport costs, and other factors.
(JojiIlagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of JojiIlaganFoundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
NEW AND VIABLE AGRI-BUSINESS VENTURES IN MINDANAO
If you can notice, in almost all of my articles I always present the vastness and the great growth potential of the Agriculture& Fishery industry in Mindanao. If I remember it right, on my last article I presented the resolutions established by the Mindanao Technical Vocational Education and Training; and one of them is giving more emphasis and focus on developing the Agricultural Tech-Voc.
One of the main reasons why I am fond of sharing with you the agricultural prowess of the Mindanao region is obvious great potential of the industry to pull up our economic status. Mindanao’s climate is better than any other region in our country. We, in Mindanao do not experience typhoons. Another fact is that Mindanao is 474% percent larger than Central Luzon which is has the largest plain in the country and produces most of the country's rice supply, earning itself the nickname "Rice Bowl of the Philippines". If Mindanao’s Agriculture Industry is well developed, the scarcity of food in our country will be eliminated.
GOAT CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
Business opportunities continue to grow in Southern Mindanao amid the spillover of the global financial crisis as businessmen continue to diversify and search for new investments. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Southern Mindanao slated a new investment opportunity in Davao del Sur -- goat rising.
Goat raising is now become a niche for enterprising entrepreneurs who want to try a relatively new but viable business ventur. And Davao City, our largest city and home to the majestic Mt. Apo, will soon become the goat capital of Southern Philippines and probably in the whole country.
Goats are very popular among Filipinos because they require low initial capital investment, fit the small hold farm conditions, and multiply fast. About 10 native goats can be fed on the feedstuffs sufficient for one cattle. And about 6-7 purebred dairy goats can be fed on the feedstuffs adequate for one dairy cow. Although a goat is small, it can produce as much as four liters of milk a day if it is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements.
Our neighboring countries in the East Asean Growth Area like Brunei also requires a high volume of goat meat for daily consumption.
If an investor is to engage in sale of breeders, investments include pure or upgraded Nubian, Toggenburg or Boer buck which costs P7,500 – P12,000/head plus native or upgraded does which cost P1,500 – P4,000/head. An investor could sell his produced upgraded breeders at P3,000 – P12,500/head.
For investors who desire to engage in the sale of goat meat, there is a need to invest in one upgrade Boer for every 25 does. Live goat for sale commands a price ranging from P120 – P180/kilo or minimum of P4,500/head.
To raise goat for commercial milk production, pure or upgraded goats of the Anglo Nubian or Saanen breed is recommended as breeder buck. Goat of this breed could produce 0.7 – 2 liters daily in 215 – 250 days of milking.
Goat-raising is highly profitable. With minimal capital investment of P67,250 for 25-doe level; P174,500 for 50-doe level; or P349,000 for 100-doe level, positive net income and return on investment (ROI) are realized, even as early as the first year. The ROI for five year is 67 percent from a 25-doe level operation under semi-confinement scheme and 60 percent from 50-doe and 100-doe level operations under pure confinement system. Payback period is two years.
As goat production requires low initial investment and small risks compared to other livestock, it is therefore an attractive undertaking among resource-poor families.
SEAWEEDS GALORE
Mindanao’s seaweed exports have almost doubled in 2008. From January to October 2008, exports of processed seaweeds reached 5,085 metric tons (MT) valued at US$12.6 million. This is a 92 percent increase in volume and 114 percent increase in value over exports for the same period in 2007
Eucheuma and kappaphycus seaweed varieties, which are grown in the Philippines, are used for the production of carrageenan, a thickening and stabilizing agent used worldwide in many processed foods and in products such as toothpaste, shampoo, paints, and pharmaceuticals.
Marine products of the many species of seaweed, the most commonly developed and cultured species in Zamboanga city is the EucheumaCottonii seaweed because of its numerous uses. It enjoys the heaviest demand in the market, both here and abroad. In addition, Eucheuma can be farmed commercially almost anywhere in the city’s coastal areas. Eucheuma seaweed has been commercially introduced in various method of propagation, after extensive experimentation. It was disclosed that eucheuma seaweeds grow faster on reefs than other areas which prove that seaweed farming is viable in this city. When the study of Eucheuma seaweeds propagation was initiated, its technical advancement was transferred to the private sectors, thus making the seaweed industry one of the leading ventures in the country today
The country produces most of the world’s carrageenan in 14 processing plants located in Cebu, Southern Luzon, and Zamboanga. And the top regional supplier of raw materials for these plants is Mindanao, which produces 75 percent of the country’s eucheuma and kappaphycus seaweeds, which mostly come from Zamboanga peninsula and Sulu archipelago.
The country’s processing plants alone need a minimum of 134,000 MT of dried seaweed annually, yet the total Philippine seaweed output decreased from 95,600 MT in 2004 to 74,650 MT in 2007 due to weather conditions. rising energy and transport costs, and other factors.
(JojiIlagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of JojiIlaganFoundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
One of the main reasons why I am fond of sharing with you the agricultural prowess of the Mindanao region is obvious great potential of the industry to pull up our economic status. Mindanao’s climate is better than any other region in our country. We, in Mindanao do not experience typhoons. Another fact is that Mindanao is 474% percent larger than Central Luzon which is has the largest plain in the country and produces most of the country's rice supply, earning itself the nickname "Rice Bowl of the Philippines". If Mindanao’s Agriculture Industry is well developed, the scarcity of food in our country will be eliminated.
GOAT CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
Business opportunities continue to grow in Southern Mindanao amid the spillover of the global financial crisis as businessmen continue to diversify and search for new investments. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Southern Mindanao slated a new investment opportunity in Davao del Sur -- goat rising.
Goat raising is now become a niche for enterprising entrepreneurs who want to try a relatively new but viable business ventur. And Davao City, our largest city and home to the majestic Mt. Apo, will soon become the goat capital of Southern Philippines and probably in the whole country.
Goats are very popular among Filipinos because they require low initial capital investment, fit the small hold farm conditions, and multiply fast. About 10 native goats can be fed on the feedstuffs sufficient for one cattle. And about 6-7 purebred dairy goats can be fed on the feedstuffs adequate for one dairy cow. Although a goat is small, it can produce as much as four liters of milk a day if it is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements.
Our neighboring countries in the East Asean Growth Area like Brunei also requires a high volume of goat meat for daily consumption.
If an investor is to engage in sale of breeders, investments include pure or upgraded Nubian, Toggenburg or Boer buck which costs P7,500 – P12,000/head plus native or upgraded does which cost P1,500 – P4,000/head. An investor could sell his produced upgraded breeders at P3,000 – P12,500/head.
For investors who desire to engage in the sale of goat meat, there is a need to invest in one upgrade Boer for every 25 does. Live goat for sale commands a price ranging from P120 – P180/kilo or minimum of P4,500/head.
To raise goat for commercial milk production, pure or upgraded goats of the Anglo Nubian or Saanen breed is recommended as breeder buck. Goat of this breed could produce 0.7 – 2 liters daily in 215 – 250 days of milking.
Goat-raising is highly profitable. With minimal capital investment of P67,250 for 25-doe level; P174,500 for 50-doe level; or P349,000 for 100-doe level, positive net income and return on investment (ROI) are realized, even as early as the first year. The ROI for five year is 67 percent from a 25-doe level operation under semi-confinement scheme and 60 percent from 50-doe and 100-doe level operations under pure confinement system. Payback period is two years.
As goat production requires low initial investment and small risks compared to other livestock, it is therefore an attractive undertaking among resource-poor families.
SEAWEEDS GALORE
Mindanao’s seaweed exports have almost doubled in 2008. From January to October 2008, exports of processed seaweeds reached 5,085 metric tons (MT) valued at US$12.6 million. This is a 92 percent increase in volume and 114 percent increase in value over exports for the same period in 2007
Eucheuma and kappaphycus seaweed varieties, which are grown in the Philippines, are used for the production of carrageenan, a thickening and stabilizing agent used worldwide in many processed foods and in products such as toothpaste, shampoo, paints, and pharmaceuticals.
Marine products of the many species of seaweed, the most commonly developed and cultured species in Zamboanga city is the EucheumaCottonii seaweed because of its numerous uses. It enjoys the heaviest demand in the market, both here and abroad. In addition, Eucheuma can be farmed commercially almost anywhere in the city’s coastal areas. Eucheuma seaweed has been commercially introduced in various method of propagation, after extensive experimentation. It was disclosed that eucheuma seaweeds grow faster on reefs than other areas which prove that seaweed farming is viable in this city. When the study of Eucheuma seaweeds propagation was initiated, its technical advancement was transferred to the private sectors, thus making the seaweed industry one of the leading ventures in the country today
The country produces most of the world’s carrageenan in 14 processing plants located in Cebu, Southern Luzon, and Zamboanga. And the top regional supplier of raw materials for these plants is Mindanao, which produces 75 percent of the country’s eucheuma and kappaphycus seaweeds, which mostly come from Zamboanga peninsula and Sulu archipelago.
The country’s processing plants alone need a minimum of 134,000 MT of dried seaweed annually, yet the total Philippine seaweed output decreased from 95,600 MT in 2004 to 74,650 MT in 2007 due to weather conditions. rising energy and transport costs, and other factors.
(JojiIlagan Bian is a strong and respected advocate for the development of the region. She is Chair of JojiIlaganFoundation ( www.jojiilagancareercenter.com) ; President , Phil. Call Centers Alliance and Mindanao Tech Voc Schools Association; Mindanao Rep, Export Development Council. Email comments jojibian2@yahoo.com)
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