ITS TEE–OFF TIME AGAIN FOR THE 6TH FPI GOLF CLASSIC 2008 !!!

bernard m. feliciano

esindeed,onecouldpictureitinone’smind,no,canalmostsmellthepinescentwafting,intermingledwiththefreshmorning air and actually see the fog dissipate from the first shafts of the peeping morning sun over the horizon and say to oneself,“can I do it this time?”

One then constructs the mental actuations of preparing for a full drive, while in the teeing box, for that far and away green. Suddenly, involuntarily, standing up from one’s executive chair and assuming the golfer’s stance, grips an imaginary golf club, feeling the electric thrill coursing through one’s body and into the favorite driver, susurates to oneself again, “Is my backswing at the correct height?How about the acceleration of my downswing?My follow-through, what of my follow-through, will it be in perfect form?”

Momentarily snapping–out of our golfer’s reverie, as we are getting a bit ahead of the actual tourney, The Federation of Philippine Industries will hold its 6TH Golf Classic on a Monday, March 03, 2008 at the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Course, Tagaytay City. And like all the previous FPI Golf play–offs, Chief Executive Officers and other senior executives of major corporations and industry associations will again be present in full force for this Federation initiated event (complete list at next page).

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Printed Matter3rd Class Mail- Post paid at San Juan CPO-OM-04-16 NCR.Valid Date:31 December 2007

Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling! Save Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling! Save Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling!

Save Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling! Save Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling! Save Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling!

Save Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling! Save Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling! Save Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling! Save

Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy. Stop Smuggling! Save Jobs, Save Jobs....Save our Economy.

FPI RETURN ADDRESS: Suite 701 Atlanta Center, Annapolis St. Greenhills, City San Juan, Philippines.

For its first showing, the PHILINDEX 2007, organized and accomplished by the FPI and its Secretariat, all throughout its paces, was a qualified success.

Undoubtedly, the time, effort and resources invested in bringing about the activity was an arduous undertaking, but every strained exertion, ounce of toil and drop of sweat, were all worth the travails in animating the project from concept to vibrant reality.

continued on page 4 & 5

The execuTive LuncheonSeated, from left to right: Edison Co Seteng - Director/Executive Vice-President; V. Francisco Varua - Director/Vice-President, Agriculture; Renato R. Ermita - Director/Vice-President, Manufacturing; Henry A. Tañedo - Director/Chairman, Ways & Means Committee; & Meneleo J. Carlos Jr. - FPI Chairman Of The Board.Standing, from left to right: Judanito F. Yap - FPI IT Specialist; Mary Go Ng - Director/ Chairman, Labor & Productivity Committee; and Atty. Rufino M. Margate Jr. - FPI Secretary General

The Ribbon-cuTTing RiTe From left to right: Antonio Villar - Undersecretary, Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG); Atty. Rufino M. Margate Jr. - FPI Secretary General; Jesus L. Arranza - FPI President & Jesus Tanchanco - Executive Director For Marketing, U. E.

The viP TeTe-a-TeTeFrom left to right: Edison Co Seteng - Director/Executive Vice-President; Jesus Tanchanco - Executive Director For Marketing, U. E.; Antonio Villar - Undersecretary, Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG); & Jesus L. Arranza - FPI President

1ST FPI PHILINDEX 2007, A MONTAGE OF IMAGES

Furthermore, success, being the operative word in this article, is indeed qualified by the overwhelming presence and involvement of the business establishments, representing different industries during the entire 3–day trade and industrial exposition.

It is this manifestation of heartening support from members and non–members alike that ensures this project’s continuity forthisyearandtheyearstocome.

Thus, for this January issue of Tambuli, we have an explosion of images taken during the Philindex 2007, presented in montage format, exhibiting the vim and vigour of the event.

So better watch out, better not cry, because FPI is telling you why – COMING SOON IS PHILINDEX 2008 !!!

A MONTAGE OF IMAGES ..... continued from page 5

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bernard m. feliciano

Y

EXECUTIVE EDITORS:

Jesus L. Arranza;

Henry A. Tañedo;

George S. Chua;

Renato R. Ermita.

Conributors:

A. ArticlesJesus L. Arranza

FPI President & Chairman of Anti-Smuggling Committee

Commodore George S. ChuaFPI Director & Chairman of Management Committee

bernard m. felicianoTechnical Staff-Media Affairs

B. Technical Inputs Atty. Rufino M. Margate Jr. Secretary General & Judanito F. Yap IT Specialist

C. General ServicesEllen R. Cusilit

Communications and Follow-up Calls

Judanito F. Yap &

Allan A. Salvador P.O. Box Relocation and

Materials Distribution

Jocelyn C.Delos Santos Accounting Functions

The TAMBULI Magazine, entered as a third-class mail matter at the Makati Central Post Office and published once a month, is the official publication of the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc., with editorial office located at Suite 701 Atlanta Center, Annapolis St. Greenhills, City San Juan, Philippines. Tel. Nos. 722-3409; 721-9642; 727-4359; Fax: 722-9737 ; E-mail: fpi@fpi.ph or fpi@philonline.com; Website: http://www.fpi.ph

The views expressed in any articles or items appearing in the magazine, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the FPI Management.

To contribute any articles, whether in the form of an industry situation analysis, position papers, or feature articles touching on issues related to industry/trade, banking and finance, environment, labor, energy and so forth, please contact the

Ta m b u l i

E d i t o r i a l B o a r d

For queries on subscription and/or to advertise, please contact the FPI Secretariat in the same address / contact numbers given above.

Dario A. BoragayConcept and Layout-Design

Cover & PagesPrinters

Recalling that the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) came into being, like a rolling thunder preceded by a bolt of lightning, in 1991, it is without a doubt, since then, that the Federation has become very actively involved in major concerns affecting industry such as international trade agreements & unfair trade practices; finance & investments; power/energy & environment; labor, productivity & competitiveness; tariff & taxation; preventive & punitive measures against economic offenses and other relevant issues. Accordingly, the FPI have not only become the “Voice of Industry” but the champion of it as well, bestowed by no less than Pres. Arroyo herself, during the Federation’s 16TH Annual General Assembly held last August 13, 2007.

Thus, the rationale for this tournament is to sustain and enhance FPI’s advocacies, initiatives and activities for the benefit of the domestic industry and to further strengthen the networking capabilities and camaraderie among the companies, as well as, concertedly meeting head-on the challenges similarly confronting Filipino business establishments.

Then again, what matters most, more than the gaieties of this sporting fete, is the sincere and active participation of all the concerned stakeholders, conveying their continued succor and solidarity with FPI and what the Federation stands for.

1 ASSOCIATION OF CONSOLIDATED AUTOMOTIVE AUTO PARTS PRODUCERS, INC. (ACAPP)2 ASSOCIATION OF PETROCHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS OF THE PHILIPPINES (APMP)3 ASSOCIATION OF PHILIPPINE AQUA FEED MILLERS, INC. (APAFMI)4 BEVERAGE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (BIAP) 5 CEMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (CEMAP)6 CERAMIC TILE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION (CTMA)7 CHAMBER OF AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS OF THE PHILS., INC. (CAMPI)8 CHAMBER OF REAL ESTATE & BUILDERS ASSOCIATION (CREBA)9 COCONUT OIL REFINERS ASSOCIATION (CORA)10 CONFEDERATION OF SUGAR PRODUCERS ASSO., INC. (CONFED)11 FILIPINO GALVANIZERS INSTITUTE INC. (FGI)12 FLAT GLASS ALLIANCE OF THE PHILIPPINES (FGAPI)13 G.I. WIRE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES14 GARMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILS. (GMAP)15 NATIONAL FEDERATION OF HOG FARMERS INC. (NFHFI)16 PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF FLOUR MILLERS INC. (PAFMIL)17 PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF MATCH & LIGHTERS MFTRS. INC. (PAMLMI)18 PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF BATTERY MANUFACTURERS (PABMA)

19 PHILIPPINE COCONUT OIL PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION (PCOPA)20 PHILIPPINE ELECTRIC WIRES MANUFACTURERS ASSO. (PEWMA)21 PHILIPPINE OLEOCHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (POMA)22 PHILIPPINE PALM OIL GROWERS ASSOCIATION (PPOGA)23 PHILIPPINE PLASTICS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (PPIA)24 PHILIPPINE RUBBER INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION (PRIA)25 PHILIPPINE STEEL ROLLING MILLS ASSOCIATION (PSRMA)26 PHILIPPINE SUGAR MILLERS ASSOCIATION (PSMA)27 PHILIPPINE WELDING PRODUCTS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (PWPMA)28 PHILIPPINE WOOD PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION (PWPA)29 PULP & PAPER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (PULPAPEL)30 SAMAHAN NG MAGSASAPATOS SA PILIPINAS (SMP)31 SAMAHAN SA PILIPINAS NG MGA INDUSTRIYANG KIMIKA (SPIK)32 SCRAP COLLECTORS RECYCLING ASSOCIATION OF THE PHIL. (SCRAP)33 STEEL ANGLES, SHAPES AND SECTIONS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (SASSMAPI)34 TEXTILE MILLS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILS. (TeMAP)35 TEXTILE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILS. INC. (TEXPAP)36 TIN CAN MAKERS ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILS. (TCMAPI)37 TIRE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATIONOF THE PHILIPPINES (TiMAP)38 UNITED COCONUT ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (UCAP)

LIST OF MEMBER INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

ITS TEE–OFF TIME AGAIN ..... continued from page 1

At the risk of looking like a party pooper, get off on a good start by pushing your people to get things on track to meet the organization’s goals and objectives. Better yet, already set up milestones along the way; say at the end of each quarter or even at the end of each month. This way, an ambitiously impossible goal may look more doable if it is done in increments. There are a number of wise sayings to this effect like “do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today” and “the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

Having said all of that, you also have to remember that there is no tomorrow if there isno today,meaning,youshouldalsopaceyourself,otherwise,youcouldrun out of steam to finish the race. Life is not a 100 meter dash; it is more like a marathon. Take the time out to show your appreciation to all those people that helped you through the year, after all these are probably going to be the same people that will once again help you make it through this coming year.

The difficulty in trying to achieve difficult things is finding the right balance between ruthlessness and compassion, and this mix changes as the conditions vary. Take the next few days to enjoy the holiday cheers but get off to a running start in 2008. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

(Comments may be sent to chua.george@yahoo.com)

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In line with sustaining and enhancing FPI’s advocacies, initiatives and activities for the benefit of the domestic industry and to further strengthen the networking capabilities and camaraderie among the companies, as well as, concertedly meeting head-on the challenges similarly confronting Filipino business establishments, The Federation of Philippine Industries will hold its 6TH Golf Classic on a Monday, March 03, 2008 at the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Course, Tagaytay City

Those who are interested to participate in the tourney may get in touch with the FPI Secretariat on the provided contact numbers and e-mail addresses below.

Tel.Nos. 722-3409; 721-9642; 727-4359; Fax: 722-9737;E-mail: fpi@fpi.ph or fpi@philonline.com; Website: http://www.fpi.ph

Do you still have what it takes to drive that golf ball into that far and away green?

So Dust Off That Golf BAg And Polish Those GOlf Clubs Because ItsLess Than 30 Days Before The 6th FPI Golf Classic Tee-Off!!!

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued an Executive Order concurring with the recommendation of DAR to revert the 144 hectare land in Sumilao, Bukidnon from agro-industrial to agricultural on petition by a group of Sumilao farmers. The decision effectively imperils the vision of San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI) which is sinking P2.4 billion in the land to develop it into a modern, high-tech agro-industrial estate.

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) has earlier aired its misgivings about the wisdom of reconverting into farms the 144-hectare land after SMFI has already spent millions in a bid to transform it into productive agro-industrial estate. We warned that this might send a wrong message to would-be investors in the rural areas. But the President has made a decision and FPI respects her decision.

But by the same degree, FPI will respect and, beyond that, encourage any course of action that SMFI may decide to pursue to protect its rights, to fulfill its vision. After all to make a stand, even one that collides with popular sentiments, is a guaranteed right in a democracy so long as its guidepost is not emotion but the rule of law.

While we respect judgment call of the President, we cannot help but feel some regrets that the vision of SMFI to bring the blessings of modern technology and massive investments to the people of Sumilao and for that matter to whole province of Bukidnon might no longer happen. What kind of blessings, for example?

Taxes, the operation of SMFI would shoot the town’s tax revenue through the roof, from the present P3.3 million to P98 million;

Jobs, the SMFI project would generate employment of 2400 workers, minimum, excluding the 400 personnel needed to man the project’s facilities;

Financing, the project will enable farmers to access financing for farm inputs that would translate to increased farm productivity and higher pricing;

Income, the project will put more money in farmers’ pockets coming from the estimated SMFI’s annual payroll of P50 million, and from higher corn prices which competition between SMFI and traditional buyers will induce.

But perhaps all is not yet lost. At the end of the day a re-visit of the Presidential decision plus a round of non-confrontational talks between SMFI and the farmers which FPI sincerely urges may produce a compromise beneficial to all. Partnership between farmers and SMFI is a natural and formidable combination, the farmers producing the corn, and SMFI processing their produce.

And if the farmers who were already given 65 hectares adjacent to the 144 hectares are really all hot up about owning land and want some more, there are at least 46,000 hectares of idle government land in the Sumilao area. Why not open this huge tract to them and to others who want to farm. The government can use the money, which if the SMFI property goes to CARP it will have to pay SMFI with, to build infrastructures,irrigationsystemandotherfarmfacilitiesinthenewfarmsettlement.

As FPI has always maintained, compromise is not just an option, it’s a necessity in a modern society struggling to make all its systems work in harmony to energize the economy.

RULE OF LAW, NOT EMOTION SHOULD PREVAILJESUS L. ARRANZA

as reprinted from the Bussiness Mirror, December 21-22, 2007 Issue

One of the main reasons why Christmas is such a pleasant and joyous time of the year is that it is actually a double celebration. With New Year just a week away from Christmas, this is the longest holiday period we have, and what a celebration it is for everyone. In this season of giving there are two classes, the ones on the receiving end and of course the ones that are doing the giving.

No question about the joy of those receiving the gifts and bonuses this Christmas. However, there is no pleasing some people, their feeling is they are entitled to everything they get and more. For them, Christmas is one big racket that they will simply exploit to get as much and from as many sources as they can. So as not to ruin your Christmas spirit, the best thing you can do with these people is to avoid them and hope they go away.

For those that are the real Santa Clause this Christmas, my best wishes to you and may you have all of God’s great blessing. I am referring to those that have to worry about providing the 13th month and other bonuses to their employees, the parents that have to make sure their children are happy with the gifts they get and of course, to everyone else that want to give more than what they expect to receive. I am sure there are still a lot of people out there who truly enjoy giving. For one, seeing the incredible smile and the joy of children receiving gifts is more than enough return for me.

To top off the Christmas celebration is the New Year festivities that can stand on it’s own merits. I always think of New Year as a fresh start where all the bad things that happened to us last year is water under the bridge and all the great things we did become part of our life’s wonderful memories to add to our nostalgia. For some of us, getting over the New Year is like going over a hurdle with our last ounce of energy to cross the finish line.

For the coming year ahead as in the past years, I have always been promising myself not to go through the same agony of trying to rush everything in the last week. Don’t do all your Christmas shopping the week before. Months ahead of Christmas, every time you see something that would make a nice Christmas gift to someone you have in mind, go ahead and buy it already. Before you know it, by the time you hit December, you would have much less to worry about your gift list.

Even in business, start putting aside the money you would need for year-end expenses like the 13th month pay and bonuses, the company Christmas party and giveaways and whatever expenses you would incur at the end of the year. When should you start sav-ing up for these? The best answer is of course the very first business day of the year! It is very easy to be lax when the pressure is not on to cut down on expenses, increase revenues, improve efficiency and meet the budget, after all, the day of reckoning is still 12 months away.

CHRISTMAS CHEERS REDUX . . .GEORGE S. CHUA

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Foreword :

In the continuing byzantine saga of the Sumilao Land Case, below is one, in a series of press statements, articulated by the FPI President. Succeeding issues of the Tambuli Magazine will feature President Arranza’s subsequent communiques, as the event further unfolds, consistent with the original viewpoint of the Federation, on the ongoing case at bar.

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