Planning Mindanao’s future

By Cielito Habito
Philippine Daily Inquirer
January 10, 2010

SURELY one of the most prominent elements in the political platforms of candidates to national positions in the forthcoming May elections is defining the right strategy for dealing with the persistent peace and development challenge in Mindanao.

Few would dispute that Mindanao is most critical to the nation’s future and overall welfare.

Mindanao accounts for about a
1) third of the country’s land area, a
2) quarter of the country’s population and a
3) fifth of overall income, measured as gross domestic product or GDP.

The incongruence of those ratios already reflects an anomaly, especially in light of what must be a much greater share that Mindanao possesses of the country’s natural wealth. Mindanao, in other words, could easily account for a far greater share of the country’s production and incomes, had it not been for long-standing barriers to attaining lasting peace and development therein.

New road map

It is in this light that the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco), in cooperation with the Mindanao regional offices of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), has spearheaded work to come up with a new 20-year blueprint for the future of Mindanao and its diverse peoples.

The previous blueprint known as Mindanao 2000 covers only up to 2010, hence the need for a sequel plan now dubbed as Mindanao 2020. Notwithstanding the name—chosen because of the catchy and suggestive nature of the number (as in 20/20 vision)—the new plan will cover the period up to 2030.

It is thus intended to guide the various strategies, policies and programs to be undertaken for Mindanao in the next two decades.

The great diversity found in Mindanao presents a daunting challenge for such a planning exercise.

There is wide variation within the island group in terms of natural and physical endowments and attributes, historical and cultural backgrounds, ethnic composition, and political perspectives.

It would thus appear to be wishful thinking to expect that a consensus could ever be reached on the elements of such a plan.

And yet, it is this very diversity that makes it all the more imperative that wide consensus be sought to the extent possible. Even then, one must not entertain the illusion that universal agreement will ever be reached, especially on particular elements of the blueprint that will emerge.

Planning by listening

Key to achieving wide consensus is to adopt a listening mode in the design of the planning process.

Thus, the team that has been put together for the work defines its task as “facilitating the formulation of Mindanao 2020,” rather than formulating the plan itself.

Medco rightly sees Mindanao 2020 as a plan that must be crafted by the wide mass of Mindanawons, not by a small group of experts “playing God” for Mindanao.

Indeed, Mindanawons ranging from ordinary citizens to erudite scholars have long known what needs to be done to “fix” Mindanao.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel here; the content of Mindanao 2020 is largely in place.

It is the process for achieving a widely owned and supported plan that is seen to be the greater challenge.

Knowing it is impossible to hear every single Mindanawon out nor gather every single perspective, the Mindanao 2020 team has embarked on a planning process that seeks to maximize ownership for the plan. Three primary instruments are being employed to this end: A quick survey (QS), focus group discussions (FGDs) across Mindanao, and key informant interviews (KIIs) with prominent personalities who are knowledgeable of and/or influential in Mindanao.

Recommendations from past analyses, consultations and discussions are also being gathered from the literature.

The QS asks two simple questions on Mindanao’s future, and is being disseminated via e-mail, Internet and even text messaging.

The FGDs seek participants who can legitimately speak for much wider constituencies.

The results of more than 300 FGDs undertaken by Konsult Mindanaw headed by Fr. Bert Alejo (who is a member of the Mindanao 2020 team as well) are also now part of the Mindanao 2020 formulation. Meanwhile, KIIs are being done with personalities representing widely divergent perspectives.

Desired Mindanao

After hearing hundreds of Mindanawons in the consultations (which are still ongoing), key words that have emerged for a shared vision of Mindanao are “peace,” “progress” and “prosperity.”

A Mindanao where there is “no fear” is a popular way to describe the desired peace.

Mindanawons also want governance that is culture-sensitive, self-reliant and responsive. They want an economy that is financially self-reliant, physically connected and economically integrated, equitably uplifting the lives of all Mindanawons.

They also envisage the people of Mindanao as enjoying abundant opportunities to develop their human capabilities as individuals and as communities, marked by trust and solidarity within groups, among diverse cultures, and across different regions.

How to get there? Space constraints prevent me from describing, even in general terms, the wealth of good ideas already offered so far by Mindanawons from various walks of life.

Work continues in shaping Mindanao 2020, and will be completed only when the new leadership is in place after the elections.

After all, as critical as the buy-in of Mindanawons themselves is the buy-in of our new leaders coming in 2010.

(Readers’ inputs to Mindanao 2020 are welcome at chabito@ateneo.edu)

Iligan City is unbelievably a place full  blend of uncorrupted nature and hardcore industrial enterprise.  The city is considered Northern Mindanao’s diamond in the rough.  Under-searched by both local and foreign tourists, Iligan City is an unmatched urban center which assures to charm its first-time visitors. Its natural endowment of nature, blended with regulated marks of industrialization,  Iligan City offers a solid investment in prime real estate.

Known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls, there are around 23 waterfalls in and around Iligan. Premier among them is the majestic Maria Cristina Falls, perhaps the country’s highest falls and home to Mindanao’s primary hydroelectric power station.

Iligan is also the Industrial Center of the South. It produces hydroelectric power for the Mindanao region through the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), the site of the Mindanao Regional Center (MRC) housing Agus IV, VI and VII hydroelectric plants. It also houses industries like steel, tinplate, cement and flour mills. The National Steel Corporation, one of the largest steel manufacturers in the Southeast Asian region, now Global Steelworks International Incorporated was re-opened in 2003 after heavy setbacks resulting to its closure in 1999. Iligan along with its neighboring city, Cagayan de Oro City, are the two major components for the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor, the fastest developing area in Northern Mindanao.

The economy of Iligan was largely based on heavy industries. After the construction of Maria Cristina (Agus VI) Hydroelectric Plant by National Power Corporation (NPC, NAPOCOR) in 1950, the city experienced rapid industrialization and continued until the late 1980s. The largest steel plant in the country, National Steel Corporation (NSC), was also established during that period (Specifically in 1962).
During the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the city experienced severe slowdown in terms of economic growth. A good number of industrial plants are closed, notably the National Steel Corporation. Its closure also created a domino effect on its anxillary industries, causing some companies to close shop while putting others in grave financial distress.

The city made its economic revival on the reopening of the National Steel Corporation, named Global Steelworks Philippines, Inc on 2004. Thus, putting the city back on its track. The current industrial plants in operation and their locations are:

*Treasure Steel Corporation (Formerly National Steel Corporation                   Billet Plant) — Barangay Suarez
*Global Steelworks Philippines, Inc. — Barangay Suarez
*Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation — Barangay Maria Cristina
*Granexport Manufacturing Corporation — Barangay Kiwalan
*Petronas Energy Philippines, Inc. — Barangay Dalipuga
*Pilmico Foods Corporation — Barangay Kiwalan
*Pilmico Iligan Feedmill – Barangay Kiwalan
*Platinum Group Metals Corporation (Formerly Maria Cristina                   Chemical Industries, Inc.) — Barangay Maria Cristina
*San Miguel Corporation-Iligan Coconut Oil Plant — Barangay                             Santa Filomena
*Refractories Corporation of the Philippines — Barangay Dalipuga
*Iligan Cement Corporation — Barangay Kiwalan
*Mindanao Portland Cement Corporation — Barangay Kiwalan
*Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Formerly Alsons Cement Corp.) —   Boundary of Barangay Dalipuga and Lugait, Misamis Oriental

It is a city truly blessed and nurtured by Mother Nature.  It is protected by typhoons by natural barriers as with most places in Mindanao. Its terrain is hugged by a long stretch of shoreline along Iligan Bay.  The rich soil, even rainful distribution, and ideal topography provide suitable conditions for diverse agricultural ventures.

Yet with all the natural wonders and blessing bestowed upon the city, the most prized asset of Iligan is still the warm culture and vibrant hospitality of its people.  Both natives and people of different ethnicity with a long history all come together to make Iligan their home.

There are a lot of investments that are created in real property, most which are required to take into account the price of the property to go up. Yet, occasionally the measure of a property begins down. If you feature a property that has like this, you’ll want to decide if it is worth investing in. Distressed property is one of the questions that several ask when investing into real estate.

If a property is in trouble, it implies that it has not had the care and attention needed by the former possessors. Almost be like, the home is part of a foreclosure, deserted home, or other trouble and may have not been lived in for a specified length of time. Any distressed property will need a lot of attention given thereto if you determine to put in the property.

Before considering this case of property, you will prefer to make a point that it will be deserving your investment. Although a distressed property will commonly go down thousands of pesos because of the caliber, it might not be more flashy. It will be anticipated that you put a particular amount of work and money into the home in order to repair it and get it back up to following part of the market.

If you are able to get an additional loan, have more money, and want to fix up, then a distressed property is for you. However, if you don’t want to put in the extra effort, then finding this type of property may loose you money and comfort in your own home. You will also need to select whether you will be able to income off of the investment in the long run accordingly to the neighborhood, market, and your aims for applying the property.

While a distressed property can do good, it will involve to accommodate your goals and your lifestyle in order to be an effective investment. As long as you have appraised your financial stability and goals and are able to put in the extra money, time and work, you can take a distressed property and turn it into what you wish. This will contribute the property the dream of going from rags to riches.

Perhaps for years you’ve dreamt of owning a place in the country – maybe a ranch in Bukidnon, or a private lakefront lot in Agusan or Surigao, or maybe your own mountain resort in Iligan City or in the nearby province of Misamis Occidental.
Today’s low real estate prices combined with great interest rates are making it possible for more people to realize this dream. Before you get out your checkbook, here are some things to consider before taking the plunge.

1. Determine what things are important to you. If you are on horse-back riding and find yourself spending the equivalent of a mortgage down payment in apartment rentals every year, maybe purchasing a property closer to the slopes is just what you need.
Keep in mind, however, you won’t have the freedom to move around, so choose a location you’ll want to return to year after year. If you’re only thinking about taking up a new sport or hobby, consider renting for a few seasons to ensure your dream still holds the same appeal once it becomes a reality.

2. What sorts of ties do you have to your current home? Do the children come to visit on weekends or holidays? How will your having a second home affect your family routines?

3. Begin to zero in on the perfect location for your rural home by making a list of all areas that fit. List your favorite sports and past times, desirable weather, geography (do you want mountain living or beachfront), available employment opportunities, ethnic or social conditions, taxes and utilities, and price range.

Next, do some research and determine which provinces are most compatible with your needs. Try to get your list down to about three favorites.

Buying and selling a property requires more than finding a real estate agent to do the act that is needed. There is also the necessity for you to acknowledge what you really need or consider when you’re acting with the investment. Regardless of what the market dictates, there is always a move that you are able to make in order to get the right person to act in with regard to your property.

Leasing is among the many ways that you can act into a real property investment. If you’re having difficulty trading your home or property, then you can consider renting as an option rather than selling it. If you choose to apply the lease alternative for the property, definitely this means you’ll become the landlord for a period of time of at least one year. The tenant will sign a contract with you specifying the period of time that the tenant will pay for the rent and take care of your property. Subsequently when the time period is up, the tenant may have the option of buying the property from you.

For someone who’s thinking buying a home, this makes up a good first step to enter. You will have lower payments, will be able to make your credit, and will have the alternative of trying out the property before you buy it. If you are selling the property, it can also be good, as it will give you the opportunity to demand a higher price when the market gets better. Commonly, by the time you are ready to sell, you will be able to offer a price that is ten to twenty percent higher than it would have cost a year earlier.

If the market isn’t good, you can’t sell your home, and if the right alternatives don’t come to you at all, then leasing is a second alternative that you will be able to look at. By leasing the property, then you will have the opportunity to benefit and make profits now or later.

Know the Basic Rules of the Game

Just like playing the game of Monopoly, there are specific rules to follow in order to get the right property at the right time. The rules of the game will be dependent on who you are, what your individual tastes are and what type of investment you are looking for. However, before you even start to role the dice, you will want to make sure that you know the basic rules of the game.

One of the basics that you will want to know is to decide what it takes to find the right real estate market. You can use several marketing strategies that will help you to find the right home, the right place, and to make the right type of investment with the market. Of course, while you are doing this, you will have to investigate the various areas and how they are connected to the community. This will allow you to find what will profit you with the investment in the long run.

Just like Monopoly, you will want to understand the area that you will be in and how this will affect the rules. For example, everyone knows that by investing in Broadway there will be more profit than the utilities station. This same rule applies to finding what is available in the real estate market. You will want to know the area and how it will affect your profits and your way of living. This can be examined by the demographics, the history of the area, and the flow of people that are moving in and out of the area.

After you have investigated these various things, you will be able to decide when the best time to pass go will be. This can help you to find the best deals, move at the right time and have the luck of the dice in order to get what you want and need for better living or for better profit.

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Why Real Estate May Be the Only Real Mainstay Market

While you see businesses come to life, peak and fall, you may be thinking if a business of real estate is worth investing in.  Would if the same thing happens to this business.  You wouldn’t want to invest in something that won’t be substantial.  Unlike other businesses, real estate is always a good investment to make, and may be the only real mainstay market.

Even though the real estate market rises and falls, there are still many benefits to being in real estate.  You can expect that if something happens that causes the real estate to lower, it will eventually come back up.  There is always a need for housing and people are always moving into different locations.  No matter what type of real estate you are investing in, you can expect that someone will have the need to live on the property.  Because real estate is part of the basic needs of individuals, it can be expected that someone will always be looking, and others will always be selling.

One of the advantages of real estate that gives it more stability is that no matter what the economy, there will always be real estate selling.  It can be expected that if the market is bad, individuals will be working towards selling their homes to move somewhere more substantial.  If the economy is good, then individuals will be looking into buying homes that can offer more.  This helps to keep real estate as one of the stable markets among businesses.

If you aren’t certain about investing in real estate, you don’t need to look any further than the economy and how the fluctuation is always to the advantage of those owning property.  No matter what the circumstances, individuals are always looking for a place to live.  If you want to make sure that you are part of the trends in the market place, then investing in real estate is a certain way to keep stable income.

A lot of people managed to sell their own home quickly. How do they do it? For most people however, selling one’s home is never easy.  There are a lot of difficulties; not counting those memories and sense of belonging one has to get over, for one.  You would like to make sure your house goes to best buyer possible – to the person who is going to pay for what it’s worth.

There are just of the few tips that might help you sell your house fast and to the best buyer possible:

Find a good attorney

Have every legal issues covered before you hand in your house to the next owner.  Inquire about property disclosures to potential buyers that your state law requires.  Find a good attorney to help you in this matter.

An attorney is also the best person to help you make the contract form for selling your house.  Local estate laws normally requires a contract that would protect you and the buyer.

To find your best possible buyer, pick out the best picture to put in your advertisements. Like humans, not all houses are “photogenic”, so find the best angle that still represents what your house has to offer.

Hire a reputable real estate agent

Something the real estate agents have while you don’t,  is experience, especially regarding home buyers. The large amount of potential buyers coming to your house should not convince you that everyone can finance for a house. If you’re selling a house on your own, more buyers will come to you  in the hope of a more flexible negotiation – check them all. Ask if they’re able to buy your house immediately, or if they do need to sell their own house first to finance their purchase.

Put up a good first impression

Cleaning and preparing your house meticulously for home showings is only a part of your effort. Some prospective home buyers love to do drive-bys, and rely on that first impression. Make sure your lawn and the front part of your house is well maintained to catch their attention. If your curb appeal is low, clients are reluctant to see what’s inside of your house.

These bits of wisdom came from the experience of people who managed to sell their home successfully to the best buyer. There are many factors to consider before you take every next step, so take your time. There’s one bit of useful advice:  it’s useless to do the selling on your own if the revenue taken from not hiring a real estate agent is spent heavily on fixing your own mistakes!