ABERDI was among the recipients of the Regional Sandugo Award from the Department of Health (DOH) regional office X during its 2016 Regional Sandugo Recognition and Awarding Ceremony held at Pryce Plaza Hotel this December.
The Sandugo Award is the highest recognition given by the Department of Health to various supporters of the voluntary blood donation program. The Award was received by ABCI HR Manager Vivien Lawansa and ABERDI ComRel Manager Ruffy Magbanua.
The DOH Sandugo Award was given to ABERDI for its active involvement in the government’s blood donation program for the year 2016.
ABCI Executive Chairman Robertino E.Pizarro took the oath of office as the new president of Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (Oro Chamber) for 2017 in a simple yet meaningful ceremony last December 2, 2016 held at Ketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.
Dr. Walter W. Brown, ABCI Chairman Emeritus, graced the occasion as special guest of honor and speaker.
Pizarro won the votes of the chamber trustees during the election of officers on November 12, 2016, replacing outgoing president Jeffrey Ang.
During his acceptance speech, Pizzaro presented his platform and plans for the chamber which include the promotion of good business climate for Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao, as well as strengthening government and business partnerships across the region.
He vowed to bring in more tourists in the city, increase the number of business meetings and conventions and promote a conducive business atmosphere.
Pizzaro said he would take advantage of the Duterte administration’s thrusts in terms of developing the countryside and ramping up economic activities in rural areas that would help spur development in the city. He also expressed support for the upcoming Mindanao Business Conference 2017 on September 9, 2017 where Cagayan de Oro will be the host city.
Pizzaro led a new set of board including Anna Marie Medes of the Southland Events, Inc., who was voted Vice President for the Services Sector, and Irene Floro of the Skills Mastery Institute, who was voted Vice President for Business Support Organization.
Arthur Quiblat of Del Monte Philippines was voted Vice President for the Agri-Business Sector, Efren Cababat of the Pilipinas Kao Inc. became Vice President for Manufacturing and Industry and Jan Michael Uy of the YSU Marketing Corporation was voted Vice President for Trade and Commerce. Jessie Co of the New CCH Hardware was elected Treasurer while Cosme Pacana of the M&A Resource Training and Publishing Inc. was voted as the new Corporate Secretary.
A Brown is a publicly listed company with a strategic interests in real estate, power, water, among others. Its sister company A Brown Energy and Resources Development, Inc. (ABERDI) specializes in agribusiness, particularly palm oil plantations and milling, and has been an active member of the Oro Chamber for more than a decade.
The chamber was organized on December 1982 by a convener group of only 25 firms and elected as charter president Virgilio Neri.
At present, Oro Chamber has about 400 members.
Dr. Walter Brown, ABCI Chairman Emeritus, was Keynote Speaker
Dr Brown receives token from Oro Chamber Heads
Newly inducted Oro Chamber officers led by President Robert Pizarro
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration of the 135-megawatt (MW) Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion (CFBC) power plant of Palm Concepcion Power Corporation on Monday, November 28, in Rizal Hall, Malacañang Palace Manila.
The power plant which is located in Concepcion, Iloilo is a baseload power plant which was commercially operated last August 2016 and has contributed significantly in the reliability of power supply in the Visayas.
President Duterte, who was the Keynote Speaker in the event, also led the ceremonial switch-on of the power plant, together with Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, PCPC Chairman Dr. Walter Brown, PCPC President and CEO Roel Castro and Advisor to the Board Jacinto Ng, Jr.
Castro in his welcome message, highlighted that the new plant is a combination of technology from Europe and the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor from China.
“We are among the few to have used this technology with reheat and as a consequence, we are one of the most fuel efficient plants operating and at the same time compliant with the environmental criteria set by both national and international agencies,“ Castro said.
“As a result of using the latest and most efficient technologies, we have one of the lowest tariffs in this same class of plants that the consumers are able to enjoy,” he added.
The power project generated a total investment of about $280 million, one of the biggest investments in Iloilo province. The construction and commissioning of the power plant including the transmission facilities were all completed within 37 months.
One of the highlights of the event is the donation of PCPC to support President Duterte’s program against drugs, which was announced by PCPC Chairman Walter Brown.
Dr. Brown also stressed in his message that the power plant project would not be possible without the full cooperation of its shareholders and partners as well as local and national government officials who on the whole were supportive of the project.
Aside from the plant’s contribution in increasing the available power generation capacity in the Visayas, the community and local government unit hosting the power plant likewise benefitted in the various CSR projects that PCPC poured in for the development of the people and communities and in protecting the environment. The company invested more than PhP150 million, even before the company sold its first kilowatt, for projects like concrete roads, scholarships, livelihood projects, capability building of the local leaders and residents, disaster preparedness, and more importantly massive reforestation and mangrove development. On top of this, they are also beneficiaries of different projects under the Department of Energy’s ER 1-94, particularly electrification projects, development and livelihood projects and reforestation, watershed management and environment enhancement, as part of the benefits to host communities.
Secretary Cusi of DOE believes that this power plant will help speed up economic activities in this side of the country.
“The inauguration of this 135-MW Concepcion power plant is a crucial energy infrastructure project to help sustain the economic growth in the Visayas and we expect to have a livelier business environment in the region,” he said.
While the power plant is fueled by imported coal, the company uses circulating fluidized-bed combustion which is the latest in clean coal technology. It is also equipped with an electrostatic precipitator (ESP), a filtration device that removes over 99% of ash particles.
At present, the power plant is delivering power generation supply to its customers in Panay, Negros and the rest of Visayas.
PCPC is a joint venture between Palm Thermal Consolidated Holdings Corporation (PTCHC), a subsidiary of A Brown Co. Inc. (ABCI), and Jin Navitas Resource Inc. (JNRI).
The Brown Group continues to uphold the mission of “incessantly providing means for its workers to develop their potentials to the fullest and living the company’s shared values of integrity, passion for excellence and family spirit in everything we do” by addressing the different professional development needs of employees in terms of Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude, also known as competencies.
Throughout the year, Human Resources, in coordination with the different department heads, organizes and develops activities, programs, learning sessions, seminars, and trainings with competent and high-caliber speakers in their specialized fields to help employees improve their performance, address their weaknesses, and provide satisfaction in their work.
The programs developed and implemented for 2016 were as follows: Professional Development: Knowledge & Skills, Employee Care & Recognition, Safety Health & Wellness, Workplace Spirituality, and Corporate Social Responsibility.
The continuous professional development programs of the company aim to keep employees on the cutting edge of industry developments. The company believes that employees who are competent and on top of ever-evolving industry standards, will help the company maintain its position as a leader and strong competitor within the industry.
Each year, the Brown Group of Companies organizes a Company Summer Outing (May 13), Service Awards (July 20), Sports Fest (November 10-11), and Christmas Party (December 5) for employees, as part of the Employee Care & Engagement program. Over the years, the said events have evolved to become the four “main occasions” in the company.
Being the most eagerly awaited events of the year, these have become a platform for employees to get together, interact, and indulge in fun-filled activities, a much-deserved respite from the daily grind of the office. Each activity witnesses a great number of participants, employees from all fields—CDO, Bukidnon, Butuan, and Manila, with great enjoyment.
ABCI Summer Outing May 2016
ABCI Service Awards July 2016
ABCI Sportsfest November 2016
ABCI Christmas Party December 2016
Company activities have always been a classic example of the fact that it’s the endeavour that counts. The efforts have always aimed to bring out a friendly level of competition among employees, encourage team-building, and promote a family-like atmosphere to help increase overall morale, while keeping the grandiosity of entertainment.
Brown Group of Companies makes the effort to bring to employees these team-focused events to show care and appreciation for everyone’s hard work all year round. Keeping the vision upheld and the promise intact, the Company will continue its commitment of seeing to the well-being of employees in 2017 and all the years to come.
Starting January 2017, A Brown Company, Inc. shall take over the helm of People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter. ABCI is represented by HR Manager Vivien M. Lawansa. During the elections held last November 29, 2016 at Xavier University, the Board of Trustees of PMAP-CDO elected the Company as Chapter President.
PMAP, acknowledged as the premier organization of HR practitioners and people managers in the country, was founded by 37 executives from various business and industrial establishments and grew to 1,800 corporate and individual members and twenty-six (26) chapters nationwide at present.
PMAP acknowledges the wisdom and hard work of the men and women who are instrumental in making PMAP a well-respected professional organization that it is today. PMAP hopes that this will also inspire and remind members and the next generation of people managers to aim for excellence in the field of HRM and preserve the great legacy of the association. —RUFINO T. MAGBANUA
Photos courtesy of Ms. Vivien Lawansa
PMAP-CDO 2017 Officers
President
A Brown Company, Inc.
Vice President
Xavier University
Board Secretary
COC – PHINMA
Treasurer
Healthcheck Clinic & Diagnostic Center
Board of Trustees
Del Monte Philippines Mindanao Energy Systems, Inc. (Minergy) Oro Grande Distributors, Inc. J3 Trainers & Consultants, Inc. Spruce Designer Network, Inc. PROIS International Christian School System
On November 19, 2016, West Highlands in Butuan held a golf tournament to celebrate the launch of the golf course.
Butuan junior golfer Alex Delfin Trinos was the Overall Gross Champion. Butuan businessman Renne Sakay was Tournament Champion. The 1st runner-up was another junior golfer, Alex Bernard Trinos, while the 2nd runner-up was Zalde Paduganan, an NGCP Electrical Engineer. —Benedict Franco Ramos
KUALA LUMPUR—A Brown Company, Inc. (BRN), together with its Consortium partners, has entered into a cooperation agreement with MTD Philippines, a subsidiary of infrastructure conglomerate AlloyMTD of Malaysia, for the development of the PNR East-West Rail Project.
At the signing, Dr. Walter W. Brown, Chairman Emeritus of A Brown, expressed his thanks to the Malaysian and Philippine governments. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be of service to the Filipino working class and commend the current administration for responding quickly to a need that has been postponed for too long,” he said. “We commit to complete the project before the end of the President’s term.”
The project proposal was prepared by East-West Rail Transit Corporation (EWRTC), the Consortium formed by A Brown and Private Equity Investment and Development (PEID) Corporation with Systra Philippines (member of the Systra Group of France) providing the technical assistance. It will be proposed to Philippine National Railways to alleviate the worsening traffic conditions in Metro Manila.
“We see a lack of appreciation of the fact that due to the large volume of cars and the restricted number of roads, the bulk of our people are forced to travel two to three hours each way. So much time and effort is lost. The only way to solve it in the long-term is mass transport. We want to see the use of the most appropriate mode of transport to bring people without cars to their destinations within a reasonable time.”
Mr. Roel Castro, the newly appointed President of A Brown as of September 2016, said that the project aims to provide a “hassle-free service” for the commuters. “For a number of reasons, we’re seeing a lot of problems in the existing trains right now,” he said. “Mass transportation is among the important infrastructure projects that are need-based, and we see a great opportunity there. This is all part of A Brown’s platform for contributing to the country’s development via infrastructure projects. There’s power, water, and transportation.”
A Brown is a key player in real estate and agribusiness in Southern Philippines with investments in energy, mining, and infrastructure. The company has established its expertise in project management through its subsidiaries in the power sector. Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC) is a 135MW coal-fired plant in Iloilo with a second unit in the pipeline. Peakpower Energy Inc. (PEI) has two bunker-fired peaking power plants: Peakpower Soccsargen Inc. in General Santos and Peakpower San Francisco in Agusan del Sur with a third plant in Bukidnon currently in the preparation stages. These projects were established to supplement the shortfall in the electricity supply of the region. Hydro Link Projects Corporation is developing a hydropower plant in Surigao del Sur. Also underway is the bulk water supply project of A Brown in Opol, Misamis Oriental in partnership with the local government to finally address the town’s need for its independent water supply system.
On the other hand, MTD Philippines, through AlloyMTD Malaysia, is a leading Asian infrastructure conglomerate operating in the global market, actively present in Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, UK, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Chile, China, and the Philippines. The company has a vast experience in civil engineering and construction, manufacturing, infrastructure concessions, energy, port operations, real estate and property development, and operations and maintenance. Among its successful projects in the country is the rehabilitation and expansion of the South Luzon Expressway.
“The East-West rail project is something that Metro Manila needs urgently because in involves moving people in big quantities. I think it’s a very important corridor because it connects to MRT7 and LRT1 and has a promising volume of riders,” said Engr. Isaac David, MTD Chairman. “We want to participate in this effort towards solving the traffic congestion. MTD is confident with the Consortium’s track record and are excited to be partnering with them.”
A Brown Company Executives led by Chairman Robert Pizarro and Partner Realties toast to prosperity during the Launching and Blessing of ADELAIDA PARK RESIDENCES, the latest subdivision owned and developed by ABCI in Cagayan de Oro.
From left: ABCI Board Elpie Paras, Chairman Robert Pizarro, ABCI AVP Allan Ramos, ABCI VP John Batac, Fr. Alain Nocete, ABCI Sales & Mktg Sr Manager Matet Merto, Linda Chee de Jong of Chee Realty, Amor Valdehueza of JCA Westbridge Realty, Joy Madrid of CDO Brokers and Asso., Jane Villono of JCA Eagleridge, Jenny Acebes of Leuterio Realty, and, Stefanie Uy of Truly Wealthy Realty.
ADELAIDA PARK RESIDENCES is the only residential subdivision in the region with a ridgeview linear park. The linear park is 410 meters in length, with park lights along the jogging/bicycle path.
It features single houses sufficiently spaced from each other with its own parking space; a gated community complete with a 4-inch solid concrete fence along the road and a ranch-type perimeter fence; and a proposed pavilion. Accessibility is not a problem, the subdivision is located in Upper Balulang, just 3-kilometers drive to major commercial centers, schools and churches. The area is certified flood-free with an elevation of 157 feet above river bank.
For inquiries, please get in touch with your agent/broker or call the ABCI Marketing Department at 088.8515873.
Former Executive Vice President Roel Z. Castro has been appointed as the new President of A Brown Company, Inc. The company made the announcement following the Annual Stockholder’s Meeting last September.
Mr. Castro is also the President of Palm Thermal Consolidated Holdings Corp., Palm Concepcion Power Corp., Peakpower Energy Inc. and Hydro Link Power Corp. He was Head of Corporate Affairs and Special Assistant to the President/CEO of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). He finished BS Agricultural Business from UP Los Baños and Master’s Degree at Asian Institute of Management. His expertise includes projecy management, brand marketing, financial valuation and management, agribusiness systems, policy analysis, development banking, organizational development, and corporate planning.
Former President Robertino E. Pizarro has been appointed Executive Chairman, while Dr. Walter W. Brown is now Chairman Emeritus.
Chairman Emeritus WWB
Executive Chairman REP
For more details on the Management of the A Brown Company Inc. please click here.
