BusinessMirror April 14-15, 2022 by BusinessMirror

ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS

ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS 2006 National Newspaper of the Year 2006 2011 National National Newspaper Newspaper of of the the Year Year 2011 2013National BusinessNewspaper Newspaperofofthe theYear Year 2013 Business Newspaper of the Year 2017 Business Newspaper of the Year 2017 2019Business BusinessNewspaper Newspaperof ofthe theYear Year 2019 2021Business Pro PatriaNewspaper Award of the Year 2021 Pro Patria Award PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 2018 Data Champion PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 2018 Data Champion

BusinessMirror A broader broader look look at at today’s today’s business business A

EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS

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(2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA SCIENCEAWARDS AND TECHNOLOGY 2018 BANTOG

2018 BANTOG MEDIA AWARDS

THE QUICK BROWN FOX MB-APPROVED FOREIGN JUMPS OVER THE BORROWINGS RISELAZY 69% T www.businessmirror.com.ph www.businessmirror.com.ph

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By Bianca Cuaresma

Thursday-Friday, April April 14-15, 14-15, 2022 2022 Vol. Vol. 17 17 No. No. 189 189 Thursday-Friday,

P25.00 nationwide nationwide || 33 sections sections 28 28 pages pages || 77DAYS DAYS AAWEEK WEEK P25.00

The quick Comelec brown fox lifts ban jumps over on theDA lazyfuel dog vouchers

@BcuaresmaBM

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board announced on Wednesday that it has approved a total of $4.80 billion of public sector foreign borrowings in the first quarter of 2022, 69 percent up from the $2.84-billion approvals in the same period in 2021.

Broken down, the borrowings consist of one bond issuance amounting to $2.25 billion; and three project loans aggregating $2.55 billion. Under the 1987 Constitution, prior approval of the BSP, through its MB, is required for all foreign loans to be contracted or guaranteed by the Republic of the Philippines.

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

Similarly, Letter of Instructions No. 158 dated 21 January 1974 also requires all foreign borrowing proposals by the NG, government agencies and government financial institutions to be submitted for approval-in-principle by the MB before commencement of actual negotiations. SeeContinued " MB-approved," on A2 A2A2 Continued on

DEVOTEESchant chantpassages passagesfrom fromthe thePasyón, Pasyón,an anearly early16th-century 16th-centuryepic epicpoem poemnarrating narratingthe thelife, life,passion, passion,death deathand andresurrection resurrectionof ofJesus JesusChrist. Christ.The The DEVOTEES DEVOTEES chant passages from the Pasyón, an early 16th-century epic poem narrating the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The uninterruptedchanting chantingof ofthe thePasyón, Pasyón,known knownas asthe thePabasa, Pabasa,isisisaaaCatholic Catholicdevotion devotionin inthe thePhilippines Philippinespopular popularduring duringHoly HolyWeek. Week.NONIE NONIE REYES uninterrupted uninterrupted chanting of the Pasyón, known as the Pabasa, Catholic devotion in the Philippines popular during Holy Week. NONIEREYES REYES

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) will soon be able to resume the implementation of its P500-million fuel subsidy fuel program for farmers, who are still reeling from the effects of high pump prices. This after the Commission on Elections en banc approved through a resolution at its meeting on Wednesday the DA’s request for clearance to continue the program during the election ban that runs March 25 until May 8, 2022. See “Pasa,” A2 See “Pasa,” A2 A2 See "Comelec lifts,"

THE QUICKSPENDING BROWN FOX OVERTOTHE LAZYECONOMY DOG NEARINTHE ELECTION NOTJUMPS ENOUGH BOOST ‘22 By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

HILE the elections could yield billions worth of campaign spending, Ibon Foundation Inc. said this will still not be enough to buoy the Philippine economy this year. Based on Ibon Foundation estimates, the elections could generate P76.56 billion in total campaign spending. This is on top of the P26.9-billion budget of the Commission on Elections. Ibon Foundation Executive Director Sonny Africa told the BusinessMirror on Wednesday that in the post-Marcos period,

there was an uptick in consumption by two to three percentage points or more in quarters leading up to the elections. “Election-related spending is of course additional economic activity that, all things equal, boosts economic growth. But maybe its effect shouldn’t be overstated because this is always merely momentary,” Africa said. “While many households’ purchasing power increases for 2-3 quarters this quickly fades with most quickly reverting to low levels of family welfare right after the elections,” he added. Africa said the gains from a

PESO EXCHANGE EXCHANGE RATES RATES nn US US 52. 52.11750 750 PESO

post-lockdown rebound would be gone by the second quarter of 2022 and election-related spending would not be enough to offset the higher unemployment; and poor quality work would weigh down the economy. “Moreover, election spending and the fleeting boost to GDP doesn’t really fix the basic problems of agricultural and industrial backwardness—with that boost maybe just another moment of distraction from these,” Africa said. Based on Ibon estimates, the position that will shore up the highest campaign funding is the Presidency, which is expected to reach P15 billion.

This will be followed by those running for Mayor which is expected to generate P14.7 billion; Congress, P14.2 billion; Senator, P8.4 billion; and Vice Mayor, P7.4 billion. The position that will generate the least campaign funding is Vice Governor at P1.8 billion. “This could be due to how more and more of election spending especially for the crown jewels of national positions go to political ads in mass media and social media, which don’t have as much of a multiplier effect as spending on the ground war,” Africa explained. Continued on on A2 A2 Continued See "Election," A2

n JAPAN JAPAN 0.4161 0.4161 n n UK UK 67.8536 67.8536 n n HK HK 6.6577 6.6577 n n CHINA CHINA 8.8.11955 955 n n SINGAPORE SINGAPORE 38.2599 38.2599 n n AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA 38.8912 38.8912 n n EU EU 56.5055 56.5055 n n SAUDI SAUDI ARABIA ARABIA 13.9134 13.9134 n

Source:BSP BSP(April (April13, 13,2022) 2022) Source:

News A2 Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

Vaxx sites stay open even during Holy Week

ACCINATION sites will remain open even during Holy Week as the government is still short of its goal of fully inoculating 70 million Filipinos against Covid-19 before the 2022 National and Local Election (NLE). In fact, National Vaccination Operation Center (NVOC) chairperson Myrna C. Cabotaje said some places of worship will also provide Covid-19 jabs even during the long weekend. “The CBCP (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines) agreed they (vaccinator) could administer jabs besides parishes and churches. There will also be vaccination in places of worship during the Ramadan, which will be done near mosques,” Cabotaje said during a televised interview last Wednesday She said they also directed their regional offices to continue administering Covid-19 jabs in hospitals, especially those under the management of the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units (LGU) during Holy Week. The health official stressed, though, that the said initiative will not be mandatory for LGUs. “It has to be voluntary... to make vaccination sites available in many of these areas,” Cabotaje said. To note, Filipino Christians and Muslims spend the ongoing Holy Week and Ramadan going to places of worship or going home to their home provinces. Samuel P. Medenilla

BusinessMirror

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Sectors with key election roles will be focus at ‘washing of feet’

ANILA Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula is set to wash the feet of 12 election stakeholders during the Evening Mass on Thursday at the Manila Cathedral.

In a statement issued on Wednesday the Archdiocese of Manila said the persons whose feet will be washed by the Cardinal this year are from sectors which will “fulfill important roles during the

coming elections.” The religious tradition, which is usually done by bishops and priests during Maundy Thursday, commemorates how Christ washed the feet of his disciples

and demonstrated his humility. It is part of the Liturgy of the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. A specific theme is usually selected by a diocese or a parish in deciding those whose feet will be washed for the event. In 2021, former Administrator of Manila Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo washed the feet of “New Missionaries” for the celebration of the Year Missio ad gentes. This year, Advincula will be washing the feet of three first-time voters, namely, Therese Paman, Kenny Roger, and Miguel Francisco Zabala. Also to participate in the

event are Members of the Electoral Board (Angelique LazoMabasa and. Dante Parungao); Officials of the Commission on Elections (J. Thaddeus Hernan, Joevy Domondom, Rose Ann Alejandro); Members of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting: (Arwin Serrano, Alfie Diaz, and Ric Galang); and Member of the Press (Tina Panganiban-Perez). On Thursday morning, Advincula will preside over the Chrism Mass at the Manila Cathedral. Selected participants from each parish will be ask to participate in the Chrism Mass. Samuel P. Medenilla

‘Child rts education must go with enforcing law’

HILE the age of sexual consent in the Philippines has been raised from 12 to 16 to protect children from violence and abuse, Senator Win Gatchalian is pressing the need to uphold child rights education at the basic education level. Republic Act 11648, signed last March, provides that those who engage in sexual activities with children below 16 are liable for committing statutory rape. Under the law, which Gatchalian co-authored and co-sponsored, any person can be considered a rape victim.

A “Romeo and Juliet clause” is included in the law, which provides that there shall be no criminal liability on a person engaging in sex with a person below 16 years old if the age difference is not more than three years. The sexual act, however, has to be consensual, non-abusive, and non-exploitative. The exception does not apply to victims under 13. The Department of Education (DepEd) is also mandated to include an age-appropriate subject concerning the rights and protection of children in relation to the new law. Public and

private institutions engaged in the education, training, and care of children shall ensure that their curriculum for staff development shall cover duties and responsibilities in identifying, responding to, and reporting rape and other sexual offenses. For Gatchalian, this should prompt the DepEd to strengthen both child rights education and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), which the agency seeks to implement in compliance with Republic Act 10354 (Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive

Health Act of 2012). Gatchalian also cited the role of children protection programs which are implemented by child protection committees (CPCs) at the school level. Gatchalian stressed, though, that the implementation of CSE is hounded by challenges which should be addressed. A March 2021 discussion by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) identified gaps such as the lack of qualified manpower and lack of sufficient facilities, training, and instructional materials.

Mb-Approved... Continued from A1

The BSP said the first quarter borrowings are slated to fund the following: the national government’s general budget financing requirements ($2.25 billion); transportation ($2.08 billion); Covid-19 pandemic response ($300 million); and infrastructure ($175.10 million). “The BSP promotes the judicious use of the resources and ensures that external debt requirements are at manageable levels, to support external debt sustainability,” the BSP said.

Just this week, the government successfully returned to the Samurai market with its JPY 70.1 billion offering of multi-tranche 5-year, 7-year, 10-year, and 20-year Sustainability bonds (“the Bonds”) with an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) label across all four tranches. This is the first ever ASEAN Sustainability bond transaction issued by the Philippines in the Samurai bond market, and follows the previous successful issuance of a 25-year Sustainability bond last March 2022 in the USD market.

Comelec lifts... Continued from A1

The program, which provided qualified corn farmers and fisherfolk a maximum of P3,000 fuel discount, was just launched last month before the DA was forced to suspend it due to the election ban. “Yes, it was exempted from the ban,” Comelec Commissioner George M. Garcia told BusinessMirror in a Viber message. The poll official said DA will be able to continue its fuel voucher program once it gets the copy of the new Comelec resolution for the said exemption. However, he noted that the Comelec en banc disapproved ex-

Election...

Continued from A1

Earlier, First Metro Investment Corp.-University of Asia and the Pa-

emptions for some of their other programs, which the DA wants to be also exempted from the election ban. Besides its fuel subsidy program, DA is also seeking the exemption of its fertilizer subsidy for rice, corn and cassava farmers; cash assistance for rice farmers and procurement of farm machinery. Last week, Comelec exempted the fuel subsidy program of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. Comelec enforces the election ban for public works to prevent government funds from being used for election campaign purposes.

cific (FMIC-UA&P) Capital Markets Research projected that the Philippine economy’s growth was not expected to slow even after the elections this year. The local think tank said even with the expected slowdown of consumption after the elections, the economy is still poised to register growth of 6 to 7 percent this year, faster than the 5.6 percent posted last year. FMIC-UA&P Capital Markets Research said inflation of above 4 percent fueled by high oil prices could prevent the government from attaining its growth targets this year.

Want to help Agaton victims? Red Cross makes appeal

HE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continued its response to tropical depression Agaton in Baybay City and other severely affected areas in Visayas and Mindanao, providing search and rescue, emergency medical services, drinking water and hot meals, and psychosocial first aid. Under the direction of its chairman and CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon, 108 volunteers and staff are still on the ground for PRC’s TD Agaton operations as of April 13. “It should not be a forgotten disaster. The magnitude of the calamity does not matter. Red Cross responds to people in emergencies everywhere,” Gordon said. In its report, PRC said its first responders have rescued 25 individuals in Barangay Loctogan, Roxas City, Capiz from rising floodwaters. The teams have assisted 41 persons in Davao de Oro and Leyte to evacuate and 13 residents from Sitio Seguinon, Barangay Libertad, Ormoc City who were forced to evacuate. The ambulance teams in General Santos City, Leyte, Davao De Oro, Sorsogon, Surigao Del Norte, and Passi City have served 535 individuals, who had their blood pressure taken. Five persons received emergency medical treatment. Six first-aid stations have been set up in Sorsogon, Surigao del Norte, and Negros Occidental. The ambulance teams deployed in Baybay City stand ready to transport patients from lowerto higher-level hospitals as needed. The PRC teams have distributed hot meals to 7,204 individuals in General Santos City, Davao De Oro, Southern Leyte, Sorsogon, Ormoc City, Leyte, Hilongos, Negros Occidental, Passi City, Iloilo City, and Capiz. Ready-toeat meals were distributed to 100 persons in Leyte. Bottled water was given to 197 individuals in Surigao del Norte and Leyte. The PRC water tanker has distributed 620 liters of water in Leyte. Hand sanitizers were also given to 97 residents of Surigao del Norte. The welfare teams have provided psychosocial first aid (PFA) to 440 adults in General Santos City, Leyte, and Passi City and child-friendly activities designed as PFA for 27 children in General Santos City. Welfare desks have been set up in Sorsogon and Surigao del Norte. Local governments in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Maguindanao have also tapped PRC volunteers and staff to help them distribute food packs, to 7,116 families and meals, to 664 persons. PRC has deployed three rescue boats, three ambulance units, one water tanker, two mobile kitchens, two service vehicles, one pick-up truck, and one Land Cruiser. Donors to PRC’s TD Agaton Response may go to https://redcross.org. ph/ways-to-donate/. Deposits may be made to the following Philippine Red Cross accounts: n BANCO DE ORO (BDO) SAVINGS (PESO) 0045-3001-8647 SAVINGS (DOLLAR) 1045-3003-9482 Swift code: BNOR PHMM n METROBANK SAVINGS (PESO) 151-3-15151480-5 SAVINGS (DOLLAR) 151-2-15100218-2 Swift code: MBTC PHMM n LANDBANK OF THE PHILIPPINES SAVINGS (PESO) 0561 0958 17 Swift code: TLBP PHMM n PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK (PNB) SAVINGS (PESO) 1607-1020-0331 Swift code: PNBM PHMM n BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLAND (BPI) SAVINGS (PESO) 4991-0036-52 SAVINGS (DOLLAR) 4994-0103-15 Swift code: BOPI PHMM n UNIONBANK SAVINGS (PESO) 1015-4000-0201 SAVINGS (DOLLAR) 1315-4000-0090 Swift code: UBM PHMM n SECURITY BANK SAVINGS (PESO) 0132-0624-6400-3 SAVINGS (DOLLAR) 0132-0624-6400-4 Swift code: SETCPHMM AUB SAVINGS ( PESO) 075-11-000603-7 Swift code: AUBKPHMM

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IATF releases new list of areas under AL 1 from April 16 to 30 By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

ETRO Manila and several other areas in the country will remain under Alert Level (AL) 1 until the end of the month under a new resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF). In a news statement issued on Wednesday, Acting Presidential Spokesman Martin M. Andanar said the IATF issued Resolution No. 166A, which updated the list of ALs in the country, which will be in effect from April 16 to April 30, 2022. Under the new issuance, AL 1 will be in effect in the National Capital Region (NCR) and following other areas in Luzon: Cordillera Administrative Region: Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Mountain Province, and Kalinga; Region 1: Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan; Region 2: Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela, and Quirino; Region 3: Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales; Region 4A: Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena City, and Rizal; Region 4B: Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, Romblon, and Oriental Mindoro; and Region 5: Catanduanes, Naga City, and Albay. Also to be placed under AL 1 are the following areas in the Visayas: Region 6: Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo City; Region 7: Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Siquijor; and Region 8: Biliran, Eastern Samar, Ormoc City, Southern Leyte, and Tacloban City. For Mindanao AL 1 areas are the following: Region 9: Zamboanga City; Region 10: Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Iligan City; Region 11: Davao City; and Caraga: Butuan City and Surigao del Sur. IATF Resolution 166-A also placed the following component cities and municipalities under Alert Level 1: For Luzon: Region 2: Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya; and Region 5: Basud, Cama-

rines Norte. For the Visayas: Region 6: Anini-y, Antique; New Lucena, Iloilo; Tubungan, Iloilo; and City of Victorias, Negros Occidental; and Region 7: Sevilla, Bohol. For Mindanao: Region 10: Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental; and Region 12: Tantangan, South Cotabato. According to the IATF Secretariat, 887 or 54 percent of the 1,634 total cities and municipalities nationwide are now under AL 1. Establishments and public utility vehicles will be able to operate at 100 percent capacity in areas under AL 1. Among the criteria set by the IATF for placing an area under AL 1 is that 70 percent of its eligible population should be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Meanwhile, Andanar said the IATF also listed down the highly urbanized cities (HUCs) and Independent Component Cities (ICC), which will remain under AL 2 until the end of the month. For Luzon: Cordillera Administrative Region: Benguet and Ifugao; Region 2: Nueva Vizcaya; Region 4A: Quezon Province; Region 4B: Occidental Mindoro and Palawan; and Region 5: Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorsogon. For the Visayas: Region 6: Antique, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo Province; Region 7: Bohol, Cebu, and Negros Oriental; and Region 8: Leyte, Northern Samar and Western Samar. For Mindanao: Region 9: City of Isabela, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay; Region 10: Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental; Region 11: Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental; Region 12: General Santos City, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato; Caraga: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte; and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Basilan, Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. In AL 2 areas, the operation capacity of establishments will be from 50 percent for indoor areas and 70 percent for outdoor venues.

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 A3 Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

NDRRMC: ‘Agaton’ death toll climbs to 66; 105 others hurt A

T least 66 people have been killed, 48 caused by landslides that hit several villages in Baybay City, Leyte where search and retrieval operations by Army forces and other units are still continuing as of Wednesday. While the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the deaths are still subject of validations, the 48 fatalities in Baybay have been reported and confirmed by the city disaster’s office. Army forces led by Col. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Leyte, were still clearing and sifting through the mud and rubbles in Baybay, hoping to find more victims following the landslides over the weekend. “There are still areas that are not passable here that is why we’re having a little bit of difficulty [in the operations],” Vestuir said, adding there are still 27 people listed as missing. Citing an official report, Vestuir said 48 people have died from the landslides that hit the villages of Mailhi, Kantagnos, Bunga, Maypatag, Vsu, Candadam, Zone 21, Hicgop, Can-Ipa and Igang. At least 105 were also reported injured. In Abuyog, also in Leyte, Vestuir said at least 12 people were also killed while 86 others were injured due to landslides that forced the evacuation of more than 600 families. Incessant rains brought by Agaton before and after it made a landfall generated flooding in Visayas and Mindanao. It also triggered landslides, which struck Baybay and Abuyog, particularly Barangays Pilar, Malaguicay and Bahay. “Here in Abuyog, the search and retrieval operations are being carried out by boat,” Vestuir said. Aside from the fatalities in Baybay and Abuyog, the NDRRMC reported that six people were killed in Negros Oriental, Monkayo in Davao de Oro and Cateel in Davao Oriental. In a televised interview on Wednesday, NDRRMC spokesman Mark E. Timbal said, “We saw the severity of the landslides which reached beyond the hazard-prone area and reached the relatively safer

IN this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a man is carried after being rescued from a landslide at Baybay City, Leyte province, central Philippines on Monday, April 11, 2022. Heavy rains caused by a summer tropical depression killed at least 66 people in the central and southern Philippines, mostly due to landslides, officials said. PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD VIA AP

part of the community where people stayed to avoid the dangerous areas.” He disclosed that tropical depression Agaton has led to the evacuation of 34,583 persons nationwide.

and equipment of the DPWH are on the ground to continuously monitor road conditions and carry out clearing and restoration activities,” Mercado said.

Road damage

NGCP starts tower restoration

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday reported that 29 road sections are closed to traffic due to the damage caused by Agaton. According to Public Works Secretary Roger G. Mercado, there were 13 road sections closed in Region 5; two in Region 7; and 14 in Region 8. The road sections were “closed to traffic due to flooding, soil slope collapse, soil erosion, landslide, rockslide, road cut, road slip/depression, hollow abutment, and abrupt increase of water level elevation,” he explained. Another 29 road sections are still with limited access due to soil slope collapse, flooding, landslide, road slip, soil erosion, fallen trees/debris, sinking/damaged paved road, scouring of shoulder, settled foundation, and damaged bridge approach. “Engineers, maintenance crew

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has commenced restoration works in areas affected by Agaton. NGCP said on Wednesday that restoration works started in accessible sites for the four steel towers damaged by the typhoon. These towers are located at Barangay Bunga, Baybay, Leyte—components of the Ormoc-Maasin 138 kV line—were affected by a landslide in the area. NGCP deployed over 100 line personnel to conduct clearing and simultaneous restoration works in three tower sites, while one tower site remains inaccessible due to continued rains and unstable terrain. The grid operator will be installing Emergency Restoration Systems (ERS) to temporarily restore the isolated line, and transmit any and all available power to the prov-

ince of Bohol. NGCP targets the temporary restoration of the said line by April 18, depending on the weather situation. “As we wait for weather conditions to improve, the company is simultaneously preparing all resources needed to expedite restoration works, especially once we assess the remaining area. We are coordinating with concerned local government units and other relevant entities for the assistance needed. We ask the public’s cooperation and understanding as well in order to complete restoration works at the soonest possible time,” the company said. NGCP will be providing an update when the last affected line is fully restored and energized, or should there be any significant development. NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s electricity transmission grid, led by majority shareholders and Vice Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr. and Co-Vice Chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr. Rene Acosta, Samuel P. Medenilla, Lenie Lectura and Lorenz S. Marasigan

K-12 review, better competencies of PHL learners, inclusive SUCs–next agenda By BusinessMirror

HE education sector must address seven essential points in moving forward post-pandemic, according to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Dr. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera. At a webinar on Tuesday, de Vera discussed his views on the needs of the education sector as the nation seeks to improve the learners experience and address the gaps being experienced on the education front. According to de Vera, among the seven key points are: the review of the performance of the K-12 system, improvement in the delivery of education through more infrastructure and through the Alternative Learning System (ALS), expansion of the feeding program in schools, reviewing the teachers’ teaching and non teaching functions, continued expansion of the Free Higher Education Act, improvement of the reliability of quality education, and promoting the continued relevance of higher education amid the rapidly changing demands of a competitive work force. The veteran educator was the main presenter at the “Moving Forward Beyond 2022” webinar series organized by the ALC Group and media partners and the Bigkis Pinoy Movement in partnership with the Alliance of People’s Organization. De Vera, in his presentation, said that since the passage and implementation of the K-12 scheme, suf-

ficient data is now available to review whether its original objectives are being met. This review can give the government a clear idea on how to move forward in the following years in terms of delivering quality education to more learners. The CHED chairman also cited the alarming data that out of 100 students who enroll for elementary, only 50 are able to graduate from high school. The number is further whittled down as the students enroll for college as only 25 reach tertiary education. Improving such dismal cohort survival rates—among the lowest in the region—should be a priority of whoever is elected in May to lead the country, he said. Also deserving of focus are projects such as the ALS to increase learners participation. Feeding programs currently being undertaken by the government, can also boost the condition of learners who suffer from poor retention due to hunger. While the school feeding program has since been legislated, addressing a basic factor that accounts for poor student performance, there is need to ensure sustained funding support for this, de Vera pointed out.

Affirmative action

DE Vera underscored the need for public schools, especially state colleges and universities, to implement affirmative action plans to sustain the increasing number of students taking advantage of the Free Edu-

unreasonable admission criteria.

Migration to public schools

cation Act, where they can avail of college education without having to pay for tuition and miscellaneous. Replying to a question from the BusinessMirror on how greater affirmative action can be pursued while balancing inclusivity with the need to sustain quality education, de Vera explained that flawed admission systems in state universities and colleges are the main problem blocking educational pursuits of the marginalized, especially children of rebel returnees. However, he stressed that once admitted, these affirmative-action beneficiaries on average “need only two years to catch up with their age cohort”—as a way of explaining they cannot be deemed as dragging down the quality of education. “First you help them get into a university. Second, you create the environment to help them learn well; third, you give them subsidies,” is de Vera’s formula for helping ensure that the marginalized are successfully folded into the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) system after hurdling

IMPROVING the capacity of SUCs to provide higher education to more youths is vital in light of the increasing migration, which began during the pandemic, from private to public schools, said the CHED chief. “What is happening in higher education now is because education is free in terms of miscellaneous and tuition fees, there is a significant movement of enrollment towards public universities. But the number of slots is not increasing proportionally with the demand so it is going to be problematic if we don’t apply affirmative action plans. Those who need education the most may not be able to pass the requirements in many of our universities,” he said. De Vera also called for a review of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Listahanan for the recipients of education subsidies so that this can be expanded to members of indigenous communities, children of rebel returnees, and those who are from poor families that are enrolled in private schools because there are no state universities in their areas. Meanwhile, he proposed a review of the provisions of the Free Education Act to include a “return service” clause so that those who graduate from government subsidies will be given a chance to serve their localities and communities after completing their schooling.

The CHED chairman also highlighted the need to lobby foreign governments to recognize the credentials of Filipino workers so that they can practice their profession. He explained that before K-12, Filipino workers were not allowed to take professional examinations abroad because they lacked the number of years in school. However, this time around, as this has been addressed by the K-12, there is still a need to connect with foreign governments and ministries to recognize the educational attainments of Filipino workers who graduated before the K-12 adjustment. “I am sure that if they are allowed to take these tests, they will pass,” he said. De Vera cited the need to strictly monitor private and public institutions to ensure the quality of education meets the standards of the competitive global industries. “More effort on quality and reliability means increased monitoring of private and public institutions to ensure quality of degree programs and close those that do not comply with standards,” he said. With the push for internationalization, he noted that 15 among Asian’s best universities now come from the Philippines, with more coming in future listings.

Private school teachers

A REACTOR, former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Board of Trust-

ees Chairman Dr. Benjamin “Chippy” Espiritu agreed completely with de Vera’s points. In terms of the teachers’ teaching and non-teaching duties, Espiritu said that while the government has poured support towards public school teachers, the same must be granted for teachers from private schools. “Because the reality is that the public school system alone will not be able to cope up with the huge demand of the students for enrollment and quality education. So for me, this is not just to give quality education but add and expand to the numbers of vouchers being given,” he said. He also underscored the need to increase to ensure quality education now through smart schools. “This has been one of my advocacies. I have talked about this extensively in my seminars. We live in a very competitive world and based on Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA] statistics, by 2045 we will have a population of 142 million. This is the trend. This will be a boon to us because we have a large population, which means that there is a large and young labor force. This will give us a large domestic market. This will give us opportunities with countries with declining populations. But this will only be a boon to us if the youth of today who will be the work force of tomorrow are given the capabilities and skills that the job market of tomorrow needs,” he said.

Economy

A4 Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

BusinessMirror

‘Agaton’ farm damage in Visayas, Caraga climbs to ₧423.8 million

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said the damage to the agriculture sector by Typhoon “Agaton” has reached P423.8 million with 6,557 farmers affected in three regions. In its latest damage report, the DA said total agricultural damage and losses in Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Caraga have reached P423.8 million with production losses estimated at 25,165 metric tons (MT) across 10,920

hectares of agricultural areas. “Affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock. These values are subject to validation. Additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by Agaton,” it said.

“The DA continuously coordinates with concerned NGAs [National Government Agencies], LGUs [local government units] and other DRRM [disaster risk and reduction management]-related offices for the impact of Agaton, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance,” it added. The DA report showed that the rice sector accounted for 95.21 percent or about P403.5 million of the recorded agricultural damage and losses as of April 13. Agaton damaged 10,729 hectares of rice farms with an estimated production loss of 25,165 MT, according to the DA report. The DA said the corn sector recorded P3.2 million worth of production losses after the typhoon dam-

aged 38 MT of produce across 122 hectares of land. The DA added that high-value crops farmers lost was at P17.1 million with reported volume loss of 388 MT of vegetables, cacao, and fruits across 69 hectares of land. The DA said 20 heads of chickens worth P5,000 were affected by the typhoon. The DA said it has prepared various assistance to affected farmers and fishermen, including seeds of rice, corn and assorted vegetables as well as drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry raisers. The DA added the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery (SURE) program is on standby, while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) has sufficient funds to indemnify affected farmers.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Lacson urges NICA to fast-track info vs agri smugglers, coddlers in govt By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

ARNING that Filipinos “food security depends on it,” Senator Panfilo Lacson pressed the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) to grasp the urgency and fast-track the processing intelligence information to enable authorities to crack down on agricultural “smugglers” and their government coddlers. “So long as these smugglers and protectors are not named and charged,” Lacson warned, the “vicious cycle will continue” where smugglers just lie low immediately when the Senate mounts an inquiry into the anomaly, only to “resume their activities after a few weeks.” The senator pleaded to concerned authorities in the intelligence community to front-load processing of intel information so proper charges can be

filed soon as possible. “Please speed up the processing of intelligence information so we can file charges against those who should be charged,” Lacson said, stressing that “there should be a bit of urgency.” At the recent Senate Committee of the Whole inquiry into agricultural smuggling, the senator reminded “food security is as important as economic security.” Lacson lamented that “after the hearing, do we just forget all about it? We talk again of it the next hearing but we lack in implementation and execution,” noting that “our problem is that we lack follow-through.” He recalled the observation of Agot Balanoy, the public relations officer of a group of Benguet-based farmers, that the volume of “smuggled vegetables in markets would decrease after a Senate hearing, but increase after two to three weeks.”

BBM eyes programs to balance economic devt and environment

ITING the need to institute policy reforms and programs that create a peaceful balance between economic development and the environment, presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., announced that part of his priority program is environment protection and preservation. “Nature has its rights that should be protected. It should be allowed to flourish, reproduce and attain its abundance side by side with human civilization in perfect balance and harmony with our growing communities,” he said during a recent sidelines interview while on a provincial sortie. “We should do this if we want to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our society from the onslaught of natural calamities,” he added. Part of his programs is to create the Department of Disaster Resilience, taking a leaf from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as an effective model of disaster resilience that integrates many other agencies. “It should be integrated in the agencies like DOST [Department of Science and Technology] for the forecast of the weather, LGUs [local government units] for the preparedness, DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] for response and Neda [National Economic and Development Authority] for rehabilitation among others,” Marcos explained. Promoting reforestation and

pushing for stricter anti-illegal logging laws will also be prioritized by his administration. Likewise, he will push to set up industrial forest plantations to supply market demand for wood. In mining, Marcos seeks a collaborative relationship with all stakeholders to guard against abuse, while making the sector part of efforts to help the economy recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. He will also push for the creation of a Department of Water and Resources Management to make clean and potable water available to every Filipino. Marcos added he will also focus on solid waste management, including “waste to energy programs” that will be an income-generating initiative of his administration. On the other hand, the presidential frontrunner said he envisions an ecology-based Disaster Risk Reduction program to be addressed from the point of view of environmental degradation, especially of forests, wetlands, coastal and marine and drylands. The country is blessed with abundant natural resources such as minerals, forest and agricultural lands, water, fisheries, the former senator noted. The nation should maximize such resources to hasten economic recovery, he said. “The Philippines is even recognized as one of the leading producers of nickel in the whole world which is widely in demand abroad,” he added.

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Davao City plans to build 1,000 more rainwater catchment basins By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—The country’s lone local government unit with an ordinance on rainwater catchments for establishments and households has its agriculture office targeting to build 1,000 catchments to prepare for the dry season. For now, it has existing 150 rainwater catchments in many farm areas which are also currently used by farmers as fishponds. The Davao City Agriculturist Office disclosed that it has been swarmed with requests from farmers to build several more after getting feedback of the benefits that host farms are getting for the water catchments in their farms. Assistant City Agriculturist Edgardo Haspe said there were two purposes for constructing the rainwater catchment: “to mitigate the impact of flooding as only limited rainwater will flow through river channels and at the same time, there will be a source of water during the dry season.” He said the city has 150 rainwater catchments in Marilog District in the northern part of the city. Each rainwater catchment can catch about 200 cubic meters of rainwater which help prevent flooding of river channels. He said some of the rainwater catchments placed in strategic areas were also used as fishponds where farmers grow tilapia and catfish. “If water stored in the catchments has high levels, it can be utilized as a fish pond and a source of water during hot weather. At least 32 percent of the established rainwater catchments by the city have tilapia and catfish fingerlings. The fingerlings are free and shouldered by the government,” he said. Haspe said the city’s agricultural engineers were validating the likely location of additional rainwater catchments, which usually measure 10 meters by 15 meters of land each. The City Agriculturist Office said it would construct the additional rainwater catchments around Marilog area since the lone backhoe equipment is still in the barangay. The next round of construction would be done in the next barangay of Paquibato. He said it would be difficult to move around the two barangays because of their vast area. Haspe said farmers may file their request for rainwater catchments at their office but a barangay resolution would be required, and the requesting party must show proof that he or she owns the land to be used as a rainwater catchment. Another requirement would be the approval from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for lands within the ancestral domain of the indigenous people.

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 A5

PNP and NBI dig deeper into reported ‘spurious’ death certificates in drug war By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573 & Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra assured on Wednesday that the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) would include the alleged fake death certificates issued for victims of the war against drugs in its ongoing review of the police’s anti-illegal drug operations where deaths occurred.

Guevarra told reporters he would direct the NBI to verify the reported claims of forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun about the fake death cer-

tificates of seven of the 46 people, who were reportedly killed during anti-illegal drug operations under “Oplan Tokhang.”

Fortun had reportedly said that the seven bodies she autopsied were reported to have died of “natural causes,” including, among others, sepsis, acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), pneumonia, hypertension and stroke. But one who supposedly died of a heart attack had multiple gunshot wounds. “The alleged falsification of death certificates as cover-up for the true cause of death is part of the drug war review being conducted by the DOJ, with the assistance of the NBI,” Guevarra said. Guevarra said the NBI would be required to submit updates on its probe on the fake death certificates. This would be “part of their periodic progress reports. We’ll give special attention to the death certificates, though,” the DOJ secretary said while noting that its review of cases of anti-illegal

drug operations where deaths occurred encountered problems such as lack of death certificates involving some victims. “The original problem that we encountered was the absence of a copy of the death certificate in some records or files that we reviewed,” he noted.

Faked?

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will work with other government agencies in investigating reports indicating that death certificates issued for those who died in the campaign against illegal drugs were allegedly “spurious.” At the same time, PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Balba said the organization also wanted to secure copies of the reports so that they could also look into it. “We will appreciate if these find-

Robredo courts Masbate voters for May 9 polls at thoroughfare named after late husband

ICE President Leni Robredo urged Masbateños on Wednesday to help her institute changes in the government by ensuring that she would be the country’s next top leader. The call was made by the presidential candidate during a rally in Masbate that was held along a thoroughfare named after her husband Jesse Robredo, whose body was recovered in the waters of the province following a plane crash years ago. “Hindi po namin kakayanin na kami lang ’yung magdadala ng pagbabago. Dapat taumbayan mismo ang magdadala ng pagbabago, pero dadalhin lang ’yan ng taumbayan kung may tiwala siya sa kaniyang gobyerno,” Robredo told the crowd. “At ’yun po ’yung pangako namin sa inyo, isang gobyerno na titiwalaan niyo

dahil ito ang gobyernong hindi lang nagtatrabaho, pero ito ’yung gobyernong malinis ang pamamalakad,” she added. The vice president, who had worked in Masbate for years before she joined public service, told the residents of the province that Masbate has not seen changes but remain poor despite being rich in natural resources. “Napakarami ng resources dito, pero bakit mahirap pa din ang ating lugar? Kailangan pagtulungan na natin ito. Kailangan matuto na tayo, ano ba ‘yung nangyayari at hindi pa din natin namamaximize ’yung mga resources natin na andito sa inyo ngayon,” she said. Robredo promised that no one would be left behind under her presidency, as she emphasized assistance and public service have been her seal in her years as an NGO worker, volunteer lawyer and now as the country’s

second-highest leader. “Pinapangako po namin ni Sen. Kiko [Pangilinan], walang lugar na maliit, walang lugar na malayo, walang lugar na mahirap puntahan dahil anuman ang pangangailangan na sa amin, nandiyan po kami sa inyo,” she said. In Catanduanes on Tuesday, Governor Joseph Cua endorsed Robredo’s presidential candidacy during a rally in the province and assured the vice president that Catanduanes’ 11 mayors were also behind her. Robredo vowed that as President, she would address the issue of electricity in Catanduanes and the rest of the Bicol region. “[’Y]an ang isa sa maipapangako kong tututukan natin. Tututukan natin ang problema sa kuryente dito sa buong Bicol region,” she said. Youth volunteers based in Bicol,

meanwhile, recently welcomed Dr. Tricia Robredo, daughter of the vice president as she visited the southern region, and expressed their willingness to support her while pursuing their advocacies to make political leaders accountable as the nation reckons with so many challenges. The youth volunteers said they considered the high stakes in the coming elections when they answered the call to lead and reject a by-stander stance on important issues on which their futures depend on. The Kakampink Matnog Chapter Youth Volunteers along with 1Sambayan, Sorsogon Doctors for Leni, Solid-Leni Bicol and other groups within Sorsogon organized the event to welcome the presidential aspirant’s daughter. The event was mainly organized and facilitated by

Strong government, private sector partnership boosts MSME recovery By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

LOWLY but surely, the country’s micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) are bouncing back because of the strong working partnership between the government and the private sector to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. The Amazing Philippines Digital Economy Corp. (APDEC), the digital arm of logistics leader Airspeed, has recently partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in launching “Kahanga-hangang Pilipinas,” an e-commerce advocacy program which features MSMEs from different regions of the Philippines. Rosemarie Rafael, president and chairperson of Airspeed group of companies, said APDEC would conduct digital marketing training (and other needed learning of the community) for MSMEs and make sure that entrepreneurs can keep up with current trends, modern business practices, and will not be left

behind in the country’s economic growth. Through the Kahanga-hangang Pilipinas’ program APDEC hopes to develop an ever-growing list of MSME and government partners across the country. These partnerships are managed from merchant portfolio building, business development, product curating, to brand building. Rafael told the BusinessMirror in an online interview their main goal is to help MSMEs sell their products online through www.speedgifts.ph. SpeedGifts is the online gifting platform of the Airspeed Group and will be the main platform to be used for selling products. Kahanga-hangang Pilipinas is a tourism-centric program and driver for growth as it takes online buyers on a virtual tour of the Philippines, promoting local tourist spots, while showcasing the products of partner MSMEs in these different areas. Further, buyers will be able to purchase these products online directly from the SpeedGifts platform

(www.speedgifts.ph), while Airspeed handles the delivery needs. The DTI commended APDEC for going the extra mile to help MSMEs to bounce back from the doldrums and thrive. “We have always been a huge supporter of MSMEs. We promise to continue helping entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses- here in the new normal and beyond.” For its part, major local systems integrator Radenta Technologies will offer a free three-month trial on Microsoft Office 365 Business Basic from March to September this year. Further, residents from those areas affected by Typhoon “Odette” will get an additional three months free for a total of six months. “This effort is in line with Radenta’s aim to help small businesses and schools get back on track at the tail end of the pandemic as well as boost productivity in the work force,” Radenta Technologies PresidentandCEORandallLozanotoldthe BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview.

OSG to SC: Compel Comelec to heed transparency rules continued from a16 The poll body, he added, should fully implement the use of digital signatures of the members of the Electoral Board in transmitting election returns. Calida also disagreed with Article 11.1 (A) of the AES Contract for the 2022 NLE

that makes Smartmatic-Total Information Management Inc. (TIM) the copyright owner over the AES software, which was customized for and procured by the Republic of the Philippines through the Comelec. He said this should be voided

because it violates RA 8436, as amended by RA 9369. This would also reportedly allow Smartmatic TIM, as the owner of the AES software, to participate in the review of the source codes, which is a very critical aspect of automated elections.

“Any and all election software procured must be open under full engineering review such that innovation by Filipino technicians and scientists can lead to a truly indigenous software that will govern future elections,” the OSG said.

Births, marriages seen back at pre-Covid pandemic levels continued from a16 Deaths

THE preliminary number of registered deaths reached 853,074 in 2021, higher by 39 percent than the total registered deaths of 613,936 in the same period in 2020.

ings will be endorsed to us, so we can also probe and look into this matter,” Balba said in a news statement. “It has been proven that the PNP is open to working in investigation as long as it goes through proper processes,” he added. At a news briefing on Wednesday, Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP would look into claims of falsification involving the documents as she assured that they would cooperate with any investigation. She said the PNP would need to validate the claims and look into the cases. Fajardo said they respect the report of Fortun, but they would also like to believe that nothing illegal was made and committed by PNP medico legal personnel who have examined the victims. “We would like to assume that they performed their duties within the bounds of laws,” said Fajardo.

Among regions, Region 4A (Calabarzon) recorded the highest number of registered deaths at 135,333 in 2021 or 15.9 percent of the total deaths in the country. NCR registered 101,064 deaths in

2021, or a 19.8-percent increase from the 84,355 deaths registered in the same period in 2020. Quezon City recorded the highest number of registered deaths in the NCR at 23,064 in 2021 or 22.8

percent of the total deaths in the region. “The city similarly had the highest share during the same period in 2020, with 18,455 or 21.9 percent of the total deaths in the region,” PSA said.

the youth volunteers of Kakampink Matnog Chapter. The youth volunteers faced challenges: the night before the event, they were welcomed by torn tarpaulins and damagedprops:daysandnightsoflabor reducedtoscrapswhichwerebeyondrepair and on the day of the event, heavy rainfall intervened. Still, the resilience of the youth volunteers shone through. The event was a success and everyone went home with a smile on their faces and a renewed strength to fight. The true value of volunteerism, as what can be learned from these youth volunteers from Matnog is not the outcome, but rather the type of behavior they inspire, the organizers said. The concerted act of these youth volunteers provided fertile ground for the formationoffriendshipswhichtranscendthe bounds of age and location. Rene Acosta

BusinessMirror

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

3M SERVICE CENTER APAC, INC. 17th, 18th, 19th Floors, Bonifacio Stopover Corporate Center, 31st Street Cor., 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, City Of Taguig

KIM, HYUNG KYU Accounts Payable Senior Analyst - Korean 1.

Brief Job Description: Handling of all 3rd party vendor payment related activities including creating and processing payment proposal, manual payments, void/cancel payments, and reset cleared items and working exceptions;

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of ERP/ SAP, Sourcing Tools and Applications an advantage •Knowledge in English and Korean (Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking skills are required for this role) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1, Pitx Kennedy Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

HUANG, GUOQIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 2.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking.

TRAN NGOC MAI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 3.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking.

No.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

ZANGERL, STEPHAN Technical Specialist - Concrete Structures 4.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the site overall management, leadership, direction. And proper implementation of a dam construction project. SCHANDL, MICHAEL JOSEF Technical Specialist - Dam Construction

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the inspection of activities related to the construction of RRC dams, cofferdams, diversion of river and grouting.

Basic Qualification: Experience developing dam design and construction.

11.

CHIN SI TING, DOREEN Compliance Senior Associate 6.

Brief Job Description: Develop and execute a compliance review program to cultivate a continues business process

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

KHUU TUAN HAO Operations Executive 7.

Brief Job Description: Serve as liaison between the customer and various departments and ensure that the basic CS functions are performed

Basic Qualification: Must be native in Cambodian/ South Korean/ Thai/ Indonesian/ Vietnamese/ Taiwanese/ Chinese/ Korean/ Japanese/ fluent in English and native language; with a year work experience in the same field

13.

NGUYEN THI NGAN PHUONG Operations Executive 8.

Brief Job Description: Serve as liaison between the customer and various departments and ensure that the basic CS functions are performed

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

HOMRARUEN, PANSIRI Web Design Analyst 9.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for extracting data, compiling reports and creating procedure for data management

14.

10.

Brief Job Description: Provides support to customers during emergency calls and informational services.

Basic Qualification: 1-year customer service associate experience, basic to advance MS application skills Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

No.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

25.

26.

Basic Qualification: Must Be Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Fukien Language

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about products and services.

27.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must Be Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Fukien Language

28.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience, good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

15.

16.

18.

19.

20.

CHEN, YIBIAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Handling inquiries phone calls.

Brief Job Description: Customer Service.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HWANG, HOJUN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Handling inquiries phone calls.

Brief Job Description: Customer Service.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

KIM, SEUNGTAE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Handling inquiries phone calls

Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LI, FENGJIAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Handling inquiries phone calls.

Brief Job Description: Customer Service.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LI, XIAOLONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Handling inquiries phone calls

Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YANG, ZHEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Handling inquiries phone calls.

Brief Job Description: Customer Service.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

29.

XU, LIQIN Chinese Administration Assistant 21.

Brief Job Description: Managing the calendar of their supervisors in mandarin speaking.

30.

31.

22.

23.

24.

Brief Job Description: Providing it assistance to staff and customers.

32.

HARTONO Bilingual It Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Providing it Assistance to staff and Customers

33.

KWAY KENG WAI Bilingual It Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Providing it Assistance to staff and Customers

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TRI ROMANTIR Bilingual It Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Providing it Assistance to staff and Customers

WILSON Bilingual It Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Providing it Assistance to staff and Customers

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analysing customer needs. FAN, CHAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

34.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. HAN, ZEMIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

35.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

HE, JINHUA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 36.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. HE, PENGHAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

37.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

HE, RENLI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 38.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Reading Writing and Speaking Bilingual Languages

Brief Job Description: Providing it assistance to staff and customers.

DUAN, XIANFU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Reading Writing and Speaking Bilingual Languages

NGUYEN THU HANG Bilingual It Support Specialist

CHEN, LIANGYAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking bilingual languages.

Brief Job Description: Providing it Assistance to staff and Customers

CHEN, JIELI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

EASYTECH SUPPORT INC. 9-11/f, 14/f Capella Bldg., Asean Drive Filinvest, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa CHENH MY DUYEN Bilingual It Support Specialist

LOH SOO KEE Bilingual It Support Specialist

CHEN, GUXIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

DUNFENG MANAGEMENT INC. 17th Floor Units C & D, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, San Antonio, City Of Pasig Basic Qualification: to assist with the day to day operations of the office by doing tasks such as filing paperwork, and preparing documents for meetings.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CHEN, FEIJUAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

DAXIFA CORPORATION Mpire Center 93 West Avenue, Project 7, 1, Bungad, Quezon City

BOSCH SERVICE SOLUTIONS, INC. 23rd Floor, W Fifth Avenue Building, 32nd Street Corner, 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, City Of Taguig

KITPIBOON, PANUWAT Customer Service Associate

Brief Job Description: Responsible for a variety of customer service functions for the company’s Chinese clientele

TEH POH SHUANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Basic Qualification: Must be native Thai/ Vietnamese fluent in English and native language; with credible work experience in the same field Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Business Administration or Marketing major is preferred

CRONYX INC. No. 4th-10th Flr. Yinhope Bldg., Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St., Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Must be native in Cambodian/ South Korean/ Thai/ Indonesian/ Vietnamese/ Taiwanese/ Chinese/ Korean/ Japanese/ fluent in English and native language; with a year work experience in the same field

Brief Job Description: Responsible for a variety of customer service functions for the company’s Chinese clientele TSAN VA DINH Customer Service Representative

17.

Basic Qualification: College degree in any field, must be native Cambodian/ Singaporean, fluent in English and Khmer / Mandarin. With at least 3 years relevant experience in similar function.

Brief Job Description: Manage the boutiques in order to achieve sales objectives and store and service KPI’s as well as budget planning purposes

TEO YU HENG Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

AVANTICE CORPORATION 19/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

COLDSTREAM MARKETING SOLUTION INC. 603-4 Eastfield Ctr., Moa Comp. Macapagal Ave., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Experience developing dam construction.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

MUNOZ, JOSEPH JOMEL Commercial Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 AFRY CONTRACTING PHILIPPINES, INC. 8/f King’s Court Bldg., 2129 Don Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

BULGARI (PHILIPPINES) INC. 7/f Ascott Makati, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

12. Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

HU, XICHAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 39.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Excellent in Reading Writing and Speaking Bilingual Languages Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking bilingual languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in Reading Writing and Speaking Bilingual Languages Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in Reading Writing and Speaking Bilingual Languages Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HUANG, MEILING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

40.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analysing customer needs. HUANG, XIANGXING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

41.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

LI, BAIJUN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 42.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs LI, BINGBING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

43.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs LI, DEYANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

44.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs LIANG, BAOYAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

45.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs LIU, MENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

46.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs.

LU, QIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 47.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs LU, YI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

48.

49.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs LU, YUE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Recommends Potential Products or Services to Management by Collecting MA, HONGJI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

50.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs MA, WENWEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

51.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

MAO, YIHE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 52.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analysing customer needs. MO, JIAWEI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

53.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs SAI, ZONGQIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

54.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. SHANG, YING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

55.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. SHANGGUAN, HAOZE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

56.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

No.

SHI, SIHAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 57.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

58.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

59.

SU, CHENHONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Recommends Potential Products or Services to Management by Collecting

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs TANG, ZHENYU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

60.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs .

SUN, YING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analysing customer needs. WANG, BINGCHEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

61.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

WANG, CHENGLONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 62.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

WANG, CHIH-CHING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 63.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

64.

65.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

66.

67.

68.

69.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs WU, XIAOMING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Recommends Potential Products or Services to Management by Collecting XU, ZHONGAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

70.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs WEI, YAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs.

WEI, MINGXING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. WANG, TAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. WANG, JIANLONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking , Reading and Writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs WANG, HONGBIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs YAN, LEIGANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

71.

Brief Job Description: Recommends Potential Products or Services to Management by Collecting

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YANG, QIAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 72.

73.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. ZHANG, CANYU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Recommends Potential Products or Services to Management by Collecting

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

No.

ZHANG, LEIBO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 74.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking , Reading and Writing in Mandarin

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analysing customer needs. ZHAO, JU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

75.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

ZHU, CHUNDONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

76.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZHU, PEIPENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 77.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

78.

GUO, YAO Foreign Language Customer Service 79.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers needs to achieve satisfaction

HUO, CHENGKUO Foreign Language Customer Service 80.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ESTPOWER CONSULTANCY INC. Ub, 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs ZOU, LYU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers needs to achieve satisfaction

WANG, LINXI Foreign Language Customer Service 81.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers needs to achieve satisfaction

Basic Qualification: Excellent in foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

XU, LEI Foreign Language Customer Service 82.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers needs to achieve satisfaction

Basic Qualification: Excellent in foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

YANG, BIN Foreign Language Customer Service 83.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers needs to achieve satisfaction

Basic Qualification: Excellent in foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

84.

YANG, SHAOXIN Foreign Language Customer Service Brief Job Description: Developing and implementing marketing plans

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking , Reading and Writing in Mandarin

85.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

86.

HE, ZILIN Foreign Language Marketing Specialist Brief Job Description: Developing and implementing marketing plans

HUANG, JING Foreign Language Marketing Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Developing and implementing marketing plans

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking , Reading and Writing in Mandarin

WANG, YUNFEI Foreign Language Marketing Specialist 87.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers needs to achieve satisfaction

YANG, HANG Foreign Language Marketing Specialist 88.

Brief Job Description: Developing and implementing marketing plans

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking , Reading and Writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MIN, CHANGYOU Multiple Languages Consultant Manager 89.

Brief Job Description: Implement recommendations or solutions and ensure the client receives the necessary assistance

Basic Qualification: excellent in foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent in foreign language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

EXLSERVICE PHILIPPINES, INC. 6th Floor, One E-com Center, Harbor Drive, Mall Of Asia Complex, Pasay City

TRIPATHI, DEVRAJ MANI Vice President - Operations

90.

Brief Job Description: Provide leadership to develop a performance management culture. Encourage innovation & creativity and at the same time institutionalize processes and systems to ensure compliance to processes & procedures. Leadership to incalculate operational rigor ensuring a high level of SLA achievement & client service orientation. Regular review of operations performance, financial performance & attrition and e-sat performance and leading the development and execution of action plans. Bringing-in and nurture talent at the leadership level & ensuring and implementing a succession plan for all direct reports. Attend all business reviews & own action plans. Partner with client offshore services organization to implement best practices and align actions to meet client objectives. Oversee and provide subject matter expertise on the vertical/client assignment with the company

Basic Qualification: A Self Motivated with an Entrepreneurial Mindset, Having Extensive Experience in Project Management Across Multiple Geographies, Business Processes, Business Models, Scale and Complexity. Demonstrated Ability to Set Up Greenfield Operations. Extensive Experience in Working With Cross-Functional Teams Across Geographies and Proven Ability to Lead and Manage Teams, with an Ability to Develop Long Term Relationships with Business Partner Organizations Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

KING, DAVID PAUL Project Executive

100.

91.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking.

NGUYEN THI ANH Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 92.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking.

93.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin digital marketing officer will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. KON TZE CHEA Mandarin Information System Analyst

94.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin information system analyst will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals. SU, DONGHUI Mandarin Information System Analyst

95.

96.

Brief Job Description: Sourcing business development

KIM, JAEHYUN Consultant Manager 101.

97.

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its Chinese clients to generate more income for the company.

FREDERICK NGOH ELOMBI Strategic And Facilitation Officer 98.

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its Chinese clients to generate more income for the company

KIM (SPOUSE OF KWON), YOUNG MI Sales Representative 102.

99.

Brief Job Description: Partner with sales team to ensure that pre-sales activities are performed promptly and accurately including valuable pre-sales research-product client HW/SW inventories; Generates and submits sales proposals and coordinates sales activities for the company’s sales team being supported; Liaises with different (i.e pricing, Legal, Fulfillment, procurement, etc) to complete the sales cycle. Serve as back-up resource for other BSSs as required; Records Management

Brief Job Description: Sales representatives are responsible for communicating the benefits of a company’s products in order to drive sales.

Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in the related position, fluent in English and Korean hangul.

CHEN, JUNFENG Visa Consultant

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin digital marketing officer, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

104.

105.

Brief Job Description: Responsible that all the information from the Chinese and Vietnamese client to local documentation officer are correct. Responsible to follow up local liaison officer of all immigration issues and operations remaining up to date with any changes to legislation and overseeing all the aspects involved in processing a visa and immigration services LI, YAN Visa Consultant

106.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin information system analyst, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

107.

Basic Qualification: Relevant degree (finance/ engineering) 7 years work experience in related field.

YANG, WEIYAO Visa Consultant

108.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language.

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1year as Visa Consultant; Fluent in Mandarin or Vietnam and English Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

116.

117.

118.

119.

120.

AUNG NAING THU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires BUI LONG AN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires BUI MINH TAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CALVIN LEE YUNG HENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CHE DINH PHONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CHEN MEI ENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CHIENG SI HUNG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHO NAING OO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DANG THI CONG DUNG Chinese Customer Service

121.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. DANG THI THAO XUONG Chinese Customer Service

122.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. DAR WAITE Chinese Customer Service

123.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. DOAN TRONG DUNG Chinese Customer Service

124.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. DONG TIEN DUNG Chinese Customer Service

125.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. HENDRY YANTO Chinese Customer Service

126.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. HERMAN KHENG Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1year as Visa Consultant; Fluent in Mandarin or Vietnam and English Language

127.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

128.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. HMWE WUT SAN Chinese Customer Service

129. Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1year as Visa Consultant; Fluent in Mandarin or Vietnam and English Language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

VILLACIS MURRIETA, ANDREA CAROLINA Collector 109.

110.

Brief Job Description: Actively follow up with payments and assists with the disputes handling process.

DONAN ALVAREZ, FERNANDO RENE Process Expert Brief Job Description: Assist customers with their issues and inquiries.

Basic Qualification: Monitor credit worthless of customers and ensure feedback is recorded and escalated in a timely manner.

111.

112.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

ARIANTO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. HOANG THU TRANG Chinese Customer Service

131.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. HOW KAR CHUN Chinese Customer Service

132.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. HUYNH MY HANH Chinese Customer Service

133.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City AKIL AHMARDY Chinese Customer Service

130.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Attend to export or import specific processes as assigned in the team.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. HOANG HAI TINH Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MAERSK GLOBAL SERVICE CENTRES (PHILIPPINES) LTD. Levels 6-8 North Wing, Estancia Offices, Capitol Commons, Meralco Ave., Oranbo, City Of Pasig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

115.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

HOA THI LINH Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Pricing and/or Financials knowledge; Knowledge of Solution Design Process; Knowledge of contract terms and conditions related to the pricing; Understand technical solutions at a high level

114.

XU, DONG Visa Consultant

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin information system analyst, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

113.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

103.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

KYNDRYL PHILIPPINES, INCORPORATED 9th Floor 1800 Eastwood Avenue Bldg., Eastwood City Cyberpark 188 E. Rodriguez Jr., Bagumbayan, Quezon City

CONSOLA NDU SAM Deal Facilitator

Brief Job Description: Responsible for reviewing and analyzing different aspects of the business, knowledge and excellent communication skills.

Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in the related position, fluent in English and Korean hangul.

LUCKY BINTANG CONSULTANCY INC. Unit G-02 Makati Executive Tower 2, 7652 Dela Rosa St. Cor. P. Medina St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

JDB MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY CORP. 107 T & D House, Magallanes St. 069, Barangay 655, Intramuros, City Of Manila CHU THI NHU THAO Strategic And Facilitation Officer

Basic Qualification: This role construct partnerships between the clients, Kyndryl team, vendors, and subcontractor organizations and manages the implementation of these partnership to address business opportunities

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

ISCALE SOLUTIONS, INC. 27/f & 28/f The Enterprise Tower 2, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

SABLEROLLE, CHRISTIAAN MATTHIJS Head Of Business Development

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

LERIB SERVICES CORPORATION U-3d Rose Industries Bldg., Choice Market Ortigas, Kapitolyo, City Of Pasig

HECTECHURE CORP. Units A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati YU, CHUNPING Mandarin Digital Marketing Officer

Brief Job Description: The role is essentially the General Manager of the contract with the client; Will provide general management of client relationships, consultative selling, financial/ business management, portfolio/program management, and team /people management

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor, Silver City 4, Ortigas East, Ugong, City Of Pasig

HUANG, ZHUOWEN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. INNZELYN Chinese Customer Service

134.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. KAY KHAING Chinese Customer Service

135.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. KHO JEE SIANG Chinese Customer Service

136.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

137.

138.

139.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LE THI THANH HUYEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LEE KA HOU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LIM CHOON THING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LO VAN SON Chinese Customer Service

140.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LOUIS SASTRO LINO Chinese Customer Service

141.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LUO, HAOYUAN Chinese Customer Service

142.

143.

144.

145.

146.

147.

148.

149.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LUONG MINH THUY Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LY THI HAU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires MICHAEL Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires MOO KHOI KITT Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN DINH LY Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN THI HUU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN THI NGOC HANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN VAN LINH Chinese Customer Service

150.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. PHAM THI MAI Chinese Customer Service

151.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. PHAM THI THANH HAI Chinese Customer Service

152.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. PHAN MANH LUONG Chinese Customer Service

153.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. RUDIANTO Chinese Customer Service

154.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. SHEK CHERN TA Chinese Customer Service

155.

156.

157.

158.

159.

160.

161.

162.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. SHEN, FENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SIA YIIK FA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SOH LEI WANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SUMARNO YEO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TAI SENG ANN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TANG ZI WEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries THANT ZIN OO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language

No.

163.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

164.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

165.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language.

166.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language.

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

167.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN QUOC THINH Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VITO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LI, XIUQING Mandarin It Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TRAN NGUYEN KIEU MI Chinese Customer Service

168.

Brief Job Description: Design and implement software solutions that can be enable the business to operate. Use various type of communication device and systems to reach out to customers and verify account information.

KOAY SOON SENG Mandarin Finance Specialist Brief Job Description: Records accounts payable and accounts receivable

UNG MY VAN Mandarin Finance Specialist Brief Job Description: Records accounts payable and accounts receivable

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HUANG, YONG-LIN a.k.a. NELSON HUANG Mandarin It Support Specialist 169.

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

YANG, ZHONGXU Mandarin It Support Specialist 170.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language.

SU, GUINAN Customer Service Representative 171.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WANG, HUIBIN Customer Service Representative 172.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language.

173.

174.

175.

176.

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner

Brief Job Description: Make initial prospecting and qualifying of leads via consultative approach KIM, CHIPUNG Korean Research Analyst

177.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Extensive knowledge of online marketing, media, and revenue management KIM, KYUNG BAEK Korean Research Analyst

178.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner

CHO, SUNGJIN Korean Marketing Consultant

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider.

MOON, SUNG HOON Korean Customer Support Staff

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIN, ZHIWEN Customer Service Representative

KIM, TAEHO Korean Customer Support Staff

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

180.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

179.

Brief Job Description: Extensive knowledge of online marketing, media, and revenue management

LEE, YONGCHANG Korean Technical Support Staff Brief Job Description: Apply diagnostic utilities to aid in troubleshooting

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

YUN, TAE HO Korean Technical Support Staff Brief Job Description: Apply diagnostic utilities to aid in troubleshooting

SHIGEOKA, RYO Corporate Planning Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent oral and written communication in MANDARIN. Bachelor Degree in Information Technology or any field of study.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

181.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for monitoring and helping various groups in the organization to achieve their planned targets and objectives. This position also oversees processes and initiates on improvements to increase efficiency or apply corrective measures when necessary.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or any related field of study

WEI, GUI Financial Services Consultant 182.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or any related field of study

Brief Job Description: A commendable sales performance specializing in Financial Services and in Corporate Banking or Wealth Management/ Financial Planning services to high net worth clients. Fluency in English and Mandarin Language is a must.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent oral and written communication in MANDARIN. Bachelor Degree in Information Technology or any field of study. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent oral and written communication in MANDARIN. Bachelor Degree in Information Technology or any field of study.

Basic Qualification: At least Bachelor’s Degree in Business management, Able to fluently speak and write in Japanese, With N1 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), Atleast 3 years work expereince in the financial industry. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent Communication, Interpersonal and Listening Skills, the Capability to Explain Complex Information Simply and Clearly, the Ability to Network and Establish Relationships With Clients, Negotiation and Influencing Skills as Well as Determination and Tenacity. Fluency in English and Mandarin Language is a Must. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TIAN XIA TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. Bldg. B Filinvest Cyberzone 6, Bay City, Barangay 76, Pasay City CHEN, JO-HSUAN Chinese Marketing Specialist 183.

Basic Qualification: At least 19 year old. Ability to speak write and communicate in Taiwanese.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habit and trends.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least 19 year old. Ability to speak write and communicate in Taiwanese.

FANG, JING-RU Chinese Marketing Specialist 184.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habit and trends.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least 19 year old. Ability to speak write and communicate in Taiwanese.

GU, MAN-CHING Chinese Marketing Specialist 185.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate, Preferably 1 Year Experience in the Similar Field, Speaks and Write Fluently (Native Language) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TANZILA TRADING INC. U-29, 3/f Baclaran Bagong Milenyo Bldg., F.b. Harrison St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language / preferably six (6) months experience in office staff

SOJITZ G AUTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 1016 Geely North Edsa, Edsa Corner Corregidor St., Ramon Magsaysay, Quezon City

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habit and trends.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least 19 year old. Ability to speak write and communicate in Taiwanese.

LIN, I-HSIU Chinese Marketing Specialist 186.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habit and trends.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College Graduate, Preferably 1 Year Experience in the Similar Field, Speaks and Write Fluently (Native Language)

WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC. 28/f Techzone Condo Corp., 213 Buendia Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

187.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin, both oral and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language / preferably six (6) months experience in office staff

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

CHEN, CHONG Chinese Language-customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Deal w/ and resolve customer complaints.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YOUBIN CONSULTANCY INC. 7/f Ba Lepanto Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati LIU, FENG Chinese Customer Service Representative 188.

SKYLUCK CORPORATION #360, Unit 243 Shaw Center Mall, Shaw Blvd., Addition Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents

No.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 2f-5f, Unit 710 Shaw Blvd., Global Link Center, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th/f, Pearl Marina Building Pacific Drive, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

MYSTIC REALTY DEVELOPMENT CORP. Ub 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., 197 Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing the design and graphics of marketing materials. SHAO, SHAOZHEN Chinese Technical Support Representative

189.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HONG, WEIQIANG Mandarin Account Associate 190.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language / preferably six (6) months experience in office staff

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing the design and graphics of marketing materials.

191.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for follow communication scripts when handling different topics.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language / preferably six (6) months experience in office staff

HE, LIJUAN Mandarin Marketing Assistant

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language / preferably six (6) months experience in office staff Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language / preferably six (6) months experience in office staff Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

192.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in speaking, writing and reading in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

CHIANG, YAN-TING Mandarin Frontdesk Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for follow standard process and procedures.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language / preferably six (6) months experience in office staff

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in speaking, writing and reading in mandarin.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing the design and graphics of marketing materials.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in speaking, writing and reading in mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Apr 13, 2022 Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Agriculture/Commodities

A10 A4 Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 • Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘Palace set to issue EO on returning NIA to DA’ By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

RESIDENT Duterte may soon issue an executive order (EO) that will authorize the return of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to the Department of Agriculture (DA), according to Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar. Dar said the EO is already being discussed by the Cabinet. The transfer of NIA to the DA, he said, will allow the government to better manage the country’s water sources. “Our proposal has long been overdue. But when the Ukraine war happened, I said during the discussions that we would have better water utilization if the NIA would be under the oversight of the DA. And he [Duterte] supported it publicly,” Dar said in a recent interview with reporters. “So, the discussion is already at the EO level. And hopefully, any time soon, the EO will transferring NIA

PHOTO shows Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija, one of the largest dams in Asia, which is currently being managed by the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems under the National Irrigation Administration. FROM WWW.NIA.GOV.PH

[back to the DA] will be issued.” The NIA, which was originally under the DA, was transferred to the Office of President (OP) in 2014 during the Aquino administration. Once the NIA is reverted back to the DA, Dar said he would immediately call for a meeting of the board to “set the agency’s priorities straight” so it could help improve the productivity of Filipino farmers. “We will now have to influence the priorities of the NIA even in the next administration. If there is a ‘Build, Build, Build’ [program], it now has to support Build, Build, Build in agriculture—and that is for NIA,” he said. Dar said the NIA will be able to construct irrigation systems covering 1.2 million hectares of rice farms if at least one fourth of the annual “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program budget would be allocated to the agency. “Big infrastructure is needed for the 1.2 million hectares needing ir-

rigation. One-fourth of the budget yearly for ‘Build, Build, Build,’ should be used to construct irrigation systems,” he said. “If we have that, it will [enable] us to go for higher sufficiency levels in rice.” In March, Duterte approved the transfer of the supervision of the NIA to the DA as one of the measures to mitigate the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war on local food supply and prices. The Department of Finance and the National Economic and Development Authority have already expressed their support for the transfer of the NIA from the OP to the DA. “By making NIA an attached agency of the DA, we believe that both agencies will be better able to fulfill their respective mandates and deliver better outcomes for their shared benefit—the Filipino farmers,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez said in an earlier statement.

DA keen on expanding liberica coffee FAO Food Price Index posts significant leap in March production in Fort Magsaysay W

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has formed a technical working group (TWG) that would study the possible expansion of liberica coffee production in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar issued Special Order (SO) 287 which ordered the creation of the TWG. “The TWG shall craft a development plan for the proposed Liberica coffee production in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija,” SO 287 read. The TWG is chaired by Agriculture Undersecretary Evelyn G. Laviña and co-chaired by Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, national program director for the DA’s urban agriculture program. The other members of the TWG include representatives from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, High Value Crops and Rural Credit (HVCRC) office, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Regional Field Office 3 and Agricultural Training Institute. Under SO 287, the HVCRC office headed by Laviña will serve as overall lead of the TWG and will coordinate with the private partners with regard to the updates on the crafting of the development plan. The BPI is tasked to identify crops for nursery establishment and prepare the crop calendar and

management plan for the liberica coffee production in Fort Magsaysay. The BPI shall also prepare the overall masterplan together with the BSWM and other appropriate DA agencies. Under SO 287, the BSWM will conduct soil sampling in the prospective production areas and provide a list of appropriate highvalue crops to be cultivated in the area. It will also conduct geotagging and facilitate inclusion of the area on the soil suitability map of BSWM. As for the ATI, it will identify appropriate capacity building on production and processing of the identified crops that will be cultivated in the area. It will also identify resources for the capacity building that will cover the whole value chain of coffee and other high-value crops. For its part, the DA-RFO 3 will identify additional possible interventions covering production, training, postharvest/processing and marketing of coffee that will be included in the development plan. Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI) President Pacita U. Juan said her group is “more than willing” to partner with the government in expanding liberica coffee production in the country. “We will wait for their advice

so the private sector can help complete the value chain, e.g. access to markets,” Juan told the BusinessMirror. “PCBI would be more than willing to share our marketing insights especially since Liberica is now gaining popularity as a special coffee variety.” In 2020, PCBI revealed that it has set its sights on expanding the production of liberica coffee, commonly known as barako, in other areas in Visayas and Mindanao to preserve the heirloom variety. Last year, PCBI was able to facilitate the export of kapeng barako to Switzerland, providing Filipino producers a chance to earn additional income from international markets. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/11/10/local-coffee-producers-to-exportbarako-to-switzerland/). “We do not have the competitive advantage in arabica coffee against producers like Brazil, which is cheaper than ours. In Robusta, we will have to compete against Vietnam, which is a major producer,” Juan told the BusinessMirror. “But in liberica, we almost have no competition at all. The closest competitor would be Malaysia but they are not producing nor exporting so much compared to us.” Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

ORLD food commodity prices made a significant leap in March to reach their highest levels ever, as war in the Black Sea region spread shocks through markets for staple grains and vegetable oils, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The FAO Food Price Index averaged 159.3 points in March, up 12.6 percent from February when it had already reached its highest level since its inception in 1990. The Index tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a basket of commonly traded food commodities. The latest level of the index was 33.6 percent higher than in March 2021. The FAO Cereal Price Index was 17.1 percent higher in March than in February, driven by large rises in wheat and all coarse grain prices largely as a result of the war in Ukraine. The Russian Federation and Ukraine, combined, accounted for around 30 percent and 20 percent of global wheat and maize exports, respectively, over the past three years. “World wheat prices soared by 19.7 percent during the month, exacerbated by concerns over crop conditions in the United States of America. Meanwhile, maize prices posted a 19.1 percent month-onmonth increase, hitting a record high along with those of barley and sorghum.”

Contrasting trends across the various origins and qualities kept the March value of FAO’s Rice Price Index little changed from February, and thus still 10 percent below its level of a year earlier. The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index rose 23.2 percent, driven by higher quotations for sunflower seed oil, of which Ukraine is the world’s leading exporter. Palm, soy and rapeseed oil prices also rose markedly as a result of the higher sunflower seed oil prices and the rising crude oil prices, with soy oil prices further underpinned by concerns over reduced exports by South America. The FAO Sugar Price Index rose 6.7 percent from February, reversing recent declines to reach a level more than 20 percent higher than in March 2021. Higher crude oil prices were a driving factor, along with currency appreciation of the Brazilian Real, while favorable production prospects in India prevented larger monthly price increases. The FAO Meat Price Index increased by 4.8 percent in March to reach an all-time high, led by surging pig meat prices related to a shortfall of slaughter pigs in Western Europe. International poultry prices also firmed in step with reduced supplies from leading exporting countries following avian flu outbreaks. The FAO Dairy Price Index rose 2.6 percent and was 23.6 percent

higher than in March 2021, as quotations for butter and milk powders rose steeply amid a surge in import demand for near and long-term deliveries, especially from Asian markets.

Forecasts for cereals

FAO also released its new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, which includes a forecast for global wheat production in 2022 of 784 million tons, a 1.1 percent increase from 2021. That estimate factors in expectations that at least 20 percent of Ukraine’s planted area to winter crops, notably winter wheat, may not be harvested due to direct destruction, constrained access or a lack of resources to harvest crops, reports from Russia of continued conducive weather conditions, as well as prospective production trends in China, the European Union, India, North America and elsewhere. Coarse grain production prospects remain favorable in Argentina, Brazil and South Africa. Wrapping up the 2021 crop year, FAO’s estimate points to a worldwide cereal production of 2 799 million tons, up slightly from 2020, with rice production reaching an alltime high of 520.3 million tons (in milled equivalent). Global cereal utilization in 2021/22 is projected at 2 789 million tons, including a record level for rice, with increases also expected for maize and wheat.

Egypt’s hunt for wheat gains urgency as stockpiles shrink E GYPT, the world’s biggest wheat buyer, is accelerating efforts to ensure the supplies needed to feed its citizens as the war in Ukraine upends the global grains trade. The Egyptian government buys wheat in regular international tenders, which have for years been dominated by low-cost supplies from Russia and Ukraine. The country abandoned two tenders immediately after the invasion, leaving wheat stockpiles increasingly tight—they recently stood at just two and a half months worth. The local harvest will soon help replenish supplies, but Egypt needs to make sure it’s building reserves for the coming year. The state buyer has now scheduled a new tender for Wednesday, a month sooner than the supply minister had indicated it would return to the market. The government is drawing up plans to allow buying wheat outside of the tender system to bolster purchases, Bloomberg reported earlier. And the country is actively pursuing new sources—a delegation from Egypt visited India this week to discuss the potential for wheat supplies, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine has sent global grain prices soaring, with Chicago wheat futures leaping 44 percent since the start of the year. That leaves import-reliant nations particularly vulnerable, with people’s resilience across the Middle East and North Africa at a “breaking point,” according to the United Nations’ World Food Programme. In Egypt, the government’s wheat imports form the cornerstone of a bread-subsidy program for millions of people, and the soaring prices are putting growing pressure on state finances. More broadly, surging food costs are arriving just as the Muslim world marks Ramadan and pose a particular challenge in North Africa because of a legacy of economic mismanagement, drought and social unrest. Wheat is a staple across the region. Wheat futures in Chicago rallied as much as 3.3 percent on Tuesday, and the Paris milling-wheat contract closed at a record settlement price. Egyptian tenders tend to be closely watched by the global grains world, and this week’s purchase will get even more scrutiny as traders and investors assess the origins, price and freight costs of wheat being offered.

EGYPTIAN men work in a bakery at a market in Cairo, on March 17, 2022. PHOTOGRAPHER: KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES/BLOOMBERG NEWS

Both Russia and Ukraine have become heavyweights in Egyptian

wheat purchases, providing more than 80 percent of its imports the

last five years. That’s been upended in the past two months, with Ukrainian

ports largely shut since Russia invaded, stalling seaborne trade. Russian grain is still flowing, although freight rates are surging in the Black Sea. Wednesday’s tender is open to European supplies, Egypt’s state buyer said late Monday. Offers will be accepted from 11 countries, including France, Russia, Germany and Romania, according to a copy of the tender document seen by Bloomberg. The country was forced to scrap the past two tenders after offers dried up and costs surged, but it received all Russian wheat it previously ordered, the supply minister said last month. India, which has recently emerged as a significant exporter, has been in talks to begin sales to Egypt. From the European Union, Egypt often sources wheat from Romania, another major Black Sea shipper. The country accounts for more than 40 percent of its tender purchases so far this season, and Egypt also booked one cargo from France. Egypt’s government accounts for about 40 percent of the country’s wheat purchases, and the rest is booked by the private sector, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s foreign service. Bloomberg News

TheWorld

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 A11

Putin vows war will continue; Russian troops mount in east By Yuras Karmanau & Adam Schreck

The Associated Press

YIV, Ukraine—Russia vowed to continue its bloody offensive in Ukraine as the war neared its seventh week Wednesday, as President Vladimir Putin insisted the campaign was going as planned despite a major withdrawal and significant losses. Thwarted in their push toward the capital, Kyiv, Russian troops focused on the eastern region of Donbas, where Ukraine said it was investigating a claim that a poisonous substance had been dropped on its troops. It was not clear what the substance might be, but Western officials warned that any use of chemical weapons by Russia would be a serious escalation of the already devastating war. Russia invaded on Feb. 24 with the goal, according to Western officials, of taking Kyiv, toppling the government and installing a Moscow-friendly regime. In the six weeks since, the ground advance stalled and Russian forces lost potentially thousands of fighters and were accused of killing civilians and other atrocities. Putin said Tuesday that Moscow “had no other choice” and that the invasion aimed to protect people in parts of eastern Ukraine and to “ensure Russia’s own security.” He vowed it would “continue until its full completion and the fulfillment of the tasks that have been set.” For now, Putin’s forces are gearing up for a major offensive in the Donbas, where Russian-allied separatists and Ukrainian forces have been fighting since 2014, and where Russia has recognized the separatists’ claims of independence. Military strategists say Moscow believes local support, logistics and the terrain in the region favor its larger, better-armed military, potentially allowing Russia to finally turn the tide in its favor. In Mariupol, a strategic port city in the Donbas, a Ukrainian regiment defending a steel mill alleged that a drone dropped a poisonous substance on the city. The assertion by the Azov Regiment, a far-right group now part of the Ukrainian military, could not be independently verified. The regiment indicated there were no serious injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that while experts try to determine what the substance might be, “The world must react now.” The claims came after a Russia-allied separatist official appeared to urge the use of chemical weapons, telling Russian state TV on Monday that separatist forces should seize the plant by first blocking all the exits. “And then we’ll use chemical troops to smoke them out of there,” the official, Eduard Basurin, said. He denied Tuesday that separatist forces had used chemical weapons in Mariupol. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said officials were investigating, and it was possible phosphorus munitions—which cause horrendous burns but are not classed as chemical weapons—had been used in Mariupol, which has been pummeled by weeks of Russian assaults. Western leaders warned that if chemical weapons are found to have been used, it would amount to a grievous breach of international law. US President Joe Biden for the first time referred to Russia’s invasion as a “genocide” and said “Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian.” The Pentagon said it could not confirm the drone report but reiterated US concerns about Russia using chemical agents. Britain, meanwhile, has warned that Russia may resort to phosphorus bombs, which are banned in civilian areas under international law, in Mariupol. Most armies use phosphorus munitions to illuminate targets or to produce smoke screens. Deliberately firing them into an enclosed space to expose people to fumes could breach the Chemical Weap-

ons Convention, said Marc-Michael Blum, a former laboratory head at the Netherlands-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. “Once you start using the properties of white phosphorus, toxic properties, specifically and deliberately, then it becomes banned,” he said. In Washington, a senior US defense official said the Biden administration was preparing yet another package of military aid for Ukraine to be announced in the coming days, possibly totaling $750 million. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss plans not yet publicly announced. Delivery is due to be completed this week of $800 million in military assistance approved by Biden a month ago. In the face of stiff resistance by Ukrainian forces bolstered by Western weapons, Russian forces have increasingly relied on bombarding cities, flattening many urban areas and killing thousands. The war has driven more than 10 million Ukrainians from their homes—including nearly twothirds of the country’s children. Moscow’s retreat from cities and towns around Kyiv led to the discovery of large numbers of apparently massacred civilians, prompting widespread condemnation and accusations of war crimes. Zelensky y said evidence of “ inhuman cruelty” toward women and children in Bucha and other suburbs of Kyiv continued to surface, including alleged rapes. “Not all serial rapists reach the cruelty of Russian soldiers,” Zelenskyy said. More than 720 people were killed in Kyiv suburbs that had been occupied by Russian troops and over 200 were considered missing, the Interior Ministry said early Wednesday. In Bucha alone, Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk said 403 bodies had been found and the toll could rise as minesweepers comb the area. Ukraine’s prosecutor-general ’s office said Tuesday it was also looking into events in the Brovary district, which lies to the northeast. It said the bodies of six civilians were found with gunshot wounds in a basement in the village of Shevchenkove and Russian forces were believed to be responsible. Prosecutors are also investigating allegations that Russian forces fired on a convoy of civilians trying to leave by car from the village of Peremoha in the Brovary district, killing four people including a 13-year-old boy. In another attack near Bucha, five people were killed including two children when a car was fired upon, prosecutors said. Putin falsely claimed Tuesday that Ukraine’s accusation that hundreds of civilians were killed by Russian troops in the town of Bucha were “fake.” Associated Press journalists saw dozens of bodies in and around the town, some of whom had their hands bound and appeared to have been shot at close range. Speaking at the Vostochny space launch facility in Russia’s far east, in his first known foray outside Moscow since the war began, Putin also said the West would fail to isolate Russia and its economy has withstood sanctions. Addressing the pace of the campaign, he said Moscow was proceeding “calmly and rhythmically” to “achieve the planned goals while minimizing the losses.” Karmanau reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Associated Press writer Robert Burns in Washington, and AP journalists around the world contributed to this report.

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www.businessmirror.com.ph BusinessMirror Biden: Russia war a ‘genocide,’ trying to ‘wipe out’ Ukrainians Police hunt gunman who wounded 10 in Brooklyn subway train attack A12

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

By Will Weissert & Zeke Miller

The Associated Press

ES MOINES, Iowa—President Joe Biden said Russia’s war in Ukraine amounted to “genocide,” accusing President Vladimir Putin of trying to “wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian.” “Yes, I called it genocide,” he told reporters in Iowa on Tuesday shortly before boarding Air Force One to return to Washington. “It’s become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian.” At an earlier event in Menlo, Iowa, addressing spiking energy prices resulting from the war, Biden had implied that he thought Putin was carrying out genocide against Ukraine, but offered no details. Neither he nor his administration

announced new consequences for Russia or assistance to Ukraine following Biden’s public assessment. Biden’s comments drew praise from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had encouraged Western leaders to use the term to describe Russia’s invasion of his country. “True words of a true leader @POTUS,” he tweeted. “Calling things by their names is essential to stand up to evil. We are grateful for US assistance provided so far and we urgently need more heavy weapons to prevent further Russian atrocities.” A United Nations treaty, to which the US is a party, defines genocide as actions taken with the “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.” Past American leaders often

have dodged formally declaring bloody campaigns such as Russia’s in Ukraine as genocide, hesitating to trigger an obligation that under international convention requires signing countries to intervene once genocide is formally identified. That obligation was seen as blocking President Bill Clinton from declaring Rwandan Hutus’ killing of 800,000 ethnic Tutsis in 1994 as genocide, for example. Biden said it would be up to lawyers to decide if Russia’s conduct met the international standard for genocide, as Ukrainian officials have claimed, but said “it sure seems that way to me.” “More evidence is coming out literally of the horrible things that the Russians have done in Ukraine, and we’re only going to learn more and more about the devastation and let the lawyers decide internationally

whether or not it qualifies,” he said. Just last week Biden said he did not believe Russia’s actions amounted to genocide, just that they constituted “war crimes.” During a trip to Europe last month, Biden faced controversy for a nine-word statement seemingly supporting regime change in Moscow, which would have represented a dramatic shift toward direct confrontation with another nuclear-armed country. “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power,” Biden said. He clarified the comments days later, saying: “I was expressing the moral outrage that I felt toward this man. I wasn’t articulating a policy change.”

Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report.

EW YORK—Police hunted late into the night for the gunman who opened fire Tuesday on a subway train in Brooklyn, an attack that left 10 people wounded by gunfire and once again interrupted New York City’s long journey to post-pandemic normalcy. The search focused partly on a man who police say rented a van possibly connected to the violence. Investigators stressed they weren’t sure whether the man, Frank R. James, was responsible for the shooting. But authorities were examining social media videos in which the 62-year-old decried the United States as a racist place awash in violence and sometimes railed against the city’s mayor, Eric Adams. “This nation was born in violence, it’s kept alive by violence or the threat thereof and it’s going to die a violent death. There’s nothing going to stop that,” James said in one video. Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell called the posts “concerning” and officials tightened security for Adams.

The gunman sent off smoke grenades in a crowded subway car and then fired at least 33 shots with a 9 mm handgun, police said. Five gunshot victims were in critical condition but expected to survive. At least a dozen people who escaped gunshot wounds were treated for smoke inhalation and other injuries. One passenger, Jordan Javier, thought the first popping sound he heard was a book dropping. Then there was another pop, people started moving toward the front of the car, and he realized there was smoke, he said. When the train pulled into the station, people ran out and were directed to another train across the platform. Passengers wept and prayed as they rode away from the scene, Javier said. “I’m just grateful to be alive,” he said. The shooter fled in the chaos, leaving behind the gun, extended magazines, a hatchet, detonated and undetonated smoke grenades, a black garbage can, a rolling cart, gasoline and the key to a U-Haul van. AP

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AFTER the Masters, will Tiger Woods be at the Professional Golfers Association Championship? AP

UGUSTA, Georgia— If history is any indication, perhaps the Internet sleuths who track flight patterns should circle May 10 on the calendar and look for a private jet going from South Florida to Tulsa, Oklahoma. That would be the next chance for Tiger Woods to play. And he didn’t sound all that promising when he left the Masters.

Woods has been consistent since he first spoke publicly in the Bahamas last December that he is done playing a full schedule because of his damaged right leg from his car crash 14 months ago, to go along with five surgeries on his lower back. “I won’t be playing a full schedule ever again,” he told Sky Sports on Sunday after closing with a 78 for his highest score ever at the Masters. “It will be just the big events. I don’t know if I’ll play Southern Hills or not.” Southern Hills is the site of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Championship from May 19 to 22. Woods has played it three times. He tied for 21st in a 30-man field at the Tour Championship in 1996 (8-over 288), and his streak of four consecutive major wins ended at Southern Hills in the 2001 US Open when he tied for 12th (3-over 283). Most recently would be his fourth PGA Championship title in 2007. This

will be the first major since then at Southern Hills. May 10 is a date to observe because it’s the Tuesday before PGA Championship week. It was Tuesday before the Masters that Woods ignited hopes with a scouting trip to Augusta National, not so much to see the course but to test his right leg. He played, made the cut for the 22nd straight time, and made it through four days of the toughest walk in golf. “I will try, there’s no doubt. Like this week, I will try to get ready for Southern Hills, and we’ll see what this body is able to do,” he said. Curiously missing from the prospects was the US Open from June 16 to 19 at The Country Club outside Boston, perhaps because he’s only looking at the next possibility. He made it clear he would be at St. Andrews, where he won in 2000 and 2005, and described it as “my favorite golf course in the world.” “I w ill be there for that one,” he said.

MARCIAL DECIDES TO DEFEND GOLD IN HANOI

By Josef Ramos

ERHAPS it’s because Eumir Felix Marcial was about to board a plane for home that he decided to defend his middleweight gold medal at the 31st Southeast Asian Games that open next month in Hanoi. “That’s my commitment to the Filipino people—and the road to the Paris Olympics begins in Hanoi,” Marcia, 26, told BusinessMirror on Wednesday as he was about to board a Philippine Airlines flight back to Manila with wife Princess. “I finally made a decision that I really need to compete there.” Marcial was undecided to compete

in Hanoi just the day before although his name is on the list submitted for accreditation by the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines to the Vietnamese organizers. On Sunday, Marcial survived three knockdowns in scoring a fourth-round technical decision win against American Isiah Hart in Las Vegas, Nevada, to go 2-0 won-lost in his budding pro career. He beat another American, Andrew Whitfield, in his pro debut in Los Angeles in December 2020. “I can’t turn my back on my responsibility and commitment to the Philippine team. It’s really an honor to fight for your country,” he said. “I

Generals rally past Stags in NCAA

NOVAK DJOKOVIC absorbs another setback as he tries to move on from the controversy surrounding his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19. AP

Ayala Corp. backs Sy’s SEAG bid

A13

WHAT’S NEXT FOR TIGER?

Djokovic loses clay-court opener at Monte Carlo ONACO—Novak Djokovic opened his clay-court season with a surprising loss to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday. Davidovich Fokina stunned the top-ranked Serb, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1, in the second round to hand Djokovic another setback as he tries to move on from the controversy surrounding his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19. It makes for rare back-to-back losses for Djokovic, who had not played since being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships in February—his only previous tournament this year after he was barred from playing at the Australian Open. Djokovic struggled from the start as the 46th-ranked Spaniard broke him early to pull ahead 4-1 before another break handed him the first set. Davidovich Fokina kept up the pressure and led 3-0 in the second before Djokovic clawed back. But the Serb continued to struggle on his serve and was broken three times in the decider. “He was the better player,” Djokovic said. “I was hanging on the ropes the entire match.” The Serb said he was too exhausted to put up a fight in the third set. “I collapsed,” Djokovic said. “I just ran out of gas completely ... If you can’t stay in the rally, not feeling your legs on the clay, it’s mission impossible.” Djokovic had beaten Davidovich Fokina in straight sets twice last year, in Rome and at the Tokyo Olympics. “I’m so happy for the win today,” Davidovich Fokina said. “I missed (Djokovic) on the tour.” Djokovic could not defend his Australian Open title in January after he was deported from the country for not being vaccinated. He had to skip tournaments in Indian Wells, California, and Miami because he couldn’t travel to the United States for the same reason. The authorities in France and Monaco lifted most Covid-19 restrictions last month, allowing people who aren’t vaccinated into the country and back into restaurants, sports arenas and other venues. That means Djokovic will be able to play at the French Open, which remains his “big goal of the clay season.” AP

Editor: Jun Lomibao | Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

LEXIS SY will be seeing action in her fourth Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi in May and thanked Ayala Corp. for supporting her campaign. “I’m thankful to Ayala [Corporation] for helping me in this move and for providing me with generous assistance,” said Sy, 29, the 2012 Asian youth tenpin bowling gold medalist. “I really feel blessed to be part of an organization that supports my bid to bring honor to our country.” Ayala Corporation President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala and her employer, BPI’s Corporate Banking Group, affirmed their support for Sy during the recent WeAreAyala Business Club Cebu Townhall. “The Ayala group is rooting for Alexis Sy as she represents our country in the upcoming SEA Games in Hanoi,” Zobel said. “In our own way, we at Ayala are supporting her bid by providing her the flexibility and financial

MILIO Aguinaldo College (EAC) rallied from 12 points down to beat San Sebastian College, 63-60, to keep its hopes for an outright passage to the Final Four alive on Wednesday in the National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball tournament at the La Salle Greenhills Gym. Ralph Robin scattered 15 of his season-high 27 points in the payoff period to go with three assists and two rebounds for the Generals who improved to 3-3 won-lost. San Sebastian lost for the fourth time in six games.

assistance she needs to train.” But the 2017 Philippine Open Masters Champion will be competing without his biggest fan—his dad Alex who passed away last year. “My dad had always been my inspiration. He supported me all the way,”said Sy, a Marketing Associate at BPI Corporate Banking Group. “I’m sure he would have wanted me to keep going. So here I am, still playing the game he loved.” Sy will be joined by Lara Posadas, Rachelle Leon and Mades Arles in the women’s team in the Hanoi SEA Games set from May 12 to 23. The men’s team is composed of Merwin Tan, Patrick Nuqui, Ian Dychangco and Ivan Malig. They will be coached by Biboy Rivera and Jojo Canare. A total of six gold medals will be contested in Hanoi—men and women’ singles, doubles and team events. Sy topped the national bowling federation’s women’s tryouts with a whopping series average of 208.38.

Pep is back THINGS are rolling out slowly but surely for collegiate ball, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) version. Last Tuesday, April 5, live audiences were admitted back into the playing arena. Exactly two weeks later, on Tuesday, pep squads could already take their usual perch

Trailing 33-45 in the third quarter, EAC rallied behind Robin, whose three-pointer put them ahead, 52-51, with 4:39 remaining. The Stags last led, 56-53, when Robin hit back-to-back trys that shoved the Generals ahead, 59-56, with 1:11 remaining. EAC put the clamps on San Sebastian in the final seven minutes of play to preserve the win. “I told the boys to play tough on defense,” said coach Oliver Bunyi whose Generals couldn’t close games

AYALA Corp. President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala joins bowler Alexis Sy during the WeAreAyala Business Club Cebu Townhall.

on the rafters. Drummers and rah-rah people could do their thing, with gusto. The change in the atmosphere was palpable. Just two weeks ago, the audience felt like it was walking through catacombs as they rode the escalators and wound their way around the Mall of Asia Arena corridors to find their seats. This time the crack and boom of drums welcomed you from the moment the automatic gates opened to let you in. They grew louder as you ascended the escalator. The familiar beats and cheers became recognizable and your steps go a little bit faster. Then you hear the roar of the crowd, the high-pitched screams. And you’re a goner. This was as normal as normal could get, given the remaining restrictions. It was a big deal for the audience to get the frills and accoutrements of watching collegiate basketball, even if they came in layers. Pep squads double the fun, admittedly. They add color and zest to the action on the floor. Truth is, cheerleading teams play a major role in sports competitions. They are crowd leaders who connect the fans to the players on the court. They boost energy and enthusiasm and fire up the crowd. In turn the team feeds off the energy produced by the crowd. With morale raised

Otherwise, stay tuned. He is a five-time winner at the Memorial, but it would seem unlikely to play another big course (uphill walks from every green to tee) that falls two weeks after the PGA Championship and two weeks before the US Open.

WINNER FOR TV NETWORKS

TIGER WOODS may not have won the Masters, but his stirring return from injury was certainly a winner for the television networks following him. CBS’s final round coverage of the venerable tourney on Sunday averaged 10.17 million viewers, the highest for any golf telecast since the corresponding day in 2019—the last time Woods won the coveted green jacket, the Nielsen company said. ESPN’s coverage of the first two rounds of the Masters averaged 3.3 million viewers, the most for its Master’s coverage since 2018, the network said. ESPN’s viewership peaked at 4.6 still need to train very hard at the amateur level to keep myself prepared for the Paris Olympics. My dedication is always there for my country.” Marcial, who dominated the Games’ middleweight division since the 2015 Singapore edition, said that he’ll be flying to Muak Lek, Thailand, to join the national team after the Holy Week. MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons expressed full support to Marcial’s SEA Games campaign. “We will make a few changes and then move on to bigger things. I support Eumir in his quest to win his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold medal,” Gibbons said. “It’s a great way to prepare for his third pro fight in July or August.” The Vietnam SEA Games are set from May 12 to 23. that resulted to three losses. “Credit that to the players, they were composed,” he said. “Basically, the players have matured.” Robin, who fired seven triples, was happy that the Generals were able to pull through this time. “Coach told me not to hesitate with my shots,” Robin said. “To keep taking those shots.” EAC will take a two-day Lenten break to recharge before resuming training on Black Saturday as it prepares for its game against defending champion Letran on Wednesday.

million just as Woods was finishing up his second round on Saturday, Nielsen said. CBS led the broadcast networks last week in prime time, averaging 4.2 million viewers. ABC had 3.6 million, NBC had 3 million, Fox had 1.7 million, Univision had 1.4 million, Ion Television had 1 million and Telemundo had 860,000. Fox News Channel led among the cable networks, averaging 2.32 million viewers. TBS had 1.52 million, TNT had 1.2 million, HGTV had 1.17 million and ESPN had 1.13 million. ABC’s “World News Tonight” won the evening news ratings race, averaging 7.9 million for the week. NBC’s “Nightly News” had 6.7 million and the “CBS Evening News” had 4.8 million. AP

Selma Star shines in Punta Fuego

HE Subic Sailing Club-based Selma Star topped the IRC Class to win top honors in the recent 19th Punta Fuego Regatta for a fitting followup to its victory at the BPI Busuanga Cup 2022. Captained by veteran sailor Jun Avecilla, the 36.9-foot Beneteau yacht outsailed Ice 52 Belatrix helmed by Jun Villanueva and Sean Mitchell in the waters of Nasugbu Bay. Hurricane Hunter of Albert Altura and international-award winning Karakoa of Ray Ordoveza settled for third and fourth places, respectively. One of the country’s biggest sailing tournaments, Punta Fuego Regatta returned after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, and was postponed from its original schedule in January. The two-day event was headed by the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation (Phinsaf) and copresented by Landco Pacific and hosted by Club Punta Fuego. Wild Honey led by James Villareal, Plus Ultra of Pablo Lobregat and Isabelle of Tere Marcial finished top three in the Cruising Class. Rounding up the winning circle was Twin Popsies, jointly helmed by Dylan Tantuico and Gordon Luk, and MYG2 of Vincent Ruais which sparkled in the Ocean Multihull category. “The successful return of the regatta despite the many challenges is a clear sign of the return to normalcy of sailing events due to the improving health situation in the country,” Club Punta Fuego general manager Edgar Krohn said. Phinsaf president Jerry Rollin said that the event is a big boost in promoting the country as a sports tourism hub. AP

SAILING is back in action as the pandemic wanes.

and spirits soaring, players are able to play better. Most of the time they actually win. Pep squads are not just a modern day feature of sports competitions. They have their roots in ancient times. Because sports is basically a battle, albeit a friendly one marked by civilized sportsmanship, the origins of the worth and function of cheerleading have been forgotten, or set aside. But voice—okay, noise—is very important when teams or sides are waging war, for real or on the playing court. Drums in particular have been an integral part of battles since before the birth of Christ! The oldest record of drums being used in battle was during the war between the states of Qi and Lu in China in 684 B.C.—a good example of how powerful the support of drums can be in war. Here, as the two forces confronted each other on the battlefield, Qi drummers goaded the Lu army to fight. The Lu army didn’t bite, and instead timed their attack with the third drum roll. The State of Lu won the day because “the enemy force had a great momentum at the first round of drum beating, had a weaker momentum by the second beating, and was exhausted by the third. We attacked when their spirits were

exhausted. That’s why we won,” explained the Lu ruler’s adviser. The sound and the beat of drums have an incredible connection to raising spirit and strength. Military drummers have actually played a huge role in warfare all throughout history. Soldiers move and march to battle to the sound of drums. The beat of the drums regulates their loading and re-loading of weapons in the heat of battle. Drummers are used in wars to raise morale during the fight. Yells, like drum beats are also connected to spirit. See how martial artists give out a strong and intimidating shout when throwing a kick or strike? Called the kihap, it is a combination of the word ki or energy and hap, which means to gather, coordinate, concentrate—a gathering of energy, power or force. That’s why the combined power of drummers and cheerleaders is able to egg on players and crowd to wage non-stop war in sports competitions. Collegiate competitions in particular are blah without them. Thus the return of pep squads to the UAAP playing arena after two long years is cause for good cheer. All hail to them who keep our adrenaline pumping.

A14 Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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editorial

Good leaders can unlock BARMM’s full potential

or decades the people of Mindanao have been suffering the effects of violent conflict at a cost of hundreds of thousands of lives and the displacement of millions of residents. There have been peace agreements, like the agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996, but these accords failed to secure a lasting peace. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was created three years ago with the ratification of its basic law, the Bangsamoro Organic Law following a two-part legally binding plebiscite in Western Mindanao. For smooth local governance, the Ministry of Local Government was also created, which is the regional executive department of the BARMM. With the new system, hopes were high that peace will finally reign and the region can now focus on its economic development. In the past weeks, Maguindanao, the nerve center of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has recorded a spike in hostilities perpetrated by the province’s armed groups which should have been stopped, given the MILF officials’ promise years ago that creation of the BARMM would address Mindanao’s problems (Read, “The BARMM ‘tinderbox,’” in the BusinessMirror, April 10, 2022). Reports said the flare-up of hostilities was brought by a confluence of events and was influenced by political, economic, territorial control and even administration issues. International Alert Philippines (IAP), a conflict monitoring group that maintains a strong presence in Mindanao, raised the alarming situation in BARMM in its security brief issued in February dubbed, “Internal Ruptures Within the Bangsamoro.” IAP noted that the “run-up to the 2022 elections has seen a remarkable escalation in violence between and among actors least expected to be the source of uncertainty, instability and crisis in a region transitioning from conflict to peace.” It added that “the rupture is occurring within the ranks of armed groups that have entered into peace agreements with the government but not with their rivals.” The report said the “intra and intergroup” violence is pitting the clans and armed followers of MILF commanders, “decommissioned or otherwise,” against each other. “Not a week passes where there is no news about an MILF commander fighting or squaring off with the rival Moro National Liberation Front or the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters,” the conflict-monitoring group said. The IAP cited the ambush-killing of MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) Inner Guard Commander Peges Lentagi Mamasainged and eight of his men in Guindulungan, Maguindanao on February 12. Mamasainged’s cousin, Jordan Mama Lintang alias Commander Jordan of MNLF, reportedly led the suspects. The ambush site was located within the perimeter area of Camp Bader, a known camp of the MILF that straddles the towns of Guindulungan, Talayan and Datu Unsay. “These camps are supposed to be the beacons of the peaceful transition from conflict where massive infrastructure and development investments are being poured by development banks and bilateral and multilateral aid agencies,” the IAP said. “Ruptures between kinship networks and former comrades-in-arms are often propelled by enduring land conflicts between MILF commanders, between MILF and MNLF commanders, and between MILF and other armed groups of indigenous peoples and settlers,” IAP said, adding that the violence involving armed groups in the province was aggravated by political feuds involving politicians in Maguindanao, notably in Guindulungan, Datu Piang, Shariff Aguak, Datu Paglas and Cotabato City. It said another battle in Talitay, Maguindanao concerned control over political office in the town and the province of Maguindanao, as well as control over the “illicit trade and distribution of illicit drugs.” The conflict-monitoring group warned that these clashes erupting in BARMM should be watched keenly as rivalries intensify between “armed groups at various levels.” “It is important to understand that these tensions are partly the outcome of a twist in the political posturing of the MILF leadership regarding local elections,” IAP said. It added that tensions and conflicts are not only limited to the politicians and members of armed groups in Bangsamoro, but also include non-Moro indigenous communities who were allegedly bullied by the MILF, MNLF and another armed group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The BARMM runs the risk of being labeled a failed experiment, unless its leadership made up mostly of former MILF commanders will act fast to stop the violence and conflict gripping Central Mindanao. It is about time for the region to unlock its full economic potential, but only good leaders can do this. Leadership in Islam is rooted in belief and willing submission to the Creator, Allah. In their quest for peace and economic prosperity, BARMM leaders should realize that success comes from only one powerful source.

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How the system changed John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

he war in Ukraine has upended what we assumed was cast in concrete. By that I mean in part global financial transactions, sovereign debt payments, and what we considered normal trade between nations. The old saying “You can’t live with them, and you can’t live without them” used to apply to “The System” and particularly to the United States. But the continuing saga of the 21st century has proven that the system is evolving the way an egg is broken to make an omelet. And too many times the US is making metaphorical phone calls to the world that are being unanswered. The “System” has evolved by design of the powers that be to keep everything running smoothly. Certainly, it is not 100 percent effective. But it is supposed to function like a fence to keep the bad guys out and protect the interests of the good guys. The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, or S.W.I.F.T., works to efficiently facilitate with both secrecy and security all financial transactions of banks worldwide. Its purpose is also

to help track financial transactions between “bad” individuals, corporations, and governments. It sounds good on paper. Economic sanctions have been used as an alternative to actual combat and killing to make a nation or a ruler see the light and behave in a responsible manner. Sanctions against Iraq were a comprehensive financial and trade embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council on Iraq in 1990, four days after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. The original stated purpose of the sanctions was to compel Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait. That sounded good on paper too until the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia in March 2003 sought to “regime change” Saddam to heaven or whatever. Here we are in 2022 with Russia as Joe Biden “unveiled a fresh round of what he said would be crippling sanc-

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tions on Russia.” That was a month and a half ago. April 6—Biden: “We’re going to keep raising economic costs and ratchet up the pain for Putin.” April 11, 2022, Oilprice.com: “Russia’s Q1 Trade Surplus Hits Record As Oil And Gas Prices Soar.” Also on April 11: Aljazeera— “Europe buys about $22 million worth of coal from Russia daily (note, which is now under sanctions) and spends a further $928 million on Russian oil and gas.” People learn at an early age how to get around the rules. If you did not know how to sleep in a lecture class while holding your book and “turning” the pages, you are not really educated. Governments learned how to avoid sanctions over decades and every time they do, it diminishes the power of the “sanctioners.” Iran was first sanctioned in 1979 and has had other sanctions imposed in 1987, 1995, 2006, 2018, and 2020. Sanction, Un-sanction, Re-sanction, rinse and repeat. And which country

Welcoming the ‘BestBarEver’ passers

Founder Publisher

The “System” has evolved by design of the powers that be to keep everything running smoothly. Certainly, it is not 100 percent effective. But it is supposed to function like a fence to keep the bad guys out and protect the interests of the good guys.

Kuwentong Peyups

he 8,241 passers of the so-called “best bar ever” will now formally enter the legal profession. It is dubbed “best bar ever” because it is so far the largest in history with 11,790 registered examinees of the combined 2020 and 2021 batches after a two-year postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic. Out of those who compose the 72.28 percent passers, around 14 bar takers earned recognition for having grades higher than 90 percent while 761 earned recognition for obtaining grades ranging from 85 percent to 90 percent. The University of the Philippines produced the largest number of excellent takers at four, followed by the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and University of San Carlos (USC), which produced two each. Among the group of biggest schools or those with over 100 firsttime takers, ADMU had the highest passing rate at 99.6429 percent, fol-

lowed by UP at 98.8406 percent, San Beda at 98.1061 percent, USC at 98 percent, and the University of Santo Tomas Manila at 93.0556 percent. The bar exam is a yearly spectacle on the performance of law schools measured in the most number of topnotchers or those scoring the highest passing rates. “SERVE the people. Do not betray your humanity,” words that should guide the new lawyers according to my UP Law professor and bar chairman Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in one of his earlier twitter postings. “Discover your passion. Be patient and compassionate.”

Lawyers, as professionals, are expected to uphold the ethical and moral values that are said to be essential to the fabric that holds society together. I was among the lucky 1,465 examinees who passed, or 39.63 percent out of the 3,697 examinees of the 1998 bar exams held in DLSU. I belong to the working student program of UP Law as a reporter for the TODAY broadsheet and other international news agencies. I do my coverage during the day then attend my evening classes. I read my cases in the bus on the way home to Las Piñas from Diliman, always looking for the seat with the strongest headlight. Traversing the path of legal education was hard to the exponential power, as we immersed ourselves in law books and cases, faced terror professors, pore through volumes and pages of SCRAs, lined up for photocopying at the law library, hurried through classes, reviewed and crammed through lessons, and survived recitations. The bar exams is considered one of the toughest and most difficult among the professional board exams, having one of the highest mortality

was Iran’s best friend during all the sanction times? The idea is that sanctions are like grounding a misbehaving child and that is silly. “You can’t come out of your room until you learn how to obey.” There is always a little brother or sister to cover for you if you sneak out the window. “India is not violating any sanctions by importing Russian oil, says US after Modi-Biden virtual meet.” That came right after Modi told Biden very diplomatically to go pound sand. Sanctions require almost every other nation to be on board. Russia has been quietly building relationships for decades. “While the West paid minimal attention, Russia invested time and money to build a global support system in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, especially a development bank, founded in 2015, from which only 18 percent of approved loans went to Russia but 82 percent went to Africa and South America. The motto should be “Making friends with lowinterest loans.” Russia may have some powerful enemies, but it also has friends like China, India, and Brazil. Covid changed the world. The current war may have changed it even more. E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

rates. Passing is obviously not that easy, it would entail a series of factors. Justice Leonen gave an advice to the over 3,000 law graduates who did not make it: “Accept it as a challenge. That you did not make it, did not finish or were not able to take because of the pandemic does not constitute you. You are who you choose to be. Persevere, as always. Inspire by getting back on your feet and accomplish more.” Atty. Bruce Rivera recently earned the ire of the legal community for mocking those who took the Bar exams more than once, indirectly alluding to Vice President Leni Robredo. “Paalala: Si Inday Sara passed the bar exams on her first try and was admitted to the bar in 2006. Pakitanong sa iba ilang beses sila kumuha ng bar exams.” Presidential candidate Leni Robredo has been vocal about failing to pass the bar exams on her first try in 1992. In a speech in 2017, Robredo explained that she was juggling being a mother to two kids and a teacher during that time. “And as busy as I was being a politician’s wife, being a mother to two daughters already at that time, being See “Gorecho” A15

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 A15

Snapshots of Philippine businesses that are surviving the pandemic Val A. Villanueva

Businesswise

he pandemic seems to have little effect on the country’s consumer discretionary industry, with shareholders gaining P21 billion of wealth over the past weeks and Jollibee Foods Corp. taking the biggest pie with a P9 billion jump. The consumer discretionary sector is made up of businesses that offer nonessential goods and services that consumers do not necessarily need, which means avoiding them will not affect their well-being. According to US-based International Investor chief and hedge fund manager Eric Jurado, this has taken the industry’s performance to a 12-month return of +29 percent. Looking ahead, he says, that industry’s earnings are forecast to grow by 32 percent annually. Consumer confidence is crucial in the consumer discretionary sector. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index provides a gauge of how optimistic consumers feel about the state of the economy and their expected spending habits. Higher wages or decreases in prices of other goods are among the other factors that contribute to the improvement of not only consumer

spending power, but to the economic prospects for the consumer discretionary sector. The sector also faces secular trends that create headwinds, including a continued shift to online shopping and consumers’ pursuit of healthier lifestyles. The Philippine discretionary sector currently trades at price earnings (PE) ratio of 12.8x, much lower than its three-year average PE of 22.2x. But Jurado contends that the industry is significantly undervalued compared with its three-year average PE, indicating that the market is underestimating the industry’s future earnings. “An industry is attractive,” he points out, “when the market underestimates the earnings it will make in the future.” Records show that earnings of businesses in the industry have grown significantly from a Covid-19 lockdown loss of P22 billion in March 2021 to a profit of P8.6 billion to date.

Revenues have also grown 23 percent from P252 billion in the second quarter of 2021 to P311 billion to date. This means overall sales from these businesses are rising fast and profits are subsequently rising as well. Most analysts are optimistic about the industry overall, and more so about the hospitality industry, expecting earnings growth of 32 percent and 37 percent per year over the next five years, respectively. In the case of Jollibee, which currently trades 34 percent above its fair or intrinsic value estimate, the market is overestimating the amount of cash the business will make in the future. Jurado says, “The share price of a business is attractive when the market underestimates the amount of cash it will make in the future.” Jollibee (PSE:JFC) develops, operates and franchises fast food restaurants globally. It now has around 150 branches in Vietnam alone. Its market capitalization stands at P247 billion. People who were able to invest weeks prior have received a seven-day return of +3.7 percent, a one-year return (with dividends) of +26 percent and a three-year return (with dividends) of -28.7 percent. Jollibee’s earnings per share is at P5.30, up from a P10.45 loss in 2020. Its revenue is P153.6 billion (up 19 percent from 2020); its net income is P5.98 billion (up P17.5 billion from

Records show that earnings of businesses in the industry have grown significantly from a Covid-19 lockdown loss of P22 billion in March 2021 to a profit of P8.6 billion to date.

2020), and its profit margin is 3.9 percent (up from a net loss in 2020). The company’s move to profitability was driven by higher revenue. Its free cash flow (referring to cash from operations minus capital expenditures) is at P12 billion (up from -P6.43 billion in 2020). While its revenue is in line with analyst estimates, its earnings per share surpasses analyst estimates by 77 percent. Jurado says revenue is forecast to grow 19 percent, compared to a 30 percent growth forecast for the restaurant industry in the Philippines, while free cash flow is forecast to grow to P14.8 billion this year. Over the last three years on average, earnings per share has fallen by 47 percent per year but the company’s share price has only fallen by 11 percent per year, which means it has not declined as severely as earnings. Another company that performed creditably well despite the pandemic is PLDT Inc. (PSE:TEL). The company’s shareholders gained some P9.7 billion of wealth and exceeded the returns of the Wireless Telecom industry and the overall market over the past seven days. PLDT also ex-

ceeded the returns of the Wireless Telecom industry and the overall market over the past year. It should be noted, however, that in the short term, prices and returns may not reflect the true long-term value of PLDT’s business. Its earnings have grown 8.3 percent per year over the past five years, and are forecast to grow 7.1 percent per year over the next three years. While PLDT’s free cash flow has declined from P12.3 billion in 2018 to -P12.0 billion in 2021, it is forecast to grow to P28.5 billion in 2024. Jurado says increasing long-term free cash flow results in higher shareholder value and prices. Worthy of noting is that insiders (the company‘s directors, officers, or employees) have bought more shares than they have sold in the past three months, accumulating P96.6 million worth of shares, an indication of confidence in the business’s future prospects. The company, however, is not entirely risk-free. Its net debt (or debt minus cash) to equity ratio of 162 percent is high. The debt to equity ratio (without cash) has increased from 157 percent to 186.7 percent over the past five years. However, its debt is well covered by operating cash flow (36.4 percent), with its debt interest payments wellcovered by earnings before interest and taxes (4.7x coverage). “A net debt to equity ratio above 40 percent is considered high and fi-

nancially unhealthy,” notes Jurado. “Operating cash flow should be at least 20 percent of debt and earnings before interest and taxes should be at least 3x interest payments.” PLDT’s dividends, he adds, have been volatile, falling over the past decade from P222 in 2011 to P84 on April 10, 2022. Its dividend yield has likewise been volatile, falling from 9.7 percent in 2011 to 4.6 percent. A drop of over 20 percent in annual dividend payments is considered unstable. According to Jurado, “Fair or intrinsic value is an estimate of how much cash a business will make in the future. A discounted cash flow valuation model is used to determine whether a business is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued.” This industry standard is used by analysts from the most reputable banks, brokers, institutions, and research firms around the world. Adds Jurado, “PLDT is undervalued compared to its fair or intrinsic value. It is trading 42.5 percent below its fair or intrinsic value estimate. This indicates that the market is underestimating how much cash the business will make in the future.” Similar to Jollibee’s situation, where the market is underestimating how much cash it will make in the future, PLDT’s share price is an attractive one. For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at mvala.v@gmail.com

The war in Ukraine: A silent assault on the developing world

An open letter to Justice Secretary Guevarra regarding DMW

By António Guterres

or the people of Ukraine, the Russian invasion is a waking nightmare, and a humanitarian disaster on a terrifying scale. But the war is also fast becoming a matter of life and death for vulnerable people around the world. We have all seen the tragedy unfolding inside Ukraine: cities flattened; people suffering and dying in their homes and in the streets; the fastest displacement crisis in Europe since the Second World War. But beyond Ukraine’s borders, far beyond the media spotlight, the war has launched a silent assault on the developing world. This crisis could throw up to 1.7 billion people—over one-fifth of humanity—into poverty, destitution and hunger on a scale not seen in decades. Ukraine and the Russian Federation provide 30 percent of the world’s wheat and barley, one-fifth of its maize, and over half of its sunflower oil. Together, their grain feeds the poorest and most vulnerable people, providing more than one-third of the wheat imported by 45 African and least-developed countries. At the same time, Russia is the world’s top natural gas exporter, and second-largest oil exporter. But the war is preventing farmers from tending their crops, while closing ports, ending grain exports, disrupting supply chains and sending prices skyrocketing. Many developing countries are still struggling to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with historic debt burdens and soaring inflation. Since the start of 2022, wheat and maize prices have increased by 30 percent. Brent oil prices have risen more than 60 percent over the last year, while natural gas and fertilizer prices have more than doubled. The United Nations’ own lifesaving operations are under severe strain. The World Food Programme has warned that it faces the impossible choice of taking from the hungry to feed the starving. It urgently needs $8 billion to support its operations in Yemen, Chad and Niger. Some countries are already sliding from vulnerability to crisis and serious social unrest. And we know the roots of many conflicts lie in poverty, inequality, under-development and hopelessness. But while much of the world has stepped up in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, there is no sign of the same support for the 1.7 billion other potential victims of this war. We have a clear moral duty to sup-

port them, everywhere. The Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance that I launched last month aims to develop coordinated solutions to these interlinked crises, with governments, international financial institutions and other key partners. I thank the global leaders in all sectors that are supporting this initiative. On food, we are urging all countries to keep markets open, resist hoarding and unjustified and unnecessary export restrictions, and make reserves available to countries at the highest risk of hunger and famine. This is not the time for protectionism. There is enough food for every country to get through this crisis if we act together. Humanitarian appeals must be fully funded, including for the World Food Programme. We simply cannot allow people to starve in the 21st century. On energy, the use of strategic stockpiles and additional reserves could help to ease this energy crisis in the short term. But the only medium- and longterm solution is to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, which is not impacted by market fluctuations. This will allow the progressive phaseout of coal and all other fossil fuels. And on finance, the G-20 and international financial institutions must go into emergency mode. They must find ways to increase liquidity and fiscal space, so that governments in developing countries can invest in the poorest and most vulnerable, and in the Sustainable Development Goals. This should be a first step towards deep reforms to our unfair global financial system, which makes the rich richer and the poor poorer. Social protection, including cash transfers, will be essential to support desperate families through this crisis. But many developing countries with large external debts do not have the liquidity to provide these safety nets. We cannot stand by and watch, as they are forced to choose between investing in their people, and servicing their debt. The only lasting solution to the war in Ukraine and its assault on the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world is peace. As the United Nations works to support the innocent victims of this war—both inside and outside Ukraine—we call on the global community to speak with one voice and support our plea for peace. This war must end, now. António Guterres is the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations.

Susan V. Ople

Scribbles ear Secretary Menardo Guevarra, The overseas employment sector needs the Department of Justice’s help.

On March 22, the Blas F. Ople Policy Center headed by this writer and OFW advocate, humbly submitted a letter to your office seeking the DOJ’s legal opinion regarding the proper implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11641 or the Department of Migrant Workers Act signed into law on December 30, 2021. My father, the late Ka Blas Ople, served our overseas workers with a pure heart dating back to his tenure as Secretary of Labor during the time of then President Ferdinand Marcos. I, too, have devoted more than half of my life in serving our overseas Filipino workers and studying the issues and concerns that affect them. The Ople Center sits in the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) as the non-government organization representative for the OFW sector, and as such, we also need some clarity to be able to accomplish our work. Please settle the ongoing dispute, Sir. In his version of the law’s implementing rules and regulations published last April 6 in two major newspapers, DMW Secretary Abdullah Mama-o included the following paragraphs under Rule XVII, Transitory and Miscellaneous Provisions, and I quote: Transition Period. Within, or not later than, two years from the

Gorecho . . .

continued from A14

a teacher, I took the bar exam without any preparation. And I just hoped for the best. When the results came out, my name was nowhere to be found on the list of passers. I failed on my first try,” Robredo said. Rivera was criticized for indirectly insinuating that those who failed the bar exam on their first try are inferior to those who passed. Former nationalist Claro M. Recto

Under the law, as cited also in the published IRR, the Transition Committee “shall facilitate the complete and full operation of the Department which shall not be later than two years after the effectivity of the Act. It shall likewise promulgate the implementing rules and regulations necessary to effectively implement the smooth and orderly transfer to the Department of the subsumed agencies.”

effectivity of this Act: (a) Formulation shall be completed of the internal organic structure, staffing pattern, operating system, and revised budget of the Department whereby as the President’s Alter Ego for RA 11641, the Secretary heads the group tasked with producing the IRR, staffing pattern and 2023 budget, also known as the Transition Committee; (b) Transfer shall be completed of the functions, assets, funds, equipment, properties, transactions, and personnel of all the merged agencies as enumerated in Section 19 of the Act, and (c) Initial implementation of the law shall be done by the Secretary through the exercise of his self-executory plenary powers for supervision and control of the merged and subsumed agencies pursuant to Section 19 of the Act, consistent with the appropriations provided for in Section 26 of this Act. Unless this IRR as published is duly withdrawn or replaced with another IRR, then Secretary Mama-o’s version will prevail. If this IRR is in accordance with the law, then we have no problems with it. However, one of the framers of the DMW law, Senator Franklin Drilon, himself a former labor and justice secretary, has said that there is no office yet to be occupied by a Sec-

retary because Section 23 paragraph C on the staffing pattern should first be fulfilled before a Department Secretary may be appointed. He said, and I quote: “After a staffing pattern is submitted and approved, the Department Secretary may assume his position and become part of the Transition Committee, to take part in the discharge of its other functions.” So, was the presidential appointment naming Secretary Mama-o as DMW Secretary premature? Because that is really the root of all this confusion, right? To be fair to Secretary Mama-o, he was handpicked by President Duterte to occupy this lofty position. Under the law, as cited also in the published IRR, the Transition Committee “shall facilitate the complete and full operation of the Department which shall not be later than two years after the effectivity of the Act. It shall likewise promulgate the implementing rules and regulations necessary to effectively implement the smooth and orderly transfer to the Department of the subsumed agencies.” The committee is composed of the DMW secretary, the undersecretary for migrant workers affairs

took the bar in 1913 and failed in his first attempt. He later passed the 1914 bar exam. Yet he rose to become congressman, commissioner of education, senator and later associate justice of the Supreme Court. President Franklin D. Roosevelt failed in his first New York Bar exam, while US Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo failed five times before passing and went on to become an imminent jurist. Ultimately, being a good lawyer is a different thing. Passing the bar is

not enough. Performance in the bar does not define a lawyer in as much as passing the Bar in the first attempt does not define a good one. There should be no hierarchy among lawyers. We all passed the Bar, we are all officers of the court and IBP members in good standing. What matters at the end of the day is our integrity and fealty to the rule of law. There are those who join law offices for private practice, the government, judiciary, politics, and the academe, while others go into alter-

of the DFA, the administrator of the POEA, the director of the International Labor Affairs Bureau of DOLE, the director of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs of OWWA, the director of the National Maritime Polytechnic of DOLE and the director of the Office of the Social Welfare Attaché of the DSWD. The DMW law is silent on who among these members should lead the committee. Mr. Secretary, all six of these TransComm members, signed a letter addressed to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea dated April 4, with the following subject: “Petition for the Nullification of the Implementing Rules and Regulations Issued by Secretary Abdullah Mama-o of the Department of Migrant Workers in Violation of the Provisions of RA 11641.” Basically, the representatives of the six agencies or offices meant for consolidation into the new department and are official members of the Transition Committee have rejected the IRR published by Secretary Mama-o and his team. These committee members have submitted their own version of the IRR to the Office of the President. From a war of memos, we now have a battle of the IRRs. I am not a lawyer, nor do I pretend to have the public policy expertise to sort out this mess. But this, I know—without clarity, there can be no vision. Without vision, we perish. This tsunami of uncertainty must stop, and your legal opinion can and will help bring us all to safer ground. Thank you for listening, Mr. Justice Secretary. I wish you well. Susan V. Ople heads the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, a nonprofit organization that deals with labor and migration issues. She also represents the OFW sector in the InterAgency Council Against Trafficking.

native lawyering. “Honor and Excellence. Ours is a noble profession. Make that a reality,” Leonen added. Lawyers, as professionals, are expected to uphold the ethical and moral values that are said to be essential to the fabric that holds society together. Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

A16 Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

OSG TO SC: COMPEL COMELEC TO HEED TRANSPARENCY RULES By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to comply with its constitutional duty to enforce election laws to ensure transparency in the conduct of the May 9 national and local elections. In his petition, Solicitor General Jose Calida also asked the Court to stop the Comelec and Smartmatic from setting up and operating “secret servers” and/or “meeting room” since it is not allowed by Section 22 of the Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act 8436, as amended by Republic Act 9369. Calida stressed that the Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act 8436, as amended by Republic Act 9369, was enacted to ensure not only a free and orderly elections but also a transparent and credible electoral process with an election result “reflective of the genuine will of the Filipino people.” He said the operation of these secret servers or meeting rooms defeats electoral transparency

and credibility. “Solicitor General Calida has assured the public that the OSG, as the People’s Tribune, will not shirk, in its bounden responsibility to represent the State’s best interests and protect the Filipino’s constitutional right to elect the next leaders of our country,” the OSG said in a statement. Calida claimed that Comelec has so far fallen short of its constitutional duty to enforce elections law, particularly those requiring transparency and prescribing the minimum system capabilities of an automated election system (AES). He listed the violations allegedly committed by the Comelec: barred witnesses during the printing of the official ballots; performed the configuration and preparation of SD cards without accredited observers; and refused open access of source code for proper review, examination and testing of accredited observers. Since the Comelec is the chief implementor of the AES, it should have exclusive control of all servers that will receive the electronically transmitted precinct results, said Calida. Continued on A5

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Births, marriages seen back at pre-Covid pandemic levels By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Philippines's population could see an increase of close to a million this year as more couples regain confidence to marry in 2021, according to the Commission on Population and Development (Popcom).

Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Tuesday showed births contracted 14.3 percent while marriages surged 43.9 percent last year. Deaths also swelled 39 percent in 2021. Undersecretary for Population and Development (Popdev) and Popcom Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III told BusinessMirror that given these developments and barring any resurgence in Covid-19 mortalities, the country's population growth rate could see the return of pre-Covid demographic trends. “Due to these developments, coupled with lower mortalities from Covid and other mortalities affected by the health sector prioritization of Covid control, births will increase in 2022 leading to increased population growth,” Perez said in a Viber

message. “ The population growth in 2022 will be lower than 2019 but closer to 2020 as pre-Covid demographic trends return.” Perez noted that the 2021 increase in marriages has not yet reached pre-Covid levels but already “showed increased confidence of couples during the quiescent periods of the pandemic.” He added that the presence of vaccines against Covid was also a factor that led to a higher number of marriages in 2021. The decrease in births, Perez said, reflected the peak of the lockdowns due to the pandemic

in late 2020 and early 2021. The Popdev Undersecretary also noted that in the Philippines, the population growth has been declining by 0.3 to 0.4 percent every decade. He said, however, that the 2021 population of the country still increased by 400,000.

Births

PSA data showed that the preliminary number of registered births reached 1.31 million between January and December 2021. This is a contraction of 14.3 percent from the total registered births of 1.53 million in the same period in 2020. Among regions, Region IV-A (Calabarzon) recorded the highest number of registered births at 198,464 or 15.2 percent of the total births in the country between January and December 2021. The data also showed that births in Metro Manila reached 156,931 between January and December 2021—down by 21.1 percent from the 198,981 births registered in the same period in 2020. PSA said Quezon City recorded the highest number of registered births in Metro Manila at 33,568 or 21.4 percent of the total births in the region from January to December 2021.

“The city similarly had the highest share during the same period in 2020, with 44,445 or 22.3 percent of the total births in the region,” the PSA said.

Marriages

The preliminary number of registered marriages reached 346,595 in 2021, 43.9 percent higher than the total registered marriages of 240,775 in the same period in 2020. Among regions, Region IV-A (Calabarzon) recorded the highest number of registered marriages at 49,864 in 2021 or 14.4 percent of the total marriages in the country. NCR registered 39,916 marriages in 2021 or a 22.1-percent increase from the 32,689 marriages registered in the same period in 2020. The data showed Quezon City recorded the highest number of registered marriages in the NCR from January to December 2021 at 12,188 or 30.5 percent of the total marriages in the region. “The city similarly had the highest share during the same period in 2020, with 9,420 or 28.8 percent of the total marriages in the region,” the PSA said. Continued on A5

‘NIGHT OWL’ READER President Rodrigo Duterte reads the Night Owl—a book authored by Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo and published by Manila Bulletin. Night Owl offers a comprehensive look at the Build, Build, Build, Program, the administration’s mediumterm development strategy to effectively usher in Philippines’ Golden Age of Infrastructure. It follows and provides a first hand narrative of the daunting details of tasks, reforms, and projects undertaken by Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.

LGUs and business, not NG, FDA OKs may require jabs in churches 2nd booster By Samuel P. Medenilla

sam_medenilla

HE loca l gover nment units (LGU) and the private sector are the ones in a position to require vaccination against Covid-19 for those visiting places of worship during the Ramadan and Holy Week. National Vaccination Operation Center (NVOC) chairperson Myrna C. Cabotaje issued the clarification after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that all visitors must be vaccinated against Covid-19 before they are allowed inside such premises. But, she noted, it is not the national government which could impose such restrictions. “We know that vaccination is not mandatory, but only voluntary. It is the local government and private establishments including places of worship, which have the autonomy not to allow entry [for the unvaccinated],” Cabotaje said in a televised interview on Wednesday. Under IATF’s latest guidelines for the implementation of the Alert Level System, in-person religious gathering will be allowed in areas under Alert Level 2 areas with less than 100 percent capacity and provided all their over-18 participants are fully vaccinated. For Alert Level 1 areas, those aged over 18 will also be man-

dated to present proof of full vaccination before they may participate in in-person religious gathering. Currently, all the areas in the country are under Alert Level 1 or 2.

BARMM focus

The IATF guidelines were reiterated by Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año during the public address of President Duterte on Monday. He said a person must be vaccinated against Covid-19 before he or she is allowed to participate in indoor religious activities in all alert levels. He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) together with local officials will strictly implement the measure in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), currently the region with the lowest rate of fully vaccinated individuals, at only 32.28 percent. T he low vaccination rate raised concern of a possible mini-Covid-19 surge during the Ramadan in the predominantly Muslim region. Similar concerns were also raised in other parts of the country especially during this week, when Christians observe Holy Week. During Ramadan and Holy Week, Muslims and Christians, respectively, flock to houses of worship.

vs Covid on specl groups By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

HE Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday confirmed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the second booster shot against Covid-19 for all senior citizens 60 years old and above, the immunocompromised and frontline healthcare workers. “The DOH confirms receiving additional emergency use authorization from the FDA. This 2nd booster dose shall be given at least 4 months after the first booster,” the DOH said. For moderately and severely immunocompromised patients, the DOH said, the second booster could be given earlier subject to the attending physician's assessment. “The FDA thus recognized waning immunity in the specific populations,” the DOH said. The National Covid-19 Vaccination Operations Center, meanwhile, is now drafting guidelines for implementation of the second booster dose rollout, the DOH said.

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

Raslag: Proceeds from IPO to fund solar power projects

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

ocal solar energy developer Raslag Corp. will conduct its initial public offering (IPO) on June 6 to raise funds for the company’s planned solar power projects with a combined capacity of 95.2 megawatts (MW). Raslag is eyeing to raise up to P700 million from the sale of 350 million primary common shares at an offer price of up to P2.00 per share, with an over-allotment option of up to 52.5 million secondary common shares. The public offer period will run from May 19 to 25 while the listing date is on June 6. The IPO, said its founder Engineer Peter Nepomuceno, is part of Raslag’s business expansion and development efforts.

“With this, the company will be able to raise up to P700 million that will be mainly channeled to funding the development and construction of its pipeline solar projects, namely RASLAG-4 and 5, and general corporate purposes,” the company said in a statement it released to reporters after officials held an online news briefing. “Land has already been acquired for RASLAG-4 and 5 and is being paid on installment basis. Advanced development works, in-

cluding land use conversion, are currently ongoing for both projects as well. Raslag now owns a total of 108 hectares of land for 5 solar projects and we are looking to acquire more for our pipeline,” said Nepomuceno. It has commenced work for the development of the 35.2-megawatt peak (MWp) RASLAG-4 solar plant and has acquired the site for the 60 MWp RASLAG-5 solar plant, both in Pampanga. RASLAG IV will cost P1.5 billion while the project cost for RASLAG V is estimated at P2.1 billion. A pioneer in the country’s gridscale solar energy development, Raslag currently has two solar power plants: the 10.046MWp RASLAG-1 and the 13.141 MWp RASLAG-2. Both are running under the Feedin-Tariff (FIT) system of the Department of Energy (DOE) with a base tariff of P9.68/kWh and P8.69/kWh, respectively. According to Nepomuceno, securing these long-term contracts with the government provided the company a steady stream of cash flow to

reinvest in the business for expansion and raise equity. The FIT scheme also encouraged and accelerated the demand for renewable energy, which they wanted to maximize. At the same time, Nepomuceno announced that the 18.011 MWp RASLAG-3 in Mabalacat and Magalang, Pampanga will commence operation on May 2. “We are now able to generate more solar energy for less land and for even less cost. This makes solar energy a particularly attractive option in the country, which is in line with DOE targets.” Anchored on the Nepomuceno family’s long history of building enduring businesses, institutions, and landmarks in Pampanga, Raslag assures that it will be a solid partner to investors, one that is focused on delivering sustainable, profitable, and high-quality growth for all shareholders. “We started Raslag in 2013 in response to the government’s push for renewable energy as well as to address the projected demand for clean power,” said Nepomuceno.

CTS Global lists on PSE’s SME Board S tockbrokerage CTS Global Equity Group (CTS) raised P1.375 billion during its debut on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Wednesday. CTS is the fifth company that has conducted an initial public offering (IPO) this year and the second to list on the Small, Medium and Emerging (SME) Board of the PSE since the start of 2022. The company marked its debut on the PSE with a bell ringing ceremony. “Starting today, CTS Global’s range of responsibilities will include its new shareholders. I am certain that the company will continue to uphold the corporate values of integrity and accountability it lived by as a long-time PSE trading participant,” PSE President Ramon S. Monzon said in his welcome message. “I am optimistic that its experience in handling investor-clients

Photo shows (from left, by row): CTS Chairman Edward K. Lee and Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) COO Roel A Refran; CTS Vice-Chairman Alexander C. Yu, CTS President and CEO Lawrence C. Lee, SEC Commissioner Kelvin Lester K. Lee, PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon and Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines COO Renee D. Rubio; CTS CFO Edmund C. Lee and PSE Capital Markets Development Division Head Mark Frederick V. Visda. Contributed photo

will help CTS Global in carrying out its investor relations responsibilities and be a role model in shareholder engagement to existing and upcoming listing applicants in the Small, Medium and Emerging Board.” CTS Global was established to

engage in the business of equities trading. It uses its expertise to capitalize on opportunities on a local and global scale through trading of equities listed in various stock exchanges, its documents read. Currently, the company has a pool of over 30 individual traders who man-

age a combined capital amounting to P550 million. The company said most of the proceeds of its IPO will be used to scale up it operations globally. “For the past few years, the company has consistently generated profits from its assets under management but was not able to maximize its bottomline profit due to overhead expenses. As the traders scale their accounts using the existing strategy, the company’s overhead expenses will stay the same, giving a promising opportunity for its operating leverage,” it said. “For the past decade, the company maintained its capital stock at P200 million, only raising it to P500 million in the last quarter of 2019 and an additional P50 million in 2020. A further increase in capital to be deployed in the global markets is the key to CTS Global taking it to the next level.”

CEB fleet Apple laptop maker shutters China plant has 18 M eco-planes

UDGET carrier Cebu Pacific has received its 10th new Airbus A321neo (new engine option), bringing its fleet of “ecoplanes” to 18 airliners. The new plane provides the carrier with a 20-percent increase in fuel efficiency, reducing its noise footprint by half compared to older aircraft. “Our shift to the more fuelefficient neo engine aircraft not only supports our sustainability strategy, but also enables us to continue offering our trademark low fares for everyJuan,” said Alex Reyes, Chief Strategy Officer at Cebu Pacific. Cebu Pacific’s newest A321neo aircraft is set to enter into service within this month to fly to various Philippine destinations across Cebu Pacific’s domestic network of 34 destinations. “The arrival is timely because we see positive developments indicating recovery. We are continuously ramping up our domestic network and are preparing for more international destinations to ease restrictions for leisure travelers,” Reyes said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

ore than 30 Taiwanese companies including Pegatron Corp. and Macbook maker Quanta Computer Inc. have now halted production in the electronics hubs of eastern China to comply with local Covid-related restrictions, spelling more trouble for an already fragile global tech supply chain. On Wednesday, Quanta said it was suspending a Shanghai plant to comply with government restrictions. At least 30 other companies are suspending output in nearby Kunshan until April 19, they said in filings to Taiwan’s stock exchange. Some said the effect on their finances is still unknown, while others expect no major impact. Kunshan, a bustling city that hosts Apple Inc. suppliers including Pegatron and Luxshare Precision Industry Co., began a city-wide lockdown in early April. The companies make parts for consumer electronics products ranging from PCs and smartphones, with many of the components critical for their global customers. The global supply of key tech has already been hobbled by China’s zero tolerance toward the virus and its measures to stamp

it out in cities such as Shanghai and Kunshan. On Tuesday, Pegatron suspended its iPhone assembly campuses in those two cities as China struggles to control the worst virus outbreak in two years. Other key Apple Inc. manufacturing partners including Luxshare and Compal Electronics Inc. also have major operations in Kunshan. W ides pread C h i nese loc kdowns have begun to exact an unquantifiable toll on the world’s No. 2 economy, the biggest buyer of semiconductors and the largest producer of electronics from iPhones to PCs. Disruptions to local manufacturing are set to worsen the logistics hurdles of global companies already grappling with a shortage of cargo capacity that’s pushed shipping costs to record highs and a prolonged chip crunch. Gaming consoles, server computers and electric vehicles are among products facing further supply challenges. Many of the most critical factories in Kunshan and Shanghai have managed to keep humming by operating so-called closed-loop systems that are quarantined from much of the outside world.

But worsening logistics jams are constricting shipments of components, draining inventories to the point where some manufacturers including Pegatron and Quanta are down to just a few weeks’ stocks, Taipei-based consultancy TrendForce estimated. Local officials on Wednesday placed two Kunshan districts with significant electronics manufacturing into lockdown for an indefinite period, while for certain other districts the lockdown was extended by seven days. Some cont rac t elec t ron ics makers have been unable to secure CPUs, battery modules and panels amid prolonged lockdowns, and certain manufacturers are facing a shortage of multilayer ceramic capacitors for servers and automotive products. “The biggest problem for MLCC suppliers at this stage is they cannot deliver materials to Shanghai and Kunshan,” TrendForce said in a note on Tuesday. “Limited manpower and logistics and suspended transportation options mean [contract electronics makers] can only rely on onsite inventory to barely meet the needs of production lines, further exacerbating component mismatches.” Bloomberg News

Linden Suites taps RE from First Gen T

he Linden Suites is the first hotel in the country to source 100 percent of its power requirements from renewable energy (RE), the power arm of the Lopez Group said on Wednesday. First Gen Corp. and Energy Development Corp. (First Gen and EDC) signed up The Linden Suites as their customer under the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) of the Department of Energy (DOE). “Today not only marks a milestone for The Linden Suites, but for the Philippine hotel industry, as we became the very first hotel in the country to switch its power source to 100 percent renewable energy,” said the hotel’s general manager Ma. Celeste Romualdo. The Linden Suites switched to First Gen and EDC’s geothermal energy starting March 26 coinciding with the worldwide observation of Earth Hour. “By joining the GEOP, The Linden Suites now boasts of avoiding 1,203 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to 123,000 gallons of gasoline and about 18,000 tree seedlings cultivated over a ten-

year period. As an independent, Filipino-owned city hotel, we hope our humble steps towards sustainability will inspire other businesses to move forward in the same direction, for our collective future,” added Romualdo. Carlo Vega, First Gen Corporation’s Vice President for Power Marketing, Trading, and Economics, said the group’s goal of a decarbonized and regenerative future requires a major shift—one that needs the participation of different stakeholders. “Among these stakeholders, our customers play a crucial role. We put our customers at the center of the work that we do. And in this shift, we will continuously focus on our customer’s progress, and not just our product, in order to achieve our mission of decarbonization and regeneration,” he said. The Linden Suites operates as a multi-use hotel for leisure and essential businesses, returning Overseas Filipinos, and those requiring quarantine accommodations. Located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, The four-star hotel has 168 accommodation units that provide comfort and convenience to its guests. Lenie Lectura

Honda to spend $40B on electric vehicle push

Photo shows a Honda Fit. Bloomberg News

hen Toshihiro Mibe took over as Honda Motor Co.’s chief executive officer last year, he did so with a bang, promising to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and phase out gasoline-powered car sales by 2040, becoming Japan’s first automaker to say as much. Now, he’s backing that with numbers. Honda will spend 5 trillion yen ($40 billion) on its push into electric vehicles over the next decade to introduce 30 EV models by 2030 with production volume of more than 2 million vehicles a year. “We can no longer envision the future by drawing a straight line forward from our autos business as it exists today,” the CEO said in an interview with Bloomberg after unveiling his spending plans. “Within this broad-scope image, we’re making significant progress.” Even so, electrification comes with “high hurdles” that Honda can’t overcome on its own, he

added. That’s why Mibe, who ran the carmaker’s research division before becoming CEO, has largely abandoned Honda’s go-it-alone strategy when it comes to developing and selling EVs. Last month, Honda announced it’s joining forces with tech giant Sony Group Corp. to develop EVs that will go on sale starting in 2025. And earlier this month, Honda and General Motors Co. expanded their existing tie-up with plans to jointly develop affordable EVs in major global markets. Mibe says partnering with Sony, a company operating in a completely different industry, is a way for Honda to create new sources of value for its cars that the company couldn’t have conceived of on its own. A major draw of its partnership with GM is the cost savings afforded by the automakers’ combined production capacity. Together “we have globally significant volume,” Mibe said, “which will have a huge impact on costs.” Bloomberg News

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

Companies BusinessMirror

Metro Retail trims losses by nearly a third in 2021 By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

etro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI) said on Wednesday it reduced its net loss by almost a third in 2021, as it reversed its operating loss from 2020. In a statement attached to a disclosure, MRSGI reported a net loss of P318.10 million in 2021, a 29.2-percent improvement from the P449.60 million loss the year prior. Net sales for the year was flattish

at P31.21 billion, but it registered an operating income of P84.99 million, a reversal from the P302.52-million loss in 2020. MRSGI’s operating costs declined for two consecutive years as a result

of its ongoing efforts to increase efficiency and implement cost saving measures. Operating expenses for 2021 reached P5.96 billion, a 12-percent cut from the P6.78 billion the year prior. “To enhance shareholder value and to establish an Executive Stock Option Plan, the company’s Board of Directors approved the implementation of a share buyback program of up to P300 million,” the statement read. Aside from its physical retail stores, MRSGI “continues to invest resources in its omnichannel strategy to boost its physical and digital presence.” “As the country further reopens,

MRSGI remains optimistic on the recovery of brick-and-mortar stores. The company affirms its commitment to expand its network particularly in the underserved areas and innovate the look and feel of its physical stores,” the statement read. The company recently opened the Metro Supermarket Paseo Arcenas in Banawa, Cebu City. It is MRSGI’s 62nd store nationwide. MRSGI said the 2,668 square meter supermarket allows shoppers to experience best-in-class shopping from freshest-of-the-fresh produce, meat, poultry and seafood to household supplies and its complete selection of international products.

Emperador gets conditional ETL for SGX listing

mperador Inc., the liquor company led by businessman Andrew Tan, has obtained a conditional eligibility-to-list (ETL) for its planned secondary listing on the main board of the Singapore Exchange (SGX). The ETL is subject to fulfillment of certain conditions, including the submission of certain confirmations

and undertakings by Emperador to the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. “We would like to express our utmost gratitude to the Singapore Exchange for working with us over the past several months to achieve this significant milestone. We believe that the ETL is an affirmation of Emperador’s DNA as a truly

global company, given our leading positions in brandy and whisky and established footprint in over 100 countries. Furthermore, we believe that our entry into the SGX should pave the way for other Philippine companies with a global reach to list in the SGX, providing greater access to international investors,” Emperador CEO Winston S. Co said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

mutual funds

April 13, 2022

NAV

One Year Three Year

Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

221.99

6.04%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.501

16.82%

-2.75%

0.73%

-9.81%

7.32%

-9.37%

-6.01%

-5.05%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0744

-5.74%

-3.43%

-4.76%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7414 0.19%

-7.96% n.a.

-2%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6834 0.74%

-7.76% n.a.

-11.35%

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

4.985

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

85.63

-3.42%

-1.13%

-3.81%

0.7426

12.12%

-5.58%

-4.56%

-12.43% n.a.

-9.32%

-12.73%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

45.4569

5.83%

-4.63%

-2.08%

-5.55%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

476.59

5.84%

-4.45%

-2.18%

-4.81%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.3402

22.46%

0.53%

1.15%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

35.0822

9.13%

-3.45%

-0.7%

-4.13%

0.9012

8.01%

-4.74% n.a.

-4.27%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

-1.19%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.7156

7.21%

-3.85%

-1.37%

-4.94%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

783.23

6.46%

-4.01%

-1.46%

-5.46%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7118

7.41%

-8.59%

-4.2%

-5.42%

7.19%

-6.35%

-2.63%

-5.49%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.5684 Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.8922

6.13%

-4.31%

-1.72%

United Fund, Inc. -a

6.63%

-4.14%

-0.41%

-4.26%

3.291

-5.2%

-5.54%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.1431

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

955.82 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

12.5% n.a. n.a.

-1.69%

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c

105.6765

7.04%

-3.74%

-1.02%

-5.2%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

$0.9972

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.6592

-21.36%

-1.6%

1.4%

-11.48%

-4.56%

8.86%

8.62%

-10.14%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a

1.6126

-0.95%

-2.27%

-1.63%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.1986

2.07%

-1.8%

-1.11%

-3.63%

4.93%

-0.44%

0.57%

-2.69%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6186

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.204

-4.69%

8.68% n.a. n.a.

NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9602

3.23%

0.67%

0.94%

-2.8%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6237

2.03%

-0.57%

-0.29%

-3.76%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.2371

1.96%

-0.8%

-0.36%

-3.61%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0603

3.38%

-1.4%

-0.54%

-2.88%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5066 3.73%

-3.18%

-1.02%

-3.85%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

-2.41%

-0.59%

-4.06%

0.9155

9.71%

-2.39%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a

0.9406

-1.45%

-2.07% n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a

0.8904

2.58%

-3.88% n.a.

-4.97% -5.73%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a

0.8792

3.12%

-4.23% n.a.

-5.86%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a

$0.03491

-8.03%

-0.98%

-0.29%

-7.99%

$0.9948

-12.58%

-0.37%

1.2%

-6.78%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.3554 -5.94%

5.54%

5.89%

-9.3%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.0935 -7.28%

1.41%

2.15%

-8.77%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

373.73

1.01%

2.45%

2.41%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.8863

-1.25%

0.08%

0.09%

0.08%

3.24

0.66%

2.45%

3.6%

-0.12%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.211

-1.56%

-0.15%

0.83%

1.12%

-1.8%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4167 -0.46%

2.32%

1.83%

-0.38%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.2974

-3.37%

2.23%

1.14%

-2.23%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3163

3.28%

2.78%

-0.21%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9274

-0.72%

2.95%

2.45%

-0.97%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0133

-1.33%

3.35%

1.85%

-1.45%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1632

-0.29%

3.17%

3.04%

-0.76%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

-0.95%

2.38%

2.34%

-0.91%

1.7148

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$483.54

0.22%

2.13%

2.07%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є215.25

-2%

-0.12%

0.41%

-1.23% -2.16%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1018

-6.32%

-1.87%

-0.27%

-8.48%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0248 -3.88%

-0.53%

-0.08%

-4.62%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$0.9362

-10.88%

-4.15%

-2.6%

-8.47%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.2925

-7.22%

0.55%

0.84%

-8.51%

$0.0611316

-2.3%

1.71%

1.43%

-1.86%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.853 -8.79%

-1.41%

-0.64%

-10.74%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

131.59

1.28%

2.47%

2.53%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

1.061

1.03%

1.74% n.a.

1.52%

2.33%

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1

1.3213

2.5%

0.3% 0.31%

0.43%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0623

0.64%

1.26% n.a.

0.16%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

45.6477 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.3152

7.56% n.a. n.a.

-4.9%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.9067

-8.41% n.a. n.a.

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

c - Listed in the PSE.

-6.53%

d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.). 2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last November 25, 2021.

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

April 13, 2022

Net Foreign Stocks Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Buy (Sell) FINANCIALs

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FILIPINO FUND NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

4,400 166,298,753 4,576,788 277,628,826.50 1,412,165 866,044 46,822,128 239,178 8,391,021 3,386,049.50 253,580 7,790 3,918 75,750 1,213,248 326,400

-51,658,894 3,906,786 -12,161,268 658,250 -717,114.00 2,644,092.50 -1,900 -3,560,974 1,017,920.50 -8,450 1,091,564 13,250

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 8.44 8.5 8.38 8.5 8.29 8.5 7,565,400 63,731,226 1 1.03 1 1.03 0.99 1.03 51,000 50,910 ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER 35.1 35.5 35 35.5 35 35.5 543,400 19,159,055 BASIC ENERGY 0.4 0.41 0.405 0.405 0.4 0.405 2,480,000 995,750 24.9 25 24.85 25.2 24.85 24.9 96,100 2,400,860 FIRST GEN 69.95 70.4 70.4 70.4 69.95 69.95 530 37,298.50 FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO 362.2 363.2 363.2 365.8 361.6 362.2 112,130 40,635,886 MANILA WATER 19.5 19.6 19.5 19.9 19.42 19.5 1,260,000 24,664,662 3.3 3.31 3.29 3.31 3.28 3.31 480,000 1,582,120 PETRON 9.94 10.22 10.22 10.22 10.22 10.22 100 1,022 PHX PETROLEUM SYNERGY GRID 12.38 12.44 12.48 12.52 12.38 12.38 986,700 12,305,580 PILIPINAS SHELL 17.52 17.58 17.76 17.78 17.5 17.52 257,600 4,538,612 14.52 14.6 14.68 14.7 14.6 14.6 39,000 571,812 SPC POWER SOLAR PH 1.77 1.78 1.78 1.81 1.77 1.78 66,072,000 117,926,740 AGRINURTURE 4.67 4.77 4.93 4.94 4.61 4.71 1,946,000 9,417,940 2.44 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 11,000 27,500 AXELUM 12.04 13.4 13.46 13.46 13.46 13.46 100 1,346 CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD 22.65 22.85 23.5 23.5 22.5 22.65 346,600 7,866,645 DEL MONTE 14.18 14.38 14.18 14.4 14.18 14.18 9,500 135,196 7.28 7.4 7.3 7.52 7.21 7.28 759,800 5,566,020 DNL INDUS 17.08 17.1 14 17.12 14 17.1 14,534,300 234,303,142 EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV 62.05 62.5 62.5 62.5 62 62.5 53,970 3,360,726 FIGARO COFFEE 0.57 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.57 0.57 2,442,000 1,395,560 0.57 0.58 0.59 0.59 0.57 0.57 200,000 114,020 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.11 1.13 1.12 1.13 1.11 1.13 1,444,000 1,618,000 GINEBRA 103 105.7 106.1 107.1 102 105.7 76,310 7,934,327 218.8 219 216.4 221.4 216.4 219 190,610 41,682,372 JOLLIBEE 1.2 1.21 1.2 1.22 1.19 1.21 551,000 664,910 KEEPERS HLDG MAXS GROUP 6.03 6.15 6.25 6.25 6.03 6.15 64,100 394,175 MG HLDG 0.133 0.135 0.134 0.135 0.134 0.134 360,000 48,460 13.2 13.32 12.68 13.32 12.64 13.32 8,679,200 114,092,038 MONDE NISSIN 8.34 8.4 8.34 8.45 8.11 8.34 279,000 2,327,263 SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO 0.58 0.59 0.57 0.6 0.57 0.6 228,000 133,160 4.22 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 14,000 60,200 RFM CORP 1.17 1.29 1.17 1.3 1.16 1.3 163,000 191,150 ROXAS HLDG SWIFT FOODS 0.1 0.104 0.101 0.101 0.101 0.101 110,000 11,110 117.5 117.7 117 117.7 116.1 117.5 581,920 68,216,883 UNIV ROBINA 0.61 0.62 0.61 0.62 0.61 0.62 14,000 8,620 VITARICH 2.53 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 20,000 55,000 VICTORIAS CEMEX HLDG 0.84 0.85 0.85 0.86 0.83 0.84 4,909,000 4,128,800 EAGLE CEMENT 12.92 13.32 13.3 13.3 12.9 12.9 7,700 99,370 4.48 4.5 4.48 4.52 4.42 4.5 893,000 4,002,490 EEI CORP 5.65 5.69 5.69 5.69 5.69 5.69 7,300 41,537 HOLCIM MEGAWIDE 5.05 5.13 5.06 5.2 5.05 5.13 70,800 359,067 PHINMA 19.52 19.64 19.52 19.62 19.52 19.62 11,800 231,046 0.94 0.97 0.94 0.97 0.94 0.94 601,000 567,110 VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA 1.79 1.82 1.78 1.82 1.78 1.82 31,000 55,630 1.1 1.12 1.1 1.12 1.1 1.12 2,000 2,220 EUROMED 19.54 19.56 19.56 19.56 19.56 19.56 579,000 11,325,240 CONCEPCION 1.44 1.45 1.5 1.5 1.44 1.45 7,743,000 11,406,770 GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR 7.62 7.64 7.7 7.71 7.58 7.62 565,400 4,309,940 IONICS 0.71 0.72 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.71 502,000 356,420 6.18 6.31 6.25 6.32 6.25 6.32 4,400 27,642 PANASONIC 1.05 1.11 1.1 1.11 1.05 1.05 76,000 83,120 SFA SEMICON CIRTEK HLDG 3.11 3.13 3.16 3.16 3.11 3.11 155,000 482,910

1,757,019 3,858,410.00 -20,100 -1,420,580 699.5 -21,968,688 -10,065,058 -524,430 -4,605,932 -2,439,764 -333,680 618,580 -3,690,290 -4,065,806 -72,062,254 1,965,366.50 -1,120 -1,186,715 -8,396,984 -88,900 -62,500 2,748,872 218,367 -34,400 -19,029,567 -2,885,510 1,010 -11,325,240.00 -4,001,120 1,100,019 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PRIME MEDIA SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP WELLEX INDUS

43.7 128.4 12.16 98.5 26.7 8.02 54.95 19.1 106.3 84 1.9 3.7 6.53 0.62 205.8 2,652

1.06 768 56.05 12.18 9.01 0.9 0.56 0.56 4.84 8.67 6.95 511.5 55.5 3.01 8.88 3.83 1.36 866 107.2 0.29

44.5 128.5 12.18 98.8 26.8 8.07 55 19.18 106.9 84.25 1.95 3.89 7 0.66 214.6 2,888

1.07 770 57.65 12.4 9.05 0.94 0.57 0.59 4.93 8.72 7.13 512 55.8 3.2 8.89 3.84 1.4 872.5 107.8 0.3

44 129 12.18 98 26.85 8.05 54 18.9 106.8 83.75 1.97 3.9 6.53 0.65 205.8 2,650

1.07 769 55.5 12 9.19 0.9 0.58 0.57 4.87 8.64 6.93 511 55.6 3.2 8.88 3.83 1.42 866 106.9 0.3

44 129.4 12.18 99 26.9 8.09 55 19.1 107 84.25 1.97 3.9 6.53 0.66 208 2,968

1.08 775 57.65 12.4 9.19 0.9 0.58 0.57 4.93 8.76 6.93 517.5 56 3.2 8.95 3.84 1.42 873 107.8 0.3

44 128.4 12.14 98 26.8 8 54 18.86 106.2 83.5 1.95 3.89 6.53 0.65 205.8 2,650

1.06 768 55.45 11.94 9.05 0.9 0.56 0.56 4.84 8.62 6.93 509.5 55.5 3.2 8.83 3.8 1.36 864 106.8 0.3

44 128.5 12.18 98.5 26.8 8.07 55 19.1 106.9 84.25 1.95 3.89 6.53 0.66 205.8 2,892

1.07 768 57.65 12.4 9.05 0.9 0.57 0.56 4.93 8.72 6.93 512 55.5 3.2 8.89 3.83 1.4 872.5 107.8 0.3

100 1,292,540 376,300 2,822,750 52,600 107,800 856,520 12,600 78,680 40,420 129,000 2,000 600 115,000 5,880 120

1,941,000 157,430 1,151,990 1,318,700 2,300 149,000 2,034,000 49,000 366,000 5,180,000 3,000 164,000 1,159,800 49,000 1,774,800 11,999,000 688,000 292,230 39,800 10,000

2,069,290 121,244,195 65,361,294 16,081,492 20,899 134,100 1,156,980 27,590 1,777,940 45,109,188 20,790 83,917,825 64,406,536.50 156,800 15,778,813 45,882,520 947,560 253,690,995 4,278,651 3,000

1,694,630 -57,961,045 3,681,690.50 -1,841,258 -1,357,220 18,093,729.00 -5,036,920 -26,397,103 -19,200 -9,299,571 -12,585,750 65,538,510 797,889 -

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.55 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 89,000 52,510 34 34.4 34.05 34.35 34 34 4,703,800 160,374,600 -77,617,385 AYALA LAND AYALA LAND LOG 4.79 4.8 4.76 4.87 4.75 4.79 162,000 778,800 -187,060.00 ARANETA PROP 1.03 1.11 1.04 1.11 1.03 1.11 38,000 39,820 44.25 44.3 44 44.5 43.95 44.3 155,900 6,893,105 -3,970,625 AREIT RT 0.7 0.71 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 139,000 97,300 -4,900 CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES 0.09 0.091 0.09 0.092 0.09 0.091 370,000 33,650 3 3.02 2.98 3 2.97 3 524,000 1,567,920 32,900 CEB LANDMASTERS 0.41 0.42 0.405 0.41 0.405 0.41 260,000 106,300 4,050 CENTURY PROP 2.57 2.58 2.58 2.6 2.57 2.57 7,348,000 18,938,660 -14,826,470 CITICORE RT DOUBLEDRAGON 8.84 8.89 8.89 8.89 8.75 8.84 148,700 1,311,639 -40,740 DDMP RT 1.55 1.56 1.56 1.57 1.55 1.56 1,148,000 1,792,810 10,920 6.78 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.78 6.8 32,000 217,580 DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST 0.224 0.23 0.226 0.226 0.226 0.226 320,000 72,320 0.25 0.255 0.245 0.25 0.245 0.25 1,320,000 329,850 EVER GOTESCO 7.32 7.36 7.37 7.37 7.31 7.32 398,800 2,919,127 1,089,000 FILINVEST RT 1.07 1.08 1.05 1.08 1.05 1.07 3,481,000 3,711,800 1,309,660 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 0.9 0.91 0.89 0.91 0.89 0.91 307,000 279,280 13.6 13.8 13.7 13.86 13.42 13.86 832,000 11,409,404 -129,930 8990 HLDG 665 670 670 670 670 670 200 134,000 GOLDEN MV 0.93 0.97 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 37,000 34,410 PHIL INFRADEV CITY AND LAND 0.87 0.89 0.85 0.89 0.85 0.89 90,000 78,240 2.91 2.93 2.89 2.95 2.89 2.91 4,326,000 12,621,960 -4,862,610 MEGAWORLD 0.228 0.231 0.231 0.231 0.226 0.231 7,180,000 1,647,770 MRC ALLIED MREIT RT 17.46 17.48 17.66 17.66 17.4 17.48 2,854,600 49,948,128 -29,422,794 OMICO CORP 0.34 0.38 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.34 10,000 3,400 0.405 0.43 0.405 0.425 0.405 0.425 150,000 61,800 PHIL ESTATES 2.35 2.49 2.34 2.51 2.34 2.49 1,229,000 3,054,680 PRIMEX CORP RL COMM RT 7.42 7.45 7.43 7.45 7.33 7.45 2,853,700 21,181,068 8,353,203 ROBINSONS LAND 19.9 20 20 20 19.82 20 466,000 9,291,954 -368,506 2.56 2.58 2.56 2.56 2.56 2.56 7,000,000 17,920,000 SHANG PROP 2.79 2.87 2.92 2.94 2.82 2.89 228,000 644,640 STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG 36.55 36.8 36 36.8 36 36.8 3,508,100 128,124,995 -29,331,965 SUNTRUST HOME 1.01 1.05 1.03 1.05 1.01 1.01 7,000 7,210 2.62 2.64 2.65 2.65 2.59 2.62 2,044,000 5,323,980 -1,439,480 VISTA LAND SERVICES ABS CBN 12.7 12.8 12.7 12.86 12.6 12.7 94,900 1,200,076 15.92 15.94 15.88 15.96 15.86 15.92 1,436,300 22,854,286 GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN 0.395 0.41 0.39 0.41 0.39 0.41 50,000 19,950 9 9.87 9 9 9 9 200 1,800 MLA BRDCASTING 2,424 2,448 2,430 2,488 2,402 2,448 27,305 66,339,010 -32,238,240 GLOBE TELECOM 1,829 1,832 1,800 1,839 1,800 1,832 64,215 117,615,830 21,999,970 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.045 0.046 0.05 0.05 0.046 0.046 559,100,000 26,502,600 557,000 CONVERGE 29.9 29.95 29.1 29.95 29 29.95 6,375,800 188,811,970 77,072,955 2.6 2.67 2.6 2.7 2.59 2.7 106,000 277,360 DFNN INC 5.05 5.06 5.04 5.08 5.03 5.05 2,051,700 10,367,663 -225,690 DITO CME HLDG JACKSTONES 1.63 1.78 1.8 1.84 1.7 1.7 94,000 165,180 1.29 1.3 1.31 1.34 1.25 1.29 1,026,000 1,316,870 -5,350 NOW CORP 0.32 0.325 0.32 0.33 0.32 0.325 2,500,000 812,900 -22,750 TRANSPACIFIC BR 2GO GROUP 7.4 7.51 7.52 7.52 7.3 7.3 7,100 52,684 13.4 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 11,800 159,300 ASIAN TERMINALS 1.53 1.55 1.56 1.56 1.53 1.53 132,000 202,910 CHELSEA 47.5 47.95 47.8 48 47.2 47.5 153,500 7,312,730 -446,175 CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER 219.8 220.4 221 221 219 220.4 547,480 120,385,648 4,308,614 MACROASIA 5.62 5.63 5.63 5.65 5.5 5.63 343,900 1,928,956 13,775 0.97 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.96 0.99 5,000 4,860 METROALLIANCE A 6.05 6.34 6.3 6.3 6.02 6.25 34,600 215,219 PAL HLDG HARBOR STAR 0.69 0.73 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 23,000 15,870 1.53 1.7 1.53 1.53 1.52 1.52 11,000 16,820 ACESITE HOTEL 535 540 535 535 535 535 10 5,350 FAR EASTERN U BELLE CORP 1.27 1.28 1.31 1.31 1.28 1.28 31,000 39,710 6.22 6.3 6.31 6.31 6.15 6.3 1,926,900 12,004,793 -4,440,675 BLOOMBERRY 1.55 1.7 1.83 1.83 1.69 1.69 5,000 8,790 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.24 1.25 1.21 1.28 1.21 1.25 2,378,000 2,992,610 LEISURE AND RES PH RESORTS GRP 0.98 1.01 0.98 1.01 0.98 1 266,000 266,470 3,920 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.46 0.465 0.46 0.465 0.46 0.465 240,000 110,900 2.27 2.32 2.3 2.33 2.3 2.3 214,000 494,670 -94,800 PHILWEB 0.44 0.445 0.445 0.45 0.44 0.445 4,240,000 1,876,900 26,400 ALLDAY ALLHOME 7.8 7.86 7.8 7.88 7.79 7.8 340,500 2,660,081 -477,293 METRO RETAIL 1.33 1.34 1.34 1.34 1.32 1.34 149,000 198,470 -89,780 36.65 36.9 35.9 36.9 35.9 36.9 500,300 18,342,395 12,512,235 PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL 55.15 56 54.85 56.15 54.85 55.15 131,050 7,228,603.50 -3,757,625 PHIL SEVEN CORP 67.45 68 67 67.5 67 67.5 14,880 1,004,365 -800,553.50 1.09 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.09 1.11 778,000 854,590 620,950 SSI GROUP 26.3 26.5 26 26.5 25.9 26.5 1,078,900 28,414,055 21,507,965 WILCON DEPOT EASYCALL 4.02 4.44 4.01 4.01 4.01 4.01 2,000 8,020 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7 2,000 13,400 IPM HLDG 0.84 0.85 0.84 0.85 0.84 0.85 886,000 747,820 -5,040 MEDILINES 0.53 0.54 0.52 0.54 0.52 0.53 2,847,000 1,497,070 -87,300 PRMIERE HORIZON MINING & OIL ATOK 5.53 5.9 5.54 5.9 5.54 5.9 5,500 30,614 APEX MINING 1.69 1.7 1.66 1.7 1.66 1.7 2,038,000 3,444,830 6.82 6.84 6.76 6.9 6.76 6.82 711,500 4,839,900 ATLAS MINING 7.28 7.29 7.04 7.5 7.04 7.28 76,700 556,596 BENGUET A 7.19 7.2 7.44 7.59 7.2 7.2 73,300 552,987 BENGUET B CENTURY PEAK 2.7 2.74 2.74 2.74 2.74 2.74 25,000 68,500 DIZON MINES 5.19 5.24 5.22 5.22 5.22 5.22 10,000 52,200 2.79 2.8 2.78 2.81 2.75 2.8 6,976,000 19,458,320 FERRONICKEL 0.173 0.19 0.173 0.173 0.173 0.173 380,000 65,740 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.144 0.147 0.147 0.149 0.143 0.147 5,620,000 814,530 0.145 0.146 0.144 0.145 0.144 0.145 1,270,000 184,090 LEPANTO B 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.01 16,700,000 168,100 MANILA MINING A MARCVENTURES 1.61 1.63 1.52 1.63 1.51 1.63 3,225,000 5,127,360 NIHAO 0.97 1 0.99 1 0.99 1 15,000 14,960 7.61 7.62 7.55 7.62 7.48 7.62 2,187,300 16,569,090 NICKEL ASIA 0.94 0.95 0.92 0.96 0.92 0.95 188,000 175,800 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 5.51 5.52 5.5 5.57 5.48 5.51 461,400 2,541,464 SEMIRARA MINING 30.55 30.65 30.45 30.75 30.4 30.65 2,425,700 74,135,820 0.0061 0.0063 0.0063 0.0063 0.0063 0.0063 2,000,000 12,600 UNITED PARAGON 16.12 16.4 16.5 16.5 16.02 16.4 89,200 1,451,106 ACE ENEXOR ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 3,600,000 40,800 0.0092 0.0094 0.0092 0.0092 0.0091 0.0091 15,000,000 137,600 PHILODRILL 4.89 4.9 5.03 5.03 4.87 4.9 282,500 1,388,857 PXP ENERGY PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 99 101 101 101 101 101 50 5,050 99.8 101 101 101 101 101 1,000 101,000 HOUSE PREF A AC PREF B2R 502 509 509 509 509 509 60 30,540 102.5 105 105 105 105 105 11,100 1,165,500 BRN PREF A 47 47.4 47 47 47 47 21,000 987,000 CEB PREF 99.7 99.9 99.8 99.9 99.8 99.9 14,500 1,448,060 DD PREF EEI PREF B 108.1 109 109 109 109 109 950 103,550 1,010 1,035 1,039 1,039 1,039 1,039 10 10,390 GTCAP PREF B 972 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 110 110,000 JFC PREF B 97 100.6 97.1 99 97 97 13,000 1,263,177 MWIDE PREF 4 PNX PREF 3B 100.8 101.9 101.9 101.9 101.9 101.9 100 10,190 976 979 975 979 975 979 4,690 4,572,950 PNX PREF 4 1,090 1,095 1,095 1,095 1,095 1,095 105 114,975 PCOR PREF 3B SMC PREF 2F 76.4 77.9 77.9 77.9 77.9 77.9 1,400 109,060 74.8 75.5 75.25 75.5 74.5 75.5 189,310 14,252,725 SMC PREF 2H 76.2 77.7 77.95 77.95 77.7 77.7 17,000 1,323,900 SMC PREF 2I 75.1 76.5 76.4 76.4 75.1 75.1 110 8,287 SMC PREF 2J TECH PREF B2C 52 52.75 52 52 52 52 1,000 52,000 54.9 55 55 55 55 55 3,700 203,500 TECH PREF B2D PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS GMA HLDG PDR 14.98 15 14.8 15 14.8 15 140,700 2,108,228 WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.64 0.66 0.62 0.64 0.62 0.64 132,000 83,400

-88,670 68,500 -479,670 -8,640 -288,040 -875,138 -178,761.00 24,543,605 -10,032 -1,213,476 -8,320

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

1.11 1.14 0.9 1.8 0.32

1.12 1.15 0.91 1.82 0.325

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF

106.9

107.5

1.03 1.15 0.92 1.77 0.32

1.19 1.15 0.92 1.81 0.32

1.02 1.12 0.89 1.76 0.32

1.11 1.15 0.91 1.8 0.32

548,529,000 522,000 445,000 1,502,000 40,000

606,547,510 590,440 398,850 2,681,780 12,800

13,088,520 -364,950 -

108 108 106.1 106.9 12,790 1,362,664 141,514

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance

Contextualizing PHL economic data

HERE is always room to put in context economic figures as advanced by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno last week at the PICC (Philippine International Convention Center). For instance, one can contextualize the (5.6 percent) gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate in 2021 in relation to a hefty negative(-) 9.6 percent economic drop in the previous year 2020 which means the 2021calculation came from a lower GDP base. Likewise, the speakers projected a 7.9-percent to 9-percent GDP growth rate in 2022, which has been scaled down by the World Bank to just 5.5 percent to 5.9 percent (best scenario) and 4.9 percent (worst case scenario), surely including the Ukraine backlash. The Philippines may have survived Covid-19 but it has been recorded as having the longest lockdown in the world and one of the poorest responses to Covid 19 in Southeast Asia. Its economic fallout in 2020 due to Covid was also the worst in the region. Meanwhile, the Duterte administration passed the Rice Tarrification Law and stabilized the availability and price of rice (for 109 million Filipinos) taming inflation but the taxes from rice importation meant to subsidize the rice farmers failed as agricultural cost inputs remained high and the weather bad. The government’s hefty “sin taxes” on alcoholic beverages and tobacco (P504 million in four years) were channeled successfully to the Universal Health Care program of the government, which helped the destitute and senior citizens. Government-operated firms contributed a high P68.7 billion in 2021, a powerful non-tax revenue source. Digitalization has resulted in the full automation of the graft-ridden Bureau of Customs (but why only now after all these years?) and improved the electronic tax payments from 1.9 million to 5.5 million payers in 2021. Because of this, too, the previously huge unbanked communities in the nation became bank users with 90.5 million now holders of “Basic Deposit Account.” The government expects that 50 percent of payment transactions will be digital in form by 2023. The problem remains (despite these) since income levels of people have dropped as people “living below the poverty line” in 2021 have gone back to the 2017 level of 21 percent or 23 million Filipinos. Can they really use their bank accounts much less make digital payments given their poverty? Because of Covid-19, the Philippines borrowed heavily P3-trillion for pandemic response, mainly vaccines, which placed the country’s total debt to an unprecedented P12-trillion, raising the debt-to-GDP ratios from 3.4 percent (2019), 7.6 percent (2020) and 8.6 percent (2021). Fiscal strain will follow as government collections dropped during the pandemic and will only be able to raise to pre-pandemic levels this 2022 and

Finex free enterprise Zoilo ‘Bingo’ Dejaresco III our national budget has been growing. On the other hand, because of Create, reforms in the Foreign Investments Act, Ease of Doing Business and Retail Liberalization Act, some new $10.5 billion in foreign direct investments have signed up. Due to unseen barriers, however, historicallyregistered investments do not always result in actual entry. The “Build Build Build” program of the government has resulted in new 77 kilometers of new railways (2,186 new trains) and 1,219 kilometers of new roads since 2016. Dominguez cited 28 highly concessional BBB contracts including the Mega Manila Subway program. The government boasts of a 4.5-percent ratio of infrastructure to GDP but this is below the target of 5.0 percent to 5.5 percent to GDP ratio according to the government’s own medium-term economic plan. Among the clearly commendable achievements of the Duterte administration should count the improved universal health care program, the Malasakit hospital packages, the improved PPP (Pantawid program), free secondary and collegiate public education, free irrigation for farmers and the increase of foreign reserves to a high $108 billion; unprecedented in amounts. The government has increased the capitalization of Landbank (from P88 billion to P230 billion) making it the second-largest universal bank in the country. It helps the country in its massive lending to the rural banks that disperse wealth and opportunities to the countryside. The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) hiked its net worth from P37.9 billion to P76 billion. Both Landbank and the DBP are chief lenders to different local government units (LGUs) in the country. But agribusiness, generally, has been a slowpoke here reflected in the anemic contribution of agriculture (always less than 20 percent contribution to GDP) and many LGUs really do not have “absorptive capacity” for projects even if financing is available. The various reforms in government hoped to generate greater market confidence and stability in the credit and investment ratings of RP by international arbiters of risk and ample liquidity allows the BSP to control money supply-interest rates, in turn—and thus, inflation. Diokno ended with a parable about how people in a community (like the Philippines) facing strong wind storms can take one of two options: build walls or windmills. Bingo Dejaresco, a former banker, is a financial consultant and media practitioner. He is a Life and Media member of Finex. His view here, however, are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Finex. E-mail dejarescobingo@yahoo.com.

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Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

‘Samurai bonds reflect PHL commitment to Paris pact’

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Philippine government’s landmark issuance of its firstever green Samurai bonds showed strong investor confidence in the country’s commitment to climate change initiatives, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said.

Last Monday, the Philippines borrowed 70.1 billion yen (around P29.1 billion or $600 million) through its maiden issuance of four-tranche green Samurai bonds, marking its successful return to the Japanese market. The pricing for its 5-year, 7-year, 10-year and 20-year Sustainability Samurai Bonds came just less than a month after it borrowed $1 billion through its maiden green dollar bond issuance with a 25-year tenor. So far this year, the government raised around $1.6 billion from its green bond issuances so far to the offshore debt market. “Following a successful US Dollar transaction, the Republic has

once again exhibited investor appetite for Philippine financial instruments despite the current market volatilities with its successful issuance of the sovereign’s first-ever ESG [Environmental, Social and Governance] Samurai bonds. This is testament to the international appreciation of and confidence in, the government’s strong commitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives and to deepening its domestic sustainable finance market,” Dominguez was quoted in a statement as saying. Separately, the finance chief also told reporters the back-to-back successful green bond issuances provided another financing platform as

well as captured a new investor base that will help the country in pursuing its climate change initiatives. Asked if this will be the new normal for the Philippine government to borrow green bonds instead of the usual ordinary debt instruments, Dominguez said: “However, our financing strategy will remain opportunistic to tap cost-efficient structures to meet the requirements of our priority endeavors, particularly climate-related projects.” As its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement, the Philippines has committed to a projected greenhouse gas emission reduction and avoidance of 75 percent from 2020 to 2030 for the sectors of agriculture, wastes, industry, transport and energy despite being among the countries with the smallest carbon footprints. Of the 75 percent, 72.29 percent is “conditional” or contingent upon the support of climate finance, technologies and capacity development, which shall be provided by developed countries, as prescribed by the Paris Agreement, while the remaining 2.71 percent is “unconditional” or shall be implemented mainly through domestic resources. Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis YC Joven, who heads the

Department of Finance’s International Finance Group, also pointed out that the transaction also marks the government’s first long-tenor Samurai offering. In a bid to utilize demand for longer tenors, the government issued its first 20-year note in the Samurai market. For her part, National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon said the deal also comes at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and market volatility. “Amid market volatility and rising geopolitical tensions, this landmark Samurai transaction has demonstrated the Republic’s ability to price tighter than current secondary levels and extend the maturity to the longend of the curve. The upsized transaction supported by new investors from Japanese regional banks and life insurance companies highlights the Republic’s strong credit profile in the global capital markets,” De Leon said. SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. and Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd acted as Lead Managers for this deal. In March last year, the Philippine government raised ¥55 billion ($500 million or about P24.2 billion) in its sale of 3-year zero-coupon Samurai bonds.

‘Cashless economy drives high e-wallet penetration’ By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

HE growth of the cashless economy has seen a surge of the e-wallet market in the last two years with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas saying that as of the end of 2020, one in five financial transactions (including bills payments and money transfers) had been made through e-wallets. Digido Finance Corp. CEO Nikita Saigutin told the BusinessMirror that one of the main factors for high e-wallet penetration is the efforts on the government’s side to drive the country towards a cashless economy. “Promoting the financial inclusion of underserved populations, the Central Bank of the Philippines employed various micro-banking offices, e-money issuers, and remittance agents,” Saigutin said. “Consequently, the circulation of mobile wallets in the country also increased.” She views mobile wallets as have been surging in popularity in the country. “They address common local issues such as geographic disunity and low financial inclusion, while offering a faster, safer and more

diverse service to the consumers,” Saiguitin said.

Several advantages

ACCORDING to Saigutin, in the coming years, e-wallets are set to continue their rise, relying on a synergetic relationship with similarly growing e-commerce. “New companies will appear to offer flexible payment and shopping options, contributing to the diversification and enhancement of the Filipino financial ecosystem,” Saigutin said. In 2017, the number of registered e-wallet accounts in the Philippines was almost 9 million. In 2020, mobile wallet usage was three times higher. By 2025, this number should rise to 75.5 million, according to Statista. In 2020, Filipinos transferred over P2.39 trillion via e-wallets, exceeding the amount in 2017 by almost 149 percent. The same source shows that the share of fintech-companies offering mobile wallets is already ranked third in the Philippines in 2022, following the lending and payment sectors. Saiguitin said many Filipinos warmly accepted e-wallets because they offer several advantages.

Compared to other payment options, e-wallets are faster, safer and offer a more diverse set of services. “Also, mobile wallets help to overcome the geographic disunity by virtue of easier access and application.” As a result, the share of cash payments in the Philippines has decreased by 30 percent during the last 4 years (Statista). At the same time, digital/mobile wallets have seen a sharp rise from 1 percent to 16 percent, with the breakthrough trend during the pandemic in 2020; from 5 percent to 13 percent.

Uptake growth

According to latest data by the BSP, the uptake of financial services among Filipino adults grew significantly. Among all types of financial accounts—bank accounts, accounts with microfinance NGOs, e-money, accounts with cooperatives, accounts with non-stock savings and loan associations, ewallet penetration is posting the highest growth. Moreover, Saigutin pointed out that e-wallets are also the leading e-com payment method in the Philippines (30.5 percent, Statista). With the growth of demand, the

market increases and new names appear. “Such an instance, UnaCash, which is set to contribute to a diverse and competitive payments ecosystem, offering digital finance accounts to the unbanked population in the Philippines. UnaCash will be the one-stop shop for every financial need of the customer, including paying bills, purchasing goods and building credit history,” Saigutin said. Notably, UnaCash analytical center has evaluated the penetration level of financial apps in Asian countries by their use. According to its analytical center, UnaCash said the Philippines has seen an increase in demand for e-money and mobile wallets (49 percent), which is second only to online loans (75 percent). A mobile wallet (aka e-wallet) is an electronic device, online service, or software program that allows one party to make electronic transactions with another party bartering digital currency units for goods and services. A mobile wallet user can pay for their purchases at any store that is partnered with a mobile wallet provider, all from the comfort of their home.

IFC invests $18.5M in Paymaya operator to aid firm’s foray in digital banking By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE International Finance Corp. (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, will be investing $18.5 million in Pangilinan-led financial technology firm Voyager Innovations Inc. (VII). The investment will be made through IFC Emerging Asia Fund (“Emerging Asia Fund”) and the IFC Financial Institutions Growth Fund (“FIG Fund”). Both funds are under IFC’s equity mobilization division (AMC). The investment will enable VII to grow its platform and offer integrated, end-to-end digital financial services to consumers, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and large enterprises. “We are very pleased to continue supporting Voyager, which provides technology-driven solutions and innovative business models that will

create new markets for accessible and affordable financial products and services that can improve the lives of more Filipinos,” Jean Marc Christian Arbogast, IFC Country Manager for the Philippines, said. “In particular, our investment this time will enable VII to make its foray into digital banking, to reach currently financially excluded and underserved populations with a range of formal, affordable financial services suited to their needs,” Arbogast added. “The ongoing Covid-19 crisis has only reinforced the need for increased digital financial inclusion.” The investment by IFC, Emerging Asia and FIG Funds, consists of up to $18.5 million in preferred shares. It is part of a $210 million capital raising that makes VII the second unicorn in the Philippines. VII operates PayMaya, the only fintech in the Philippines serving all segments of consumers and en-

terprises with its consumer e-wallet app. The company also facilitates payment processing for businesses through an on-ground agent network, Smart Padala. As of end-March 2022, it provides more than 47 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 63,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services.

Victory Liner

VII announced last Wednesday that PayMaya is now being used by transportation operator Victory Liner Inc. In a statement, VII said commuters can book and pay for their bus tickets at Victory Liner’s website using a PayMaya account, any debit, credit or prepaid card or via other

e-wallets. The firm added that commuters buying their bus tickets at Victory Liner stations in Baguio, Caloocan, Cubao, Dagupan, Olongapo, Pasay, Sampaloc, Santiago and Tuguegarao can safely scan to pay via PayMaya QR or any debit, credit or prepaid card. VII said it has enabled these Victory Liner stations with an all-in-one Android device that allows businesses to accept QR and any card payment. The subsidiary of PLDT Inc. subsidiary PLDT Communications and Energy Ventures Inc. said it also equipped all 23 of Victory Liner’s “Drop and Go” outlets with PayMaya One terminals so consumers can make PayMaya QR or any card payment for their delivery service needs. “Customers who wish to send packages can conveniently book the door-to-door pickup and delivery of items through the Drop and Go website,” the company said. “It offers

terminal-to-terminal freight service within Central Luzon, Northern Luzon and Mega Manila.”

Vastly underserved

THE company also recently launched Maya Bank, a new, fully-digital bank in the Philippines. Its digital banking services will be integrated and offered at the back of PayMaya’s platform and ecosystem. “Our strong record of execution and innovation is a testament to our world-class team’s hard work and talent. With this milestone, we are excited to leap forward and bring the best of PayMaya and Maya Bank to help unlock the digital economy for the underserved and unbanked Filipinos,” VII CEO-Founder Orlando B. Vea said. IFC said the Philippines is the fastest-growing market in Southeast Asia, with digital adoption of services reaching tipping points during the

pandemic, driven by the demands of a young, digital-savvy population. Despite this accelerated trajectory, the Philippines remain a vastly underserved market with solid growth opportunities. Half of the adult population remains unbanked. About 47 percent of Filipino adults do not have savings and of those with savings, one in two save via informal means. Only 1 in 3 adults have loans, of which a mere 3 percent are availing from banks. The enormous digital financial services opportunity extends to MSMEs. These businesses account for 99.5 percent of the total establishments and employ 62.8 percent of the entire labor force in the country. However, access to credit and financial services for MSMEs remain a challenge, with only 24 percent availing of loans or having lines of credit from formal financial institutions.

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Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

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French ambassador, Hidilyn Diaz launch global relay toward Paris 2024 Olympics

I PSBC-SGE PACT Ambassador Alain Gaschen of Switzerland and Philippine-Swiss GRATEFUL

United States Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Heather Variava (left) receives a token of appreciation from Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino during the “Balikatan” joint training’s closing ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on April 8. About 8,900 Filipino and American troops participated in this year’s annual military exercises. PNA/JOEY O. RAZON

Business Council Chairperson Christine Fajardo, Novartis Phils. Corporate Affairs head, recently led the signed cooperation agreement between PSBC and Switzerland Global Enterprise. The envoy said: “We see renewed interest for the Philippines as a potential investment destination for our Swiss companies, and this partnership agreement between PSBC and SGE came in just perfectly. This means more business-promotion activities and in-depth market researches, which will open up more opportunities and collaborations between Filipinos and Swiss entrepreneurs in the years ahead.”

India’s skills training for Filipinos, bureaucrats proceeds amid ‘Covid’

N celebration of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6, the Philippines joined 43 other countries in the world in a global relay to highlight the role of sports in uniting nations, as it promoted the spirit and values of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Terre de Jeux 2024 global relay was put together by the Paris 2024 organizing committee, as well as the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which mobilized French diplomatic missions to take part in a 24-hour virtual and symbolic passing of the baton from one country to another in the next time zone. A one-hour sporting event to signal the passing of the baton was also organized in participating countries: from Fiji to Tahiti, through Oceania, Asia, Europe, Africa, and to the Americas. Ambassador Michèle Boccoz of France and the Philippines’s first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz led the symbolic passing of the baton from Japan and South Korea to the Philippines. The baton was later passed from the Philippines by Boccoz and Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel of Germany to Cambodia. As part of the celebration in Manila, nearly a hundred runners and cyclists joined a public fun run and bike ride

BOCCOZ (left) and Diaz

organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines in Intramuros, with the Philippine Olympic Committee’s president Abraham Tolentino. A marathon among students from the French School-Manila and the German European School-Manila also took place simultaneously at the Eurocampus in Parañaque City. “We’re proud to put Manila on the map for this Terre de Jeux global relay in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Boccoz. “The Philippines is a sports-loving nation…We hope…[“Paris 2024” will be an] occasion to bring our two countries closer together in friendships, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.” “The Philippines has so many talented athletes such as Hidilyn Diaz who symbolize the heart and talent of the Filipino people,” she added. “We look forward to seeing her and many other Filipino athletes compete and win medals in Paris 2024.”

Czechoslovak courage: Volunteerism in WW2

AMBASSADOR Shambhu Kumaran (front row, seventh from right), with ITEC enrollees INDIAN EMBASSY

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

HE Republic of India will continue to offer training and skills-development courses this year for Filipino civilians, as well as public and defense officials. There are more than 1,100 Filipinos who enlisted in the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program (ITEC), a development diplomacy initiative of India. Scholars from the Philippines enrolled in short- and long-term courses, which include information technology, rural development, parliamentary practices, entrepreneurship, renewable energy, health care, as well as marine and aeronautical engineering, among others. (Related story: ITEC Day highlights growing ties between PHL, India in training, skills development—BusinessMirror, April 9, 2022.) In his speech during the ITEC Day reception in Taguig City on March 29, Ambassador of India Shambhu Kumaran confirmed that “the Philippines is an important ITEC partner.” “Government departments and other public institutions in the Philippines are free to choose their personnel and courses…relevant for their development needs,” Kumaran pointed out. “The program is fully funded by the government of India.” This year India has offered 50 slots for defense officials from the Philippines—the highest number in Southeast Asia. This is aside from the fact that the said officials are currently enrolled in flagship defensetraining programs in each other’s country. These cover fields like security and strategic studies, defense management, as well as logistics and management, among others. “In light of the volatility of our domestic and internal security en-

vironments, our mutual training and capacity-building cooperation are truly vital in ensuring that both our defense forces are capable [of responding] to any security threat, and other exigencies under all circumstances,” said Commodore Donn Anthony Miraflor, Armed Forces of the Philippines’s (AFP) deputy chief of staff for education, training and doctrine. “After all, peace and progress [are the concerns] of every nation, across all regions.” In February, 33 Philippine government officials also attended a three-week customized course on leadership and good governance for sustainable development. Popular e-ITEC courses in the country are Digital Documentation of Cultural Heritage, Disaster Management (Floods and Droughts), and Environment Impact Assessment. Prior to the pandemic, participants traveled to India to attend training programs and obtain handson experiences on the courses they enrolled in. During the public health crisis, 120 Filipino bureaucrats joined as ITEC shifted to digital learning through e-ITEC courses. Aside from the Philippines, ITEC is also in 160 countries from Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, and the Pacific, including island-countries.

‘Energized’ partnership

MEANWHILE, a bilateral meeting between Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. and his Indian counterpart, Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam

Jaishankar, is in the works “later this month,” the Indian Embassy in Manila disclosed. Kumaran said Locsin is expected to visit India to follow up on the discussions he had when Jaishankar went to Manila in February. Security, defense, as well as regional and global issues were among the topics covered. According to the Indian envoy, among the agenda of the visit is the creation of a “legal framework” for the further expansion of linkages between New Delhi and Manila. Locsin’s supposed India trip would come on the heels of his bilateral meetings with his counterparts this month, including foreign ministers Wang Yi of China and Hayashi Yoshimasa of Japan on April 9. Kumaran admitted that India’s engagement with the Philippines is “not as well-developed and multifaceted,” compared to the former’s partnership with other countries in Southeast Asia. But thanks to growing trade relations, interactions between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Duterte, and the latter’s independent foreign policy, the envoy said the two nations have managed to bring a degree of energy into their ties. “With…recent developments in the Indo-Pacific—in particular, the complications around relationships with rising new powers and the smaller [Southeast Asian] nations—there’s definitely…an interest in India and in [its] approach; and reciprocally for India, the Asean and Philippines have been [places] of considerable interest,” he added. For Kumaran, some areas the two nations could further work on are in vaccine production, businessprocess outsourcing, and financial technology. He said the two nations are also trying to develop cooperation on defense and security, particularly on counterterrorism. “Space-based applications, [including] new technologies that help both in terms of development and national security: These could all

be potentially very, very important drivers for this relationship in the future,” the Indian diplomat confirmed. In January the Philippines also formally signed the P18.9-billion contract for the Indian-made Brahmos medium ramjet supersonic cruise missile system, which is programmed for the Navy’s shore-based anti-ship missile system. While talks are “still at an early stage,” the envoy also sees potential in terms of naval platforms and systems. “I don’t think anything is mature enough to be able to get to a contract, but surely the conversations are ongoing,” Kumaran confirmed. “We just had a joint defense committee meeting in India last month, and I think the discussions were very positive.” During the said meeting, Filipino authorities have outlined Manila’s needs under the AFP modernization program, requirements Kumaran believes his country has the capacity to meet. “[We’re] willing to do far deeper and more sustainable cooperation, which involves a lot of military-tomilitary engagements to support capability acquisition—not just purely in terms of buy-and-sell, but also… of working together military-to-military, trying to develop the capability in the true sense through training, extensive maintenance support, and clearly establishing ourselves as a serious player in the defense business,” he explained. In the same forum, the ambassador underscored the need for New Delhi and Manila to work together, as he cited the fact that both nations are committed to the rules-based order. “Both,” Kumaran averred, “have experienced, if you will, similar challenges to our sovereignty and territorial integrity—inland, or in the maritime domain.” “Clearly, we need to work together to try and bolster each other’s capabilities,” he said. “We need to exchange more information with each other, and work together wherever possible.” With a report from Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA

N the occasion of the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan commemorated every April 9, the Embassy of the Czech Republic also pays tribute to its nationals who volunteered to defend the Philippines during the Second World War. The story of Czech defenders of Bataan is unique, though largely unknown. Since they were nationals of Czechoslovakia, which at that time was under Nazi protectorate, Japanese forces guaranteed for their safety. Nonetheless, the former still chose to offer their services, and therefore were considered as the only ones who served in the United States Army Forces in the Far East, or USAFFE, from countries occupied by Nazi forces. Karel Aster, a Czech defender of Bataan who died in 2019, said “fighting for the Philippines, at that time, was like fighting for the liberty of Czechoslovakia.” This period in the history of the Czech Republic and the Philippines leaves an indelible mark on both countries’ relations. The courageous decision to fight for the liberty of a country that was not their own was evident not only in the shrine dedicated to them in Capas, Tarlac, but also in the headstones and the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Historical tour

WITH more than 16,000 graves of military dead and about 36,000 names on the “Walls…,” the said cemetery is the largest of its kind. In the vastness of its area at 152 acres lies the stories of the Second World War. These are the subject of an educational tour recently hosted by Vicente Paolo Lim IV. During the visit of the members of the embassy led by Ambassador Jana Sedivá, Lim relayed that the stronghold in Bataan, from January 7, 1942 to April 9, 1942, delayed the advance of Japanese forces in the Pacific, which eventually led to the Allied Forces’ victory in World War 2. He also shared the importance of the role played by the Czechoslovak volunteers during the war. For one, they were in charge of supply and logistics. Included in their responsibilities was to retrieve the ricemilling equipment in the defensive position known as the Abucay-Morong line, which exposed them to 36-hour enemy fire. This tool was significant in increasing the ration of food for the US forces. Thus, Jan Bžoch, Pavel (Paul) Fuchs, Leo Hermann, Fred Lenk, Otto Hirsch and Arnošt Morávek earned the American Medal of Freedom: the highest civilian distinction of the US. Among those who volunteered,

two of the graves are found at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial: Hermann’s and Fuchs’s. Each carried unique experiences during the war. Based on archival records, the former died as a prisoner of war in the Japanese concentration camp of Fukuoka on April 2, 1945, while the other perished in Camp O’Donnell on May 25, 1942 due to dysentery. Aside from the Czechoslovaks who volunteered for the Allied forces during the war, the grave of an American soldier of Czech origin was visited. Charles Stejskal was assigned as an infantry replacement who participated in the Lingayen Gulf invasion and other subsequent operations. He was killed on January 24, 1945 in La Union. The Czechoslovak volunteers experienced various horrors in the armed conflict: from encounters with artillery fire, the infamous “Death March,” prisoner-of-war camps, and the hell ships where lives were lost. Lim is the great-grandson of Brigadier General Vicente Lim, a Philippine war hero who heroically offered his life for his country. For him, the dedication to tell the stories of World War 2 is a personal mission as his service to remind the havoc of wars. Similar to the story of Czechoslovak volunteers, Brig. Gen. Lim dedicated his life to defend the Philippines from foreign powers. His tactical mind and strength in strategy helped in the stronghold of Bataan. It was also there that the Czechoslovak volunteers and the elder Lim fought together. While the former were dismantling and retrieving the rice mill, the brigadier general was with the 41st Infantry Division and commanded the frontline for defense.

Remembering history, lessons

FOR Sedivá, the visit to the cemetery was also very personal. With the ongoing war in Europe and Ukraine facing an unprovoked invasion from Russia, the ambassador believes it is timely to remember the history and lessons of previous world wars. “It is important that we recall the lessons of the past: that there are no victors in wars, and civilians—especially women and children—remain to be at risk the most,” she remarked. “While the war seems far from our door, we will all be affected in one way or another, regardless of where we are.” The Embassy of the Czech Republic recalls the past and remembers those who laid down their lives for freedom. And, in the continuing fight and worsening situation in Ukraine, it encourages the public to continue to call on all parties of the conflict to fully respect international law, and to avoid repeating the horrors of the past.

Life

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

Guiding our kids to their new chapters SPECIAL PROGRAMMING FOR HOLY WEEK 2022

WITH the long weekend coming up, GMA brings viewers a special Holy Week programming to keep viewers connected in their faith and reflection while in the safety of their homes. Begin Maundy Thursday with a quick vacation via Biyahe ni Drew at 6 am. Then bear witness to the stories of His miracles and greatness with Jesus at 7 am, followed by the heartwarming animated features Barbie in a Mermaid Tale at 8 am and Antz at 9 am, and CBN Asia’s Holy Week specials at 10:30 am. An entertaining film for the family comes next with Spy Kids 4 at 11:30 am. Viewers can also relive the epic fantasy-adventure trilogy The Lord of the Rings starting with The Fellowship of the Ring at 1:30 pm. This Time I’ll Be Sweeter, starring Ken Chan and Barbie Forteza, follows at 4:30 pm. GMA’s flagship newscast 24 Oras airs at 6:30 pm. The whole family is also sure to enjoy Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza’s Imagine You and Me at 7 pm. Cap off the night with the classic Hollywood movie Spartacus at 9 pm. Welcome Good Friday, April 15, with the internationally-acclaimed religious program Power to Unite at 6 am, then witness the story of the woman who followed Jesus in Magdalena at 7 am. Catch Barbie’s next adventure in Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2 at 8 am, and the fun continues with the animated Ferdinand at 9 am. Don’t miss CBN Asia’s Holy Week specials at 10:30 am, followed by Jesus’ seven last words from the Dominican Province via Siete Palabras at 12:00nn. Spend the rest of the afternoon with The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers at 2 pm and Moments of Love with Dingdong Dantes and Iza Calzado at 5 pm. Don’t miss the biggest and latest news with 24 Oras at 6:30 pm, followed by Miss Granny starring Sarah Geronimo, James Reid and Xian Lim at 7 pm. Then end the day with the Hollywood film The Ten Commandments at 9 p.m. On April 16, Black Saturday, catch Biyahe ni Drew at 6 am, followed by The Story of Jesus for Children at 7 am. Catch a lineup of exciting films, including Kung Fu Panda 3 at 8 am; The Prince of Egypt at 9 am; The Secret Life of Pets at 10:30 am; and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World at 11:30 am; and the ending of The Lord of the Rings trilogy: The Return of the King at 1:30 pm. Experience an afternoon of laughter with Enteng Kabisote 10 and The Abangers, starring Vic Sotto and Oyo Sotto at 4:30 pm. Meanwhile, viewers can catch 24 Oras Weekend at 6:30 pm. Finally, fall in love with the romance movie Alone/Together starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil at 7 pm. Then, finish the day with the epic historical drama movie Ben Hur at 9 pm. More information can be found at www. gmanetwork.com.

MEMORIES of Dubai: Meagan’s “big brother,” National Sabre Team’s Sandro Sia, at the Burj Khalifa; National Team Sabre Coach Eric Brando II with me and Sarah Sia at the event venue; Philippine national fencers led by Head Coach Amatov Canlas at the 2022 Junior & Cadet Fencing World Championships in Dubai; a visit to Dubai’s old town Alseef; and Meagan celebrating her 16th birthday with the Philippine delegate members and team manager Sally Aramburo.

AST Saturday was our National Day of Valor. This coming Sunday will be Easter. I thought about my teenage daughter’s recent struggles and realized the courage teenagers need today. My daughter Meagan recently celebrated her 16th birthday during the 2022 Junior & Cadet Fencing World Championships in Dubai. She finished well for her first time in a world competition, competing with almost 200 fencers all over the world. She scored the best ranking among fellow Filipina fencers in the individual Women’s Sabre Juniors division, and led the Philippine Junior team to a respectable score of 23 vs. 45 against Uzbekistan, which is 7th in the world. She was the highest pointer for this team game for the Philippine team. Her ongoing journey has not been easy. She has been juggling with meeting school deadlines, as she had been rigorously training in Ormoc on and off since July 2021, as well as joining competitions both local and international. She also tries her best to fulfill her other roles in school as the class president, among others. I was amazed at how she found a supplier in Pampanga to do customized 10A Bears for the Valentine season, coordinated the design, negotiated the price, and arranged for the logistics all on her own. Because of this, she has lost time for normal teen activities like being with her friends and tutoring her classmates, which she loved doing in the past. She has had to deal with misunderstandings among classmates for schoolwork. The hardest part has been to face the painful reality of betrayal and abandonment from people she thought would be there for her, particularly at this time when she needed the support. This is why the smiles in the photos above are truly priceless to me. The life of a teenager today is no easier than what we lived in our time. As much as we might think our kids would be less resilient as we were in the past, I believe the digital, more connected and global world they live in also makes their lives a notch more complicated. I titled this column so because I believe parental guidance is ever more needed in the highly volatile emotional world of our teenagers. I have had many deep and at times explosive arguments with my daughter these past few months. I have consulted with friends with older kids, friends who are experts and read books. What I have learned so far is that it is important to acknowledge and not dismiss their struggles. It does not help to fully

impose or insist our standards without dialogue and empathy. There is also a lot of self-reflection and patience needed to listen and suspend judgment. What is helping me in guiding her is by relaying stories of my past, not for her to follow the road I took but to feel my empathy. Below are three of the stories I have shared with her at different times: 1. I had a best friend from nursery until Grade 2. Then one day, I can still vividly remember, she walked up to me during recess and told me I was no longer her best friend because she had a new one. It was harsh to realize that nothing lasts forever at the age of 8. But in hindsight, it also made me open to welcome new friendships and even value those that were already there but I did not fully see. One of them was a classmate since nursery who today remains to be a best friend and is also a godfather to my daughter. 2. I trekked a different path from my friends when I came back from almost a school year of 10th grade in New York, and moved to a non-Chinese exclusive girl’s school. I felt aloof in both worlds. This was a time when I learned that being out of place pushed me to harness my strengths. I just minded my own business and pushed hard in anything I did. Later on, my new classmates and teachers recognized my work. By the

end of the 4th year, they trusted me enough to make me the class president. 3. When a relationship in college ended painfully, I felt like the smallest person in campus. I would even turn on my heels every time I saw my ex-boyfriend with his new girlfriend. I “hid” from the world for two semesters by spending most of my time in the chapel and the library. It was at this time that I found my true constant, which is my personal relationship with God. It is interesting to see my daughter quietly listening to these stories, at times crying. It is even more interesting that I still cry in recounting them to her. Then I see in my daughter’s eyes her understanding that getting hurt is part of life, but so is getting up. I realized that this parenting route might seem longer, and that I could just direct Meagan to what I think is the correct path. But I want my kids to always be bold enough to face their experiences, wallow in it if needed—and then realize that with the help of humble faith and a bold resolve, they will have the power to write their new chapters. Thank you to Meagan’s true friends—you know who you are—for being there for her. Advanced Happy Easter, everyone. n

could subvert the Passion Play in form but never the persons in those narratives. Thus, Ted Neeley is given all the skies and the mountains to whip out a Gethsemane that straddles between a condemnation and a curse, between the keenly problematic notion of God who is made Man and a God who dies. However, Judas gets to close the rock opera by intoning all the questions about the nature of Christ: “Every time I look at you I don’t understand/Why you let the things you did get so out of hand/You’d have managed better if you’d had it planned/Why’d you choose such a backward time in such a strange land?” Amid this musical landscape, I have been partial lately to Balsamo’s rendition of “Gethsemane.” It is a moving interpretation of the complexities of Divinity, made even more resolutely glam by a singing that is theatre, opera and melodrama.

The radio of the 1950s and 1960s provided different articulations of Judas. Stock characters all, the villains in the modern device like the radio came in the persons of Pontius Pilate and the Pharisees who were always depicted as simpering, mean viragos with a lisp to boot. Distinct from them were radio talents who ran the gamut of acting from A to Z and back again, flamboyantly sketching a man who was ready to betray his Master for a few pieces of silver but never getting his share of glory. Even with just the aural presentations, one could sense then how extremely physical and taxing the character of Judas was. A very odd personality stood out among those who relived the agony of Judas and his name was Ben David. It must be asked at this point: Which came first, the takeno-prisoner acting technique of the famed radio talents, or the movie actors who annually gilded the screen with their own take on Judas and, we might as well include here, Pilate and Herod? On the silver screen then, two actors had almost a patent on Judas: Johnny Monteiro and, again Ben David. Monteiro with his handlebar mustache acted in Carlos Vander Tolosa’s Kalbaryo ni Jesus as Judas but he carried this characterization of pure, horrific evil in other roles as Satan and as contravida numero uno in many other cinematic outings. He was even Padre Salvi in Gerardo de Leon’s Noli Me Tangere, a role that somehow followed the thread of being a “Hudas.” Ben David scared the hell out of little boys and girls in the 1950s and early 1960s with his Gabi ng Lagim. His voice was bass-baritone because he brought it down to that level. His eyebrows arched to scare, his eyes a pair of mean slits, David later turned that voice of horror into something hilarious. From comedic to campy is a path well-trodden by many actors then, a trajectory taken by Ben David himself. For all the fun and terror, or even confused pity, we experienced with Judas onscreen, onstage or through the airlanes, the disciple who betrayed the Redeemer with a kiss remains the figure of obfuscation, the terrible personality that allows us to examine fate and free will. This Lent, think of Judas and ask what would have happened if there was no one like him to fulfill the prophecy for this being named Jesus and the gift called “salvation.”

Re-examining Judas in pop culture

AH, Judas! You are most unfortunate. Most seductive at the beginning of the great tale, you slowly spin downward to darkness until you hit the lowest bottom where there is no other option but do die. But without you, how would the Passion and Death of the Christ be ever realized? We do not ask always this question when we encounter Judas. He is a given, a default persona that explains why Jesus was easily apprehended, caught, judged, and then—in the climax of the cautionary tale of redemption—crucified. Do we thank you, Judas, or curse you? Did we ask you to explain, or was your role decided all the while from the very start? In the sprawling miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, Judas as essayed by Ian Mcshane has an early vindication: he approaches a Jesus who is resting, his eyes closed, and introduces himself as a scholar. A learned apostle, it seems, is anathema in the brotherhood of fishermen and regular guys the Messiah is organizing. Earlier, in the film adaptation of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, Judas is a counter force to a naïve Peter, a young passive John, and a Mary Magdalene who exhibits her unusual love for the Savior. In that encounter with Jesus and Mary Magdalene, Judas is more of a politician than a moralist: he is bothered of the intimacy between Jesus and Mary Magdalene not so much of what it will do to the Savior but what impression that relationship will bring upon the movement. It is worthwhile to note that in the same rock opera, the two most beguiling roles are that of Judas and Jesus. Vocal prowess and the need to give sensational performances

brand Judas vis-à-vis Jesus. In the film, it is Judas that gives Jesus a run for his money (the pun is graciously intended) when their vocal talents are pitted against each other: Judas with his atrociously rock-loud “Heaven on their Minds” and Jesus with his “I Only Want to Know,” which is also known as “Gethsemane.” YouTube has an amazing display of these vocal performances. For the very first recording of the rock opera, Judas is fleshed out by Murray Head, actor and singer known for another film, Sunday, Bloody Sunday, ranting against the existential agony of Deep Purple’s lead vocalist, the mighty Ian Gillan, the tenor of the hardcore rock world. This blast of a competition is reborn in the film version by Norman Jewison where Carl Anderson as Judas is chased by deadly jets as he subjects the wide desert to lashes from his sharp throat. It is a consolation to those who believe any rock opera

IN the sprawling miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, Judas is essayed by Ian Mcshane.

B6 Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

SotoGrande is all set to welcome back guests

The Manila Hotel holds Visita Iglesia, exciting Easter activities

HE Manila Hotel revives prepandemic traditions in observance of Lent and to celebrate Easter. With an array of activities for its staycation, dining, and walk-in guests, and even those staying at home, the iconic hotel gives city folk and those who prefer to stay in Metro Manila options for the coming week. Lenten tradition of Visita Iglesia is a time to commemorate and solemnly celebrate Christ’s passion in prayer and sacrifice. Those staying on April 13 and 14 for a minimum deluxe room rate of P7,000 nett and suite room rate of P10,000 nett, guests can register 2 adults and 2 children 12 years old and below to join the Visita Iglesia tour. Walk-in rate for adults is P1,500 nett and 50% off on walk-in rate for children 5 to 12 years old. Stopping at seven churches, namely Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Pope Pius XII Church, St. Pancratius Church, Malate Catholic Church and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guidance, the tour includes round-trip shuttle service, in-vehicle guides, bottled water, and a scheduled snack stop at Marcelino Street Café at The Manila Prince Hotel. Registration for the Visita Iglesia guided tour is coursed through the hotel’s Front Desk/Reception upon room booking or for walk-in guests. For inquiries and reservation please call 85270011 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com. Meanwhile, the popular Easter Egg Hunt is back this year. The hotel’s inhouse guests and those having Easter lunch at Café Ilang-Ilang can register

their kids 12 years old and below for the hotel’s Easter activity at the Fiesta Pavilion on April 17. Let your kids complete the activities listed in our “A Bear-y Happy Easter” Kiddie Passport on this super fun Easter quest. Let them experience the thrill of finding Easter Eggs at our play area, and even win exciting prizes from the eggs find! Let them join activities like Arts & Crafts, Groovebeats Kiddie Dance workshop, and kiddie ballet; and watch a magic show. The whole family can also get one photo for free at our Family Easter Photo Booth. To join our Easter Kid Activities, every P5,000 worth of single receipt food bill in Café Ilang-Ilang on Easter Sunday lunch entitles a guest to one (1) complimentary pass (good for one kid with one adult). Additional kid walk-in rate is at P1,500 nett (for one kid with one adult). Discounts are not applicable to the walk-in rate. For a room bundled with 2 complimentary passes (1 child and 1 adult each pass) to the Easter event, rates start at only P6,000 nett for a deluxe room, which

accommodates 2 adults and 2 children ages 12 and below. Overnight package is inclusive of buffet breakfast (for two adults), use of swimming pool and gym facilities. Stick to your fast with our special Lent and Iftar (feast after Ramadan) from The Manila Hotel’s M Takeout. New to our rice and pasta bowl menu: the Vegan-friendly Halal Buddha Rice Bowl [Roasted Cauliflower, Potato with Indian Spices, Vegetable Pakora, Yellow Dhal]; the Svaadist Rice Bowl [Chicken Tikka Masala, and Vegetable Pakora]; the Fish Katsu Curry Rice Bowl [Breaded tilapia fillet, curry sauce, and sesame sauteed beans]; and Vincolo Pasta Bowl [Spaghetti Tuna Bolognese, Zucchini Parmesan Garlic Bread], all at P190 nett. There’s also the Healthy Tofu Rice Bowl [Tofu-mushroomcarrot salpicao, and ginataang kalabasa at sitaw] at only P175 nett. Lenten and Iftar Specials are available until May 31, 2022. Place your order by visiting https://www.themanila-hotel. com.ph/takeout/. Or call the hotline at 85270011 or 0998-9501912.

OTOGRANDE Hotel Katipunan is giving you all the reasons to head back to the city and revel anew in the exciting, cosmopolitan lifestyle it offers. As it welcomes back leisure and business travelers, as well as families, professionals, and boarding students looking for an alternative home in the city, SotoGrande is pulling out all the stops to ensure that you’ll have an excellent stay in this contemporary luxe hotel along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City. “The reopening of SotoGrande Hotel Katipunan came at the most opportune time given the easing of alert levels, enabling guests to once again experience the luxury of having everything they need within easy reach. We see SotoGrande as Katipunan’s latest gem, providing guests not only the best views of the city but also a lifestyle centered on convenience and safety—something we all need in this new normal,” said Sta. Lucia Land Inc. President Exequiel Robles. “Opening its doors in a time of pandemic, the management is constantly maintaining top safety standards and protocol. Guests can feel secure with basic practices such as temperature check at the entrance and sanitation areas being made more accessible. The hotel staff themselves have been vaccinated against the coronavirus and follow physical distancing when interacting with guests,” added Tom B. Clemente III, General Manager and COO of Sotogrande Hotel Katipunan. This 23-story tower—designed to impress and provide sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline—is an architectural marvel designed by W.V Coscolluela & Associates. SotoGrande Katipunan’s magnificence is achieved through the use of various elements that include glass, steel and stone. Even from afar, one can see this latest gem blending perfectly with Katipunan’s scenic surroundings. Inside, guests will surely appreciate the familiar opulent aesthetics that have

welcomed them in their prior stays in Sotogrande Hotel Katipunan. Elements such as wood, metal, stones and marble add texture and depth to the interiors of the hotel, giving off that warm, cozy ambience, while a few contemporary touches give it a more sophisticated finish. Topnotch amenities will further level up your SotoGrande experience, allowing you to unwind in a serene sanctuary but with all the modern comforts you will ever need in a relaxing stay. One of the highlights here is its sky lounge, a recreational bar that can also serve as an events place. Located on the top floor, this area offers stunning, panoramic views of the city. Centro Fitness, meanwhile, will keep you on track with your fitness goals even while on a holiday with its array of basic exercise and training equipment—perfect for those who lead an active lifestyle. Also available here are lockers, an open studio and a steam room. If you find yourself craving for some sumptuous local fare, the Sotogrande Cafe and Restaurant offers classic selections of Filipino dishes and your favorite comfort food that will no doubt satisfy your discerning palate. The restaurant aims to establish a warm and inviting feeling with its classy ambience, reminiscent of home or any familiar space where diners can truly feel relaxed as they dine with their friends and loved ones. No doubt, the restaurant will satisfy your cravings from morning to nightcap, with its American and Filipino style breakfast selections and delish local desserts. “Whether you choose a standard room or a deluxe suite, all guests will get to experience hotel living at its finest here at SotoGrande but with a warmer, more cozy vibe—your ideal home away from home in the new normal,” Robles concluded. For more information, call (0917) 1258847 or email katipunansotogrande@ gmail.com

TECNO Mobile gives the power of POVA Neo smartphones to local community heroes POVA Neo: The 6000mAh Battery Beast

GRAB PH drivers and riders, and everyday heroes from Malolos Bulacan received POVA Neo smartphones at TECNO Mobile’s recently-concluded CSR events.

TAYING true to its commitment to bring innovative and high-performing smartphones to emerging markets, and providing support to Filipinos, one community at a time, premium smartphone and AIoT brand, TECNO Mobile, recently concluded its first couple of CSR activities in the Philippines for 2022. These events are part of TECNO’s ongoing CSR program, which kicked off in 2021 with the City of Manila, the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas, and the scholars of Project Malasakit as its beneficiaries. The project is in line with the launch campaign of POVA Neo, TECNO Mobile’s latest smartphone offering, which celebrates everyday heroes who power on with their day-to-day tasks in order to serve the community. For this year’s CSR activities, TECNO Mobile partnered with Grab PH, plus a few of the country’s up and coming content creators, to reach out to local communities once again, and inspire people and make a difference. Through this initiative the brand also hoped to motivate more people to participate in community outreach programs, and make them see that it isn’t about the size of the donation, but the sincerity to help others.

TECNO Mobile gives back to Grab PH riders and drivers

Grab PH riders and drivers have been lauded as true heroes of the pandemic over the last two years, helping make day-today life easier for thousands of Filipinos by

making things accessible, even from home. These drivers face various challenges each day they spend on the road, but they never stop moving, and continue to provide their much-needed services to the community. A donation handover took place at the Grab PH Headquarters in Metro Manila on April 9 during Grab PH’s Papugay event, which the company mounts each quarter to show appreciation to, and recognize their outstanding drivers. As a beneficiary, Grab PH received 65 units of POVA Neo smartphones. This smartphone’s large battery capacity is perfect for the riders and drivers of Grab PH, and will be a big help as they navigate through the city, and provide excellent on-time service. The donation was received by Grab PH’s Papugay awardees, Grabfood rider Richard Aguilar, Grab driver Ricky Dalansay, Grab rider Arc Cabuello, and Grabfood rider Michael Sales. At the handover event held on April 5 at the Malolos City Hall Auditorium, 50 POVA Neo units were donated by TECNO Mobile, to be shared with its beneficiaries from City Health Office and the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs, PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Force Multiplier, Social Services, Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and local students. The donation was received by the Chief of Staff from the Office of Mayor Gilbert “Bebong” Gatchalian of Malolos City, Bulacan, Atty. Belle Castro.

POVA Neo is loaded with amazing features that give users the power to conquer everyday tasks–An ultimate power supply, large screen, smooth performance, a smart camera, and more. With its 6,000mAh battery and Battery Lab 2.1, POVA Neo has more than enough power to last the entire day. Plus, with 18 watts fast charging, it only takes POVA Neo 35 minutes to store enough power for up to 5 hours of gaming. Other awesome features of POVA Neo include: Big screen display for an immersive and smooth full-frame visual experience; HiOS 7.6 with a fresh, easy to use UI interface; ET Engine enhancements that deliver outstanding performance; An extremely fast touchdriven response that’s perfect for gaming. Game Space that provides players with a cool interface and fast play; A Smart Camera with 13MP HD quality image system; advanced AI lens capable of 120FPS Slow Motion capture, 1080P Time Lapse, and HDR Photography that fully preserves details in both light and dark areas; Beauty, Body, and Bokeh Beauty modes; AR Animojis and Stickers; and front and rear Panorama Shooting. POVA Neo is available in three colors –Obsidian, Geek Blue, and Powehi Black, and is priced at Php 5,999 for the POVA Neo 4GB+64GB, and Php 6,999 for the 6GB+128GB model. Join the Scan To Win with POVA Neo Promo, and get the chance to take home exciting prizes. Every purchase of participating TECNO Mobile smartphones from April 1 to 30, 2022 at the TECNO Mobile Concept Store in SM North Edsa, TECNO Mobile kiosks, and partner retail stores nationwide, entitles a customer to play the Spin to Win game. Almost 1 Million Pesos worth of fantastic prizes will be given away to more than 300 winners, including Yamaha Mio Gear 125cc Motorcycles, Samsung 50" UHD Smart TVs, the latest smartphones , cash and AIoT devices from TECNO Mobile, and cash rewards! For more details, visit http://bit.ly/POVAScanToWin. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com

EXPERIENCE hotel living at its finest here at SotoGrande Hotel Katipunan.

Business groups support booster proposal

HE Philippines’ biggest business groups backed the proposal to replace vaccination cards with booster cards as a requirement starting June this year, citing the need for the country to remain economically healthy and withstand the looming threat of new variants of the SARSCov2 virus. The proposal to set an expiry date on vaccination cards and replace these with booster cards was put forward by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion. The groups that expressly supported the proposal are Philippine Franchise Association, Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Marketing Association, Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Makati Business Club, Financial Executives Institute, American Chamber of Commerce, European Chamber of Commerce, Indian Chamber of Commerce the Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng spa lalawigan Bus sa Pilipinas, as well as groups representing salon/spa owners, amusement park owners, and concert venues/organizers. Concepcion addressed concerns that the proposal might discourage mobility, saying that the booster card requirement should be implemented only after people have had enough time to get their booster shots. Specifically, the proposal gives people 60 days to get their boosters once the IATF finalizes the resolution. It will also allow all persons regardless of priority category to get their booster shots. It is also being proposed that booster cards become the proof of vaccination for use in registering on VAXCERT.PH. The proposal was earlier backed by National Task Force (NTF) adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa, who noted that while the country

has a “good vaccination record” considering more than 65 million of its citizens have fully vaccinated, only 11.8 million individuals have received their boosters. The booster proposal has gained traction following news that 27 million vaccines will expire by July if left unused. Concepcion last week said that the country risks higher cases of Covid in the second half of 2022 unless more Filipinos get vaccinated and those eligible for additional doses receive their booster shots. The Go Negosyo founder warned of a double-whammy in the second semester if the Russia-Ukraine crisis drags on and sends commodity prices higher and disrupts the global supply chain. “Right now there is no danger. The danger is in the next semester when the waning immunity might be felt already. And this is not counting the possibility that new variants might emerge,” he said. Concepcion also observed that the Philippines is currently one of the few countries in Asia that is being spared from a surge in cases. However, there are concerns that as the country opens its borders to more foreign visitors, this might contribute to possible increase in cases. People are also starting to lower their guard and removing their masks as normal activities, such as eating out, resume. The Philippines recently breached the Php12-trillion mark in its national debt as it borrowed for its pandemic response efforts. “We will have wasted US$200 million if we let the vaccines go to waste. That’s money we can’t afford to waste,” he said. Concepcion added that the government is already doing all it can to bring vaccinations closer to people. “The real barrier here is citizens who are putting off their boosters or are rejecting them altogether,” he said.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 B7

Loss of muscle mass can compromise seniors’ immunity

ow more than ever, we need to care for our seniors. Support has never been more important—all of us have a role in becoming caregivers for others, even from the safety of our own homes. But what more can we do to support our seniors to protect them, beyond taking extra care with personal hygiene and safe distancing? Taking care of our aging loved ones begins with arming ourselves with knowledge and information that can inspire action. Here’s a fact—four out of 10 older Filipino adults are at risk of malnutrition, and hence, may have low muscle mass. Muscles produce and release compounds which play an important role in the proliferation, activation and distribution of some immune cells. And while additional research is needed, data suggests loss of muscle mass is associated with compromised immunity and infections. Studies have shown that the loss of muscle mass can compromise immunity—leaving the elderly more vulnerable to age-related conditions and illnesses. Age also brings a natural decline in the body’s immune system, which can impact the body’s ability to fight germs and infections. Immunity is affected if an older adult loses more than 10 percent of their lean body mass, while a decrease

of more than 30 percent can make them more susceptible to pneumonia. Additionally, muscle is a major storage site for amino acids that are used by the body during trauma or infection. Therefore, low muscle mass coupled with inadequate protein intake may affect the body’s response to an injury or infection. Given the evidence linking muscle to the immune system, maintaining or improving muscle health should be a priority. According to Asia’s largest clinica l study, SHIELD (Streng t hen Health In the ELDerly through nutrition) from Changi General Hospital, Singhealth Polyclinics and Abbott, good nutrition combined with diet counselling can improve nutritional status, muscle strength, and overall health in the elderly—especially those at risk of malnutrition.

Spotting tell-tale signs Keeping an eye out for our elderly helps us take the necessary steps in ensuring they get proper nutrition. It is important to recognize common signs of muscle loss which often include reduced energy, decreased strength, fatigue, and improper nutritional intake. To make this easier, Abbott, together with the Patients Association in the UK, developed I-CARE, a useful checklist which can guide us as we monitor our aging loved ones.

I-CARE stands for:

I = I will check: C = Clothing—weight loss can be a sign of malnutrition, so look at clothing. Is it loose or ill-fitting? This could be a sign they’re not eating properly. A = Appetite—loss of appetite is key. Are they eating less? Do they make excuses about not being hungry? With weight loss, dentures can become loose and ill-fitting making it harder to eat, so watch out for this too. R = Rings—jewelry can often become ill fitting with weight loss. Keep an eye on items, such as wedding rings, that people may have worn for years suddenly becoming loose. E = Energy—the lack of food, appetite and weight loss can also be accompanied with a lack of energy. Do they seem more lethargic or struggle to keep up in a way they never used to? Whether we see our elderly loved ones daily, once a week, or even occasionally, being vigilant about these signs can help recognize the problem early on.

The role of nutrition With the current health situation, proper diet plays an important role in helping aging Filipinos maintain their muscle strength and immunity. How-

ever, many older adults do not get enough high-quality protein in their diets. This is despite evidence suggesting that they need up to 50 percent more protein in their diets compared to a young person, to maintain energy levels and muscle mass, promote recovery from illness or injury, and support overall health. To improve t heir overa l l health, a high-protein, wellbalanced diet plays an essential role in ensuring that the recommended daily intake of nutrients is met. Ingredients such as lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, tofu, and dairy are all rich sources of protein that can be used in a variety of meals. Caregivers can consider making these a staple in their loved ones’ diets to improve protein intake. Iron, antioxidants and other key vitamins and minerals also affect our aging loved ones’ health and quality of life, which is especially important among those who might have specific diet restrictions. Vitamin A from carrots and sweet potatoes, vitamin C from citrus fruits, vitamin D from salmon and fortified foods, vitamin E from almonds and peanut butter, and zinc from lean meats and whole grains all help increase immunity and improve one’s overall health. Including these in the daily meals

of older adults can also help them continue living fuller lives, even as they advance in age. For older adults with difficulty chewing or swallowing, or those experiencing a loss of appetite, caregivers can consider adding oral nutrition supplements containing hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) into daily routines to support proper dietary intake. HMB is a naturally-occurring compound that works together with protein to help build muscle mass, it only comes in small amounts in some foods.

Engaging in home-based physical activity Even for aging adults, there are many physical and psychological benefits that come with regular exercise. Aside from maintaining or losing weight, enhancing balance and flexibility, and possibly reducing the impact of chronic diseases, exercise also helps boost mood, enhance sleep quality, and improve brain function. While starting or maintaining a regular exercise routine can be challenging at any age, the possible effects exercise has on the health outlook of elderly adults should be enough for caregivers to encourage the older loved ones in our lives to keep moving. Even from the comfort of our own homes, there are many ways

to work physical activity into the daily routines of our older loved ones. Low impact activities such as yoga and tai chi aid in maintaining balance, posture, and flexibility. Cardiovascular endurance exercises such as walking, and dancing can help lessen fatigue and shortness of breath. On the other hand, body weight exercises help build muscle and strength. All these activities can be easily done together, even with minimal space at home. The benefits can be seen in how well our older loved ones can perform everyday activities such as lifting things, tying shoes, spending time with us and playing with children. Encouraging our older loved ones to follow these healthy habits can also help them continue leading healthy lives as different stages of normalcy unfold. It’s equally important to ensure the elderly in our lives consume a nutritional intake fit for their needs through a balanced diet and oral nutritional supplements with HMB. By taking care of the health needs of our aging loved ones, we as caregivers can help them live better and fuller, even in their golden years. Through proper nutrition and regular exercise, not only can they add years to their lives, but also add more life in their years.

Quit smoking for better mental health Pasig, NCR top Nestle Wellness Campus program By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

oly Week is the best time for us to pause and remember the sacrifices and love of Jesus Christ. For HealthJustice Philippines, a nonprofit organization, it is also the best time for people to step back and mind their health. “Let Lent be a time for contemplation to forget or quit our vices especially smoking,” said former Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, trustee of HealthJustice Philippines. Dr. Galvez Tan said that by kicking the bad habit, it will lead to good mental health of a person especially in this stressful environment that we have now. After quitting, he added that it is important to “try to have a positive outlook, exercise, have a strong relationship with your family and the people around you, get enough sleep, take time to relax and slow things down if you feel pressured.” “The best thing to do for your mental health is really to quit smoking,” Dr. Galvez Tan said stressing that smoking has behavioral risk factors that lead to

major non-communicable diseases which are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus.

State of well-being

According to him, the World Health Organization (WHO) conceptualizes mental health as a “state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his community.” Likewise, the WHO in Europe also stated that “smoking makes people more vulnerable to mental illness and mental illness makes people more likely to smoke.” “Compared with the general population, adults with any mental health condition have a 5–10 year shorter lifespan and are more likely to smoke. Population surveys suggest that having a mental health condition makes a person approximately twice as likely to be smoking, after adjusting for other factors affecting smoking behavior,” the WHO added. “Relax, pray and slow things down,” Dr. Galvez Tan also recommended.

Cancer patients’ access to meds made easier with Pfizer’s Inspire Program

or cancer patients, living with the illness comprises many struggles. On top of being physically sick, cancer also brings with it a host of other challenges such as financial anxiety, difficulties in going about a normal life while getting to multiple appointments for treatments, and the general emotional stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. In the Philippines, this is often compounded by difficulty in getting access to medicines. The Philippines is a non-reimbursing country for medicines, making it doubly difficult for cancer patients who already have to suffer the cost of the many laboratory tests prior to being prescribed at all for medicines. Fortunately, there are programs that alleviate this burden and address the high cost of medicines. One of these is the INSPIRE Program, which helps cancer patients— specifically those suffering from breast cancer and lung cancer—get easier access to specific medicines. Created by Pfizer Oncology, the INSPIRE Program aims to make accessible advanced, innovative treatments such as targeted therapies that are backed by scientific trials and real-world evidence. It also relieves patients of the worry of

having to spend large amounts of money continuously to maintain themselves on treatment. The INSPIRE Program does this through innovative discounts and a capping program that limits the cost of treatment to just one year.

Funding sources

In addition, patients enrolled in the INSPIRE Program will be guided on potential sources of funding and will regularly receive helpful information via SMS on diet, exercise, and coping with cancer. These are all in line with Pfizer’s global principle of providing educational resources for patients, in addition to discovering and developing medicines for people living with cancer. The INSPIRE Program was launched in November 2019. As a relatively young program, INSPIRE has helped almost 300 patients in their cancer journey. Pfizer Oncology continues to enhance the INSPIRE Program, taking into consideration that each cancer patient is unique and making sure that patient welfare comes first. Pfizer Oncology believes that its job is far from finished and continues to work with cancer patients, families and communities to make it easier for people to live with the disease.

t a time like this, it’s become more important than ever to prioritize the health and wellness of families, especially for the children whose potential we are nurturing.” This was shared by Kais Marzouki, Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO during the Nestlé Wellness Campus (NWC) Awards recently. Through the partnership of Nestlé Philippines and the Department of Education (DepEd), the Nestlé Wellness Campus (NWC) program was born to help educate the youth and the community about the value of healthier food and lifestyle choices. “With the Nestlé Wellness Campus Awards, we’re closing the program’s 9th year, and none of this would have been possible without the help of the Department of Education. Congratulations to all our champions and finalists, but let it be said that as we advocate the health and wellness of more and more children, we’re already winning,” he said.

Winners

Pasig City’s Pinagbuhatan Elementary School and Tanjay City’s Sa n M ig ue l H ig h Sc hool were named this year’s champions for having the best implementation of

the Nestlé Wellness Campus (NWC) program. T hey triumphed over participating public schools from across the country, showcasing the best strategies to promote nutrition, health and wellness practices in their communities. Every year, participating schools take a proactive role in implementing the program’s dancercise, student and adult modules, and their own wellness initiatives to promote the seven Healthy Habits—Choose Nutritious and Varied Options, Manage Portions, Choose to Drink Water and Milk, Enjoy Meals Together, Play Actively, Care for the Planet, Keep Good Hygiene. “As we work hand-in-hand with the DepEd for the implementation of our Nestlé Wellness Campus program, the schools themselves make all the difference,” said Kevin Carpio, RND, Nestlé Wellness Campus Project Lead and Corporate Nutritionist. Carpio added: “Thanks to their creativity, willingness, and dedication, they are not only able to guide students, but continue instilling in them the value of proper nutrition and physical activity, which is vital for good health, especially in the new normal.” For SY 2021-2022, the national

competition was divided into two categories -- Inter-School (Elementary and High School) and Inter-Region. While blended learning has its challenges, over 1,600 entries were submitted from across seven regions, highlighting the strong engagement and competitiveness of many participating schools.

Prizes

Winners from the division level until the nationals took home plaques and trophies to commemorate their victory. They also received prize packages worth a total of more than P2 million that they can use to further improve their school facilities and infrastructure. For the Inter-School category under elementary, Pinagbuhatan Elementary School was named the champion and was awarded a trophy and prize packages amounting to P200,000. Runners-up respectively include Moises Padilla Elementary School from Negros Occidental, Cawayan Elementary School from Albay, Tandang Sora Elementary School from San Carlos City, and Fabiana G. Banogon Memorial Elementary School from Tanjay City. In the high school category, the best implementing school was San

Miguel High School from Central Visayas and they were also awarded their own trophy and P 200,000 worth of prize packages. Among the runners-up are Tulalian National High School from Davao del Norte, Western Bicutan National High School from Taguig City, Camarin High School from Caloocan City, and Salihid National High School from Iloilo Province, respectively. Finally, for the Inter-region category, the National Capital Region wins first place, a trophy and P200,000 in prize packages. In second place was Region 6-Western Visayas with a trophy and P150,000 in prize packages, and Region 7-Central Visayas in third with their own trophy and prize packages worth P 100,000. “As the Kasambuhay sa Kalusugan of Filipinos, we would like to congratulate all the winners and a big thanks as well to everyone who participated. More than the prizes, what is most important is our collective effort to deliver quality education amidst the pandemic, enrich learning experiences of teachers, parents and students, and reinforce wellness in our communities,” said Atty. Olive Misa, Nestlé PH VP for Public Affairs. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

MAGGI empowers moms to prepare nutritious home-cooked meals By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

AGGI is empowering moms and other homecooks to confidently prepare tasty yet healthy dishes through its SarapSustansya recipe ideas that are affordable and easy to prepare daily. Along with its products and kitchen tips, these cooking instructions will allow more Filipinos to gain from a well-rounded meal plan. “MAGGI believes that moms have a pivotal role in making a positive impact on their families’ health and overall well-being through SarapSustansya cooking,” said Rosalyn Simba, business executive officer of food and dairy culinary business unit at Nestlé Philippines. “Our goal with this advocacy is to help moms and home cooks overcome the constraints in balancing nutritious and delicious in every meal that they’ll prepare. We want to be their go-to partner for products, cooking

knowledge and nutrition tools that enable them to create dishes that their family will truly enjoy on a daily basis,” she added.

Collaborative efforts

W I T H t his init iat ive, M AGGI, through Nestlé Philippines, tied up with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd), and nutrition experts in the country to help improve access to healthy ingredients, and upskill parents and kids on cooking and eating balanced food. With the DA’s Urban Garden project, it supports the national drive to achieve food sustainability and security amid rising prices of goods and produce by involving families and communities to plant their own vegetables at home or in their community outdoor spaces via the MAGGI Sarap-Sustansya Garden. In order to educate the youth on the importance of cooking great-tasting, nutritious food, MAGGI is working

closely with DepEd’s public school network in Metro Manila through Nestlé Wellness Campus to hold a cooking contest for high school students. It aligns with the Pinggang Pinoy concept of Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) for the recipes featured in its portal and MAGGI Sarap Sustansya Kusinaskwela videos—all of which were developed with affordability and accessibility of local ingredients in mind.

Informative resource materials

AT the core of this undertaking is MAGGI’s rich library of always-on resources where home cooks can learn nutrition tips, marketing hacks and other useful cooking advice. Using the Pinggang Pinoy model of the FNRI as a guide, the recipes use lowcost and easy-to-find ingredients and provide a balanced source of nutrition for a family of four to six. T hese resources include the MAGGI Philippines web site where

over 500 recipes for daily meals or special occasions can be found in a wide range of cuisines, difficulty level and preparation times, along with the nutritional values of each serving. Meanwhile, the MAGGI Philippines Facebook page is a source of discovery and inspiration of new recipes. Home cooks, likewise, can access the Tita MAGGI chatbot on Messenger 24/7, when they need real-time recipe recommendations. MAGGI’s Sarap-Sustansya Kusinaskwela on YouTube gives moms edutainment videos that present a holistic way of nourishing families—from building a balanced plate and mealplanning, to smart shopping and even shaping kids’ eating behavior. In synch with the seven healthy habits of wellness, the extensive content on all of MAGGI’s digital platforms are designed to help families consume yummy and nutritious meals cooked from varied ingredients, manage their food intake portions and enjoy meals together.

Motoring BusinessMirror

Henry Ford Awards Best Motoring Section 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 2011 Hall of Fame

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

Editor: Tet Andolong • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Here comes the all-new Kia Carnival Story by Randy S. Peregrino

OR Kia Philippines, achieving its 2021 sales milestone is an excellent way to start the new year and gear up to move further. As an opening salvo for 2022, they recently ushered in the all-new Kia Carnival. Now donning an SUV-inspired exterior design, it still offers the space, comfort, and convenience the nameplate has been known for, all these years. The Korean automaker now aptly designates the latest generation, a Grand Utility Vehicle (GUV). According to Kia, the all-new Carnival has transcended into a vehicle intended for the modern executive family man seeking a premium and versatile ride. By adopting an SUV frame configuration, the fresh look dismisses the segment’s stereotyped application. Indeed, to experience executive class and discover limitless moments that inspire.

Moments of inspiration

True to the brand ’s philosophy: “movement than inspires,” the latest generation is for executives constantly moving between avenues of inspiration—business, leisure, and family. Further, the all-new Carnival elevates all aspects of their experience and serves as the ultimate premium vehicle to enrich their affluent lifestyle.

“As the guiding principle in designing the Kia Carnival as a top-ofthe-line vehicle for executives and family leisure, the all-new Carnival offers ample headroom, spacious and welcoming seats. All constructed with elegant materials to indulge you. Most importantly, it accommodates every individual occupant comfortably,” said Simon Kang, the Coordinating Director of Product Planning at Kia Asia Pacific.

passengers to its spacious interiors. Driver and front passenger seats are both electric-controlled (power driver seat only for the EX). The driver seat even has a Memory Function. Also exclusive to the SX variant are second-row leather-wrapped business class relaxation seats. It has cooling and heating functions matched with sunshade blinds and is complemented with a three-zone automatic climate control aircon (standard).

Moments of style and innovation

Moments of safety

Transcending to an SUV-like character with enlarged dimensions utters elegance, modern and exclusive. Its “Island Roof,” supported by the CPillar, conveys a classy sculpted appearance. The SX variant’s Dual LED Headlamps added an extra edgy look. Fitted with 19-inch (SX variant) and 18-inch (EX) sets of allow wheels, it makes it even more imposing. State-of-the-art technology allows the all-new Carnival to provide an optimum drive and ride experience thanks to significant upgrades with innovative features. The new eight-inch Touchscreen Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity allows hand-free accessibility via Voice Control. There are strategically placed USB ports and a wireless mobile phone charger (SX). Power delivery-wise, motiva-

The all-new Carnival pushes safety to the next level by featuring topnotch technolog y and ma ximum security by integrating Kia’s DRIVE WISE. It is a new sub-brand that is dedicated to innovating intelligent safety features with the use of autonomous driving and assistive capabilities for “a hassle-free, delightful driving experience.” The SX offers the suite of DRIVE WISE features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear CrossTraffic Alert, and Lane Keep & Following Assist. Moreover, there is Collision-Avoidance System with standard safety features like LED head, tail, fog lights, LED Daytime Running Lights, an Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, Blind Spot Warning, Cruise Control, and seven airbags. “The all-new Carnival delivers first-class treatment worthy of a VIP,” said Manny Aligada, the President of Kia Philippines. “Each key feature of the latest model supports his daily drive towards his avenues of inspiration—moments of style that express his exclusive taste. Moments of innovation empower his drive to seek more. Moments of comfort and convenience that fulfill his luxurious standard of living. Moreover, moments of safety to represent his reliable nature.” The all-new Carnival is available in Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, and Astra Blue colors. The SX 8AT variant retails at P2.988 million (Astra Blue) and 2.998 million (pearl colors), while the EX 8AT variant is at P2.540 million (Astra Blue) and P2.550 million (pearl colors). Of course, Kia goes beyond by extending its promise of security with a reliable aftersales experience. Just like other Kia models, the all-new Carnival offers a five-year or 160,000-km warranty, as well as 24/7 Roadside Assistance.

The all-new Kia Carnival boasting its SUV-like exterior. Kia Philippines tion comes for a new “SmartStream” 2.2-liter VGT CRDi turbodiesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The motor generates 199 hp and a staggering 440 N-m of maximum torque.

Moments of comfort & convenience

The seven-seater all-new Carnival offers easy to access thanks to the Smart Entry and Remote Start that welcomes

Redesigned cockpit with enhanced features.

Leather-wrapped business class relaxation seats in the second row.

Lexus electric vehicle coming and change the world of motoring,” said Rodriguez, the Lexus Manila president.

Honda summer promo

EXUS will announce its first dedicated Battery EV (electric vehicle) model, the RZ through a digital online program, on April 20, according to Jade B. Sison. Jade, R ay mond T. Rodr ig uez’ frontline media expert, said Lexus plans to share details of the R Z as the first model of the "Lexus Electrified." Jade added that a portion of the design has been recently unveiled. To those not yet in the know, Lexus was launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus R X. Widely known as the luxury hy-

brid sales leader, Lexus delivered the world ’s first luxury hybrid and has since sold over 2.11 million hybrid vehicles, including HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs (as of the end of December, 2021). A g l o b a l l u x u r y aut o m o t i v e brand w ith an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, a nd e x h i l a r at i n g p e r for m a nc e , Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global lu xur y guests and is currently available in over 90 countries/regions worldw ide. “Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus and meant to excite

COLENE Jalalon sent me this story on amazing discounts available to practically all the models and variants of Honda. The promo is up to April 30. Let us begin with 22YM City 1.5 S CVT, which comes with a P20kdiscount, down payment of as low as P10k and a monthly amortization of only P16,619. The 22YM BR-V 1.5 S CVT comes at a P60k discount, down payment of only P10k and a monthly amortization of only P19,374. All these offers include a three year LTO Registration and Chattel Mortgage, and a free one year Comprehensive Insurance with Acts of Nature through select bank partners. Visit www.hondaphil.com for complete details.

PEE STOP May we forg ive one another—because forgiving is the essence of Lent. Forgiveness is the foundation of love. Happy Easter!

MIAS

MANILA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

A BusinessMirror Special Feature

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 C1

MIAS IS BACK Changan’s model lineup and presentation

All-new Peugeot 2008 SUV

Story and photos by Randy S. Peregrino

FTER a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) staged a much-awaited comeback and lived up to the hype of bringing excitement to visitors. Themed “Experience Fun and Function,” the show assembled around 200 company exhibitors across the 33,000sqm-wide venue. About 400 cars, trucks, and motorcycles were on display, highlighting innovative features.

The limitless future of mobility, according to Changan

LEADING Changan’s lineup was the new CS35. An Obsidian-Inspired front grille highlights the fresh look, split LED Auto Headlamps with DRLs, LED Streamlined Tail Lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels (Square-Wheel Arch Design), and new dual stainless steel exhaust pipes. Inside has a remote engine start, 10-inch multimedia touch display with Bluetooth connectivity, panoramic sunroof, and a new power tailgate. Safety-wise, it has Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking System + Front Collision Warning, Panoramic Camera System, Six-Airbag System, and Ultra-High Strength Body Structure. Unbound by technology, the bigger CS75 Plus offers a seven-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and a 12-inch Touchscreen Audio Display, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and generous cargo space. Safety-wise, it has six airbag systems, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control, 360° Panoramic Camera, Reverse Parking Sensors, and Electronic Parking Brake. Motivation comes from a potent 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired to a six-speed auto transmission. Representing the brand’s EV entry is the EADO EV460, hailed “China’s greenest car.” Its electric motor delivers 134 hp and 245 N-m of torque. Impressively, it ranges from 430 to 550 kilometers on a single charge. The interior offers an eye-catching futuristic design with leather seats, a Cruise Control function, LCD Digital Instrument Cluster, 10-inch Infotainment Touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a sunroof. Safety-wise, it has six Airbag systems, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, Traction Control

Nissan Leaf EV

Volvo’s Boost Hybrid Range

The new Geely Coolray Sport Special Edition

System, Hill Hold Control, Reverse Camera, ISOFIX, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Also displayed was the brand’s compact and affordable Alsvin sedan. It is styled with a butterfly-wing front grille, projector headlamps with DRL, and a sunroof. The interior has a seven-inch Touchscreen Multimedia System with Bluetooth connectivity. Safety-wise, it has Dual Airbags, a Reverse Camera, Blind Spot Monitor, Hill-Hold Control, and Electronic Stability Control.

Volvo’s Boost Hybrid Range

THE Scandinavian automaker presented a fleet of the electrified lineup. The 2022 lineup offers top-end trims and exterior enhancements. The XC60 now sports a revamped grille, front bumpers, and a sportier take with its unique RDesign styling details. The S90 executive sedan, meantime, is now more spacious and premium with the long-wheelbase variant in the Inscription package. As for the XC90 flagship SUV, it has added comfort and luxurious details with the Inscription trim. Volvo’s 2022 vehicle lineup Boost Range now comes with an electrified powertrain and now offers the new generation B6 engine locally. Previously known as the powerful T6 engine, the B6 introduces the 48V hybrid system with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) at its core. The Boost range is fueled by a 2.0L fourcylinder turbocharged petrol engine connected to a 48-volt battery – that is, combined power of 313hp and 460 N-m of torque capable of achieving an improved 9.4L/100km fuel consumption. Moreover, the Boost engine provides seamless and instant take-off. The vehicle can become more effective and powerful by recuperating the brake energy.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility

NISSAN’S main showcase this year was its EV Leaf offering “Intelligent Power,” “Intelligent Driving,” and “Intelligent Integration.” The EV’s all-electric e-powertrain generates 148 hp and 320 N-m of torque. The EV can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 140 km/h. The Leaf’s 40-kWh lithium-ion battery generates up to 311 kilometers of drive range on a full charge. Charging is easy and convenient.

15 to 18 hours is all it takes to fully charge using a typical home-dedicated wall outlet with the supplied universal charging cable. According to Nissan Philippines, the cost is approximately around P370 per full charge. Another option is through quick charging stations found in select Nissan dealerships nationwide. Impressively, all it takes is as fast as 40 to 60 minutes for a full charge. The e-Pedal allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate, and stop using just one pedal. Another advanced feature is the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology. It enables bi-directional charging to use energy from the vehicle’s battery to power homes and equipment or give back energy to the power grid.

Introducing the Coolray Sport Special Edition

NONE other than Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation (SGAP), the new president and CEO Yugo Kiyofuji, presented the latest variant of their best-selling Coolray crossover. Sport Special Edition highlights are the model’s Borderless Chronos Grille with its hexagonal highlighted black grille for that more inclusive, harmonizing the fierce visual impact. The X Shaped Energy Bumper also represents a sportier and stronger guise. Then the Double-deck Spoiler to optimize the aerodynamic performance. In addition, the Coolray Sport Special Edition sports new 18-inch gloss black multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and a new rear-end diffuser exterior color-coordinated highlights. Of course, motivation comes from the standard 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine generating 174 hp and 255 N-m of torque paired to a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission. The interior offers a seven-inch LED Instrument panel display and a 10.25-inch Multimedia Touch screen with QD link android connectivity function. Moreover, there is a remote start, tire pressure monitoring and auto parking assist system, 360-degree camera, and blind-spot detection system. It also retained are ventilated seat power tailgate with height memory function.

All-new Peugeot 2008

THE French automaker’s official distributor in the Philippines presented the all-new 2008

BPI Family Auto Loans offers 1 month amortization free

PI Family Auto Loans, the major sponsor and co-presenter at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the biggest motoring event in the country, is offering its firstever “Bagong Kotse, 1-Month Libre” promo. This pioneering offer is made available at MIAS by its co-presenter and long-time bank partner, BPI Family Auto Loan. The promo allows you to enjoy big savings with a free 1-month loan amortization when you avail a car loan from the bank. To qualify, the loan term must be at least 36-months long. This unique offer from BPI Family Auto Loan allows easy car ownership as the free 1-month amortization is applied on the initial monthly amortization. This is very helpful to help the borrower on incidental expenses that go with the purchase of a brand new car, like down payment, car insurance, car registration, and chattel mortgage

fee. Check out the MIAS from April 9 to 12 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City to take advantage of this promo this summer. Enjoy seeing the latest car models available in the country at this year’s MIAS. Aside from the widest selection of vehicles, one also get to enjoy low loan interest rates, a free BPI Family Auto Loan-Petron Value Card and other exciting freebies at the MIAS. BPI Family Auto Loan Account Officers are present to assist you with your queries and help you have a fast and easy loan application. “At the MIAS, BPI Family Auto Loan makes the best happen for you and your family! Take advantage of our outrageously unique offer that gives you a significant amount for free, along with other special treats. Enjoy memorable summer road trips with your family in your new car, made easy with BPI Family Auto Loan!” says

Pepe Carlos, VP and Head of BPI Family Auto Loan Division. Pinoys working abroad and those who will not be able to visit the MIAS may also opt to conveniently avail of the offers online 24/7 at www.bpiloans.com. This one-stop-shop site gives you access to a wide selection of car brands and variants with detailed specifications and updated prices. There is also an online loan calculator and an online loan application facility that makes your car shopping extremely easy with just a few clicks on the keyboard. Visit the MIAS and catch BPI Family Auto Loan’s irresistible offers including the Bagong Kotse, 1-Month Libre promo! The promo is also available at any BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank branch nationwide until April 30, 2015. For more information on BPI’s loan products and services, log on to www.bpiloans.com

SUV. Design-wise, Peugeot puts it as a vision of masterful power and efficiency. The new look exhibits fluid lines and a robust build with a striking front grille, horizontal bonnet, and raised ground clearance. The brand’s 3D i-Cockpit® cluster is highlighted inside, a unique system that projects information in staggered layers for a remarkable 3D effect: a 10-inch Digital Heads-up Cluster Display, a seven-inch Infotainment System, and leatherette seats. Motivation comes from the award-winning 1.2-liter turbocharged engine generating

130hp and 230 N-m of torque. The 1.2-liter “PureTech” Turbo Engine is paired to a six-speed Automatic Transmission (AT6 III) with Drive Mode Selection (Normal, Eco, and Sport). Safety-wise, there are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Active Blind Spot Detection, Active Lane Keep Assistance, Advanced Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Active Safety Brake, Antitheft Alarm, Reverse Camera – Visio Park 1 (180-deg camera), High Beam Assist, Active Safety Brake, Hill Start Assist, and Front and rear Park Sensors.

JAC of all trades

THE exclusive distributor of JAC light commercial vehicles (LCV) and medium- and heavy-duty trucks, JAC Philippines, unveiled their latest model JAC X100 utility vehicle. The new commercial vehicle offers various configurations such as cab-and chassis, aluminum van, or FB body. It can function as the delivery truck for different business applications while also serving as a passenger shuttle for employees and families. It features a smooth aerodynamic façade with flush-mounted headlights, windshield, and door handles. With power steering, power windows, power side mirrors, built-in front air-conditioning, and optional rear A/C, the JAC X100 is ideal for long trips or multiple deliveries. The JAC X100 is capable of loading and handling cargo and passengers. Its front and rear suspensions are Leaf sprung. The choices of spacious cargo areas are a larger FB body, aluminum container, or cargo hold that can fit its 2.6-meter wheelbase. The maximum payload is 1,000 kilograms. Motivation comes from a 1.8-liter turbodiesel engine dishing out 170 N-m of torque paired to a five-speed manual transmission. The EURO 4-compliant engine uses exhaust gas recirculating (EGR) to minimize air pollution and further heat transfer and increase fuel mileage. Its 65-liter fuel tank capacity makes the JAC X100 ideal for long trips, whether for business deliveries or out-of-town trips. The Cab-and-Chassis retails at P750,000, while the Dropside variant is at P850,000. As for the FB Body, it retails at P910,000, while the Aluminum Van is at P870,000. The new JAC X100 comes with a 3-year/100,000-kilometer warranty.

Road S

A BusinessMirr

Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022 | www.businessmirror.com.ph

Road traffic collisions down during COVID-19 pandemic

Transport accidents accounted for 1.3 percent of total deaths in the country between January and September 2021, and 1.4 percent in the same period in 2020. In both years, transport accidents were the 15th top cause of death among Filipinos. Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there were 6,440 deaths caused by transportation accidents between January and September 2021. This was a 4.2 percent increase from the 6,179 deaths caused in the same period in 2020. “The data shows that Metro Manila’s accident and fatality rates are still not close to achieving the zero road traffic death target by 2022, which was set out in the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan,” Unescap concluded.

By Leony R. Garcia

This was the finding of a study published in the World Journal of Emergency Surgery which reviewed the different effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on RTCs. The extensive study was the result of interviews, review of electronic databases (PubMed Scopus, and Google Scholar), the use of Google search engine for collecting published discussion papers, reports and media reports and research from websites and published literature. The study was conducted over a period of 18 months which ended in June 2021. According to the study, the most important factors that affected the RTCs are decreased mobility with empty lines, reduced crowding and increased speeding. A reduction in the number of RTC related deaths was noted in 32 out of 36 countries in April 2020

compared with April 2019 with a decrease of 50 percent or more in 12 countries., 25 to 49 percet in 14 countries and by less than 25 percent in six countries. A decrease in the annual road deaths was noted in 33 out of 42 countries in 2020 compared with the previous year, with a reduction of 25 percent or more in five countries, 15 to 24 percent in 13 countries and by less than 15 percent in 15 countries. Patients in trauma centers A drop was also noted in the number of admitted patients in trauma centers related to RTCs during both periods. This has been attributed to an increase in speeding, emptier traffic lanes, reduced law enforcement, not wearing of seat belts and alcohol and drug abuse, Most RTC deaths were main caused by high-

UNSPLASH.COM

HE Covid-19 pandemic has reduced the number of road traffic collisions (RTCs). While there was also a drop in the number of deaths and injuries, those who got involved in RTCs experienced an increase in the severity of injury.

energy transfer from the vehicle to pedestrians during the crash. The study noted that RTCs are a global health problem. RTCs cause around 1.35 million deaths per year worldwide, costing around $1.8 trillion every year. In contrast, the Covid-19 pandemic caused around four million deaths and a global gross domestic product reduction of around 10 percent. “We aimed to review the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the incidence, patterns and severity of the injury, management, and outcomes of RTCs and to give recommenda-

tions on improving road safety during this and future pandemics,” the authors of the study said. Meanwhile, the latest report from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) indicated that vehicular accidents in Metro Manila persisted despite mobility restrictions imposed by the government. Pedestrians In its “Sustainable Transport Index (SUTI) for Metro Manila and Impacts of Covid-19 on Mobility,” UNESCAP said 34 percent of those

killed in road accidents in Metro Manila were pedestrians. In 2020, 345 Filipinos died per day due to transport accidents. Based on the data, 75 pedestrians on average were killed due to road accidents in 2020. This was the lowest over a span of five years compared to 165 pedestrians killed by vehicular accidents in 206; 162 in 2017; 142 in 2018 and 118 in 2019. In 2020, 243 drivers were killed in road accidents, the highest in a five-year period. The number of accidents especially for motorcycles have not significantly decreased, either.

Ways to lower, if not zero out, road accident cases Driving under the influence of narcotics and alcohol is the most common and leading cause of vehicular accidents in Metro Manila. The five causes of road mishaps are impaired driving, sudden turns without signaling, overspeeding, overtaking and mechanical defects. Accidents happen not only because there is a high number of different vehicles running, but also because there are people and/or animals crossing, buildings around, infrastructures within the road and on the sidewalk, and more. With the high number of road accidents all over the world, concerned government and non-government institutions in the country are committed to finding ways to lower, if not zero out, the cases. The passing of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act and the AntiDistracted Driving Act, as well as the strict implementation of wearing helmets, jaywalking, and other traffic rules have significantly helped to curb said accidents.

MOTUL, CLEANFUEL STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEW LUBRICANTS

HE purveyor of Quality Fuel for Less— Cleanfuel—recently renewed its partnership with Motul Philippines in order to provide its customers with a high-quality range of oils to keep their cars protected. Lionel Dantiacq, chief executive officer of Motul Asia Pacific, commended the recent partnership between Motul and Cleanfuel and extended its full support as both parties are committed to bring together excellent products and services to Filipino motorists. Motul Asia Pacific’s top honcho expressed his delight over the new partnership, saying that the companies share the same vision of providing quality products for consumers who want nothing but the best at an affordable price. “I just want to congratulate the partnership between Cleanfuel and Motul”, says Dantiacq. He goes on further to thank Cleanful and the Filipino consumers for choosing Motul. “Thanks for choosing Motul and thanks for your trust.” The new partnership between Motul, a French company, known for producing high-performance motor oil, for performance vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and industrial lubricants for the past 160 years, and Cleanfuel, one of the leading independent oil firms, will give Filipino motorists the best opportunity to experience the Motul brand in protecting their different types of vehicles from sedans, SUVs, pickups, and commuter vans.

These products include

• Multigrade Plus 15W40, an engine oil designed for sedans with either gasoline or diesel engines that offers excellent protection at an affordable price; • 4100 Turbolight 10W40 lubricant for turbocharged CRDI diesel or turbo gasoline SUVs and cars, which uses the patented Technosynthese technology that utilizes anti-oxidation technologies to avoid sludge and deposits build-up,

as well as anti-corrosion properties for longer engine life and longer oil change intervals; • H-Tech Prime 5W40, a 100-percent synthetic engine oil for high-performance engines that offers the ultimate protection and promotes longer engine life and oil change intervals for high-performance vehicles. Each type of lubricant is designed not only to provide added protection but to help promote more efficient operation, as well as help reduce running and maintenance costs–a useful attribute during these times of skyrocketing fuel prices. For his part, Atty. Jesus “Bong” Suntay, President and CEO of Cleanfuel Group of Companies, likewise expressed his gratitude to Motul Asia Pacific for entrusting Cleanfuel with the mission of helping to provide the Filipino consumer with world-class quality lubricants and car care products. “We at Cleanfuel are both delighted and humbled by Motul’s decision to entrust us with helping provide quality motor oil for the Filipino motorist”, notes Suntay. The two executives went on further to commit to strengthening their partnership with new products and innovations, as well as additional value-added services for consumers in the years to come. Present during the courtesy visit were Howell Johnny Kau, Business Development Manager of Motul Asia Pacific Pted. Ltd; Luis Gono, Vice President of Prestige Centre Corporation; Carlos Gono, President of Prestige Centre Corporation; Philippe Chul, Sales Director of Motul Asia Pacific Pted. Ltd; Atty. Jesus “Bong” Suntay, president and CEO of Cleanfuel; Ralph Atienza, Vice President of Cleanfuel; and Marco Atienza, Director of Cleanfuel. With this, Filipino motorists can expect great things from Motul and Cleanfuel. For online reservations, log at Quality Fuel for Less – Clean Fuel.

Safety

ror Special Feature

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, 2022

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Safe Kids Worldwide Philippines prioritizes pedestrian safety for children ‘T HERE are many road safety laws in the Philippines, but public awareness is low and implementation and enforcement are very weak.” This is according to Safe Kids Worldwide Philippines (SKWP) which has taken a key role in addressing these gaps. Since 2004, SKWP has educated more than 1.7 million children on basic road safety; contributed to the passage of a city ordinance, and later the national law, passed in 2015, prohibiting children from riding on motorcycles without a helmet; and helped to establish National Safe Kids Week in the Philippines, which takes place every year in the month of June. “Stay at home” is the message of road safety advocates, especially for young students, to keep them safe from possible injuries on the road. The month of June is normally the start of the school year in the Philippines. It is also when the country observes the National Safe Kids

Week (Proclamation No. 1307) every third week of the month to raise awareness of the risks while travelling to and from school. With limited mobility under the new normal and faceto-face classes ruled out for now, the advocates’ reminder is: ‘Stay at home for a safer road’.

Unintentional injuries

SKWP works for the prevention of unintentional injuries in the country for children 14 years old and below. In the Philippines, at least 500 children die each year due to road crashes, according to government data. The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), in its 3rd National Action Plan for Children for 2017 to 2022, has set as one of its goals the reduction by half of the number of deaths and injuries brought about road traffic crashes by 2022 based on figures prior to 2017. To help prevent road safety fatalities, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

said, children should be “taught at an early age so they will not only grow up to be responsible road users, but also learn how to stay safe whenever they are out on the streets.” The MMDA added that plans for a road safety curriculum have already been discussed with the Department of Education. “Many schools are out, so children are at home, and when they’re at home, children are not necessarily always staying in the house. They’re out playing on the sidewalk or riding bikes,” Safe Kids Worldwide’s Program Director Shushanna Mignott said.

Overall mindset

SKWP is also reaching out to families through social media to remind them about safety, which she said should be “an overall mindset.” “It’s not just safety on the road, safety while you’re at home. It’s safe while you’re at school. It’s safe all the time. We just want to

have the mindset of safety,” Mignott said. In order to enforce speed management and road safety, SKWP has asked the commitment of local governments on the SaveLives #SlowDown campaign through the promulgation of appropriate ordinances in their own cities and barangays to implement speed limits. It is important to implement slower speeds in our roads because speed has always been a major factor in road traffic crashes. “A great portion of our road traffic crashes, especially those that are fatal are caused by speeding and it has already proven that a five percent cut in average speed can result in a 30 percent reduction in the number of fatal road traffic crashes,” SKWP stressed.

Speed limit

Based on the recent studies, when motorized traffic mixes with pedestrians and cyclists, the speed limit should be under 30km/h.

In 2011, the World Health Organization launched the Decade of Action for Road Safety prescribing a framework designed to curb the rising number of road traffic injuries and fatalities in the World. Following the 2011 Framework on Road Safety, the Philippines’ Department of Transportation spearheaded the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan (PRSAP) 2011-2020 with the goal of reducing road traffic crashes by the year 2020. SKWP is a non-government organization working for the prevention of unintentional injuries to children 14 years old and below. It addresses the issues of road traffic crashes, drowning, falls, burns and poisoning. SKWP is a member of Safe Kids Global Network with more than 30 member countries and 400 coalitions in the United States and Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety with more than 170 member NGOs working in road safety from more than 90 countries around the world. Here are some pedestrian tips for children from SKWP:

DOH Region 4A shares healthy, safety tips for Holy Week travelers

OLY Week is a sacred time for many Filipinos. Aside from the peaceful observance of many Filipinos during this season, thousands of vacationers race to the beach. In line with this, Department of Health CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) reminds the public to stay safe and healthy while on vacation as they travel to the provinces for the Holy Week holiday. “For many religious Filipinos, Holy Week is one of the most important seasons, but we should not

disregard the fact that we are still in a state of a pandemic. We must be cautious and observe minimum public health and safety standards such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and frequent handwashing with soap and clean water or sanitizing with alcohol.” Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia said. “As millions of tourists flock to beaches and parks, it is also best that all local/international travelers are fully vaccinated. This is not just for their protection but for

their family and the whole community. Vaccinated individuals should bring their vaccination cards at all times.” he added. Apart from the minimum public health and safety guidelines, the DOH also has advised motorists and travelers on the following safety precautions: Avoid the use of cell phones while driving and when crossing the streets; driving under the influence of alcohol; drivers and passengers should always wear their seat belts; inspect first their vehicle before leaving home,

to make sure that it is functioning well and in good condition; follow traffic rules and regulations and also be tolerant to other vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing the road; and for pedestrians, use only the designated pedestrians’ crosswalk.

Heat associated ailments

The DOH also warns the public to watch out for the six common heat-associated illnesses, including sore eyes or conjunctivitis, heat rash (sunburn), heat cramps, heat-

stroke, cold, and flu due to changing weather, and animal bite. CALABARZON is home to many tourist destinations and is known for its white-sand beaches, cultural heritage sites, marine sanctuary, majestic mountains, and favorite spot to many local and international tourists. Valencia warns travelers, especially beachgoers, about drowning incidents. Ensure their children [at higher risk of drowning] are safe this summer. “If a child has had a near-

nWalk. Do not run into the street. nLook left, right and left again before crossing the street. nDo not cross the street alone if younger than age 10. nUse sidewalks. nWalk facing road traffic if there are no sidewalks. nCross using available traffic and pedestrian signals. nDress in light colors and wear reflective material so drivers can easily see you. nDo not walk or bike at night. nDo not play in driveways, streets, parking lots or yards that are unfenced and near a street. nPay attention to signals indicating a car will be moving (rear lights, exhaust smoke, sound of motor, wheels turning). nUse extra caution when crossing multiplelane and high-speed streets. nEncourage children to walk in groups. Leony R. Garcia

drowning episode, seek immediate help or notify a lifeguard. If you are alone, take the person out of the water immediately. Check for breathing. Place your ear next to the person’s mouth and nose to feel the air on your cheek. Look to see if the person’s chest is moving. If the person is not breathing, check pulse for 10 seconds; and if there is no pulse, start CPR,” Valencia highlighted. For those on medications, the DOH advised bringing with them their medicines and other necessities as a safety precaution. “Lenten Season is a solemn time with your family and loved ones. So, let us all stay safe and healthy.” Valencia concluded.