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‘DIGITAL DIASPORA’ By Ditas Lopez & Cecilia Yap

IF YOU WANT TO GO ABROAD, Online shopping platform notes behavioral shift Online shopping platform notes behavioral shift HE Philippines is watching the BETTER GET VAXXED–WTTC pace ofconsumers, the Federal Reserve’s among consumers, brandmakers makers amid Covid among brand amid Covid

monetary policy normalization as it weighs the timingCayon of its own ByManuel ManuelT.T.Cayon By interest-rate move, according to the AVAO CITY—A leading AVAO CITY—A leading nation’s finance chief and a central onlinebrand brandretailer retailerin inAsia Asia online bank rate-setter.

See “Philippines,” A2 seeingaasharp sharpbehavioral behavioral isisseeing shiftamong among consumers consumersand andbrand brand shift makersthat that mayreinvent reinventand and innovate makers may innovate Deficit with China hits $15.2B, approaches,especially especiallyfrom fromthe thelatter, latter, approaches, asdata data analytics—since thetrade onsetof ofgap the as analytics—since the onset the or 35% of total PHL pandemic—indicatethe theemergence emergenceof of pandemic—indicate HE Phi lippines’s trade the valueadaptive of export andto import. more discerning consumers adaptive to more discerning consumers with China was the most BoT-G in 2021 was [a decline of] electronic, or online, shopping experience. electronic, or experience. unfavorable asonline, it yielded shopping $43.23 billion which represents

a trade deficit worth $15.245 billion in 2021, according to the latest data released by the PhilipFor one, the Southeast Southeast Asia For one, the Asia pine Statistics Trender ReportAuthority 2021 byby(PSA). Zalora Trender Report 2021 Zalora shows that 40million million Asiansmade made T hethat amount represented a shows 40 Asians theirdebut debut Internet use and 70 their Internet 70 hefty 35.27inin percent ofuse theand counmillion havedeficit madetheir their firstonline online million have made first try’s trade of $43.23 bilpurchase within the2020 2020 and2021 2021 purchase the and lion for within the whole of 2021. The period, many many themlast attracted period, ofoftrade them attracted country’s total year and drawn into actual purchase and drawn into actual purchase amounted to $192.53 billion. byby product salespromotion promotion and disproduct disThe sales countr y’s tradeand deficit countofferings. offerings. count widened in 2021 as exports only When pandemic curbs were When pandemic curbs reached $74.65 billion whilewere imimposed by the first quarter imposed by the first quarter ofof ports amounted to $117.88 bil2020,sales salesofofproducts productslike liketrendy trendy 2020, lion in 2021. dressesand andfashion fashionwear weardropped dropped dresses “Balance of trade in goods sharply,and andreplaced replacedbybyproducts products sharply, [BoT-G] thehealth difference between relating is and wellness, wellness, relating toto health and personal care care and and apparel, apparel, even even personal sportsand andaccessories. accessories. sports However, some some items items that that However, were dropped dropped byby consumers consumers for for were practicalreasons reasonsofofmovement movementrerepractical strictionsare areseeing seeinga arevival revivalinin strictions saleslately, lately,asasa apromise promiseofofa a“less “less sales stressed”year yearofof2022 2022on onCovid-19 Covid-19 stressed” infections,are areopening openingavenues avenuestoto infections, revivethe theengines enginesofoftravel, travel,fueling fueling revive newinterest interestinintravel traveland andfashion fashion new wearagain. again. wear Zalora,a amember memberofofthe theGlobal Global Zalora, Fashion Group, Group, boldly boldly predicted predicted Fashion

a trade deficit with an annual increase of 75.7 percent,” PSA reported. “The trade deficit in the previous year declined at an annual rate of 39.5 percent, while in 2019, the trade deficit declined by 6.6 percent,” it added. Based on PSA data, the Philippines’s top imports from China were electronic products worth $6.79 billion followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials worth $2.45 billion; and iron and steel, $2.42 billion.

ZALORACEO CEOGunjan GunjanSoni: Soni:“The “Thedawn dawnofofa a ZALORA newera eraofofretail retail“Deficit,” alreadyhere here Southeast new isisalready See A2 ininSoutheast Asia.AsAsconsumers consumersbecome becomemore morediscerning discerning Asia. andconnected, connected,weweare areseeing seeingincredible incredible and innovationshappening happeningininthe theretail retailsector sector innovations ncompletely US 52.4530 n japan 0.4100 n that completely reimagine theshopping shopping that reimagine the experience.” experience.”

PESO exchange rates

that“the “thefuture futureofofretail retailisisvirvirthat tual,”pointing pointingatatthe themomentum momentum tual,” Asianconsumers consumersgoing goingonline online ofofAsian andbecoming becomingadaptive adaptiveand andsavvy savvy and aboutonline onlineshopping. shopping. about

Shoppersofoftomorrow tomorrow Shoppers

“THEdawn dawnofofa anew newera eraofofretail retailisis “THE alreadyhere hereininSoutheast SoutheastAsia. Asia.As As already

‘Ukraine war may run longer, impact PHL in more ways’ By Cai U. Ordinario

In an inter view on Bloomberg, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said this behind shows products, withhosts hostsand and consumersbecome becomemore morediscerndiscernHE Philippines may need to his call multilateral developshows ofofto products, with consumers guestsbanks, providing moredetails details and ingand andconnected, connected,we weare areseeing seeing guests providing more and ing buckle up as the Ukrainement namely, the Asian givingtestimonies, testimonies, Zalora said. incredibleinnovations innovationshappening happening giving Zalora said. incredible Russia crisis could take Development Bank (ADB) and Itwould would alsoto help brands intheretail retailsector sectorthat thatcompletely completely also help brands inininthe longer than expected and more the It World Bank craft “rescue novate on flexible sales promoreimagine the the shopping shopping experiexperinovate on flexible sales promoreimagine needs to be done to cushion the packages” for economies that may tions, suchasasgiving givingdiscounts, discounts, ence,”Gunjan GunjanSoni, Soni,chief chiefexecutive executive tions, such ence,” impact of the war on various counbe affected. and offering offering easier easier and and attracattracofficerofofthe theZalora ZaloraGroup, Group,told toldan an and officer tries, according to the Departtive payment options such asthe the onlinepresentation presentationofofits itsTrender Trender tive payment options such as online See “Ukraine,” A2 ment of Finance (DOF). buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) (BNPL) opopReport2021. 2021. buy-now-pay-later Report tion,which, which,ititsaid, said,emerged emergedasas Shedescribed describedthe the“shoppers “shoppersofof tion, She themost mostpopular popularoption optionamong among tomorrow”asas“digital “digitaland anddiverse diverse the tomorrow” Asianshoppers. shoppers. acrossSoutheast SoutheastAsia.” Asia.” Asian across CLOCKWISE photos): showcase different cultures during the opening program of Indonesia, for for example, example, “It’s (top digitalPerformers diaspora,” she InIn Indonesia, “It’s a a digital diaspora,” she Google saw saw a a “10x “10x increase increase inin said, citing Google trend monitorthe World TravelGoogle and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit Philippines on Thursday, April 21, 2022, Google said, citing trend monitorsearchesfor fore-wallet e-walletservices servicesand and ing that shows million newInIn- Bernadette Romulo-Puyat; WTTC Chairman searches ing that shows million new at the Marriott Hotel40 in40 Pasay City; Tourism Secretary 15xrise riseininBNPL BNPLservices servicesininthe the ternet users came online in2021, 2021, 15x ternet users came online Arnold Donald ; WTTC President andin CEO Julia Simpson; (above) Romulo-Puyat facilitates a panel lastfive fiveyears. years.Other Otherappealing appealing “bringing the internet penetration last “bringing the internet penetration discussion with Dan Richards, CEO, The Global Rescue Companies; Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports; payment options options like like monthly monthly Southeast Asia 75percent.” percent.”Marriott International; and Kathleen Matthews, journalpayment inin Southeast Asia toto75 Craig Smith, Group President-International, installments,toto00percent percentinterinter“In fact, eightout outofofTESTA 10InterInterinstallments, “In fact, eight 10 BERNARD ist and WTTC ambassador. estfees feeson oncredit creditcards, cards,provide provide netusers usersininthe theregion regionare aredigidigiest net access toto quality quality products products and and talconsumers. consumers.Recognizing Recognizingthis this talsavviness savvinessand andtaste tastefor forluxury luxury Internetand andelectronic electroniccommunicommuniaccess tal tal Internet By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo ofcation 5.8 percent annum in Google the serviceswhile whilealso alsoimproving improvingfi-fishiftininadoption, adoption,brands brandsquickly quickly andsustainability. sustainability. gadgetsper bytheir theirside. side. services shift and cation gadgets by Google @akosistellaBM next decade. nancialinclusion. inclusion. expandedtheir theironline onlinepresence presencetoto “Thereport reportisispositioned positionedasasa a trend showsMalaysian Malaysianshoppers shoppers nancial expanded “The trend shows Special to the BusinessMirror Responding a question Zalora,for forinstance, instance,offers offers21 21 reachthese thesenew newdigital digitalconsumconsumreferencepoint pointthat thathelps helpsZalora’s Zalora’s spendclose closetoto9to 9hours hours onlineon on Zalora, reach reference spend online concerning unvaccinated indipaymentmethods methodsacross acrossthe therereers,and andZalora Zalorareported reporteda a19-per19-per900brand brandpartners partnersnavigate navigatethe the average,“and “and arethe themost mostlikely likelytoto payment ers, 900 average, are ET vaxxed, get travviduals wanting to travel, she gion, including including cash-on-delivery cash-on-delivery centincrease increase newbrands brands that region’sdiversity diversityand andevolving evolvingrerevalue-driven.” gion, region’s cent ininnew that bebevalue-driven.” eling.” stressed, “The travelshoppers policies andBNPL BNPLoptions optionsacross acrossthe themarmarjoined the platform in 2021,” she taillandscape,” landscape,”Zalora’s Zalora’sCEO CEOGunGunSingaporean shoppersof aare are and tail joined the platform in 2021,” she Singaporean This is the position majority of countries is you have kets.ItItlaunched launchedits itsfirst firstco-brandco-brandadded. janSoni Sonisaid. said. mostlikely likely investin inluxury luxury purkets. jan added. most totoinvest purof the World Travel and Tourism to be fullywith vaccinated tosearch visit. And creditcard cardininpartnership partnershipwith with With more Southeast Asians Aside from from digital digital partners partners chases, with Google Google search data ededcredit Aside With more Southeast Asians chases, data Council (WTTC), as its President ifshowing I’m completely honest, I believe RCBCand andMastercard Mastercardininthe thePhilPhilbrowsingnow nowand andgetting getting themlike Google, Google, Mastercard, Mastercard, H&M, H&M, showing 21-percent year-on-year RCBC like browsing thema a21-percent year-on-year and CEO Julia Simpson, unveiled in full vaccination. I think it’s far ippines,the thefirst-ever first-everfashion fashionand and selves more online, the average Lush,Paula’s Paula’sChoice, Choice,HABIB, HABIB,AtAtincrease Singaporeans’ searches ippines, Lush, selves more online, the average increase ininSingaporeans’ searches on Thursday the body’s latest lifestylecredit creditcard cardininthe theregion region Asian shopperbrowses browses across 7.9 ome, Revery.AI, Revery.AI, Visenze, Visenze, BeLive BeLive forluxury luxury goods. better thangoods. any method to keep lifestyle ome, Asian shopper across 7.9 for Economic Impact Report (EIR), thatrewards rewardscustomers customersevery everytime time websitesbefore before making decision, Technology,TaFF, TaFF,Finix FinixWear, Wear,JoJothat Technology, websites making a adecision, us safe and be able to travel.” which forecast global travel and theyshop. shop.ItItisisalso alsothe thePhilippines’ Philippines’ upfrom from 5.2inin2020. 2020. Dataconsumption consumption annalsm,Lily Lilyand andLou, Lou,and and CresCresthey annalsm, up 5.2 Data See “Abroad,” firstsustainably sustainablymade madecredit creditcard card By country country countdown, FiliZALORA’S ventureA2into into data data centRating, Zalora Zalora also also gets gets its its tourism to growcountdown, by an average first centRating, By FiliZALORA’S venture theZalora ZaloraCredit CreditCards Cardswill willbebe pinoshoppers shoppersspend spendthe thehighest highest analysisallowed allowedits itsclients clientstotosee see data analysis analysis from from the the total total ofof asasthe data pino analysis madewith with84 84percent percentbio-sourced bio-sourced averagenumber numberofofhours hoursonline, online, moreclearly clearlythe thetrend trendininretail. retail. 8,000brands brandsininits itsfold, fold,the the60 60milmilmade 8,000 average more polylacticacid acidderived derivedfrom fromnonnonclosetoto11 11hours, hours,“and “andare aremost most “Our flagship flagship state-of-the-instate-of-the-inliononline onlinevisits visitsbybyshoppers shoppersand and polylactic lion atatclose “Our ediblecorn. corn. likely toto make make purchases purchases based based dustryreport reporthelps helpsfacilitate facilitatethe the whoseactive activecustomers customersofof44milmiledible whose likely dustry UKonon 68.5141 n HK 6.6871considerations.” n CHINA 8.1702 industry’s nindustry’s singapore 38.4920 by nallowing australia 39.0827 n EUincrease 56.9272 mobile nmobile SAUDI arabia 13.9867 Source: BSP (April 21, 2022) “With290 290million millionunbanked unbanked evolutionby allowing lionhelped helpedincrease sales sustainabilityconsiderations.” “With lion sales evolution sustainability peopleininthe theregion, region,offering offeringalalmorebrands brandstotounderstand understandthe the 81percent percentinin2021 2021compared comparedtoto Comparethis thiswith withtheir theirIndoneIndonepeople byby81 more Compare ternative payment payment methods methods bebechangingmarket marketand andanticipate anticipate theprevious previousyear. year. sian counterparts counterparts who who are are most most ternative the changing sian camea amust mustfor foronline onlineretailers,” retailers,” whatthe thefuture futureholds. holds.Our Ourfocus focus Brand partners partners ofof Zalora Zalora likelytotospend spendon onbeauty beautyproducts products came Brand what likely Zalorasaid. said. continuestotobebeon onconsumer consumerbebewouldappreciate appreciatethe theother otherinforinforandsports sportsequipment equipmentasasa aform formofof Zalora would continues and haviorsvs. vs.market marketsize sizeoutlooks outlooks mation itit obtained obtained such such asas cuscusleisure,despite despitea adip dipininconsumer consumer mation haviors leisure, andhow howititisisevolving.” evolving.” tomers“are “are40 40percent percentmore morelikely likely Signsofofthe thetimes times sentimentdue duetotothe thepandemic. pandemic. and tomers Signs sentiment BRAND partners partners ofof Zalora Zalora may may spendthan thanplanned plannedonce oncethey they Itslatest latestTrender Trender2021 2021Report Report Malaysia, though, though, has has the the BRAND Its totospend Malaysia, alsolook lookatatthe thedata: data: identifythe theshopping shoppingexperience experience has outlined outlined key key technological technological highestpercentage percentageofofdigital digitalnanaalso has identify highest Fragrances dominated dominated the the highlypersonalized.” personalized.” shiftsinindigital digitalpayment paymentand andconcontives,atat88 88percent percentoror22 22million. million. • • Fragrances shifts asashighly tives, PersonalCare Carecategory, category,overtaking overtaking sumerexperience experiencethat thatcome comehand hand This makes makes virtual virtual sessions sessions These are are the the segment segment ofof their their Personal sumer This These handwith withshoppers’ shoppers’rising risingdigidigihelpful for for consumers, consumers, like like live live populationthat thatgrew grewup upwith withthe the ininhand helpful population Continuedon onA2 A2 Continued

@caiordinario

BANG OLAND | DREAMSTIME.COM BANG OLAND | DREAMSTIME.COM

Bloomberg

NMEDIA | DREAMSTIME.COM NMEDIA | DREAMSTIME.COM

U.S. ON RATE MOVE–DOF

‘G

PESOEXCHANGE EXCHANGERATES RATESnnUSUS50.4010 50.4010 nnJAPAN JAPAN0.4454 0.4454 nnUK UK67.0888 67.0888nnHK HK6.4693 6.4693 nnCHINA CHINA7.9027 7.9027 nnSINGAPORE SINGAPORE36.8159 36.8159 nnAUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA35.7494 35.7494 nnEU EU56.9683 56.9683 nnSAUDI SAUDIARABIA ARABIA13.4356 13.4356 Source: Source:BSP BSP(December (December3,3,2021) 2021) PESO

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, April 22, 2022

Philippines... Continued from A1

“We don’t want to be behind the eight ball here,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said in an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Kathleen Hays. “If the US raises their interest rates, people in the Philippines will of course want to follow those rates,” while balancing the needs of growth, inflation and capital preservation. The Philippines is among a clutch of Asian nations that have stood pat on rates to support the recovery of their economies from the pandemic, even as global peers led by the Fed have moved to tightening to combat surging inflation. Dominguez, also a government nominee on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ monetary board, is set to vote on two more policy decisions before leaving office on June 30 when President Duterte’s six-year term ends. Dominguez also underlined the need for fostering annual growth rates of more than 6 percent in the next five to six years to help the nation pare debt taken on to fight the pandemic’s fallout. The country’s debt-to-gross domestic product ratio rose to 60.5 percent in 2021 from 54.6 percent in the previous year and 39.6 percent in 2019. Fitch Ratings earlier this year affirmed the sovereign’s rating at the second-lowest investment grade, while putting it on watch for a downgrade, citing uncertain growth prospects and challenges to reducing government debt. “The next administration would have to design policies and stick to very strict fiscal discipline to grow out of these debt problems,” Dominguez said. The pandemic disrupted consumption and business activity, which in turn crimped tax revenue and pushed the Southeast Asian nation to rely more on debt to fund spending plans. While Dominguez recently said he’s readying a fiscal consolidation plan for the new government, analysts at Barclays Plc to Fitch see the presidential election in May leading to policy continuity. The Philippines targets a growth rate of 7 percent-9 percent this year as consumption starts returning to pre-pandemic levels. The government extended the least stringent movement curbs through end-April in metropolitan Manila, which accounts for a third of the nation’s economic output.

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Despite ‘Agaton,’ Comelec says May 9 poll preparations on track By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

ESPITE the devastation caused by tropical storm “Agaton” (international code name Megi) in some parts of the country, the Commission on Elections said its preparations for the 2022 polls are still on track. T he pol l body made a statement as it started delivering over 65.75 million ballots this week.

Deficit... Continued from A1

Other top imports from China were Industrial Machinery and Equipment worth $1.62 billion and Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles which amounted to $1.57 billion.

“We are now ready for the May 9 elections because we have completed the printing of all ballots and we have

Apart from China, the Philippines’s top import sources were Japan amounting to $11.11 billion; the Republic of Korea, $9.35 billion; Indonesia, $8.45 billion; and the United States, $7.75 billion. Meanwhile, the data also showed the country’s top exports to China were Electronic Products amounting to $5.75

started deploying all election parapher nalia and the VCMs [vote counting machines] across the country,” Comelec Chairman Saidamen B. Pangarungan told reporters in an ambush interview in Abra on Thursday “We are in fact ahead of schedule in the deployment,” he added. The poll official made the assurance even after tropical storm Agaton damaged some voting centers in the country, including some from Ormoc, Leyte, earlier this month. I n a pre s s con fe re nce on Thursday, Comelec Executive Director Bartolome J. Sinocruz Jr. said they are currently setting up makeshift voting centers in some of the affected areas, where it is required.

“The makeshift voting centers will be made from wooden materials and will be temporary in nature,” Sinocruz said. In its website, Comelec said it will establish makeshift voting centers in Southern Leyte, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Northern Samar and other areas. Fortunately, Sinocr uz said they have yet to get any report of any VCM, Consolidation and Canvassing System (CCS), and the Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), which was damaged because of tropical storm Agaton. T he storm left 175 people dead and 110 others missing nationwide, and caused millions of damage in infrastructure and agriculture.

billion; other mineral products, $1.47 billion; and Cathodes and Sections Of Cathodes, Of Refined Copper, $1.26 billion. Other top exports of the Philippines to China included other manufactured goods worth $992.85 million and fresh bananas amounting to $387.83 million in 2021.

these lockdowns could intensify supply-side constraints now being experienced by global and regional trade. Lanzona said the country’s manufacturing performance may slow down unless the Philippines develops trade with other countries in the Asia and the Pacific region. Former Dean of the University of the Philippines School of Economics Ramon L. Clarete said the situation in China would “badly” affect regional and global trade as it accounts for 30 percent of the world’s manufacturing sector. Clarete said in terms of car manufacturing, China is an important player as it supplies batteries used by Tesla vehicles. Other commodities are bound to be affected by these lockdowns. He said the Philippines, as a value adder in the manufacture of electronic products, will be affected through its imports. These imports will also affect the country’s top export product, semiconductors. Clarete said factories, including Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) locators, will experience a slowdown as the “holdup in global supply” will drag industrial performance. Cai U. Ordinario

Top export market However, the United States was the Philippines’s top export market, cornering $11.85 billion or a share of 15.9 percent in 2021 total exports. China came in second to the US. Other top export destinations in 2021 were Japan, where Filipino exporters shipped $10.73 billion worth of goods; Hong Kong, $9.93 billion; and Singapore, $4.2 billion. Earlier, local economists warned that China’s struggle to contain the spread of Covid-19 may dent the performance of the Philippine manufacturing and export performance in the coming months. The Chinese government recently implemented what is called a “dynamic clearance” in important trade hubs or large cities like Shanghai to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Ateneo Eagle Watch Senior Fellow Leonardo A. Lanzona Jr. said

Abroad... Continued from A1

Gover nment d at a ind ic ated about 40 percent of the Philippines’s population remains unvaccinated. The WTTC’s 2022 EIR report also pointed to a significant rebound in travel and tourism across the Asia-Pacific region from 2022 to 2032, which is estimated to create almost 77 million new jobs. At the same time the sector’s contribution towards gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 8.5 percent in the next 10 years, more than double the 4-percent growth rate for the region’s overall economy. “In 2019, Asia Pacific was the fastest growing region in terms of travel and tourism in the world. It then became the hardest hit region, [down by] 60 percent. But the recovery is going to be so stellar, it’s going to recover powerfully. This does depend on China reopening,” Simpson underscored. The WTTC forecast the region’s travel and tourism sector to fully recover by 2023, growing by some 26 percent to $3.4 trillion from an estimated $2.7 trillion this year. Globally, the sector is seen reaching $14.6 trillion in value by 2032, accounting for 11.3 percent of the world’s economy. The WTTC also reported global travel and tourism GDP could reach prepandemic levels

by 2023, growing by 15 percent yearon-year to $9.6 trillion. The sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to rise by a massive 43.7 percent to almost $8.4 trillion by the end of 2022, amounting to 8.5 percent of the total global economic GDP. This will be matched by an increase in employment, up 8.2 percent to 324 million jobs in 2023, just 2.7 percent off pre-pandemic levels. “Over the next decade, travel and tourism will create 126 million new jobs worldwide. In fact, one in three of every new job created will be related to our sector. Looking to this year and the next, WTTC forecast a brighter future with both GDP and employment set to reach prepandemic levels by next year.” She noted, “The recovery in 2021 was slower than expected due in part to the impact of the Omicron variant but mainly due to an uncoordinated approach by governments who rejected the advice of the World Health Organization, which maintained that closing borders would not stop the spread of the virus but would only serve to damage economies and livelihoods.” The WTTC, which is holding its 21st Global Summit in Manila, reported on Wednesday that the Philippines’s travel and tourism sector will grow an average of 6.7 percent per annum in the next decade, exceeding the country’s overall GDP growth of 5.6 percent for the same period. (See, “WTTC sees PHL tourism raising $155 billion by 2032,” in the BusinessMirror, April 20, 2022.)

Ukraine... Continued from A1

Dominguez said he will also be discussing with finance ministers from other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on how economies in the region can better cooperate to mitigate the impact of the war in Eastern Europe, the first since the second World War. “I’ve also started discussions with the ADB and the World Bank. I said they came together very well in the financing of the vaccines for the pandemic. I said, you know, this is another opportunity for you guys to work together and work together with the finance ministers involved. To see what kind of rescue packages that can be done particularly for the less developed countries,” Dominguez said. Dominguez admitted that the war in Eastern Europe “weighed heavily” on the Philippines. The country has seen a rapid increase in oil prices as well as grain prices. BusinessMirror earlier reported that initially, the war's impact was observed only on oil prices. On the first few days of the invasion of Ukraine, international oil prices teased the $100 per barrel level. But it became clear that not only were oil prices going to go higher than $100 per barrel, but that inflation is bound to drive other commodities. Ukraine and Russia are key suppliers of commodities such as wheat which the Philippines does not grow. Other commodities such as soybean and potash, one of the key ingredients in the manufacture of fertilizers, have also sent food prices soaring. (Story here: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/03/28/recoveryinterrupted-as-covid-alerts-comedown-war-sends-prices-soaring/) “We were well on our way to recover y, except now we have this Ukraine crisis, and that's going to weigh a bit heavily on us. Although we’re not combatants, we’re affected by the increase in prices of fuel, of grain. And you know, this is among the things we discussed today at the World Bank and the G-20 meetings,” Dominguez said. Apart from the war, a major stumbling block to the country's recovery is its debts. Dominguez said the next administration must implement measures that would ensure that the Philippines outgrows its debts. Dominguez said that while the country’s debts have terms of up to 40 years and were negotiated on “very favorable” terms, the Philippines can only outgrow its debts by posting a growth of at least 6 percent in the next five to six years. Earlier, the Central Bank Governor remained confident the Philippine economy can still outgrow its debts. In a plenary session at the Southeast Asia Development Symposium (SEADS), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said the country's current debt comprises 70 percent local and 30 percent foreign. Diokno added that this year, the economy is expected to grow 7 to 9 percent, outpacing the growth of its debts. He said debt is expected to grow by around 2 percent this year. Diokno said he expects the economy to perform well this year because the country “did not sit by” and wait for the pandemic to recede before it took action on much-needed reforms. He cited the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Public Service Act, and the Foreign Investment Act which will significantly improve the country's efforts in attracting foreign capital. The Central Bank Governor also said the country's reserves remain significant at 10 months worth of its imports. He said usually, the accepted doctrine is for the economy's foreign reserves to be equivalent to three months of imports. The Philippines’s exports, the earnings from sectors such as the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and OFW remittances help ensure that the country has ample reserves and growth drivers.

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The Nation BusinessMirror

Batangas gov: BBM fated to be next PHL president

12 more areas in South may be placed under Comelec control–Pangarungan By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

T least 12 more locations in Mindanao may be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) if reported violent incidents in these areas escalate in the coming days. On the sidelines of a peace covenant signing event organized by the poll body in Abra on Thursday, Comelec Chairman Saidamen Balt Pangarungan disclosed that they received reports of incidents of ambushes and gunfights in the 12 “hotly contested” municipalities in the South.

PRESIDENTIAL frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. waves to some 100,000 supporters during a grand rally held at Lima Park Hotel in Lipa, Batangas, attended by Batangas Governor Dodo Mandanas and UniTeam senatorial candidates. ROY DOMINGO

ATANGAS Governor Hermilando Mandanas on Wednesday said Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer and frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is destined to be the country’s 17th president. During the BBM-Sara UniTeam grand rally at the Lima Park in Lipa, Batangas, Mandanas said Marcos is what the country needs because he envisions what the country and the people really need. “Tonight, a good life begins for us because we are with someone fated to be the next president. He is the only one who saw that what the country needs most is unity and cooperation, not endless conflict,” he said, in Filipino. The governor added, “Let us introduce and vote for the next president, Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.,” drawing resounding cheers of approval from thousands of supporters at the rally. Marcos thanked the Batangueños for the love and support they showered him and the UniTeam. “Your love and support is boundless. I thank you for your warm welcome, not just for our candidates, but for the message of unity we bring,” he said. Marcos also vowed to lower the high electricity costs in the country to generate more jobs, saying the fastest way to propel the province to progress and development is to ensure affordable power rates. Meanwhile, Davao Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, Marcos’s running mate, expressed confidence that the crowd of an estimated 10 0,0 0 0 suppor ters wa s not forced or paid to attend the event as they shouted “hindi kami bayad

[we were not paid].” “I am sure you were not paid because many of you have been here since morning. Even though many of you are hungry and far from home, your love for UniTeam stays strong. When Batangas say I’m a winner, I am certain I will win,” Duterte said, speaking mostly in Filipino, as she assured that their administration would focus on reviving the economy instead of imposing lockdowns due to Covid. The situation has become manageable with vaccines, mask, and medicine for it’s cure already available. Meanwhile, a barangay official from one of Lipa’s barangays said they are grateful that Marcos chose to bring his campaign to Lipa even if he already visited Batangas City. “Nagpapasalamat kami dahil nagpunta siya dito sa amin sa Lipa dahil hinahanap siya dito. Maraming BBM supporters dito kahit si Isko Moreno ang inendorso nina Sen. [Ralph] Recto,” said Chairman Allan Sarmiento, of Barangay Quezon. Corroborating his statement, a group disclosed that they fully support Marcos, adding that they would attend the rally even if there were no movie stars or bands because they wanted to see and listen to him. Aside from Marcos and Duterte, senatorial bets Mark Villar, Harry Roque, Sherwin Gatchalian, Greg Honasan, Jinggoy Estrada, Robin Padilla, and Gilbert Teodoro also attended the rally. Two other senatorial candidates, Loren Legarda and Juan Miguel Zubiri were not able to attend but their video messages were played on stage.

Ukrainian Red Cross Society receives $50K humanitarian aid from PRC amid raging war By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

HE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) donated $50,000 to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society’s response to people affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. In a letter to the president of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, Professor Mykola Yefremovych, PRC Chairman and CEO, Sen. Richard J. Gordon, on behalf of the PRC Board of Governors, volunteers, and staff, extended solidarity with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in providing humanitarian assistance to people to the raging war. PRC’s donation was in response to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ emergency appeal. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is currently

providing humanitarian assistance to populations displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war. Among the support provided by ICRC so far are cash assistance for the purchase of fuel; food; hygiene products; and medical equipment for hospitals and primary healthcare facilities. The ICRC has set up water stations, as the war has caused water services disruptions. ICRC has also provided housing repair support to those whose homes were damaged. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started on February 24, 2022. ICRC president, Peter Maurer, expressed grave concern for Ukrainian communities. He reiterated that international humanitarian law must be upheld and that civilians and essential services must be protected.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Friday, April 22, 2022 A3

“If this escalates, we will be forced to declare Comelec control in the said areas,” Pangarungan warned. He said they are also monitoring other similar cases in Lanao del Sur, Marawi, Butig, and Basilan and other areas included in the list of 114 towns and cities, which were included by the Philippine National Police in its “red category.” “The red category are those areas which could be placed under Comelec control but subject to the recommendations of the Regional Task Force on Security Matters,” Pangarungan explained. Comelec can place certain parts of the country under its control if

there is history of intense rivalry among contending candidates, incidents of politically-motivated violence, and presence of armed threats from armed communist terrorist groups and private armed groups in the said locations. On Tuesday, Comelec confirmed it placed the municipalities of Malabang and Tubaran in Lanao del Sur under its control due to incidents of violence in the said areas. Pangarungan said at least 10 relatives of contending mayoral candidates were killed in Malabang in the last two weeks. In Tubaran, he said, 100 people died due to election-related inci-

dents perpetrated by private armed groups and the terrorist group, Daulah Islamiyah. Pangarungan said they are trying to minimize the outbreak of election-related violence nationwide by coming up with peace covenants among candidates. “I hope that this peace covenant signing does not become a mere formality or a meaningless ceremony,” Pangarungan said during the signing of such a covenant in Bangued, Abra. Currently, Comelec also conducts similar peace pacts in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; Catbalogan, Samar; Lucena City, Quezon, and Abra.

MMDA, LTFRB: Provincial bus operators can’t use ‘window period’ to cut services By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified on Wednesday the issue of the “window period” for provincial buses to enter Metro Manila, particularly Edsa, which inconvenienced thousands of commuters who had to wait for hours for the provincial buses to ply their routes. In a phone interview, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the window period of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. only covers the use of private terminals, meaning, the limited hours applied only to their use of their private terminals on Edsa, which have been blamed for the traffic on the main thoroughfare. Beyond the window period, Artes explained, provincial buses are actually allowed to operate their routes, but are required to terminate at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) for provincial buses in the south and the North Luzon Express Terminal (NLET) for those coming from the north. Provincial buses with commuter routes—or those plying less than 80 kilometer routes—are allowed to terminate at the Cubao Araneta Center Terminal. “The general rule and policy did not change—that all buses should terminate at integrated terminal exchanges,” Artes said. “We did not impose a new policy.” He noted that the “window period” was allowed as a form of “tolerance” or accommodation on the part of the government. Citing the w indow per iod,

A BUSY provincial bus station along Buendia Avenue in Makati City. ROY DOMINGO

some provincial bus companies on Tuesday announced that their operations will be limited to 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that it will “hold accountable” provisional bus operators “for flagrant violation” of their franchises, when they decided to limit their operations. “By not operating as they are required to do so under the conditions of their current special permits, they have made thousands of passengers suffer, such as the financial loss incurred by workers who were not able to work today and by those

with business transactions, because of the absence of public transportation,” LTFRB Executive Director Tina Cassion said. She said the permits were given to provincial bus operators “to transport passengers at any given time when there is passenger demand, and not only at night time as they have announced in several platforms.” “The provincial bus operators should be responsible enough to abide by their agreement with the MMDA and its duties and responsibilities as a common carrier. For their non-compliance, which is a blatant violation of their special permits and certificate of public

convenience or CPC to operate, the LTFRB will hold them accountable for this flagrant violation.” Despite the clarification, Artes noted that the MMDA may “revisit the window period” as the government has decided to provide free rides to commuters that will be dropped off from the NLET. In an advisory, the LTFRB said it has started offering free rides to commuters under the Service Contracting Program. Commuters may choose between the point-to-point service from NLET to Araneta Center in Cubao or from NLET to the PITX. The free ride starts at 1 a.m. and ends at 12 a.m.

DENR’s Sampulna turns over Alabang lot to RITM By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to turn over a 9,077-square-meter (sq m) land to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to research work to combat the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and other diseases that may arise in the future. DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna signed on Friday, April 8, 2022, a deed of conveyance on making the lot donation official. RITM is the research arm of the Department of Health. “This deed of conveyance is the DENR’s simple gift and contribution for RITM to further advance their research work, and prepare to address the current pandemic and health concerns that may arise in the future,” Sampulna said in a news statement. The ceremonial signing of the

DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna (sixth from left) and Department of Health-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM) Director Celia Carlos, MD (fifth from left) show the deed of conveyance signed by the two parties for a parcel of land in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, to be turned over by DENR to DOH-RITM. The property will help expand RITM’s facilities to further advance its research and improve its services. Present in the ceremonial signing were Land Management Bureau Director Atty. Emelyne V. Talabis, DENR National Capital Region Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan (fourth and seventh from left) and other officials of the two agencies. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

deed of conveyance came after President Duterte handed down Proclamation 1276 dated January 6, 2022, which states that a parcel of patrimonial land within the Ala-

bang Stock Farm, Muntinlupa City, will be allotted for RITM. The 9,077-sq-m lot is adjacent to the current site of the health research facility in Alabang. RITM Director

Celia C. Carlos, MD, expressed her gratitude to the DENR for facilitating the preparation of the deed of conveyance, and for allocating the land in their favor, noting that one of the facility’s problems was lack of space. “I wish to acknowledge the big help provided by Land Management Bureau Director Atty. Emelyne V. Talabis and her staff who guided and supported us in all stages of this journey towards RITM acquisition of additional lots,” said Carlos. RITM has been responding to outbreaks of infectious diseases for the last 20 years, including the first severe acute respiratory syndromeassociated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) outbreak in 2003. It was also at the forefront of controlling the AH1N1 pandemic in 2009, measles outbreak in 2013, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in 2014 to 2015, polio outbreak in 2018, and SARS-CoV outbreak in 2019.

A4 Friday, April 22, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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Be keen on shoppers’ behavioral shift, FMCG industry players told By Andrea San Juan

A ST-MOV ING consumer goods (FMCG) industr y players must take note of Filipinos’ new shopping habits to accelerate their plans for recovery, according to data and consulting firm Kantar. “Prolonged disruption brought about by the pandemic has engrained some new shopping habits among Filipino consumers that could help aid the recovery of the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods industry in 2022,” Kantar said in a news statement issued on Thursday. At a virtual meeting on Thursday morning, Kantar New Business Director Des Deocareza emphasized that in terms of recovery, more than half of the 156 FMCG categories or 51 percent declined while only 21 percent experienced growth. Deocareza further explained that “in terms of how we can recover this growth, it has to be about recruiting buyers to be featured back into baskets, more than increasing their

spend per trip or frequency.” Kantar Expert Solutions Director Lendz Lim elaborated the five key opportunities that are critical for this year. Among those mentioned were value for money, new channel missions and e-commerce. Under value for money, Lim pointed out that since we are just starting to recover from the impact of strict lockdowns and unstable economy, shoppers especially those who belong to lower socioeconomic classes also face the problem of coinciding increase in prices. In effect, this leads to lower purchasing power. “So we are just coming out of strict lockdowns, their ability to gain income, have to go to work, do their jobs. It’s just starting to recover,” Lim said. “Over half of FMCG products that are usually in the basket of Filipinos have just increased prices, you know with budgets, how are they going to react?” she added. With more than half of the 156 categories monitored by Kantar rais-

ing their prices by more than 5 percent in the last two years, shoppers will continue to switch to brands that offer them greater value. In relation to new channel missions, Shopper and Consumer Insight Director for Kantar Laurice Obana emphasized that proximity of products is also one of the factors that shoppers consider when it comes to their purchases amid the pandemic. With this, shoppers have heavily relied on sari-sari stores since they are within reach and bring less possible exposure to the Covid-19 virus. “Mobility restrictions over the past two years have resulted to less shopping trips, which translates to less opportunities for products to make their way into the shopping baskets of Filipinos,” the news statement read. Obana “believes that with the return to neighborhood stalls, brands that can get themselves into the limited shelf space will be the ones who stand to gain the most,” it added. According to Kantar, another avenue to expedite their recovery plans is the e-commerce industry. “The number of Filipinos shopping in e-commerce platforms will continue to grow, with the personal care category currently dominating the online shopping basket,” the news statement said. “With only 8 percent of Filipino homes shopping online, there is a huge opportunity for brands to leverage this platform,” it added. However, Obana mentioned that

this will only take off when Filipino shoppers use online channels to purchase their food and beverage (F&B) needs. She also cited some barriers to e-commerce in relation to Filipino shoppers’ access to the Internet. “I think there are still plenty of barriers that we need to address with e-commerce. In fact I was speaking with some of our retailers in the Visayas-Mindanao region. For once, I think the general set-up of making online easier and accessible to the Vis-Min region is still not there yet in terms of infrastructure. So it’s limited to Metro Manila and also Cebu, South Luzon, the big cities,” she said. Back to school and sustainability were also included in the key opportunities to FMCG recovery for this year. On the back to school category, Kantar said convenience and packaged products such as hand sanitizers, baby powder/cologne, ready-todrink beverages, snacks and biscuits will become more relevant. Regarding sustainability, Kantar global data shows that eco actives climbed up to 22 percent in 2021 from 2020’s 21 percent while eco dismissers went down to 38 percent in 2021 from 2020’s 39 percent. Eco actives are “shoppers who are highly concerned about the environment and are making the most of actions to reduce their waste,” while eco dismissers are “shoppers who have little or no interest in the environment and take no steps to reduce waste.”

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‘Agaton’ farm damage now stands at ₧2.8B By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

AMAGE to the country’s agriculture sector caused by Typhoon “Agaton” (international code name Megi) has climbed to P2.8 billion, affecting 31,645 hectares of agricultural areas, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday. DA said the damage and losses reported in Bicol Region, Eastern and Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Soccsksargen and Caraga, have affected 64,525 farmers and fishers. It said 89,093 metric tons (MT) of produce were damaged or destroyed by the typhoon. “Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, and fisheries. Damage has also been incurred in agricultural infrastructures, machineries and equipment. These values are subject to validation,” it said. According to the DA, the increase in overall damage and losses is due to additional reports on rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, agri-facilities, machineries and equipment in Western and Eastern Visayas. The DA said the rice sector accounted for 45.89 percent of the total agricultural damage or about P1.3 billion as of April 21 as the typhoon damaged 73,484 MT of produce across 28,803 hectares of farms. The agency said high value crops (HVC) farmers lost

P296.7 million as production loss from their sector reached 13,573 MT of vegetables, cacao and fruits from 1,433 hectares of land. The DA said Agaton damaged 2,063 MT of corn worth P53.6 million. The DA added that the typhoon affected 1,409 hectares of corn farms. Livestock and poultry raisers reported P40.9 million in losses as 78,732 heads of chicken, swine, carabao, duck and goat were affected by the typhoon, according to the DA report. The agency, meanwhile, assured the continuous assessment of damage and losses brought by Agaton in the agrifisheries sector. The DA said at least P723.07 million of readilyavailable assistance will be provided to farmers and fisherfolk affected, including P500 million worth of Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas. The DA said the assistance also include P100 million under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Assistance Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council for Western Visayas; P87.76 million worth of rice seeds, P24.33 million worth of corn seeds, P10.85 million worth of assorted vegetables. The DA added the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery program is on standby, while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. has sufficient funds to indemnify affected farmers.

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PhilHealth settles P13-B claims through DCPM program By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

ROU N D P13 bi l l ion worth of payments was made by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) under its Debit Credit Payment Method (DCPM) since the program was launched last year. Citing their latest data, PhilHealth spokesperson Shirley B. Domingo disclosed in a Viber message they already released a total of P12.91 billion of DCPM payments, which benefited 529 hospitals nationwide. Of the said funds, P430 million were released during the first quarter of the year, which benefited 64 hospitals. PhilHealth implemented the DCPM scheme last year amid complaints from several hospitals on the delayed reimbursements for the treatment they extended to PhilHealth members. This led to several private hospitals to cut ties with PhilHealth unless it could promptly settle their claims. Domingo said the implementation of the DCPM is ongoing and is now in its third phase. “Our regional [offices] continue to coordinate with hospitals. They are doing reconciliation meetings.” Domingo said in a televised interview on Thursday. During the first two phases of DCPM, PhilHealth paid 60 percent of good “in process” claims to hospitals minus 2 percent withholding tax. The remaining balance will be paid once the hospital completes the processing and reconciliation of the said claims. PhilHealth raised the rate of advance pay ment to 80 percent to qualified hospitals in the third phase of DCPM implementation.

Friday, April 22, 2022 A5

PHL and Australia prepare for twin military exercises on territorial defense operations

By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

RMY Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. met with Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson AO as ground forces from both countries ramp up preparations for the conduct of two joint military exercises. Brawner’s meeting with Robinson on Wednesday followed Canberra’s top diplomat’s courtesy call on the Army chief at

Fort Bonifacio where the Philippines-Australia defense relations were bolstered. The meeting took place as armies

from both countries are prepare for the holding of two military exercises, Carabaroo and Dusk Caracha, with the former also involving American forces. T he Carabaroo focuses on counterterrorism while the Dusk Caracha trains the Army’s Special Forces Regiment, First Scout Ranger Regiment, Light Reaction Regiment and their counterpart elite units from the Australian Army on both counterterrorism and non-traditional competencies. The Carabaroo was last held in Australia in 2019 and it was participated by more than 300 Filipino, American and Australian soldiers who took the culminating exercise of an urban assault mission on a

fictional town. The Dusk Caracha was also held in 2015 at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, which was joined by at least 117 Special Forces troops from the Philippine and Australian Armies. Australia is a key defense and security ally of the Philippines and both countries have an existing Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA). During their meeting, Brawner and Robinson discussed how the Australian Army could help the Philippine Army transition to territorial defense operations. Canberra has helped the Philippine military heavily in internal security operations with focus on

Unvaccinated Filipinos warned anew of Covid-19 infection risk Villar vows to push completion of Banoceh project By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—If unvaccinated Filipinos think the Covid-19 pandemic is over due to more relaxed protocols in many places now in the country, they should think again. “You are still at risk of getting the Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease, despite the low positivity rate in Davao City,” Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesman of the City Task Force on Covid-19 warned, as the country braced for a forecast surge in the early part of the first semester. This period would cover the high complacency attitude among Filipinos as they basked on their first frolicking summer after two years of movement restrictions and the uncontrolled crowding of people during electoral campaign for

the May 9 national and local elections. Schlosser said unvaccinated residents stand highest chance at ending in serious and critical care in an event of a likely surge at the start of the first semester. The warning came as Europe and some Southeast Asian countries like Hong Kong and Singapore have to grapple with a surge that already lasted for more than a month already, mostly emerging from the unvaccinated sectors. Their medical care facilities have long been overwhelmed. “All we have to do is to have our vaccine for protection from the severity of the disease. This is what we have been urging the public…if you can prevent death, prevent it and have your vaccine now,” Schlosser said. She added that people in one community must protect each other from further transmission. Based on the data from the Covid-19 Vaccination Cluster, the

city has administered 1,324,280 first doses, and 1,302,405 second doses of the vaccines, which are 86.50 percent and 85.07 percent, respectively, of the 1,531,004 or 80.67 percent of the city’s total population. However, only 240,672 or 18.48 percent got their booster doses as of April 12. Davao City Vaccination Cluster Head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said that while the numbers of vaccinated individuals were high, they would push to reach 80.67 percent new target from the 80 percent initial target. “This is to help achieve the national goal of 89 million to 90 million Filipinos fully vaccinated,” she said. Villafuerte said the majority of the remaining unvaccinated individuals were senior citizens and children 5 years old to 17 years old. While the city projected the surge to be sometime in June or July, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the

Department of Health (DOH) expected a surge as early as the middle of May citing a drop by 7 percent on Filipino compliance nationwide of health protocols like wearing of face mask. Nationwide, compliance dropped by 12 percent. The WHO office here also warned that it would be “very shortsighted ” to assume that the lower cases of infections the past weeks would be taken by Filipinos as “absolute lower risk.” The city task force also warned that while cases here were below the acceptable positivity rate, “the fact that we still have cases means that we still have an enemy.” “That is the reason why we remain strong in our call on the wearing of face masks and avoiding high-risk behaviors like going out for social gatherings,” Schlosser said. She said the data from April 10 to April 16 showed a recorded death of one unvaccinated person due to a severe case of Covid-19.

‘Pinkistas’ eye house-to-house campaign for Leni as birthday gift

UPPORTERS and volunteers of presidential candidate Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo are targeting to mobilize 1 million participants to conduct a house-to-house campaign for her candidacy on Saturday as a birthday gift. The activity, which Robredo’s daughter, Aika, had encouraged, will presented as a gift to her mother, who is marking her birthday on Saturday, and will seek to sustain the nationwide house campaign that her supporters have been undertaking for weeks. “Sa Sabado naman po, pa-birthday natin kay Mama! Kaya ba natin sabay-

sabay mag-house to house sa umaga? Tao sa tao, puso sa puso, let’s go!!” Aika Robredo posted on Twitter. The house-to-house campaign in various parts of the country is scheduled in the morning, ahead of the various activities for the vice president’s birthday celebrations at Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City. “Sa gabi naman, birthday rally at street party—invited po lahat ng kulay!! Kita kits,” Aika said. Meanwhile, the vice president’s daughter formally asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the proliferation of fabricated lewd videos claiming to

be her on various Internet sites and social media platforms. In a letter dated April 18, Aika, through a lawyer, requested assistance from lawyer Michelle Valdez, officer in charge of the NBI Cybercrime Division, in probing possible cybercrimes and violations of special criminal laws and the Revised Penal Code. “The past few days have seen a sudden surge of uploads and posts in various blogs, porn sites and social media platforms that mislead the public and give the impression that our client has videos or photos allegedly showing her in a scandal-

ous pose or act,” Aika’s lawyer said. The letter added that the use of Robredo’s name to entice the general public to click on the links “exposes her to ridicule and subjects her person and her reputation to abuse and harassment.” While Aika wanted to ignore the vicious attacks, also aimed at undermining the campaign of her mother, she believed that “other persons might also be subjected to similar abuse and harassment from the same perpetrators” if she would just let them pass. “We are filing this not just for Aika, but for all those who could

be victimized by these online predators. We will not stop until the perpetrators of this atrocious act are behind bars,” said lawyer Pingki Bartolome, one of the counsels of Robredo. Through NBI’s tools and equipment, Robredo is hoping that the source and the person/s responsible will be identified and appropriate charges will be filed. If elected as President, Robredo promised to improve Internet connection and electricity in Siquijor that will bring progress to the third smallest province in the country. Rene Acosta

DA asks Congress for police powers to arrest smugglers “The implementing agency of the law is unfortunately the Bureau of Customs, so there appears to be an issue of clarity about who should take the lead in pursuing these cases,” Salceda said, in response to a query from the committee’s Vice Chairperson Sharon Garin about the jurisdiction of the DOJ over cases of agricultural smuggling as economic sabotage. Salceda noted that the mandate of the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG), under the Philippine National Police, also includes “monitoring, investigation and prosecution of all crimes involving economic sabotage.” “I think we need to clear that up. It appears that RA 10845 [the AntiAgricultural Smuggling Act] will fall under the jurisdiction of this committee as well,” Salceda added.

counterterrorism, as shown by its use of its spy plane for ISR operations for Filipino ground troops during the siege of Marawi City in 2017 by Islamic State fighters. After the liberation of Marawi, Australia provided counterterrorism and urban fighting trainings for Filipino troops. More than 10 years ago, Australia also boosted the newly formed Riverine Unit of the Philippine Army’s Special Forces by providing it with small craft and fast boats. For this year’s iteration of the Carabaroo, the military training will be joined by the Army, the Philippine Marine Corps, the Australian Army and the US Marine Corps.

Report

ON February 7, 2022, Adriano said the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), which conducted an investigation in January 2022, submitted its report to Agriculture Secretary William Dar. “The highlights of the report show that the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Revenue Memorandum Circular (BIR-RMC) tasked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to certify that the imported palm oil is unfit for human consumption, as part of the requirements for VAT exemption. This authority was recently transferred to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) only last September 6, 2021 through RMC 100-2021 of the BIR,” he said. Adriano also said the agency noted a huge discrepancy in the volume

certified by BAI versus those allowed to enter by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), saying BAI’s data on volume certified is much higher that those in the accounts of BOC. “The entry of palm oil has been ongoing since 2016, as per the data traced by ARTA. In 2016, imports registered at 1.181 million kgs. as per BOC data. In contrast, BAI data recorded an import volume of 2.421 million kgs. [kilograms] Imports peaked at 55.488 million kgs in 2020 per BOC data. In contrast, BAI data revealed imports reaching to 40.632 million kgs,” he said. “[With this volume] there’s something wrong with the market even you have not proven who the culprits are,” Adriano added. From 2016 to 2021, the DA official said BOC data showed a VAT

due sum of P2.328 billion. “ARTA’s major recommendation is for “the Department of Agriculture to conduct its own investigation on the discrepancy reported from the data from BOC and BAI in relation to the record on importations with VAT exemption vis a vis BOC’s actual arrival of goods. Pending such investigation, the responsible officer be placed under preventive suspension to preserve the integrity of the evidence,” he said. Adriano said Dar has already formed an investigation committee to look into the matter. Meanwhile, Adriano said the DA is seeking the assistance of other government agencies to rid the country of smuggling of agricultural products, which requires inter-agency efforts to succeed.

continued from a18

Also, he said the DA will continue the efforts to fight smuggling of agricultural products by tightening of its protocols, requirements and monitoring of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) issuance. He said the department is working with other agencies in going after smugglers (Sub-Task Group on Economic Intelligence (STG-EI) to complement DA’s limitation in terms of legal mandate and police power to go after smugglers. Adriano also said the DA will continue to implement measures to improve the productivity and competitiveness of farmers through investing in infrastructure, postharvest and processing facilities, and improving the yield and quality of farmers’ produce.

ENATORIAL aspirant and former Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar has vowed to push for the continuation and completion of the 49.82-kilometer Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway (Banoceh) project. “We continue to suppot the agency in completing this project. Banoceh is under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program of the Duterte administration this project is a significant infrastructure that aims to ease traffic congestion and aids in the economic development of the province of Negros Occidental and the country in general,” Villar said in a statement. The P7.97-billion Banoceh is a multiyear infrastructure project in Western Visayas being implemented by DPWH, under the “Build, Build, Build” program, which started in April 2017 and is expected to be completed in December 2024. Villar said that with the construction of this by-pass road, travel time from southern Negros and northern Negros going to Bacolod-Silay Airport Road will be reduced by 25 and 40 minutes, respectively, providing comfort and ease of travel to roughly 20,000 travelers per day.

Win asks DOF to reconsider teachers’ tax exemption continued from a18

As the ESRA has no provision for tax exemptions, the lawmaker reminded that “despite the continuous service that these poll workers render to ensure the transmission of results, they still have to pay income tax” if their annual taxable income, which includes such honoraria and allowances, exceeds the P250,000 threshold under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Acknowledging the long hours teachers spend to ensure the “integrity” of the election process, Gatchalian said, “we are offering this law to recognize the teachers’ vital role in preserving our democracy.” Aside from the necessity of paying income tax despite the poll workers’ arduous work during elections, the lawmaker laments “the process that they have to go through to collect their pay,” noting, for instance, that for teachers to collect their election honoraria and benefits, poll workers have to go to the local Comelec offices and submit a declaration of exemptions if they earn less than P250,000 annually. Butch Fernandez

Friday, April 22, 2022

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Editor: Angel R. Calso

Shanghai sees number of severe Covid-19 cases triple in 24 hours

hanghai reported a sharp increase in its number of seriously ill Covid patients, raising concerns that the Chinese financial hub is likely to record more fatalities even as its worst virus outbreak appears to be coming under control. The number of the patients in severe or critical condition in the city more than tripled to 159 as of Wednesday from just over 50 the previous day, Wu Qianyu, an official with the city’s health commission, said at a briefing Thursday. The city, currently the epicenter of China’s worst outbreak since Wuhan more than two years ago, also reported eight deaths Wednesday, bringing total fatalities from the current outbreak to 25. The surge in the number of seriously ill Covid patients and increase in fatalities came as the outbreak itself appeared to be winding down after weeks of lockdown. New infections have fallen for four consecutive days to 18,495 on Wednesday. The city’s relatively large elderly population is particularly vulnerable to

the virus, as vaccination rates among them remain low. Only 62 percent of senior residents have been inoculated, said Shanghai government officials. Most of the 25 people who have died were unvaccinated. With the number of severe cases on the rise, the outbreak could lead to more deaths in Shanghai, likely confirming suspicions raised by experts outside of China that the current outbreak could eventually turn out to be deadlier than initially thought due to the vaccination gap and a lack of natural immunity, since the country has largely kept out Covid until now. In Shanghai, nearly one in five of those infected with the virus are people aged 60 or above, while those aged 80 or above accounted for 2 percent of the total, according to official data. Nevertheless, China’s official number of Covid deaths per capita overall remains one of the lowest in the world, a topic that’s the subject of growing debate because it appears to best nations with higher vaccination rates like New Zealand and South Korea. Bloomberg News

Mask mandate returns to India’s capital as Covid-19 infections rise

ndia’s capital has reinstated the mask mandate in public spaces and stepped up testing for new variants, amid concerns about rising daily Covid-19 infections in the country. The Delhi state government has started genome sequencing for all Covid-positive samples collected April 9 onward, its spokesman said. The measures follow the detection of the highly transmissible XE variant in Mumbai earlier this month. India saw daily infections exceed 2,000 cases three days this week, more than double from a week ago. The South Asian nation has removed most Covid-related curbs and allowed offices, schools and movie theaters to reopen. Several other countries are also dismantling pandemic restrictions—a US judge scrapped mask requirements on planes and public transport this week and Singapore made masking outdoors optional. Delhi reported one death and 1,009 infections on Wednesday, crossing the 1,000-mark for the first time since February. The capital had reported 632 cases on Tuesday. India reported 56 deaths and 2,380 new infections on Wednesday, taking its total confirmed infections so far to more than 43 million. The risk of rising cases, along with India’s ramping up of booster shots “demands monitoring,” Bank of America said in a note on April 19. “Major metro cities have started to see sharp increases in cases again.” While there are no immediate signs of India’s heath care system getting overwhelmed like it did

last summer when daily cases topped 400,000 as the Delta variant ripped through the crowded nation, the World Health Organization has been warning about the emergence of new variants and the need to maintain vigilance. India is also putting in place other measures to prevent another virus wave.

Tighten curbs

An India-wide consortium of genome-testing laboratories said in a letter recently that it had sought further investigation into the XE variant detected in Mumbai. The country’s financial hub is located in the state of Maharashtra, which has also eased all the curbs. The federal government, in an April 19 letter, asked states including Maharashtra and northeastern Mizoram to tighten Covid protocols again. India is one of the world’s worst-hit nations with more than 43 million Covid cases and 522,000 deaths reported so far, according to official estimates, although several studies point to a massive undercounting of its fatalities. The Narendra Modi government is currently in the middle of a dispute over its death data after the New York Times and other media reported an unpublished WHO study that put India’s Covid deaths at “more than 4 million” and said the government was trying to stall the publication of the data. The Indian government contested these findings in an April 16 statement, saying the methodology employed was “questionable.”

Bloomberg News

Myanmar exempts foreign businesses from forex rules

AN G K O K — M y a n m a r i s e x e m p t i n g approved foreign investors, embassies, United Nations agencies and nongovernment organizations from its rules requiring conversion of foreign exchange into the local currency, officials said Thursday. Aung Naing Oo, the army-installed government’s minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, said Thursday in an online briefing that details of the central bank’s new rule were being worked out. But he said foreign companies and others qualifying would be given an automatic exemption. That includes businesses operating in Myanmar’s only special economic zone, Thilawa, south of the biggest city, Yangon. “There will be no additional burden to businesses because of the notification of the Bank of Myanmar,” he said. “We have already expected, anticipated there will be some negative impact....” The Bank of Myanmar’s announcement that foreign currency bank holdings must be converted to kyats within one day of their receipt appeared aimed at alleviating a shortfall in hard currency following a February 1, 2021 military takeover that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Aung Naing Oo said it was intended to

stabilize the exchange rate after the kyat fell to more than 2,000 kyat to the US dollar. The new policy had raised vehement protests from foreign governments and business organizations. A statement by the American Chamber of Commerce and British, French, Australian chambers and similar groups said the requirement to swap all dollars and other foreign currencies for kyats would lower Myanmar standards of living, discourage foreign business activity and foreign investment and cause trade tensions. “Implementation of these measures and the associated lack of clear exemptions for foreign investments creates significant, and for some, insurmountable challenges to all businesses operating in Myanmar,” the statement said. Critics of the new policy noted that limits on bank withdrawals would further complicate its implementation. To clarify, the government plans to draw up “standard operating instructions” on obtaining foreign exchange and obtaining cash from banks, Aung Naing Oo said. Myanmar’s economy has slumped amid widespread public resistance to the military takeover and the pandemic, which has in turn kept away tourists whose spending accounts for a large share of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. AP

TheWorld BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Friday, April 22, 2022

Putin tells forces not to storm Ukraine holdout in Mariupol By Adam Schreck

The Associated Press

YIV, Ukraine—Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his forces not to storm the last remaining Ukrainian stronghold in the besieged city of Mariupol on Thursday but instead to block it “so that not even a fly comes through.” His defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, said the rest of the city beyond the sprawling Azovstal

steel pl a nt where U k ra in i a n forces were holed has been “liberated ”—as Russian officia ls

In this image provided by the European Council, European Council President Charles Michel, center, looks at destroyed vehicles as he is given a tour of the region of Borodyanka, Ukraine, on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Dario Pignatelli/European Council via AP

refer to areas of Ukraine they have seized. Putin hailed that as a “success.”

But leaving the plant in Ukrainian hands robs the Russians of the ability to declare complete

victory in Mariupol, which has seen some of the most dramatic fighting of the war and whose capture has both strategic and symbolic importance. The scale of suffering there has made it a worldwide focal point, and its definitive fall would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, complete a land bridge between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, and free up Russian troops to move elsewhere in the Donbas. Shoig u said the plant was “securely blocked.” Putin and Shoigu’s comments appeared to reflect a change in strategy in Mariupol, where the Russians previously seemed determined to take every last inch of the city. But it was not clear what it would mean in practical terms.

Ukrainian officials did not comment on the latest remarks, but earlier said four buses with civilians managed to escape from the city after several unsuccessful attempts. Thousands more remain in the city, much of which has been reduced to a smoking ruin in a nearly two-month siege, with over 20,000 people feared dead. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said another attempt to evacuate civilians from Mariupol would be made Thursday—though it was not clear how the latest comments would affect that. In Kyiv, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen became the Continued on A15

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Friday, April 22, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

LINDEN, JOHAN CHRISTIAN Customer Service Agent Swedish 1.

Brief Job Description: Customer Service Agent interacts with the customer on behalf of the organization. Provide information about the products, services, responds to customer complaints as well.

MADHAVAN, ROHIT Delivery Excellence Advisory Assoc Director

Basic Qualification: Native speaker. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 13.

A-LINK STEEL MANUFACTURING CORP. Unit 1403-1404 14/f Bdo Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

LI, GUORONG Logistics Finance Supervisor 2.

Brief Job Description: Perform finance analysis, reporting, and management tasks.

LI, LI Logistics Finance Supervisor 3.

Brief Job Description: Perform finance analysis, reporting, and management tasks.

LIN, WANQING Logistics Finance Supervisor 4.

Brief Job Description: Perform finance analysis, reporting, and management tasks.

DONG, SHILONG Mechanics Supervisor 5.

Brief Job Description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers.

LYU, GANG Mechanics Supervisor 6.

Brief Job Description: Directly Supervise and Coordinate The activities of Mechanics Installer and Repairs

SUN, LIN Mechanics Supervisor 7.

Brief Job Description: Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers.

SHI, WEI Roller Machine Specialist 8.

Brief Job Description: Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.

WANG, ZHANHUA Roller Machine Specialist 9.

Brief Job Description: Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.

ZENG, YONG Roller Machine Specialist 10.

Brief Job Description: Set-up Operate or tend machines to Roll Steel or Plastic forming bends, beads knurls , rolls or Plate to Flatten, Temper or Reduce Gauge of material

WANG, LIYONG Warehouse Supervisor 11.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the day to day Management of People Within the Warehouse Function

Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Chinese/ basic English.

Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Chinese/ basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SARKAR, SHUVRO Portfolio & Delivery Executive

Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Chinese/ basic English.

Brief Job Description: Manage across a portfolio of technology accounts for both sales and delivery typically within a country/ csg. Responsible for delivering the contracts and sourcing the delivery out of the global delivery organization for the portfolio. Responsibilities include achievement of net revenue and client controllable income (cci) on sold work, coordination of sales efforts for technology across the portfolio, accountability for job economics and business development (bd) effectiveness, and industry capability development.

14.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Chinese/ basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Chinese/ basic English.

XU, HAI Chinese Speaking Marketing Staff 15.

12.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the Day to Day Management of People Within the Warehouse Function

Brief Job Description: Assisting and organizing campaigns and developing marketing strategies.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate at Least 1-2 Years of working Experience in the Related Field, Fluent in Chinese/ Basic English

GAO, CHENGLIANG Parts Manager 16.

AGRAWAL, PRATEEK Program Manager 17.

22.

Brief Job Description: Responsible and accountable for coordinated management of multiple related projects.

18.

20.

21.

NANG LAE LAE WIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires ZUE ZUE ZAW LWIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. ZHOU, JIANCHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. ZHANG, WENFEN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires VIVI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

23.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires YEW YEE WEI Malaysian Customer Service Representative

24.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. NGO AN LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

25.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGO VAN AN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

26.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN LE XUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

27.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN THI DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

28.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN THI KHANH LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

29.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN THI THU NGAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

30.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN THIEN VAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

31.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NGUYEN VAN LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

32. Basic Qualification: Attention to detail. Management of leadership experience. Knowledge of inventory monitoring practices. Computer proficiency. Excellent product knowledge, customer service skills, administrative skills, and organizational skills.

33.

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

34.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree gradate with experience in managing large projects & has knowledge in several key domain related program. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D., Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f, Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1, Pioneer St, City Of Mandaluyong

Brief Job Description: Manage maximized wholesale of spare parts and accessories to dealers. Develops, implements and monitors revenue generating programs in support of business targets. Monitors the attainment of the network’s business targets. Supervises the warehousing operations from inbound to outbound.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NOVIANA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

35.

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 inquires. TRAN CAM DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

36.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. UNG NGOC CAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

37.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. VONG CHONG SENH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

38.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires VU THI HUE Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

39.

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 inquires. TA THANH THUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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 inquires PHAM THI LAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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 inquires PHAM DANH BAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

AMDOCS PHILIPPINES INC. 23rd, 25th, And 26th Floors Eco Tower, 32nd St. Cor. 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate at Least 1-2 Years of working Experience in the Related Field, Fluent in Chinese/ Basic English

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in computer and experience as Marketing Staff.

ALPHATRUK INTERNATIONAL INC. 6326, Mindanao Ave. Ext., Ugong, City Of Valenzuela

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate at Least 1-2 Years of working Experience in the Related Field, Fluent in Chinese/ Basic English

Basic Qualification: 12-15 years of relevant experience in leading and performing as a service delivery director in bpo or service sector. And 10-14 years of overall experience in relevant industries (financial services, network, utilities, health care, marketing, pharma, retail etc.) – with hands on experience handling data driven decisions. Must have done multiple projects on driving process improvements & change management. Experience is heavy on client facing / stakeholder management. Hands on experience in driving automation projects. Ability to be to influence; someone who is a driver; analytical; ability to get detailed into data. People manager – must have lead teams of executives already

AICE BRANDS ICE CREAM PHILIPPINES INC. U-204, Armal Bldg., C. Raymundo Avenue, Maybunga, City Of Pasig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Chinese/ basic English.

Basic Qualification: 12-15 years driving core f&a and 6-10 years driving transformation. Well aware of the different f&a domains - ptp, rtr, otc. Must have done multiple projects on driving process improvements, &change management. Experience is heavy on client facing / stakeholder management. Hands on experience in driving robotics projects. Ability to be to influence; someone who is a driver; analytical; ability to get detailed into data. People manager – must have lead teams already. Black belt and/or master black belt certified.

No.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Chinese/ basic English.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

19.

YAN, TAO Warehouse Supervisor

Brief Job Description: The primary function of this position is to provide overall leadership for quality and operational excellence within the site. The key responsibilities include driving the strategic quality plan at the operational level, defining, and implementing strategic initiatives to ensure our continued success in the deployment of the business transformation practices. Other responsibilities include development of short and long range strategic business plans for the site to align resources to meet future customer needs and drive superior operating results. Provide a leadership role, can lead their organization on a continuous journey of sustained improvement.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate at Least 1-2 Years of working Experience in the Related Field, Fluent in Chinese/ Basic English

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

3O BPO INCORPORATED 2/f Lcs Bldg South Super Highway, San Andres Cor Diamante St., 087, Barangay 803, Santa Ana, City Of Manila

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires VUONG THI MY LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

40.

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

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

APRICUS TECHNOLOGY INC. 8/f Aguirre Building, 107 Aguirre St. Legaspi Village, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION MAI CONG KHANH Customer Support Specialist - Vietnamese Speaking

41.

Brief Job Description: Evaluation of the systems’ problems to recommend enhancements. HONGNGOEN, PHUTHAT Qa Team Leader - Thai Speaking

42.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Manage the day to day activities of QA team members, including scheduling and managing ongoing projects.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: Experience using help desk software and remote support tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

OUYANG, RUNMIN Mandarin Operation Analyst 53.

Basic Qualification: Excellent data collection and analysis skills.

43.

Brief Job Description: To teach in degree and special courses, and conduct research in cybersecurity, among others plan/ manage MBA programs

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 DING, YUJIE Mandarin Project Controls Analyst Basic Qualification: Must be a Bachelor’s degree holder; at least 5 years’ experience in a similar role as planning and management program

54.

44.

Brief Job Description: You shall be the head responsible in reviewing, checking, approver of all the salary of alien employee and other HR-related documents before submission to the head of human resources. Shall oversee all expat subsidies, housing, and other needs to ensure humane working conditions. Review and process expenses and reimbursements due to expats within the deadline. Ensuring that the expat program is aligned with government policies and procedures. Point person for expat’s concerns and other related matter. You understand that reports must be translated into Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin project controls 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.

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

Basic Qualification: You shall be the head responsible in reviewing, checking, approver of all the salary of alien employee and other HR-related documents before submission to the head of human resources. Shall oversee all expat subsidies, housing, and other needs to ensure humane working conditions. Review and process expenses and reimbursements due to expats within the deadline. Ensuring that the expat program is aligned with government policies and procedures. Point person for expat’s concerns and other related matter. You understand that reports must be translated into Mandarin.

QING, FUHUI Mandarin Project Site Construction Officer 55.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin project site construction 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.

45.

Brief Job Description: Initiate conversation to uncover customer needs

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

ONSRI, SUNUN Bi-lingual Speaking It Officer 56.

46.

Brief Job Description: Meet regularly with other members of the team to discuss progress and find new ways to improve business KEE, KI LUNG BRUCE Accounting Supervisor-mandarin Speaking

47.

Brief Job Description: Overseeing account representatives; making representative aware of the updates KHOO TONG HEAN Accounting Supervisor-mandarin Speaking

48.

Brief Job Description: Overseeing account representatives; making representative aware of the updates WANG, HONG Operation Manager

49.

Brief Job Description: Maintain constant communication with management, staff, and vendors to ensure proper operations of the organization WARD, MICHAEL LEE Operation Manager

50.

Brief Job Description: Maintain constant communication with management, staff, and vendors to ensure proper operations of the organization

Basic Qualification: At least 1 year experience in the job mentioned; college graduate, fluent in mandarin and English

Brief Job Description: General it support, deals with hardware and software enquiries.

LIU, ZE Chinese Customer Service Representative 57.

LU, HSUAN-FENG It Support 58.

Brief Job Description: Help develop, execute, and monitor marketing programs

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

DA PROSPERITAS HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: College graduate; 1 year experience to the related field

LIU, HUIHUI Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 60.

Basic Qualification: College graduate; 1 year experience to the related field Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

52.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin deputy project supervisor 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.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin deputy project supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

YOO, KICHAN Project Manager 61.

Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

65.

Brief Job Description: The project manager 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. ZHOU, WENQING Project Manager

66.

67.

Brief Job Description: The technical manager 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.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree in computer science or information technology Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

68.

69.

70.

FAN, ZHONGYU Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer Service

DENG, CHUANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

LE THANH HOA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Brief Job Description: Supervises, control and monitors activities of the projects.

ONG KEN WEE Consultant Brief Job Description: To render professional engineering manager consultation services as well as administrative services on behalf of the Company and/or the Company’s Client, and Consultant agrees and accepts such engagement.

71.

63.

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

72.

64.

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

MARIA SANTI Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 73.

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

74.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about product and services

LI, JING Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 75.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about product and services

Basic Qualification: college graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as project manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as project manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as project manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate/ level and fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/ level and fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/ Level and fluent in Mandarin/ basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/ level and fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customers question about services or products/ excellent in mandarin communication skills 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

GRAND PREMIUM CREST HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

TRAN THU THUY Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 76.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about product and services

Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/Good in Oral Communication and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/Good in Oral Communication and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/Good in Oral Communication and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HILCO APAC PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 7 5b/f The Pearlbank Centre, 146 Valero St., Bel-air, City Of Makati SLOMAN, PHILIP MICHAEL President/general Manager 77.

Brief Job Description: The president/general manager 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.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as president/general manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

INQUICK SERVICES INC. Unit 606 6/f Itc Bldg., 337 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati DESY TJENG Mandarin Speaking Marketing Officer 78.

FIBERHOME PHILS., INC. U-19d 19/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati SHE, GUOMING Project Manager

Brief Job Description: Customer Service

XIE, DONGMEI Chinese Speaking Admin Financial Officer

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

Basic Qualification: To render professional engineering manager consultation services as well as administrative services on behalf of the Company and/or the Company’s Client, and Consultant agrees and accepts such engagement.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as project manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

GRAND EVEREST HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

ESTPOWER CONSULTANCY INC. Ub, 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati LI, YANG Foreign Language Customer Service

LIU, JIAJIA Customer Service Representative

HNIN WUT YEE AUNG Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Ri Rance Ii Bldg., Block 2 Lot 3 Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Basic Qualification: Degree in computer science or information technology

ELABRAM SYSTEMS, INC. U-1604 16/f Antel 2000 Corporate Center, 121 Valero St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

DSCP, INC. Unit 306, 3/f, Bldg. No. 2, Marbella I Condo Bldg., Roxas Blvd., Barangay 13, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Section E Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Blvd., 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

LU, YAOMING Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring computer systems, diagnosing hardware and software faults and solving technical and applications problem

59.

62.

51.

Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring computer systems, diagnosing hardware and software faults and solving technical and applications problem NGUYEN THI HAI NGHI Technical Support

CAMEL APPLIANCES MANUFACTURING CORPORATION Rm 1202 Dasma Corporate Ctr., Dasmarinas St., 027, Barangay 291, Binondo, City Of Manila

LI, WEI Marketing Specialist

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Basic Qualification: At least 1 year experience in the job mentioned; college graduate

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

TAN, YIDONG Project Manager

Basic Qualification: Fluent and proficient in writing and speaking at least 2 of the following; English, mandarin, Cantonese and Thai.

CLICKPLAY SPORTSGAME CORP. 3/f, #119, Dr. Lazcano St., Laging Handa, Quezon City

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: At least 1 year experience in the job mentioned; college graduate

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin project site construction officer, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CLICKPLAY SOLUTIONS CORP. 11 Ab Cyberzone Plaza Bldg., Eastwood Ave., 3, Bagumbayan, Quezon City

BLUESKY INVESTMENTS HOLDING INC. Suite 2802 Discovery Center, 25 Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig CHEUNG, MAN YEE Account Manager

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin project controls analyst, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

CHROMELAB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 25/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati

YOSHIDA, YOTA Japanese Language- Officer Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin operation analyst, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

No.

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

Basic Qualification: Degree holder, must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, to cater foreign market

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

AVANZADO OUTSOURCING SERVICES CORP. Unit 25d, 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., San Isidro, City Of Makati

WANG, CHONG Expatriate Administration Manager

Brief Job Description: The mandarin operation 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.

A11

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, INC. 123, Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati ANTERO, MICHELLE CAROL Assistant Professor

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Friday, April 22, 2022

Brief Job Description: Optimize CRM campaigns & newsletter based on performance and engagement data SELVIA LENORA Mandarin Speaking Marketing Officer

79.

Brief Job Description: Optimize CRM campaigns & newsletter based on performance and engagement data

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

INTEGRITY GLOBAL GROUP, INC. 2/f-3/f Ayala Malls Circuit, A.p. Reyes Ave., Carmona, City Of Makati

BusinessMirror

A12 Friday, April 22, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WONG, MAN KI It Customer Support

80.

Brief Job Description: Maintains the computer networks of all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring AN, SEONGHYEON It Support

81.

Brief Job Description: Maintains the computer networks of all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring CHO, DOOHYEON It Support

82.

Brief Job Description: Maintains the computer networks of all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring JANG, KYUNG-SUK It Support

83.

Brief Job Description: Maintains the computer networks of all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring PARK, JOUNGKIL It Support

84.

Brief Job Description: Maintains the computer networks of all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications

No.

94.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications

95.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications

85.

Brief Job Description: Install and use software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs to protect sensitive information.

96.

86.

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 aspect involved in processing a visa and immigration services. HUANG, ZHENGRI Visa Consultant

87.

88.

89.

90.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems

HELENA SUSANTI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 91.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems

92.

Brief Job Description: Control & oversee overall business

93.

Brief Job Description: Deal with all customer queries / complaints should be fluent in Vietnamese & English speaking

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs. Handle customer complaints. Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies.

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

NIKEN DEVITASARI Customer Service Representative 97.

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months to 1 year as visa consultant; fluent in mandarin or Vietnam and English language

105.

TRAN NGOC KIEU Customer Service Representative 98.

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

TRUONG QUOC LOI Customer Service Representative 99.

LIU, QIANKUN Mandarin Project Planner 106.

JEONG, AMI Cabin Crew 100.

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months to 1 year as visa consultant; fluent in mandarin or Vietnam and English language.

MAO, RONG Mandarin Project Planner 107.

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months to 1 year as visa consultant; fluent in mandarin or Vietnam and English language.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the proper execution of their duties that are related to the safety of the aircraft and its guests

YANG, SHAOHENG Mandarin Project Planner 108.

CHEN, JINWEI Mandarin Project Planner 102.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Project Planner is responsible for planning and scheduling various workloads. Gathers and analyzes information to prepare status report. Evaluate current procedures and recommends changes to improve the efficiency of planning and scheduling of projects.

GUO, HUAWEI Mandarin Project Planner 103.

Basic Qualification: W/ Masteral. Highly Skilled

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

JIANG, JIWEI Mandarin Project Planner 104.

Basic Qualification: In-depth understanding of construction procedures, materials and project management principles. Must have understanding in cost planning and contracts administration. Familiarity with construction/project management in Mainland China and the Philippines.

YANG, SHAOQI Mandarin Project Planner 109.

ZHANG, JIANSHUAI Mandarin Project Planner 110.

ZHAO, ZHIGUO Mandarin Project Planner 111.

POWERCHINA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2101 21/f Bdo Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 Years Bachelor Degree With Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 6months - 1year experience with customer service representative

Basic Qualification: At least one (1) year of working experience in the Hospitality Industry and/or with the same capacity ● Proficient in oral and written English ● Excellent computer skills and proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint ● Able to travel when required

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the proper execution of their duties that are related to the safety of the aircraft and its guests

RYU, JIWON Cabin Crew 101.

Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 Years Bachelor Degree With Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills

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

PHILIPPINES AIRASIA INC. 2/f Mezzanine, Naia Terminal 3, Barangay 183, Pasay City

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months to 1 year as visa consultant; fluent in mandarin or Vietnam and English language

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese language and knowledgeable in information technology system. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LIN, JIANJUN Mandarin Project Planner

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 6months - 1year experience with customer service representative

NOVATECH (PASAY) LIMITED, INC. 4th Flr. W Mall Bldg., Diosdado Macapagal Ave. St., Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City LE THI HUONG LAN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications

NIPRO MEDICAL PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 26 Floor 7 Mckinley Building, Twenty-four, Seven Mckinley, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig SENOO, TAKATO President And Managing Director

Brief Job Description: Deal with all customer queries / complaints should be fluent in Vietnamese & English speaking

No.

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 6months - 1year experience with customer service representative

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

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 47/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati HARYADI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

TRAN THI KHANH LINH Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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 CHEN, CAILIN Visa Consultant

Brief Job Description: Deal with all customer queries / complaints should be fluent in Vietnamese & English speaking

LU CAM LUAN Customer Service Representative

LOGICDOSE INC. 36f Robinsons Summit Center, 6783 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati WANG, FENGFENG Information Security Analyst (Chinese Speaking)

NGUYEN HOANG THANG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

OMNIWEALTH ENTERPRISE INC. 17th Flr. Citibank Square Bldg., No. 188 Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Eastwood City Cyberpark 3, Bagumbayan, Quezon City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ZHOU, RUI Mandarin Project Planner 112.

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

Basic Qualification: Must be knowledgeable in developing and reviewing project quality plans, contract documents and project specifications; must have knowledge to a wide range of construction materials, methods and techniques.

CHEN, HAIHUI Mandarin Quality Control Officer 113.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin quality control officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

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

LI, CHENGREN Mandarin Quality Control Officer 114.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin quality control officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LI, DACHUN Mandarin Quality Control Officer 115.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

LI, HUIGEN Mandarin Quality Control Officer 116.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

LI, MAOXIANG Mandarin Quality Control Officer 117.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

LI, YUYUN Mandarin Quality Control Officer 118.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Must be knowledgeable in developing and reviewing project quality plans, contract documents and project specifications. Must have Knowledge to a wide range of construction materials, methods, and techniques.

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHANG, GUANGRONG Mandarin Quality Control Officer 126.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

119.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

Basic Qualification: Must be knowledgeable in developing and reviewing project quality plans, contract documents and project specifications. Must have Knowledge to a wide range of construction materials, methods, and techniques.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

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

ZHANG, YUJIANG Mandarin Quality Control Officer 128.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

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

REN, YUHONG Mandarin Quality Control Officer 120.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

SONG, XIAOPING Mandarin Quality Control Officer 121.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Control Officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

WANG, CHUNLEI Mandarin Quality Control Officer 122.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin quality control officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

WANG, RENHU Mandarin Quality Control Officer 123.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin quality control officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

ZHU, YONGJIAN Mandarin Quality Control Officer 129.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin quality control officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

124.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin quality control officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

YANG, LEXIANG Mandarin Quality Control Officer 125.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin quality control officer ensures that the quality of product from plans to actual construction is strictly implemented.

No.

RAREJOB PHILIPPINES, INC. 10th Floor Unit 1003, Coher Center 1424, Quezon Ave., South Triangle, Quezon City

130.

NAKAHIRA, HISAMI Project Management Consultant Brief Job Description: Project Management, Coordination and Reporting

141.

ONG LET SEONG Senior Quantity Surveying Manager

142.

131.

Brief Job Description: Manage all project costs and pro-active involvement in procurement and reporting in order to minimize costs of a project.

143.

LUO, ZHIYUAN Mandarin Team Leader 132.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks

144.

DOU, YANZHAO Mandarin Technical Support 133.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks

145.

ZUO, SHAOHUA Mandarin Technical Support 134.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks

146.

147.

135.

Brief Job Description: Support the development and implementation of HR initiative and system DINH VAN HIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

136.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HA VAN LONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

137.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HOANG GIA LAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

138.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HOANG HAI TRINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

139.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HOANG NGOC DONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

140.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

148.

149.

150.

151.

152.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGO THI HUYNH NHU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

153.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN DINH HAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

154.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN DINH KHANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

155.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN DUC DIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

156.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN DUC PHAT Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

157.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN HOAI ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

158.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN HOANG ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

159.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGO SY ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. LUONG VIET HOANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. LUONG MANH HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. LUC VAN THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. LE THI QUYNH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

SOMI UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS, INC. 10/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza Bldg., Edsa Corner Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10, District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City VONG PHUONG ANH Hr Officer

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. LE THANH DAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services LE HOANG LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. LA TUAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. KHUAT DINH THANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

SOLIDLEISURE SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 2602-d & 2603-a West Tower, Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HUYNH TAN AN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Must have at least 15 years relevant experience in and 8 years in a management role.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HOANG VAN TRUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Working experience in Project Management

SHANG PROPERTIES, INC. Shangri-la Plaza Edsa, Cor Shaw Boulevard, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HOANG THANH NGHI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

WU, YONGSHENG Mandarin Quality Control Officer

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

QI, KAIHUI Mandarin Quality Control Officer

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

127.

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

ZHANG, SHANFENG Mandarin Quality Control Officer

Friday, April 22, 2022

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN HUU VINH HUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

160.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A14 Friday, April 22, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN LUU DUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

161.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN MANH HUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

162.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN MY LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

163.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN NGOC SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

164.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN NHAT TIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

165.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN QUANG HUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

166.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN THI HIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

167.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN THI HONG NHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

168.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN THI HONG SUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

169.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN THI LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

170.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question; suggesting information about products and services NGUYEN THI NGAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

171.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN THI NGOC QUYNH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

172.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN TUAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

173.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN VAN CONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

174.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN VAN TUE Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

175.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and Service Questions; Suggesting Information about Products and Services. NGUYEN XUAN NAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

176.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and Service Questions; Suggesting Information about Products and Services. NHIN NGOC LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

177.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and Service Questions; Suggesting Information about Products and Services. PHAM TIEN HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

178.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and Service Questions; Suggesting Information about Products and Services PHAN MY VY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

179.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and Service Questions; Suggesting Information about Products and Services TA THI DU MY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

180.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services THI THI BIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

181.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and Service Questions; Suggesting Information about Products and Services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

No.

TRAN DUC LONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 182.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

183.

184.

185.

186.

187.

188.

189.

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

190.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

191.

192.

193.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

194.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

195.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 196. Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

197.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills).

198.

199.

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

200.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Customer Service CHANG, YAO-TING Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service LE HOAI SUONG Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service LI, CHIH-CHI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service LIAO, YEN-CHEN Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service LIN, HUA-SYUAN Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service NGUYEN THI MY HUONG Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service WANG, HUI-NI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer Service ZHENG, YI-FAN Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service

Brief Job Description: Reconciliation of company’s bank statements and bookkeeping ledger. Analyses of employees expenditures. Manages income and expenditure accounts. Generates financial reports. Files and remits taxes and other financial obligations.

201.

202.

No.

203.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills).

204.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

205.

206.

207.

208.

209.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

210.

211.

212.

213.

214.

215.

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

216.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Both Oral and Written

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking

Brief Job Description: Deal with and Help Resolve Customer Complaints

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

LI, BAIRUI Chinese Language Customer Service Staff

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking

Brief Job Description: Deal with and Help Resolve Customer Complaints

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking

Brief Job Description: Deal with and Help Resolve Customer Complaints

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

YIN, SUQIAO Chinese Language Customer Service Staff

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking

Brief Job Description: Deal with and Help Resolve Customer Complaints

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

DANG BOI LINH Vietnamese Language Customer Service Staff

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking

Brief Job Description: Deal with and Help Resolve Customer Complaints

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

VONG TONG CUONG Vietnamese Language Customer Service Staff

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking

Brief Job Description: Deal with and Help Resolve Customer Complaints

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

Brief Job Description: Develop and sustain level of professionalism among staff and client

Basic Qualification: Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English and college graduate

Brief Job Description: Handles Marketing Department matters and concerns

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

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer-oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer-oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties RAMADITYA BERLIANO WIRJADI Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

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

CAO, JIE Chinese Language Customer Service Staff

SUN, HAO Chinese Language Customer Service Staff

PITTER Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

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

EMELITA Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Both Oral and Written

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Has strong and wide work experience in the field of finance and taxation. Participate in or independently undertake projects or tasks as directed. Strong attention to detail.

Brief Job Description: Deal with and Help Resolve Customer Complaints

BENNY MARTIN Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Both Oral and Written

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking

ALDI SAPUTRA Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Both Oral and Written

LUO, SHENGQUAN Chinese Language Customer Service Staff

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as project manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZAPPORT SERVICES, INC. 36/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Both Oral and Written

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

SOE KYAW THU Project Manager

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Both Oral and Written

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

Brief Job Description: Deal with and Help Resolve Customer Complaints

YUTEL CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT INC. Ub 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Both Oral and Written

Basic Qualification: Foreign Language Speaking

KUMAR, ADARSH Marketing Manager

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Both Oral and Written

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

LI, BIN Chinese Language Customer Service Staff

WS FASHION CORP. Unit No. U-a28 B-5 Flr., No. G/f Bac Bagong Bagong Milenyo Plaza Bldg. F.b. Harrison St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

WANG, SHISHENG Executive Assistant

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

WORLD MEDICAL RELIEF-PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BUSINESS AND COORDINATION CENTER FOUNDATION, INC. 14-d 14/f Ocean Tower Condo, Roxas Blvd., 077, Barangay 701, Malate, City Of Manila

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHANG, CHI-HUNG Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

LIN, YING Chinese Accountant

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

VEHICLE MASTER SERVICE CORP. #27, T. Santiago St.,, Canumay West, City Of Valenzuela

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question; suggesting information about products and services

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

SPEED QUALITY TECH INC. 20/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question; suggesting information about products and services VU TUAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question; suggesting information about products and services VU THI TRANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services VU NGOC DAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese verbal and written skills.

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and Service Questions; Suggesting Information about Products and Services. VONG VINH KHOAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and Service Questions; Suggesting Information about Products and Services. TU NGOC MANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question; suggesting information about products and services TRUONG VAN TIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts Potential customers by answering product and Service Questions; Suggesting Information about Products and Services. TRAN THI THU THUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question; suggesting information about products and services TRAN KIM QUYET Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer-oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties RETNO TRI SUHARTINI Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

217.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer-oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties WARDIMAN Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

218.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer-oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

Basic Qualification: Indonesian Speaking and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Apr 21, 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.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

TheWorld BusinessMirror

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Putin tells forces not to storm Ukraine holdout in Mariupol Continued from A9 latest European leaders to show support with a visit to the capital. They were due to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned in a video address overnight that the Russians were not “abandoning their attempts to score at least some victory by launching a new, large-scale offensive.” “The West stands together to support the Ukrainian people,” Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Kremlin said it submitted a draft of its demands for ending the war, and the West raced to supply Ukraine with heavier weapons to counter the Russians’ new drive to seize the industrial east. Britain’s Defense Ministry said in an assessment that Russia likely desires to demonstrate significant successes ahead of its annual May 9 Victory Day celebrations. “This could affect how quickly and forcefully they attempt to conduct operations in the run-up to this date.” As fears grew for the fate of civilians in Mariupol, the Kyiv regional police said Thursday that two mass graves with nine bodies were discovered in the city of Borodyanka, northwest of the capital. The findings added to thousands of civilians reported killed by Russian forces, who have been accused of wholesale abuses of Ukrainians. The Head of the Kyiv regional police, Andriy Nebytov, said two women and a teenager were among the “civilians killed by the Russian occupiers.” “I want to stress that these people are civilians. The Russian military deliberately shot civilians that didn’t put up any resistance and didn’t pose any threat,” Nebytov said, adding that some of the victims were apparently tortured. With global tensions running high, Russia reported the first successful test launch of a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat. President Vladimir Putin boasted that it can overcome any missile defense system and make those who threaten Russia “think twice.” The head of the Russian state aerospace agency called the launch out of northern Russia “a present to Nato.” The Pentagon described the test as “routine” and said it wasn’t considered a threat. On the battlefield, Ukraine said Moscow continued to mount assaults across the east, probing for weak points in Ukrainian defensive lines. Russia said it launched hundreds of missile and air attacks on targets that included concentrations of troops and vehicles. The Kremlin’s stated goal is the capture of the Donbas, the mostly Russian-speaking eastern region that is home to coal mines, metal plants and heavy-equipment factories. Detaching it from the rest of Ukraine would give Putin a badly needed victory two months into the war, after the botched attempt to storm the capital, Kyiv. The U.K. Defense Ministry said Russian forces were advancing from staging areas in the Donbas toward Kramatorsk, which continues to suffer from persistent rocket attacks. The Luhansk governor said Russian forces control 80 percent of his region, which is one of two that make up the Donbas. Before Russia invaded on February 24, the Kyiv government controlled 60 percent of the Luhansk region. Gov. Serhiy Haidai said the Russians, after seizing the small city of Kreminna, are now threatening the cities of Rubizhne and Popasna. He urged all residents to evacuate immediately. “The occupiers control only parts of these cities, unable to break through to the centers,” Haidai said on the messaging app Telegram. Analysts have said the offensive in the east could become a war of attrition as Russia faces Ukraine’s most experienced, battle-hardened troops, who have fought pro-Moscow separatists in the Donbas for eight years. Russia said it presented Ukraine with a draft document outlining its demands for ending the conflict—days after Putin said the talks were at a “dead end.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “the ball is in their court, we’re waiting for a response.” He gave no details on the draft, and it was not clear when it was sent or whether it offered anything new to the Ukrainians, who presented their own demands last month. Zelenskyy said he had not seen or heard of the proposal, though one of his top advisers said the Ukrainian side was reviewing it. Moscow has long demanded Ukraine drop any bid to join Nato. Ukraine has said it would agree to that in return for security guarantees from other countries. Other sources of tension include the status of both the Crimean Peninsula, seized by Moscow in 2014, and eastern Ukraine, where the separatists have declared independent republics recognized by Russia. Earlier this week, Ukraine said the Russians dropped heavy bombs to flatten what was left of the Azovstal steel plant. A few thousand Ukrainian troops, by the Russians’ estimate, remained in the plant and its labyrinth of tunnels and bunkers spread out across about 11 square kilometers (4 square miles). Zelenskyy said about 1,000 civilians were also trapped. A Ukrainian apparently in the plant posted a Facebook video urging world leaders to help evacuate people from the plant, saying, “We have more than 500 wounded soldiers and hundreds of civilians with us, including women and children.” The officer identified himself as Serhiy Volynskyy of the 36th Marine Brigade and warned: “This may be our last appeal. We may have only a few days or hours left.” The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified. Russia has repeatedly issued ultimatums to the defenders to surrender, but the Ukrainians have ignored them. More than 100,000 people overall were believed trapped in Mariupol with little if any food, water, medicine or heat. The city’s pre-war population was 400,000. A Zelenskyy adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Twitter that he and other Ukrainian negotiators were ready to hold talks without conditions to save the lives of trapped Mariupol defenders and civilians. There was no immediate response from Russia. Elsewhere, some residents of the eastern city of Kharkiv have lived in basements for weeks, trying to stay safe from Russian shelling. With no running water, gas or electricity, they collect rainwater and cook on open fires, burning debris from destroyed wooden buildings. In one neighborhood, they sought safety in a school basement—using desks, tables and chairs to fashion beds. More than 300 people slept there during the first days of the war, but most have left for safer places, and only a few dozen remain. Stirring a large pot of a thin vegetable soup, a woman said volunteers brought cabbage, beets and canned beans. “We mixed everything together and made borscht,” said Natasha, who gave only her first name. As Russia funneled troops and equipment into the Donbas, Western nations rushed to boost the flow of military supplies to Kyiv for this new phase of the war—likely to involve trench warfare, long-range artillery attacks and tank battles across relatively open terrain. US President Joe Biden was set to announce plans Thursday to send more military aid to Ukraine, according to a US official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s Western allies have “come to understand our needs better,” adding that Ukraine is receiving new shipments of Western weapons “now, when Russia is trying to step up its attacks, not in weeks or in a month.” Putin, meanwhile, boasted that the Sarmat missile has “no equivalents in the world.” The Sarmat is intended to eventually replace the Soviet-built missile code-named Satan by Nato as a major component of Russia’s nuclear arsenal. It will “make those who, in the heat of frantic, aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country think twice,” Putin said. The Associated Press journalists Mstyslav Chernov and Felipe Dana in Kharkiv, Ukraine; Yesica Fisch in Kramatorsk, Ukraine; and Robert Burns and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report, as did other AP staff members around the world.

Friday, April 22, 2022

A15

Biden not tough enough on Russia: AP-NORC poll

ASHINGTON—Many Americans still question whether President Joe Biden is showing enough strength in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, even as most approve of steps the US is already taking and few want US troops to get involved in the conflict. A poll by The Associated PressNORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows 54 percent of Americans think Biden has been “not tough enough” in his response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Thirty-six percent think his approach has been about right, while 8 percent say he’s been too tough. But as the war has dragged on, Americans’ desire to get involved has waned somewhat. Thirty-two percent of Americans say the US should have a major role in the conf lict. That’s ticked back down from 40 percent last month, though that remains slightly higher than the 26 percent who said so in February. An additional 49 percent say the US should have a minor role. The results underscore the conundrum for the W hite House. As images of Russian attacks on civilians and hospitals are shared around the world, there’s pressure to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin and help millions of Ukrainians under attack in their home country or f leeing for safety. But Biden must also manage the threat of escalation with Putin, who has

raised the alert level on using Russia’s nuclear weapons, and prevent the US from getting involved in a much larger conf lict. “Given the potential desperation of President Putin and the Russian leadership, given the setbacks that they’ve faced so far militarily, none of us can take lightly the threat posed by a potential resort to tactical nuclear weapons or low-yield nuclear weapons,” CIA Director William Burns said in a recent speech at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Burns added that “so far we haven’t seen a lot of practical evidence” of Russian nuclear escalation. The White House has authorized more than $2 billion in weapons and led Western sanctions that have crushed the Russian economy. Biden has ruled out sending US troops—a decision supported by a majority of Americans. The US has also held back some weapons and defensive systems sought by Ukraine and placed early limits on intelligence sharing that have been loosened throughout the conflict. The poll and follow-up interviews

with respondents indicate many Americans, responding to images of Ukrainians being killed and Russian forces allegedly committing war crimes, want to see more action to stop Putin. A majority—57 percent—say they believe Putin has directed his troops to commit war crimes. Just 6 percent say he has not, while 36 percent say they aren’t sure. “I know that we’re not directly responsible,” said Rachel Renfro, a 35-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee. “But we’ve always been the kind of people that insert ourselves into these kinds of situations and I don’t understand why we’re not doing that now to a bigger degree.” Renfro wants to see the US accept more refugees and provide more aid to Ukraine. Sending troops should be “an absolute last resort,” she said. Most Americans are in favor of the US sanctioning Russia for the invasion, providing weapons to Ukraine and accepting refugees from Ukraine into the US. More Americans also support than oppose deploying US troops to Eastern Europe to support US Nato allies in response to Russia’s invasion, and about twothirds say Nato membership is good for the US. But public support stops short of deploying US troops to Ukraine to fight against Russian forces. Only 22 percent say they favor deploying US troops to Ukraine to fight against Russian forces, while 55 percent are opposed; 23 percent say they are neither in favor nor opposed. Michael Gonzalez, a 31-yearold from Fort Collins, Colorado, said Biden’s response was “about right,” citing wide-ranging sanctions on Russian banks, oligarchs, and government officials and their families. “In a perfect world, I wish we can

go out there with the troops,” said Gonzalez, whose father served in the Cuban military and whose stepfather worked as a private contractor during the US war in Afghanistan. “I feel like we shouldn’t be policing the world and going everywhere. I wish we could help them, but we’ve been fighting for a while.” Biden faces other significant political challenges heading into the midterms with inflation at a fourdecade high and soaring energy prices exacerbated by the war. The poll suggests the balance in the tradeoff between sanctions on Russia and the US economy might be shifting. By a narrow margin, Americans say the nation’s bigger priority is sanctioning Russia as effectively as possible over limiting damage to the US economy, 51 percent to 45 percent. Last month, more said they prioritized sanctioning Russia over limiting damage to the economy, 55 percent to 42 percent. Anthony Cordesman, emeritus chair in strategy at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Americans broadly support many actions the White House is already taking. Building up Ukraine’s air defense or sending more tanks and airplanes also requires setting up logistics, including radar and maintenance capabilities, that take far longer than many people would expect, Cordesman said. The White House making that case to people who want more action carries its own risk. “If you start communicating the limits to what we can do in detail, you may or may not reassure the American people, but you’re providing Russia with a lot of information that you scarcely want to communicate,” Cordesman said. AP

A16 Friday, April 22, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

How to have more Pinoy centenarians

lthough life expectancy varies in all countries, the World Health Organization said the average worldwide life expectancy amounts to 72 years. The European region has the highest average life expectancy at 77.5 years, while the region with the lowest average life expectancy is the African region, at 61 years. Poverty is a major cause of a low life expectancy. That’s because poor people have many disadvantages when it comes to medical treatment and the other factors that contribute to a higher life expectancy. Education also dictates how long a person lives. People with a high level of education tend to live longer compared to people with low levels of education. That’s because a better education often leads to a healthier life, which increases life expectancy. Other causes for a low life expectancy include social isolation, fast food, alcohol, tobacco, genetics, illegal drugs, stress, lack of exercise, diseases and lack of adequate health care. The WHO lists the following as the top 10 global causes of death in 2019: Ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, neonatal disorders, damaged trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, diarrheal diseases, diabetes mellitus, and kidney diseases. The Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center on Society and Health is an academic research center working to connect the dots between social factors and health. It said that the greater one’s income, the lower one’s likelihood of disease and premature death. “Studies show that Americans at all income levels are less healthy than those with incomes higher than their own. Middle-class Americans are healthier than those living in or near poverty, but they are less healthy than the upper class. Even wealthy Americans are less healthy than those Americans with higher incomes.” In other words, rich people live longer. As the defining global health crisis of the 21st century, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused the largest cut to life expectancy since World War II, according to a new study. Over 28 million more years of life were lost than expected in 2020 in 31 upper-middle and high-income countries, according to a study led by Dr. Nazrul Islam from Oxford Population Health. Life expectancy fell by more than six months compared with 2019 in 22 of the 29 countries analyzed in the study, which spanned Europe, the United States and Chile. There were reductions in life expectancy in 27 of the 29 countries overall. The researchers did not include most countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America due to a lack of data. In the United Nations’ Life Expectancy of the World Population, the Philippines ranked 129th among 193 countries. Based on UN data, the life expectancy of Filipinos now is 71.66 years for both sexes. The Central African Republic is at the bottom with 54.36 years. The UN said people in Hong Kong have the longest life expectancy in the world at 85.29 years for both sexes, dislodging the Japanese who are not so far behind in second place at 85.03 years. Hong Kong’s leading longevity can be attributed to a number of factors such as the success of its economic development, tough government measures to curb smoking, and the existence of a public health-care system that gives people adequate health care, regardless of lack of means. Winston Churchill said healthy citizens are the greatest assets of any country. We hope that the next administration will focus on healthcare programs that will improve the life expectancy of Filipinos. If we all have access to good health programs, chronic conditions that generally affect older people can be diagnosed early and treated before they become irreparable. That’s the best way to increase the number of Filipino centenarians. Since 2005

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Better Days

N March, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) cautioned that the surge in crude oil prices globally could lead to an increase in the generation charge. In fact, just this month, the distributor already announced an increase in the per kilowatt-hour (kWh) charge. Surely, this has since resulted in consumers scrambling to find ways to make do with a tighter budget amid the warmest season of the year. All this has only amplified longstanding calls for the country to find alternative sources of energy, such as renewables.

In 2008, the Arroyo administration signed Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act to accelerate the development of the country’s renewable energy resources and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. However, since the law’s enactment, the country remains heavily reliant on energy sources such as coal. In fact, in 2021, the officer-in-charge of the Department of Energy (DOE) Renewable Energy Management Bureau was quoted saying that the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation composition has actually dipped from 34 percent to 21 percent since the law was signed. Cognizant of this problem, the drafters of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020-2040 set a target of increasing the share of renewable energy to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040—an objective that has proven to be very

timely given the volatility of the price of oil. This transition to alternative sources of energy has become a trend in many countries—even oilproducing nations—over the years. For instance, in 2021, Saudi Arabia announced their goal of having 50% of its power mix used in electricity production sourced from natural gas and renewable energy sources by 2030. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also announced last year its intention to invest heavily in renewable energy in line with their goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. With high oil prices nowadays, many analysts, as pointed out by the Oxford Business Group, have predicted that even more governments would look to developing their respective renewable energy resources. For the Philippines, the missions

Reflections of who we are

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The search for alternative energy sources

EAGLE WATCH

S Holy Week was celebrated with less than a month before the May national and local elections, we may have pondered deeper into the fervent divisions and conflict of human thoughts and ideas that are the foundation of society and our identities. Who are we? Who do we identify with? What do we want to be? What primary rights and freedoms do we hold dear to our hearts and wish to fully recognize with the rest of the population and the world? What kind of a world do we want our children and the next generations to live in? There are contending approaches to answer these questions. One stream is to reflect on our history and past mistakes, admit to our weaknesses and human limitations, and collectively build on positive and universal values (responsible exercise of freedom, human rights, elimination of all forms of discrimination, promotion of equality and equal opportunities) that are believed to transcend and apply to every global

citizen. This requires constant study and historical reflection, building a consensus on the lessons learned, and constructing common identities to be proud of, but also admitting shameful and dark events that invoke painful memories to those who were affected. This is a very difficult process. From an individual’s view, this is a discernment process of deep reflection of knowing the self, admitting sins and human weaknesses that

stated in the NREP include increasing geothermal capacity by 75 percent; hydropower capacity by 160 percent; the capacities of biomass, wind, and solar power; and developing the country’s first ocean energy facility. Meeting these targets, the NREP estimates, would yield an additional capacity of over 9,800 megawatts by 2030—increasing our total installed capacity to around 15,000 MW. The opportunity to deploy more renewable energy sources in the Philippines has long been noted. In 2017, the World Wide Fund for Nature noted that the country has enormous potential for this type of energy, considering the Philippines has “no significant deposits of fossil fuels.” WWF emphasized that the country has the capacity to further develop these resources even before 2030. Meanwhile, a parallel discussion has already started on the prospect of nuclear energy. DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi was quoted stating that they are actively pushing for nuclear energy to minimize the reliance on petroleum imports. More importantly, President Duterte has ordered the establishment of an inter-agency committee to examine the feasibility of incorporating nuclear energy in the country’s power mix. In fact, the DOE has announced a plan to restart the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), which was constructed in 1984 but was never operational. Many countries are now considering this type of energy. One compel-

Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 15 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 6 as Senator. He has authored and sponsored more than 250 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate. E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

may have hurt others, then building on positive human values of compassion, understanding, and the will to live happily despite life’s imperfections. A popular adage as a summary is to continuously find the truth, and the truth shall set you free. The second approach is critical of this contemplative process of building consensus and universal human values. The criticism is anchored against building an introspective conscience that makes one feel guilty and lacking. The argument is that this guilt processing unreasonably burdens the person and communities of a bygone past, and, in effect, restricts their freedom to define who they are. The other critical point is that universally accepted human values that are not locally rooted undermine the pride and identities of the local population. Thus, populism’s approach is to cultivate popular beliefs, practices, and thought processes of the population on value formation. Conservatives often also invoke usual practices and tradition and are not open to critical theories citing the dangers of shaking the usual foundations of faith and beliefs. These different ways of answering

the questions above animate today’s debate, divisions, and social conflicts. The political right groups and parties in Europe and the US struggle to do away with conscience and denial of past responsibilities such as the Holocaust, slavery, racism, and plunder and conquests of colonies. The denial extends to climate change, science of human evolution, Covid-19, and vaccines. Conservative nationalists also implore patriotic sentiments against the denigration of what was supposed to be a glorious imperial past that subjugated and killed thousands. Is the Philippines undergoing such a schism of ideas and thought processes? I think so, in some degree. The post-Edsa political movement’s narrative can generally be summarized into two: one that continually believes and nurtures the liberal democratic ideals and values promoted during the antiMarcos dictatorship struggle that culminated in the Edsa revolution; and two, the opposite values and ideals of what is known locally as “Singapore envy” depicting a desire for a strong disciplinarian and See “Eagle Watch,” A17

ling draw is its low carbon footprint. According to nuclear fuel cycle company Orano, nuclear power “emits 70 times less CO2 than coal, 40 times less than gas, four times less than solar energy, two times less than hydroelectricity and the same amount as wind energy.” However, due to the disastrous effects of nuclear accidents witnessed all over the world, it is expected that the debates for or against nuclear energy would go on for many years— especially on the prospect of reviving the mothballed BNPP, which the DOE estimated would cost $1 billion over four year. The attendant issues notwithstanding, the Philippines should still actively explore and develop alternative sources of energy. Doing so would not only help with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and respond to the existential threat of climate change. It would also reduce the negative impact on marginalized sectors of high energy prices, and the knock-on effects on basic goods and services. With the Duterte administration coming to a close, it is important for his successor to follow through and improve upon what has already been done towards leading our country to a more “green,” and energy-secure future.

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Happy birthday, Secretary Jose T. Pardo

Personal notes on enchantment as ethnography Tito Genova Valiente

annotations

Manny F. Dooc

TELLTALES

ew in business and government can equal the achievements of former Secretary Jose T. Pardo who has been an outstanding leader in both sectors. He has had the best of both worlds in an illustrious career spanning a lifetime. He had held two cabinet portfolios as the Secretary of Finance and Secretary of Trade and Industry, two of the most sensitive positions in our government where only the best and the brightest are appointed.

He has served as chairman and member of the boards of top corporations across a wide range of industries such as the Philippine Stock Exchange, Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines, Philippine Savings Bank, Bank of Commerce, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, Radio Veritas, JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and many other leading institutions. Up to now, even in his senior years when many of his contemporaries are already enjoying the sunset, Secretary Titoy, as his friends fondly call him, remains an active leader in business. His deep knowledge of the corporate world and statecraft is a reservoir of valuable information that any enterprise will profit from. He possesses a wealth of experience, which only a handful living Filipinos can boast of. No wonder that his counsel is much sought after by private business and government bureaucrats who are comforted and secured by his prudent advice. He’s a certified consigliere whose words are trusted by prominent leaders in business and government. On April 24 (this coming Sunday), Secretary Titoy will turn 83. But it seems that his advanced age has not slowed him down. He’s still on top of his game and chairs the boards of many progressive companies where his ample talents and skills are put to good use and highly valued. In 1982, after leaving Bancom, he decided to start his own business. He co-founded the Philippine Seven Corporation, together with his brother-in-law, Senator Vicente T. Paterno, and became the licensee of 7-Eleven, USA in the Philippines. His elder sister, Paz, was married to Ting Paterno. Secretary Pardo was 7-Eleven’s first president when Senator Paterno, who was its Chairman and Managing Director, left the company to rejoin the government. About the same time, Secretary Pardo was negotiating for the master franchise of Wendy’s, a top hamburger chain in the US, which he also succeeded in getting. To this day, Secretary Titoy serves as the Chairman of the Philippine 7-Eleven. Without doubt, he’s a successful entrepreneur in his own right. He’s an optimist whose leadership style has always been anchored on positive thinking. He believes that “the difficult things take a while to solve; the impossible, just a while longer.” Failure is anathema to him. According to his longtime Chief of Staff, Cel Amores, “when things seem to be going the wrong way, Secretary Titoy thinks of an innovative way to achieve a win-win solution for all.” He added that Secretary Titoy “looks at the forest, not the trees.” When confronted with difficult decisions, Cel Amores said that Secretary Titoy removes himself from the problem and takes that ride aboard his mental helicopter and flies high, examines the terrain below before descending to the nitty gritty to tackle the issue. My colleague at the Social Security Commission, Commissioner Dianne Pardo-Aguilar, his daughter, narrated to me that Secretary Titoy’s father died when he was 7 years old. This could be the reason, she explained, why his father became independent-minded and caring to others, especially those who have less in life. His mother taught him, by example, that a man should not live for oneself alone but for others who can live better lives if given a hand. And this has been his article of faith: “Give people the right opportunity to make something out

for themselves.” Two of his endearing qualities are genuine friendship and loyalty. He never abandoned President Erap in the waning days of Erap’s presidency. Despite the political turbulence raging at that time, Finance Secretary Titoy held fast to his pledge to keep the economic ship afloat and protect the integrity of the institutions. Cel Amores claims that President Erap is like the Secretary’s brother. They may have differences in opinions but keep each other in high regard and mutual respect. Secretary Titoy’s nurturing nature and steadfast support to a friend have enabled them to sustain their brotherhood even as they have gone on separate ways in and out of government over the years. Secretary Titoy is blessed with a family that is fully supportive of his endeavors. According to Diane, “Marilyn, his wife, is his biggest fan and the wind beneath his wings.” If all his children are accomplished and successful, they owe it to his challenging question that he posed to them as they woke up each morning: “Are you all going to be consumers or producers in society today?” What a tough question but no doubt it had tested their resolve to become relevant and contributing members of our society. Among his many advocacies, education is closest to his heart. Secretary Titoy believes that “education has a great multiplier effect on society.” He finds time to further this cause and has worked closely with the Assumption sisters and the La Salle brothers for decades. The store logo of Philippine 7-Eleven is “the neighbor you can trust.” As its founders have explained, their convenience stores “have clean hearts, transparency in transactions, cheerful employees and satisfied customers.” Their cardinal rule is that the employees must be paid on time no matter what the financial position of the company. Their employees are their first priority. Recently, the top executives of 7-Eleven, including its president and chief executive officer, Jose Victor Pardo Paterno (Secretary Titoy’s nephew), have slashed their bonuses for 2021 by 91 percent due to the company’s poor performance last year, a result of low customer traffic caused by the pandemic. 7-Eleven’ business practices and dealings with their workers mirror Secretary Titoy’s personal commitment to good corporate governance and benevolent treatment of employees. He is a neighbor and a friend you can trust. Under his leadership, 7-Eleven will be back in business in no time at all with the lifting of the lockdown and restrictions to arrest the pandemic. Last year, on his 82nd birthday anniversary, his alma mater, De La Salle University unveiled the Jose T. Pardo AFSC Hall to honor one its most outstanding alumni. He’s a Green Archer through and through having completed his grade school, high school, BSC Accounting degree and MBA degree at De La Salle. He continues to exemplify De La Salle’s core values and principles that define his identity: the spirit of faith, zeal for service, and communion in mission. His personal mantra is: “Find a need and fill it.” Thus, as his chief of staff has observed, Secretary Titoy enjoys dealing with every trying situation that allows understanding to flourish, as he is a visionary who is one step ahead of his game.” Happy birthday, Secretary Titoy!

Friday, April 22, 2022 A17

N unusual kind of feasting is happening right now in Bicol. We call it the first Bikol Book Festival. The event has given me the chance to talk about my small book, which has been categorized as fiction. I call it ethnography. But no one, as far as I know, has acknowledged this intention of mine. Books are unusual; they develop a life or lives of their own once they are released by the author and, it follows, the publishing house. We do not have to invoke the fashionable notion of the death of the writer to make sense of the fact that the voice of the person behind the prose, and the tales is unnecessary in enjoying—or understanding—the content of the book. The fact is the book suffices. Which brings me back to my small book, The Last Sacristan Mayor and the Most Expensive Mass for the Dead. Tales from Ticao. It is a story about enchantment, not merely in the sense of unseen beings or elementals but more about the unexpected, that contortion at the end of a prose, or a fanciful stroke to describe the allure of a woman, the sensuality of a man. Other writers can articulate their own meanings; I back off from that enterprise. However, I can be voluble about my methodology, the process whereby I listen to the field and engage the narrators, and write down what they share or question. Here enters my assertion about the book as really being ethnographic. In the sessions that allow me to finally be personal about my book, I bracket the experience by underscoring my reason for compiling these short tales. They are my way of initiating a different approach to collecting what we comfortably call folklore although down there in the field, there is no differentiation between what is told by the collective and what is sorted, arranged and documented by the social scientist.

But we soldier on—to classify is, after all, the most human of our frailties and strengths. I cannot talk about enchantment without discussing how I came to derive experiences that are enchanting. Two words unite the disparate domains of my work: enchantment and ethnography. Jane Bennett in The Enchantment of Modern Life describes enchantment as “a state of wonder produced by a surprising encounter with something you did not expect.” Even as this standpoint has helped me more than ever in grasping the effect of the stories on my own person, I have always believed then that to come up with a book of enchantment, one must not lose sight of the fact that to be in awe, to feel the wonders of the worlds around, the writer should not render the stories as expressions of social realities, or as endresults. The stasis of analysis kills the shapes shifting in the narrator’s recollection of an afternoon in the forest, or a moonlit evening by the beach, or of the chill that runs down one’s spine as the grandchild listens to his grandfather talk about the lonely and cruel sound of the bells that send the devil scampering away from the deathbed of a sinful priest.

‘Group hug’ Susan V. Ople

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UCP party-list Congressman Raymond Democrito Mendoza presided over the recent public hearing on the implementation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Act where he requested the officials of the DMW, Department of Foreign Affairs and various agencies under the Labor and Social Welfare and Development departments to meet and resolve all disputes on how the law should be interpreted before Labor Day (May 1). Congressman Mendoza requested Secretary Abdullah Mama-o as well as the other Cabinet officials involved in the implementation of the DMW law to refrain from going to court and issuing press releases, and to just meet within the confines of a room to discuss the best way forward. He emphasized the need to make sure that the creation of the new department would not be derailed due to turf wars. DMW Secretary Mama-o questioned the veracity of the most recent memorandum issued by the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), pointing out that the signature affixed on the document was not that of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea who was in the United States. A lawyer from the OES verified the docu-

Eagle Watch. . . continued from A16

authoritarian leadership for the country and the economy to develop. The first stream is reflective of our recent history. The second is hijacked and manipulated by populist and authoritarian politicians. History is being revised to suit the political ambitions of an elite few

ment and said that Secretary Medialdea authorized the signatory. Members of the Transition Committee said they will abide by the memorandum of ES Medialdea, which declared that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the implementing rules and regulations formulated by the committee and its subsequent publication. With this presidential approval, will Secretary Mama-o concede to the Transition Committee’s version of the IRR thus nullifying the IRR that his office had earlier published in two major papers? The sooner that the disputes over the IRRs and how the law should be interpreted are resolved without resorting to a long and tedious legal battle, the more favorable it will be to

by turning what was mostly apolitical and uncritical majority of the population into believers of false information and twisted narratives. With only modest economic growth and development achieved in the last 30 years post-Edsa, every frustration felt by struggling sectors of the population was an opportunity to debunk what was achieved in the anti-Marcos dictatorship struggle in the past.

The other side of my book is the research method, which is called ethnography. This is a qualitative method that assumes cultures are diverse and that the approach is always immersive. It respects people and is not self-conscious about being too objective or less subjective. After being admitted into the community of a village or a small community, the ethnographer takes in the regular phenomenon around him. He lives long in that place, mingles with people until he—the researcher— turns into a fixture, a given, almost fly on the wall sometimes, observing without being observed. But there is a crisis in this approach, when does one become a documentarian with enough critical mind intact and a listener intensely captivated by phantom processions or of a man trying

to balance himself on the edge of a palm frond? Memory settles the problem between enchantment and ethnography. The book is, first and foremost, my own enchantment. These are my own experiences of how childhood is about memories. In my case, which is not unusual, this past, this childhood is also about leaving a place and connecting to the place. It is the child in a man, or the present persona, making sense of the many events in the past. It is also an approach to

our overseas Filipino workers. After all, as Congressman Mendoza pointed out, our legislators worked hard to pass the DMW Act as their gift and tribute to our OFWs. OWWA Deputy Administrator Arnell Ignacio contributed his own appeal and suggestion to the officials in conflict: “Group hug.” He said that all the personalities involved, including Secretary Mama-o, have good hearts, but unfortunately, the process of working together started off on the wrong foot. He jovially described all the executive officials involved in putting up the DMW as “wonderful people” and they could easily get together and work together, if all agree to start with a new, clean sheet. I wholeheartedly concur with the recommendations of both Congressman Mendoza and DA Arnell Ignacio for the Cabinet Secretaries of the DMW, DFA, DOLE, DSWD and, of course, the OES, to meet, discuss and resolve all issues before Labor Day, and do so with a light heart guided only by what’s good for our OFWs. One of the hearing’s most positive outcomes was the commitment of Secretary Mama-o to arrange for said meeting to take place.

Foodpanda Philippines’s Fruits and Veggies Street Fest on Saturday Meanwhile, this writer and OFW advocate would like to invite all our readers to a special event on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, along

There is a cultural divide of these two streams. The liberal stream believes in critical study and reflection finding objectivity, recognizing, and limiting personal bias in the thought process to arrive at a conclusion. On the other hand, the second stream is being manipulated by nurturing their very biases as foundational towards arriving at a conclusion. The first is prone to a long and difficult process of discernment and is

describing a community or a town. It is a way to critique a historical point without blaming politics or people, histories or human foibles but by transforming the tales into ethnography. We allow the stories to unfold and there find a way to return home, to immerse in human experiences. The book is a product of a long fieldwork. I had the luxury of indulging in the collection of tales almost unself-consciously: I was listening, in awe or in disbelief sometimes. Scared or having fun. Writing them down created a distance from the memories. But I do not call it objectivity. The act of writing also allowed me to rethink and think some more about the tales. The gap between the childhood years and writing years was at first problematic. Then it became a free space for me to write through the tales, to complete them without a regard for the original narrators. The tales are not mine. There were narrators— grandmothers, grandaunts, my own mother, aunts who collaborated later. They are my interlocutors—people who participate in conversation, my collaborators. According to Paul Grice, in conversation there is always the principle of collaboration. In this collaboration, we reveal folktales or mythologies that are relevant so long as humans are still relevant. The tales from the periphery, the wondrous tales of enchantment are more than a description of cultures of a particular place. They talk of ecology, of politics, and of race. They communicate to us about our notions of persons and communities. They remind us of how we should maintain balance with nature and the surroundings, and with ourselves. E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Emerald Avenue corner Garnet Road, Ortigas Center where our OFWs and foodpanda riders will be selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other food items as part of foodpanda Philippines’s Fruits and Veggies Street Fest. This is part of the community program that foodpanda Philippines has initiated with various local governments and non-government organizations. This program is called, “BuyAnihan Palengke” and its origins can be traced to a successful launch held in Caloocan City in partnership with its anti-drugs council and an NGO named ACOP for the benefit of drug rehab graduates and displaced workers. We are grateful at the Blas F. Ople Policy Center to have entered into a partnership with foodpanda Philippines for the inclusion of distressed OFWs as among the many deserving beneficiaries of this program. Under our partnership agreement, the Ople Center will manage the BuyAnihan Palengke hub and its OFW beneficiaries with training and seed capital coming from foodpanda Philippines. So please, join us on Saturday! Buy fruits and veggies, eat healthy, and help our OFWs as well as the families of foodpanda riders!

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.

rewarded by their firm belief and conviction at the end. The second is prone to confirmation bias and emotionally driven sentiments and choices. The first can drive a revolution while the second can win elections being the base of a populist and authoritarian leadership to thrive. Mr. Joselito T. Sescon is Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics of Ateneo de Manila University.

A18 Friday, April 22, 2022

WIN ASKS DOF TO RECONSIDER TEACHERS’ TAX EXEMPTION

EN. Sher w in Gatcha lian made a strong plea with the Department of Finance on Thursday to “find a way” of restoring the teachers’ allowances for poll duty in full, saying the revenue loss from their exemption from taxes could be remedied by the government while giving the teachers a huge relief. He pressed for timely passage of a bill granting poll duty tax exemption covering the honoraria, transportation allowance, and other benefits of poll workers, “especially public school teachers.” The author of Senate Bill 1193, Gatchalian moved to amend the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 “so teachers can receive the full amount of their honoraria and other benefits.” His bill was one of the measures tackled by the Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Sen. Pia Cayetano, who also invited officials from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Education and teacher organizations to present their positions on the matter. As expected the DOF and BIR reiterated their previous positions against exempting teachers’ election allowances from tax, saying it would open

the floodgates to requests from similarly situated sectors. Gatchalian pointed out that the BIR already started imposing 5 percent withholding tax on poll workers’ election service honoraria and other allowances since the 2018 barangay elections. The Gatchalian bill, once enacted into law, will exclude teachers’ honoraria and allowances from gross income. The senator appealed to the Department of Finance to reconsider reviewing the tax on teachers, prodding the DOF and the BIR to consider “how to give the full amount to teachers.” The senator said the enabling legislation is “the best way to thank teachers and other poll workers for ensuring clean, honest and orderly elections in the country.” He added that as provided in the Election Service Reform Act (ESRA), chairpersons of electoral boards are each entitled to receive P6,000. Each member of electoral boards receive P5,000. Department of Education Supervisor Officials (DESO) receive P4,000 each while support staff receive P2,000 each. In addition, a travel allowance of P1,000 is also allotted in the bill for each of these poll workers. Continued on A5

ILP, enercon, reserve power on MAP list to avert outages

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE private sector has laid down proposals to alleviate possible power shortages in the next 30 days up to the next decade, including expanding the ILP coverage, energy efficiency measures, and contracting by NGCP of additional reserve power and linking with still-unconnected power plants. According to the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs) in major areas should prepare for or initiate their respective Interruptible Load Program (ILP)

throughout their franchise areas. ILP works by asking companies to use their own generating facilities when power is in short supply and reserves. This helps mitigate the energy supply deficiency in the country.

As of end-2021, there are 124 companies with an aggregate deloading capability of 563 MW that were enrolled in the ILP of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco). May is the typical month when demand peaks in the Meralco service area. From February to May, demand historically rises around 18 percent, according to Meralco head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez. For electricity users, MAP suggested that they adopt Energy Efficiency measures to save energy in their respective households, offices, and businesses. “This practice can be done by everybody and reduce the power demand immediately,” it added. NGCP, in turn, should urgently contract additional reserve power and link with power plants that are not yet connected, the group suggested. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), meanwhile, should

DA asks Congress for police powers to arrest smugglers By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

FTER being tagged as the “mother of all smuggling,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday appealed to Congress to give the agency police powers to apprehend smugglers of agricultural products. Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Research Fermin D. Adriano made the appeal during a press conference after House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda tagged the DA as the “mother of all smuggling.” During a House hearing, Salceda raised the issue of palm oil smuggling, claiming that P45 billion in government revenue was lost as a result of the misdeclaration of palm oil as animal feeds worth P300 billion, supposed to be slapped with a 15-percent duty. According to Adriano, palm oil as animal feeds is imposed zero tariff and is not classified as a product to be imposed a 12 percent e-VAT. Adriano assured him that the DA is already investigating the alleged smuggling of palm oil as animal feeds but is processed as cooking oil for human consumption as early as last year. “We regret this description [of Salceda]. The Department of Agriculture, however, fully support the intent of the congressional hearing and is cooperating with the efforts of the House Committee to get to the bottom of the issue, with the end-view of addressing any loophole in our Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems,” he said. “The DA has no power to prosecute and apprehend smugglers, I am appealing to legislators, give us the power it’s just a matter of changing the implementing rules and regulations; then I think we will be in business of really [apprehending] smugglers properly,” said Adriano. But Salceda maintained that agricultural importations start with a DA import permit, “so there, the maternity of agriculture smuggling.” Added the Albay congress-

man: “Make no mistake: the victim of agricultural smuggling is the ordinary Filipino farmer, who tends to be among the poorest workers in the country. Agricultural smuggling is not only economic sabotage. In view of whom it harms, it is a grave moral and societal evil.” Salceda has said “80 percent of our problem [in smuggling of agricultural products] is the DA and only 20 percent is Bureau of Customs.” “I stand by the work of the Committee on Ways and Means in improving legislation on agricultural smuggling, particularly its work on the following legislation and rules (1) the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and its rules; (2) the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act which makes large-scale agricultural smuggling economic sabotage; and (3) joint guidelines to prevent the smuggling of agricultural products. We are also studying our special safeguard, anti-dumping, and countervailing duties laws to see how we can fight the deleterious effects of smuggling using amendments to these laws,” he said. “At the same time, creating public and political pressure to fight smuggling is also part of our job. In this job, I am very likely to offend the feelings of some public officials, but it is a job I am intent on doing well, regardless. Smuggling is a concern that rightfully elicits public outrage. It is also our responsibility to represent and convey that public outrage, so that those who are entrusted with public office can respond to public concerns. Hence, I stand by my strong words against smugglers and those who protect them in government,” he added. On the shortcomings and possible abuses in other agencies, including those named by the DA, Salceda said the lower chamber will exert the same amount of pressure it exerts on the DA to improve the fight against illegal trade in agricultural products. Earlier, Salceda vowed to look into the issues of jurisdiction with the prosecution of cases of agricultural smuggling. Continued on A5

temporarily suspend the Secondary Price Cap (SPC) at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). Every two months, MAP suggested that the ERC review the status. “The government should treat the protection and sustainability of the country’s energy infrastructure as a national security concern and thus increase the priority on longer-term development,” MAP said, adding that, “it is imperative to develop an energy transition plan that places the Filipino and the Philippine context at its center, adheres to the key principles of climate equity and energy security, and supports the fulfilment of the country’s development goals.” More importantly, the government and the private sector must craft power generation-specific plans to stimulate the building of new generation capacity and avert possible supply gaps in the next 10 years.

College kids sans jobs may be PhilHealth members

OLLEGE students, who have no jobs, will be able to avail themselves of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits for free. In a phone interview, PhilHealth spokesperson Shirley B. Domingo said the unemployed students could get a certification from a social worker in their local government unit (LGU) that they are “financially incapable.” “If they have that certification, they could show it during their [PhilHealth] application, then they will be tagged as financially incapable, therefore they won’t have to pay any premiums,” Domingo explained. As for employed college students, Domingo said, their premiums will depend on their salaries since they will be classified as “direct contributors.” She said the premium will be 3 percent of the student’s salary with a floor of P10,000. “If they earn P10,000 and below, 3 percent of that will be P300 per month,” Domingo said.

Precaution

LAST Thursday, PhilHealth said it is already getting registration from college students, who will be attending face-toface classes this year as stated in InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 164. The resolution was based on the joint memorandum circular no. 2021-004 of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which required medical insurance for students returning to in-person classes amid the pandemic. The registration requirement, Domingo said, will only be mandated for students who are 21 years old and above, while those who are younger will be registered by PhilHealth as dependents of their parents. Successfully registered students will be given their PhilHealth personal identification number (PIN), which they can use to pay their premiums online. Domingo said students enrolled in PhilHealth will be able to access their benefits, which covers Covid-19 treatment. “It is important they register so that just in case they get exposed to Covid and be infected, they could avail themselves of our Covid-19 benefits,” Domingo said. Samuel P. Medenilla

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Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Friday, April 22, 2022

Vista Land to build high-rise condos, hotels, office towers

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

anuel Villar Jr., chairman of property developer Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc., is ditching the socialized housing segment of the residential market as the company is spending some P1.48 trillion for the development of its 44 estates around the country.

Villar, the country’s richest man, said the company will develop some 1,483 hectares of landbank located within some 23 cities in the country, which it will call Vista Estates. On the average, the company will spend some P136 billion per 100 hectares of land that will have a mix of high-rise residential and commercial projects.

The areas that it will develop are in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, Davao, Cebu, Bacolod and Iloilo. “The land value in these areas are already so high that it no longer makes sense to develop horizontal housing so we will be building high-rise condominiums, office towers, hotels and commercial

projects,” Villar said. He said that the company will continue horizontal projects in the provinces where land prices are lower since the sites are not yet as urbanized. “We are now launching our townships under Vista Estates which will consist of 1,483 hectares, or an average of 33 hectare per location, out of our total portfolio of 3,300 hectares,” Villar said. The current 44 estates sprawl across the Philippines with 13 in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, 13 in Luzon, 8 in the Visayas and 10 in Mindanao. “Currently, even more Vista Estates are on the verge of rising,” Villar said. Villar said Vista Land has already been “penalized” by the market as it is viewed as a low-cost housing or horizontal developer, after it constructed thousands of housing units for both the low and middle of the market for the past decades. He said the company should be

valued more as its business has over the years progressed to the highly profitable segment of the business. Villar said the estates will be launched during the middle of next year, Villar said. He said the properties to be developed in these estates were intentionally left for future developments when the first portions were launched as a residential community. For the socialized housing project, the company will instead opt for alternative modes like buying government bonds that will finance projects in the segment. “Vista Land is investing into these masterplanned developments, making good on its promise to valued homebuyers and investors to create superior product offerings and, more importantly, deliver excellent long-term investment growth,” Villar said. The property developer’s foray into the commercial segment started in 2015.

‘Online gaming to aid Solaire recovery’ B illionaire Enrique K. Razon Jr. on Thursday said the online gaming segment of his gaming business will become a significant revenue contributor to Bloomberry Resorts Corp. Razon said the company started the online gaming segment of Solaire Resorts and Casino at the height of the pandemic in November 2020. “We are hopeful that in the near future, in the medium term that it will be a large part of the business,” Razon said during the company’s stockholders’ meeting. “So far it has grown strongly and

has been delivering substantial revenues monthly from zero a year and a half ago and we are highly confident in this development and has been focusing on this area.” Solaire Casino in Entertainment City saw intermittent gaming operations last year, but Razon said the business managed to report positive operating cash flow. The VIP segment, however, remained weak as regional tourism was almost non-existent due to the constantly changing travel restrictions across Asian jurisdictions. The mass segment, meanwhile,

was resilient as the company saw steady increases in foot traffic and gaming volume every time quarantine restrictions were eased. “Also aiding the recovery in the mass segment was the increasing vaccination rate, which encouraged the government to ease most restrictions to allow Filipinos more mobility,” he said. “We operated with limited capacity to one degree or another throughout 2021. Recently, most restrictions have been lifted including travel restrictions, and only masks and vaccines are mandatory. If this environment continues, and other

Asian countries start lifting their own inbound travel restrictions, then we will have a clear runway to ramp up to pre-pandemic levels.” For its Solaire North in Quezon City, Razon said construction was limited but it is on track to open next year. Solaire North will be an upscale mass gaming business, and together with its renovated Solaire Club will expand its gaming footprint “to take advantage of what we anticipate to be a burgeoning post pandemic domestic mass and regional premium mass demand,” Razon said. VG Cabuag

Camella Cebu Pacific resumes flights to Bali, Hanoi named C best developer

ANNY Villar-led real estate company Camella has been cited as Best Developer: Mid-market segment (Housing & Condominium) at the first Carousell Property Awards. The online classifieds marketplace’s recognition program aims to honor the most notable and pioneering real estate firms in the country and their noteworthy developments in the last two years. “Camella is grateful for the recognition that organizations like Carousell confer to developers. This award inspires Camella to ramp up its services and products and make them available to wider audiences. We are glad that Carousell is now part of our 45-year legacy in the industry, and we’re looking forward to being its partner in the coming years,” said Teresa Tumbaga, division head for Mega Manila and Mega South at Camella. The property developer was incepted in 1977, starting as a gravel and sand company prior to its entry to the real estate industry. With the founding chairman’s dream of providing the people with quality housing, Camella has built a multitude of homes and vertical villages that hardworking individuals need and deserve, especially the overseas Filipino workers. Roderick L. Abad

ebu Pacific (CEB) will resume flights to Bali, Hanoi, and Sydney to bring the number of its international destinations to 16 by end-June as the Philippines’s leading airline continues to ramp up its frequencies in overseas routes with the easing of travel restrictions. In May, CEB intends to operate twice weekly flights on the ManilaHanoi-Manila and Manila-Bali-Manila routes. Thrice weekly flights to and from Sydney, Australia will restart in June. CEB has resumed flying to six international routes – Bangkok, Fukuoka, Jakarta, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh -- from January to April. CEB also currently flies to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul (Incheon), Nagoya, Tokyo (Narita), Osaka and Guangzhou. “We fully support the Department of Tourism’s initiatives to restore tourism. We would also like to congratulate the Department of Tourism (DOT) on hosting this year’s World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit, our first major face-toface event that signals international travel’s confident recovery,” Xander Lao, CEB chief commercial officer, in a press conference at the WTTC Global Summit. “We invite Filipinos and foreign visitors to plan their travels to the Philippines and explore its beauty, or simply visit family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone onboard.” Filipinos and foreign tourists can easily explore the Philippines through any of CEB’s 34 domestic destinations. The airline has also re-

Photo shows (from left to right) Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific (CEB) VP Marketing and Customer Experience and Xander Lao, CEB Chief Commercial Officer. Contributed photo

sumed more direct local flights from major hubs Cebu and Davao, as CEB restores 100 percent of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity this month. “We are happy to keep enabling everyJuan to safely fly across our largest Philippine network. We are hopeful we can continue contributing to the economic and tourism agenda in and out of the Philippines,” Lao said. Vaccinated travelers coming to the Philippines can fly easy by simply presenting their proof of vaccination

and negative PCR swab or Laboratory based Antigen test result. For more information, passengers may refer to CEB Travel reminders page for the latest updates and complete travel guidelines to their destination. CEB continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its widest domestic network in the Philippines. It continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, while it operates with a 100 percent fully vaccinated crew, 90 percent of whom have been boosted.

Earth Day pledge: SM invites people to start shopping sustainably

N commemoration of Earth Day this 2022, the SM Store called on its customers to join a conscious and deliberate shift toward green living. “Our goal is to make sustainability as accessible as possible for all Filipinos nationwide. The idea that living green is not something that can be integrated in our dayto-day life should be a thing of the past. As we’ve learned, even the simplest of changes in the way we spend can lessen our carbon footprint,” said SM Retail Inc. President Ponciano Manalo. As a leader in the retail space, the SM Store has always aimed to make life better for customers with top-of-the-line product innovations, marketing, and a diversified portfolio of brands and business partners—all of which combined to make it the beloved household brand Filipinos have come to know. It now wants to take that mission to the next level by addressing a fundamental barrier to shifting to green living—accessibility. Associating affordability with living an eco-friendly lifestyle could be the biggest hurdle in making the concept widely accepted in the mass market. Green products are either hard to find or too expensive. The SM Store, however, has already begun the push for more affordable, sustainable op-

tions to meet the demand. With many retail affiliates, the fruits of this pursuit can already be found inside their stores. ”To date, we are working across our multiple channels–tapping SM’s partners and communities in integrating a greener approach. From ensuring the processes are completely sustainable to achieving the eco-friendly design, we hope that with our joined efforts, our customers and stakeholders can reach a point where they will see how easy it is to embrace green living. More than being a commitment to our people, it’s an investment for our planet,” added Manalo. Since the start of the pandemic, awareness and acceptance of adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle has gradually increased. A report published by Kantar in 2021, showed 75 percent of Filipinos actively seek out brands that offer products or services that lessen their environmental impact. As concern toward the environment and the climate crisis grows, more sustainable practices have become a shared call to action across the globe.

Making green shopping easier

As the leading retail brand in the country, the SM Store said it influences customers to make purchasing decisions to help the environment and the planet.

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, April 22, 2022

NGCP allots bulk of capex for transmission projects

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

he National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is awaiting the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval for the implementation of its P160-billion capital expenditure (capex) that would mainly be spent for its transmission projects. If approved, the capex is good until 2025. The grid operator said Thursday that bulk of the proposed capex worth P111.4 billion is allotted for transmission projects, including completed and ongoing projects, those in the pre-construction stage, and those still in the pipeline. These transmission projects are located within and around Metro Manila such as the Pasay 230kV Substation, Manila (Navotas) 230kV Substation, Marilao Extra High Voltage Substation, New Antipolo 230kV Substation, Taguig Extra High Voltage Substation, Taguig-Taytay 230kV Transmission Line, and Taguig-Silang 500kV Transmission Line. To meet the projected load

growth in Metro Manila, three major 500/230kV drawdown substations will be developed. These will be in Taguig City; Marilao, Bulacan; and Silang, Cavite. These are to be complemented by the development of additional 230/115kV substations in Antipolo, Navotas, and Pasay. The reliability of power transmission delivery to Metro Manila will be addressed through the development of new transmission corridors in Metro Manila such as the Taguig-Silang 500kV and Taguig-Taytay 230kV lines. Island interconnection projects, such as the Palawan-Mindoro and Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection, which are in the pre-construction stages, are also in the list. The proposed interconnection of Mind-

FedEx to expand Clark operations–DTI

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday that FedEx will expand its operations in Clark City to allow it operate as a transshipment point for packages. Trade Secretar y Ramon M. Lopez said FedEx will expand its operations by “around five times” more than its capacity. The company’s $30-million facility in Clark opened in October 2021.

DTI officials led by Lopez met with Presidential Adviser on Flagship Programs and Projects Vince Dizon and FedEx Vice President Ralph Carter on April 18 to tackle the transshipment operations. “This means that all arriving packages are sorted and reloaded back to designated planes flying to various destinations and will not pass through the Customs area,” the DTI said in a statement. Andrea E. San Juan

oro Island with the Luzon Grid was envisioned to provide access to bulk generation sources in the main grid, while at the same time providing the means to export possible excess power within the island. The nearest connection point in the Luzon Grid for the planned island interconnection project is the proposed Pinamucan 500kV Substation in Batangas, while Calapan would serve as the interconnection point in Mindoro. In parallel, the interconnection of Palawan to Mindoro is already being studied to provide more reliable power supply to the island province. “NGCP continues to invest in undertakings for the improvement of the power transmission grid. We are also working on applying smart grid technologies to ensure reliable, efficient, and safe operations and create a world-class transmission network.” The capex for operations and maintenance (O&M) is P22.3 billion for the 5th Regulatory Period (RP), or from 2021 to 2025, focusing on substation and transmission line reliability projects, upgrading of O&M tools and equipment,

and network facility improvement with the introduction of smart grid technology. Capex for system operations projects is estimated to reach P 7.1 billion, allotted for upgrading of the SCADA/EMS system, expansion of grid-related telecommunications facilities, further enhancements of cybersecurity systems, and power quality monitoring. NGCP earmarked the remaining P19.2 billion for investments in infrastructure development for IT network, security, aviation, and other facilities. The ERC said some of the projects were already approved. However, the cost recovery for those projects would still have to be determined in their 5th RP reset application, which NGCP has yet to file, according to ERC Commissioner Rexie Digal. 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 CoVice Chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr.

mutual funds

April 21, 2022

NAV

One Year Three Year

Five Year

per share Return*

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

229.19

9.8%

-4.23%

-2.74%

-1.67%

1.5197

17.43%

-1.54%

0.69%

-8.68%

10.87%

-8.01%

-5.34%

-1.93%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1752

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7475 2.52%

-7.12% n.a.

-1.19%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6958 2.34%

-6.92% n.a.

-9.74%

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

5.1342

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

11.97%

-1.94%

-0.48%

-0.94%

0.7676

16.29%

-4%

-3.84%

-12.15% n.a.

-8.74%

86.18

-11.65%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

47.0515

9.88%

-3%

-1.29%

-2.24%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

491.94

9.59%

-2.97%

-1.49%

-1.75%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.3725

25.29%

1.73%

1.69%

1.19%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

36.1701

12.74%

-1.97%

-0.04%

-1.16%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9352

12.3%

-3.12% n.a.

-0.66%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.8768

11.2%

-2.24%

-0.61%

-1.69%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

810.94

10.53%

-2.36%

-0.68%

-2.12%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7322

10.44%

-7.4%

-3.58%

-2.71%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.6704

10.35%

-4.95%

-1.97%

-2.78%

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

0.9236

10.19%

-2.67%

-0.94%

United Fund, Inc. -a

10.02%

-2.92%

0.24%

-1.42%

3.3884

-2%

-2.21%

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

1.1825

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

989.35 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

15.49% n.a. n.a.

1.7%

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

109.401

11.13%

-2.09%

-0.25%

-1.86%

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

$0.9865

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.6444

-22.3%

-1.74%

1.43%

-12.43%

-6.77%

8.37%

8.42%

-10.94%

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

1.6291

0.01%

-1.59%

-1.33%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.22

3.04%

-1.21%

-0.83%

-2.7%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.665

6.57%

0.54%

0.99%

-0.97%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.2072 NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

-3.72%

10.15% n.a. n.a.

1.9895

4.8%

1.4%

1.28%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6913

4.03%

0.36%

0.11%

-1.96%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.5349

3.93%

0.09%

0.06%

-1.84%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.101

-0.96%

5.42%

-0.49%

-0.08%

-2.27%

-0.63%

-2.26%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

-0.95%

-0.13%

-2.08%

0.9344

11.98%

-0.86%

-1.35%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5647 5.55%

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

0.947

-1.24%

-1.44% n.a.

-4.32%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a

0.9134

5.5%

-2.59% n.a.

-3.29%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a

0.9031

6.23%

-2.89% n.a.

-3.3%

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

$0.03421

-10.26%

-1.69%

-0.77%

$0.9894

-13.69%

-0.43%

1.14%

-7.28%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.3167 -7.91%

5.1%

5.64%

-10.11%

1.06%

1.9%

-9.59%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.0836 -8.86%

-9.83%

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

373.48

0.83%

2.42%

2.41%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.8879

-1.18%

0.1%

0.15%

0.17%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2381

0.55%

2.41%

3.56%

-0.18%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

-0.22%

2.2057

-2.08%

0.74%

1.07%

-2.03%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4158 -0.58%

2.35%

1.78%

-0.42%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.2756

-4.05%

2.08%

1.07%

-2.73%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3159

-0.19%

3.25%

2.78%

-0.24%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9251

-0.81%

2.96%

2.48%

-1.03%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0128

-1.39%

3.36%

1.86%

-1.5%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1558

-0.75%

3.13%

2.96%

-0.99%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

-1.45%

2.33%

2.26%

-1.22%

1.7095

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

$483.11

-0.06%

2.1%

-1.32%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є214.82

-2.28%

-0.16%

0.38%

-2.36%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0892

-7.51%

-2.25%

-0.5%

-9.53%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0247 -4.63% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

-0.67%

-0.16%

-5%

$0.9269

-12.42%

-4.36%

-2.87%

-9.38%

$2.2791

-8.23%

0.39%

0.61%

-9.04%

$0.0611075

-2.45%

1.7%

1.41%

-1.9%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.8187 -10.19%

-1.67%

-1.04%

-11.81%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) 131.65

1.31%

2.47%

2.53%

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

ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

1.0613

1.04%

1.74% n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.3218

1.53%

2.32%

2.5%

0.35% 0.34%

0.47%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0624

0.63%

1.26% n.a.

0.17%

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

45.783 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.3204

6.6% n.a. n.a.

-4.52%

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

$0.9

-10% 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.

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

April 21, 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 RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND IREMIT MANULIFE PHIL STOCK EXCH

175,175 423,679,789 4,830,758 496,449,198.50 2,009,605 1,088,367 105,528,247 586,092 639,810 21,691,081 2,022,407 37,930 4,440 3,906 68,000 81,600 111,384

65,550 147,167,442 2,867,916 -44,574,128.50 -269,000 -659,081 24,390.50 15,260 -201,000 -10,364,030 550,452 -3,906 2,012

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 8.45 8.46 8.64 8.74 8.45 8.45 22,422,900 192,303,881 1 1.04 1.03 1.03 0.99 0.99 78,000 78,320 ALSONS CONS 34.95 35 35 35.3 34.9 35 717,100 25,124,255 ABOITIZ POWER 0.4 0.405 0.405 0.405 0.4 0.405 1,610,000 644,350 BASIC ENERGY 25.15 25.2 25.15 25.3 25.1 25.2 67,100 1,690,810 FIRST GEN 70 70.55 70.6 70.6 70 70 1,210 84,913.50 FIRST PHIL HLDG 349 351.8 356 358.4 347.6 351.8 312,490 110,130,322 MERALCO 19.54 19.66 19.5 19.7 19.5 19.66 6,244,500 122,166,298 MANILA WATER PETRON 3.29 3.3 3.29 3.31 3.21 3.3 398,000 1,300,850 PHX PETROLEUM 9.93 10.2 10.2 10.2 10.2 10.2 5,000 51,000 12.74 12.76 12.78 12.96 12.74 12.74 1,302,800 16,682,838 SYNERGY GRID PILIPINAS SHELL 17.58 17.74 17.86 17.86 17.58 17.58 185,200 3,271,146 SPC POWER 14.4 14.44 14.36 14.48 14.36 14.4 42,000 605,602 SOLAR PH 1.72 1.73 1.77 1.77 1.72 1.72 20,723,000 35,940,500 AGRINURTURE 4.6 4.63 4.7 4.74 4.43 4.64 2,369,000 10,942,590 AXELUM 2.48 2.54 2.49 2.54 2.49 2.54 81,000 204,190 22.5 22.9 22.55 22.75 22.5 22.5 855,700 19,282,050 CENTURY FOOD 14.3 14.38 14.38 14.4 14.3 14.3 21,800 311,778 DEL MONTE 7.33 7.34 7.4 7.4 7.32 7.33 493,200 3,623,994 DNL INDUS 18 18.04 17.58 18 17.28 18 3,652,800 65,436,448 EMPERADOR 62.7 62.8 62.75 62.8 62.4 62.8 17,810 1,117,193 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.55 0.56 0.56 0.57 0.55 0.56 2,719,000 1,519,950 FIGARO COFFEE 0.56 0.58 0.56 0.58 0.56 0.58 60,000 33,640 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.12 1.13 1.11 1.13 1.11 1.13 4,656,000 5,256,240 GINEBRA 104.6 106.8 105 106.9 104.3 106.8 1,280 134,545 224 224.6 230 230 223.4 224 349,100 78,616,998 JOLLIBEE KEEPERS HLDG 1.29 1.3 1.3 1.32 1.28 1.3 9,500,000 12,358,180 LIBERTY FLOUR 20.85 21.9 21.9 21.9 21.9 21.9 600 13,140 6.21 6.28 6.26 6.3 6.22 6.28 217,900 1,367,820 MAXS GROUP MG HLDG 0.13 0.135 0.131 0.135 0.13 0.135 1,060,000 138,890 13.5 13.54 13.72 13.72 13.48 13.54 2,887,800 39,150,788 MONDE NISSIN 8.4 8.46 8.41 8.45 8.41 8.45 92,600 780,801 SHAKEYS PIZZA 0.6 0.62 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.62 231,000 143,230 ROXAS AND CO 4.26 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 2,000 8,600 RFM CORP 1.22 1.25 1.22 1.22 1.22 1.22 10,000 12,200 ROXAS HLDG 0.105 0.106 0.107 0.107 0.105 0.105 160,000 17,020 SWIFT FOODS 113.5 113.9 116.2 117.1 113.5 113.5 2,233,420 257,183,046 UNIV ROBINA 0.66 0.67 0.66 0.67 0.65 0.66 314,000 208,600 VITARICH VICTORIAS 2.9 3 3 3 2.99 2.99 76,000 227,900 0.82 0.84 0.84 0.85 0.82 0.84 7,235,000 6,018,100 CEMEX HLDG EAGLE CEMENT 13 13.24 13.1 13.1 13 13 8,600 112,160 4.79 4.83 4.7 4.85 4.69 4.79 828,000 3,960,810 EEI CORP HOLCIM 5.54 5.55 5.62 5.62 5.54 5.54 76,500 425,265 5.08 5.11 5.05 5.12 5.05 5.1 34,300 174,317 MEGAWIDE PHINMA 19.7 19.72 19.6 19.72 19.6 19.72 13,300 261,620 0.77 0.79 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.77 5,000 3,850 TKC METALS 0.98 1 0.96 1 0.96 1 711,000 700,810 VULCAN INDL 1.12 1.16 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 1,000 1,120 EUROMED 4.35 4.41 4.41 4.41 4.41 4.41 2,000 8,820 MABUHAY VINYL 5.65 5.66 5.66 5.66 5.66 5.66 4,700 26,602 PRYCE CORP 19.2 19.98 19.18 19.56 19.18 19.22 2,400 46,572 CONCEPCION 1.55 1.56 1.61 1.61 1.56 1.56 10,604,000 16,711,840 GREENERGY 7.6 7.61 7.6 7.7 7.6 7.6 719,300 5,476,382 INTEGRATED MICR 0.71 0.73 0.72 0.72 0.72 0.72 2,000 1,440 IONICS SFA SEMICON 1.15 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.15 1.17 78,000 91,820 3.11 3.15 3.16 3.16 3.11 3.15 123,000 384,740 CIRTEK HLDG

1,266,958 -8,370,805 -16,000 -1,070,440 -14,007.50 -29,842,758 -2,746,382 3,260 513,526 -1,733,636.00 1,446 44,660 -514,650 3,820,785 -1,932,074 -4,628,300.00 -52,559.50 -10,080 -81,360.00 -17,296,832 6,179,080 1,206 139,310 71,899 -8,600 -29,028,728 -5,122,630 -860,510 5,050 5,660 11,130 -1,854,616 -6,320

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP ZEUS HLDG

43.8 134.5 12.2 99.8 26.95 8 55.3 18.98 20 107.7 83.7 3.78 2.22 6.51 0.83 999 202.6

1.11 4.5 780 55.95 12.1 9.04 0.95 0.56 0.56 4.89 8.69 6.95 0.206 519 57.7 0.51 3.06 8.8 0.315 3.84 2.57 1.26 0.89 865 107 0.16

44 135 12.22 100 27 8.02 56 19 20.3 107.8 83.8 3.8 2.61 7 0.85 1,098 212.4

1.12 4.84 783 56 12.16 9.23 0.96 0.57 0.58 4.9 8.87 7.14 0.27 529 57.8 0.53 3.23 8.83 0.365 3.85 2.92 1.28 0.9 868 107.5 0.17

43.75 132.5 12.14 99.8 26.9 8.07 55.2 19 20.1 107 83.9 3.8 2.22 6.51 0.86 1,020 201.2

1.12 4.4 778 56.3 12.2 9 0.95 0.57 0.59 4.95 8.73 7.14 0.206 533 59.6 0.51 3.01 8.9 0.315 3.88 2.94 1.31 0.9 880 108.1 0.16

44 135.7 12.22 100.5 27 8.07 56.2 19.06 20.1 108.6 84 3.8 2.22 6.51 0.86 1,020 212.4

1.14 4.5 796.5 56.6 12.3 9.23 0.95 0.58 0.59 4.95 8.93 7.14 0.206 533 59.65 0.51 3.01 8.93 0.315 3.89 2.94 1.31 0.91 885 108.8 0.16

43.7 131 12.14 99.4 26.85 8 54.8 19 20 106.7 83.7 3.79 2.22 6.51 0.84 1,020 201.2

1.11 4.16 772.5 55.75 12 9 0.95 0.55 0.54 4.87 8.69 7.14 0.206 518 57 0.51 3.01 8.76 0.315 3.83 2.94 1.25 0.9 862 107 0.16

44 135 12.22 100 26.95 8.02 56 19 20.1 107.8 83.8 3.8 2.22 6.51 0.85 1,020 202.2

1.12 4.5 780 56 12.1 9.23 0.95 0.57 0.54 4.9 8.69 7.14 0.206 529 57.8 0.51 3.01 8.83 0.315 3.84 2.94 1.28 0.9 865 107.5 0.16

4,000 3,147,750 396,100 4,964,570 74,600 135,800 1,889,510 30,800 31,900 200,790 24,110 10,000 2,000 600 80,000 80 550

5,396,000 13,000 440,220 1,761,010 847,700 2,600 81,000 16,597,000 505,000 1,318,000 3,725,500 3,200 10,000 64,370 1,937,720 402,000 1,000 3,187,600 10,000 21,254,000 1,000 799,000 109,000 421,950 170,000 10,000

6,049,380 57,420 344,774,925 98,648,065 10,270,384 23,423 76,950 9,339,940 277,810 6,459,670 32,817,710 22,848 2,060 33,885,985 112,139,275 205,020 3,010 28,159,560 3,150 81,902,650 2,940 1,013,270 98,110 369,090,850 18,277,442 1,600

PROPERTY

Y-T-D Return

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

www.businessmirror.com.ph

-7.22%

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."

ARTHALAND CORP 0.56 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58 5,000 2,900 35 35.1 35.6 35.6 34.85 35 6,320,200 221,892,885 AYALA LAND 4.81 4.82 4.84 4.9 4.82 4.82 713,000 3,469,550 AYALA LAND LOG 1.04 1.08 1.04 1.04 1.03 1.04 139,000 144,530 ARANETA PROP 43.6 43.65 43.5 43.85 43.5 43.65 836,100 36,538,970 AREIT RT 0.86 0.87 0.86 0.87 0.86 0.87 29,000 25,140 A BROWN 0.71 0.72 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.71 100,000 71,000 CITYLAND DEVT 0.092 0.094 0.093 0.094 0.093 0.094 90,000 8,390 CROWN EQUITIES CEB LANDMASTERS 2.83 2.84 2.83 2.85 2.82 2.83 176,000 497,720 CENTURY PROP 0.415 0.42 0.405 0.42 0.405 0.415 1,100,000 454,900 2.6 2.61 2.6 2.63 2.6 2.61 2,134,000 5,582,630 CITICORE RT DOUBLEDRAGON 8.83 8.86 8.81 8.89 8.81 8.83 66,500 588,038 DDMP RT 1.56 1.57 1.56 1.57 1.55 1.56 2,373,000 3,716,430 DM WENCESLAO 6.9 6.94 6.82 6.9 6.82 6.9 20,700 142,461 0.226 0.233 0.225 0.23 0.225 0.23 2,000,000 450,650 EMPIRE EAST 0.249 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 3,490,000 872,500 EVER GOTESCO 7.34 7.35 7.36 7.36 7.34 7.34 1,639,100 12,054,210 FILINVEST RT 1.05 1.06 1.06 1.06 1.05 1.05 4,187,000 4,428,660 FILINVEST LAND 13.24 13.68 13.58 13.7 13.26 13.68 315,200 4,267,810 8990 HLDG 609 639.5 655 655 639.5 639.5 40 25,890 GOLDEN MV 0.92 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.92 0.92 164,000 151,590 PHIL INFRADEV 0.84 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 21,000 17,850 CITY AND LAND 2.96 2.97 2.98 2.99 2.94 2.97 7,010,000 20,795,100 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 0.222 0.223 0.223 0.228 0.223 0.223 3,740,000 837,490 17.6 17.62 17.4 17.8 17.4 17.62 3,416,600 60,026,252 MREIT RT PHIL ESTATES 0.405 0.41 0.41 0.415 0.41 0.41 1,330,000 545,900 2.38 2.46 2.47 2.47 2.38 2.47 1,284,000 3,169,690 PRIMEX CORP 7.36 7.4 7.38 7.44 7.35 7.4 2,261,600 16,734,517 RL COMM RT ROBINSONS LAND 19.8 19.84 19.9 19.92 19.78 19.84 542,600 10,760,094 PHIL REALTY 0.226 0.242 0.239 0.242 0.239 0.242 480,000 115,160 ROCKWELL 1.4 1.44 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 10,000 14,000 2.58 2.59 2.58 2.59 2.58 2.59 21,000 54,190 SHANG PROP 2.77 2.88 2.88 2.88 2.88 2.88 20,000 57,600 STA LUCIA LAND 37 37.2 38.2 38.2 36.85 37 7,247,500 270,592,615 SM PRIME HLDG 3.16 3.36 3.36 3.36 3.36 3.36 3,000 10,080 VISTAMALLS 2.65 2.66 2.63 2.68 2.59 2.65 1,125,000 2,953,180 VISTA LAND SERVICES ABS CBN 12.9 12.98 12.96 12.98 12.9 12.98 46,900 608,004 14.54 14.56 14.5 14.6 14.5 14.54 1,240,200 18,010,800 GMA NETWORK 2,514 2,524 2,538 2,570 2,508 2,514 33,955 85,532,890 GLOBE TELECOM 1,890 1,891 1,914 1,914 1,891 1,891 91,290 173,519,295 PLDT 0.043 0.044 0.045 0.045 0.043 0.044 382,200,000 16,838,200 APOLLO GLOBAL 30.3 30.55 30 30.9 30 30.55 7,054,400 215,043,795 CONVERGE 2.76 2.86 2.8 2.88 2.76 2.76 161,000 449,440 DFNN INC 5.09 5.1 5.03 5.12 5.03 5.1 3,011,600 15,315,267 DITO CME HLDG NOW CORP 1.31 1.33 1.34 1.36 1.3 1.31 1,092,000 1,454,660 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.32 0.33 0.325 0.325 0.32 0.32 3,370,000 1,092,500 2GO GROUP 7.31 7.5 7.31 7.5 7.31 7.5 10,200 76,462 13.4 13.64 13.64 13.64 13.64 13.64 1,000 13,640 ASIAN TERMINALS 1.51 1.52 1.5 1.53 1.49 1.51 143,000 216,420 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 46.4 46.5 46.5 46.75 46.3 46.5 94,900 4,409,980 INTL CONTAINER 222.2 223 231 231 222.2 222.2 1,112,170 249,921,102 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.85 0.9 0.86 0.86 0.85 0.85 62,000 53,290 5.54 5.55 5.6 5.66 5.55 5.55 208,400 1,163,875 MACROASIA 0.96 0.99 1 1 0.94 0.99 61,000 59,710 METROALLIANCE A 0.96 1.32 0.97 1.09 0.95 1.09 54,000 51,980 METROALLIANCE B 6.11 6.26 6.3 6.3 6.07 6.11 52,700 329,923 PAL HLDG 0.65 0.69 0.67 0.67 0.65 0.65 134,000 89,540 HARBOR STAR 0.43 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 110,000 48,400 WATERFRONT 6.67 6.85 6.87 6.87 6.86 6.86 1,200 8,236 CENTRO ESCOLAR FAR EASTERN U 540 541 540 540 540 540 100 54,000 0.345 0.36 0.345 0.345 0.345 0.345 10,000 3,450 STI HLDG 1.27 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 22,000 28,160 BELLE CORP 6.3 6.35 6.25 6.36 6.21 6.35 9,475,400 59,601,014 BLOOMBERRY LEISURE AND RES 1.27 1.28 1.27 1.31 1.24 1.28 1,069,000 1,368,490 1.76 2.16 1.81 1.81 1.81 1.81 19,270,000 34,878,700 MANILA JOCKEY 0.99 1.01 1.02 1.02 0.98 1.01 357,000 361,150 PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE 0.46 0.465 0.46 0.465 0.455 0.465 320,000 146,400 5 5.32 5.25 5.25 5.25 5.25 20,300 106,575 PHIL RACING 2.29 2.3 2.34 2.34 2.3 2.3 466,000 1,074,310 PHILWEB 0.43 0.44 0.44 0.445 0.435 0.44 6,800,000 2,983,900 ALLDAY 8.26 8.29 8.2 8.4 7.9 8.29 141,400 1,167,473 ALLHOME 1.4 1.41 1.4 1.41 1.4 1.4 305,000 427,600 METRO RETAIL 36.3 36.8 37.6 37.6 36.5 36.5 572,400 21,070,790 PUREGOLD 55.65 56 56.75 56.75 55.45 56 117,570 6,585,727.50 ROBINSONS RTL SSI GROUP 1.15 1.16 1.15 1.15 1.13 1.15 1,577,000 1,803,170 WILCON DEPOT 28.45 28.55 28.15 29.35 28 28.45 1,981,600 56,871,195 APC GROUP 0.234 0.24 0.234 0.234 0.234 0.234 10,000 2,340 6.7 6.85 6.8 6.8 6.7 6.7 8,000 53,950 IPM HLDG 0.81 0.82 0.83 0.83 0.81 0.82 1,020,000 827,750 MEDILINES PRMIERE HORIZON 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.54 0.52 0.52 2,579,000 1,351,980 MINING & OIL ATOK 5.53 5.6 5.61 5.8 5.6 5.6 119,100 667,797 1.72 1.74 1.71 1.74 1.68 1.74 2,331,000 3,983,590 APEX MINING 7.05 7.06 7 7.14 7 7.05 318,600 2,251,299 ATLAS MINING 7.26 7.42 7 7.42 6.91 7.42 136,800 982,165 BENGUET A 7.12 7.38 7.02 7.2 7.02 7.2 37,000 266,220 BENGUET B 0.249 0.25 0.249 0.249 0.249 0.249 150,000 37,350 COAL ASIA HLDG 2.7 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 20,000 55,000 CENTURY PEAK DIZON MINES 5.2 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.2 5.2 4,500 23,410 2.89 2.9 2.8 2.92 2.8 2.9 3,593,000 10,315,640 FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE 0.183 0.201 0.2 0.202 0.199 0.202 150,000 29,990 0.147 0.148 0.146 0.149 0.146 0.149 1,420,000 209,370 LEPANTO A 0.146 0.148 0.146 0.147 0.146 0.146 750,000 110,000 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.0099 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 800,000 8,800 1.73 1.74 1.71 1.78 1.66 1.74 4,600,000 8,033,160 MARCVENTURES NIHAO 1 1.02 1 1.02 1 1.02 70,000 70,820 8.39 8.42 8.2 8.46 8.11 8.42 13,627,600 113,761,417 NICKEL ASIA 0.99 1 0.98 1 0.98 1 685,000 681,310 ORNTL PENINSULA 5.35 5.36 5.38 5.44 5.3 5.36 1,099,500 5,881,944 PX MINING 31 31.2 30.45 31.4 30.3 31 5,562,300 172,354,925 SEMIRARA MINING 16.18 16.2 16.08 16.2 16 16.2 113,600 1,826,826 ACE ENEXOR 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 97,000,000 1,164,000 ORNTL PETROL A 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.012 10,600,000 127,400 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL 0.0092 0.0094 0.0091 0.0091 0.0091 0.0091 13,000,000 118,300 4.83 4.84 4.85 4.85 4.81 4.84 96,000 463,020 PXP ENERGY PREFFERED AC PREF B2R 502 505 505 505 502 502 110 55,250 46.3 47 46.3 46.3 46.2 46.3 15,500 716,800 CEB PREF 100.7 104 100.6 100.6 100.6 100.6 500 50,300 EEI PREF A 108.5 108.8 109 109.1 108.1 108.8 9,450 1,029,335 EEI PREF B 103 105 103 103 103 103 29,530 3,041,590 FGEN PREF G 1,010 1,035 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,010 25 25,250 GTCAP PREF B 971 996 958 975 958 975 150 144,650 JFC PREF A 985 1,000 980 980 980 980 50 49,000 JFC PREF B MWIDE PREF 2B 100.3 102.4 100.2 100.2 100.2 100.2 500 50,100 98.5 99 99.5 99.5 99 99 580 57,460 MWIDE PREF 4 100.5 101.4 100.5 101.4 100.5 101.4 11,230 1,128,795 PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 975 980 975 980 975 980 410 399,960 PCOR PREF 3A 1,056 1,070 1,056 1,056 1,056 1,056 15 15,840 1,085 1,119 1,085 1,085 1,085 1,085 240 260,400 PCOR PREF 3B 76.35 77.9 76.3 77 76.3 76.35 430,700 32,878,095 SMC PREF 2F 75.6 76 75.6 75.6 75.5 75.5 2,100 158,560 SMC PREF 2H 76.4 77.9 76.4 76.4 76.35 76.35 27,430 2,094,380.50 SMC PREF 2I 75.1 76 75.1 75.1 75.1 75.1 13,400 1,006,340 SMC PREF 2J 75.1 75.9 75.1 75.1 75.05 75.05 1,670 125,335 SMC PREF 2K 54.55 55 55 55 55 55 800 44,000 TECH PREF B2D PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 12.3 12.5 12.4 12.4 12.4 12.4 20,000 248,000 13.64 13.88 13.6 13.9 13.58 13.64 57,600 785,152 GMA HLDG PDR WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.62 0.65 0.62 0.66 0.62 0.65 26,000 16,600

3,404,960 -3,155,555 -18,883,482 1,140,482 0 -1,734,420 10,510,366 -9,409,905 -33,463,344.50 -7,658,725 -3,150 -32,297,250 77,400 -44,724,965 788,116 -38,753,845 -121,480 20,526,850 -71,000 -51,110 -122,650 -60,916 648,400 850,000 490,231 1,721,920 -139,776 -8,970,410 244,836.00 -130,339 -3,257,228.00 -14,400 -63,186,355 -769,820 -36,658,860 17,982,870 30,800 18,966,660 2,762,598 -40,670 -67,200 -10,500 795,975 -60,650,074 -50,740 19,330,742 -31,620 -846,490 75,900 711,771 -6,219,850.00 -1,444,155.50 1,573,630.00 22,116,730 1,640 -41,800 -180,580 -58,842 55,000 -849,170 -8,760 -15,840 42,498,097.00 1,166,822 -19,423,100 -149,676.00 4,830 29,400 -80,400 -331,500 -

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MERRYMART XURPAS

16.2 1 1.1 0.92 2.56 1.78 0.31

16.66 1.01 1.11 0.94 3.27 1.79 0.315

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF

108.1

108.5

16.18 1.01 1.16 0.91 2.73 1.77 0.32

16.18 1.03 1.16 0.95 2.73 1.79 0.32

16.18 0.97 1.1 0.9 2.65 1.77 0.31

16.18 1 1.11 0.94 2.65 1.78 0.31

200 48,770,000 1,191,000 110,000 7,000 670,000 390,000

3,236 49,051,690 1,323,070 103,140 18,790 1,192,110 122,800

-1,235,620 -32,040 3,100

109 109.2 108.1 108.1 6,850 745,021 379,725

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, April 22, 2022

FIRB eyes uniform fees charged on POGOs EXCLUSIVE

Neda: Govt to prioritize financing of mature tech

HE government will be prioritizing the financing of mature technologies under the Philippine Innovation Fund this year and the next, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). Neda Undersecretary for Planning and Policy Rosemarie G. Edillon told the BusinessMirror that while there is already a proposal for the “Innovation Fund,” the exact amount will still be determined in six months’ time. Nonetheless, Edillon said the government is keen on prioritizing “mature technologies” that are “ripe for precommercialization.” She said there have already been some researches sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology that could be funded. “We have requested for budget under Tier-2 (financing) for next year; but we do not want to pre-empt the budget process. For this year, we will prioritize mature technologies that are ripe for pre-commercialization,” Edillon told the BusinessMirror. “[There are] DOST-sponsored researches that have already passed the proof of concept, with benefits to society, plus other criteria and can now undergo the process of product development,” she added. The fund will be discussed in detail through the 10-year vision, long-term goals and strategies for improving innovation governance on innovation priority areas deemed important by the National Innovation Council. The Neda said the declaration of April 21 of every year as the National Innovation Day aims to promote public awareness and national support for innovation. The fund, Edillon said, will strengthen entrepreneurship and enterprises engaged in developing innovative solutions approved by the National Innovation Council. “The Philippines’ transition to high income country status in one generation rests on our ability to innovate in an increasingly competitive and resourceconstrained world. This is why I have proposed innovation to be one of the priorities in the next Philippine Development Plan,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said. “Innovation is not only about cuttingedge technologies, but also about finding better ways to do things. This includes improving basic government processes so that Filipinos will no longer waste time lining up and using mobile apps to directly connect farmers to markets,” Chua added. In a presentation last Thursday, Edillon said the Innovation Fund will finance projects under 10 priority sectors: learning and education; health and well- being; food and agribusiness; finance; and, trade. The list also includes: transportation and logistics; public administration; security and defense; energy; and, “Blue Economy” and water. Financing these sectors will help in avoiding the future that Filipinos don’t want to experience by the year 2032. The unwanted future, Edillon said, is one that is full of distress and disaster, wider inequalities and slow progress or change. In terms of the future Filipinos want, Edillon said this is embodied by the “AmBisyon 2040,” which aims to create a “matatag, maginhawa and panatag na buhay” [stable, comfortable and secure life] for all. The “AmBisyon 2040”—a word play combining “ambition” and “vision”— is the long-term vision of Filipinos based on the eponymous survey revealed in 2016. These are anchored on: a high-trust society; a society that is prosperous and predominantly middle class where no one is poor; and, long, healthy lives for all. These will be possible in a smart and innovative society. “In a ‘VUCA’—volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous—world or a world [there] there are many obstacles that may hamper our way towards our vision, our desired future,” Edillon said. “From emerging trends, signals and slow onset events that may affect our future, we have determined alternative future scenarios, which also include our unwanted futures in 2032, as well as our wanted futures.” The NIC is tasked to develop the country’s strategic vision, goals and strategies for innovation. It has 25 members led by the President of the Philippines as the chairperson. Cai U. Ordinario

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Department of Finance (DOF) has instructed the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) to rationalize fees collected by investment promotion agencies (IPAs) from registered Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). Assistant Secretary Juvy C. Danofrata was quoted in a statement as saying that the FIRB Secretariat has

been instructed to look into “the inconsistent charges set by IPAs, which most likely does not only apply to the

POGOs registered under them, with the end view of streamlining the collection and use of such fees charged investors or locators.” The DOF revealed that 32 POGO licensees and their service providers have registered with the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA). Further, three service providers were registered under the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) and five under the Clark Development Corp. (CDC). One registered service provider is under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). The DOF said for CEZA, registered POGOs were required to pay $200,000 for the application and pro-

cessing fee and $500,000 to avail of a master license, which is applicable for interactive gaming and landbased casinos. In terms of the application, processing and renewal fees for e-casino and sports betting, the IPAs charge varying fees ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Meanwhile, for the POGO service providers including those offering business process outsourcing and information technology support services, the application, processing and renewal fees normally range from $10,000 to $50,000. “Clearly, there is no uniformity in the fees charged by the IPAs to their registered POGO companies

when in fact, they all fall under the same type of project,” Danofrata, who also heads the FIRB Secretariat, explained. Danofrata noted that under Section 297 (A) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (Create) Act, the FIRB has been given the mandate to exercise policy-making and oversight functions on the administration and grant of tax incentives. Since the imposition of fees by the IPAs is an integral part of the incentivization process, the FIRB may prescribe the appropriate policy on how the IPAs will charge their respective fees.

BPI’s Q1 net income grows from high interest, lower expenses By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

HE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) reported last Thursday a strong increase in its net income for the first three months of the year due largely to higher net interest income, lower loss provisions and normalized tax expenses. BPI said it was able to grow its net income in the first quarter of 2022 by 59.6 percent from its level in the same period in 2021 to hit P8 billion. The bank said its total revenues

for the first three months of the year increased by 4.3 percent to P25.4 billion driven by the jump in net interest income of 12.7 percent to P19 billion. Its non-interest income, however, decreased by 14.5 percent to P6.4 billion. The bank attributed this to lower securities trading gains, service charges, bank commissions and underwriting fees. The effect of the decline of noninterest income on BPI’s profitability was tempered by the notable year-on-year rebound in foreign exchange trading gains by 2.2x to P702.1 million.

For its total operating expenses for the first quarter, the bank logged in a 6.5-percent increase from the previous year to P12.6 billion. The lender said this is due to broad increases in all cost categories as the volume of transactions picked up, given the economic reopening and relaxed mobility restrictions. The 79-year-old institution also said its recognized provisions of P2.5 billion at the end of March, is a 30.6-percent reduction from the P3.6 billion booked over the same period last year. This is after showing improvement in its nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio, which hit 2.38

percent during the period from 2.49 percent in December 2021. NPL Coverage Ratio stood at 149.6 percent. BPI’s total loans portfolio at the end of the quarter was at P1.5 trillion, a 7.1 percent boost year-on-year. The bank said they have seen higher loan volumes across the board, led by growth in the corporate, mortgage and credit card portfolios. In particular, corporate loans grew by 7.7 percent, mortgage by 6.6 percent and credit card loans by 12.2 percent. BPI’s loan expansion is broadly consistent with the overall loan growth in the country, which hit 8.8

percent in February this year according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). For its total deposits, BPI said this grew 13.1 percent to P1.9 trillion, with CASA and time deposits posting increases of 10.9 percent and 23.3 percent, respectively. BPI’s total assets reached P2.4 trillion during the period, up 9.88 percent versus the same period last year. Total equity stood at P300.0 billion, with an indicative Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio of 16.2 percent and a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 17 percent, both above regulatory requirements.

Pagcor signs new deals to raise awareness on responsible gaming

HE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) recently signed new memoranda of agreement with two of its rehabilitation partners to continuously heighten the public’s awareness on the state-run gaming firm’s responsible gaming program. In a statement, Pagcor said it formally renewed its ties with the BH Drugs and Alcohol Rehabilitation Foundation Inc. (BH) and the Life Change Recovery Center Inc. (LCRC) last April 7 “to thwart the ill-effects of uncontrolled gambling and elevate the treatment of gambling addiction to a higher level.” BH is a Department of Health-accredited drug, alcohol and gambling addiction recovery facility, which prides itself for having the biggest chain of rehabilitation centers in the country. LCRC, meanwhile, is a medicalpsychological facility dedicated to help restore the lives of their clients, who are mostly victims of gambling and drug addiction, through specialized methods and processes. Under the renewed partnership, the state-run gaming firm and the rehabilitation centers agreed to set-up a referral system for Casino Filipino (CF) clients who require professional help such as life coaching and counseling, and the establishment of psychological and alternative wellness

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Pit Manager Chris Dale A. Darvin (right) and Pit Officer II Rodegelio F. Tayag (left) join BH Drugs and Alcohol Rehabilitation Foundation Inc. Chairman and CEO Robert R. Ty (second from left) and Executive Director Florencio C. Bernabe (second from right) during the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Pagcor and the organization. Photo courtesy OF Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

services and treatment facilities for individuals and families. BH Quezon City’s Assistant Program Director Carlo Martin Roa was one of the patients who successfully overcame their selfdestructive addictions including gambling through these rehabilitation programs. Roa recalled how his addiction led to a series of personal and pro-

A Daily Dose of Devotion

usually start my day reading a page in “Our Daily Bread,” a 365-day devotional booklet where I find inspiring human stories and biblical passages to deepen my faith. Since it’s Holy Week, the most sacred week in the Christian church year, I’m sharing a few short captions from the publication. I labeled these anecdotes in relation to associations, their work, and advocacies. 1. Living on a mission recounts the story of a toddler whom his grandparents are taking to a trip. As they pulled out of the driveway, grandma enthusiastically told her grandson that they are going on a vacation. To their surprise, the little boy responded, “I’m not going on a vacation; I am going on a mission!” While it was not clear where the young child got the concept of

Association World Octavio Peralta “going on a mission,” it made his grandparents ponder. Associations used the lull during the pandemic to think of how best to serve their members. After all, associations are mission-driven organizations and need to be constantly mindful of their reason for being. 2. Building a community tells the initiative of a neighborhood which set up its own website to inform and help one another in cases of emergency or even in simple things such as finding a lost pet or pitch-

fessional problems, which took a toll on his well-being and personal relationships. “Gambling would always go hand on hand with my use of illegal drugs. When I’m high, I would gamble; until recreational gaming turned use to daily abuse. Ever since it happened, nasisira na yung mga relationships with my family and friends,” he was quoted in the

statement as saying. Roa added that he did not immediately undergo rehabilitation, instead tried other methods such as counselling and detoxification. “All of those were just temporary solutions until my family signed me up for BH’s rehabilitation program; and the rest is history,” he said. According to Pagcor Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo, Pag-

ing in to provide childcare to those in need of one. Such relationships and belongingness are also distinctive features that association members value as their main reason for joining and staying. Associations are stronger when members engage with each other and work together. 3. Contributing to a cause narrates the passion of two brothers using their entrepreneurial talent to contribute to ending childhood hunger. They put up a restaurant with a “buy-one-give-one” philosophy whereby for every meal bought, they donate money to meet the nutritional needs of malnourished children. Advocacy work is one of the foundational reasons associations exist and members join. Their fo-

cus, however, varies based on the multitude of causes they represent and execute. 4. Caring for others relates the experience of a housecleaning service company owner who, in one of her calls, met a cancer-stricken woman unable to afford cleaning services because of rising medical expenses. So, the business owner started a nonprofit organization where cleaning companies donated their cleaning services to women battling cancer. One woman who donated her services to clean a house confidently declared, “for the first time, I actually believed I could beat cancer.” Associations exercise their duty of care to their members, volunteers, and staff. It is by caring for others that associations can thrive and be sustainable.

cor remains committed in keeping gaming in all its CF venues a fun experience for patrons and guests alike that apart from fortifying its tie-up with its rehabilitation partners, the agency maintains strict rules on who can enter the gaming sites. “While it is clear that revenues from gaming operations help fuel many of our country’s socio-civic programs, we have to always create a balance between profit and welfare of our citizens, hence Pagcor has been continuously strengthening its responsible gaming programs,” Domingo was quoted in the statement as saying. Part of Pagcor’s responsible gaming program is banning persons under 21 years old and students of any school, college, or university; government officials and their immediate relatives (spouses, children, and parents); members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police and their immediate relatives (spouses, children, and parents) from entering Casino Filipino branches and satellites. The state-run gaming firm also has a “Player Exclusion Program” as an option for both players and their relatives. Those who seek help for gambling–related concerns may contact the Casino Filipino helpline.

5. Fostering generosity is an account of an airplane passenger who gave up and exchanged his first-class seat to a mother and her sick baby who were in economy class. It is laudable that those who work in associations give their best and do the extra mile even beyond the call of duty. Associations are people organizations which exemplify generosity and kindness. Devotion is not only about faith or religion, but also about love for, and commitment to, a cause—something that associations live by every day. Octavio Peralta is currently the executive director of the Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” E-mail: bobby@ pcaae.org.

Friday, April 22, 2022 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Relationships BusinessMirror

Keeping score of ‘friends’ on Facebook and Instagram may be harmful to your health PHOTO BY PAUL HANAOKA ON UNSPLASH

By Ashley Whillans Harvard University

The rise of sociAl mediA SOCIAL media is making it a lot harder to avoid comparing our own connectedness with that of our peers. Since the inception of Facebook in 2004, more than a billion people have created Facebook accounts, and today, its website is the most visited in the world. Americans spend about 56 billion minutes on Facebook each month. While some of this time is spent actively messaging other people, the typical user uses the majority of his or her time on Facebook observing other people without posting—sometimes called “lurking.” Stated differently, people spend most of their time on social media gathering information about their peers’ lives. And, social-media posts are predominately focused on projecting the most positive versions of ourselves. Given the popularity of Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and LinkedIn, it is nearly impossible to avoid learning about our peers’ accomplishments. As a result, it is also nearly impossible to avoid using this information as a benchmark to compare our lives with those of our peers. We Believe oThers hAve more friends TO examine the beliefs that people have about their peers’ social lives and how they affect well-being, we surveyed first-year students during their transition to college life at the University of British Columbia, a large public institution in Vancouver, Canada. Across two similar studies with a total of 1,488

Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Amber Heard, 36; Sherri Shepherd, 55; Jeffrey Dean Morgan, 56; Jack Nicholson, 85. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: A passionate approach to life, love and happiness will get you where you want to go. Extend your hand and be helpful, and you’ll gain respect and the encouragement you need to follow your heart and your dreams. The people and customs you follow will give you a different perspective regarding what’s possible. Have trust and faith in your ability to excel. Your numbers are 9, 14, 20, 28, 31, 35, 49.

VER felt like your peers have more pals than you do? These days, with the rise of social-media apps like Facebook and Instagram, it is easier than ever to benchmark the number of “friends” you have against your peers. So, if you find yourself wondering how your social networks compare with other people’s, our latest research, published in Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests that you are far from alone. Furthermore, we found that believing that your peers have more pals than you do—even if demonstrably false—can be harmful to your health. ’Tis humAn To compAre DECADES of research in psychology suggest that social comparisons are a fundamental human tendency. We compare ourselves with others to evaluate and understand our abilities, our social standing and even our own feelings. When making social comparisons, people generally see themselves coming out on top—or at least above average. That is, they are often overconfident about their abilities, rating themselves above average in health, attractiveness and intelligence. Yet, there is at least one domain where people tend to think that they are doing worse than their peers: emotional experiences. Previous research by one of our colleagues, Alex Jordan at the Harvard Medical School, found that people underestimate how often their peers experience negative emotions, like depression or stress, and overestimate how often they experience positive ones, like happiness, pride and hope. One reason for the latter tendency is that people also generally overestimate how socially connected others are. After all, being socially connected is one of the most important predictors of happiness. It is therefore important to understand whether beliefs about doing worse than our peers extend to social belonging and to understand how these beliefs arise.

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Proceed with caution. Don’t expect to get something for free. Show your willingness to put in the time and do the work yourself. Someone will take advantage of you if you are too accommodating. Take care of your responsibilities first. HH

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Reach out to friends and relatives. Discuss your intentions, and see who wants to get involved. Get clearance from anyone or any organizations that might hinder your progress. A change of scenery will serve as inspiration. HHHHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Leave nothing undone or for someone else to finish. Work alone and pay attention to detail. Hard work will help you maintain control and avoid being broadsided by the changes someone implements. Leave nothing to chance. HHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Expand your interests and push forward. Live up to your expectations and you will set the stage for a prosperous future. Take the initiative to use your imagination. Working with someone you love will bring you closer. Shared expenses are favored. HHH

participants, we asked two key questions: How many friends do you have at university? And how many friends do you think other first-year students have? We also asked them to estimate the percentage of time that both themselves and their peers had spent socializing with new friends at the university in the past seven days. A surprising share of students believed that their peers had more friends and spent more time socializing than they themselves did. In our first study, 48 percent of first-year students believed their peers had more friends, whereas only 31 percent believed the reverse. In our second study, the gap was even more pronounced: More than twice as many students believed that other first-years had more friends than they did rather than the other way around—55 percent to 26 percent. Students also believed that their peers spent 24 percent of their time socializing with new friends at university as compared with the 20 percent for their personal estimate. hoW This undermines hAppiness IN our second study, students also reported on their happiness and loneliness. To assess happiness and loneliness, students indicated their agreement with statements like “the conditions of my life are excellent” and “I see myself as a loner,” respectively. Students who believed that their peers were doing better socially reported lower levels of life satisfaction and greater loneliness than students who thought that they had more friends. Importantly, these results were stable even after we accounted for the number of friends that students had. In other words, even when students had an above-average number of friends, thinking their peers had more friends than they did undermined their well-being. So why do we think this way? Our research suggests that the public nature of social activities can lead people to think that their peers are doing better socially than they are. Since social activities like eating or studying with friends often happen in public where they are easily

seen, students likely overestimate how often these activities occur in their peers’ lives. Social media also plays a role. In research that we published earlier this year, first-year students were more likely to feel like they didn’t belong at university after viewing highly social photos of their peers on Facebook. We have not yet collected data to see how common these feelings and beliefs are outside of college. However, given how common feelings of loneliness are when people move to a new city or start a new job, it is possible that these social misperceptions could occur anytime people move to a new social environment. A silver lining OUR study found evidence that these perceptions can shift over time. When we followed up with a subset of students and asked them identical questions four to five months later, we observed two key findings: Later in the academic year, fewer students believed that other students had more friends than they did. These findings suggest that the tendency to see others as more social can change over time, potentially as people get to know their peers better and realize that those peers do not actually have more friends than they do. We also found evidence that these beliefs—in moderation—might not be uniformly bad. Students who initially believed that other students had a few more friends than they did had themselves made more friends when we checked in with them down the road. This suggests that people who feel slightly, but not hopelessly, behind their peers might be more motivated to seek out new friendships. After making more friends, people are less likely to believe that others have more friends than they do. If you have ever felt like everyone else is more connected than you are, there is a good chance you are not alone. Yet, if you use these feelings as motivation to reach out to a new colleague or grab lunch with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, this belief doesn’t always have to undermine happiness. In fact, it could help you become more connected. THE CONVERSATION

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be a friendly observer, and learn from those with experience. Hone your skills, be open to suggestions and prepare to turn your goal into a reality. Take your time, and leave nothing to chance personally or professionally. HHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Attend events that offer a platform to show everyone what you have to offer. A friendly nudge will help you get others to see things your way. Consider partnering with someone you feel shares your objective. Romance is on the rise. HHHHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t give in or give up. Control your spending and avoid situations that involve shared expenses. Implement a tight budget, and take care of time-sensitive matters. Walk away from anyone using emotional manipulation to pressure you. Maintain integrity. HH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Put your plan in motion, then proceed. You can get things done your way if you refuse to let others meddle in your affairs. A change of heart will clear your mind and help you make a decision that sets you free. HHHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Do your best to dodge an argument or getting caught up in someone’s drama. Look at what you are trying to achieve, and turn your attention to reaching your personal goals. Say no to temptation. HHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You are sitting in a good position. Evaluate your situation, and make adjustments that allow you to take advantage of current opportunities. Don’t let fear stop you from getting what you want. Look at your prospects, and make your dreams come true. HHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Someone has a hidden agenda. Shut down anyone trying to coax you to get involved in something that doesn’t fit into your plans. Keep your eyes on your longterm goal, and inch your way forward. Don’t lose sleep over what others think. HHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Focus on helping others. What you do will help you advance. Don’t limit what you can do due to a lack of confidence. If you want something, say so, and show everyone what you can accomplish. Romance is featured. HHHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are intuitive, resourceful and imaginative. You are dedicated and thorough.

‘light meals’ BY EVAN MAHNKEN The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Pub beverage 5 Eve’s partner 9 Do some reconnaissance 14 $1,000,000, informally 15 What a rat may wear 16 Florida’s third most populous city 17 Animation collectible 18 Where India is 19 “...but maybe I’m wrong” 20 Trattoria order made with cutlets 23 “I’m unimpressed” 24 Futbol cheer 25 “Calm down!” 28 Stretch across 31 Disapproving sounds 35 Kuwaiti leader 36 A close one is only good in a barbershop 37 “Little piggy” 38 Grapelike berry 39 Diet-friendly...like 20-Across, 51-Across, 4-Down and 40-Down, as per the starred clues’ answers? 40 Miner’s target

41 The, in German 42 Like many a Juilliard student 43 Got hitched 44 Therapy visit, slangily 46 Annoyance 47 Legumes Mendel studied 48 Grandparent’s urging at dinner 50 Hat named for a Moroccan city 51 Sushi bar order made with avocado 59 “Ain’t” alternative 60 Lines up a free throw 61 Kindle competitor 63 Lamp spirit 64 Part of a wooden crate 65 Boundary 66 Fragrant compound 67 Chest muscles, for short 68 Glimpsed DOWN 1 Theater chain 2 Name hidden in “relieved” 3 Palindromic beauty magazine 4 Seafood restaurant order made with squid 5 Up to one’s ears

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 36 40

Prefix for “honor” Singer Grande’s nickname “Cry ___ river!” Seat for a stand-up comic Red thing on Oscar night Luxury hotel chain At the top of Gabrielle of Uncharted Supervillain Luthor Feeling friendless Scans, like a barcode One of three for the 2022 Oscars ___ dice (deception game) Oceanfront Treaties “Halt,” to a pirate Abolitionist Harriet Beecher Seoul, South ___ Sunflower products Suddenly pay attention Pizzeria orders often made with ricotta 45 Tush 47 For every 49 Chasing

50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 62

Observes Ramadan Number in a Bumble profile Hi-___ image Sinusitis doc Speak hoarsely Death on the ___ (2022 film) Computer debut of 1998 Ore deposit Theater box Range of knowledge

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Friday, April 22, 2022

GMA STARS WOW DUBAI IN ‘STRONGER TOGETHER’ CONCERT

THE long-awaited comeback concert of GMA Pinoy TV was a huge success as thousands of concertgoers flocked to the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre at the Expo 2020 Dubai as the expo drew to an exciting close. Time stood frozen as the crowd was stunned when Julie Anne San Jose, The Clash Season 3 Grand Champion Jessica Villarubin, and Xian Lim dominated the concert stage. Even before the concert, the trio was surprised by the warm welcome of Filipino fans waiting for their arrival at the venue. Julie said she was excited to see Filipinos in Dubai again. “Siguro ’yung isa sa na-miss ng mga tao ay ’yung makakita ng kapwa Pilipino o maka-watch sila ng live events. I’m just very happy to be part of this event.” Meanwhile, Xian said he felt the pressure to be lined up with other international artists who performed for the Expo finale. “Tinaas natin ang bandera ng Pilipinas in terms of other international acts that were happening, as well. Nakaka-proud because na showcase natin ’yung Pilipinas.” Fresh from her successful solo concert, Julie Anne gave an explosive live performance singing some hit songs by Adele and Jennifer Lopez. She also sang her latest original song “Free.” Xian serenaded the audience with Eraserheads’ classics such as “Pare Ko” and “Magazine.” The False Positive leading man captivated the crowd with his confident command of the keyboard while singing onstage. And the inevitable happened when some overly excited concertgoers swarmed him when he went down the stage and approached them for a quick selfie. The actor had to get back to the stage to calm down the crowd. The musical extravaganza was full of surprises, including a montage of special video greetings from GMA personalities that played on the LED wall. This concert also united the talented performers of the World Championships of Performing Arts, United Cebuanos Folkloric Dance Ensemble, and MDM Dance Company who sang and danced to the GMA Network theme in a fresh pop arrangement during the opening act. Dubai Filipino Overseas Chorale rendered a solemn performance with some inspirational songs. For the finale of the concert night, Julie Anne, Jessica and Xian led the UAE performers to do GMA Pinoy TV’s latest station ID, “Stronger Together,” which is now a popular TikTok dance challenge that has already more than 1.9 million views on social media. The song is available on various streaming platforms. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn M. Quintana expressed her heartfelt thanks to the artists for the wonderful show they did at the Expo. “Thank you [to the stars of GMA]. The World Expo has hosted 50 top performing celebrities from the Philippines throughout its six-month run, connecting them to our kababayans and to the world,” said Quintana.

JESSICA VILLARUBIN (left) and Julie Anne San Jose give the audience a vocal tour de force.

FROM left: Jessica Villarubin, Julie Anne San Jose and Xian Lim at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre.

XIAN Lim delights fans with his keyboard skills.

The documentary series about Japanese children, Old Enough is now streaming on Netflix.

‘Old Enough’, or children no more? R

UNNING viral on Netflix this month is a show about children being sent on an errand or given tasks that would otherwise be appropriate for boys or girls of legal age in the more developed nations. The title in English is Old Enough; in Japanese, it is known as Hajimete no Otsukai, translated as “My First Errand.” It is an old series but in a world that has become dangerous for children or youth, the documentary is a fresh look on how cultures differ from each other in terms of child-rearing. What is most shocking perhaps about Old Enough is that the children who are sent on a “mission” are truly young—from two and a half years of age to four-yearold boys and girls. In one episode, a boy who looks like a baby (and the narrator calls him so—an aka-chan) walks for a kilometer to look for sweet curry, a flower for the grandmother’s home shrine, among other things. The problem with this initial example is not so much the tasks—they are simple enough—but the fact that the boy is doing it alone, on top of the distance of the store from his home. If that is not enough, he has to cross a road, for which he is trained by his mother to carry a yellow flag he can wave to alert oncoming vehicles. Of course, our heart goes out for this little boy. We cheer him on and, for the non-Japanese, many things run across our mind: Are Japanese streets safe for children so young to be walking alone? Will he be able to make it home? Then the judgmental part comes in—if ever some harm comes upon him, what will the mother feel? Will she feel some guilt? Will her husband disown her? Will the community

condemn her? Unbridled charm is the gift of this documentary. Children are natural survivors but set in Japanese society, they already show the very essence of humanity that works well for the person in that society: the persistence or “gaman,” the politeness and the existing protocol for respect, and industry. One little girl, for example, stops along the way and engages the crew documenting her. She speaks straight and expresses a charming predisposition in her ability to explain where she is going and why she is alone. But this show about children is also about adults or, specifically, parents who are instilling in their children the lessons that they are expected to know as responsible adult citizens. It is perhaps much too early an expectation for parents to assume that their children will know what to do when the field becomes “hostile” to their young minds. Will they know how to improvise? A little girl does the chores assigned to her very quickly until she reaches a cabbage patch. She remembers one errand—to get a cabbage. Does she remember being told that the vegetables are there already in the shed? Anyway, the girl sees a cabbage and she begins to pull the head from the garden. It is tough. She twists the cabbage from its stem but it has been some 30 minutes already and it is getting dark. She looks up and her eyes catch those of the cameraman. Will she seek help? Naah, she goes back and does one mean pull and the cabbage releases itself for her. The tasks of paying for an item, or asking for the right commodity are mundane enough even for the young minds. But what if the errand is asking the little girl to bring to a pregnant mother a special piece of clothing, called a “haramaki” or a cloth used to wrap around the belly? She has another complex task, which is to put on the head of the jizo—the guardian deity for children, travelers and home—a kazajizo or straw hat. The priceless gem of an image in this episode is that of the girl who, after placing the straw hat on the head of this childlike manifestation of Buddhist divinity, gives the statue a final check if things are alright. But what about the boy who is sent home to

prepare the juice for the family and the workers picking oranges from the plantation? He arrives home and gathers the containers needed to produce the juice but somewhat he remembers something. He then goes out and spends an hour trying to catch his pet dog with a net. He returns to the house and the phone rings, and it is his mother reminding him of the task. Instead of working on the juicemaker, he looks for his water gun and goes out to play again until the phone rings again. This time, a stern voice from the mother urges him to finish the task, which begins at 10 in the morning and gets completed finally in the afternoon. The charm quotient of the children documented cannot be ignored. We need, however, to remind ourselves that there is no perfect society, however child-friendly, for young would-be citizens of any nation. The rapid industrialization of Japan has put a burden on the family to stay nuclear. Shot mostly in the “inaka” or countryside, Old Enough shows an idealized childhood where the adult citizens are ready to protect the young boys and girls. In big cities, grandparents have already disappeared and the children recognize their parents only with the grandparents referred to in terms of their residences. Children in Japan from a particular social strata also face a continuing search for educational excellence. Outside of the regular classes in elementary and high school, Japanese children have to go through “juku,” translated as “cram” or, more positively, “review” classes. This is to ensure that they pass the tough entrance exams to universities. Failing to do so, these young men and women are addressed as “ronin,” masterless samurai, to refer to the fact that there is no educational institution to give them identity. On a spectrum, the Japanese children occupy an extreme point compared to the Filipino children who, despite the meager salaries of parents, are given nannies or caregivers. These hapless big sisters carry the bags for their small ward, feed them like birds during breaks, situations that look obscene when placed side by side with the toddlers in a Japanese home who are urged to bring a father’s dirty uniform to a laundry. Old Enough has begun streaming on Netflix this month. n

started streaming this month. It’s actually a cute and entertaining show that revolves around the story of Jen (Maris Racal), a vlogger in her 20s who suddenly gets dumped by her long-time boyfriend Jake (Albie Casiño). Jen’s heart breaks when she finds out that Jake cheated on her with Anastacia (Sachzna Laparan), a model and social-media influencer. Jen struggles to cope with the break-up, gets drunk, and instantly goes viral on social media for causing a scene about her miserable situation, becoming known as “The Winarak Girl.” To help Jen move on, her best friends Anton (Kyo Quijano) and Sara (Jai Agpangan) convince her to download this ‘break app’—a navigation app that will give her a step-by-step guide and useful tips that will help her move on within 30 days. Things will get complicated in Jen’s life when she is assigned as Jake’s handler and is tasked to accompany him out of town for his work projects. As she

chronicles her exciting journey on her vlog, Jen bumps into a charming surfer named Franco (Carlo Aquino), who is also a professional boyfriend-for-hire. Jen will face a tough dilemma and will be forced to hire Franco as her fictitious boyfriend as she intends to fully heal from heartbreak. Will Jen be able to completely move on within 30 days with the help of Franco and the ‘break app’? Will Jen develop feelings for her fake boyfriend Franco? Directed by Benedict Mique and Roderick Lindayag, the series also stars John Lapus, John Arcilla, Sherry Lara, Phoemela Baranda, Poppert Bernadas, Hanie Harrar, Elyson De Dios, Rans Rifol, and James Bello. This coproduction with YouTube is the latest initiative of ABS-CBN to expand its digital content offerings and reach younger audiences while continuing to serve more Filipinos on various platforms.

First YouTube exclusive series from ABS-CBN

EARLIER this year, ABS-CBN signed a partnership deal with video-sharing giant YouTube to produce exclusive content. This co-production deal is the latest initiative of the Kapamilya channel to expand its digital content offerings and reach more audiences with the goal of serving more Filipinos on various platforms.

If you’re in the know, it is safe to assume that this pivot is ABS-CBN’s digital as a content company has been gaining traction following the non-renewal of its broadcast franchise in 2020. Since the non-renewal, ABS-CBN has been streaming its live and on-demand shows via Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube. It also offers “Made for YouTube” entertainment, lifestyle and music shows, and ABS-CBN Superview, which offers free streaming of hit movies. As a result, ABS-CBN Entertainment is the most subscribed (38 million subscribers) and most viewed (45 billion views) YouTube channel in Southeast Asia. It also remains dominant on Facebook, and continues to enjoy gains on its sites and its own over-the-top platform iWantTFC. To further the partnership, ABS-CBN and YouTube recently launched How To Move On in 30 Days, the network’s first YouTube exclusive daily series which

B6 Friday, April 22, 2022

EasyBrand supports local businesses Okura Nikko Hotels launches first property in PH with the official opening of Hotel Okura Manila

Resorts World Manila (RWM) has officially welcomed premier Japanese hospitality brand, Hotel Okura Manila, to its impressive list of international hotels. The launch was led by RWM President and CEO Kingson Sian, Tourism Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. Chairman Kevin L. Tan (center), Hotel Okura Co., Ltd. President and Representative Director Toshihiro Ogita, and Hotel Okura Manila General Manager Jan Marshall (right). The grand opening was also guested by RWM Chief Gaming Officer Hakan Dagtas, Pasay City Mayor’s Chief of Staff Peter Eric Pardo, and Embassy of Japan Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Yasushi Yamamoto.

OTEL Okura Manila, the first Okura Nikko Hotels property in the Philippines, officially opened its doors to the public recently in a muchanticipated event. Guests were treated to a Japanese cultural display including a koto performance, taiko drumming, and the traditional breaking of the sake barrel, Kagami biraki, to usher in good fortune for the newly opened hotel. Kagami biraki is a traditional Japanese ceremony which represents harmony and good fortune. It is believed that once the lid of the sake

barrel is opened, the gods will grant many years of happiness and prosperity. Toshihiro Ogita, President, Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., said, “We are delighted that Hotel Okura Manila officially opens today. At this hotel, we are confident that Okura’s omotenashi together with the warmest Filipino hospitality, in conjunction with our spirit of “Wa” (meaning harmony or teamwork), would evolve into the ultimate hospitality.” Guests seeking a Japanese atmosphere in the city will delight in the hotel’s atrium

lobby, which features a picturesque row of modern Japanese-inspired structures, surrounded by natural elements of wood and stone. Aside from the glass pagoda reception area, there is also the minimalist rock garden and a mountainous landscape that envelopes the whole atrium. The 190-room luxury hotel offers a w id e a r r ay of a c com mo d at ion s , including the Hinoki-yu Room which feat ures Hinok i (Japa nese c y press) wooden bathtubs handcrafted by Japanese artisans from the mountainous Nagiso Town, Nagano Prefecture. At the topmost floor, the hotel offers leisure and recreation facilities within close proximity to each other to provide a serene sanctuary in the city. The fully equipped fitness center features state-of-the-art machines for cardiovascular and strength exercises, as well as free weights. In-house guests can also take a refreshing plunge at the SORA Rooftop’s 20-meter heated pool overlooking the Manila skyline, and experience the health club’s jet baths, steam, and sauna rooms as a soothing finish to a strenuous workout. Hotel Okura Manila participate in One Harmony, the Okura Nikko Hotels loyalty membership program for Okura Hotels & Resorts, Nikko Hotels International, and Hotel JAL City. Members can earn points and enjoy special services, benefits and awards with no membership or annual fees. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 5318 2888, e-mail reservations@ hotelokuramanila.com, or v isit www. hotelokuramanila.com.

Ultimate micro financial app Cebuana Xpress launched

EBUANA Lhuillier, the leading micro financial services provider in the Philippines, launched Cebuana Xpress (CebXpress), a digital app set to revolutionize the local micro financial services industry in the country. CebXpress aims to provide the full Cebuana Lhuillier experience to its clients in one single platform, making pawning and money transfer transactions easier and more convenient. The app allows clients to do pawning transactions online, wherever they may be. This includes services like New Pawn, Pawn Renewal, and Pawn Redemption. Ka-Cebuanas may also check real-time and accurate appraisals and use the app’s nationwide delivery service for pawn redemption transactions. The app’s full money transfer service capabilities allow clients to send and receive money, pay bills, load eWallets and Globe and Smart sim cards, as well as do cash-in and cash-out transactions. “We continue to revolutionize the micro financial services industry with Cebuana Xpress, our ultimate micro financial app, offering our clients with the utmost and convenient pawning experience. This digital platform was especially developed to respond to the changing needs of our clients,” Cebuana Lhuillier President & CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said. “CebXpress remains part of our financial inclusion mission. We do this by providing Ka-Cebuanas with digital channels and solutions that responds to their changing needs and lifestyles, and puts focus on the importance of accessibility and convenience as essential tools in empowering a nation of financially-included Filipinos,” Mr. Lhuillier added. To get the most of the app’s features, CebXpress users may be verified using their existing pawn ticket number and 24k card number.

First-time users can be verified by registering via eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer). Verified app users will be eligible to a free one-month life insurance coverage and earn 24k loyalty points when pawning using the app. To celebrate the launch of the app, Cebuana Lhuillier is waiving all service fees for pawn renewal and domestic money remittance transactions made via CebXpress app. Sending money from one CebXpress account to another will also be free of charge. “Cebuana Xpress is part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s transition as a fintech power player. By making use of the technology available we ensure that we keep up with the times and provide innovative financial solutions to everyone, anytime and anywhere they need it,” Senior Vice President and Head of Product Management Group, Ergilio Ong concluded. CebXpress is available for download on Google Play and App Store. For more information, visit www.cebuanaexpress.com.

EasyBrand partners with Chef Boy Logro to establish a stronger foothold in bringing quality food products to food and beverage businesses within and outside the Philippines.

N the Philippines, many home-based food businesses were established during the height of the pandemic as a way for Filipinos to augment their livelihood and support their families. EasyBrand has an advocacy to help these small and medium businesses grow by offering them products that eliminate the need to source ingredients from the market and lessen their preparation time. With EasyBrand, quality meets affordability, says EasyBrand President and CEO Mark Wang. “We offer the highest product yield with consistent quality. Aside from the quality of the food that they offer, we want to ensure that they have profits. That is why we make sure that these ingredients are cost-effective for businesses and that our products are

FDA-approved. We want to ensure that we can all bounce back from the pandemic and one way to do that is to ensure that our small businesses grow. Our entrepreneurs are part of our economic recovery and with Easy Brand, our MSMEs can have easy-to-use ingredients that are of high quality.” Another advantage with EasyBrand is that the products are easier to store and require less equipment for food prep. “With our products, they don’t need more storage space or freezer space for ingredients. Our coffee syrup, which is made from real coffee, they don’t need to buy machines to grind, roast, and brew their beans,” Wang adds. EasyBrand Philippines has a range of readyto-use sauces, flavored syrups, powdered bases, concentrates, and dips that make cooking more convenient for food and beverage entrepreneurs. Among their best sellers are the Cheesecake powder, Red Velvet Frappe powder, Cream Base Frappe, Milk Essence Powder, Dark Chocolate Powder, Wintermelon Flavored syrup, Brown Sugar Syrup, Hokkaido Syrup, Okinawa Syrup, Rock Salt and Cheese Foam Powder, and 5 Minute- Tapioca Pearls; while cooked food entrepreneurs patronize their ready-to-use sauces and ready mix powders, such as Teriyaki Sauce, Soy Garlic Sauce, Barbecue Sauce, and Garlic Parmesan Cheese Powder, Salted Egg Powder, and Cheese Sauce Powder Mix. For more information and to view the brand catalog and recipes, visit www.easybrandph.com.

View the marriage of art & technology at Art Fair PH 2022

RT Fair PH 2022 is on full display! Founded in 2013, Art Fair Philippines (A FP) is t he prem ier pl at for m for showcasing the best in modern and contemporary Philippine visual art and being a bridge to the international art space. For this year’s event, AFP partnered with LG Philippines to display Jeremy Couillard’s masterpieces in #LGOLED TVs. The celebrated new media artist’s stunning work came to life with the help of LG TVs staged at #ArtFilm Section at the Ayala Triangle Gardens Amphitheater. You can walk around the fair and be transported into the fantastical worlds and new dimensions inspired by the video game Fuzz Dungeon. Moreover, Couillard’s new film There Is No Up or Down, Only Attraction will premiere at the event. This particular film explores curious creatures across galactic vistas, pixelated gaming maps, and streetscapes. LG’s OLED TVs are the perfect platform to display new media art. Its award-winning self-lit pixel technology elevates picture quality to a whole new level, bringing every ounce of detail to life. New media art can look different on LED TVs versus what was envisioned by the artist. LG OLED TVs have self-lit pixels that turn on and off to achieve perfect black and infinite contrast. You get to see images and videos exactly as to how the artist imagined it. The LG OLED Gallery Design TVs has a profile so slim that it appears stuck to your wall. It hangs flush like a work of art, elevating your home interior like no other TV can. It’s a piece of art in itself.

LG Philippines’ VP for Home Entertainment,

Attending the Art Fair PH 2022 are, from left: LG Philippines’ VP for Home Entertainment, Sunho Choi, Trickie Lopa and Lisa Ongpin-Periquet.

Sunho Choi, is excited about the collaboration in the name of art. “Our LG OLED TVs have a gallery design that makes it look like a work of art on walls so seeing it displaying cutting-edge artwork is quite an experience.” Trickie Lopa, one of the organizers of Art Fair Philippines, shares the same sentiments “We’re happy that LG is part of this year’s AFP and we’re hoping that this is the start of a beautiful and consistent partnership in the coming years.” To know more, visit https://www.lg.com/ ph/promotions.

GIFT FURMOMS WITH A WATERLESS SHAMPOO

MKU supports AFP modernization, joins Asian Defense and Security Exhibition on April 27-28

MKU is a consistent ADAS Exhibition participant. In 2018, MKU hosted President Rodrigo Duterte at their booth in the exhibition. MKU has been working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its modernization program for more than three years

RIVEN by its mission of empowering heroes, global defense and homeland security company MKU Ltd., joins the Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2022 and commits to support the modernization initiatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The exhibition and conference is set for April 27 to 29 2022 at the World Trade Center in Manila. “We have been participating in ADAS exhibitions from the

very beginning, even hosting President Duterte in our booth in 2018. Exhibitions such as ADAS are relevant today more than ever, considering recent security threats and issues. This year, MKU will showcase our best-in-class smart solutions to meet rising demand for such technologies,” said MKU Managing Director Mr. Neeraj Gupta. MKU is a major manufacturer of ballistic protection solutions such as body armor, combat helmets, ballistic shields and soldier optronics solutions such as thermal imaging and night vision devices. It has an established presence in the Philippines and is well equipped to meet the growing requirements of the country’s defense and security agencies. In the last three years, MKU has successfully delivered more than 11,000 body armors, 16,000 helmets and more than 600 night vision devices to the Philippine Army, the Philippine International Trading Corp. and the Philippine National Police. The company continues to explore avenues to provide useful technologies and solutions to its customers. The leading solutions provider for advanced optronic and ballistic protection for soldiers, police and special forces also plays a role in the modernization program of the AFP. With the Philippines ranking 51 out of 142 countries on the Global Firepower Military Strength Ranking 2022, the AFP Modernization Program is a good avenue for global defense and homeland security companies to supply vehicles, aircraft, ships, weapon systems, protective equipment, and intelligence and surveillance systems to the Philippines. The revised Armed Forces Modernization Act (2012) has enabled the Philippine government to strengthen its armed forces and modernize branches such as the Philippine Army, Air Force and Navy. The 15-year modernization program has a projected aggregate budget exceeding US$40 billion.

RE you looking for something special to give to your furmom friends this coming Mother’s Day? Something that will not only make her happy but her dog as well? Look no further as Happy Life has the perfect gift for them. Introducing Happy Life’s Waterless Shampoo, the first product of its kind in the Philippines which is 100 percent natural and pet-friendly. It’s an innovative and plant bath alternative to the chemicals that are usually found in shampoos for pets. The product provides less effort and less time in every bath. It saves 70 percent of bath time every time you use Happy Life Waterless Shampoo. The product is perfect for a quick bath and for those on the go. You can still groom your pets even if you are in a hurry. What’s nice about the product is that it helps relieve pets that suffer from skin and fur irritations such as but not limited to wounds, bad odor, itchiness, scaling, manage allergies, dandruff, hotspots,

inflammation, ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, redness, viruses, bacteria and fungi. Using the Waterless Shampoo is as easy as one, two, three. Shake and spray generously directly on your pet’s fur and skin from head to paws to tail. Rub, lather and enjoy this special bonding moment with your pet. Wipe dry with a clean towel and be amazed by the benefits you provided and the time that you saved. The Waterless Shampoo is one of the many products developed by Happy Life Organics Philippines Inc., a Philippines based company that promotes innovative and eco-friendly solutions for your home, pets and unwanted pests. Happy Life Organics provides all natural, sustainable eco-friendly solutions to homes across the country. The company promotes a healthier lifestyle based on a plant based organic view and by bringing home and pet product alternatives that are changing and improving lives for the better. For more information about Happy Life and its other products, visit www.happylifeph.com.

Sports BusinessMirror

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

AVARICIO CHAMPION AGAIN AT CALIRAYA

Arevalo ties Bucay as wild chase for title looms at nationals

ATIONAL team mainstay Kristoffer Arevalo caught Perry Josef Bucay at the top with a one-under 71 as five others remained within striking distance heading into the final round of the National Stroke Play Championship at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club Legends course in Carmona, Cavite. The 23-year-old Arevalo, a former world jungolf champion making a comeback after a brief hiatus, bounced back strongly from a three over card through the first six holes, racking up four straight birdies from the eighth en route to posting his first sub-par round after a pair of 73s in the opening rounds. Bucay birdied the first three holes but struggled in the back nine with a last hole bogey giving the 19-year-old La Salle freshman a one-over 73 and a 217 total for 54 holes like Arevalo. A wild chase for the championship looms in Friday’s final round, however, as Jet Hernandez, Shinichi Suzuki and Koreans Kim Tae Soo and Rho Hyun Ho made their moves to stay just a stroke behind the joint leaders. Suzuki, a top gun of the Manila Southwoods squad, fired the best round of the tournament, a fourunder 68; Hernandez, the spearhead of the national team to the Vietnam 31st Southeast Asian Games squad stormed into contention with a 68 while Soo and Ho had a 72 and 73, respectively. Even Ivan Monsalves, five behind at 222 after a 71, and Gab Manotoc and Jonas Magcalayo, who are tied for ninth at 223, could still pull off low rounds and snatch the title away from the third round frontrunners. “I was having a weird round in my first seven holes and I told myself that if I was to stay in the fight, I might have to come up with a run of birdies which fortunately happened. It’s going to be an interesting final round tomorrow,” said Arevalo, who took a seven-month break from the game last year after he and his girlfriend Samantha welcomed their baby Amanda. “I just made sure that I was always there to take care of our baby and when I felt that it was the right time to head out to the course and play again, I just did it with a lot of motivation and inspiration from my baby.” In the ladies division, Vietnam SEA Games teammates Lois Kaye Go and Mafy Singson took the frontrunning positions with rounds of 74 and 70, respectively. Go had a 221 total to stay two ahead of Singson and Laurea Duque, who ended the day tied at 223. Six behind after Day 2, Singson carded a 70 while Duque assembled a 75. The 72-hole tourney conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines is sponsored by the PLDT Group, MVP Sports Foundation, Huawei and Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.

Editor: Jun Lomibao | Friday, April 22, 2022 B7

HANELLE AVARICIO battled Chihiro Ikeda shot-for-shot and puttfor-putt and matched her rival’s closing 72 to make it two-in-row on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) with a one-stroke victory in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Caliraya Springs Championship in Cavinti, Laguna, on Thursday. Avaricio fended off Ikeda’s late charge with clutch pars in the last four holes, preserving her overnight one-shot lead and clinching the victory at 217 as the latter failed to sustain a birdie feat on the 16th and settled for closing pars for a 218 at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club. “I admire playing against Ikeda, she’s so relaxed all the time and really very good,”

CHANELLE AVARICIO nails second straight tour crown at Caliraya Springs. NONIE REYES

said Avaricio, who, however, proved better in the end as she also claimed the bragging rights as winner at two courses which hosted an LPGT event for the first time. But while she had some local knowledge of Hallow Ridge, which she calls home, she was practically clueless about Caliraya like the rest of the field. But with steady driving and good ball placements, she was able to produce the desired result. “I didn’t expect it but I’m very happy to win again,” said Avaricio, who beat Princess Superal in sudden death to snare the ICTSI Hallow Ridge crown in San Pedro, Laguna two weeks ago. “I missed one very short putt but other than that, I played steady.” And determined. She went 2-up with a birdie on No. 4 as Ikeda bogeyed the sixth. But the Fil-Japanese ace gained on a twoshot swing on No. 8 (birdie-bogey)

to stay a stroke behind after a pair of frontside 36s. Ikeda forced a tie at two-over overall as Avaricio failed to get upand-down on No. 10 but the latter birdied No. 14 to regain the lead after the former’s bogey-birdie roll from No. 11. Avaricio then sat on a two-stroke cushion as Ikeda bogeyed the 15th but threatened again with a birdie on the next before the duo matched pars in the last two holes to enable the former Alabama State U mainstay to record her second straight top podium finish in the circuit put up by ICTSI. It was Avaricio’s third crown after dominating the field at RivieraCouples last November with her latest feat to further booster her confidence as the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit heads to Mt. Malarayat and Summit Point in Lipa City, Batangas next month.

Devance: Game 6 no longer about Xs, Os

By Josef Ramos

OR 40-year-old veteran Joe Devance, Game 6 of the Barangay Ginebra San MiguelMeralco championship series for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup would go to the team that wants to win most. “At this point, it’s not going to be about the ‘Xs’ and ‘Os’, but it’s more about who wants it more,” said Devance—Ginebra Coach Tim Cone’s long-time man Friday on the court—on the eve of Game 6 which was postponed for 6 p.m. on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena after a fire struck the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. “I’m super excited and I can’t

wait for it,” the 6-foot-7 Devance said. “We’re going to try our best to win it today.” Ginebra needs one more win in the race-to-four series to snatch its fourth Governors’ Cup crown and 14th title overall in the league. Cone, too, is close to adding a league-best 24th title for a coach. Devance, however, knows the trade pretty well. “Meralco will come out with some crazy amount of intensity and they will attack early,” he said. “We just have to match their energy.” The Filipino-Hawaiian Devance, the top pick in the 2007 rookie draft, has been in 12 of Cone’s championships initially

Stags take on struggling Blazers

AN SEBASTIAN tries to stay within in the play-in zone as it faces struggling College of Saint Benilde Friday in the National Collegiate Athletic Association seniors basketball tournament at the La Salle Greenhills Gym. Teams ranked from third to sixth after the single-round eliminations will make it to the

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play-in round to determine the two other Final Four qualifiers. Running No. 6 with a 3-4 won-lost record, Stags coach Egay Macaraya hopes that his troops will play with a sense of urgency in the 3 p.m. match with the Blazers, who are in a two-game losing streak. San Sebastian is half-a-game ahead of No. 7 Arellano University,

at Alaska, then Purefoods (now Magnolia) and at Ginebra. Cone, meanwhile, said he wanted to end the series on Friday night. “Obviously, we don’t want to play Game 7. So it means, we’re going to try and put it all on the line in Game 6,” he said. “Closing out games is always the hardest, but we have had the experience doing so in the past, it’s the experience that we’ll learn from.” Meralco coach Norman Black and the Bolts are expected to deliver the game of their lives to extend the series. “We will adjust on Friday and get ready,” Black said. If Meralco wins, Game 7 will be played at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

DEVANCE

which takes on Lyceum of the Philippines University at 12 noon also on Friday. “They are a very good hustle team,” Macaraya said of the Blazers. “What’s important is for us to be composed the whole game.” Sitting in fourth place with a 4-3 card, the Blazers still have a shot of making it to the top two, but their fate of clinching one of the two outright Final Four berths is not entirely on their hands. Defending champion Letran and San Beda continue to lord it over in the

standings at 6-0 with the two bitter rivals needing one more win for an automatic passage to the Final Four. Mapua, which at 5-2 is a game ahead of Saint Benilde, looms to be a major threat to the co-leaders. The third-running Cardinals have a huge game against the Red Lions Saturday, a match that will determine their fate. Both outside the play-in range, the Chiefs (2-4) and the Pirates (15) cannot afford to lose anymore if they want to make it past the elimination round.

deep to go with five assists, while Geo Chiu added 14 points and eight rebounds—his college career best. The Blue Eagles remained unblemished at 10-0 with their winning streak now standing at 36 games. It will be Ateneo’s seventhstraight Final Four appearance. Nic Cabañero had 18 points for UST which slid to seventh place at 3-7. Xyrus Torres, meanwhile, nailed the game-winning trey as Far Eastern University beat National University, 59-57, also on Thursday. The Tamaraws snapped their three-game skid and tied the Bulldogs at 4-6. “We really needed this win because it’s NU we’re chasing,” FEU coach Olsen Racela said. “We did not give up, especially in the second half. It’s all about trust for us.” The Tamaraws held the Bulldogs scoreless for nine minutes in the final period to snatch the lead at 55-54 and send the game into a nail-biter. Adamson University ended University of the Philippines’ eight-game winning streak with a 66-58 win. The Falcons improved to 4-6 record while the Fighting Maroons dropped to 8-2 card.

Gialon ahead as Rates loses steam in 3rd rd

ATENEO PUMMELS UST BY 50 PTS, A UAAP LOSING MARGIN RECORD TENEO claimed the first Final Four slot after demolishing University of Santo Tomas (UST), 101-51, on Thursday in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 men’s basketball action at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The 50-point win now stand as the new UAAP in terms of losing margin since the league started to computerize games statistics in 2003. The previous record was the 43-point 99-56 victory posted by De La Salle also on UST on October 23, 2016. “I think the difference in the score line is a reflection that our coaching staff asked for 40 minutes of performance from our players, and that’s something that’s plagued us this year,” Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin said. The Blue Eagles were in control early and took the half at 46-21 before extending their lead to 44 points, 80-36, entering the fourth quarter. Raffy Verano led the Blue Eagles’ balance offense with 18 points and seven rebounds. SJ Belangel dropped 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting from

Daniella Uy, just a stroke behind Avaricio and in a tie with Ikeda after 36 holes, fell farther back with bogeys on Nos. 3 and 4. The Riviera-Langer leg winner last year bounced back with birdies on the fifth and ninth but double bogeyed No. 10 and yielded another stroke on the 15th for a 75 and a 221 for third. Midlands leg champion Sunshine Baraquiel broke par with a 71 to tie reigning Order of Merit winner Harmie Constantino, who fumbled with a 74, at fourth at 225 while first round leader Marvi Monsalve recovered from a disastrous second round 85 with a 74 to share sixth place at 228 with Low amateur Arnie Taguines, who also carded a two-over card. Florence Bisera turned in a 75 for eighth at 231 while Pamela Mariano and Gretchen Villacencio took the next two spots with 236 and 237 with 80 and 78, respectively.

RAFAEL VERANO leads the Blue Eagles’ annihilation of the Growling Tigers.

ANIEBOY GIALON dispatched Joenard Rates with a strong start and a stronger finish as he pulled away by five with a 68 on Thursday and closer to snapping a long title spell on the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT). Bracing for a shootout with the 2018 PGT Asia Summit Point leg champion, Gialon sprayed the Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Cavinti, Laguna, with three frontside birdies yesterday and surged ahead by three over Rates, who forced a tie halfway through the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Caliraya Springs Championship with back-toback solid 68s but lost his way in the face of his rival’s scorching start. Rates actually stretched his birdie run to nine with another feat on No. 2 but stumbled with his first bogey on the sixth and yielded another a couple of holes later. He birdied the ninth but struggled at the back with one more bogey and ended up with a 73 to slip to second at 209, now five strokes behind Gialon’s 12-under 204. Rupert Zaragosa also razed the frontside with four birdies on his way to a 67 as he tied Rates at second for a coveted spot in the championship flight. Ira Alido finally hit his stride after a 71 and 73 as he sizzled with a 67 for fourth but his 211 aggregate remained seven shots off the Davaoñeno shotmaker, who is seeking to grasp a first crown after thumping the field at ICTSI Calatagan in 2017. Tony Lascuna carded a 71 and Clyde Mondilla matched par 72 as they shared fifth place at 212 while Jhonnel Ababa, Dino Villanueva and Lloyd Go matched 69s, and Guido Van der Valk floundered with a 73 after a superb second round 68 for joint eighth at 213. Up by three at the turn, Gialon fumbled with back-to-back bogeys from No. 11, enabling Rates to pull within one. But he flashed some kind of resiliency, coming away with birdies on Nos. 13, 15 and 16, a blistering windup which Rates had failed to match, putting Gialon way out in front with 18 holes left in the P2 million championship put up by ICTSI. “I made good recoveries after bogeying Nos. 11 and 12 on missed green mishaps. After I birdied Nos. 13 and 15, I regained my confidence,” sad Gialon. That late surge also virtually shattered the diminutive Rates’s bearing and rhythm. “Gialon’s doing real good—putting and driving. So I need to do my stuff tomorrow (today) and make some putts,” sad Rates. “I’ll just do my thing and hope for the best.”

B8 Friday, April 22, 2022

Motoring BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

CHINESE AUTOMAKERS DOMINATE MIAS 2022

Story & photos by Patrick Tulfo

HE recently concluded Manila International Auto Show or MIAS, which was held on April 7 to 10, was a rousing success. This year’s theme “Setting Gears in Motion” fits the event perfectly as annual spectacle was postponed last year due to the raging pandemic. Joseph L. Ang, founding chairman of Worldbex Services International said in a statement, “that 2022 brings a brighter forecast to all of us. The pandemic has seemed to slow down with the numbers dwindling down each day. This year’s MIAS is going to bring back the favorite activities and highlights that many visitors miss.” Chinese car manufacturers took the centerstage in this year’s auto show as they took the opportunity in launching their newest offerings for the year and here are some of them.

Chery

Now under the helm of United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), Chery Auto Philippines continues to wow the market with their offerings, but their latest foray in the midsize SUV segment the Tiggo 8 Pro and its higher variant, Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV (Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is seen to shake up the segment. The good-looking Tiggo 8 copies the sleek design of its smaller sibling Tiggo 7 Pro, the seven-seater SUV features the big, bold European inspired diamond grille and upscale-looking LED headlamps which is the style direction of most carmakers nowadays. The rear, on the other hand, flaunts an artfully designed LED taillamps, an integrated silver-chrome-tipped dual tailpipes and rear spoiler that blends seamlessly with the roof. Power comes from a new generation turbocharged gasoline direct injection (TGDI) 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve EURO V 4-cylinder engine that’s rated at 183 hp at 5,500 rpm and 275 Nm of torque that is widely avail-

able from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. It is mated to a new 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV, which was unveiled at the last Shanghai Motor Show, features a 1.5 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that works in tandem with a powerful electric motor and state-of-the-hybrid-art batteries and mated to unique hybrid transmission gearbox. Chery claims that Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV can drive up to 90 kilometers in pure electric mode and boasts of an astonishing fuel consumption of a just a liter per 100 km in hybrid mode and only requires three hours to charge its batteries. Prices for both variants are at P1,645M for the Tiggo 8 Pro and P2,4M for the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV.

The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 8 PHEV

Foton

Foton, the truck brand also under United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) ushered in the all-new Foton Thunder pick-up truck, now sporting a more muscular look punctuated by the bold Foton grille upfront, which is similar to the design found on Ford pickup lineup. The 18-inch alloy wheels and the LED taillights at the back complete the modern look. The interior now features a more car-like ergonomics with a new floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system found on the middle of the dashboard. Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter Aucan inline four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces a respectable 161 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque and is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The newly-minted Foton Thunder pickup

JAC

JAC Philippines, the exclusive distributor of JAC Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), medium and heavy-duty trucks in the country unveiled their latest offering in the LCV category, the new JAC X100. JAC calls the X100 as the JAC-of-alltrades as it is available in various body configurations such as cab and chassis, aluminum van and FB body. It is powered by a thrifty yet powerful 1.8-liter turbodiesel engine and mated to five-speed transmission. The JAC X100 introductory prices are as follows: JAC X100 Cab-and-Chassis- P750,000 JAC X100 Dropside- P850,000

The JAC X-100 LCV

JAC X100 FB Body – P910,000 JAC X100 Aluminum Van – P870,000

GAC

GAC Motor Philippines introduced its first sports sedan in the country with the EMPOW55. It features a low center of gravity and slippery 0.26 coefficient drag, a Mecha grille that has a double-sided blade air curtain, four exhaust pipes, 18-inch alloy wheels, a high-performance rear deflector. The slim and upswept LED headlights, sloping rear windshield and slim LED taillights completes the sporty look. The EMPOW55 uses the 4th generation 2.0-liter ATK engine, that is reported to achieved a thermal efficiency of 42.10 per-

HONDA HAULS MEDIA AWARDS; LEXUS LINEUP

ONDA has received one gold medal and two silver citations from the recent 5th Driven to Serve awards of the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SPMJ) for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in the areas of environment, COVID-19 response, and road safety. Cheers! Colene Jalalon also reported that Honda received a gold medal from the Philippine National Red Cross for its donation of 104 motorcycles and construction supplies to Catanduanes residents, whose homes have been devastated by super typhoons. Honda’s awards from SPMJ were the Bantay Baterya and Bantay Langis (Environment), Assistance to Medical Frontliners during the Pandemic (COVID-19 Response), and Teen Smart: Road Safety for Teens (Road Safety). The “Teen Smart” aims to prepare the youth on road safety and make them conscious in reducing road accidents as pedestrians and future drivers. Honda’s partners include the Sta. Rosa Department of Education, Sta. Rosa Local Government and the Honda Safety Driving Center to provide interactive seminar workshops for all public senior high schools in Sta. Rosa, Laguna that started in 2019. Soon after the pandemic shocked the country in March 2020, Honda lent out 15 cars to

medical frontliners in Laguna, adding 18 cars more to frontliners in Cavite. The “Bantay Baterya” and “Bantay Langis” aims to lessen land and water pollution through the proper disposal of hazardous lead-acid batteries and used oils. Throughout the 15 years of Bantay Baterya partnership since 2006, Honda has recycled 7,028 pieces of used lead acid batteries worth P1,820,453. While for Bantay Langis, a total of 16,104 liters of used oil were already collected and recycled since the program started in 2017. “Bantay Kalikasan” was put up to protect and preserve the La Mesa Watershed and the La Mesa Eco Park. “Globally, we are working towards carbon neutrality by 2050 not only for our products but for corporate activities as well,” Colene said. “By 2040, our target is to realize 100 percent electrification of automobiles sold all over the world.” Said Masahiko Nakamura, president of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI): “We express our gratitude to SPMJ top officials Butch Gamboa and Pinky Colmenares for recognizing our programs even in the midst of the pandemic.”

Lexus wondrous lineup

HERE is an interesting story about Lexus from Jade B. Sison, the frontline media expert favored by Lexus president Raymond

cent and capable of producing more power, more response and lower fuel consumption. Meanwhile, the 2nd-generation GS8, flagship SUV of GAC, rides on the new GPMA-L platform that features a new multi-link rear suspension. There is also a new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 252 hp and 400 Nm of torque and is mated to an Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission. The front features a vertical LED headlight and a massive Dragon scale wing front grill gives the GS8 a masculine and stately look. The rear was also redesigned and now features a pair of red diamond tail lights, the EMPOW and the GS8 are now available at all GAC dealerships nationwide. T. Rodriguez. “The RX is the very first luxury crossover SUV to proudly wear the Lexus badge. When it made its debut in 1998, it laid the foundation for what would be a highly successful nameplate. “To date, the RX is the most popular model sold by Lexus Philippines. It isn’t surprising, really, considering how the model has evolved, not just in appearance, but in build quality, technology, and practicality. “For April, you can drive home the Lexus RX 350 and Lexus RX 350 F Sport at Zero Interest and with Free Two-Year Periodic Maintenance. “Under the RX hood is a 3.5-liter V6 directinjection engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Keeping things in control is Adaptive Variable Suspension which continually adjusts shock absorber damping rates in realtime. “The Lexus RX 350 comes at P4,498,000 and the Lexus RX 350 F Sport at P5,158,000. “The IS 350 F Sport (P3,808,000) boasts of a 300hp normally aspirated V6 engine that delivers 380Nm. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission for mesmerizing power delivery worthy of a proper sports sedan. “The IS 300h Premier (P3,328,000) and IS 300h (P2,978,000) are powered by a 2.5-liter Inline four-cylinder hybrid power plant mated to a Lexus E-CVT intelligent transmission for optimum efficiency during every driving condition. “To learn more, visit the Lexus website at lexus.com.ph or visit our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @lexusmanila.”

PEE STOP Happy birthday to my kumpadres, Dr. Lito Durante and Jake P. Ayson. They were born on the same day (April 17). They drive Toyotas—Dr. Lito a Grandia and Jake a Fortuner. Such great fellas! Enjoy your drinks!