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Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 308

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 20 pages | 7 days a week

‘RISKS MAY FOIL DEFIANT REMITTANCES GROWTH’ n

The Athletics Stadium at New Clark City in Tarlac, a centerpiece facility of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, has been shortlisted by the World Architecture Festival among the best completed buildings across the globe. The facility was nominated for the SportCompleted Buildings category in the prestigious festival, taking place at the FIL Exhibition Center in Lisbon, from December 1 to 3. BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon congratulated Budji+Royal Architecture+Design, the architectural partner for the stadium, and the thousands of workers who made the Athletics Stadium a reality. Story in Sports, page B8. PHOTO COURTESY OF BCDA

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

ILIPINO migrant workers are expected to sustain the growth in the remittances they send for the rest of the year, but a local economist warns that key developments related to the pandemic may temper the volume of dollar inflows the country will receive from them. See “Remittances,” A2

BANANA EXPORTS DOWN 47% IN FIRST SEMESTER By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HILIPPINE banana exports in the first half plunged by 47 percent to 1.154 million metric tons (MMT)—the lowest volume recorded in five years—as the domestic industry continues to reel from production and shipping woes. Preliminary Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed that the six-month

shipment volume was 1.031 MMT lower than the 2.185 MMT exported in the Januaryto-June period of last year. Historical PSA data showed that the country’s banana exports in the first half represents the lowest volume recorded in a Januar y-to-June period since 2017. In 2016, f i r st - h a l f ba n a n a e x p or t s was at a dismal 579,026.297 MT volume. See “Banana,” A2

DOH officials defend fund use, solons rap Duterte attack on COA

EALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III on Tuesday made an emotional appeal to the public to give the Department of Health (DOH) until next month to account for all the “deficiencies” flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA), saying majority of the COA’s findings have been resolved. In a hearing of the House

Committee on Public Accounts, Duque reiterated that DOH is cont i nuou sly add ressi ng t he compliance issues and deficiencies, adding all the P67.3 billion allotted to it were all spent for the procurement of test kits, PPEs, payment of HCWs benefits and salaries of health-care workers. See “DOH,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 50.5320 n japan 0.4625 n UK 69.9514 n HK 6.4920 n CHINA 7.8042 n singapore 37.2820 n australia 37.0753 n EU 59.5216 n SAUDI arabia 13.4738 Source: BSP (17 August 2021)

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

BusinessMirror

DTI backs biz groups’ call to ease pandemic-forced mobility curbs By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

ITH the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ ) nearing conclusion, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the government is yet to decide on its next move, but he hopes to ease restrictions as small businesses continue to struggle amid the pandemic. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said at the Laging Handa briefing on Tuesday that the DTI supports the recent call by a

Banana. . .

Continued from A1

Value wise, total shipments during the six-month period declined by 43.45 percent to $521.427 million from last year’s $922.111 million, based on PSA data. Japan was the top destination for Philippine bananas both in terms of volume and value during the six-month period. The volume for banana exports to Japan declined by 48 percent to 422,363.997 MT from 812,111.305 MT while total value fell by 46.4 percent year-on-year to $215.174 million. Banana exports to China declined by 28.6 percent to $178.577 million from $249.968 million while shipments to South Korea plunged by 42.8 percent to $70.897 million, based on PSA data.

business group to loosen mobility restrictions, but stressed that it will only be done if the situation gets better. If there is no surge of Covid-19 cases, the trade chief said that quarantine measures in Metro Manila may de-escalate to less restrictive modified ECQ or granular lockdown. The capital region is under ECQ until August 20. Lopez said that the Covid-19 InterAgency Task Force is still monitoring the number of cases before deciding on the next community quarantine measure. “It is really a balancing act,” Lopez

said. “If we keep that mindset, we will be able to save also the livelihood.” Lopez said the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) continue to face the challenges from the pandemic as their cash flow and working capital have been depleted amid slower business activities. Others also laid off workers because the businesses can no longer afford to pay for salaries, he added. Lopez disclosed earlier that the ECQ will increase the number of closed MSMEs to 16 percent. Prior to the implementation of the

strictest lockdown, he said that about 8 to 10 percent of the MSMEs were shut down amid the pandemic-induced crisis. DTI said easing the restrictions will allow the struggling MSMEs to restore some cash flows. A business leader recently pushed for the reopening of the economy to help prevent more economic losses and unemployment. “It’s time we learn that lockdown is not the remedy,” Employers Confederation of the Philippines and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said. Instead, he said that the vaccination program and adherence to health protocols are the necessary measures.

Philippine banana exports this year has been anemic due to erratic production caused by Panama disease, coupled with domestic logistical woes due to Covid-19related restrictions worsened by global shipping problems. On top of these problems, the countr y is also losing market share i n ke y A si a n ba n a n a m a rket s a s well as prospective investments to Latin A merican producers, as earlier revealed by the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA). The PBGEA said in July that the total value of country’s banana exports this year could show near-flattish growth from last year’s $1.644-billion level since there is no “new big expansion” in the domestic banana industry. “For this year, it should be very similar to last year. There are no new big

expansions occurring in the industry,” PBGEA Chairman Alberto F. Bacani said at a virtual news briefing in July. “Sad to say, a lot of multinationals prefer to expand in Ecuador or other Latin American countries rather than investing in the Philippines because of the perceived risks of Panama disease especially,” Bacani added. Philippine banana exports receipts in 2020 declined by 15.8 percent to $1.644 billion from $1.953 billion in 2019 due to lower shipments caused by “poor production” as a result of the rapid spread of Panama disease worsened by logistical bottlenecks such as movement restrictions against Covid-19. The Philippines’s banana exports last year declined by 13.51 percent to a two-year low of 3.808 million metric tons from the record-high 4.403 MMT recorded in 2019, Philippine Statistics

Authority (PSA) data showed. Despite the decline in both volume and value of banana exports, the Philippines was able to keep its spot as the world’s second top exporter of the yellow fruit, based on international trade data. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2021/07/01/phl-keeps-slot-as-worlds2nd-top-banana-exporter-in-2020/) In May, the BusinessMirror broke the story that the Philippines is losing market share for the prized yellow fruit in key Asian markets to neighboring countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as Latin American producers. Trade map data of the multilateral International Trade Centre analyzed by the BusinessMirror showed that the Philippines’s market share for bananas in China, Japan, and South Korea has been shrinking in recent years, as domestic exporters have warned. (Related story: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/04/phl-bananas-losing-out-in-asia-to-latin-americaasean-producers/)

Remittances. . . Continued from A1

In his analysis of the recent overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) data, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) economist Michael Ricafort said remittances are expected to be one of the “bright spots” in the local economy amid the pandemic. “Growth in OFW remittances has been, somewhat defying the pandemic, as some OFWs are economic and medical frontliners, as well as essential workers, in various host countries worldwide, especially those with aging populations, thereby a sign of resilience,” the economist said. Earlier this week, the BSP reported that remittances that coursed through banks in June rose 7 percent to reach $2.64 billion. This is the highest monthly value of remittances to the country for 2021. Remittances to the country first plunged to contraction territory in April 2020 due to the global economic disruption caused by the pandemic. It slowly recovered throughout last year and climbed back to the growth territory starting February this year. Philippine remittances from overseas workers have consistently been the fourth largest in the world after India, China, and Mexico, amounting to about $35 billion in 2020. Ricafort said sustained growth in OFW remittances would support recovery in consumer spending, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of the economy, as well as supporting recovery of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Risks ahead

Ricafort, however, warned of risks that may weaken the inflows of remittances to the country in the coming months. The economist particularly cited increased OFWs repatriation as an offsetting risk factor at more than 640,000 workers since the pandemic started last year. “Threat of the more contagious coronavirus variants such as the Delta and Lambda variants that entail risks of lockdowns and restrictions could slow down global economic recovery as well as OFW remittances data in the coming months,” he added. Ricafort also said any delay in the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines in some of the major host countries for OFWs amid tight global vaccine supply could have slowed down economic recovery prospects and OFW remittances data. This could fundamentally create a “soft patch” on OFW remittances. Earlier this month, Fitch Solutions—the think tank arm of Fitch Group—said remittances to the country are expected to be steady throughout the year and give support to the economy.

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DOH. . .

Continued from A1

The House hearing opened just hours after President Duterte called out the COA for what he deemed its premature release of a report that he claimed cast doubt already on the DOH’s integrity. His remarks against COA, at his weekly national address late Monday, drew swift reactions from senators and cause-oriented groups, who reminded Duterte the COA is a constitutional body, thus independent of the Executive. On Monday night, Duterte insisted that the deficiencies flagged by COA did not indicate that any of the P67-billion pandemicresponse funds had been stolen.

No corruption—Duque

At the House hearing on Tuesday, Duque reiterated there was no corruption in DOH’s use of Covid-19 funds, and said COA’s report was unfair, because it had not yet responded to the issues. “Since this COA report came out, I and my fellow officials at DOH could not sleep. We were bludgeoned with this issue. There are so many accusations. This is really unfair, unjust that this judgment has been handed down clearly without giving the DOH the full 60 days,” said Duque. “I think COA should also consider that we are not operating under normal circumstances. We’re operating under a state of public health emergency. You destroyed the honor of the DOH,” he said. According to Duque, the department was given 60 days starting July 27, 2021 to submit its Agency Action Plan and Status of Implementation. “We are awaiting the final reports from our implementing units as to the actions taken with respect to COA’s recommendations. We ask for your continued understanding as we endeavor to meet these demands in extraordinary circumstances, with many of our own [workers] currently confined, quarantined or previously stricken with Covid themselves,” Duque asked lawmakers. Also, Duque said the COA itself earlier noted that there was no mention of corruption in the audit report, saying the COA recommendations are not yet final. In the same hearing, Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega said there were 13 deficiencies raised in the 2020 COA report. “Of these deficiencies, five were already complied with, 4 were partially complied with while there are ongoing compliance on the 4,” Vega told lawmakers. He clarified that these deficiencies will be settled by submission of documents and compliance with procedures. During Duterte’s public address last Monday, Health Undersecretary Vega said five of the 13 budget issues cited by COA were already addressed by DOH. He stressed that none of the observations were attributed by state auditors to corruption. “The foregoing COA findings are more of documentary issues. Some are already resolved while others are ongoing compliance,” Vega explained.

Accounted for

The resolved items include the P11.8-billion unobligated allotments under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Bayanihan 1), Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), and foreign loans as of December 31, 2020. Of the said fund, P7.1 billion are government funds, which were utilized (P5.1 billion); valid for utilization until the end of the year (P510 million); lapsed with the expiration of Bayanihan 2 (P390 million); adjustments on the utilization for calendar year 2020 as reported by the Department of Budget and Management (P1.09 billion); lapsed with the expiration of Bayanihan 1 (P980 million). The remaining P4.7-billion unobligated funds are from foreign associated project loans. DOH is asking for a Special Allotment Release Order from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to use the said fund this year.

‘Missed opportunities’

Of the P67.3 billion, the COA said that P42.4 billion consisted of fund transfers to procurement/implementing partner-agencies without the required documentation. But COA Supervising Auditor Rhodora Ugay said these deficiencies in Covid-19 funds led to “missed opportunities as the agency could have done a lot with the funds.” She added, “The utilization of this fund should have been imbued with urgency, considering that these are released purposely to address the state of emergency.” COA Chairman Michael Aguinaldo said the observations and findings made by the COA on the utilization of the budget by the DOH allow the agency to comply with the recommendations and rectify any deficiencies. Also, Aguinaldo reiterated the report itself does not mention any findings by the auditors of funds lost to corruption, “We have the duty to make sure funds are accounted for.” “As there are recommendations for compliance by the DOH, the audit process for the deficiencies pointed out has not been completed,” he added.

No authority

Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said on Monday Duterte has no authority to stop the COA from performing its constitutional mandate of safeguarding the utilization of public funds and making public the results of its audit. Duterte in his weekly briefing last Monday told COA to stop flagging government transactions and publishing its reports, as it would taint agencies with “corruption by perception.” Lagman said, “Duterte conveniently forgot that COA is an independent constitutional commission which is not accountable to the president,” adding, “The right of the people to information cannot be negated and quashed by invoking that officials should be shielded from corruption by perception.” Sen. Panfilo Lacson, in a separate statement, cited the need to protect and preserve the COA’s independence. “First, the Commission on Audit is a constitutional body which is independent of the executive or legislative branches of government, and certainly not under the Office of the President of the Republic.” Lacson lamented that President Duterte was “out of line in publicly castigating the COA,” as it was “ just performing its mandate and responsibility to the people and the Constitution.” The senator added that “the COA should not be cowed by intimidating statements, even those coming from the Chief Executive.” The Akbayan Party-list made a public exhortation to “the courageous people from COA,” saying they should “ignore Duterte. The people are behind you. We call on the COA to continue performing its constitutional mandate to ensure that the utilization of the people’s funds is free from negligence and corruption.”

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz, Samuel P. Medenilla, Butch Fernandez

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The Nation BusinessMirror

House bill on ‘absolute divorce’ up for plenary approval, Lagman says By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE House Committee on Population and Family Relations on Tuesday endorsed for plenary approval a substitute bill instituting absolute divorce in the Philippines. Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, chairman of the technical working group and author of House Bill 100 on the enactment of an absolute divorce law, said the unnumbered absolute divorce bill is now bound for plenary debates in the House of Representatives. “It is hard to believe that all the other countries collectively erred in instituting absolute divorce in varying degrees of liberality and limitations. An en masse blunder is beyond comprehension. An erroneous unanimity on such a crucial familial institution defies reason and experience. Obviously, the rest of the world cannot be mistaken on the universality of absolute divorce,” he said. Lagman said the substitute bill, which is supported by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, include: provisions on court-assisted petitioners; community-based prenuptial and post-matrimonial prog ra m s; com mu n it y- ba sed women’s desks to provide assistance and support to victims of violence and abuse; and an appropriation language for the bill. “This bill reinstates absolute divorce because absolute divorce was already practiced during the preSpanish times, the American colonial period, and during the Japanese occupation,” he said. Lagman said that with the unanimous approval of the substitute bill “today is a momentous occasion for countless wives, who are battered and deserted, to regain their humanity, self-respect and freedom from irredeemably failed marriages and utterly dysfunctional unions.” The grounds for legal separation, annulment of marriage, and nullification of marriage based on psychological incapacity under the Family Code of the Philippines are included as grounds for absolute divorce and were amended to make said grounds cover causes arising after the solemnization of the marriage. The other grounds for divorce are the following: (a) separation in

fact for at least five years at the time the petition for absolute divorce is filed; (b) when one of the spouses undergoes a gender reassignment surgery or transitions from one sex to another; (c) irreconcilable marital differences as defined in the bill; (d) other forms of domestic or marital abuse which are also defined in the bill; (e) valid foreign divorce secured by either the alien or Filipino spouse; and (f) a marriage nullified by a recognized religious tribunal. Lagman said the effects of absolute divorce include the voiding of the marital union and capacitating the divorced spouses to remarry. The bill also provide mandatory six-month cooling-off period. Under the bil l, except for grounds under summary judicial proceedings, the proper court shall not start the trial of a petition for absolute divorce before the expiration of a six-month cooling-off period after the filing of the petition during which the court shall exercise all efforts to reunite and reconcile the parties. The requirement of a coolingoff period shall not apply in cases which involve acts of violence against women and their children under the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004” or attempt against the life of the other spouse or a common child or a child of the petitioner. Moreover, the bill said the custody of the minor children shall be decided by the proper court in accordance with the best interests of the children, subject to the provisions of Article 213 of the Family Code of the Philippine. It said the conjugal partnership of gains or the absolute community shall be dissolved and liquidated and the assets shall be equally divided between the spouses, excluding the paraphernal or exclusive properties of either spouse. In addition to the equal share in the assets of the absolute community or conjugal partnership, the measure said the petitioner who is not gainfully employed shall be entitled to spousal support or alimony from the respondent until the petitioner finds adequate employment. Provided, that the support shall not exceed two years from the finality of the decree of absolute divorce and shall cease upon the petitioner’s remarriage.

IBP urges qualified Filipinos to participate in 2022 polls By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has urged qualified Filipinos to register and vote wisely in the upcoming 2022 national and local elections. “The IBP has joined the call for people to participate in the 2022 polls because it is the right thing to do. As the sentinel of the rule of law and democracy, it is important for the IBP to encourage the public to exercise its right and responsibility in one of the most basic foundations of a healthy democracy,” IBP National President Burt Estrada said. The IBP has posted on its official Facebook page a call for qualified Filipinos to register with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for them to cast their votes in the May 9, 2022 polls. “It is important to remind people that power resides in them and that all government authority emanates from them and that it is through the ballot that the people exercise this

power,” Estrada stated. The IBP first posted last August 12 on its Facebook page that the coming elections are important and that Filipinos “need to all step up and vote as if our lives and our future depends on it because they do.” The post added: “As we countdown to May 9, 2022, Election Day, this early make sure you are registered to vote.” Last Monday, the IBP reiterated its appeal to the electorate and posted: “Your vote counts. Every vote counts. Register Now!” Voter registration deadline is on September 30. Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon earlier said that 5.77 million new voters have so far registered, bringing the total number of registered voters to over 60 million. Some sectors have also requested the Comelec to extend the voter registration until October 31 to prevent massive vote disenfranchisement brought about by restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, August 18, 2021 A3

Gatchalian gripes DOE can’t assure ‘no brownouts’ on election day vote count By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE Department of Energy (DOE) came under fire anew in the Senate Tuesday over the failure of Secretary Alfonso Cusi to categorically assure the DOE can avert brownouts during next year’s vote count of the results of the upcoming 2022 midterm elections. Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate’s Com-

mittee on Energy, deplored “the DOE officials’ apparent indifference” in arresting any possibility of rotational brownouts during the counting of votes cast in election period next year. The senator reminded that an estimated 60 million voters will troop to the polling precincts to “exercise their right to choose their leaders in the national and local levels.” “This is unacceptable,” Gatchalian griped, reminding that “this is

the reason there is a Department of Energy to make sure we have electric supply all the time.” He added: “The DOE’s only task is to ensure that we have a steady supply of electricity. So, it is unacceptable they will allow it to happen that even an iota or possibility of brownouts will occur during the election period.” In a news statement issued on Tuesday, the senator stressed “it is the DOE’s job to address that

situation.” The lawmaker lamented the “lack of any categorical statement” from Cusi “ensuring sufficient power supply when this early, energy officials already forecasted the thinning of power supply on election day and thereafter.” Gatchalian reminded that “as early as now, the DOE should identify solutions and undertake steps to ensure there will be no brownouts during the 2022 elections.”

Senate probes ‘questionable’ 1.048 million obtain Natl Covid fund disbursements ID, PhilSys Numbers–PSA

H E S e n at e C om m it t e e on Public Accountability is poised to open today, Wednesday, its initial inquiry into the reported questionable disbursements from a P67-billion fund intended to bankroll government’s response to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. Also known as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Sen. Richard Gordon, the committee is expected to grill Department of Health (DOH) officials on how they spent the over P67-billion counterCovid fund. This, as Gordon indicated that probers are also keen to verify reports on delayed payment of benefits of health workers. In Gordon’s preliminary talks with medical frontliners to get a grip on the issues to be tackled at the hearing, the Senate chief prober was informed that health workers suffer from delayed hazard pay and special risk allowance, apart from food subsidy, transportation and accommodation for public and pri-

vate health workers. Gordon was, likewise, informed that the Commission on Audit (COA) had noted “deficiencies” in DOH disbursements from a P276-million fund intended for food, accommodation and transportation allowance for health workers. To get a clearer picture, Senate probers also invited Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who confirmed his attendance in the scheduled hearing. According to Gordon, he is not rushing to tackle the questionable use or none use of the pandemic budget by DOH because the agency is still being given a chance to answer the report of COA. However, he said, his peers have every right to ask questions related to this during the hearing. Among those expected to appear and testify during the hearing are officials of the Department of Budget and Management, COA, as well as representatives of hospitals and health workers and PhilHealth, among others. Butch Fernandez

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

VER a million Filipinos now have their national IDs, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). As of August 13, some 1.048 million received their PhilSys Numbers (PSN) and National IDs, a 17.6-percent increase or 156,963 more IDs compared to the previous week. The PSA said getting a PSN and receiving a PhilID is the third and final step in the PhilSys registration process. The PSN is a permanent identification number while the PhilID is a physical identification card containing the PSN. “One of the features of the PhilID is the PhilSys Card Number [PCN], the public version of the PSN, which shall be used by a registrant when transacting,” PSA earlier said. “With PhilSys, public and private transactions will be made safer, more seamless, and more efficient as the

Amid dwindling supply, PRC appeals for blood donation It is during this time that the people need safe and affordable blood supply. That is why the Red Cross continues to provide this.

BM PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard J. Gordon By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

HE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday appealed to the public anew to donate blood amid dwindling supplies with less donors due to quarantine restrictions. Despite diminishing blood supply, however, the PRC assured that it would continue to provide patients with much needed blood to save lives. “The entire Red Cross organization is busy battling the pandemic through our RT-PCR testing, vaccination programs, and food trucks to affected communities, but the need for blood never stops. Ngayon mas kailangan ng tao ang ligtas at abotkayang dugo. Kaya naman tuloy-tuloy lang ang Red Cross. [It is during this time that the people need safe and affordable blood supply. That is why the Red Cross continues to provide this],” said PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard J. Gordon. The PRC noted the difficulties in obtaining rare RH Negative blood types are also being experienced. PRC is appealing to people with RH negative blood to donate if able and save the lives of countrymen in need.

Even with the shortage of donors, PRC managed to serve 186 individuals in need of safe and life-saving blood just for August 16 alone. “Gaya ng paghihikayat ko sa inyo na mag pa-test at mag pabakuna, hinihikayat ko rin kayong mag donate ng dugo para makatulong sa mga kababayan nating may kailangan nito. Lalo ngayon ng pandemic at ECQ [enhanced community quarantine] sa ibang lugar sa ating bansa [Just like my appeal to you to undergo testing, get vaccinated, I am also asking you to donate blood to help our countrymen who needs it. Especially now that there is a pandemic and other areas in the country are under ECQ ],”added Gordon. As the pandemic continues and blood donorship dwindles, PRC has managed to collect 28,046 units of blood in the month of July 2021. The PRC also managed to serve 91,372 patients in need of blood from January to July of this year. The PRC stressed that their National Blood Service is serving the people given the difficult circumstances brought by Covid, but more blood donors are needed. Those willing to donate blood may visit www.redcross.org.ph/give-blood.

country transitions into a digital economy,” it added. The latest data also showed that a total of 40.388 million have completed Step 1; 25.26 million Step 2; and 5.08 million have created their bank accounts. In terms of Step 1, PSA data showed registrants increased by 683,777 or 1.7 percent from the previous week. For Step 2, registrants from 86 provinces and National Capital Region (NCR) districts increased by 1.51 million or 6.4 percent from last week. PSA said PhilSys registrants who applied for an account with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) increased by 78,381 or 1.6 percent from the previous week. Step 1 involves the collection of demographic information, while Step 2 requires registrants to submit biometric information in respective registration centers. Step 2 also includes the opportunity for PhilSys registrants to open bank accounts with the LandBank.

Economy

A4 Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

BusinessMirror

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PhilHealth takes blame over circular on Covid treatment benefit package By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE House Committee on Health on Tuesday adopted a resolution directing the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to review its issuances and immediately rectify its mistake after admitting that there was delay in the retroactivity of its circular on Covid-19 benefit package. During a panel hearing, committee Chairman and Quezon Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan said her House Resolution 1966 was filed to inquire into the apparent confusion brought about by the issuances of PhilHealth on the availment of Covid-19 related benefit packages. According to Tan, PhilHealth made several amendments and supplemental issuances on the availment of the Covid-19 benefit packages as the pandemic situation continuously evolve over time eventually causing public confusion, especially on those who had been infected and interested to avail of the benefit packages. “Millions of Covid-19 probable

claims are in danger of being denied as a result of PhilHealth’s turnaround causing huge losses to health-care facilities, which clinically managed a probable Covid-19 case and eventually causing financial hardship to the Covid-19 patient whose claim will be denied due to fear of prosecution of signatories involved in the approval of the claims,” Tan said. Tan raised the issue of PhilHealth’s retroactive application of PhilHealth Circular 2021-008, which was only “circularized” in June 2021, but was subsequently applied in November 2020 or seven months before the official issuance of the circular. PhilHealth Circular 2021-008 provides that only claims for confirmed Covid-19 cases based on a positive Covid-19 swab test results or RT-PCR test shall be covered by the existing Inpatient Covid-19 Package. “The retroactive application of the circular removes the probable cases from entitlement under PhilHealth Circular 2020-009, which provides for the same benefits as that of confirmed cases and downgrades the same to an

intermediate package,” Tan said. “This will cause huge losses to hospitals that have already rendered service and processed the claims as well as patients who were already entitled to such claim prior to the issuance of PhilHealth Circular 2021008,” she added. The lawmaker said the enactment of the landmark Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, has bolstered PhilHealth’s function as the “national purchaser” of health goods and services—placing it to be in charge of paying health-care providers like hospitals and clinics for services given to Filipinos by pooling more funds so PhilHealth can cover all Filipinos and provide more services. “House Resolution 1966 should not be construed as pointing a finger at PhilHealth but as a way by which to guide those Filipinos who, unfortunately, must avail of its Covid-19 benefit packages,” Tan said. Tan also called on the PhilHealth Board and leadership to get their act together and to be more considerate, especially during this time of the

Business chamber urges SMEs to upgrade wastewater facility By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @TyronePiad

HE German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) is urging the Philippine small and medium enterprises (SME) to boost sustainability through wastewater upgrade, which is in line with the country’s water quality compliance. “Given that the country is often struck by the effects of climate change and particularly with the issue of water shortage, companies have to establish a business case that is mindful of the environment and aligns with the resources that we have,” GPCCI President Stefan Schmitz said in a news statement. GPCCI said this is parallel with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Administrative Order (AO) 2016-18 or the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 as well as its updated version which is AO 2021-19. Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel said

that Germany has recently passed the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act. This mandates companies with over 3,000 employees to be held responsible for their whole supply chain networks by 2023 onwards. “Concerning bilateral business relations, this will affect business partners in the Philippines because it encompasses all business sectors,” Reiffenstuel said. “Hence, it is timely for stakeholders to learn about wastewater upgrades and how to report about the achievements of implementing these upgrades successfully.” In relation with this, the GPCCI recently held workshop series on the matter in cooperation with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc., Global Compact Network Philippines and DENR. The program covered the different aspects of a system upgrade, including understanding of the industry policies, financing and crafting

sustainability report following the implementation. “We are pleased that we are able to provide this platform of exchange to allow almost 800 Philippine companies to address their environmental impacts,” Schmitz said. The business group said it will be holding a virtual business mission in November with 10 German solutions providers engaged in water and wastewater management. Recently, the GPCCI called for the lifting of the deployment cap for Filipino health-care workers (HCW) in Germany amid the high demand. GPCCI said that the European country needs about 50,000 HCWs, noting that the Philippines has 2,000 HCWs waiting for deployment. Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said that the 6,500 deployment cap was already maximized this month. The Labor department is seeking to increase the deployment cap for HCWs by another 1,500 slots or a total of 8,000 this year.

DPWH aims to complete BGC viaduct project by Sept

HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is on track to deliver the Lawton Avenue to Global City viaduct section of the Bonifacio Global City (BGC)-Ortigas Center Road Link project by end of the third quarter this year. Secretary Mark A. Villar said that construction of viaduct and approach 3 along BGC’s 8th Avenue is now at an accelerated pace to meet the September completion target. This project will soon provide motorists a much different travel experience between Ortigas and BGC, added Villar. Villar together with Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain and UPMO-Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) Project Director Benjamin Bautista and Project Manager Ricarte S. Mañalac conducted an inspection of the project on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. According to Undersecretary Sadain, DPWH has already completed the deck slab of main viaduct from Pier 13 to Pier 22, while installation of deck slab reinforcements at Pier 22 to Abutment 3, including median,

DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar leads the inspection of the Bonifacio Global City-Ortigas Center Road Link project on Tuesday. PHOTO COURTESY OF DPWH

sidewalk and parapet reinforcements are ongoing. Although community quarantine is in place, the DPWH and contractor Persan Construction Inc. has continued the work along the stretch of 8th Avenue from the Kalayaan Avenue intersection taking into consideration the construction health and safety protocols, said Sadain.

Construction of retaining and MSE wall for the 155 meter Approach 3 are also ongoing with the underground utilities of Meralco along 8th Avenue already relocated. Once the Lawton Avenue to the Global City Viaduct section is fully completed, it will provide direct access from Ortigas Center heading towards the Kalayaan Bridge to Bonifacio Global City.

pandemic in the midst of hospital closures and threats of mass walk out of health personnel. For his part, PhilHealth President Atty. Dante Gierran clarified that various modifications made on the benefit packages are not only inevitable but also necessary, as the state social health insurer needs to continuously review the Covid-19 packages in the face of evolving protocols. He and other officials, however, admitted PhilHealth’s lapses that resulted in the delay on the issuance of the circular and promised to resolve the infirmity in its policy. Eli Dino Santos of PhilHealth said that it couldn’t be denied that there is delay in the issuance of the circular. “There’s so many reasons and we will not provide excuses. It’s just that there were several circumstances that went beyond our control. It’s already late when the circular was published,” Santos said. The PhilHealth, meanwhile, committed to bring the matter to the PhilHealth Board to immediately correct the oversight.

Poe prods LTFRB on sluggish rollout of PUV commuter service program By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

EN. Grace Poe, flexing the Senate’s oversight powers as chairperson of the Committee on Public Services, assailed the sluggish rollout of the service-contracting scheme (SCS) launched by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Reminding that the SCS is part of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Republic Act 11494), the lawmaker lamented the delayed reaction of Duterte administration officials concerned tasked to address the problem. “It is lamentable that the government simply shrugged its shoulders over its inability to disburse payments to our operators under the servicecontracting program,” Poe said. Reports reaching her office noted that restive drivers and operators decried that they failed to receive due compensation for the services they already rendered under the program. For his part, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra confirmed they already disbursed P1.25 billion or 26.55 percent of the P5.58 billion allotted for payouts last June. Poe, likewise, lamented the delay, saying it was unacceptable. “Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang labis na kabagalan sa paglabas ng pondong pambayad sa mga operator at drayber na walang kapagurang naghatid sa ating mga frontliner araw at gabi,” said Poe. The senator formally filed a resolution paving the way for the upcoming inquiry into “the slow implementation of the service contracting program,” which Poe earlier pushed to be included in Bayanihan 2 to provide alternative source of livelihood to drivers left without income amid the pandemic. “We had hoped that the provision of assistance to PUV [public-utility vehicle] drivers would be given the express lane treatment. Instead, it got stuck in bureaucratic gridlock,” the lawmaker lamented. She recalled that recently, the Commission on Audit (COA) had noted that the LTFRB utilized only P59.72 million or 1.07 percent of the P5.58billion appropriation under the law. Poe also bemoaned the findings of the COA that the release of the servicecontracting program was delayed by 11 months. In addition, only 2,125 of 60,000 target beneficiaries were onboarded to the LTFRB’s dashboard.

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 A5

35 OFWs in first batch from Kabul now in Mla, DFA to fly home others By Recto L. Mercene @rectomercene

HIRTY-FIVE Filipinos employed in Afghanistan arrived Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which earlier gave assurances that all the 140 others still in the country overrun by the

Taliban will be brought home safely. The Filipinos who are staff members of the US Embassy in Kabul were able to leave the Taliban-saturated city on Sunday by means of US military planes that took them to Doha, Qatar, awaiting repatriation to Manila. The DFA said these migrant Filipinos “joined the DFA chartered plane from Doha to Manila and the

group arrived Tuesday at the Naia Terminal 1.” Originally, the 35 Filipinos were part of the 500-person staff of the US Embassy who were airlifted from the Embassy compound to the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA)—the official name of Kabul Airport—by Chinook helicopters. “From the HKIA all the embassy staff including the OFWs boarded

IFC-led resilience program draws developers’ support. . . continued from a12 Strategic priorities in the country include reducing the impacts of climate change, deepening financial inclusion, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and strengthening the capacity of the private sector. The IFC believes that such projects will better support the Philippines throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and help drive inclusive growth during the eventual recovery.

The BRI was developed using seed funding from the government of the Netherlands and implemented in the Philippines with support from the government of Australia. This was created in cooperation with ARISE Philippines, a private sector alliance for disaster-resilient societies led by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. The Philippines has recorded the fourth-highest number of disaster

events linked to natural hazards globally in the last 20 years and is considered one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. Recent cyclones and the resulting floods—the worst the country has seen in almost half a century—have also exacerbated the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in significant damage to buildings, businesses, and livelihoods.

a giant C-17 Cargo Master planes that flew them to the US Airbase in Doha,” officials said. “That still leaves around 130 overseas Filipino workers [OFWs] in Kabul who want to leave as soon as possible,” according to recruitment consultant Manny Geslani. He said about 80 more OFWs have signed up to join the repatriation flight being arranged by the

Philippine Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. The rest of the OFWs have contingency plans with their employers, he added. “They already hold airplane tickets out of Kabul but civilian flight operations at the HKIA have been suspended by the US military who wants to prioritize the departure of their American employees, including

Afghan interpreters,”Geslani said. DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Mendez said “the DFA is working non-stop to explore all options to ensure the safety and welfare of our people in Afghanistan in the face of challenging conditions.” He asked for patience as they try to accomplish the sensitive mission, perhaps one of the most difficult repatriation tasks undertaken by DFA in recent years.

Displaced tourism staff may be new BPO hires. . . continued from a12 The DOT added, “The heightened travel restrictions as implemented by the different local government units also prevented the ‘other ones hired’ in pursuing their respective job opportunities, since they were expecting a work-from-home arrangement/s, for health and safety reasons.” Concentrix is a member of the Ibpap. Last September, Concentrix vice president for delivery shared services Amit Jagga noted that workers in the

hospitality industry are among the best candidates for BPO jobs. “[The] two big skills that the people in the hospitality industry bring is one, their ability to interact with foreign nationals because there’s so much tourism that comes in from an international perspective into the Philippines, and second, is their customer service orientation. Customer service orientation is the bedrock of success both in the tourism industry, as well as the BPO industry,” he stressed. (See, “Concen-

trix PHL to recruit displaced tourism workers,” in the BusinessMirror, September 14, 2020.) The DOT chief said the new round of virtual job fairs will help displaced tourism workers regain their livelihood and resume their career growth. “I am confident that the caliber and values of our tourism workers shall be a great asset to your companies,” she added. Schedule of the job fairs are published on the DOT’s Facebook page.

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

The World BusinessMirror

Editor: Angel R. Calso • www.businessmirror.com.ph

New Zealand to enter lockdown; Japan set to expand emergency

e w Z e a l a nd P r i me Minister Jacinda Ardern put the nation into a three-day lockdown after reporting the first community case of Covid since February. The country will be placed in lockdown at midnight tonight after discovery of a single case in Auckland, Ardern said at a

news conference in Wellington. Auckland and the nearby Coromandel region will be in lockdown for seven days. “Going hard and early has worked for us before,” she told reporters. She said officials assume the case is the Delta variant, adding that strain “has been called a game changer, and it is.”

Meanwhile, Japan plans to expand its current virus emergency now in place for Tokyo and other areas to seven more prefectures as well as extend it to September 12, trying to stem a Delta variant-fueled surge that has sent infections to record levels. Covid-19 czar and Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura

told an advisory panel Tuesday the government planned to add seven prefectures to the emergency, bringing the total to 13 areas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was expected to make the decision official later Tuesday, local media including Kyodo News reported.

Key developments:

India’s record vaccination

India administered a record 8.8 million vaccine shots in a day, the country’s record for doses administered in a single day, according to a government statement Tuesday. India has given 554.7 million vaccine doses so far, but only 8.9 percent of the country’s population is fully inoculated against the virus, according to Bloomberg’s vaccine tracker. India added 25,166 cases while deaths rose by 437 to 432,079, according to data released Tuesday.

Booster shots in the US

The US government is poised to offer coronavirus booster shots as soon as next month, with the country facing a renewed wave of infections fueled by the delta variant. Biden administration officials are finalizing a plan expected to recommend booster shots eight months after people received their second dose, according to two people familiar with the deliberations who asked not to be identified. The plan is not yet finalized but an announcement could come as soon as this week, they said.

Singapore pilot programs

Singapore plans to set up pilot programs next month to allow vaccinated business travelers from some countries to enter on carefully controlled itineraries as it takes steps to reopen its borders. Singapore is in talks with Germany, Australia, Canada and South Korea to be the first batch of countries for such arrangements, though it is also looking at the possibility of leisure travel, trade minister Gan Kim Yong told Bloomberg News in an interview Tuesday. He said factors like infections, vaccination rates and the ability to control outbreaks will be considered in these discussions.

Hong Kong’s new quarantine requirements

Hong Kong will end a short-lived rule that allowed travelers from most parts of the world to spend just one week quarantined in a hotel, provided they had an antibody test proving they were vaccinated against Covid-19. Hong Kong will no longer recognize antibody test results as a basis to cut quarantine period for arrivals, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said at a briefing Tuesday. That effectively will leave New Zealand as the only country outside of China that qualifies for a seven-day quarantine for vaccinated travelers. Business groups in the city reacted with dismay after travel curbs were tightened Monday for residents returning from more than a dozen countries—including the US, France and Spain.

Delta spreads across Australia

Austr alia’s Delta outbreak continues to spread despite more than half the nation’s 26 million people being placed into lockdown. New South Wales state recorded 452 new cases on Tuesday, down from the record of 478 set the previous day, with the vast bulk of those infections detected in Sydney. Melbourne and national capital Canberra are also enforcing stay-at-home orders, and on Tuesday recorded 24 and 17 new cases respectively. Authorities are increasingly concerned that the outbreak ’s spreading into the continent’s interior is threatening vulnerable Indigenous populations. On Monday, the tropical city of Darwin was placed into a snap lockdown, while on Tuesday it was confirmed the virus had reached the Outback town of Broken Hill.

China cases dwindle

Covid cases in China are dwindling amid an intense slew of curbs authorities have put in place to slow Delta’s spread. Only six symptomatic infections were reported on Tuesday, down from 90 a week ago. In an interview with state-owned news agency Xinhua,

Health Minister Ma Xiaowei vowed to keep the virus’s spread under control by the end of August to ensure life returns to normal as soon as possible. Ma also reiterated containment effort as China’s priority and a “strong guarantee” for economic development and a sound investment environment. Ma told Xinhua the country’s health authorities will double down on measures to detect the virus’s breach from abroad early. He also vowed to strengthen curbs in hospitals treating Covid patients to avoid infections spreading into the community. Meanwhile, Beijing Communist Party chief Cai Qi told the city’s officials to take detailed and customized measures to prevent spread of coronavirus at 2022 Winter Olympics venues, Beijing Daily reported.

Indonesia’s new cases lowest since June

The country reported 17,384 confirmed infections on Monday, the least since June 23. One in five people tested were found to have the virus, a sign of insufficient testing. Indonesia continues to top the world’s tally of daily deaths, with 1,245 fatalities reported on Monday. More cities on Java and Bali islands will be allowed to reopen shopping malls for people who are vaccinated with capacity limits, as the government extends virus curbs until August 23. Indonesia will also allow some export-oriented companies to operate with 100 percent workforce on site using two shifts and strict health protocol, in a bid to find a way to reopen the economy without worsening its coronavirus outbreak. That program will involve 390,000 workers. The government is preparing roadmaps to reopen other sectors, including education and tourism, as it gears up to live with the virus for a few more years. It will focus on accelerating vaccination, stepping up testing and tracing, while enforcing mask mandates. Indonesia aims to administer 100 million total vaccine doses as of the end of the month, from 83 million so far. Indonesia will also lower the maximum price for realtime polymerase chain reaction testing.

Thailand virus fight needs more money

Thailand’s central bank governor called for an additional 1 trillion baht ($30 billion) in government spending to counter coronavirus, saying the blow to the economy from the pandemic is greater than from the Asian financial crisis in 1997. Meanwhile, Thailand will extend the closure of non-essential businesses and movement controls in its virus hotspots, including the capital Bangkok, until the Covid outbreak shows clear signs of easing. On Tuesday, the country reported a daily record 239 Covid deaths and 20,128 new cases.

CoronaVac’s side effect

People vaccinated with CoronaVac face a small increased chance of developing a temporary facial paralysis known as Bell’s palsy, according to scientists, but the benefits of getting the shot still outweigh the risks. Nearly 5 in 100,000 more people may experience Bell’s palsy after the CoronaVac jab produced by Sinovac Biotech Ltd. than you would expect to see in the population, according to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. The study, conducted in Hong Kong, compared Bell’s palsy rates reported within 42 days of either receiving the CoronaVac or the locally produced Pfizer Inc. vaccine. The study found two more people per 100,000 were likely to suffer from the side effect than normal after the Pfizer shot, though cautioned more research was needed. The authors of the study led by Ian Chi Kei Wong, a professor at the University of Hong Kong, recommended its continued use in protecting people against Covid-19 noting that “Bell’s palsy remains a rare, mostly temporary, adverse event.” Bloomberg News

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Wednesday, August 18, 2021

European leaders point fingers at US after fall of Afghanistan

urope a n leaders str ug gled to mask their frustration with President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw the last US soldiers from Afghanistan and sought to distance themselves from the dramatic scenes unfolding across the war-torn country. German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters Monday night that the NATO mission in Afghanistan was “fundamentally dependent” on the US while French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that the Taliban took Kabul from the US-trained forces that Biden had backed in just “a matter of hours, with no resistance.” “Nobody wants Afghanistan, once again, to be a breeding ground for terror,” U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday, hours after the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. “It’s fair to say the US decision to pull out has accelerated things.” As members of Nato, the UK, France and Germany took part in the US-led coalition that toppled the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks and maintained thousands of soldiers in Afghanistan for most of the last two decades to forge stability and train the Afghan army. They didn’t offer meaningful opposition to Donald Trump’s plan to end the US presence in the country, nor to Biden’s promise

to follow through with it. Yet after the militant group seized control of Kabul much faster than anyone predicted, the European leaders are now faced with the further unraveling of a key country in a volatile region that threatens a humanitarian and refugee crisis. Their challenge is to deflect blame without antagonizing Biden. “This is an extremely bitter development. Bitter, dramatic, terrible— especially of course for the people in Afghanistan,” Merkel said in Berlin. “We all made the wrong assessment.” Earlier on Monday at K abul ’s international air port, thousands of people rushed to tr y and leave the countr y. Though Taliban leaders are tr ying to portray a moderate stance, the fundamentalist group is talking about declaring a new “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” and there are reports it’s already curtailing the rights of women. Johnson, who is chairing the Group of Seven industrialized nations this year, plans to hold a virtual summit of leaders to discuss the situation. He spoke with Macron on Monday and they agreed to work on a joint United Nations Security Council resolution. In his address, the French leader stressed the need for a common stance—on recognizing any future

Billions spent on Afghan army ultimately benefited Taliban

ASHINGTON—Built and trained at a two-decade cost of $83 billion, Afghan security forces collapsed so quickly and completely—in some cases without a shot fired—that the ultimate beneficiary of the American investment turned out to be the Taliban. They grabbed not only political power but also US-supplied firepower—guns, ammunition, helicopters and more. The Taliban captured an array of modern military equipment when they overran Afghan forces that failed to defend district centers. Bigger gains followed, including combat aircraft, when the Taliban rolled up provincial capitals and military bases with stunning speed, topped by capturing the biggest prize, Kabul, over the weekend. A US defense official on Monday confirmed the Taliban’s sudden accumulation of US-supplied Afghan equipment is enormous. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and so spoke on condition of anonymity. The reversal is an embarrassing consequence of misjudging the viability of Afghan government forces—by the US military as well as intelligence agencies—which in some cases chose to surrender their vehicles and weapons rather than fight. The US failure to produce a sustainable Afghan army and police force, and the reasons for their collapse, will be studied for years by military analysts. The basic dimensions, however, are clear and are not unlike what happened in Iraq. The forces turned out to be hollow, equipped with superior arms but largely missing the crucial ingredient of combat motivation. “Money can’t buy will. You cannot purchase leadership,” John Kirby, chief spokesman for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, said Monday. Doug Lute, a retired Army lieutenant general who help direct Afghan war strategy during the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations, said that what the Afghans received in tangible resources they lacked in the more important intangibles. “The principle of war stands—moral factors dominate material factors,” he said. “Morale, discipline, leadership, unit cohesion are more decisive than numbers of forces and equipment. As outsiders in Afghanistan, we can provide materiel, but only Afghans can provide the intangible moral factors.” By contrast, Afghanistan’s Taliban insurgents, with smaller numbers,

less sophisticated weaponry and no air power, proved a superior force. US intelligence agencies largely underestimated the scope of that superiority, and even after President Joe Biden announced in April he was withdrawing all US troops, the intelligence agencies did not foresee a Taliban final offensive that would succeed so spectacularly. “If we wouldn’t have used hope as a course of action,...we would have realized the rapid drawdown of US forces sent a signal to the Afghan national forces that they were being abandoned,” said Chris Miller, who saw combat in Afghanistan in 2001 and was acting secretary of defense at the end of President Donald Trump’s term. Stephen Biddle, a professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University and a former adviser to US commanders in Afghanistan, said Biden’s announcement set the final collapse in motion. “The problem of the US withdrawal is that it sent a nationwide signal that the jig is up—a sudden, nationwide signal that everyone read the same way,” Biddle said. Before April, the Afghan government troops were slowly but steadily losing the war, he said. When they learned that their American partners were going home, an impulse to give up without a fight “spread like wildfire.” T he failures, however, go back much further and run much deeper. The United States tried to develop a credible Afghan defense establishment on the fly, even as it was fighting the Taliban, attempting to widen the political foundations of the government in Kabul and seeking to establish democracy in a country rife with corruption and cronyism. Year after year, US military leaders downplayed the problems and insisted success was coming. Others saw the handwriting on the wall. In 2015 a professor at the Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute wrote about the military’s failure to learn lessons from past wars; he subtitled his book, “Why the Afghan National Security Forces Will Not Hold.” “Regarding the future of Afghanistan, in blunt terms, the United States has been down this road at the strategic level twice before, in Vietnam and Iraq, and there is no viable rationale for why the results will be any different in Afghanistan,” Chris Mason wrote. He added, presciently: “Slow decay is inevitable, and state failure is a matter of time.” AP

Afghan government and to prevent the kind of migration crisis that crippled the bloc in 2015. And he said he’d do everything he can to ensure Russia, the US and Europe respond with one voice. There isn’t much they can do now, though, to alter what’s happening on the ground. T he une x pected tur n of

events raises pressure on Macron ahead of April ’s president i a l e lec t ion, i n wh ic h he’s widely expected to seek a new mandate. It comes just week s a f ter he a nnounced plans to cut the number of French troops in Africa’s Sahel region by about half, as he pushes ahead with plans

to scale back his countr y’s largest and most expensive overseas operation. In Germany, Merkel’s CDUled bloc is in a tight race to retain control of Europe’s largest economy in elections in September and can ill afford echoes of issues that drove voters away in the past.

It wasn’t just European leaders arguing that the unfolding chaos isn’t their fault. In a speech in Washington, Biden pointed to Afghanistan’s military and political leaders, saying they both lacked the will to fight. He implied that Ghani led the US astray with promises that were not kept. Bloomberg News

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 5th-6th-7th Flr. 81 Newport Bl Newport City Brgy. 183 Pasay City

LIANG, CHENG Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

Basic Qualification: *Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. *Preferably 6 months to 1 year customer service experience. *Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MA, WEI Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

Basic Qualification: *Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. *Preferably 6 months to 1 year customer service experience. *Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

12.

LAI JIA HOU Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHEN, LEI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 13.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

CHEN, CHUNLI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 14.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

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

CHEN, SHAOKE Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 15.

BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. 5f-13f, Jiaxing Tower Building Aseana Avenue, Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City

XU, YUEGUI Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for dial administrative reports

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

JI, JIABAO Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 16.

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

CRONYX INC. No. 4th-10th Flr. Yinhope Bldg. Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St. Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City

CHEN, FAJIAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 5.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

LI, YIJUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 6.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

PAN, SHUOYANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 7.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

WU, JIANCHUAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 8.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

ZHOU, GUANXIAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 9.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

LI, GUANGXIA Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 17.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

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

LI, XIAOQIAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 18.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

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

LI, JIACAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 19.

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

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

LIU, JUN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 20.

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

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

TANG, HAIYANG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 21.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

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

CHEN, GUOJIE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 10.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service & managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails.

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin Chinese with customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WANG, FENGDI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 22.

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 534 Tomas Mapua St. 029 Bgy. 298 Santa Cruz Manila

11.

LIN, HANMEI Chinese Cargo Office Agent Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and customs documentations

Basic Qualification: Have skills in documentations Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

FREEMOVED INC. 40/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ excellent mandarin communication skills

No.

24.

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

WU, DONGPO Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 23.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

ZHENG, DEDI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 30.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

ZHAO, PENGFEI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management.

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

YUAN, FENG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

YAN, JIAQI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

XIE, KUNSHAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

WU, YING Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

WU, HUIMIN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D. Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street Tambo Parañaque City

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

GUO, SHAOLONG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

ZHOU, HAO Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 31.

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

Brief Job Description: Monitor , review and report on all marketing activity and result

ZHU, JIAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management.

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management

32.

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

HAMMERTIME CONSTRUCTION INC. Unit 203-s3 2nd Flr. Fbr Arcade Bldg. #317 Katipunan Ave. Loyola Heights 3 Quezon City

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management.

HUANG, JUNAN Project Support Specialist 33.

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

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and protects, recommend optimization to senior management

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

Brief Job Description: Provides project management support to the project manager, including documentation management, construction management support and project management software support.

LI, ZHONGLIN Project Support Specialist 34.

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

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result.

Brief Job Description: Provides project management support to the project manager, including documentation management, construction management support and project management software support.

LIU, GUOHUI Project Support Specialist 35.

Brief Job Description: Provides project management support to the project manager, including documentation management, construction management support and project management software support.

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

Basic Qualification: At least three (3) years of experience in project management and construction management or a related field is required; fluent in mandarin/basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least three (3) years of experience in project management and construction management or a related field is required; fluent in mandarin/basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least three (3) years of experience in project management and construction management or a related field is required; fluent in mandarin/basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

OH, SEUNG KWANG Project Support Specialist 36.

Brief Job Description: Provides project management support to the project manager, including documentation management, construction management support and project management software support.

XIAO, HANQING Project Support Specialist 37.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Provides project management support to the project manager, including documentation management, construction management support and project management software support.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: At least three (3) years of experience in project management and construction management or a related field is required; fluent in mandarin/basic English Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: At least three (3) years of experience in project management and construction management or a related field is required; fluent in mandarin/basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

47.

38.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the management and compliance of all operational, procurement, administration, and financial aspects.

Basic Qualification: N/A; elected officer

48.

49.

TANSIA, PATIANA PATIENCE Process Specialist 39.

Brief Job Description: Work on metadata with salesforle accury on SAL MSA NDA,

50.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

INFOSYS BPM LIMITED - PHILIPPINE BRANCH 19th-23rd Flr. Bgc Corporate Center 11th Ave. Corner 30th Sts. Taguig City

51.

Basic Qualification: Excellent comm Skills in Tuguesse French and English Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

52.

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Floor Six West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

CHEN, YUXUAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 40.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

BACK, NAKSEUNG Chief Operating Officer 41.

Brief Job Description: Spearheading strategies to steer the company’s future in a positive direction

53.

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

JK ESSENTIALS CORP. Building 66-18a Ground Floor Former Panorama Compound, Veterans Center Western Bicutan Taguig City Basic Qualification: College graduate, exceptional presence, business acumen, and presentation skills Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

54.

KANNAN, MUKUND Fund Servicing Manager Iii 42.

Brief Job Description: Function as an experienced VP, to run with solid vision and actively partnering with the respective counterparts; Take responsibility for the timely and accurate compilation of departmental KPIs to corporate standards.

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

SUDHAKARAN, SANIL Transaction Processing Manager 43.

Brief Job Description: Manage team of 30-60 members supporting global core cash operations in Asia, Emea and when regions in a 24X5 environment.

Basic Qualification: Minimum 10 years’ experience in a financial institution managing a team of 50 employees; Expert knowledge of SWIFTS & International Payment Processing Operations. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

JQ INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION INC. Unit 9 & 10, 2f Bttc Centre, 288 Ortigas Ave. Brgy. Greenhills San Juan City

44.

ZHU, CUIQIONG Marketing Consultant - Mandarin Speaking Brief Job Description: Researching and analysing to market

LOPEZ ROJAS, VIVIAN JOHANA Car Collector Spanish Speaker 45.

Brief Job Description: Portfolio recovery from customers in Mexico and Central America.

GONG, LINJUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

KONG, ZHIHUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LI, BO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MO, YUQIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NIU, HANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

WANG, ERGANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHOU, XIONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHEN, PENG Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 55.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

HO NGOC LIEN Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 56.

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

JING, JUN Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 57.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

LAN, FUMING Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 58.

Basic Qualification: Chinese speaking/ fluent in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

59.

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

46.

Brief Job Description: Developing, implementing sales strategies, client service plan and analysing sales data

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

KO, SANGOH Korean Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

MA, GUOQING Mandarin Operations Supervisor 63.

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

DOS REIS LIMA, EDUARDO Portuguese Content Moderation Analyst 60.

Brief Job Description: To organize its community of users and provide service support in variety of areas.

Brief Job Description: Monitor the day-to-day operations within the company, such as market data on a local, regional or national level.

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

CARPENTIER, JEAN FRANCOIS EDMOND JULIEN Rolling Stock Expert 64.

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

Brief Job Description: Advise the client to deliver a safe and reliable passenger service with a specific focus on engineering, maintenance and asset management

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

KOBAYASHI, YUTA Project Manager 65.

Brief Job Description: Monitor progress of construction and review shop drawings.

TATIA, MONICA Director Of Continuous Improvement Brief Job Description: Works with Operations Director and Director, Account Management to implement and actively participate in Weekly business reviews

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

CAI, SHANHONG Senior Supervisor For Admin & Finance 67.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Manages & oversees the finances & bills of all imported & exported fishery products

CHENG, JIANWEN Mandarin Business Consultant 68.

Brief Job Description: Helps Mandarin clients business owner to improve their business strategies and operations

DU, YONGDONG Mandarin Business Consultant 69.

Brief Job Description: Helps Mandarin clients business owner to improve their business strategies and operations

FANG, XIANGCHUN Mandarin Business Consultant 70.

Brief Job Description: Helps Mandarin clients business owner to improve their business strategies and operations

WU, JIAZHONG Mandarin Business Consultant

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

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

Basic Qualification: 8 - 10 years experience with project management in cross-functional teams Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 3 years working experience in seafood industry in China. Highly proficient in Chinese language & other dialects. Can communicate with China counterparts & clients Knowledgeable in MS Excel, MS Word

UNITED MOTION BUSINESS CONSULTANCY INC. U-2215 22f Cityland 10 Tower 2 154 H.v. Dela Costa Cor. Valero Sts. Bel-air Makati City

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

Basic Qualification: Question and answer platform using English and Portuguese language experience

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Japanese and English language; College Level

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

Basic Qualification: BSc degree in General engineering 20+ years of progressive experience in all maintenance phases of transportation systems and industrial process in a multinational railway company. Management skills, Budget and asset management, expected for the expert to understand and have experience with European standards. Fluency in French and English.

THE QUALITY PRIME OCEAN PRODUCTS INC. 9507 Miguela Street Airport Village Vitalez Parañaque City

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

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

SUPPORT.COM PHILIPPINES, INC. 12/f Robinsons Summit Center 6783 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Marketing Management; Mandarin Speaking.

SUMISETSU PHILIPPINES, INC. 8/f Gc Corporate Plaza 150 Legaspi St. San Lorenzo Makati City

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

Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ excellent mandarin communication skills

RATP DEV MANILA INC. U-1516 15/f Tower One & Exchange Plaza Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City

71.

Brief Job Description: Helps Mandarin clients business owner to improve their business strategies and operations

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1-year as Business Consultant; Fluent in Mandarin and English Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1-year as Business Consultant; Fluent in Mandarin and English Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1-year as Business Consultant; Fluent in Mandarin and English Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months -1-year as Business Consultant; Fluent in Mandarin and English Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Aug 17, 2021

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-NCR Regional Office located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE-NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

NGINDA, JACINTO CHISSENDE Portuguese Content Moderation Analyst 61.

Brief Job Description: To organize its community of users and provide service support in variety of areas.

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

MARKETROLE ASIA PACIFIC SERVICES, INC. 26/f, 27/f, 28/f The Enterprise Center Tower 1 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. 11th Floor, The Marajo Tower 26th Street Cor. 4th Avenue Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

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

MARKETCLUB INC. 41/f Gt Tower International Ayala Ave. Cor. H.v. Dela Costa St. Bel-air Makati City

LUO, MIAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

62.

OAMPI INC. 8/f 6780 Ayala Ave. Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ excellent mandarin communication skills

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CHEN, BIN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION Sky Garage Bldg. Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City Tambo Parañaque City

MAERSK GLOBAL SERVICE CENTRES (PHILIPPINES) LTD. Levels 5-8 North Wing, Estancia Offices Capitol Commons Meralco Ave. Oranbo Pasig City Basic Qualification: Manages and collects outstanding accounts whilst maintaining the highest level of customer service regularly engages with customers via phone; To ensure the timely payment of invoices and resolutions.

No.

66.

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of data analysis and market search Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NEO INCORPORATED North Tower Centrum Bldg. Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City Baclaran Parañaque City

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.- PHILIPPINE GLOBAL SERVICE CENTER 23/f Net Plaza 31st St. E-square Zone Fort Bonifacio Taguig City Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree equivalent (business discipline preferred); Minimum 14 years in Financial Services industry, with preferably 5-7 years in Transfer Agency or Fund Services; More than 7-10 years people management experience.

ANDREW WONG CHAU SHANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower C4 Rd. Edsa Ext. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

IKANO (PHILIPPINES), INC. U-17b 17/f, 8 Rockwell Bldg. Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center Poblacion Makati City OLOFSSON, PER STEFAN Treasurer

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 A9

Basic Qualification: Question and answer platform using English and Portuguese language experience Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR PERFECTZEST INC. 16th Floor Tower 6789 6789 Ayala Avenue Bel-air Makati City

A10 Wednesday, August 18, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

How govt can help agriculture sector

report on the country’s agriculture production in the first semester released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on August 9 showed that the crops subsector once again buoyed the sector’s performance (See, “Farm output shrinks 2.5% on livestock, poultry woes,” in the BusinessMirror, August 9, 2021). PSA data showed that the value of the output of the crops subsector, which accounted for nearly 57 percent of total farm production during the period, rose by 3.2 percent to a record-high P492.395 billion from P477.238 billion last year. Rice and corn—the country’s major staples—led the crops subsector, as value of production rose by nearly 5 percent and 6.4 percent, respectively. However, the good performance of the crops subsector was not enough to offset the steep decline in the production figures of other subsectors, particularly livestock and poultry. In terms of volume, data from the PSA indicated that hog production in January to June plunged by 26 percent, while poultry output slid by 6.5 percent year-on-year. The fisheries subsector also performed poorly in the first half, as the value of production dipped by 0.5 percent. These figures should remind policy-makers of the importance of allocating resources that will allow other industries to help the sector improve its performance. While rice and corn are considered the country’s staple food, Filipinos also need to consume pork and chicken—the country’s favorite protein sources—which are essential to a healthy diet. Local hog raisers, poultry growers, and fishermen will be hard pressed to meet the food requirements of the country if they don’t get the support they require. For one, the hog sector is badly in need of assistance to defeat the scourge of the African swine fever and keep at bay other diseases that could disrupt production. As lawmakers and policy-makers begin deliberations on the proposed 2022 National Expenditure Program, we urge them to consider the budgetary requirements that will enable the sector to wipe out ASF and hasten the sector’s recovery. Proposals, such as the use of tariffs on pork imports for strengthening the country’s biosecurity, must also be included in their discussions (See, “Direct tariff revenues to investments in biosecurity–Rep. Salceda,” in the BusinessMirror, April 7, 2021). During deliberations on the agriculture sector’s budget for 2022, policy-makers and lawmakers must begin talks on investments in initiatives that will protect the country from smugglers and unscrupulous traders who could bring animal diseases into the Philippines. As the country will continue to import food to beef up local supply, the government must put in place more stringent inspection mechanisms if only to prevent the entry of animal diseases into the country. Such measures are important as they prevent farmers from incurring economic losses due to animal diseases. Policy-makers must keep in mind the warning of the Food and Agriculture Organization that climate change contributes to outbreaks of animal diseases—some of them transmissible to humans—such as brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, parasitic illnesses, anthrax, bovine spongiform encephalopathy and certain strains of influenza viruses. Only by protecting our farmers can we help boost the sector’s output and, in the process, strengthen the country’s food security. Since 2005

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business ✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder Publisher Editor in Chief Associate Editor News Editor

henever I pass by Edsa and other main thoroughfares, I always notice some establishments with signs that say they accept SSS pension loan applications. Now, for clarification, these private lending establishments are not in any way connected with SSS. They have their own loan scheme wherein they accept applications from either SSS and GSIS retireepensioners and take their ATM cards as collaterals. Sad to say for those who already succumbed to these institutions, they later discover that paying off their loans seems to take eternity since they have high interest rates ranging from 10 percent to 16 percent per annum. What’s worse is that some retiree-pensioners never get their cards back because they can’t seem to pay the high interest and penalties imposed on their loans. Being taken advantage of by these unscrupulous people given the vulnerability of their situation and financial standing, they were left with no other choice.

Launched in September 2018, SSS saw the importance of offering the Pension Loan Program to its retiree-pensioners with the primary objective of mitigating financial assistance for their immediate needs with a low interest rate. With this program, SSS doesn’t hold their ATM cards “hostage” as they are still assured of getting a portion of their monthly pensions even if they have a current loan. To qualify, a retiree-pensioner must be: 1. 85 years of age or below at the end of the last month of loan term; 2. with no deductions, such as outstanding loan balance, benefit overpayment payable to SSS, etc. from the monthly pension;

Ruben M. Cruz Jr. Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan

BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news@businessmirror.com.ph.

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3. with no existing advance pension under the SSS Calamity Package; and 4. receiving the monthly pension for at least one month and status of pension is “Active.” The loan amount is based on the basic monthly pension (BMP) together with the P1,000 additional benefit with a maximum loanable amount of P200,000 and a 10-percent interest per annum. Dependent’s pension, if any, is not included. For first time applicants, filing is done at the branches via the dropbox system as the Metro Manila and other cities are currently under in enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) status. For those who will be renewing their application, they may do so online. Make sure that they must have a My.SSS account in the SSS web site, must have a current and active mobile number and must have one of the following: a valid SSS UMID-ATM card, valid UBP Quick Card with savings account number registered with SSS, or a valid Pension Savings Account Number registered with SSS. For renewal of application, simply log-in to the My. SSS account. Click on “Pension Loan Application” under the E-Services tab. The retiree-pensioner must agree to the terms and conditions of the program to be able

to proceed with the application. Fill in also the needed information and click “Proceed.” You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the pension loan application. Loan proceeds will be credited within five working days to the savings account. In 2020, SSS disbursed P3.39 billion to 74,799 retiree-pensioners. For the first half of 2021, SSS disbursed P1.47 billion to a total of 33,007 retiree-pensioners. Generally, this proves that the PLP is successful in its purpose as shown by the number of retirees that have been going to SSS for their financial needs. Indeed, we recognize that retirees have different financial situations and the Pension Loan Program has been helping them with the purchase of their maintenance medicines, medical treatments, health and wellness lifestyle or house repair projects for their families. Even after their working years, they can still rely on SSS for such needed contingencies as well. We are happy to note that SSS really makes an impact in their lives. Have a great day everyone! Aurora C. Ignacio is SSS president and chief executive officer. We welcome your questions and insights on the topics that we discuss. E-mail mediaaffairs@sss. gov.ph for topics that you might want us to discuss.

International Memorial Day for Comfort Women Dennis Gorecho

Kuwentong Peyups

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Online Editor

MEMBER OF

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Lourdes M. Fernandez

Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso

Chairman of the Board President Advertising Sales Manager Group Circulation Manager

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T. Anthony C. Cabangon

Senior Editors

Creative Director Chief Photographer

SSS Pension Loan Program: Helping retirees in their financial needs

T was 30 years ago, on August 14, 1991, when South Korean Kim Hak-sun became the first to give a public testimony about her experience as a comfort woman victim.

In 2012, the South Korean government declared August 14 as the International Memorial Day for Comfort Women. South Korean President Moon Jae-in described Japan’s wartime use of comfort women as “crimes against humanity.” About 200,000 women from Korea, China, Burma, New Guinea, and the Philippines were held in captivity and many thousands more were raped as part of one of the largest operations of sexual violence in modern history. The girls who were abducted, trafficked or brought to the Japanese soldiers’ camps had their own dreams and visions for the future

that were shattered a damaged in utter injustice. Due to their tender age, it was a painful experience for them to be subjected to sexual slavery, rape and other forms of sexual violence during World War 2. The victims have spent their lives in misery, having endured physical injuries, pain and disability, and mental and emotional suffering. A year after Hak-sun’s revelation, Lola Rosa Henson decided to come out on September 18, 1992 with her story, and to tell everyone what happened to her, with the hope that such an ordeal will never happen again to any woman. She was the first Filipina to tell

the world about this inhuman practice of the Japanese during the war. In the book Maria Rosa Henson: Comfort Woman by Yuki Tanaka, Lola Rosa narrated her ordeal in the hands of the Japanese soldiers. “The soldiers came. My work began, and I lay down as one by one the soldiers raped me. Every day, anywhere from 12 to over 20 soldiers assaulted me. There were times when there were as many as 30; they came to the garrison in truckloads.” “I lay on the bed with my knees up and my feet on the mat, as if I were giving birth. Whenever the soldiers did not feel satisfied, they vented their anger on me. Every day, there were incidents of violence and humiliation. When the soldiers raped me, I felt like a pig. Sometimes they tied up my right leg with a waist band or a belt and hung it on a nail in the wall as they violated me.” “There was no rest, they have sex with me every minute. That’s why we’re very tired. They would allow you to rest only when all of them had already finished. Due to my tender age, it was a painful experience for me. Sometimes in the morning and

sometimes in the evening—not only 20 times. ” I had the privilege to see and talk to Lola Rosa in person when I was a reporter while finishing my UP Law studies then assigned to cover the Lila Filipina, the organization of former Filipina comfort women. Hak-sun died on December 1997 at age 74. Lola Rosa Henson died on August 18, 1997 of heart attack at the age of 69. Her death came three days after the 52nd anniversary of the end of World War II. Eight decades since the war ended on August 15, 1945, and 30 years after Hak-sun’s first appearance in 1991, the Japanese government still refuses to recognize its official accountability to the victims of sex slavery. Many victims have died without seeing justice, with the Philippine government continuing to ignore the plight of “comfort” women. They remain unsupported and unrecognized by both the Japanese and Philippine governments. Lila Filipina said in a statement that Japanese Official Development Assistance to flagship projects of See “Gorecho,” A11

Opinion BusinessMirror

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Taliban announces ‘amnesty,’ urges women to join government

Practical solution to unclog waterways Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza

MAKE SENSE

By Ahmad Seir, Tameem Akhgar, Kathy Gannon & Jon Gambrell Associated Press

ABUL, Afghanistan—The Taliban declared an “amnesty” across Afghanistan and urged women to join its government Tuesday, trying to calm nerves across a tense capital city that only the day before saw chaos at its airport as people tried to flee their rule.

The comments by Enamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban’s cultural commission, represent the first comments on governance from a federal level across the country after their blitz across the country. While there were no major reports of abuses or fighting in Kabul, many residents have stayed home and remain fearful after the insurgents’ takeover saw prisons emptied and armories looted. Older generations remember their ultraconservative Islamic views, which included stonings, amputations and public executions during their rule before the USled invasion that followed the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. “The Islamic Emirate doesn’t want women to be victims,” Samangani said, using the militants’ term for Afghanistan. “They should be in government structure according to Shariah law.” He added: “The structure of government is not fully clear, but based on experience, there should be a fully Islamic leadership and all sides should join.” Samangani remained vague on other details, however, implying people already knew the rules of Islamic law the Taliban expected them to follow. “Our people are Muslims and we are not here to force them to Islam,” he said. Under the Taliban, which ruled in accordance with a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, women were largely confined to their homes. The insurgents have sought to project greater moderation in recent years, but many Afghans remain skeptical. Meanwhile Tuesday, Stefano Pontecorvo, NATO’s senior civilian representative to Afghanistan, posted video online showing the runway empty with American troops on the tarmac. What appeared to be a military cargo plane could be seen in the distance from behind a chain-link fence in the footage. The runway “is open,” he wrote on Twitter. “I see airplanes landing and taking off.” Overnight, flight-tracking data showed a US Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules plane at the airport and later taking off for Qatar, home to Al-Udeid Air Base and the US military Central Command’s forward headquarters. The German Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, said a first German military transport plane has landed in Kabul, but it could only take seven people on board before it had to depart again. “Because of the chaotic conditions at the airport and regular exchanges of fire at the access point last night, it was not possible for further German citizens and other people who need to be evacuated to come to the airport without protection from the German army,” the ministry said.

Gorecho. . .

continued from A10

the Duterte administration has made the Philippine government subservient to Japanese government dictates. The group lamented the shameless kowtowing to the demands of the Japanese government to remove all memorials pertaining to Japanese wartime atrocities, particularly the “Lola” statue removed from Roxas Boulevard in 2018 and the replica of the “Girl of Peace” statue in a private facility in San Pedro, Laguna. From their original number of

A special military flight with some 120 Indian officials separately landed in the western state of Gujarat after taking off from Kabul’s main airport on Tuesday, the Press Trust of India and state TV reported. Another flight made it off the ground Monday as well. Sweden’ s Foreign Minister Ann Linde wrote on Twitter on Tuesday that the staff from the Swedish Embassy in Kabul had returned to Sweden. On Monday, thousands of Afghans rushed into Kabul’s main airport, some so desperate to escape the Taliban that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths. At least seven people died in the chaos, US officials said. Across Afghanistan, the International Committee of the Red Cross said thousands had been wounded in the fighting. Security forces and politicians handed over their provinces and bases without a fight, likely believing the two-decade Western experiment to remake Afghanistan would not survive the resurgent Taliban. The last American troops had planned to withdraw at the end of the month. “The world is following events in Afghanistan with a heavy heart and deep disquiet about what lies ahead,” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. A resolute US President Joe Biden on Monday said he stood “squarely behind” his decision to withdraw American forces and acknowledged the “gut-wrenching” images unfolding in Kabul. Biden said he faced a choice between honoring a previously negotiated withdrawal agreement and sending thousands more troops back to begin a third decade of war. “After 20 years, I’ve learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw US forces,” Biden said in a televised address from the White House. Talks appeared to be continuing between the Taliban and several Afghan government officials, including former President Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, who once headed the country’s negotiating council. President Ashraf Ghani earlier fled the country amid the Taliban advance and his whereabouts remain unknown. An official with direct knowledge of the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasn’t authorized to brief journalists, said senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi had arrived in Kabul from Qatar. Muttaqi is a former higher education minister during the Taliban’s last rule. Muttaqi had begun making contact with Afghan political leaders even before Ghani fled. Akhgar reported from Istanbul,

Gannon from Guelph, Canada, and Gambrell from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin and Jan Olson in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed to this report.

more than 200 in the late 1990s, less than 50 Filipina survivors are still alive. This highlights a sense of urgency for them to receive a formal unequivocal public apology and just compensation from Japan as well as accurate historical inclusion while their voices can still be heard. Justice has not yet been given to these women such as Rosa Henson. Their fight for justice continues up to this day.

Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines or UP. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 A11

elieving that the passage of House Bill 9147 or the Proposed Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act can stop the perennial problem of floods in Metro Manila, the proponents of the Bill in the 18th Congress firmly believe that the measure will significantly ease our plastic pollution crisis.

Hopefully, with flooding in some low lying areas in Metro Manila significantly reduced, if not stopped because of less plastic trash on rivers, lakes and other water tributaries, residents of the National Capital Region will be greatly relieved. However, I am amazed why the Bill zeroed in on regulating single-use plastic and Styrofoam only, when we see much bigger non-biodegradable trash such as old furniture, old appliances and used tires, among others that also clog our water tributaries. Would their exclusion not make HB 9147 a shortsighted legislation? All forms of trash thrown indiscriminately on waterways help clog rivers and lakes, resulting in the flooding of low-lying areas in Metro Manila. And knowing that garbage, including plastics, are inanimate objects that can’t think, and much more get into rivers, creeks and lakes on their own, unless hastily thrown into such waterways by irresponsible people, who mostly live illegally along creeks and river banks, the government should have sought other solutions to the perennial problem of floods in Metro Manila, without necessarily hurting the business and industry sectors, including consumers.

On that note, I find the Bill just a stopgap measure that won’t address the root cause of a problem that is costing the government billions of pesos each year for its various flood control programs. Like in a termite infested house, for instance, will you do a total repair of the entire house or have it demolished for a new house to be constructed, if only two posts are infested with termites? Of course not. For practical and financial reasons, you will only do the repairs on the affected posts and call pest control experts to address the problem. When I told my wife about the problem, we discussed a lot of practical solutions that would not hurt the industry and business community, while reducing waste on creeks, rivers and lakes at the same time. Already emphatic on the issue, as Chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), we will submit a proposal for local government units to pass a uniform ordinance where any person who can take photos of people throwing garbage in rivers, creeks and seashores, that can lead to the apprehension and/or imposition of fines to the culprits, will be rewarded with 50 percent of the amount of fines collected. The

Like the purpose of putting up CCTV cameras in public places to document traffic violations and criminality in the area, rewarding people who can provide photos of people actually throwing garbage in creeks and water tributaries will help prevent indiscriminate disposal of waste in these waterways. LGUs will also be encouraged to establish recycling plants, or at least a garbage depot in communities along water tributaries, where residents can sell their trash, instead of throwing them into rivers, creeks and lakes.

photo will be submitted to a community-based committee to verify and confirm its authenticity. The committee, which would include FPI, will endorse the photo to the local government units (LGU) to facilitate the collection of fines and penalties. As expected, the reward system will motivate more people to be involved in the program. Like the purpose of putting up CCTV cameras in public places to document traffic violations and criminality in the area, rewarding people who can provide photos of people actually throwing garbage in creeks and water tributaries will help prevent indiscriminate disposal of waste in these waterways. LGUs will also be encouraged to establish recycling plants, or at least a garbage depot in communities along water tributaries, where residents can sell their trash, instead of throwing them into rivers, creeks and lakes. Why would these solutions be practical to the problem on flooding and joblessness? First, this will instill

fear in people who indiscriminately throw trash in rivers, creeks and lakes, among other water tributaries, knowing that anybody in their community could be watching with their cellphone ready for the shot. This would eventually result in less floods and cleaner waterways in the Metropolis. Second, with proper waste management now in place, this will encourage investors to establish recycling plants because of the availability of more recyclable waste materials, a problem hounding many existing recycling plants. And third, with joblessness significantly high in these communities, the cash incentive to photo shooters could well be a source of income, especially for those in need. All these practical solutions are feasible and viable, without necessarily hurting the business and industry sector. The Federation strongly suggests for the government to consider these proposed measures. FPI will fully support this government endeavor. For my next column, I will discuss how these proposed solutions can help save rivers, creeks and lakes, while helping consumers maintain their lifestyle, especially those who belong to the tingi market, or consumers who prefer sachet packed foods for financial reasons. And most importantly, I will also discuss how these proposed measures can help save billions of pesos in flood control funds for the government, making them a win-win solution to all sectors. Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.

Hippocratic Oath. Doctors. Anti-vaxxers Dr. Carl E. Balita

Entrepreneurs’ Footprints

hat is violated when a person shouts “fire!” in a movie house, or cracks a “bomb” joke in an airport? The rational basis of such liability is the scare and commotion that such acts may unnecessarily bring the general public. How similar (or different) is it when a doctor, a man of science, publicly talks against the vaccine, which is a product of science? Can a doctor invoke the right to freedom of expression as justification for such an act, which may lead to scare and commotion? If the doctor is indeed certain of the disbelief for the vaccine and becomes an anti-vaxxer, is the professional judgment to warn the public ethical and legal? Is it any different when an ordinary person, who neither took the Hippocratic Oath nor is governed by a Code of Ethics, decides to do such an act of standing against the scientific consensus of modern science? Could a doctor be liable legally, ethically, or morally, when he or she comes out in the open to stand against what humanity is convinced to believe as the great savior in the pandemic? We live in a polarized society. The tug-of-war is not only between economics and health but also between those who are in favor and those who are against the imposition of quarantine, wearing of masks, and, of course, vaccines. And it is not surprising that even the medical professionals are not in solid agreement with what is for the good of the people. Is agreement necessary anyway? In a situation when even science is not certain of many things, especially in the areas that only time will tell, like the long term effect of vaccines, would doubts be taken against those who express it? What if the context of their doubts proves to be right in the future, but for now no one can

tell? And in an agile response where we are all witnesses to the changing (and sometimes contradictory) understanding, policies, and responses, who can we really trust?

Oath of Hippocrates

Written in antiquity, The Hippocratic Oath principles are held sacred by doctors to this day— treat the sick to the best of one’s ability, preserve patient privacy, teach the lessons of medicine to the next generation, and so on. It first appeared in 400 BC and was rediscovered by German Medieval Scholars in 1500. It was translated and interpreted by Ludwig Edelstein in 1943 and was rewritten by Louis Lasagna, the Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Turfs University in 1964. In the Philippines, the Hippocratic Oath is part of the Oathtaking ceremonies of new physicians and recited, as a reminder, occasionally during physicians’ gatherings. But the ancient relic, remaining as an expression of ideal conduct for physician, is not free from criticism like in its failure to echo the shared core of moral values considering the oath’s pagan origins. It makes no connection with many contemporary issues since medicine has developed into a more complex and diverse science. To some doctors, oath-taking is a little more than a ritual with little value beyond that of upholding tradition. Some physicians claim what they call the “Hypocritic Oath” should be radically modified or abandoned altogether.

The Oath’s foremost message focuses on patients’ best interests. The central theme remains that the purpose of medical care is to benefit the ill and that the patient’s needs should be considered above all else, making the classical Hippocratic Oath the foundation of modern medicine, promoting the practice of integrative care and codifying ethical behavior for medical professionals. As a code of professional identity, the Oath has had a powerful impact on modern judicial opinions regarding medical ethics. The Oath has exemplified the fundamental modern ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and confidentiality. It has also underlined the importance of respect between practitioners and patients. In a lot of ways, it is as relevant of the values of contemporary medicine as it was for ancient medicine.

Hippocratic Oath and the Anti-vaxxers

But how is the Hippocratic Oath violated when doctors publicly talk against the vaccines? Or, is there a violation at all? I shall leave it to the judgment of the readers as I present here, verbatim, the lines of the Hippocratic Oath. The Hippocratic Oath contains a commitment that the doctors will “respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.” Isn’t the vaccine a hard-won scientific gain of science? The Oath also commits the doctor to “apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures that are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.” Will the doctor, being a non-believer of vaccines, not prescribe or recommend it even if evidence of science has indicated its benefits for the patient? The Oath also prescribes that doctor need “not be ashamed to say ‘I know not,’ nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.” Are doctors, whose specialty is not infectious disease and who are not experts in the science of vaccine, duty-bound

to refer their patients to colleagues who know the vaccine better? Are the doctors who are not experts in these special areas of medicine not violating this responsibility to refer what they do not know to those who know better? In the Oath, doctors also commit to “prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.” Isn’t it that, for the longest time, vaccines have been a major strategy for prevention of disease? This article is not judging those who do not believe in the vaccine. Neither is it encroaching into the doctor’s freedom to express his or her views—which if one is not an expert is mere opinion, and opinion is not a valid evidence in the world of science. But with freedom comes the responsibility, and the professional title is not a right but a privilege. That makes the doctor’s statements and positions, even views, different from that of a layman. In the midst of fake news and rampant misinformation in traditional and social media, the information-consuming public need responsible messengers and valid content, especially from doctors they trust. But here is the most powerful question, how can you be a medical professional without believing in the science of the vaccine? If there is one sector that society is seeing as a solid group, it is the medical professionals. Why? Because they hold in their hands the hope to end this pandemic, together. Anything less than that is disappointing and discouraging. The Hippocratic Oath has that unity in context what it made doctors swear to “not violate this oath.” It also assures doctors “may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.” The greatest challenge of our history is this pandemic. May all doctors unite so we can heal as one. (Next issue: The Medical Code of Ethics and the Anti-vaxxers)

A12 Wednesday, August 18, 2021

IFC-led resilience program draws developers’ support

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario & Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

MILLION square meters (sqm) of local building space in the Philippines will be set aside by real estate developers for construction or retrofitting to make structures more resilient to natural hazards, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The private sector arm of the World Bank Group said on Tuesday that the building space will be pledged by the country’s leading real estate developers through the IFC’s Building Resilience Commitment campaign. The campaign is a call to action to the Philippines’s real estate sector to improve the resilience of buildings and cities. Initial commitments have been made by Imperial Homes Corporation,

NEO, and SM Group which will set aside a combined 500,000 sqm of building space. “The safety, habitability, and financial performance of buildings in the Philippines is being severely impacted by the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events, causing significant setbacks in efforts to promote shared prosperity in the country and reversing development gains,” said Ommid Saberi, Global Lead and Product

Manager, Building Resilience Index at IFC. “Some of the worst natural hazards on record have added fresh impetus for calls to accelerate efforts to transition to a greener, resilient, and more inclusive Philippines,” Jean-Marc Arbogast, Country Manager for the Philippines at IFC, said in a statement. “This is a huge opportunity for the real estate sector, whose efforts to build stronger and more sustainable buildings will not only save money in the long run, but also lives,” he said. IFC said the remaining 500,000 sqm will be pledged in the second half of the year. The planned and existing projects pledged as part of the campaign will be assessed for resilience using the Building Resilience Index (BRI), an online hazard mapping and resilience assessment tool currently under development by IFC. It evaluates location-specific, climate-related risks across water, wind, fire, and geoseismic hazard categories for real estate projects and portfolios and assesses the resilience measures that have been implemented. A roadmap to improve these projects’ resilience will then be developed. The BRI is currently in the pilot phase and the Philippines was se-

lected as the pilot country late last year. Developers including Imperial Homes, NEO, and SM agreed to participate in the pilot scheme. IFC said they are currently using a beta version of the tool to help build resilience into eight projects spanning the residential, office, retail, educational, and hospitality sectors. “We are excited to partner with leading developers, investors, and policymakers to help us advance one of the most critical agendas of our time.” The signatories of the Building Resilience Commitment commit to three principal areas of action: 1. For developers (public and private): By 2022, to assess the resilience of public/private buildings in a portfolio and develop a roadmap for implementation to improve their resilience rating using the Building Resilience Index. 2. For investors (including banks): By 2022, to integrate disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and resilience in real estate investment decisions using the Building Resilience Index. 3. For policymakers (including local government units): By 2022, to formulate policies and develop a roadmap for implementation to reward improvements in building resilience above code compliance using the Building Resilience Index. Since 1962, IFC has invested more than USD5.5 billion—of which over USD3.5 billion was invested from its own account—in around 160 projects in the Philippines.

HEALTH, EDUCATION GET BIGGEST PART OF ’22 NEP By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

ITH the health and economic impact of Covid-19 expected to persist next year, the government allocated the biggest chunk of its proposed P5-trillion 2022 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to health and education-related programs. In an online press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque disclosed the said programs, collectively known as the social service sector, will get 38.3 percent or P1.92 trillion of the 2022 NEP. He said the allocation will also cover the purchases of Covid-19 vaccine and personal protective equipment (PPE), among others. “This is in line with the promise of the President that no one will be left behind [during the pandemic],” Roque said. The economic service sector, which includes the government’s flagship infrastructure projects, got the second biggest allocation with P1.474 trillion. The rest was allocated to the general public services sector (P862.7 billion), debt burden (P541.3 billion), and defense sector (P224.4 billion). By agency, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and State Universities and Colleges, which were collectively known as education departments, received the highest

budget allocation with P773.6 billion. It was followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with P686.1 billion; Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) with P250.4 billion; Department of Health (DOH) with P242 billion; Department of National Defense (DND) with P222 billion; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with P191.4 billion; Department of Transportation (DOTr) with P151.3 billion; Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) with P103.5 billion; and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with P44.9 billion. A similar prioritization was also present in the 2021 NEP, where education departments got the largest fund allocation with P751.7 billion. The other top agencies,which received the largest budget were the DPWH with P695.7 billion; DILG with P249.3 billion; DOH with P210.2 billion; DND with P205.8 billion; DSWD with P176 billion; DOTr with P87.9 billion; DA with P71 billion; Judiciary with P45.3 billion and DOLE with P37.1 billion. Roque said the P5.024-trillion 2022 NEP is expected to be submitted by DBM to Congress by August 23, 2021. It is currently the biggest NEP, which is equivalent to 22.8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Continued on A5

DBCC to revisit macro Displaced goals amid new ECQ tourism staff By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

HE Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is set to meet Wednesday (August 18) to revisit all of its macroeconomic projections to consider the impact of the reimposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila. Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III on Tuesday told finance reporters that they will also consider the recently released figures on the country’s economic growth. “As to predictions, we are having another meeting with the DBCC tomorrow to determine what the future seems to look like, given this lockdown episode we had. So we will announce it tomorrow after the meeting with the DBCC,” Dominguez said. H o w e v e r, D o m i n g u e z stopped short of saying whether they are leaning towards cutting or retaining the government’s current GDP target of 6 to 7 percent this year. “I will discuss with my colleagues. Okay, remember that is a collegial body,” he said. The Philippine economy grew by 11.8 percent in the second quarter, the highest since the fourth quarter of 1988 when the economy grew 12 percent. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the country’s GDP growth averaged 3.7 percent in the first semester, using constant 2018 prices.

National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said the economy needs to post growth of 8.2 percent in the second half of the year to hit the government’s low-end GDP growth target of 6 percent. While the economy may have technically exited recession, local economists earlier told BusinessMirror that the uncertainty caused by the Delta variant is threatening its recent economic gains. For international think tank Moody’s Analytics, the country’s economic performance in the second quarter of the year proved to be “disappointing,” bolstering their view that the Philippines will be among the last countries in the region to recover economically. A lthough the countr y’s second-quarter GDP growth grew by 11.8 percent, the think tank said this is largely due to base effects as the country contracted by 16.9 percent in the second quarter of 2020. From August 6 to August 20, Metro Manila is under ECQ — the strictest form of lockdown imposed by the government— to avert the surge in Covid-19 cases. As of Tuesday, the Department of Health reported 10,035 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total to 1.77 million. The death toll has already climbed to 30,462 with 96 new fatalities while 10,858 persons recovered, raising the total to 1,629,426. Active cases are at 105,787.

may be new BPO hires

OURISM workers displaced by the closure of their establishments and businesses due to Covid-19 will have a new chance to be employed, this time in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. In a news statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said it will be holding a series of virtual job fairs in August and September in partnership with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (Ibpap), the industry association overseeing BPOs in the country. “The DOT is thankful for the efforts of Ibpap, and for the participation of BPO companies such as iQor, Alorica, Tahche and Manulife, for providing opportunities for displaced workers in the tourism sector,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat. The first virtual job fair for displaced tourism workers was conducted in October 2020 by Concentrix Philippines. A report from the DOT obtained by the BusinessMirror showed, of the 1,322 who signed up during the job fair, Concentrix processed 452 applications. Over 50 percent of the processed applications came from Luzon. The same report noted only 34 displaced tourism workers were actually hired by the BPO. The DOT’s Project and Investment Evaluation Division averred, however, “The number of hired applicants is indeed a high figure and very satisfactory as commended by the Ibpap, in view of the highly technical skills and competency required by Concentrix during the hiring process, aside from the specialization of the applicants that technically needs to thrive with the vacant positions.” Continued on A5

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

NGCP sets aside ₧440B for 13-year capex program By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

he National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is earmarking P440 billion for capital expenditures (capex) from 2021 to 2033, as it intends to invest in 211 vital transmission projects across the country. In a preliminary prospectus filed by Synergy Grid and Development Philippines Inc., which owns 60 percent of NGCP, the grid operator said it is committed to invest in the nationwide transmission network to drive future growth. “For the 13-year period between 2021 and 2033, NGCP has committed to invest approximately P440 billion in capital expenditures across 211 projects. The Group expects that NGCP’s robust project pipeline and the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), which is a landmark project, to continue to expand

its regulatory asset base,” it said. The MVIP is expected to be completed within the first quarter of next year. It was certified as an Energy Project of National Significance in 2018 and was initially targeted for completion by December 2020 but was extended to December 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine restrictions across the country. Upon completion, the MVIP will connect the Visayas and Mindanao grids through a high voltage direct current (HVDC) system with a 450-MegaWatt (MW) initial capac-

ity. The project covers 184 circuit kilometers (ckm) of submarine cables and 526 ckm of overhead wires connecting Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte to Santander, Cebu. In the same document, NGCP indicated that it will develop a unified national grid and continuously implement new high-voltage transmission backbone to expand the network and accommodate the needed generation capacity additions. “The Group believes that one example of NGCP’s outstanding execution capability is the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project, where NGCP targets to establish two cable terminal stations, two converter stations and 712 CKM of transmission lines in total, aimed at building ONE Grid Philippines,” it said. As contained in the Transmission Development Plan 2021-2040, NGCP is tasked to implement the stage-by-stage grid looping configurations for resiliency and reliability, implement additional submarine cable links between islands to allow power exchange, and implement new substations and capacity expansion of existing substations to ensure the adequacy and reliability of supply.

NGCP holds the 25-year concession agreement to operate all the transmission and sub-transmission assets in the Philippines. It derives bulk of its revenues from regulated activities. “In operating its core transmission business, NGCP seeks to preserve an efficient, conservative capital structure and intends to continue to invest in the core regulated business in order to maintain a stable, consistent and profitable business profile and enable the Group to finance capital expenditures and pay dividends,” it said. Synergy Grid exercises control over 60 percent of the outstanding capital stock of NGCP through its subsidiaries, OneTaipan Holdings, Inc. and Pacifica21 Holdings, Inc. OneTaipan of Henry Sy Jr. indirectly holds an equity interest of 30 percent plus one share in NGCP through its wholly-owned company, Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. while Pacifica21 of Robert Coyiuto Jr. indirectly holds an equity interest of 30 percent minus one share in NGCP through its wholly-owned company, Calaca High Power Corp.

AllDay profit jumps by 50% in H1 By VG Cabuag @villygc

llDay Marts Inc., a supermarket chain led by the Villar Group, said it ended the first semester with a profit of P179.6 million, some 50 percent higher than the previous year’s P114 million. Sales rose 19 percent to P4.49 billion for the period from last year’s P3.75 billion, the company said. “AllDay’s stellar performance thus far is another milestone in its consistent performance since its incorporation. We believe this is ir-

refutable proof of concept for our elevated supermarket experience,” said Manuel B. Villar Jr, chairman of AllValue Holdings Corp., the parent company of AllDay. “Our consistent year-on-year growth since 2017 show that our world-class stores, brought even closer to established communities resonate with the upgraded tastes and purchasing power of the Filipino people at large.” The company said it saw a 13-fold increase in income since its incorporation in December 2016. From a net income of P17 million in 2017, the

AllDay supermarket chain generated P220 million in net income for 2020. That translates to a compounded annual growth rate of 134 percent. The AllDay supermarket store network now stands at 33 locations nationwide with a solid expansion pipeline, the company said. Camille A. Villar, AllValue president, said the company is pushing for the digital transformation of the supermarket chain. “We are confident in our ability to post even better results moving forward,” she said. The Villar Group is planning to

list AllDay later this year. Villar said the company hopes to raise between P5 billion to P6 billion for the initial public offering of the supermarket brand. “It won’t be as big as AllHome. We already kicked off with the IPO [initial public offering]. The value of the company is about P25 billion to P30 billion.” AllHome Corp. is the company’s listed retailer. He said the company’s convenience store under the same AllDay brand may not be included in the IPO as it is keen on a pureplay entity.

Synergy Grid seeks nod for share sale S ynergy Grid and Development Philippines Inc., which controls the sole operator of the country’s power transmission lines, has filed for a P28.85-billion follow-on offering to increase its public ownership and lift the trading suspension imposed by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). According to its registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Synergy Grid will offer some 1.05 billion common shares and an over-allotment option of 101 million common shares at an indicative price of P15 to P25 apiece. Net proceeds from the offer will be used to subscribe to non-voting preferred shares to be issued by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). The company engaged BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, and UBS AG Singapore Branch as the joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners for the offer. BDO Capital and Investment Corp. will serve as sole domestic coordinator and, together with BPI Capital Corp. and PNB Capital and Investment Corp., as joint domestic lead underwriter and joint bookrunner for the transaction. Synergy Grid is a holding company and its sole operating asset is the NGCP. The company, jointly owned by Henry T. Sy Jr. and Roberto G. Coyuito Jr., through their respective companies OneTaipan Holdings Inc. and Pacifica21 Holdings Inc., exercises control over 60 percent of the outstanding capital stock of NGCP.

Since late May, the company’s shares at the PSE were suspended for trading after its free float level fell to 0.25 percent following the consolidation of the shareholdings of Sy and Coyiuto. Synergy Grid shares were last traded at P395.80 apiece on May 28. The follow-on offering will increase the company’s free float level to 20 percent. The PSE requires listed firms to maintain a public float level of 20 percent. On August 10, the SEC has approved the company’s application to increase its capital stock to 5.3 billion common shares from 5.05 billion common shares, or an increase of 250 million common shares. The firm’s shares will be issued out of Synergy Grid’s unissued common shares, of which 900.13 million are part of its unissued authorized capital stock while the remaining 153.35 offer shares will be issued from the capital increase. The rest will come from the holdings of the two majority owners. Assuming the over-allotment option has been exercised, Sy’s holdings at Synergy Grid will be reduced to 39.95 percent from 49.93 percent, while Coyiuto’s ownership will slide to 39.85 percent from 49.81 percent. For the first semester, Synergy Grid posted an attributable income of P5.01 billion, down by half from last year’s P9.93 billion. Revenues for the period, meanwhile, fell to P24.18 million from last year’s P48.6 million. VG Cabuag

GMA Network profit more than doubles to ₧3.67B in Jan-June

PSE to hold CEB to mount another Bayanihan flight IPO forum C for SMEs

he Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) on Tuesday said it will conduct a two-day virtual forum for potential small, medium and emerging (SME) board listing applicants to encourage more small companies to go public. The PSE partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry and Securities and Exchange Commission to organize the forum, which will be held on September 16 and 17. “We had a similar IPO [initial public offering] event in May but that covered all potential listing applicants. This forum is aimed at large companies in the SME segment and SMEs with high growth potential that are looking to raise capital for expansion, research and development, and other business needs,” PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon said. The forum will feature topics that will help SMEs understand the benefits of going public, the different phases in the IPO process and the role of external parties that listing applicants work with to realize their IPO dream. VG Cabuag

ebu Pacific (CEB) will conduct another special commercial flight on August 25 to assist overseas Filipinos in the Middle East who need to go home despite an ongoing travel restriction. Aside from free meals, the airline said passengers on this flight will receive additional baggage allowance. Passengers with pre-purchased baggage allowance of 40 kg will receive an additional 25-kg baggage allowance. Guests who purchased 20-kg or 32-kg will be upgraded to baggage allowance of up to 40 kilograms. “With this special offer, passengers on the Bayanihan flights to Manila will be able to bring home more items without having to worry about paying extra fees,” the airline said. “We continue to listen to our passengers’ needs, and we want to do all we can to ease some of our kababayans’ worries through this additional baggage allowance. We want them to travel and come home with peace of mind, especially in this time of crisis,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience. The airline said passengers must check in based on allowed bag weight and number of bag pieces, and follow the allowed hand-carry policy—a maximum weight of 7 kg and dimension of 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm. All excess baggage and inter-

cepted bags will be on space availability only. Cebu Pacific said this Bayanihan flight was mounted in coordination with the Philippine Consulate in Dubai and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Passengers will be required to wear face masks and face shields on the flight and are subject to more stringent guidelines, including a 15-day/14-night quarantine stay in a pre-booked, accredited facility upon arrival; and RT-PCR test taken 48 hours before departure with negative result. Another swab test will be taken seven days after arrival. The cost of quarantine accommodation and testing for land-based overseas Filipino workers will be shouldered by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, while the Philippine Ports Authority will cover the cost for sea-based OFWs. Other returning citizens will have to pay for their accommodation and testing. Accredited hotels for this flight are Savoy Hotel, Manila Diamond Hotel, Lub D Makati, Go Hotels Ortigas and Holiday Inn Galeria Manila. Before departing Dubai, passengers must register for One Health Pass through the website: https:// www.onehealthpass.com.ph/e-HDC/. Upon completion, each passenger will be issued a Personal QR Code. This must be presented upon checkin for the flight, and upon arrival

at Manila. Passengers must also accomplish a Bayanihan form from Cebu Pacific at least 24 hours before the flight. This form will be available via a link that will be sent to them via email.

Seafarers

AirAsia Philippines said it ferried 70 Filipino seafarers from Manila to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Sri Lanka via flight Z28160 last August 12. The Filipino mariners had just finished their annual vacation and renewed their contracts to return to their posts at the port of Colombo and Port of Hambatota in Sri Lanka. From there, the airline said they will be travelling around the world onboard their vessels carrying petroleum products, foods and other commodities. Meanwhile, 77 Pinoy mariners who boarded the return flight (Z28161) arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 and were brought to a hotel for the mandatory 14-day quarantine before they can be reunited with their families. Filipino seafarers make up the largest number of mariners in the world. The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency reported that in 2019, almost half a million or 518,519 Filipino sailors were deployed around the world, contributing $6.14 billion to the Philippine economy. Recto L. Mercene

BusinessMirror file photo

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

MA Network Inc. saw its profits ballooning in the first semester, thanks to the surge in its advertising revenues and its growing consumer business. In a filing with the stock exchange, GMA reported that its net income reached P3.67 billion in the first six months of the year, a 161-percent rise from P1.41 billion the year prior. Aside from its top line growth, GMA also said the reduction in corporate income taxes boosted its bottomline. GMA’s revenues soared by 57 percent to P10.60 billion from P6.75 billion the year prior. Ad revenues still comprise majority of its total revenues, growing by 61 percent to P9.89 billion in the first

half from last year’s P6.15 billion. Its set-top box drove sales of goods which jumped by 236 percent to P256.57 million from P75.32 million. “The upswing in revenues this year was heightened by the onset of the pandemic towards end-March of last year which drove revenues in April 2020 at one of its lowest levels. Furthermore, the non-renewal of closest competitor’s free-to-air radio and televisions broadcasting franchise middle of last year also boosted the company’s top line, owing to the shift in some advertising placements,” the filing read. To recall, ABS-CBN Corp. lost its franchise last year after Congress declined to renew its Congressional license to operate. GMA’s total operating expenses also increased by 25 percent to P5.91 billion from P4.74 billion.

Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

August 17, 2021

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

43.65 111.1 83.2 24.5 9.39 45.25 20.35 55.2 19.74 113.5 76.55 4.29 0.6 2.92 7.33 0.65 208 2,550

44.6 111.2 83.95 24.7 9.42 45.3 20.4 55.35 19.8 115 76.65 4.3 0.64 3.06 8.63 0.67 218.8 2,598

44 109 84 24.95 9.48 45.6 20.35 55.25 19.74 113.7 76.75 4.39 0.6 2.94 7.33 0.65 210 2,550

44 111.9 84 24.95 9.48 46.1 20.55 55.35 19.74 115 76.75 4.39 0.6 2.94 7.33 0.65 220 2,550

43.6 108.8 83.2 24.25 9.39 45.3 20.2 55.25 19.1 112.7 76.55 4.29 0.6 2.92 7.33 0.65 208 2,550

43.7 111.1 83.2 24.7 9.42 45.3 20.35 55.35 19.74 113.5 76.55 4.29 0.6 2.92 7.33 0.65 219 2,550

14,500 2,294,960 2,315,870 21,000 36,500 1,826,800 58,800 1,210 10,700 366,920 5,050 136,000 5,000 12,000 100 72,000 41,270 105

637,770 254,658,412 193,565,816 515,395 343,488 83,082,475 1,199,305 66,893.50 209,522 41,667,976 386,699.50 586,380 3,000 35,130 733 46,800 8,674,100 267,750

-615,970 155,971,205 -40,962,989.50 53,850 -13,152 -21,372,290 -191,390 8,854 21,714.00 10,484,146 -59,740.50 4,390 8,376,900 267,750

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 9.01 9.02 9.09 9.21 8.95 9.01 42,069,200 380,568,527 ALSONS CONS 1.19 1.2 1.26 1.26 1.19 1.2 975,000 1,170,440 ABOITIZ POWER 24.35 24.4 24 24.7 23.95 24.4 4,097,300 100,325,660 BASIC ENERGY 0.53 0.54 0.52 0.55 0.52 0.54 10,574,000 5,701,670 FIRST GEN 27.7 28 27.45 28.05 27.45 28 1,776,300 49,513,315 FIRST PHIL HLDG 73.95 74 74 74 73.95 74 31,240 2,311,660.50 MERALCO 291 292 289.8 292 287 292 596,830 173,462,866 MANILA WATER 17.94 17.96 18.16 18.16 17.88 17.94 488,600 8,770,180 PETRON 3.15 3.16 3.14 3.17 3.14 3.16 633,000 2,000,540 PETROENERGY 3.92 3.96 3.96 3.96 3.93 3.93 14,000 55,140 PHX PETROLEUM 12.44 12.84 12.62 12.84 12.62 12.84 15,000 191,860 PILIPINAS SHELL 17.94 17.96 17.74 17.96 17.58 17.96 2,177,800 38,846,128 SPC POWER 12.62 12.64 12.74 12.78 12.62 12.62 52,500 666,706 5.95 6 6.12 6.12 5.91 6 744,200 4,519,112 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 2.79 2.84 2.82 2.85 2.79 2.84 206,000 582,240 BOGO MEDELLIN 68.1 69.1 69.2 69.2 69.1 69.1 30 2,074 CNTRL AZUCARERA 13.12 14.18 14.18 14.18 14.18 14.18 200 2,836 CENTURY FOOD 24.8 24.85 25.5 25.5 24.75 24.85 873,100 21,823,075 DEL MONTE 12.46 12.48 13.2 13.2 12.2 12.48 1,470,900 18,456,666 DNL INDUS 8.2 8.22 8.2 8.3 8.15 8.2 5,021,700 41,244,840 EMPERADOR 14.18 14.2 14.24 14.44 13.96 14.18 5,526,500 78,068,362 SMC FOODANDBEV 80.3 80.5 80 80.5 79 80.5 270,370 21,744,364 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.65 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.65 0.65 24,000 15,620 1.16 1.19 1.17 1.2 1.16 1.19 14,024,000 16,482,720 FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA 90.65 91 92.3 93 89.05 91 3,630 334,479.50 JOLLIBEE 193 194 188 194.4 187.5 193 553,940 105,620,041 MAXS GROUP 6.07 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.01 6.07 144,600 874,442 MG HLDG 0.223 0.23 0.214 0.234 0.214 0.233 1,090,000 238,890 MONDE NISSIN 15.9 15.98 15.92 16.2 15.88 15.98 5,225,600 83,512,392 SHAKEYS PIZZA 7.66 7.8 7.6 7.78 7.6 7.66 86,400 660,088 ROXAS AND CO 0.94 0.95 0.95 0.97 0.94 0.95 2,587,000 2,457,090 RFM CORP 4.46 4.58 4.46 4.48 4.46 4.46 23,000 102,620 SWIFT FOODS 0.13 0.132 0.129 0.132 0.129 0.13 2,470,000 319,420 140.7 140.9 136.4 140.9 134 140.9 1,405,730 196,314,609 UNIV ROBINA VITARICH 0.79 0.81 0.8 0.82 0.79 0.79 2,626,000 2,136,590 CONCRETE B 52.7 62.95 53 53 53 53 200 10,600 CEMEX HLDG 1.21 1.22 1.22 1.23 1.2 1.21 833,000 1,007,990 EAGLE CEMENT 14.26 14.58 14.98 14.98 14.02 14.26 225,200 3,225,026 EEI CORP 8.2 8.23 8.17 8.22 8.17 8.2 426,800 3,498,775 HOLCIM 6.65 6.67 6.4 6.8 6.4 6.67 53,700 356,950 MEGAWIDE 6.05 6.07 6.07 6.2 6.07 6.07 314,700 1,921,188 PHINMA 13.7 13.94 13.8 13.88 13.8 13.88 11,100 153,636 0.98 0.99 0.98 0.99 0.97 0.99 126,000 123,660 TKC METALS VULCAN INDL 1.47 1.5 1.48 1.56 1.45 1.5 7,124,000 10,650,860 CROWN ASIA 1.71 1.72 1.69 1.76 1.69 1.72 8,182,000 13,896,140 EUROMED 1.82 1.87 1.86 1.88 1.8 1.88 83,000 152,200 MABUHAY VINYL 5.3 5.43 5.44 5.44 5.44 5.44 1,000 5,440 PRYCE CORP 5.41 5.44 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 11,000 59,400 CONCEPCION 20.2 20.75 20.1 20.2 20.1 20.2 200 4,030 GREENERGY 2.83 2.84 2.75 2.84 2.7 2.84 9,969,000 27,363,140 INTEGRATED MICR 8.21 8.25 8.2 8.3 8.2 8.21 260,400 2,143,480 IONICS 0.9 0.92 0.9 0.92 0.9 0.9 227,000 205,120 5.6 5.8 5.88 5.88 5.67 5.67 25,300 144,180 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 1.19 1.22 1.21 1.23 1.19 1.19 693,000 825,360 CIRTEK HLDG 4.38 4.39 4.67 4.67 4.38 4.39 13,361,000 59,622,260

4,968,009 -137,300 14,413,135 -11,660 26,983,560 -1,221,740 16,590,428 3,968,630 164,250 -1,491,980 2,960,230 -135,290 -164,730 2,619,028 -12,513,117.00 4,428,614 -4,241,907 87,440.00 -37,018.50 -20,761,249 550,108 -14,699,690 1,082,910 76,611,169 60,750 -24,600.00 -104,515 -106,067 -124,760 -695,680 7,914,260 -113,346 -39,270 222,850

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.01 1.02 1 1.02 0.99 1.01 2,288,000 2,299,250 ASIABEST GROUP 6.01 6.4 6 6.51 6 6.1 18,400 111,296 715 718 725 733.5 715 715 317,110 228,289,690 AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY 39.6 39.65 39 39.75 39 39.65 420,100 16,656,175 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 9.69 9.7 9.79 9.8 9.55 9.69 2,408,500 23,261,746 AYALA LAND LOG 4.08 4.1 4.1 4.12 4.03 4.1 1,410,000 5,738,190 ANSCOR 6.65 6.7 6.65 6.65 6.65 6.65 10,000 66,500 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.95 0.96 1 1 0.93 0.95 3,977,000 3,802,250 ATN HLDG A 0.58 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.55 0.58 145,000 84,090 COSCO CAPITAL 5 5.05 5.13 5.13 4.99 5 1,232,000 6,185,435 DMCI HLDG 6.02 6.03 6.09 6.12 6.02 6.03 11,739,500 71,078,550 FILINVEST DEV 7.79 7.8 7.79 7.8 7.79 7.8 7,900 61,586 FJ PRINCE A 2.74 2.94 2.74 2.74 2.74 2.74 1,000 2,740 FORUM PACIFIC 0.305 0.32 0.31 0.325 0.31 0.325 290,000 91,950 GT CAPITAL 529 530 535 537 525 530 274,840 145,676,190 HOUSE OF INV 3.84 3.88 3.88 3.88 3.85 3.85 17,000 65,510 JG SUMMIT 59 59.8 58 60.45 58 59 1,647,010 98,058,300 5.53 5.97 5.53 5.53 5.53 5.53 101,100 559,083 JOLLIVILLE HLDG KEPPEL HLDG B 4.9 6.2 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 4,000 19,600 LODESTAR 0.64 0.66 0.68 0.68 0.64 0.66 482,000 308,730 LOPEZ HLDG 3.02 3.29 3.01 3.03 3.01 3.02 1,032,000 3,106,640 LT GROUP 9.05 9.15 9.3 9.3 9.02 9.05 4,805,300 43,712,856 3.86 3.87 3.77 3.89 3.77 3.86 11,544,000 44,559,530 METRO PAC INV 3.06 3.29 3.2 3.29 3.2 3.29 4,000 12,980 PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA 1.96 1.97 2.15 2.15 1.94 1.97 1,083,000 2,134,480 959.5 960 957 975 957 960 139,670 134,403,640 SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP 109.7 110.9 107 111 106 110.9 374,400 40,634,929 0.68 0.69 0.67 0.69 0.67 0.69 55,000 37,130 SOC RESOURCES 135 138.9 133.6 135 133.6 135 1,140 152,864 TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS 0.25 0.27 0.25 0.255 0.25 0.255 240,000 60,600 ZEUS HLDG 0.19 0.199 0.191 0.199 0.187 0.19 1,070,000 204,290

613,710 3,000 -63,799,125 5,611,305 -2,060,784.00 1,293,850 -313,701 16,264,875 -24,928 -45,070,250 23,682,774.50 -18,110 -31,968,687 9,525,470 24,200 -7,643,235 -9,674,595 8,280 -

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.68 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.67 0.68 210,000 144,810 AYALA LAND 32.85 33 32.85 33.4 32.85 32.85 10,467,300 346,730,385 1.12 1.15 1.18 1.18 1.12 1.12 13,000 14,800 ARANETA PROP AREIT RT 36.7 36.8 36.65 36.95 36.65 36.7 349,800 12,898,185 BELLE CORP 1.36 1.4 1.38 1.38 1.36 1.36 60,000 82,200 A BROWN 0.85 0.86 0.87 0.89 0.85 0.85 303,000 260,650 0.78 0.8 0.79 0.8 0.78 0.78 332,000 261,620 CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES 0.124 0.127 0.127 0.127 0.127 0.127 130,000 16,510 CEBU HLDG 6.3 6.4 6.1 6.4 6.1 6.4 100,200 611,280 3.06 3.07 3.04 3.1 3.01 3.07 1,553,000 4,772,720 CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP 0.405 0.42 0.415 0.43 0.41 0.42 28,040,000 11,722,550 DOUBLEDRAGON 10.14 10.2 10.28 10.42 10.2 10.2 800,100 8,221,280 DDMP RT 1.82 1.83 1.79 1.84 1.78 1.82 11,639,000 21,047,090 DM WENCESLAO 6.95 7 7 7 6.98 7 29,100 203,660 EMPIRE EAST 0.285 0.29 0.285 0.29 0.28 0.29 1,160,000 330,450 EVER GOTESCO 0.325 0.33 0.31 0.33 0.31 0.325 9,590,000 3,035,950 FILINVEST RT 7.37 7.4 7.45 7.49 7.37 7.4 5,917,600 43,927,498 FILINVEST LAND 1.11 1.12 1.11 1.12 1.1 1.12 5,549,000 6,153,200 8990 HLDG 7.1 7.41 7.37 7.5 7.02 7.02 27,700 205,774 PHIL INFRADEV 1.33 1.34 1.25 1.36 1.25 1.33 2,733,000 3,636,410 CITY AND LAND 1.28 1.29 1.31 1.31 1.27 1.28 173,000 222,730 MEGAWORLD 2.81 2.84 2.84 2.87 2.81 2.81 18,769,000 53,248,390 MRC ALLIED 0.29 0.295 0.29 0.295 0.29 0.29 8,640,000 2,516,100 PHIL ESTATES 0.5 0.51 0.5 0.53 0.5 0.5 7,789,000 3,923,930 PRIMEX CORP 2.02 2.04 2.09 2.09 2 2.04 141,000 285,020 ROBINSONS LAND 16.58 16.6 16.44 16.8 16.44 16.6 2,056,000 34,154,596 PHIL REALTY 0.265 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.265 0.275 330,000 88,850 ROCKWELL 1.51 1.54 1.5 1.53 1.5 1.53 89,000 135,940 SHANG PROP 2.63 2.66 2.62 2.66 2.62 2.66 9,000 23,770 STA LUCIA LAND 2.9 3 2.86 3.01 2.86 3 73,000 216,230 SM PRIME HLDG 33.75 33.95 33.4 34.1 33.35 33.95 5,018,100 170,211,995 VISTAMALLS 3.75 3.82 3.83 3.83 3.75 3.83 11,000 41,650 1.51 1.57 1.55 1.63 1.49 1.59 1,186,000 1,803,680 SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND 3.43 3.47 3.45 3.49 3.43 3.44 490,000 1,688,120 SERVICES ABS CBN 10.94 10.96 11.1 11.1 10.94 10.96 89,000 977,334 GMA NETWORK 13.56 13.58 14.6 14.78 13.4 13.58 13,448,400 186,550,772 MLA BRDCASTING 9.17 10.2 9.21 9.21 9.2 9.2 3,100 28,522 2,082 2,084 2,006 2,096 2,000 2,082 260,215 539,110,340 GLOBE TELECOM PLDT 1,250 1,256 1,259 1,263 1,250 1,250 44,100 55,339,460 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.105 0.106 0.104 0.108 0.101 0.106 281,360,000 29,726,300 CONVERGE 26.85 27.3 27 27.3 26.65 27.3 4,326,700 117,104,075 DFNN INC 3.77 3.78 3.8 3.93 3.75 3.77 587,000 2,242,240 DITO CME HLDG 7.45 7.46 7.5 7.68 7.34 7.45 10,972,200 82,264,649 IMPERIAL 1.4 1.49 1.41 1.41 1.4 1.4 15,000 21,060 JACKSTONES 2.16 2.25 2.13 2.22 2.13 2.22 68,000 148,080 NOW CORP 2.05 2.07 2.07 2.08 2.03 2.06 691,000 1,418,480 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.385 0.39 0.38 0.39 0.38 0.39 2,710,000 1,039,650 PHILWEB 2.18 2.24 2.25 2.25 2.16 2.25 98,000 213,830 2GO GROUP 8.06 8.14 8.12 8.15 8.06 8.14 9,800 79,531 ASIAN TERMINALS 14 14.1 13.9 13.9 13.9 13.9 300 4,170 CHELSEA 2.56 2.58 2.61 2.61 2.56 2.58 477,000 1,229,930 CEBU AIR 43.45 43.5 43.75 44 43.45 43.5 119,900 5,227,035 INTL CONTAINER 180.4 184 180 184 179.1 184 2,007,340 363,513,532 LBC EXPRESS 16.3 17 16.3 16.3 16.3 16.3 500 8,150 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.94 0.99 0.94 0.94 0.94 0.94 10,000 9,400 MACROASIA 4.49 4.51 4.58 4.58 4.5 4.51 518,000 2,340,720 METROALLIANCE A 1.81 1.85 1.78 1.81 1.78 1.81 18,000 32,540 METROALLIANCE B 1.75 2.01 1.77 1.77 1.75 1.75 5,000 8,770 HARBOR STAR 1.05 1.06 1.06 1.07 1.06 1.07 67,000 71,470 ACESITE HOTEL 1.66 1.7 1.7 1.73 1.63 1.66 372,000 618,290 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.097 0.098 0.096 0.1 0.096 0.097 64,220,000 6,349,140 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.44 2.57 2.39 2.66 2.36 2.61 62,000 152,620 WATERFRONT 0.5 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.5 0.5 1,006,000 506,970 CENTRO ESCOLAR 7.07 7.56 7.07 7.58 7.07 7.07 1,700 12,274 7.08 7.47 7.11 7.47 7.07 7.47 6,000 42,700 IPEOPLE STI HLDG 0.34 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.34 520,000 177,700 BERJAYA 5.69 5.7 5.48 5.7 5.3 5.7 22,600 124,277 BLOOMBERRY 5.49 5.51 5.52 5.55 5.46 5.49 5,006,900 27,539,796 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.97 1.98 1.97 1.98 1.97 1.97 19,000 37,550 LEISURE AND RES 1.41 1.48 1.4 1.48 1.4 1.48 560,000 822,300 PH RESORTS GRP 1.64 1.67 1.66 1.7 1.64 1.64 1,000,000 1,658,790 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.405 0.415 0.405 0.405 0.405 0.405 180,000 72,900 7.3 7.4 7.23 7.44 7.23 7.3 265,500 1,937,817 ALLHOME METRO RETAIL 1.3 1.32 1.31 1.33 1.27 1.3 206,000 266,700 PUREGOLD 39 39.4 39 39.65 38.85 39 1,311,500 51,358,855 ROBINSONS RTL 49.5 49.55 50 50 49.05 49.55 734,380 36,379,316.50 PHIL SEVEN CORP 88 90 91 91 88 90 420 37,255 SSI GROUP 1.09 1.1 1.08 1.1 1.07 1.1 3,300,000 3,554,480 WILCON DEPOT 23.45 23.5 22.8 23.5 22.8 23.5 1,223,700 28,418,100 APC GROUP 0.33 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.33 0.33 710,000 239,500 EASYCALL 5.25 5.45 5.21 5.25 5.21 5.25 53,800 281,046 GOLDEN MV 435 448 435 448 435 448 2,520 1,128,740 PRMIERE HORIZON 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.17 1.1 1.11 15,735,000 17,756,530 SBS PHIL CORP 4.15 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.18 4.18 13,000 54,500 MINING & OIL

ATOK 6.26 6.34 6.41 6.49 6.25 6.34 88,900 563,748 APEX MINING 1.52 1.54 1.54 1.55 1.52 1.54 712,000 1,090,570 ATLAS MINING 6.5 6.51 6.75 6.75 6.51 6.51 2,629,100 17,350,942 BENGUET A 5.22 5.42 5.2 5.42 5.2 5.22 67,400 351,808 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.29 0.3 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 40,000 11,600 DIZON MINES 6.21 6.35 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 1,100 7,040 FERRONICKEL 2.36 2.37 2.34 2.4 2.34 2.37 3,205,000 7,591,860 GEOGRACE 0.28 0.31 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 30,000 8,400 LEPANTO A 0.139 0.141 0.146 0.146 0.138 0.139 8,250,000 1,152,100 0.144 0.15 0.145 0.15 0.145 0.15 540,000 78,500 LEPANTO B 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.011 3,400,000 36,800 MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 1,000,000 11,000 MARCVENTURES 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.99 0.96 0.97 569,000 550,710 NIHAO 1.25 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.3 1.3 21,000 27,330 NICKEL ASIA 5.7 5.72 5.77 5.87 5.65 5.72 8,130,700 46,680,747 0.93 0.96 0.97 0.97 0.96 0.96 86,000 82,730 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 5.74 5.75 5.76 5.76 5.7 5.74 171,300 979,593 SEMIRARA MINING 17.48 17.5 17.18 17.88 17.18 17.5 1,693,400 29,669,678 UNITED PARAGON 0.0088 0.009 0.0087 0.0091 0.0086 0.0091 31,000,000 267,200 ACE ENEXOR 16.3 16.48 16.74 16.74 16.2 16.48 45,300 742,740 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 23,600,000 259,600 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 2,600,000 28,600 PHILODRILL 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 272,000,000 2,993,000 PXP ENERGY 6.13 6.14 6.1 6.19 6.07 6.13 201,200 1,227,838 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 100.2 101 100.2 100.2 100.2 100.2 10 1,002 ALCO PREF B 100.6 103 100.6 100.6 100.6 100.6 10 1,006 ALCO PREF C 103.1 109 109.9 110 109.9 110 1,030 113,260 AC PREF B2R 505 520 520 520 520 520 50 26,000 CEB PREF 43.55 43.75 43.9 43.9 43.55 43.6 26,900 1,173,545 CPG PREF A 102 102.9 102.9 102.9 102.9 102.9 2,430 250,047 DD PREF 100.8 100.9 100.8 100.9 100.7 100.9 19,970 2,012,725 FGEN PREF G 103.4 103.5 104 104 103.5 103.5 51,130 5,292,355 MWIDE PREF 101 101.5 101.5 101.5 101.5 101.5 3,250 329,875 MWIDE PREF 2A 99.8 107.3 99.8 107.3 99.8 107.3 320 34,186 MWIDE PREF 2B 102.6 102.7 101 102.6 101 102.6 4,310 442,065 PNX PREF 3B 106.3 106.7 106.8 106.8 106.7 106.8 6,500 694,170 PNX PREF 4 1,002 1,007 1,003 1,007 1,002 1,007 1,215 1,217,820 PCOR PREF 2B 1,010 1,020 1,013 1,029 1,013 1,020 5,820 5,978,700 PCOR PREF 3A 1,110 1,116 1,110 1,110 1,110 1,110 500 555,000 PCOR PREF 3B 1,150 1,160 1,160 1,160 1,160 1,160 270 313,200 SMC PREF 2C 75.95 76 75.95 76 75.9 75.95 25,440 1,931,705 SMC PREF 2E 75.75 76 76 76 76 76 30 2,280 SMC PREF 2F 78.25 78.55 78.6 78.6 78.3 78.3 59,400 4,660,108 SMC PREF 2H 76.15 76.9 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 460 35,190 SMC PREF 2I 78 78.85 78.05 78.05 78.05 78.05 200 15,610 SMC PREF 2J 75.8 76 75.8 76 75.8 76 100,620 7,646,997 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 10.36 10.48 10.5 10.5 10.48 10.48 1,500 15,740 GMA HLDG PDR 12.26 12.44 13 13.18 12.26 12.3 797,100 9,939,240 WARRANTS LR WARRANT 0.55 0.56 0.49 0.55 0.465 0.55 16,330,000 8,446,300 TECH WARRANT 1.2 1.21 1.48 1.49 1.15 1.2 26,403,000 34,792,400

-700 6,976,385 -1,297,000 8,600 -610,000 1,387,350 -86,350 -976,894 -9,493,930 -44,550 -7,375,002 465,200 -46,790 20 -2,440,830 -3,000 42,290 -12,400 1,599,316 -122,400 17,888,365 -830,750 195,089,710 -17,600,070 -227,290 14,508,610 336,950 6,839,097 20,600 329,800 16,300 -2,081,515 -5,163,267 -40,890 8,500 349,850 51,930 14,220 10,450 10,307,877 16,500 1,342,256 -1,320 11,868,045 -15,266,035.50 -16,690 96,300 17,561,610 -3,504,920 -34,164 18,480 -70,120 3,456,400 18,837,097 -165,047 18,350,334 33,000 -122,077 -17,430 93,550 -6,284 - -1,050 -5,532,544 30,000 1,120,480

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MAKATI FINANCE MERRYMART

17.5 2.06 4.2 2.71 3.45

FIRST METRO ETF

99.5

17.92 2.1 4.5 2.94 3.46

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

100.4

17.6 2.07 4.22 2.72 3.41

17.96 2.1 4.22 2.72 3.5

17.3 2.04 4.22 2.72 3.4

17.92 2.1 4.22 2.72 3.46

148,500 103,000 10,000 5,000 2,306,000

2,598,818 212,270 42,200 13,600 7,978,900

502,496 -24,490

99.95 100.7 99.5 99.5 15,200 1,518,907.50 340,720

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ANI H1 income falls by 65% on lack of one-time gains By VG Cabuag

@villygc

griNurture Inc. (ANI), the listed agricultural firm led by businessman Antonio Tiu, said its income in the first semester fell 65 percent to P122.06 million from last year’s P357 million due to the absence of one-time gains.

However, the company said it recorded growth in revenues and recurring profit. In its disclosure, the company said revenues for the period rose 29 percent to P2.31 billion from last year’s P1.79 billion. For the second quarter alone, its revenues grew 14 percent to P1.1 billion from last year’s P965.85 million.

Net income, meanwhile, fell 74 percent to P82 million from last year’s P325.28 million. “The company continues to grow despite the impact of the pandemic on our operations,” Tiu said. “During these trying times, our revenues still grew 29 percent while recurring operating profit

actually jumped by 70 percent.” In the first six months of 2020, ANI booked P281.33 million in nonoperating income mainly as a result of the increase in the trademark valuation for the group’s “Big Chill” brand. Recurring operating profit grew 65 percent to P102.5 million from P61.87 million last year. For the first six months of the year, the group’s Philippine operations contributed 46 percent while sales from foreign operations accounted for 54 percent of consolidated sales. Export sales grew 9 percent to P883.1 million year-over-year due to the stable selling prices of banana and coco juice in the international market, constant supply of raw materials and the increase in demand from customers in China and the United States. The company said the export sales of fruits rose significantly—in

terms of volume and price—after the Chinese government lifted the lockdown. Also, sales for coco juice went up due to the increase in demand in the US during the period. Combined foreign trading operations in the first two quarters of the year surged by 59 percent to P1.25 billion, from P784.77 million last year, mainly due to the lifting of the lockdown by the Chinese government. To further drive sales growth, the group launched its own e-commerce platform through its ANI Express website and mobile application where customers can order fresh produce, canned beverages, rice and other essential goods for delivery to customers. The company is also launching new products, such as plant-based meat, non-dairy coco ice cream, functional health drinks in cans under the Big Chill brand for local and export distribution.

‘Meralco may tap power from PSALM’ By Lenie Lectura @llectura

he Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is considering the suggestion of the energy department to source its additional power requirements from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM). The company issued the statement after the utility firm’s request to exempt its interim power supply agreement (IPSA) with Masinloc Power Planters Co. Ltd. (MPPCL) from the competitive selection process (CSP) was denied. “As mentioned by [Energy] Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, Meralco is in discussions with PSALM for possible supply,” said Meralco utility economics head Lawrence Fernandez. The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier denied Meralco’s request because, according to Fuentebella, “Meralco cited the wrong grounds.” Meralco’s next move was to file for a motion for reconsideration. However, Fuentebella said Meralco is “coming up with another strategy.” “I personally talked to them and I don’t think there will be no more

motion,” said the DOE official. Instead, Fuentebella told Meralco that they should consider sourcing from state-owned PSALM. “Under Section 2 of the CSP policy, there is an option there to source from PSALM. The rates are already preapproved by the Energy Regulatory Commission [ERC].” Fernandez couldn’t provide details yet as discussions with PSALM’s are ongoing. It can be recalled that Meralco First Vice President Jose Ronald Valles said that aside from the company’s request for the IPSA to be exempted from the ERC, Meralco also asked the ERC to extend the implementation of the IPSA. The 220-megawatt (MW) Meralco-MPPCL IPSA expired this year. There is also a provision there that Meralco could increase the supply from MPPCL from 220 MW to up to 260 MW. The IPSA is priced at P6.9161 per kilowatt-hour. Meralco had said that it may have to resort to buying from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the price of which is much higher. As such, it asked the DOE and the ERC to just extend the IPSA and exempt it from conducting a competitive bid.

PLDT will hit broadband sign-ups target–exec

LDT Inc. said on Tuesday its home broadband business is “on track” to sign up one million subscribers for the year, thanks to its accelerated fiber installation and copper migration initiatives. Manuel V. Pangilinan, who sits as the company’s chairman, said the group has installed 478,000 new fiberto-the-home (FTTH) customers, and is “on its way” to achieving a “recordbreaking” level of 1 million new customer connects this year. “We must stay keenly focused on serving our customers, especially during this crisis—keeping families connected, entertained, and educated; enabling businesses to operate at home or in the office; ensuring healthcare delivery to those who need it—and simply being a source of strength amidst extraordinary adversity and affliction,” he said. For the first semester, the telco recorded P14.1 billion in fiber revenues, almost double the P8.1 billion recorded the year prior. Since last year, the company has been fast-tracking the deployment of fiber throughout the country, as it

seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for internet connectivity in the home due to the pandemic. So far, its fiber network covers 11.3 million homes passed and has over 4.8 million fiber ports. The group hopes to cover 66 percent of the country with fiber by yearend. “We will continue to ramp up our capacity to install as demand remains high. We want to make sure that we are able to serve most, if not all, Filipinos, especially that PLDT Home is advocating brand affinity to customers through relevant content offers,” said PLDT Inc. President Alfredo S. Panlilio. He added that the change in consumer behavior—from mobile to home broadband—will continue to persist as the Philippines still has a long way to go in solving the Covid-19 crisis. “We see the change in customer behavior due to the pandemic, and a lot of our mobile customers who are now staying at home are utilizing their fiber-line connectivity. I think this will be the case for most Filipinos as this crisis continues for the rest of the year and until vaccination has been fully implemented,” he said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

mutual funds

August 17, 2021

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

211.34

5.96%

-6.17%

-5.1%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.4238

40.34%

-1.25%

-0.34%

8.44%

8.9%

-10.47%

-8.1%

-7.21%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7374 6.87%

-6.53% n.a.

-8.27%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7233 4.45%

-4.96% n.a.

-2.47%

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

9.4%

-4.04%

-3.27%

-5.16%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.6989

3.93%

-6.41%

-7.14%

-4.26% n.a.

-4.46% -8.43%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.9071

4.6862

25.62%

-6.99%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

97.39

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

42.9003

7.12%

-4.74%

-4.26%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

454.53

5.63%

-4.34%

-4.46%

-7.05%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,5

1.0572

17.9% n.a. n.a.

-3.65%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.1317

11.38%

-3.6%

-3.15%

-3.12%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

32.6332

9.15%

-4.12%

-3.06%

-6.14%

5.8% n.a. n.a.

-7.94%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.8405

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.4116

7.92%

-4.06%

-3.47%

-7.92%

736.5

7.78%

-4.05%

-3.64%

-8.13%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.6749

9.95%

-7.79%

-6.48%

-6.12%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.415

8.01%

-5.81%

-4.55%

-5.76%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8412 7.41%

-4.39%

-3.79%

-8.34%

United Fund, Inc. -a

-4.44%

-2.78%

-6.99%

-3.86%

-3.12%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

3.087

7.57%

-8.02%

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

98.8942

7.76%

-8.05%

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

$1.1875

12.36%

6.14%

5.57%

-1.28%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.8346

22.55%

12.98%

11.78%

9.67%

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

1.6608

5.95%

-0.19%

-2.13%

-0.47%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.1508

4.37%

-1.77%

-2.24%

-5.89%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.529

4.53%

-0.58%

-1.22%

-3.73%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1862

0.76% n.a. n.a.

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

1.07%

-0.41%

1.9097

3.59%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.5922

2.29%

0.15%

-1.68%

-5.17%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.0934

2.87%

0.26%

-1.66%

-4.98%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0051

4.24%

-1.19%

-1.32%

-4.25%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.4444 4.75%

-2.09%

-2.49%

-3.6%

1.59% n.a. n.a.

-5.92%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.867

2.02% n.a. n.a.

-8.66%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8512

3.39% n.a. n.a.

-8.78%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

6.42%

-3.04%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9621

0.8607

-2.76%

-2.96%

-6.24%

-2.76%

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

$0.0383

-3.43%

2.79%

1.21%

-2.1%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0961

4.65%

3.71%

3.08%

-4.7%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.8023 16.77%

9.88%

8.23%

6.41%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.2259 7.56%

5.74%

4.38%

1.98%

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

373.03

1.39%

3.1%

2.43%

0.53%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9261

-1.16%

1.16%

0.26%

1.36%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2374

1.23%

3.56%

4.27%

0.71%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2641

-2.05%

2.2%

1.24%

-1.39% -0.38%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4439 -0.59%

3.3%

1.69%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.4928

-4.35%

4.45%

1.2%

-3.06%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6

1.3184

0.78%

3.99%

2.68%

-0.21%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9847

0.64%

4.41%

2.04%

-0.41%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0395

-0.16%

4.88%

1.56%

-0.24%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2197

1.09%

5.17%

2.31%

0.43%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

0.13%

4.52%

1.65%

-0.13%

1.7527

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

$487.56

1.91%

3.16%

2.08%

0.76%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є220.46

1.61%

1.03%

0.84%

0.58%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2027

-6.07%

-3.46%

2.46%

1.32%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0262 -1.13%

1.85%

0.78%

-1.5%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

0.19%

-1.31%

-4.43% -0.48%

$1.0443

-4.64%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.5234

0.14%

5.14%

1.78%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.06309

3.27%

3.57%

2.09%

1.24%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1952 -1.57%

3.24%

0.67%

-0.88%

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

130.53

1.4%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0543 Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.3078

2.54%

0.55%

1% n.a. n.a.

0.59%

1.58%

2.99% 2.79%

2.55%

0.86%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0582

1.06%

1.61% n.a.

0.55%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.351

31.64% n.a. n.a.

19.6%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $0.99

4.21% n.a. n.a.

1.02%

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU). 1 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 2 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 3 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019. 4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019. 6 - Re-classified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund).

7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020.

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Entrepreneur BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, August 18, 2021 B3

Pinoy entrep develops first coconut cider soap for fair skin, anti-psoriatic cure, facial cleansing

Philippine version of the ancient beauty secret apple cider—the “coco cider soap”— has been developed by a Filipino advocate of natural ingredients that’s now captivating the hearts of many Filipino who believe in the “natural.” Filipino-born Neil Garcia La-as, who has honed his professional skills internationally, recently announced the release of the world’s first multibeneficial coco cider soap, Bakku2Basik (literally Back to Basic). Much as how apple cider is considered as an ancient secret and cure to many ills, coco cider soap is a secret to a beautiful skin and consequently treats psoriasis, a difficult dry itchy skin condition. Since coconut derivatives are known globally as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, Bakku2Basik’s coco cider soap takes advantage of these qualities. It is made from the sap of coconut tree’s flowers and fermented for eight to 12 months. As it naturally turns into vinegar, it becomes a source of important nutrients and minerals. It is even formulated with detoxifier-activated bamboo charcoal, giving it a dark color that assures cleansing ability. “What makes this product different? We asked, “Why do people have many different skin issues? That’s when we thought maybe people have forgotten how to go back to the basic,” said the La-as, Bakku2Basik chief executive officer. Since it was launched in early 2019, primarily via online direct selling (https://www.facebook.com/

It’s a milestone,” he said. The word Bakku2Basik was really inspired by the Japanese’s culture of loving their own. “I admire Japanese people for always having this unique personality of holding on to their unique culture. They do not to forget to go back to the basics, to the natural organic material,” he said. La-as said his success in the skin care business, while not having had previous experience in this industry, is a proof anyone can dream for as long as he has the persistence to pursue it. “As you journey in your life, you realize that your own skills, talent, expertise, and experience can be your own capitalization. So I got out of my

Bakku2Basik/), the coco cider soap has been warmly received by many Filipinos who are reminded of the wonder native product coconut that they have long known since they were kids.

Bamboo pair

“Coconut is a tree of life. But this is not just coco cider. It is infused with activated bamboo charcoal that effectively cleanses the body. It makes the skin lighter, closes pores, and saves the skin from pimple attacks. Coco cider soap also makes many of our psoriatic patients very happy. It alleviates their autoimmune symptoms,” said La-as. While still in its infancy stage as a product, coco cider soap has started to gain a solid market globally from overseas Filipino workers (OFW). “Our international expansion has been inevitable. Once Filipinos discover it, anywhere they are, they welcome it. There is a Filipino who will soon distribute it to Las Vegas and California,” La-as said. Eight months after it was launched, Bakku2Basik’s coco cider soap has immediately established a distribution network all over the Philippines, notably in Iloilo, Cotabato, and Zamboanga. With its antibacterial property,

the soap enables one to stay fresh smelling even without using a deodorant. La-as said OFWs in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Dubai and East Asia—Singapore, Malaysia—have started shipping the product abroad as a “Filipino natural brand.” La-as said he couldn’t be as proud of any other soap product as that of the local coconut. After having established a good professional exposure as a real estate agent at different levels for huge properties in the Middle East, the United States and Europe, La-as went back to the Philippines. He worked as a leasing manager for Philippines’ biggest department store—SM. After some time as leasing manager screening through many different products, he started to dream visions of putting up his own company, particularly that having to do with skin care. “Many people want to have a fair skin. But the product has to go through R & D [research and develop-

Ex-bank employee reaps success in calamansi concentrate enterprise

ola C’s Calamansi and Honeymansi Concentrate is a homemade fresh calamansi concentrated product manufactured by MTC Mendoza Enterprise from Imus City, Cavite. Ms. Maria Theresa “Marissa” Mendoza, owner of the MTC Mendoza Enterprises, started this business in 2017. Ms. Mendoza worked as a bank employee for 10 years. She was affected by the retrenchment program of their company, which made her decide to try her luck in business. Her first business venture was a franchise of “A Rice in a Box” at Lotus Mall in Imus City, Cavite. It only lasted for two years because she thought that she lacked knowledge about managing a business back then. To help with their financial needs, she looked for another job in a private company. From 2004 to 2014, she worked as sales counselor in a pre-need company that sells pension and educational plans. Also, in 2013, she entered into a multi-level marketing of a nutritional product. It was in 2015 when Ms. Mendoza decided to make a concentrated calamansi, which was a recipe of her mother, Ms. Angelita Hernandez Cruz or Lola C. At the start, she just considered it as a hobby and sells it to her friends, families, and neighbors. Later on, she decided to register a business name at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and made it a part-time source of income. Eventually, she secured a business permit and registered her business with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to complete her business registration. Ms. Mendoza continuously

strived to grow her business. In 2018, Ms. Mendoza joined a trade fair in SM City Bacoor organized by DTI-Cavite. Since then, she has started to participate and attend different programs and services conducted by DTI–Cavite as well as other government agencies.

OTOP Next Gen

Her product, Lola C’s Concentrated Calamansi was included in the 2018 One Town, One Product Next Gen (OTOP Next Gen). It is one of the programs of DTI that provide package of assistance to capacitate MSMEs. During the following year, she filed an application for the LicenseTo-Operate and Certificate of Product Registration with the Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, she invested in different machines and equipment that would help

her business. Soon after, the FDA approved her application for LTO and CPR. Just this year, Ms. Mendoza took part in the Kapatid Mentor Me—Money and Market Encounter (KMME-MME) Online program of DTI to increase her knowledge about the ins and outs of business even more. She, together with other mentees from Cavite and Quezon Province, was able to finish the 10week business coaching and mentoring sessions via Zoom application. Ms. Mendoza had a lot of sacrifices and challenges while working in different companies and businesses. After years of grinding and working hard, she was able to put up a successful business that does not only support them financially but is also good for the health of their families and customers who patronize their products.

ment] and through a battery of tests to make sure it’s effective and efficient,” he said. “It has to go through stability tests.” Bakku2Basik needed to make the coco cider soap go through nearly 10 battery tests. “When we started launching it, I was pretty sure it would soar high because everybody wants to have a fair skin. This is a first in the world.

comfort zone. I decided to focus on a Filipino brand.” Coco cider soap is Bakku2Basik’s flagship product. But it has also developed other highly successful products that tap the Philippines’ rich natural ingredients. One is the malunggay leaf gluta soap. Bakku2basik now also has its own facial cleanser, lotion, and cosmetic products.

“I wanted to help the local economy. Ours is an effective product. But it will be lot more beneficial if all we Filipinos focus on consuming our own product. Coconut is underrated. It is time for us to patronize our own. Coco cider soap is now in the market. If you haven’t tried it yet, why not? Buy your own product. Love your country. Love your product.”

Uniquely our own

Bakku2Basik has capitalized on coconut’s uniquely known properties (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral). “If you have to introduce something new in market, you have to look at the formulation. Or you will be introducing a new ingredient that is not well known. Then everybody will ask you ‘What’s that? I’m not familiar with that.’ They’re not confident,” said La-as. “But our coconut is unique in its own. People immediately love the product.” Nevertheless, La-as admitted his business venture was not always instantly a success. It had its own pains. But he used all these challenges to further succeed. “Whatever I had invested in the past in terms of experience, in terms of failure, I always believed that what happened in the past brings learning. My recipe is simple. What is it that you want? What is your passion? Once you know it, get out of your comfort zone. A lot of people have P1 million in their bank account. But whether you succeed depends on how use you use it.” “My journey has been a painful process. But I love every bit of it. Every negative thing said about me, about my product, about my vision, I savor it. I’m [determined to move] forward. The more people discourage you, the more you should go on.”

Davao de Oro MSMEs secure ₧12-M loan from SB Corp’s CARES program

ABUNTURAN, Davao de Oro—About 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province have already availed of loans for their businesses under the Bayanihan Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) program of the Small Business Corp. (SBC) since last year. According to Atty. Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here, the amount of loans granted to the said local entrepreneurs already reached around P12 million as of June 2021. Based on the figure provided by the SBC personnel stationed at DTIDavao de Oro, P3.5 million of the loaned amount was released during the first semester of this year to the 36 MSMEs from all over the province. Last year P7.7 million was availed of by 161 MSMEs in Davao de Oro. The Bayanihan CARES is an interest-free and collateral-free financing program that aims to assist MSMEs recover from the adverse effects of the pandemic. The MSMEs that have been operating for one year may apply for a loan amount of at least P10,000 to P5 million. They may also enjoy a flexible payment scheme wherein they will be provided with a grace period of up to 12 months, with no collateral required, plus zero interest. To apply for the Bayanihan CARES loan, those who have no Financial Statements filed with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) must have a government-issued ID, bank or electronic money account, 2019 and 2020 barangay or mayor’s business permit, three pictures and one video showing the financial condition and assets of the business. All

Small Business Corp. technical staff assigned at the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao de Oro, Romeo Arana, serves a client during a caravan in Pantukan. Photo courtesy of DTI-Region 11

these documents should be scanned for an online application. To apply online, the loan applicant should create an account in the SBC web site http://www.BayanihanCARES.ph and supply the required personal details. Balleque shared that the loan applicants must strictly follow the instructions provided in the web site or those sent to their e-mail. He likewise encouraged interested MSMEs to contact their office, or the nearest Negosyo Center, for loan application assistance. Apart from facilitating the loan application of the local entrepreneurs, DTI-Davao de Oro has been assisting them as well in other areas, such as in product development and branding improvement. “Even before the pandemic, we

were already conducting several training programs for them. We had extended a hand, too, when it comes to honing their managerial skills. Our approach is really anchored on holistic development. We want to equip them in whatever way we can,” Balleque noted, adding that with the global health crisis, they have become more innovative in assisting the MSMEs in the province. “We really assess their needs and from there, we can already identify the kind of assistance we can give them,” the provincial DTI head said. From January to June this year, the office has already assisted a total of 2,532 MSMEs. In the meantime, it has already conducted 66 trainings, benefitting 1,391 local entrepreneurs.

Banking&Finance

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 • Editor: Dennis D. Estopace

BusinessMirror

Social-media influencers now required to register with BIR By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

OCIAL-media influencers are being required by the government to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Finance Undersecretary Antonette C. Tionko said on Tuesday the government aims to capture more revenues from social-media influencers as they are also required to pay their taxes. Unless exempted in line with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code, the BIR on Monday said social-media influencers shall be liable to pay income tax and business tax, which may either be percentage tax or value-added tax (VAT). “That’s one of the measures we are adopting because that’s the sector that I don’t know if they pay taxes,” Tionko told reporters.

Tionko, who heads the Department of Finance’s (DOF) Revenue Operations Group, said they will be able to determine the amount of revenues the government can collect from social-media influencers once they register with BIR. The finance official said they have also made it easier for local online sellers and people with online transactions to register. “We will know once they register. The other way to do it is to look at their counter parties, to audit their counter parties, like the ones that advertise and all that. You can see the match, that’s the way to do it,” she said.

In its Revenue Memorandum Circular 97-2021 released on Monday, the BIR said it has been receiving reports that certain socialmedia influencers have not been paying their income taxes despite earning huge income from different platforms. Apart from this, the BIR cited reports that they are not registered with the BIR or are registered under different tax types or line of business but are also not declaring their earnings from social-media platforms for tax purposes. The bureau also warned that social-media influencers who fail to file returns and pay taxes may be criminally liable apart from paying the taxes due, as well as the corresponding penalties. It also warned against under-declaration of taxable sales, receipts, or income, or a substantial overstatement of deductions. Individual taxpayers earning a taxable annual income not exceeding P250,00 are exempted from paying income tax, under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.

Those with gross revenues not exceeding P3 million a year are also exempt from paying VAT, but they are liable to percentage tax. Those who will attempt to evade or defeat tax may be punished by a fine not less than P500,000 but not more than P10 million and suffer imprisonment of not less than 6 years but not more than 10 years. Failure to file return, supply correct and accurate information, pay tax, withhold and remit tax and refund excess taxes withheld on compensation may be fined by not less than P10,000 and suffer imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than 10 years. For this year, BIR is targeting to collect a total of P2.081 trillion. The BusinessMirror earlier reported that the BIR fell short of its P1.226-trillion collection goal for the 7-month period as Covid-19-induced lockdown restrictions continue to hamper economic activity. The bureau collected P1.206 trillion as of end-July this year, based on the latest preliminary BIR data obtained by the BusinessMirror.

Govt guarantee to MSME loans hits ₧2.01B in H1 By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—Government has guaranteed by as much as P2.01 billion the total aggregate loans from banks of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as of June this year, according to Philippine Guarantee Corp. (PhilGuarantee). The PhilGuarantee has been the designated agency to ensure the guarantee provision that would assure banks and other lenders of guaranteed payment of the loans by small businesses. PhilGuarantee President and CEO Alberto E. Pascual said their MSME Credit Guarantee program (MCGP) grants 50 percent guarantee on work-

ing capital loans and the cumulative loan approvals over the January-toJune 2021 period has reached P2.01 billion. The state-owned firm said the guaranteed loans allowed “almost 10,000 Covid-19 pandemic-hit enterprises to continue their operations and retain jobs.” “The PhilGuarantee will guarantee or cover about P1 billion of this amount in the event that borrowers default,” Pascual said. He noted the continued support received by MSMEs from banks. “While guarantees reached P1 billion in approvals, it is worthwhile to note that the outstanding balance of P897 million reflected as of June 30 is net of loans guaranteed, but already paid,” Pascual said. Under the MGCP, PhilGuaran-

tee also extends guarantees of up to 80 percent of the amount for term loans of up to seven years for capital expenditures. The firm said in a report to the Department of Finance that guaranteed loans of P2.01 billion represent an 866-percent increase from the P207 million pilot guarantee portfolio achieved at the launching of the MCGP in December 2020. From only three banks participating in the MCGP at its launching, Pascual said that the number went up to 19 lending partners, which include two universal banks, six thrift banks and 11 rural banks. “The participating banks have sustained their lending activities. A total of 9,180 SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in the essential wholesale and retail trade sector

(agricultural products distribution, medical support and medicine distribution) were granted additional working capital for their businesses,” Pascual said. He said manufacturing sector covering 1,332 SMEs, “which is a critical industry to immediately generate jobs,” were the second biggest sector supported by the guarantees. From the start of the MGCP’s implementation last year, the PhilGuarantee Governing Board approved a total of P37.7 billion in credit guarantee facilities to 34 banks. The average loan size under the MGCP is less than P1 million, with the minimum loan amount set at P100,000, which can be availed mostly by micro businesses borrowing from thrift banks and rural banks.

Gokongwei joint venture obtains BSP license

INGAPORE-headquartered digital banking group Tyme Ltd. announced last Tuesday its joint venture with the Gokongwei Group called TymeBank has obtained a license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). In a statement dated August 17, Tyme said the BSP has approved operating banking application “GOTyme.” The statement said the application “will leverage the Gokongwei Group’s extensive ecosystem that is highly integrated into the daily lives of Filipinos—where they already shop, eat and spend family time.” Tyme said the application would be launched in the second quarter of 2022. “This distribution strategy will

assist in the democratization of financial services, addressing the needs of all Filipinos regardless of age, income or geography,” the statement quoted an official as saying. The company secured $110 million in capital from the Apis Growth Fund II and the Gokongwei-led JG Summit Holdings Inc. “The investment, which will be primarily deployed to grow TymeBank in South Africa, is one of the largest foreign investments any fintech company has secured in South Africa,” the company said last February. According to Tyme, the digital banking application “will provide secure and easy onboarding through both an app and digital kiosks conveniently located throughout the mall

and retail footprint of the Gokongwei group.” According to Tyme Chief Product and Strategy Officer Nate Clarke, “In South Africa, three million of 3.5 million customers joined TymeBank through digital kiosks deployed in retail environments. “We believe the combination of this technology and the Gokongwei Group’s nationwide retail footprint provides a clear path to rapid growth,” for “GOtyme,” Clarke added. The collaboration is Tyme’s first expansion into Asia. “Tyme has a strong model and hard-won lessons to bring to the Philippines. We are grateful for the trust shown by BSP in our license application,” Founder Coen Jonker was quoted in the statement as say-

ing. “We look forward to getting to know and serving the people of the Philippines as we launch GOtyme.” According to their statement, GOTyme will provide onboarding through both an app and digital kiosks located throughout the mall and retail footprint of the Gokongwei group. “We see our model of digital banking, with onboarding and education in retail networks and a welldesigned app for transacting, as the best way to provide greater financial empowerment to our customers,” JG Summit Holdings President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei was quoted in the statement as saying. “What Cebu Pacific has done for travel is what we plan for GOtyme to deliver in financial services.” Bianca Cuaresma

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Sale of reissued T-bonds adds ₧35B to govt coffer

HE Bureau of the Treasury borrowed P35 billion from the local debt market on Tuesday by fully awarding the Treasury Bonds (T-bonds) on offer. With a remaining term of 19 years and 26 days, the reissued T-bonds are set to mature on September 9, 2040. The tenor’s average rate fell to 4.986 percent, a 9.8 basis points drop from 5.084 percent in the previous auction on June 1 this year. The auction was oversubscribed as total bids reached P55.95 billion, exceeding the P35 billion offering. National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon said they have observed that investors are in search of better yields by taking advantage of long tenors. “Healthy demand [and] good rates in today’s auction,” De Leon said adding they are seeing “appetite for long tenors for better yields.” Apart from the primary auction, the Treasury also decided to open the tap facility auction to raise an additional P7 billion in reissued 25year T-bonds.

The tap facility auction was open for all eleven government securities eligible dealers-market makers. For August, the Treasury has set to borrow P200 billion from the local debt market, slightly lower than the P235 billion it programmed in July. This year, the national government programmed to borrow a total of P3.1-trillion, of which around 75 percent is expected to be raised through domestic sources. The outstanding debt of the national government has already piled up to P11.166 trillion as of end-June this year, swelling by 23.3 percent from P9.054 trillion a year ago. Finance officials expect the national government’s debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio this year to hit 59.1 percent—last year it was at 54.6 percent. It is also expected to peak next year at 60.8 percent, which is slightly above the internationally-accepted threshold. A new set of officials could expect a debt-to-GDP ratio of 60.7 percent in 2023 and 59.7 percent in 2024. Bernadette D. Nicolas

A matter of perspective

EPENDING on who you talk to, some people will say that our government is doing a great job in handling this pandemic while others will say that it has been a total disaster. I guess it is a matter of perspective. Looking at the Covid death statistics from the Johns Hopkins University as of August 15, 2021, the Philippines seems to be doing quite well with 27.81 deaths per 100,000 population. In comparison, highly developed countries such as the United Kingdom is at 196.32, the United States is at 189.26, Germany is at 110.51, Canada is at 70.92 and, even within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Indonesia is at 43.00 and Malaysia is at 38.27. In short, about 100 countries did worse than us in Covid percentage deaths. However, while we did well in terms of preventing more deaths from Covid, how well did we do in other critical aspects such as the economy? From a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.12 percent in 2019, this became negative 9.6 percent in 2020 and a negative 1.3 percent for the second quarter of 2021. Another real-world measure of how a government is doing is by the unemployment statistics. The Philippine unemployment rate was at 5.1 percent in April 2019 and a year later, in 2020, this was at 17.6 percent and by April 2021, our unemployment rate was at 8.7 percent. How does this compare to the other Asean countries? The two countries that fared worse than us in Covid deaths, did better when it comes to unemployment. Indonesia’s unemployment rate pre-Covid in 2019 was at 4.69 percent and increased to 7.1 percent by the third quarter of 2020. Malaysia’s unemployment rate was 3.32 percent in 2019 and grew to 4.6 percent in September of 2020. Thailand, which had fewer Covid deaths had an unemployment rate of 0.75 percent in 2019 and slipped

Finex free enterprise George S. Chua to 1.9 percent by August, 2020 while Vietnam was at 2.01 percent pre-Covid in 2019, had an unemployment rate of 2.7 percent by the second quarter of 2020.I could not help notice that the Philippines had the highest jump in unemployment rate and the worst GDP growth rate during this pandemic amongst our Asean peer group. Perhaps it is about time to revisit our approach to controlling this pandemic while sacrificing our economy. A review should be made in the effectiveness of quarantine restrictions in really controlling COVID. Other countries are willing to sacrifice a higher infection and death rate in order to open up their economy. Does this strategy make sense? When people have no money, they lack the financial resources to have a nutritional diet, maintain sanitary standards and access to medical care, making them more prone to sickness and infections. Maybe it does make sense to open up the economy to battle Covid. So far, based on the figures from the Department of Health, there have been a total of 30,340 deaths from Covid, compared to the 614,100 total deaths for the whole of 2020 and 170,467 deaths in the first quarter of 2021. We should not turn a blind eye to the other causes of death that may be aggravated by poverty and lack of medical attention because of the quarantine restrictions and all funding being diverted to address Covid. The views and comments of the author are his own and not of the newspaper or FINEX. Comments may be sent to georgechuaph@yahoo.com.

National Re: ‘PRS A’ rating with stable outlook shows solid, sound business

HE National Reinsurance Corp. of the Philippines (Nat Re), the Philippines’s sole professional reinsurer, announced last Friday it was assigned a financial strength rating of “PRS A,” with a “stable outlook,” by the Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings). A “PRS A” rating means that an insurer has strong financial security characteristics, but is somewhat more likely to be affected by adverse business conditions compared to higher-rated insurance companies, the insurer explained. A “stable outlook” is defined as “the rating is likely to be maintained

or to remain unchanged in the next twelve months.” Nat Re said the assigned financial strength rating and outlook took into consideration the firm’s solid market franchise, shareholders of good standing, experienced management and sound investment portfolio. As the only domestic professional reinsurance firm in the country, Nat Re is considered to have a solid market franchise. Nat Re has a unique advantage granted by the law, which is that of being entitled to take up a minimum 10-percent share of all the outward reinsurance business of domestic insur-

ance companies and which would otherwise be ceded abroad. This gives Nat Re significant access to domestic reinsurers’ business and also a broader view of their reinsurance requirements. The company’s marketing strategy is supported by its technical know-how, industry track record and familiarity with the domestic market. As of end-March 2021, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) remained as Nat Re’s largest shareholder, with a 25.7-percent ownership stake in the Company. GSIS is a government-owned and -controlled corporation mandated to

provide and administer social security benefits, such as life insurance benefits, separation or retirement benefits and disability benefits, for government employees. The Bank of the Philippine Islands and MICO Equities Inc. were the company’s other major shareholders, with ownership interests of 13.7 percent and 12.9 percent, respectively. As of end-2020, low-risk fixed income securities made up 84.9 percent of Nat Re’s total investment portfolio. Fixed income investments of the company include corporate bonds, government bonds, treasury bills and short-term investments (i.e.

time deposits and Unit Investment Trust Fund). Equity securities, on the other hand, accounted for 14.7 percent of the total portfolio, lower than its share in 2019 (17.7 percent) and 2018 (27.2 percent). Equity securities consisted mainly of shares of stocks (common and preferred) in companies listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange. Nat Re said its equity investment placements were largely in blue chip companies belonging to various industries, and in unlisted companies that have been approved by the Investment Committee. “In relation to the foregoing, the

strategic allocation of Nat Re’s portfolio has been adjusted from 80 percent fixed income and 20 percent equities in 2019, to 85 percent fixed income and 15 percent equities by end-2020,” the insurer said. “Such is in line with the company’s efforts of de-risking its investment portfolio, with an intention to gradually reduce its equities exposure. The balance was the company’s investment in Asian Reinsurance Corp. (Asian Re, 0.4 percent). Nat Re said that as of end-2020, it had P8.58 billion in investment assets. This slightly went up by 0.2 percent to P8.6 billion, as of endMarch 2021.

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What are dark patterns? An online media expert explains

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Confronting your manager PHOTO BY ADIB HUSSAIN ON UNSPLASH

By Jasmine McNealy University of Florida DARK patterns are design elements that deliberately obscure, mislead, coerce and/or deceive web site visitors into making unintended and possibly harmful choices. Dark patterns can be found in many kinds of sites and are used by several kinds of organizations. They take the form of deceptively labeled buttons, choices that are difficult to undo and graphical elements like color and shading that direct users’ attention to or away from certain options. Dark patterns in subscriptions are a common example of these kinds of design choices, given the ubiquity of online subscriptions and free trials for all kinds of products and services. This kind of dark pattern might make it difficult for a user to unsubscribe, or it might automatically convert a free trial into a paid subscription. To demonstrate how common these kinds of design practices are, and to illustrate the various harms they can cause, designer and public interest technologist Stephanie Nguyen and I launched the zine I, Obscura. The zine publishes case studies of different dark patterns and what can and should be done to protect users from these practices. I, Obscura was launched with help from student authors Ryan Tan, Kaylee Doty and Kally Zheng, and in collaboration with the Stanford University Digital Civil Society Lab and the UCLA Center for Critical Internet Inquiry. WHY DARK PATTERNS MATTER THE inability to unsubscribe from a service results in a specific monetary harm: It makes people spend money they didn’t intend to. But dark patterns can cause other kinds of harms, as well. These can take the form of emotional manipulation, like when a site places a countdown clock on an offer to accelerate a customer’s decision-making, even though time has no bearing on the sale or the use of the product or service. Or the harm could be the loss of privacy, as when an app forces users to turn off data collection in two different settings instead of making privacy settings easy to find. A power imbalance exists between users and organizations, which makes it nearly impossible for individuals to always protect themselves from deceptive design practices. We created I, Obscura to help educate web users about the possibilities. Consumer protection is important, as well. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general have enforced consumer protection regulations against organizations that use deceptive design practices, especially those with apps that target children. It is important for policymakers to prohibit the use of dark patterns and to require organizations to make interactions as transparent and simple as possible. THE CONVERSATION

HAVE always skirted around confrontations with my manager. My thinking is that since they are in position, I need to follow whatever they ask me to do because at the end of the day, they will be the one evaluating me. Of course, there will be instances when they already trust you to tell them honestly what they need to hear. But until that time comes, you need to be very careful in dealing with your manager. In a past organization, I was caught in an awkward position when my manager set aside our agenda and asked me point blank what kind of a manager he was. He told me to be brutally honest because he needed to know how he could improve as a leader. Even though he made that assurance, I was still hesitant to tell him because I knew it would redefine our professional relationship. If you get caught in this situation, what would you do? There are many ways of dealing with a confrontation with your manager, but you need to understand first how your own emotions are affecting the way you are dealing with your manager. Sometimes, our own biases and preconceived notions of how a manager should lead can bring about a distorted view of what your manager can actually do. Managers are naturally put on a pedestal and one mistake on their part can lead to disillusionment and disappointment. So before confronting your manager, assess the risks. You do not need to confront your manager with every little thing they do wrong. Their position evidently puts a target on their back, and they are subjected to different pressures from all parts of the organization. As a member of their team, part of your role is to make sure they look good in front of other departments and offices because your manager represents you and the entire team. You need to ensure that they have everything they need to make the best representation of the team. In my case, I had to make him understand that he was the leader, and I had to be honest with him in how his actions and decisions made me feel as his subordinate and also the same impacted the entire team. I backed it up with concrete instances to establish that it was a pattern of behavior and not just a one-off. Doing such helps managers understand how their actions affect their team, particularly in terms of productivity and efficiency. Citing specific events can help managers look at their actions objectively and pave the way to want to change. But take note that when my manager asked me, he was in a receptive mood to really understand what he could do to improve his leadership style and how he could positively affect us and the entire team. Not many leaders are as receptive or transparent to their

people managers, so I took it as an opportunity to have a better relationship with him and the team. In cases when you need to confront your manager, the time and place is crucial in being heard, and for your message to be perceived as helpful and not received as critical to an unwarranted degree. Once your manager thinks you are just being critical, everything you say helps them put up a bigger wall to protect themselves, or, worse, your words can be used against you later during performance evaluations. So, choose the time and place that your manager is most receptive. What also helped me in telling my manager what he needed to hear was by looking at shared goals. Start your confrontation with a mindset that you and your manager want the same thing—be it hitting certain metrics, preserving teamwork, or even professional career development. Once it is established what you both want, it becomes easier to tell them how certain actions and decisions have deviated both of you from achieving the same goals. This helps you put aside your own emotions, focus on the issues, and work on a solution that benefits you both. Criticizing your manager is very tricky. You need to put a certain spin into what you say so you don’t end up damaging your existing relationship. Make sure that every criticism you say is coming from a positive

point of view. Always inject a recommendation for every criticism. This way, you are not only pointing out your manager’s opportunities for development, but also helping them lead better. It will create an impression that you are an ally and supporter of their leadership. There could also be instances when, after confronting your manager, you realize that you were in the wrong after they had explained themselves. In such cases, ask for forgiveness right away and ask what you can do to make up for it. This shows your willingness to learn and take accountability for your actions—behaviors that make for a great people manager. It also shows your desire to right the wrong you have done and provides you insight into how they think and a glimpse into what you need to do later on when you take over their role. Your manager is your stepping stone to better career opportunities, but at the same time he or she can be the stumbling block that prevents you from achieving your professional goals. Your manager will fail you at some point later on. But it does not mean they have become bad managers. It means they simply are human capable of committing mistakes. And when that time comes, your reaction will spell the difference between subservient acquiescence or a synergistic partnership.

Do UV lamps and air purifiers work against Covid-19? THE global pandemic has pushed people to try out consumer health products that may help stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. Some of the in-demend items that have emerged from the pandemic are ultraviolet (UV) lamps and air purifiers. But do they really work? Or are consumers just wasting money? UV lamps are supposed to help disinfect surfaces, while air purifiers are meant to filter and remove indoor pollutants like allergens, dust and mold as well as some airborne bacteria and viruses from the air. Top health institution Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph) explains that all products marketed as such may be able to help fight Covid-19. Joseph Buensalido, MD, from the Section of Infectious Diseases explains that UV light has been used against pathogens for decades, and some recent studies reported that it can also inactivate SARS-CoV-2. “But to kill viruses and bacteria using UV light, you should use the right kind as there are three types of UV light: UVA, UVB and UVC. With the shortest wavelength and the highest energy, UVC is also called as germicidal UV as it can inactivate and kill microorganisms,” he adds. “UVC damages the DNA and RNA of pathogens, stopping them from replicating.” The doctor stresses that harnessing UVC’s disinfecting capabilities requires emitting the right dosage, which can be damaging to human cells. Even brief exposure to UVC can cause skin burns and eye injuries. “That is why only a trained professional should be allowed to use it within a controlled environment such as hospitals and industrial spaces,” points out Dr. Buensalido. “UVC lamps

that are marketed for home use may or may not be effective. However, there isn’t enough evidence to use it outside of a clinic or a hospital setting, particularly because its misuse may be harmful or produce longterm adverse effects on people’s health.” Just like UVC light, there are also a number of research saying that air purification may be effective against Covid-19. With all the air purifier options in the market, it’s important to determine which ones

work best for your situation during this pandemic. Gregorio Ocampo, MD, of the Section of Pulmonary Medicine says that air purifiers have been widely used before this global health crisis, as it has proven to help alleviate allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. “As for preventing the spread of Covid-19, it’s best to get air purifiers with HEPA or highefficiency particulate air filters since it can capture particles smaller than SARS-CoV-2, which can be

transmitted in small droplets that may linger in the air for hours,” he adds. But before rushing out to buy an air purifier, the doctor reminds consumers to check the size of the room, as most air purifiers have specifications for this. Some air purifiers also create noise when running as they use fans to force the air through their filter, so this is another factor to consider. “Be careful of air purifiers that may produce ozone, which can damage the lungs when inhaled. It can even make asthma worse and can cause coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, and chest pain even in low amounts,” according to Dr. Ocampo. Air purifier necklaces are also all the rage now, but the doctor says there’s little scientific evidence that these personal devices are effective against viruses since they don’t have a reliable filter. “As far as the medical and scientific community knows, it’s much better to get rid of viruses from the air is through air purifiers with HEPA filters, which these necklaces don’t have.” Adding anti-Covid-19 defense mechanisms at home is always a welcome response to the ongoing pandemic. But Dr. Buensalido reminds consumers that products like UVC lamps and air purifiers should only be part of a multi-faceted approach in fighting the virus. “Whether you have these devices at home or choose not to get them, nothing beats following minimum standard health protocols such as wearing face masks, frequent washing of hands, observing physical distancing especially in confined spaces, opening windows for improving air flow, and avoiding sick people,” he says. “And these won’t even cost you thousands of pesos.”

B6 Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Eastern vaccinates telecom frontliners, extends program to family members

ASTERN Communications, one of the premier telecommunications companies in the country, announced that 73% of its employees have already received COVID-19 vaccines. This is in line with the company’s robust internal program prioritizing their health and safety in the workplace, especially among the telco’s essential workers, as the country pivots to economic recovery. With more than half of its workers vaccinated, Eastern Communications is more determined to continue providing quality service among its clients and partners nationwide. “Telecommunications workers are also frontliners at this time as we cater to businesses and households that rely on the internet to continue their operations, work, or online classes. It’s our responsibility as an employer to keep our employees safe when they are on field so that we can continuously and confidently provide our products and services to our clients,” shared Eastern Communications COVID-19 Task Force Chairman Rene Castillo. More employees are also expected to get vaccinated of their own volition for the rest of the year. “While the rest of our employees are getting vaccinated, we will still ensure strict compliance with the health and

MID the pandemic, high blood pressure continues to be one of the top causes of mortality among Filipinos. The latest survey from the Philippine Heart Association places the prevalence rate of hypertension at 37 percent. Despite this alarming statistic, only about 25% of hypertensives monitor their blood pressure at home, the survey said. OMRON Healthcare, a global leader in the field of clinically proven, innovative medical equipment, together with organizations such as the Philippine Society of Hypertension, continues to campaign for home blood pressure monitoring as a means to mitigate the effects of hypertension. Through a collaboration with Mercury Drug, the latest OMRON HEM 7156-A model is already out in selected stores nationwide. The HEM-7156-A is a state-of-the-art device designed for ease of use. It's 360-degree IntelliWrap Cuff technology gives accurate readings at any angle and reduces measurement errors at home. It is also equipped with “Intellisense”, which automatically personalizes

the cuff inflation to eliminate pain or discomfort for the wearer during measurement. The device is programmed to signal when an individual is suspected to have highly elevated blood pressure through its Hypertension Indicator. It features Pulse Rate and Body Movement Capturing and Irregular Heartbeat Detection, the latter helping to detect abnormal heartbeat rhythm for early intervention and treatment of possible cardiovascular diseases. For more information, visit https://www. omronhealthcare-ap.com/ph.

SBFI rehabilitates typhoon-stricken schools in Bicol

safety protocols set by the IATF. Our goal is to inoculate all the employees who want to be vaccinated by end of the year so we could deliver the best of our High Tech and High Touch service to our customers,” Castillo added. Earlier this year, Eastern Communi-

cations announced their procurement of Moderna vaccines and offered nonmandatory free vaccination among their employees. The vaccination program was also extended to their employees’ family members at cost. For more information, visit eastern.com.ph.

Nestlé Philippines launches vaccination program for employees, dependents, and business partners URSUING the protection of health in and out of the workplace amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Nestlé Philippines has launched its vaccination program called “YOU CALL THE SHOTS #WeGotYour Vax” covering all employees, their qualified dependents, and business partners. The program, administered based on government priority guidelines, highlights personal responsibility in caring for one’s health while underscoring Nestlé Philippines’ commitment to support vaccination efforts across the country, in solidarity with the recovery program of the national government. Earlier in the year, the company had implemented several vaccine awareness campaigns including: Know Your Vax – a series of talakayans or discussions in the form of

Mitigate the effects of hypertension through home blood pressure monitoring

employee webinars with Dr. Anna L isa Ong Lim, of the Department of Health Technical Advisory Group; Just the Vacts – a series of COVID-19 facts to promote credible vaccine resources on vaccine safety; I Call the Shots – a series of employee testimonials on why they have chosen to be vaccinated, starting with the company’s own doctors and leaders. This vaccination initiative in the private sector is part of “A Dose of Hope,” a program led by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, which brings together the private sector, the national government, and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for the nation’s multi-sectoral strategy to beat COVID-19. Through its partnership with GoNegosyo, International Container

Terminal Services Inc.- Foundation (ITCSI Foundation), and local government units, Nestlé Philippines is now actively vaccinating employees at all its work locations. By the first of week August, at least 80% of its workforce will have already received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. “As a microbiologist, I think it is my responsibility to share sa community what the benefits of being vaccinated are,” noted Matthew Santos, a quality assurance analyst. “Vaccines are so important in the fight against COVID-19. This is why the implementation of our vaccination program has such a high priority. We recognize that the vaccines help prevent serious illness even if we do get sick,” stated Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki.

ESPITE closed borders, Security Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility arm, Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI) wasted no time in responding to the damages brought by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses in Bicol. With peak winds of around 215 kph and heavy downpour, residents were advised to seek shelter in evacuation sites, many of which were schools and community gymnasiums. With two strong typhoons hitting the region, many schools were affected, causing significant damages to the school classrooms, particularly its roofing, making them unusable as evacuation sites. Coordinating closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) division offices in both Naga and Legazpi, SBFI donated a total of 1454 pieces of Galvanized Iron (GI) sheets to repair damaged school roofs in Naga City, Camarines Sur, and Legazpi City. A total of 45 schools benefitted from SBFI’s donation which was made possible by the Bank’s client donation initiative last December 2020. “The Schools Division of Legazpi City expresses its profound gratitude to Security

Bank Foundation for generously giving us these GI sheets to rehabilitate classrooms damaged by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses,” said Schools Division Superintendent for Legazpi City Crestito Morcilla. As a standard, SBFI evaluates its donated school buildings every five years to assess structural integrity and conduciveness for learning. Those that were heavily damaged by disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons are prioritized for repair to ensure safety of students and avoid class disruption when face-to-face learning resumes. “The various beneficiary schools in Naga were so grateful, and they would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Security Bank for its assistance. They wished that Security Bank Foundation will continue its education advocacy for a better nation,” says Marivel Florin, Security Bank Business Manager for Naga Diversion Road Branch. For more information on Security Bank Foundation and how you can help, you may visit www.securitybank.com/sustainability or Security Bank’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/SecurityBank.

SECURITY Bank Naga Diversion Road Branch Business Manager Marivel Florin (fourth from the left) leads the turnover of 720 pieces of galvanized iron (GI) sheets to the Department of Education Division of Naga City represented by the Schools Division Superintendent Mariano De Guzman (third from the left).

Raising healthy, smart kids with the right milk formula

ARENTING at any stage has never been easy and is especially challenging in these times, as the pandemic upended family life across the globe. Moms and dads have to ensure that their children continue their learning and development, despite being isolated from their friends and peers, while keeping them protected from any illnesses. Supporting parents as they set out to raise healthy, smart kids with a heart, formula milk brand Enfagrow A+ Four created a collaborative space as they launched their new and improved formulation, the Enfagrow A+ Four NuraPro. The new variant is scientifically-formulated to include vitamins and minerals to support a child’s mental, physical, and emotional development. It is the first and only formula milk that contains the powerful combination of MFGM Pro and superior level of DHA to help power up a child’s IQ and EG development and HMO to help strengthen immunity. The virtual event “Power Up the IQ and EQ Advantage” gathered celebrity parents, industry experts, media personalities and trade partners for an afternoon of fun games and knowledge-sharing activities. Through the ‘NuraPro Hub’ — an online space -- participants made friendly exchanges via a networking lounge, photo booth and mosaic wall, and a virtual playground. A visual storytelling activity also shed light on the ways parents can easily connect

with kids. Through this, they were equipped with knowledge on how to understand their children better and engage with them through fun and mentally stimulating ways. Toward the end of the event, guests wrote pledges of commitment in helping raise healthy, smart kids with a heart. “Every child is born with a unique potential for greatness. We’re driven by our commitment to discover new ways to design and develop high-quality products that can help nourish a child's holistic development, so they can get a headstart in life,” said Aleli Arcilla, president and general manager of Reckitt Philippines. “Our children need to have the best nutrition that will help power up their IQ and EQ and have the ability to cope with their ever-changing environment, especially in these challenging times,” said Matthew Davis, marketing director of Reckitt Philippines.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 B7

TIP Iloilo to offer world-class service and ‘malambing’ culture to global clients

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

eading digital solutions and customer experience (CX) provider Telus International Philippines will bring its world-class service and the malambing culture as it recently opened its 7th delivery center in the country and first outside Metro Manila in Iloilo City. Telus Iloilo City is centrally located on Levels 14 to 16 of the SM Strata Tower on Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Iloilo City, and right across SM Iloilo Mall, accessible through a covered bridgeway from SM Iloilo. “We are thrilled to launch our milestone delivery center in Iloilo City, our first-ever Telus International Philippines location outside of Metro Manila. The IT and customer experience business scene is booming in Iloilo and we want to be part of its growth as we provide more employment opportunities for residents in Iloilo and surrounding cities. We look forward to building a strong team of professionals who will provide exceptional support to our growing list of clients in the areas of digital customer care, IT, and technical support,”Jonabee Catura, Telus Iloilo City Site Lead said.

Catura said Telus International Philippines is a leading Philippines-based provider of digitally-enabled customer experience and business solutions for companies within the technology and games, communications and media, e-commerce and fintech, travel and hospitality, health care, and other exciting sectors. Aside from offering, digitally-enabled customer experience and business solutions for companies in various sectors such as fintech and communications, she said Telus Iloilo City is designed to highlight Ilonggo culture, taking design inspiration from Iloilo’s rich heritage, famous landmarks, treasured historical buildings, the region’s natural scenery and even local cuisine. The new site’s design features colorful murals by local artists that were created to inspire team produc-

tivity through striking Ilonggo creativity. “Our new Telus Iloilo City delivery center was a uniquely exciting project to design and conceptualize. Knowing how the office becomes a second home to our team members, it was important that the design of our new workplace reflects the amazing culture of our host city, the work culture that we encourage at Telus International Philippines, as well as our values as a company. The unique experience of working at Telus Iloilo City is something we want each member of our team to feel,” explained Pia Zapata, Telus International Philippines Facilities Director. Zapata said Telus Iloilo’s workplace is designed to foster collaboration and creativity, from the site’s workstations to the themed meeting and training rooms, to collaboration areas and the site’s cafeteria.

To give a local touch in the workplace, works of local artists adorn Telus Iloilo City’s themed meeting rooms, where murals of local artistic landmarks and scenery add to the energy of the collaboration spaces where team members and clients come together. At the elevator lobby on Level 14, visitors will find designs that depict a mix of modern and natural textures, giving onlookers and visitors a coastal feel within the office. Reflective ceiling elements were inspired by bubbles with accent colors of the corals. The reception and waiting area will surprise visitors with a 3D map of Southeast Asia, highlighting the Philippines and portraying the story of Maragtas, which features the history of Panay coming from the first

inhabitants and Bornean immigrants. The whole office makes use of local materials such as rattan and “solihiya” to imbibe that truly local culture of Iloilo as a province. From the reception and waiting area of Level 15, visitors are able to see vibrant hues of violet and purple to illustrate the spirited people of Iloilo, adding to that is the reclaimed wood and terrazzo stone features that give the space a more modern industrial appeal. Collaboration areas, meeting rooms, focus rooms, and boardrooms across all three f loors occupied by Telus Iloilo City are inspired by the details of historical architectural sights of the province, handicrafts and fabric designs, local crafts, as well as local attractions of the province.

Bria Homes makes OFWs easy to access Real-estate market to start buying homes through digital technology recovery in September By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

T A

S the pandemic continues to surge, with the need to shelter in place becoming more urgent, doing business digitally has not only become more convenient—it has become essential. Like it or not, the digital domain is now an irrevocable part of our lives. With digitalization allowing everyone to access to information—and to do business—with just a few clicks, it has become a key driver of success in most industries. This is especially true in Philippine real estate, a sector that continues to flourish despite the pandemic and its recurring quarantines. Property seekers now have apps that let them search by location or neighborhoods, enabling them to compare—and contrast—prospective homes in terms of features, prices, and amenities. The need for transitioning to the digital space is something that Bria Homes (www. bria.com.ph), the Philippines’s leading provider of superior quality, affordable homes, foresaw early on. Long before the pandemic hit, Bria had its data and business information digitized so it could progress to the digitalization of its sales and marketing efforts. This game changer couldn’t have come

at a more auspicious time. With sporadic outbreaks of Covid-19 across the world, and “surges” of new Covid cases in the region, travel restrictions continue to curtail overseas Filipino workers’ chances to come home for vacation breaks. Bria thus appreciates the immense capability of the web to connect people who are oceans apart, and aspires to reach out to every OFW in need of a future sanctuary. Achieving full digitalization likewise gives OFWs a glimpse of Bria Homes’ offerings—from anywhere in the world. To do this, they need only immerse in Bria’s 360 Virtual Tours, which is readily available on its official web site. The digital tour gives prospective home buyers an opportunity to “scrutinize” their future abode. Apart from the virtual tour, Bria offers digital payment options for processing remittances and amortization fees. For this purpose, Bria has partnerships with leading banks BDO, Maybank, UnionBank, PNB, Security Bank, RCBC, Robinsons Bank, and Metrobank. Bria also encourages people to use e-wallet services like GCash, PayMaya, All Easy, and even Shopee Pay.

In these critical times, when safety and security are a premium for all individuals and families, OFWs are assured that Bria communities come with guarded entrances and exits, 24/7 CCTV coverage, and solar lighting at night. And for home seekers who appreciate lush green spaces that promote a happy, sustainably healthy lifestyle, Bria Homes is the place to be. Bria was recently recognized by 2021 Real-Estate Asia as “Open Space Development of the Year.” “Bria shares with our OFWs an enduring faith in a bright and peaceful post-pandemic future,” says Red Rosales, president of Bria Homes. “As the Filipinos’ ‘home of choice,’ Bria presents itself as the consummate choice for overseas workers that are preparing for retirement in their country and returning to the families they love.” Bria Homes leads real-estate digitalization, making them accessible to all OFWs despite pandemic and remains resolute in containing the spread of Covid by adopting digital measures that serve customers while keeping them safe and socially distanced. Reni Salvador

HE national chapter of the Paris-based global real-estate association, Federacion Internationale des Adminstrateurs de Biens Conceils et Immobiliers (Fiabci), sees the rebound of the country’s property industry starting next month amid the ensuing Covid-19 pandemic. Former Fiabci-Philippines President and now Chairman Architect Nestor S. Mangio cited a study pointing to that direction. “The survey conducted by the Fiabci World Council of Experts covering 226 cities across the globe indicated expected uptrends in property prices in Metro Manila for agricultural land and detached houses in September, low-rise residences in November, and residential subdivisions in December,” he said. Expected to bounce back next year are the prices of housing and apartment rentals in January; owner-occupied apartments or condominium units, urban lands and industrial properties in February; shopping outlets and resorts in May; office spaces in June; and hotels and retirement facilities in August. Such bullish forecasts are among the agendas and scenarios to be discussed by Fiabci-Philippines members and officers in their upcoming annual gathering, according to Fiabci Chairman Emeritus Florentino Dulalia Jr. “The full-day conference will culminate with Fiabci-Philippines’ Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards

Night, which is held yearly to honor the industry’s top achievers, keep raising the benchmark of excellence, and instigate continued development of technologies to meet the demands of the times,” he noted. The highly-coveted accolades will go to the winners in 16 categories: environmental (rehabilitation/conservation), heritage (restoration), master plan, hotel, convention, industrial, office, public infrastructure/amenities, highrise and low-rise residential, resort, retail, rural, specialized, and sustainable development. Established in the capital city of France in 1951, Fiabci has around 2,300 regular and a million associate members in 70 countries, including the Philippines, all experiencing market difficulties brought about Covid-related measures, such as telecommuting or work-from-home arrangements, lastmile distribution or door-to-door deliveries, and travel restrictions. As a result, Fiabci-Philippines is having a bias for future-ready property developments and vital technological breakthroughs in construction, urban planning and architectural design concepts. “ Those innovations may include Covid-preventive features such as offices with air filtration devices, doorless public toilets and washrooms, touchless elevators and light switches, compartmentalized or segmentized factory production lines, acrylic- or glass-partitioned office desks, and intuitive floor layout for social distancing in both corporate and public premises, among others,” Mangio stressed.

Sports BusinessMirror

| Wednesday, August 18, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas shortlisted in World Architecture Festival

Team Pacquiao arrives in Vegas

AS VEGAS, Nevada—Team Pacquiao arrived in this Sin City in the middle of the Nevada desert on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) six days ahead of the sitting Philippine senator’s world title fight against title holder Yordenis Ugás of Cuba. Pacquiao’s family—wife Jinkee, son Israel, daughters Mary Divine Grace and Queen Elizabeth—joined him on board a Lincoln Navigator SUV for Las Vegas. His two other sons, Jimwell and Michael, convoyed in a separate vehicle. Pacquiao’s mom, Dionisia, couldn’t travel to the US because of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. There was little fanfare upon his arrival at 5 p.m. at the MGM Grand as security was strict because of health protocols. TGB Promotions scheduled a Main Event Grand Arrival for the two fighters at the Toshiba Plaza on Tuesday afternoon. Pacquiao, who aims to be the eldest welterweight world champion anew at 42, slipped in a jogging routine around his residence at the Plymouth Boulevard up to the Observatory at the Griffith Park in Los Angeles before heading to the Wild Card Gym for a brief workout with the mitts, speed ball, punching bag, heavy bag and the double end before heading for Las Vegas. “All the coaching staff are very happy, Freddie [Roach] is also happy because my timing is there—and it really feels so good,” Pacquiao said. “My condition is great and we’re able to adjust quickly in training.” Head trainer and coach Buboy Fernandez and long-time assistants Jonathan Peñalosa and Nonoy Neri cooked up Pacquiao’s preparation for the fight that stages Ugás’s World Boxing Association welterweight crown that was taken away from the senator because of failing to fight for more than a year since winning the belt in July 2019. World renowned trainer Freddie Roach and his assistant Marvin Somodio remained as Team Pacquiao’s consultants. On Wednesday, the fight week activity begins with the virtual Fox Zoom Fighter Talent Meetings with Ugás appearing first from 8 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and Pacquiao taking his turn from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. The undercards, including Filipino featherweights Mark Magsayo and John Dato, will also be featured in the activity. The formal final news conference will also be held at the MGM Grand Arena at 2 p.m. Josef Ramos

HE Olympic success surges on as gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz leads the three other medalists in Tokyo for a Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Tagaytay City. Diaz has long been home since winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal—women’s -55 kgs of weightlifting in Tokyo last July 245—to spark what turned out as the Philippines most successful Olympic campaign in close to a century. Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam each clinched silver medals in women’s featherweight

MANNY PACQUIAO, wife Jinkee and sons Israel, Jimwell and Michael and his entourage enter through a side entrance of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Monday. JAY OH OTAMIAS

ARUM: UGÁS TOUGH NUT FOR PACQUIAO By Josef Ramos

AS VEGAS, Nevada— The odds favor Manny Pacquiao—and so do his millions of fans—when the fighting senator goes after the World Boxing Association welterweight belt that used to be his against Cuban titleholder Yordenis Ugás on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

fighter,” Arum said. “He will fight Manny in the distance and it will take away Manny’s strength.” Spence, unbeaten in 27 fights with 21 knockouts, was forced to pull out from the “legacy fight” against Pacquiao (62-7-2 record with 39 knockouts) because of a damaged retina in his left eye, giving opportunity for Ugas to stake the belt the WBA stripped from Pacquiao last January 30 because of the Filipino’s ring inactivity for more than a year. He clarified though that at the end of the day, Pacquiao will always be his man in any fight. “My man will always be Manny but again, I think it’s going to be a difficult fight for Manny—very, very difficult and you know the Cuban’s defensive style,” Arum said, noting it’s going to be tough for Pacquiao to get a knockout win. “Not that he could not do it [knockout] and I am always rooting for it. I always hope that he can but he is going to have a difficult time,”

Arum said. “But Manny will always be Manny and he has been in many difficult fights before.” Pacquiao last fought July 20, 2019, winning via a split decision over Keith Thurman to snatch the world. welterweight crown. Pacquiao admitted that he sees a semblance of who he was 20 years ago ahead of the Ugás fight. “I am not taking him for granted. In fact I am taking him as seriously as I took Errol Spence,” Pacquiao said. “I will not make the same mistake [Lehlo] Ledwaba did when he fought me.” Ledwaba wasn’t the same again after that loss to Pacquiao and retired in 2006. He died in June from Covid-19 complications. “[Yordenis] Ugás in a similar situation,” said Pacquiao, who owns a 62-7-2 win-loss-draw record with 39 knockouts “He is ready to make the most of this opportunity,” Pacquiao said. “I know what Ugás’s feeling because 20 years ago, I was Ugás.”

Thanksgiving Mass for Games success up in Tagaytay City and men’s flyweight, and Eumir Felix Marcial contributed a bronze in men’s middleweight to account for a four -medal haul from a 19-athlete delegation. “We wish to thank the Almighty for our success in the Tokyo Olympics. First and foremost, we look at the medals as gifts from God,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said. Cavite Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista will officiate the Holy Mass

Pacquiao wary of history MANNY PACQUIAO had been into two humps leading to his fight against Yordenis Ugás on Sunday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao, as of Monday, was a -380 favorite over Ugás. But Top Rank chief Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s former long-time promoter, sees it otherwise. “It will be a difficult fight for Manny [Pacquiao] because Ugás is a defensive fighter,” Arum told BusinessMirror on Monday. “Ugás is more of a defensive tactical fighter, and remember he is a Cuban.” Arum said that the 42-year-old former eight-division champion Pacquiao had a better chance against original opponent, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. compared with the 35-year-old Ugás (26-4 winloss record with 12 knockouts). “I give my better chance against Spence because I think he [Pacquiao] might have been too quick for Spence and Spence doesn’t rely on defense that much, while Ugás is a defensive

Not of his own making. First, his US-bound plane made a medical emergency landing in Tokyo then flew back to Manila for refueling

starting at 11 a.m. Only the medalists and their coaches and a handful POC and national sports association officials will be joining the ceremony because of travel restrictions under the ongoing enhanced community quarantine. The boxers and coaches arrived a day after the Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony on August 8 and served compulsory quarantines at the Summit Ridge in Tagaytay and Hotel Sofitel in Pasay City.

OLYMPIC gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz (center) receives a lifetime membership from Tagaytay Highlands. Presenting Diaz the incentive are Tagaytay Highlands General Manager Claire Kramer and Tagaytay City Mayor Agnes Tolentino, DMD.

and routine checkup. But although it took Pacquiao nearly 30 grueling hours to reach Los Angeles, he immediately went to work the following day after arrival. “There’s a job to do,” Pacquiao told Freddie Roach, his Hall of Fame trainer, lacing up his sneakers for the morning jog at Griffith Park. Second, Pacquiao’s original foe, Errol Spence Jr., backed out after suffering a torn retina just 10 days before the fight. Although a quick replacement was found in Ugás, who was in shape anyways as he was set to see action in the bout’s undercard, Pacquiao still faced a problem: his new foe is orthodox. He’d been training all this time to meet a fellow southpaw in Spence. And is there a portent of things to come that doesn’t seem to favor Pacquiao?

In 2001, Pacquiao, like Ugás, was also a replacement. Given just two weeks to toughen up his skills—and mind—against reigning world champion Lehlo Ledwaba (bless his soul), Pacquiao shocked the world by knocking the African out in the sixth round—with Roach in his corner. Thus began the Pacquiao-Roach partnership that has, thus far, produced 12 major world titles and much of Pacquiao’s record eight world weight division crowns. The 5-foot-6 Pacquiao, 62-7-2 with 39 knockouts, is three inches shorter than Ugás (26-4 with 12 KOs), a bronze medalist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Ugás’s World Boxing Association super welterweight crown that was lifted from Pacquiao’s head because of the pandemic-induced inactivity, is at stake. “That gives me extra motivation,” said Pacquiao. “A title is not to be gifted.

It must be contested in the ring.” Pacquiao, 42, is tipped to make short work of Ugás, 35. But seemingly, Ledwaba is at the back of his mind. “Twenty years ago, I was Ugás,” he said. Pacquiao is wary, if not worried, of history? THAT’S IT Here’s a glass to Chery Tiggo for its dramatic, come-from-behind fiveset victory over Creamline to become the first winner of the re-baptized PVL league. In winning the newlyminted professional volleyball league in the country, Chery Tiggo, behind the explosive Santiago Sisters Dindin and Jaja, erased a two-set deficit by sweeping the last three frames for a thrilling 3-2 victory and a 2-1 series triumph in the Bacarra bubble in Ilocos Norte. Cheers to Chery owner Rommel Sytin!

HE Athletics Stadium at New Clark City in Capas, a centerpiece facility of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, has been shortlisted by the World Architecture Festival as among the best completed buildings across the globe. The facility was nominated for the Sport-Completed Buildings category in the prestigious festival, which is set to take place at the FIL Exhibition Center in Lisbon, Portugal, from December 1 to 3. Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon welcomed the recognition and congratulated Budji+Royal Architecture+Design, the architectural partner for the stadium, as well as the thousands of workers who made the Athletics Stadium in Tarlac a reality. “We thank the World Architecture Festival for giving its nod to the New Clark City Athletics Stadium,” Dizon said. “It is another testament to the ingenuity of the stadium’s design and structure. Indeed, this is more proof that Filipinos can also be champions in producing outstanding facilities that are on par with other architectural masterpieces in the world.” “This would not have been possible without the hard work of all the workers who completed this facility within a short period of 18 months. To our partners in Budji+Royal Architecture+Design, thank you for designing a structure that best showcases the beauty of the Filipino spirit to the rest of the globe,” he added. “To have this opportunity to share the New Clark City Athletics Stadium’s authentic nature and identity with our colleagues and an international audience makes me really very happy and proud,” Royal Pineda, principal architect and CEO of Budji+Royal, said. “That was the objective anyway—to present our variety as modern Filipinos through architecture and design.” The architect also expressed appreciation for the smooth collaboration with BCDA on the project, given the two organizations’ shared vision of a modern Philippines. “We were on the same creative wavelength. Given critical deadlines, BCDA’s leadership was a key element,” he said. “It allowed things to move with precision, which ensured timely and quality turnover, setting new government standards.” The facility’s design was ably executed by MTD Philippines Inc., BCDA’s development partner in New Clark City. The New Clark City Athletics Stadium is the first major sports hub constructed by the government since the completion of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in 1934. It is also the first-ever facility in the country to receive a Class 1 certification from World Athletics (formerly International Association of Athletics Federations). With a 20,000-seating capacity, a nine-lane 400-meter track and field, and another four-lane warm-up track, the stadium served as a venue for the 2019 SEA Games. It was previously nominated as one of the top 10 best stadiums in the world at the annual Stadium of the Year Awards. “The Athletics Stadium’s design was inspired by its genius loci [pervading spirit of a place]. It celebrates Mt. Pinatubo and Filipino resilience,” Pineda said. “The location is surrounded by beautiful mountains and a boundless horizon, which allowed the architecture to stand out and frame the natural views.” Now in its 13th year, World Architecture Festival is one of the world’s largest architectural events, highlighted by its awards competition dedicated to celebrating and sharing international excellence in architecture. Its sister festival, the Inside World Festival of Interiors, will also take place in Lisbon on the same dates. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, both events did not take place in 2020. The upcoming competition, therefore, covers entries made in 2020 and 2021. The shortlist of entries was announced last July. Those who made the shortlist will go on to compete in Lisbon this December. All finalists will present to a panel for their respective categories. Winners in each category will present again to compete for the top awards—the World Building of the Year, Future Project of the Year, Interior of the Year and Landscape of the Year. Pineda said Budji+Royal is doing all the necessary preparations for the panel at the live event. “How to best express the story behind the Athletics Stadium is critical. I’d like to be able to make the jury and audience discover and understand the status of our nation, our memories and aspirations,” he said.