BusinessMirror December 01, 2023 by BusinessMirror

PHL ’22 disaster prevention spending cut 50% By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

FIESTA OF FLAVORS: Residents of Cainta, Rizal, and nearby towns delight in a leisurely night stroll along Barangay Santo Niño as the town joyfully marks the 9th SumBingTik Festival, coinciding with the local fiesta in the lively land of the Sepoys on December 1. SumBingTik, an acronym for suman, bibingka and latik, showcases three native delicacies predominantly crafted in Barangay Santo Niño. BERNARD TESTA

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HE country spent 50 percent less on disaster prevention in 2022 compared to 2021, posting the lowest such spending in four years, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The Philippines spent P77.98 billion in 2022 for disaster prevention, a 50.4-percent decrease from P157.26 billion in 2021. This was the lowest since the P33.99 billion spent for these activities in 2018. The highest recorded expenditure was in 2020 amount-

ing to P280.47 billion. “Disaster prevention includes activities and measures to avoid existing and new disaster risks. This includes risk prevention in advance of hazardous events and risk prevention in or after a hazardous event,” PSA explained. Disaster prevention only accounted for 24.7 percent of total disaster risk reduction (DRR) expenditures in 2022. This is also the lowest share of disaster prevention activities in the country’s DRR spending since 2015. It was in 2020 when disaster prevention expenditures accounted

for the highest share in DRR spending of 67.2 percent. Meanwhile, disaster mitigation posted the highest expenditure amount of P107.97 billion in 2022, indicating an increase of 64.5 percent from P65.63 billion in 2021. “Disaster mitigation includes activities and measures to reduce or lessen existing disaster risk or to limit the adverse impacts of a hazardous event,” PSA said. “Activities and measures such as structural measures and construction, non-structural measures, landuse planning, and early warning systems management,” it added.

Disaster mitigation posted its highest growth in 2016 when it grew 236.1 percent to P34.62 billion from the P10.298 billion in 2015. It accounted for 34.2 percent of total DRR expenditures. This is the highest share it posted since the 45.7-percent share it had in 2018. In 2022, the country spent a total of P315.888 billion for DRR, a 52.4- percent contraction from the P663.66 billion spent in 2021. This was the lowest since the P214.9 billion spent on DRR pre-pandemic or in 2019. See “PHL,” A2

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Friday, December 1, 2023 Vol. 19 No. 51

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NATIONAL BUDGET BICAM: Sen. Sonny Angara,

chairperson of the Committee on Finance, leads the Senate panel in the discussion of the disagreeing provisions of House Bill No. 8980 or the General Appropriations Act of 2024 on Thursday, November 30, 2023. The Bicameral Conference Committee formally convened at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati to deliberate on the P5.768-trillion national budget for next year. The House panel was led by House Committee on Appropriations and AKO Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co. MARK PIMENTEL/SENATE PRIB

By Andrea E. San Juan

@andreasanjuan

HE Philippines went down three notches in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2023, to the 59th spot from 56th last year, among the 64 economies covered by the report.

The overall performance of the 64 economies are evaluated based on three Digital Competitiveness Factors: Knowledge, Technology and Future Readiness. For the Knowledge factor, the Philippines went down to the 63rd spot from 62nd in 2022. The report defined Knowledge as the “Knowhow necessary to discover, understand and build new technologies.” The Knowledge factor has three subfactors: Talent, Training and Education, and Scientific Concentration. The country’s rankings in all subfactors declined. For talent, the Philippines went down to the 56th spot from 55th last year; Training and education, 62nd spot from 61st in 2022; and Scientific concentration, 58th from 57th spot last year. Under the scientific concentra-

tion subfactor, the report indicated that the country’s top strength is its female researchers, as the country ranked second among 64 economies. Still under the Knowledge factor, the report said the country’s overall top weakness is “women with degrees” under the Training and education subfactor, as it ranked 59th out of the 64 countries covered by the report. For the Technology pillar—defined by the report as the “overall context that enables the development of digital technologies”—the Philippines went two notches down to the 51st spot from 49th in 2022. Based on the report, the Technology factor is made up of Regulatory framework, Capital and Technological framework subfactors.

Bicameral panel starts work on final ’24 budget version By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE Bicameral Conference Committee on the proposed national budget on Thursday started hammering out a final version of the proposed 2024 General Appropriations Act, which will be submitted for President

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature before his trip to Tokyo in the second week of December. House Committee on Appropriations and AKO Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co. urged lawmakers to adopt substantial changes introduced by the House leadership that promote transparency in public spending, safeguard national

security, ensure food sufficiency, and support a population still reeling from the adverse effects of the pandemic. In crafting the House version of the budget bill, Co said lawmakers tried to strike a balance in handling debts and allocating funds to pivotal government projects and programs while being mindful

of the administrative capacity of various agencies to achieve budget objectives. The proposed budget for next year totals P5.786 trillion, including P1.748 trillion for debt payments and other expenditures that are automatically appropriated. See “Bicameral,” A2

Smartmatic cries foul over disqualification by Comelec By Patrick V. Miguel

HE decision of the Commission on Elections to disqualify Smartmatic Philippines Inc. from participating in any public bidding process for elections is “unfair,” the poll technology firm said on Thursday. In a statement, Smartmatic said the basis for their disqualification was “not even part of the complaint” filed against them in June by former Department of Information and Communications Technology

(DICT) Undersecretary Eliseo Mijares Rio Jr. and others. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said on Wednesday the decision to disqualify Smartmatic was “not based on the allegations of Rio and company.” (Related story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/11/30/comelec-barssmartmatic-from-election-bids/) The resolution stated that the commission based the decision on “the gravity of allegations related to bribery and compromised procurement process.” See “Smartmatic,” A2

See “Digital,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 55.3280 n japan 0.3758 n UK 70.2444 n HK 7.0895 n CHINA 7.7659 n singapore 41.5126 n australia 36.6105 n EU 60.7059 n KOREA 0.0428 n SAUDI arabia 14.7494 Source: BSP (November 30, 2023)

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A2 Friday, December 1, 2023

House panel opens probe of SMNI over ‘fake news’ By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

Following their statements, Celis and Badoy issued apologies, expressing regret for any harm caused by their remarks. They clarified that they are not involved in any smear campaign against Congress. Chaired by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, the franchise committee is also examining two resolutions from the Makabayan bloc regarding SMNI. One resolution focuses on alleged fake news peddling and baseless red-tagging, while the other addresses fake news, red-tagging, and grave threats against ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and SMNI. Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Vice President for Legal and Regulatory Compliance Group, Rudolph Jularbal, confirmed SMNI's accreditation with the organization, subjecting it to

KBP rules. However, Jularbal noted that SMNI allegedly lacks observance of the KBP Code of Conduct, with no anchor accredited and no one undergoing a seminar on the broadcast code. During the hearing, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco presented a financial report on foreign travel expenses for the Office of the Speaker, House Members, and the Secretariat. The report aimed to refute allegations made by SMNI anchors. Velasco clarified that the total expenses for the mentioned entities from January to October 2023 were P39,605,123.61, far from the alleged P1.8 billion. The panel vice chair, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel, emphasized that the financial report contradicts SMNI's claims, indicating a violation of Section 4

of its legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 11422. This section prohibits the use of stations or facilities for the dissemination of deliberately false information or willful misrepresentation detrimental to public interest. In his opening statement, Suarez, meanwhile, underscored the responsibility of media practitioners to validate information before making it public, citing KBP guidelines on unconfirmed reports. SMNI operates under the 25-year legislative franchise provided in RA 11422, granted to Swara Sug Media Corporation of the Philippines on August 22, 2019. The network is allegedly owned by religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.

Based on the data, DRR activities linked to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was the highest at P137.52 billion, followed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management (NDRRM) with P64.498 billion and Offi-

cial Development Assistance (ODA), P63.675 billion. DRR expenditures, PSA said, cover activities undertaken to preserve and protect society, the economy and the environment from disasters.

It allows the country to monitor the resources allocated to DRR and demonstrate how investing in DRR saves lives and resources from a cost-benefit economic point of view.

@joveemarie

HE House Committee on Legislative Franchises started an investigation on Thursday into potential violations of the legislative franchise held by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) in response to accusations that some SMNI anchors have been spreading fake news and engaging in red-tagging. The investigation was prompted by a privilege speech from House Deputy Majority Leader David JayJay Suarez, addressing allegations made by SMNI anchors Eric Celis and Lorraine Badoy. The anchors claimed that Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez had incurred P1.8 billion in travel expenses, a claim debunked by House records.

PHL… Continued from A1

Smartmatic… Continued from A1

“We are very confident that had Comelec informed us of the matter, allowed us to explain our side and present countervailing evidence, the unfair disqualification would not have been meted out,” said Smartmatic. According to the technology firm, they are not facing any formal charge in the United States, making the basis of their disqualification “not only false, but non-existent.” Smartmatic added: “A false accusation and, more so, a disqualification on the basis of a non-existent grounds is not only legally and morally wrong, but plain unfair.” In a press conference on Thursday, Garcia noted that the disqualification was “a very difficult decision, but nonetheless, it was the right decision.” According to Garcia, five of the commissioners in the En Banc have voted in favor of the disqualification, one had a separate opinion, and one favored all official business. Despite the stand of Smartmatic, the poll body still stood by the decision to bar them from election bids. “We disqualified Smartmatic because we wanted to preserve the integrity of the electoral process,” said Garcia. The poll body also disagrees with Smartmatic’s claim that it got an “unfair” ruling. “Sabi ng Korte Suprema [The Supreme Court said], so long as due process was observed by an agency or body or part of government, then there is no grave abuse of discretion,” he explained. Asked to specify the basis of their decision, Garcia refused to answer, citing that anything they say could be used against them in the Supreme Court. “Again, it is an issue of credibility and an issue of integrity. Wala pong substitute para maprotektahan ng inyong Commission on Elections ang integridad ng ating halalan (There is no substitute for Comelec to protect the integrity of our elections),” said Garcia.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Digital… Continued from A1

Regulatory framework

The Philippines’s ranking in terms of regulatory framework went down to the 63rd spot from last year’s 62nd. For Capital, the country slipped by a notch to the 41st spot from last year’s 40th. But its ranking in the Technological framework improved as it climbed to the 43rd spot from last year’s 45th. The report noted that the country’s strength lies in High-tech exports under the Technological Framework subfactor, where it ranked second. The country also showed strength in Investment in Telecommunications, ranking 9th among 64 economies under the Capital subfactor of the Technology category. In contrast, the Philippines’s weaknesses are starting a business as it ranked 63rd; and enforcing contracts, as it ranked 62nd out of the 64 economies included in the report.

Future readiness

The third factor in the report which is also used to evaluate an economy’s digital competitiveness ranking is Future Readiness, which is defined by the study as the “level of country preparedness to exploit digital transformation.” The Future Readiness factor consists of Adaptive Attitudes, Business Agility, and IT integration subfactors. For this specific pillar, the country’s ranking also dipped in all sub-factors. The report showed the Philippines’s ranking in Adaptive attitudes slipped to the 59th spot from last year’s 58th. The country went down five notches to the 50th spot from last year’s 45th. Its ranking also declined by three spots to 60th from last

Bicameral… Continued from A1

General appropriations increased 9.5 percent to P4.02 trillion from the 2023 budget, while unprogrammed funds declined by 65 percent to P281.9 billion. Co said the House’s budget version “underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in program implementation.” To uphold this vision, the House reallocated controversial confidential funds from various government offices, including the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. The House version stripped various government offices, including the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education—both agencies led by Vice President Sara Duterte—of a total of P1.23 billion in controversial confidential funds and allocated them to frontline agencies in charge of monitoring and protecting the country’s territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea. The House realigned the confidential funds and instead gave them as additional budgets to the National Intelligence and Coordination Agency, P300 million; the National Security Council, P100 million; the Philippine Coast Guard, P200 million, for ammunition and intelligence activities; and the Department of Transportation, P381.8 million, as additional budgets for the upgrade and expansion of the airport in Pag-Asa Island. Earlier, some media organizations reported that some senators favor reinstating confidential fund allocations, particularly those for the OVP and DepEd. Co appealed to their Senate counterparts to “approach this endeavor with a spirit of unity and guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and the unwavering

year’s 57th. Under the Future Readiness factor, the report said the country’s strength lies in public-private partnerships as it claimed the 31st spot and Attitudes toward globalization as it ranked 22nd out of the 64 countries. The 2023 WDCR studied 64 economies—including Kuwait for the first time—by looking into the factors of knowledge, technology, and future readiness. These are broken down into nine subfactors, comprising a total of 54 criteria that are quantified by means of both hard data and survey responses from executives, the report said. According to the 2023 WDCR, after having fallen to second place for the first time since the inception of the WDCR in 2017, the United States moved back to top position with robust results across all three factors: knowledge, technology, and future readiness. The consistency is the same as that of the Netherlands, which advanced four positions and ranks second, followed closely by Singapore, which ranked first in the technology factor. Moving forward, the report noted that the countries’ ability to collaborate on regulation is “set to gain importance in the face of the emergence of artificial intelligence.” “While we measure no specific AI indicators, the technology sits silently at the core of several of the subfactors that we quantify: talent, regulatory and technological frameworks, and adaptive attitudes and business agility,” Professor Arturo Bris, director of IMD’s World Competitiveness Center, which has been producing the WDCR since 2017, said. “On a data level, the quality of digital regulation, the funding available for technology development, and the degree of company agility are all data points that are enmeshed with AI,” Bris also noted.

pursuit of the common good.” “Let us find a way to reconcile our differences, aligning them with the overarching programs of the present administration,” he added. Speaker Romualdez urged swift deliberations by the Bicameral Conference Committee to pass the 2024 budget before the Christmas break, emphasizing the importance of timely allocation to boost economic activity, attract investments, create jobs, and secure a better future for the Filipino people. The House version allocated P20 billion for the rice subsidy program, P40 billion to improve irrigation, and P1 billion for fisheries and postharvest facilities. The House leader appealed to the Bicameral Conference Committee to quickly craft a final version of the 2024 budget so it could be passed before Congress goes on Christmas break.

Teachers’ pay hike

In a related matter, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT-Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro called on the bicameral committee to include the salary increase budget for teachers in the 2024 national budget. She stressed the urgency of addressing teachers’ salary concerns, expressing concern over the lack of study results from the Department of Budget and Management and the Governance Commission for government-owned or controlled corporations on proposed salary increases. Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas also appealed to the House leadership to include P31.57 billion funding for the rehabilitation of traditional jeepneys in the final version of the 2024 national budget. Brosas argued that subsidizing the replacement of engines for over 63,000 public utility vehicles is a more viable option than the controversial PUV modernization program.

Friday, December 1, 2023

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

DFA stops issuance of e-visa for Chinese nationals By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

HREE months after its pilot, the e-Visa system for Chinese nationals was suspended, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. The DFA was silent when asked by reporters on the reason for the suspension of the e-visa system. T he su spension c a me t wo weeks after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla criticized the DFA for inefficiency in vetting Chinese tourists’ application and a week after a surge of respiratory

illnesses and clusters of pneumonia cases among children were monitored in key cities in China. “This is to inform the public that the operations of the Philippine eVisa System in China is temporarily suspended until further notice,” read a statement the DFA issued last Thursday. The DFA advised visa applicants in China to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in lodging their applications. The Philippines has eight consular offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chongq-

ing, Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau and Xiamen. A government staff told the BusinessMirror that the “Presidential Management Staff had ordered the DFA two weeks ago to suspend the e-visa scheme, but did not give a reason for the suspension.” According to Peter Tay, a Boracay-based tour operator who handles Chinese visitors, tourists told him about the issues with the e-visa system. “They tried and couldn’t get into system. Then the DFA released a

statement of the suspension just now,” Tay added.

Quest for Chinese tourists

ON July 24, the DFA, together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), rolled out the e-Visa system to fast-track the issuance of visas to Chinese nationals. Since China opened its borders this year, 40.3 million mainland Chinese travelled overseas. The Department of Tourism (DOT) had wanted to target the Chinese as they are one of the highest-

spending visitors. In 2019, there were 1.74 million Chinese tourists who came to the Philippines, infusing more than $2.3 billion (about P131 billion) to the economy. The DOT said it would like to target half-a-million Chinese tourists for this year. But as of November 28, 2023, the DOT reported only 243,838 Chinese-tourists arrival to the Philippines since January this year— not even half of the target number. According to the DFA, since the e-visa was launched last August 24 up to November 6 this year, the

Senate steps up defense option amid looming external threats By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ENATORS are on track pushing passage of an enabling law boosting the Philippines self-reliant defense posture amid looming external threats. Heeding calls to bolster the country’s national security capabilities, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri cited concerns over sustained external threats posed by brewing maritime disputes prompting senators to push ahead with Senate Bill (SB) 2455 embodying the proposed “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act.” T he Senate President l a st Wednesday pressed for timely passage of the enabling legislation, also seen to timely develop the defense industry and its capability to locally produce weaponry and equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Presiding over the plenary interpellation on the enabling bill, Zubiri pointed out that countries like the United States require arm manufacturers who supply them with weapons to set up shop in their home-country. “We would like that to happen as well in the Philippines where if these companies want to sell firearms to the armed forces or the armed services they [would] have to set up shops in the Philippines and manufacture them here in our country,” he added. The Senate leader noted: “That way they pay income taxes, hire laborers and create more jobs.”

Deep negotiation

ZUBIRI disclosed that “the country is now in deep negotiation with an Australian ship company” that has a shipyard in Balamban, Cebu. “With the passage of [the enabling bill], we will prioritize locally-made equipment,” he said. “They told me they could build the ships here in one year and would hire 3,000 ship builders for the three boats.” In addition, Zubiri noted that “the point is, they are excited to build [the ships] here. We don’t have to buy

ANGAR A noted, however, that only one arms company remained open in the Philippines to date. “They did not receive the support from the government basically,” the senator said, adding: “Now that the population is large, it is perhaps time to reevaluate our policies. Because then, we were more export-oriented. But here, we are looking at the domestic market, not just for economic reasons but also for the reasons mentioned by the Senate President,” Angara said. Sen. Mark Villar affirmed his support for the passage of SB 2455 to strengthen a self-reliant defense posture program and promote the development of a national defense industry in the Philippines. At Wednesday’s plenary session, Villar clarified that as the chairman the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, it is “his advocacy to support local businesses and make them internationally competitive.” “They are already internationally competitive, if we can give more support to companies like Armscor in the defense industry, I’m confident that we can generate more jobs,” the lawmaker said. “That’s why I believe that we should pass this bill at the soonest possible time.” “We need to support our local industries, we need to help them become internationally competitive,” Villar added. “This bill is an opportunity for us to give that much needed support, create jobs, create an industry that can compete internationally.”

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

bagyo, andito lang ako para magserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” stressed Go in an interview. “‘Yan po ang pinangako ko sa inyo, kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, pupuntahan ko kayo basta kaya ng aking panahon at katawan. Tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya, isusulong ko ang mga proyekto na makakapagpaunlad ng lugar, tutulong ako sa paglapit ng serbisyo lalo na sa kalusugan tulad ng pagtatayo ng mga Super Health Center, at makapag-iwan po ng kaunting kasiyahan sa panahon ng kalungkutan ng ating mga kababayan,” he added. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported numerous projects in Candijay, such as the rehabilitation of roads, construction of multipurpose buildings, installation of street lights in some barangays, among others. Along with other lawmakers and local leaders, he also supported the construction of the Candijay Sports Complex, which he briefly inspected earlier that day. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Tutor acknowledged Go’s presence and thanked

Amnesty Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406 pertain to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/ Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CP-NPA-NDF), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively. The House Resolutions express support for the government’s efforts in fostering a conducive climate for peace and implementing programs for the reconciliation and reintegration of rebels into mainstream society, according to the lawmakers. Both Houses of Congress, as per the resolutions, acknowledge the importance of addressing the requests of rebel returnees for amnesty, enabling them to live peacefully while pursuing productive endeavors. As far as the members of secessionist movements in the South, the concurrent resolutions said both Houses of Congress share the view that the granting of amnesty enables the delivery of an important commitment of the government under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, particularly the gradual normalization of the previously conflict-affected areas. It would, likewise, provide a meaningful a n d c o m p l e te t r a n s f o r m at i o n a n d assimilation of the decommissioned combatants into peaceful and progressive lives toward national reconciliation and healing in the Bangsamoro.

The authors of the concurrent resolutions pointed out that transforming armed combatants into productive citizens and peace partners is necessary to achieve the paramount ends of the peace process: national unity, solidarity, and progress for all Filipinos. It is imperative that we concur with the amnesty proclaimed by the President for the general interest of Filipinos and for lasting peace, unity, and reconciliation, the authors of the concurrent resolutions said. The amnesty proclamation does not cover those charged under Republic Act (RA) 9372 (Human Security Act of 2007) and RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020). Also outside the scope of the amnesty proclamations are those who are facing charges for kidnapping for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity as defined in the Revised Penal Code (as amended) and crimes committed for personal ends. Also excluded are those charged with violations of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), with grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949 and those identified by the United Nations as crimes that can never be the subject of amnesty. The latter are genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances and other gross violations of human rights. Applications for the grant of amnesty shall be filed under oath with the Amnesty Commission within two years from the effectivity of the amnesty proclamation.

UREAU of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman G. Tansingco expressed alarm over the apparent surge in the number of registered sex offenders (RSOs) attempting to get into the country. Tansingco noted that at least 150 RSOs had been intercepted and refused entry in various airports in the country since January. “During the pandemic, there was an increase of online exploitation of women and children. When international travel resumed, the number of RSOs rose, which could show that the exploitation is being continued,” the Commissioner said last Thursday. Just two days ago, Tansingco disclosed an American pedophile convicted of sexually molesting a child in the US 13 years ago was intercepted by immigration officers upon his arrival at the Ninoy 1 Terminal aboard an Eva Air flight from Taiwan. The BI identified the foreigner as 55-year-old Francisco Narvios Tecson, who was convicted in Texas in 2010 for having indecent contact with an eightyear-old female. Tecson was intercepted after the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) relayed to the BI that he planned to travel to the Philippines, prompting Tansingco to issue a directive alerting BI officers in all ports of entry on possible arrival. Upon his arrival, immigration officers at the frontline saw his records, which prompted them to exclude him. On the same evening, Tansingco said another American RSO arrived from Taiwan identified as 65-years-old Dale Lloyd Bayless. Bayless was convicted in 1990 of sodomy for an offense in 1989 against a nine-year-old female victim in Neosho, Missouri. The BI said Tecson and Bayless are only two of the more than 150 foreign RSOs who were barred from entering the country. The bulk of the RSOs were intercepted at the NAIA while a few were excluded at the airports in Mactan, Cebu and Clark, Pampanga.

management, out-patient, bir thing, isolation, diagnostic (laborator y: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmac y, and ambulator y surgical unit. Other available ser vices are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine. On the same day, Go even inspected the Super Health Center being built in Candijay. Super Health Centers were also funded in other parts of Bohol such as in Buenavista, Dauis, Sagbayan, Talibon, Antequera, Balilihan, Bien Unido, Carmen, Panglao, Ubay and Tagbilaran City. Through the collective efforts of Go, the Department of Health (DOH), local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. Go also highlighted that he supported the construction of specialty centers inside Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City. It will soon cater to orthopedic care and geriatric care. Go principally sponsored the Regional Specialty Centers Act and was also one of

the authors in the Senate. This legislation holds significant importance in the healthcare legislative agenda of the Marcos Administration, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan spanning 2023 to 2028. Republic Act No. 11959, known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. Each center will host a different specialty, bringing services such as those available in Metro Manila-based hospitals like the Heart Center, Lung Center, and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, closer to communities. Meanwhile, Go also pushed for the construction of the Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex in Cortes, Bohol which he principally sponsored in the Senate and was legislated as Republic Act No. 11883. Lastly, he also encouraged those with health concerns to visit GCGMH or Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay, both of which house a Malasakit Center if they need medical-related assistance from the government. Initiated by Go in 2018, the Malasakit

Centers program brings together concerned agencies with medical assistance programs under one roof to ensure particularly poor and indigent patients conveniently get medical-related support to lower their hospital bills to the lowest amount possible. To date, the centers have assisted around ten million Filipinos according to DOH. “Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay matulungang mabayaran ang inyong pagpapagamot. Kaya huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center dahil para po yan sa inyo, mga kababayan kong Pilipino,” explained Go. Meanwhile, Go also supported other projects in Bohol, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alburquerque, Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Buenavista, Corella, Danao, Dauis, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Loay, Loon, Pilar, Tagbilaran City, and Valencia; improvement of evacuation centers in Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez, Sikatuna, and Valencia; installation of a water system in Alicia, Antequera, Inabanga, and President Carlos P. Garcia; as well as the construction of slaughterhouses in Inabanga and Loay.

NO PARK KINGS This Thursday, November 30, 2023, photo shows a member of the newly-formed Strike Force of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) giving a ticket on a violation of parking rules along Mabuhay Lanes in Quezon City. An article on the website of the Land Transportation Office said that “as more people buy cars, the problem of car parking intensifies, resulting in cars blocking traffic and road congestion.” The article cites illegal parking fine violation in the country: https://ltoportal.ph/illegal-parking-fine-violation/#Illegal_Parking_ Laws_in_the_Philippines_That_You_Must_Know. PHOTO BY NONOY LACZA

House Resolutions on amnesty for insurgents being hastened By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE House of Representatives is poised to expedite the approval of resolutions aligned with the proclamations by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. giving amnesty to insurgents before lawmakers break for the Christmas holidays on December 13. On Wednesday, House leaders filed House Concurrent Resolutions 19, 20, 21 and 22, concurring with the amnesty proclamations that Marcos issued. These resolutions were referred to the House Committee on Justice for deliberation. “We will act with dispatch on these concurrent resolutions, and we will strive to approve them before our Christmas break so that rebels who sincerely desire to return to the fold of law and lead normal lives, along with the members of their family and our nation in general, could enjoy the blessings of peace as soon as possible,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said last Thursday. “The timely adoption of these concurrent resolutions is attuned to the spirit of hope, peace, and joy that the Christmas season brings,” added Romualdez. Marcos’s amnesty proclamations will come into effect upon the concurrence of a majority of all members of Congress. The Amnesty Commission is tasked with issuing the implementing rules and regulations for the amnesty program within 15 days of the proclamation’s effectivity.

Sen. Bong Go visits Candijay, Bohol, for town’s Founding Anniversary ENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited Candijay, Bohol on Wednesday, November 29 to celebrate the town’s 169th Founding Anniversary. The event was attended by Congresswoman Alexie Tutor, Mayor Thamar Olaivar, Vice Mayor Christopher Tutor, as well as mayors and other officials of nearby municipalities. In his speech, Go acknowledged the rich history and cultural heritage of Candijay, praising the resilience and unity of its people throughout the years. He commended the progress the town has made and expressed his optimism for its future. The senator went on to emphasize his commitment to support the development of Candijay and the entire province of Bohol. He emphasized the need to bring public services closer to the communities to achieve a more inclusive development. “Marami pa po akong gustong maitulong, tulad ng mga infrastructure at healthcare services sa inyong komunidad. Kahit noon pa man, tumutulong na ako sa Bohol. Suportado ko ang mga Boholanos. Sa panahon ng sunog, sa panahon ng

foreign service posts in China have issued 1,739 e-Visas. Last week, Remulla said he would recommend to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the DFA would no longer handle the visa issuance of Chinese nationals. Instead, a third-party company, VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd., handle the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals. Indirectly commenting on Remulla’s criticisms, the DFA stated that it should be the one to issue visas to foreigners as provided in international and domestic laws. Part of its mandate is to conduct a “thorough assessment of documentary requirements” and hold personal interviews of visa applicants.

Surge in sex offenders trying to enter PHL alarms BI chief

them from Australia.” He also noted that the ships even come with a guarantee that repairs would be done in the shipyard in Cebu. At the same time, Senator Sonny Angara called for the reevaluation of government policies that will help level the playing field for local arms/ defense firms opening manufacturing plants in the country. Angara aired the call during the plenary interpellation on SB 2455.

Time to reevaluate

him for making time to personally celebrate with Boholanos in the said festivities, saying, “Una, malaki ang ating kasiyahan dahil nandito ang ating senador ngayon. Ang ating Mr. Malasakit ng Pilipinas, hindi lang sa Senado, hindi lang sa Kongreso, kundi sa buong Pilipinas. The only Mr. Malasakit, Senator Bong Go.” “Marami ang nagmahal sayo, Mr. Malasakit. Maraming salamat talaga, Mr. Malasakit…We will always be appreciative and be grateful of all the things that we have,” she added. In line with his advocacy to bring government services closer to Filipinos, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, supported the construction of Super Health Centers nationwide which are strategically designed for delivering primary care, offering consultations, and enhancing the early detection of diseases in the grassroots. The Super Health Center is an improved version of a polyclinic that offers basic health ser vices, such as database

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Friday, December 1, 2023

DA chief: Rice self-sufficiency goal still doable By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

he new chief of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the country’s ever-elusive dream of rice self-sufficiency remains attainable. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Thursday said the “dream of being rice sufficient is achievable.” Laurel said the rice self-sufficiency goal will be attained through the help of science and technology as well as “harmonious working relationship” with other agencies and stakeholders.

“We just have to focus our efforts and synchronize with each other in implementing our rice programs with all agencies, local government units, and stakeholders,” he told rice experts and scientists from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in the Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija recently.

A farmer in Central Luzon plants rice in this BusinessMirror file photo.

“The dream of being rice sufficient is achievable. We just have to work in harmony,” he added.

Laurel said he would not have agreed to join the Cabinet and accept the agriculture portfolio,

UK, Manila aim to simplify G2G deals for large procurements By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

he United Kingdom government is in the process of working with Manila to facilitate agreements on trade particularly on simplifying arrangements for large procurements, according to British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils. “We’re in the process of working with the government to develop an MOU [memorandum of understanding] to facilitate G2G [government-to-government] agreements on trade,” Beaufils told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine-British Meat Trade Mission organized by the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) on Thursday in Makati City. “It’s about how we could simplify our G2G arrangements for big procurements,” the UK ambassador added.

Beaufils said, however, that they are still “at the beginning of the process” so she can’t go into too much detail. Asked if this G2G agreement will cover discussions on further lowering tariffs, the UK ambassador said the tariff discussions will fall under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The DCTS lowers or removes tariffs on more than 150 products. Its coverage extends to the country’s agricultural products such as tomatoes, milk and cream, cheese, grains, tropical fruits, and animal and vegetable oils. Meanwhile, BCCP Executive Director Chris Nelson said the Philippines is the second largest market after China in terms of British meat exports. “Last 2022 is a particularly strong year. I mean, supply grew by over 50 percent,” Nelson said, adding that this year is “less so”

which he said can be attributed to worldwide challenges. “So think this year will be lower than last year,” he said. But the BCCP official expressed optimism that British exports to the Philippines will see a “strong rebound” in 2024 but the recovery will “probably” be felt towards the latter half of next year. “It won’t happen probably in the initial part of the year but further on. And I think overall, what we’re seeing here is the fact that while we’ve started this to address obviously, the shortage of the supply, which was driven primarily because of the [African swine fever], which of course affected the local hog population. We’re looking here to establish long-term relations,” Nelson said. He said pork is still “the most promising product” among British goods being exported to the Philippines because pork is an

important part of the Filipinos’ diet. According to the UK government’s website, total trade in goods and services which is the sum of exports and imports between the UK and Philippines was £2.9 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2023, an increase of 32 percent from the same period in 2022. Of the £2.9 billion, UK exports to Philippines amounted to £1.3 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2023, a 31.3 percent increase from the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, UK imports from Philippines amounted to £1.6 billion, a 32.5 percent increase from the same period a year ago. T he UK Trade and Investment factsheet also noted that Philippines was the UK’s 59th largest trading partner during the period.

DAR, Bangsamoro govt seal agrarian reform pact By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

he Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Bangsamoro government

have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost the implementation of agrarian reform in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The MOA was signed by Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III for DAR, and Ahod B. Ebrahim for BARMM last November 28, putting in place the policy framework. This, they said, is an important milestone as BARMM established a partnership with the DAR for the first time since the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law in 1988. DAR said there are 103,344.58 hectares of land available for distribution in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and in Special Geographic Areas, 65,379 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), 280 ARB organizations, and 110 agrarian reform communities in BARMM. Under the DAR’s partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (Mafar), Estrella will work in close coordination with the Bangsamoro government to implement the agency’s main programs including land distribution, agrarian justice

delivery, and provision of support services. Anticipating the Presidential Agrarian Reform Committee convention this 2024, the DAR chief plans to secure additional funding for support services in the Bangsamoro region, promising more infrastructure projects, farm machinery and equipment, and agricultural inputs for the people. “We will also provide new agricultural technologies and introduce more modern and scientific ways of farming to BARMM’s farmer-beneficiaries,” Estrella said in a statement. BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim envisions the MOU a s t he “cor ne r stone” of t he Bangsamoro region’s agrarian reform program. OM A Undersecretar y A mihilda J. Sangcopan said the MOU is “a testament to Estrella’s commitment to bring DAR closer to the people of Mindanao and to BARMM.”

if he “did not see any hope in the agriculture sector.” He reiterated one of President Marcos Jr.’s marching orders for him, which is to increase domestic rice production. Laurel said the DA, under his term, would embark on a “massive” modernization program that seeks to improve rice milling recovery from the current 62 percent and reduce post-harvest losses. Last month, the BusinessMirror broke the stor y that the countr y’s self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) in rice fell to 77 percent in 2022, the lowest in more than two decades, as the country remained as one of the world ’s largest importers of the staple. Latest data released by the

Phi lippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the country’s rice SSR last year was lower than the 81.5 percent level recorded in 2021. (Related story: https:// businessmirror.com. ph/2023/10/10/rice-sufficiency-level-falls-to-24-year-low/) Historical PSA data showed that last year’s rice SSR was the lowest in 24 years or since 1998, when it settled at 72.1 percent. This is the third time, since 1988, that the country’s rice SSR was below 80 percent. Earlier, Agriculture Undersecretary for Industry Rice Development Leocadio S. Sebastian said the DA is targeting to achieve a rice self-sufficiency level of about 85 percent to 87 percent this year.

‘Division of Meralco franchise area won’t solve power woes’ By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

l aw m a k e r o n Thursday lambasted proposa ls to brea k Me r a lco’s f r a nc h i se a re a into three parts, saying Congress should instead focus on addressing consumers’ power woes. As a member of the House Committees on Energy and Economic Affairs, Cagayan de Oro 2nd Distr ict Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez said individuals and groups advocating for consumers should prioritize crafting tangible solut ions for h igh power rates and service reliability, extending beyond Meralco’s service areas. “As representatives of the Filipino people, it is our responsibility to enlighten the public about what is really happening and not cause confusion by bringing up proposals that have not been carefully studied,” he said. He clarified that he has no qualms about scrutinizing the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of Meralco and other power distributors, as this could effectively address the long-standing problem of the absence of rate resets for many regulated entities. “But if WACC is the problem, isn’t the logical solution to review the WACC and have the regulator complete the rate reset process?” Rodriguez questioned. The lawmaker challenged those suggesting the division of Meralco’s franchise, urging them to identify who will bear the significant responsibility of ensuring a constant

and adequate power supply to support not only households but also the nation’s growing economy. “These calls happen even before Meralco’s franchise expires, so clearly there are interests playing around here. But the interest that we should be focusing on is that of the Filipino people,” he added. He also pointed out misinformation emanating from different groups, like those that claim Meralco controls Calabarzon, when it can easily be verified that the service area only covers part of the region. C a l a ba r z on re m a i n s a growth area, and many investors are locating in the region, which is precisely why it is crucial that there is a sufficient, reliable, and affordable power supply, said the solon. “This is just an example of a region that benefits from economies of scale. It gives competitive utilities the advantage of securing better offers from power suppliers, which are pass-through costs that directly impact consumers,” Rodriguez said. “There is also the benefit of capital-heavy investments that should improve service delivered to consumers. The sad reality is that not all electricity distributors have the resources to invest, and we should not punish those that could,” he added. The lawmaker said there is not hing w rong w it h pointing out problems, but “these should be based on carefully studied facts to come up with the appropriate solutions that best serve the consumers’ interests.”

Loss and Damage Fund tops PHL team agenda at COP28 Continued from A16

These include panel discussions on oceans and climate, minerals and climate, nature-based solutions, and innovative financing that needs to go into the work related to loss and damage and adaptation. The Philippines’s efforts on green shipping and supporting the reskilling and upskilling of seafarers and workers in the energy sector in relation to the transition to renewable energy have also been recognized.

Centered around the three major themes, Low Carbon Economic Development, Building Resilient Communities, and Protecting Biodiversity, the Philippine delegation will push for transformative climate governance, ramped-up efforts to decarbonize the global economy, and implementation of nature-based solutions consistent with the country’s priority agenda. The Marcos administration has committed to reducing the Philippines’ GHG emissions, aligning with global commitments under

the Paris Agreement. COP28 is part of the broader 2023 UN Climate Change Conferences— the world’s highest decision-making body on climate issues. The annual conference gathers world leaders, top-level government officials, technical experts, and other stakeholders to discuss and negotiate specific action plans to mitigate climate change risks, reduce GHG emissions, and address global warming. Aside from participating in the main meetings, selected national government agencies, development

partners, the private sector and civil society will be hosting over 30 panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities at the country’s pavilion as part of the conference’s Side Events. Themed “Together Today for Tomorrow,” these events are designed to connect and unite a diverse range of stakeholders focused on climate solutions, such as in data governance, nature, land use and oceans, disaster resilience, energy transition, transforming food systems, and climate financing.

News

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Friday, December 1, 2023

Marcos cancels trip to Dubai for COP28, cites ‘developments’ on 17 PHL seafarers By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

ONCERNED over the safety of 17 Filipino seafarers taken hostage in the Red Sea, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. cancelled his scheduled trip this week to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).

situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea, I have made the decision not to attend COP28 in Dubai tomorrow,” Marcos announced an hour before his scheduled flight. Malacañang has yet to elaborate on the new development concerning the Filipino seafarers as of press time. Instead, the President said he will convene a meeting to dispatch a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran to help the affected Filipino sailors. Iran is believed to be a key backer of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, which has been wracked by civil war. The Houthis boarded the Filipinos’ vessel, Galaxy Leader, which they apparently mistook as Israeli-owned. He gave assurances that his administration is “doing all it can to ensure the safety” of the affected seafarers. Marcos tasked Environment

Secretary Ma. Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga to lead the Philippine delegates at the COP28 “and articulate the country’s statement” on his behalf. During the event, the President was supposed to deliver a speech c a l l i n g on t he i nte r n at ion a l communit y to honor t heir commitments related to climate change, particularly financing. Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that a Houthi armed group in Yemen hijacked the cargo vessel, Galaxy Leader, in the Red Sea. Of the 25 crew members of the ship, 17 are Filipinos. DFA said the abducted Filipinos were safe and were able to talk to their families last week. It said it was coordinating with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and foreign governments to help secure the release of the affected sailors.

In his X account (formerly Twitter), the chief executive announced he will no longer push through with

his COP28 participation. “In light of impor tant de ve lopment s i n t he host age

Labor groups call for P750 wage hike on Bonifacio Day

DOJ: Bid to reimburse offloaded passengers might crimp BI work

By Patrick Miguel

SEVERAL labor groups used their protests on Thursday, Bonifacio Day, to call for a legislated wage increase by P750 on top of the current minimum wage, citing rising prices of goods. The groups justified the huge wage hike by noting workers’ income “remains stagnant amid rising prices,” keeping it way below the family living wage. “To reach the cost of living, we need to enact the P750 acrossthe-board wage increase into law and from there, we would proceed by discontinuing regional wage boards,” said President of the National Confederation of Labor Ernesto Arellano in Filipino. “No matter how many government agencies are admitting that their daily minimum wage of workers is lower than the family poverty income threshold, the regional wage boards are not giving enough these past two years,” he added. The highest regional minimum wage is at P610 for NCR. Other regions have also approved minimum wage hikes in the regions of Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, among others. Earlier in March, Rep. Arlene Brosas and various labor groups in the country filed House Bill 7568 at the House of Representatives, mandating private employers to pay workers an additional P750 daily wage. Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has proposed a leg i sl ate d P150 w a ge h i k e nationwide. According to the IBON Foundation, the family living wage as of September 2023 is P1,186 daily for a family of five. “Hindi po nakasasapat ’yung P150 kasi malayong malayo na talaga ’yon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga manggagawa [P150 is not enough because it is far from sustaining the needs of workers],” said Brosas in an October press briefing. Aside from the minimum wage hike, the labor groups also called for the abolition of “Endo” (for end-ofcontract) contractualization, upholding of the freedom of association, and other workers’ rights. The labor groups are composed of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), All Workers Unity, (AWU), Alliance of Genuine Labor Organizations (AGLO) and National Confederation of Labor (NCL).

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) said it would review the proposal in the Senate to include a special provision in the Bureau of Immigration’s 2024 budget that would allow reimbursements for incurred travel expenses of off-loaded passengers. DOJ spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano IV, in an interview with reporters, expressed concern that the proposal might have a chilling effect on the part of BI’s screening officers, Clavano said the reimbursement might also be subject to abuse by some unscrupulous passengers. “We really need to study the proposal. There are challenges of course that we see regarding the

reimbursement. This might be subject of abuse if people would learn about reimbursement scheme that they can avail of,” Clavano said. The DOJ, the BI and the InterAgency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), according to Clavano, would have to meet first and come up with their position on the proposal. “This might create a chilling effect. This reimbursement scheme might discourage our immigration officers to off load passengers even if they are vulnerable for trafficking,” Clavano said. Earlier,theDOJcameupwithstricter guidelines requiring all internationalbound Filipino passengers to undergo immigrationinspectionforassessment, clearance, and documentation in a bid to address human trafficking.

However, it eventually decided to suspend its implementation upon the prodding of the Senate. Severa l senators e x pressed apprehension that the stricter guidelines for departing Filipino passengers wou ld hamper t he people’s constitutionally guaranteed right to travel. The guidelines were issued by the Iacat amid criticisms from the public as some people claimed that they missed their flight due to lengthy questioning from immigration officers, who also asked them to present documents deemed unnecessary by passengers. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the implementation of the guidelines was suspended to address the concerns raised by senators and the public.

EU offers P18-M assistance to E. Visayas flood victims

PHOTO COURTESY OF ACCORD

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

THE European Union has offered to provide assistance worth €300,000 (over P18 million) to victims of flooding in Eastern Visayas since mid-November. “ This humanitarian aid will address the urgent needs of the

most affected families in some of the hardest-hit districts in the eastern region of Visayas,” the EU Delegation to Manila said in a statement. The combined effects of Shearline and Low Pressure Area killed at least two people and affected around 1.15 million Filipinos in Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas and Caraga regions,

according to the National Disaster Coordinating Council. Among the seven regions, the Eastern Visayas was hit most with 123 areas flooded. The amount of rain recorded in Catarman, Northern Samar on November 20 has reached 618 mm, above the 450 mm normal monthly average. This record surpasses tropical storm Ondoy’s 24-hour rainfall in 2012 which was 455 mm. The massive floods inundated rice fields and other agricultural products, the damage is estimated to be around P120 million. Floodwaters also contaminated natural water sources in the affected areas. “The floods have caused massive destruction that affects hundreds of thousands of people in the Philippines. “To help, the EU immediately channels funding to support our partners to scale up their efforts in delivering essential aid to the affected families,” Arlynn Aquino, who oversees the EU’s humanitarian programs in the Philippines, said. EU has humanitarian partners already on the ground delivering vital aid. This P18 million financial aid will support these partners in delivering food and livelihood support, clean water supplies, sanitation facilities and education, the EU delegation said. The European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department is providing the funding to the EU Delegation. It was also Eastern Visayas that was most badly hit when super typhoon Yolanda (international name Ha iyan) str uc k , a lso in November 10 years ago, killing thousands and f lattening communities with storm surges.

BusinessMirror

Friday, December 1, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

7 PRIME TECH, INC. 10/f Ewestpod, Eton Westend Square, Yakal St. Cor. Don Chino Roces Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati JEFRI WIJAYA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 1.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customers concerns.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to identify selling possibilities and evaluate customer needs. Actively seek out new sales opportunities through cold calling, networking and social media.

12.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With IT expertise. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

13.

LIU, CHENSHI Chinese Marketing Specialist 3.

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

14.

15.

WANG, WEI Chinese Marketing Specialist 4.

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

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

YE, TING Chinese Marketing Specialist 5.

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language is an advantage.

16.

CHEN, LIANGCHAO Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 6.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

CHENG, CHIEH-JUNG Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 7.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

CHANG, CHIA-WEN Warehouse Logistics Manager 8.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

WU, HONGDA Warehouse Logistics Manager 9.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts. Can develop Annual revenue and sales plans for assigned location. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills.

17.

10.

Brief Job Description: Communicates effectively with our customer base - buyers, merchants and internal customers. Take appropriate action to identify and help minimize the risk posed by fraud patterns and trends.

18.

11.

Brief Job Description: Communicates effectively with our customer basebuyers, merchants and internal customers, and take appropriate action to identify and help minimize the risk posed by fraud patterns and trends. Consistently achieves weekly productivity and quality standards.

DANG THI NGOC DIEM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. PHAM THI THAI NGUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

19.

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

JASWINDER SINGH Head Of Operations 20.

Brief Job Description: Manage budget, recruiting, interviewing and hiring of staff. Analyzing productivity data and optimizing staffing and production capacity.

ANTKIEWICZ, NATALIA JOANNA Human Resource Manager 21.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai languages, excellent interpersonal skills, and with the ability to communicate complex issues to internal and external customers. 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, City Of Parañaque

No.

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

Brief Job Description: Develop and maintain the HR Management Plan. Establish effective HR processes and reporting.

27.

22.

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation.

ERUAN Operations Analyst 23.

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation.

HIEW MIOW CHIEN Operations Analyst 24.

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation.

JEFRI Operations Analyst 25.

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation.

JHONI Operations Analyst 26.

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation.

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation, leads in the implementation of system/operations solutions.

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

WIHAIRI Operations Analyst 28.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese languages. EDDY SYAHPUTRA CHOU Operations Manager

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

29.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak read and write Chinese and Vietnamese languages.

30.

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

Basic Qualification: Extensive HR experience in the international dredging industry. Proven successful relevant experience of at least 5 years with an international project environment.

Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management, and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language.

31.

32.

STEGEMAN, JOERI Senior Dutch I.T. Consultant 33.

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

Brief Job Description: As a Dutch IT consultant, you are responsible for business development and relationship with Dutch clients to generate growth of existing and prospect accounts.

KANG, JUNZHE Administrative Officer/Interpreter 34.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management, and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management, and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management, and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management, and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management, and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 15 years of experience in managing IT business, and articulate in the Dutch language to manage the Dutch accounts and partners. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Brief Job Description: Prepare regular reports on activities and accomplishment of the company. Responsible for the day-to-day translation task.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin and English languages. Proficient in MS Office applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

COSMIC TECH NOLOGIES INCORPORATED 901 G, Apacible Cor. Leon Guinto Sts., Barangay 676, Paco, City Of Manila

KUANG, YAN Senior Technician 35.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for fault finding and documentation of errors including software applications.

LIANG, HUAN Senior Technician 36.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for fault finding and documentation of errors including software applications.

WU, HUILIN Senior Technician 37.

Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management, and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language.

CHINA INTERNATIONAL WATER AND ELECTRIC CORP. (BRANCH OFFICE) 5/f, Two E-com Mall Of Asia Complex Bldg., Harbor Drive St., District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation, monitor the efficacy of the department and improve operating processes for the company.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CHANZ I.T. BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC. ( CHANZ GLOBAL, WATER DELIVERY, PROPERTY ASIA, FILIPINO ART, ARTIMO, AGGREGO, HASHTREND, REF PHILIPPINES, RENOVATION.PH, RENOVATION, PABILI.PH AND PABILI ) Unit 1005 Center Point Bldg., Julia Vargas Ave. Cor. Garnet Road, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation, monitor the efficacy of the department and improve operating processes for the company.

LIM KOON WAH Operations Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Manage the Operations Management Department, review and analyze problems approve recommended solutions and impose its implementation.

KUAN SHI MON Operations Supervisor

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

Basic Qualification: Electrical Engineering graduate. With at least 10 years of work experience in telecom passive infra. Outstanding communication abilities.

Brief Job Description: Manage the Operations Management Department, review and analyze problems and approving recommended solutions and imposed its implementation.

TNG POH HENG Operations Manager

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese languages.

CASPO INCORPORATED 43/f, 45/f, 49/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

BOBBY SIMON Operations Analyst

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LOO SOON KEONG Operations Analyst

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese and Burmese languages.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Chinese language, excellent interpersonal skills, and with the ability to communicate complex issues to internal and external customers.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

BOSKALIS PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 3701, 3801 The Orient Square, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ARDOM TOWERGEN PHILIPPINES, INC. 20th Floor Picadilly Star Building, 27th Street Corner 4th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 NIPANPRASART, ORANIT Invest SPC-TSE [THA]

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

NGUYEN, THI KHANH TRA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

AMAZON OPERATION SERVICES PHILIPPINES INC. 4/f Unit 2c, One E-com Center Building Ocean Drive, Mall Of Asia Complex St., Barangay 76, Pasay City XIONG, JING Invest SPC - TSE [CHI]

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

NGUYEN VAN NGA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

LI, XIAORONG Chinese Customer Service Representative

LE THI NHA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language is an advantage.

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

LINI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

AM-PRO IMPORTS MARKETING CORP. 16e Residenza Suites, 429 Shaw Blvd., Addition Hills, City Of Mandaluyong Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language is an advantage.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HUANG, BING Chinese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

786 PRIME COMPUTER ELECTRONIC DEVICES TRADING INC. L14 & 16 B18 Unit K, Bf Resort Drive, Bf Resort Village, Talon Dos, City Of Las Piñas

TARIQ, WASAL Pakistani Sales Executive

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Responsible for fault finding and documentation of errors including software applications.

LIU, DONGSHENG Technician Supervisor 38.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for fault finding and documentation of errors including software applications.

Basic Qualification: Degree holder in electronics, preferably 10 years of experience in the similar field. Speaks and write fluently native language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree holder in electronics, preferably 10 years of experience in the similar field. Speaks and write fluently native language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree holder in electronics, preferably 10 years of experience in the similar field. Speaks and write fluently native language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree holder in electronics, preferably 10 years of experience in the similar field. Speaks and write fluently native language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

CRONYX INC. 6-12, 15-19/f Royal Peak Tower A, 485 Quirino Avenue, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHAI, JIANHE Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

39.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for many clerical tasks to ensure the staff can communicate. ZHAN, MINGWU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

40.

Brief Job Description: Assist with drafting business plans, sales, pitches, presentations, reference material and other documents as required. GAO, SHAOQIU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

41.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

HENDRI WIJAYA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 42.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

KANG, YONGJIE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 43.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

NGUYEN HAI YEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 44.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

NGUYEN TIEN DOAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 45.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

PAUL, SHOURAV Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 46.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

PHAM VAN CUONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 47.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

TALUKDER, RAJU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 48.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

TAN, KEQUAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 49.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

TANG KIE LING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 50.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

WANG, JIACHUAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 51.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

DUONG VAN HAO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 52.

53.

54.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

HOANG THI MY QUYEN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

HONG CONG LAI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

LY QUOC NGOC Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 55.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

LY VAN MINH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 56.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

No.

57.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. With strong organization and project management skills.

58.

59.

60.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

61.

62.

63.

64.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

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

71.

72.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale, and budget.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including resumes, applicant logs and education listing.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including resume’, applicant logs and employee forms.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including resumes, applicant logs and education listing.

ZHAO, XIAOFEI Chinese Speaking HR Associate Brief Job Description: Responding to HR-related queries within the company.

ESA SUSANTI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 73.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale, and budget.

TRUONG THI MINH THAM Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

JIN, YANG Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

TRAN VAN KHOI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

HUANG, YUJIE Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials

VONG QUOC HUNG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

TU MAI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

TRAN VAN TRUNG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

TRAN VAN NGO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

NONG THI LAI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

TRAN VAN HIEU Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale, and budget.

SUN, XIAOER Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

NONG VAN TAM Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

NGUYEN VAN DUNG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

NGUYEN CAO LOAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

NGUYEN THI TUONG VI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

KUAN CHEE YANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 74.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

UNG LY BINH Chinese Speaking Program Designer 75.

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends. Perform retouching and manipulation of images.

Friday, December 1, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION YUE, HONGWEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

76.

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

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

DOTW SHARED SERVICES INC. Citynet 1 Unit G-10, 183 Edsa, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

77.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

PAN, LINYE Customer Service Associate

BAI, AIYE Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 78.

79.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

80.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

KE, ZHENGJIE Chinese Speaking HR Associate Brief Job Description: Assisting with the distribution of training material.

BUI VIET THANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 91.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

ZHOU, ZHENGMIN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

NGUYEN, THI PHUONG THANH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients. DU, ZONGLI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases. NIE, JIAJUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

LIU, RULEI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

HOANG THI BAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

DUONG, THANH TUNG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

NONG, SHAOCONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/she will be assigned to.

LE, THI LAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Performs administrative duties related to the operations of the human resource and business services office. ZHANG, SHUO Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/she will be assigned to. DING, YUFENG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

CUI, XINGTAO Chinese Speaking Program Designer 92.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 8th/f & 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Process online booking. Confirm bookings from allotment and frames free sales.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese Mandarin and English languages (verbal and written).

DOAN, THI THUAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 93.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verifying, and deploying programs and system.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer-aided-design. Good verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

Friday, December 1, 2023

A6 A8

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION GAN JUN YANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

94.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

TU, KIEN LUAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 95.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verifying, and deploying programs and system.

VO THI THANH UYEN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 96.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions.

VU THANH LOAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 97.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer-aided-design. Good verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

98.

Brief Job Description: Base on clients SLA and business requirements, develop actionable KPIs, metrics, targets, and performance standards for all members of the operations team.

108.

LE THI BICH HAI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 109.

110.

99.

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

111.

100.

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

112.

CHEN, WANZHAN Mandarin Assistant Manager 101.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining overall management style that follows company best practices.

DENG, YUJUN Mandarin Assistant Manager 102.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining overall management style that follows company best practices.

ZHU, DONGHUA Mandarin Assistant Manager 103.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining overall management style that follows company best practices.

Basic Qualification: Excellent verbal and written communication both in English and Mandarin Chinese languages and strong public speaking skills.

104.

Brief Job Description: The agent upholds organizational and account performance standards. He/she is responsible for all customer related activities and expected to accomplish all required metrics as instructed by clients. He/she represents the company and the client at all levels of customer interaction.

113.

LY THI THUY Chinese Speaking Program Designer 114.

Basic Qualification: Excellent verbal and written communication both in English and Mandarin Chinese languages and strong public speaking skills.

115.

116.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent verbal and written communication both in English and Mandarin Chinese languages and strong public speaking skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in the English language.

105.

Brief Job Description: Maintains financial accounts by processing customer adjustments.

VONG NGOC ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 106.

Brief Job Description: Maintains financial accounts by processing customer adjustments.

117.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin deputy project manager will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long-term goals.

Basic Qualification: Critical thinking ability, strong solving problem capacity, and knowledge of business modelling and business visualization tools. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

No.

125.

126.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

127.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

128.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

129.

130.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MENG, LINGQI Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer Brief Job Description: Promoting certain financial products and services.

WANG, MENGQI Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer Brief Job Description: Promoting certain financial products and services.

Brief Job Description: Processing the payments and withdrawals of customers. Using computerized systems to access the details of customers.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a similar role and with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

CHEN, CHIA-HAO Technical Consultant 118.

Brief Job Description: Manage and repair the machineries imported from Taiwan. Monitor the operation of all machineries to make sure all things in perfect running conditions. CHIU, YUANZHEN Technical Consultant

131.

119.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage and repair the machineries imported from Taiwan. Monitor the operation of all machineries to make sure all things in perfect running conditions.

132.

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

120.

121.

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

122.

Basic Qualification: Critical thinking ability, strong solving problem capacity, and knowledge of business modelling and business visualization tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

124.

Brief Job Description: Provide service to customers when its necessary, and keep updated knowledge of account policies and product. HOANG, TIEN ANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion. KHONG ANH DUNG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

133.

Brief Job Description: Confirms customer’ language preferences as you assist them. LE THI NHUNG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion. LE, TUAN KIET Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

134.

Brief Job Description: Confirm customers’ language preferences as you assist them.

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

Brief Job Description: Receive and organize payments, and post payments in computer system. NGUYEN THI THUY TIEN Payment Specialist Brief Job Description: Deferring to management in instances of uncertainty.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage and grow a portfolio of audit clientele which include listed companies, publicly interest entities (PIEs), online and financial intermediaries, technology and gaming, SMEs among others.

Brief Job Description: Improving system efficiency by consulting with endusers and providing innovative solutions.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

BAI, JIAYUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 135.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

DANG TRUONG THIEN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 136.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

GUO, SHIZHEN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 137.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

LE, THI VAN ANH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 138.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

MAI, THI HANH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 139.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

MUI VAN CUONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 140.

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

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion.

ALEXANDER KONG BANG KAI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Vietnamese language speaking.

VU THI DUONG Customer Service Representative- Vietnamese Speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese language speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese language speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate in any 4-year course. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Vietnamese language speaking. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in the related position, and fluent in English and Korean hangul languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. CPA. With at least 3 years of relevant work experience in delivering audit and other assurances. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Vietnamese language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion.

WANG, CHAO Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Vietnamese language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion.

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese language speaking.

MACRO EXCEL CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 606 6/f Vicente Madrigal Bdg., 6793 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in a field like communication or marketing and several years of experience.

TRAN CONG TUAN ANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

RAKARATHNAM, CHITHRANI Audit Manager

KNW TECHNOLOGY INC. 103 Equinox Plaza, Sierra Madre, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong PHAM NGOC HUYNH HOA Account Coordinator

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

MAC’S DOING BUSINESS SUPPORT CORP. Unit 1803 18/f Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower, 2210 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a related field.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring call and mail histories.

CHOI, DONGHYEON Sales Representative

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a related field.

Basic Qualification: Vietnamese language speaking.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NGUYEN QUANG LINH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

NGUYEN THI THUY TIEN Payment Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

NGUYEN DINH TAM Customer Service Representative- Vietnamese Speaking

KEEN PEAK CORPORATION Unit 4e007002, 7/f East Tower, Four E-com Center, Mall Of Asia Complex, District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

123.

107.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

WU, XINGAN Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer

HUBEI SHUIZONG WATER RESOURCES AND HYDROPOWER CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. PHILIPPINES BRANCH OFFICE Unit 702 State Condo I, 186 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

LUO, WEI Mandarin Deputy Project Manager

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

INTERGENERATION PRIME HOLDING INC. 11/f Tower 1 The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor, Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

GAO SHOU TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 52/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

TANG BAO NHI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

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

FUSION BPO SERVICES PHILS. INC. Units 601-602 The Orient Square Bldg.,, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig ADAY KANDY PUTHIYAPURA, AZHAR HUSSAIN Call Center Agent - Telesales

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

LIU, YISHI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

FUJIAN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY 5, West Lawin, Phil-am, Quezon City

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

WOO DING QI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

NGUYEN THI GIANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, in any field, preferably business-related, and has a deep knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and its language.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Indonesian language.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

MA THANH LAC Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

EASYTECH SUPPORT INC. 9-11/f, 14/f Capella Bldg., Asean Drive Filinvest, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa LOBIN Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin General Manager shall provide customer service support to the organization by obtaining, analyzing and verifying the accuracy of information in a timely manner. Initiates and/or implements corrective action as needed in order to ensure that an excellent standard of service and a high level of customer satisfaction is maintained.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

INFOVINE INC. 8th, 9th, 10th/f Aspire Corporate Plaza Bldg., Macapagal Blvd. St., Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City 9/f Y Tower, Moa Complex, Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal, Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LUO, YONGXI Mandarin General Manager

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

E-GUARDIAN PHILIPPINES INC. Unit A & B 6/f Alphaland Southgate Mall, 2258 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Magallanes, City Of Makati MOROISHI, AYANA Operations Director

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

MYO MIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 141.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGO CHANH QUANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

142.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

NGUYEN THI BINH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 143.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

QIN, DONGHUI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 144.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

VAY TO MINH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 145.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

YU, HAILONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 146.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. TRINH CAM PHAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

147.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees and other departments. CHI NAM PHI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

148.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

DING, YAWU Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 149.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

NGUYEN QUANG DUNG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 150.

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends. Perform retouching and manipulation of images.

TRIEU THI BAO NGOC Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 151.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

WEN, JUN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 152.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

DENG, KUN Chinese Speaking HR Associate 153.

Brief Job Description: Responding to HR-related queries within the company.

NGUYEN TRONG MINH Chinese Speaking HR Associate 154.

Brief Job Description: Responding to HR-related queries within the company.

NGO THUC DE Chinese Speaking Program Designer 155.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, and technicians to deliver software solutions.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

No.

WEI, YI Chinese Customer Service 160.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

161.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

162.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

163.

164.

165.

156.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team. NGUYEN VAN THUY Chinese Speaking Program Designer

157.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions. SOE NAING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

158.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

159.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

HO WEY CHENG Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ZHAO XIN CHAN Myanmar Customer Service 166.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

167.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

168.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

169.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

170.

171.

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

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

NGUYEN, KIM LOAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and write in their native language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and write in their native language.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and write in their native language.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder.

Brief Job Description: Analyze data and procedures.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a related field.

173.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

XIAO, XIAO Multilingual Business Manager Brief Job Description: Oversees the activities of other workers. Hires, trains, and evaluates new employees.

178.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of construction. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

RUIJIE NETWORKS (PHILIPPINES) INC. Unit 902 9th Flr. Tower 1 High Street Corporate Plaza, 26th Street Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

LIU, YAOYAO Sales Representative Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing, obtaining, and selling products.

Basic Qualification: Can speak, read and write basic English language, and with at least 3-5 years of work experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Plan and coordinate administrative procedures and systems and devise ways to streamline processes. Recruit and train personnel and allocate responsibilities and office space.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Hindi and English languages. With working experience in the field of manufacturing and trading. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Thai and English languages. With working experience in the field of textile manufacturing and trading.

Brief Job Description: Gathers and analyzes information to identify new markets and customers, demand for products and services, and efficacy of existing marketing campaigns and strategies.

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

SUNIWAY GROUP OF COMPANIES INC. Liwasang Darangen Cor. Magdalena Jalandoni And Sen Gil Puyat Ave., Ext., Ccp Complex St. Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City LIU, BEIBEI Mandarin Business Development Specialist 179.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, with excellent communication skills and technical expertise.

Brief Job Description: Analyzing and expanding business operations toward sustained growth and monitoring revenue streams and identifying opportunities to increase profitability.

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

SUNTRUST RESORT HOLDINGS, INC. 26th Floor Alliance Global Tower, 36th Street Corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig FORDE, KEVIN JOSEPH Vice President For Table Games 180.

Brief Job Description: Direct and manage all functions performed within the Table Games operation to ensure high levels of employee engagement and guest service.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of leadership experience in a corporate casino operation. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

TOTAL CREST BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 26/f & 27/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in bilingual languages.

NGUYEN KHANH THANH Bilingual Sales And Marketing Officer 181.

Brief Job Description: Working with the sales team to develop targeted sales strategies.

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

VU THI CHA Bilingual Sales And Marketing Officer 182.

Brief Job Description: Working with the sales team to develop targeted sales strategies.

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

DUONG, THOI KHACH Foreign Marketing Operations Team Leader Brief Job Description: Analyze data, assess trends, and determine actions to optimize performance.

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

VERTEX DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1439 Adriatico Cor. Sta. Monica St., 072, Barangay 669, Ermita, City Of Manila

184.

LIU, JIAMING Chinese IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

VXI GLOBAL HOLDINGS B.V. (PHILIPPINES) Sm Cyberzone 2, Jupiter Cor. Zodiac Streets, Bel-air, City Of Makati

185.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous related experience in a similar capacity. Possesses strong business acumen and expertise on project management and design thinking.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and inquiries of clients, keeps records, transaction and inquiries details.

DINH, THI DIEU LINH Multilingual Marketing Manager

183.

YORIHIRO, YUKO Japan Desk Manager

Brief Job Description: Responsible for leading and managing the execution of business transformation initiatives, with a focus on its value realization and effectiveness of change management programs. Provides oversight on the per milestone achievement of the transformation roadmap and resolution to potential barriers.

177.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak, read and write basic English language, and with at least 3-5 years of work experience.

RANJIT KAUR Administration Manager

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

SCV TEXTILE TRADING, INC. Unit 27g 27/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

Brief Job Description: Analyze data and procedures.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the overall operation of the company.

176.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder.

INOUE, TAKURO General Manager And Resident Agent

175.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and write in their native language.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHANG, XIANHUI Sales Manager

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

MORIHARA, HIROYUKI Japan Desk Manager

THIN NU YEE Head, Project Management Office

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

PEPSI-COLA PRODUCTS PHILIPPINES, INC. 26th Flr., Filinvest Axis Tower Two Bldg., Northgate Cyberzone, Fcc, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

NGUYEN THANH LUAN Vietnamese Customer Service

No.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and write in their native language.

ORIENTAL CONSULTANTS GLOBAL CO., LTD. - PHILIPPINE BRANCH Unit 38-c, 38/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NIHONKEIEI (PHILIPPINES) INC. 5/f Liberty Bldg., 835 A. Arnaiz Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

NGUYEN THI HANG Vietnamese Customer Service

174. WANG, HAOTIAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

CARLOS, BENVINDO EUCLIDES GUENGA Customer Service Representative

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

172. NGUYEN PHU HUY Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

JEFRI ALEXANDER Indonesian Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

YANG, XIAOYUN Chinese Customer Service

ARLINE Indonesian Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th/f Sapphire Seaview Park, Pacific Avenue, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque Sky Garage Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Friday, December 1, 2023

MBAIHODJI, PARFAIT Mandarin Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

YANG MING SHIPPING PHILIPPINES, INC. Flr. No. 5th, Double Dragon Center West Bldg., 8 Meridian Dd Meridian Park Macapagal Ave. Cor Edsa Ext St., Barangay 76, Pasay City CHIN, PAO-HSUEH Vice President/Treasury 186.

Brief Job Description: Overall management of financial processes of the company.

Basic Qualification: Duly elected by the Board of Directors. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Nov 30, 2023

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on November 30, 2023, the position of WILLIAMS, TROY MICHAEL under the company ADVANCED BIOCATALYTICS PHILIPPINES INC., should have been read as PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER and not as published. Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

A10

BusinessMirror

Friday, December 1, 2023 Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Regional Office No. IV-A 4th Flr. Andenson Bldg. II, Brgy. Parian, Calamba City Telefax No.: (049) 545-7362

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

December 01, 2023 Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s:

ESTABLISHMENT DYSON ELECTRONICS PTE. LTD.-PHILIPPINE BRANCH Lot C3-13, Carmelray Industrial Park II, Km 54 National Highway, Punta, City of Calamba, Laguna

GOLDEN COAST VIEWPOINT INC. Bldg. 10, Island Cove POGO Hub, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION BURNIE, AARON LEE

Basic Qualification:

Lead Power Consultant

Degree in Electronics Engineering or a comparable discipline

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Lead the team of Power Electronics Engineers or project work package to develop and deliver integrated electronics solutions within project timelines

Salary Range:

KE, HAICHUAN

Basic Qualification:

Operations Manager

Must have proven experience as Operations Manager or similar job

Brief Job Description:

Basic Qualification:

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

DEISY

Basic Qualification:

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

HO, VAN TU

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

HOANG THI KIM CHUYEN

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Chinese Customer Service

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

LE, DANG QUAN

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

LY MY LOAN

Basic Qualification:

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

NGO THI NHU Y

Basic Qualification:

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

NGUYEN THI TAM

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

LI, BINGFENG

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

ZHANG, JIAN

Brief Job Description:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

NIU, WENBIN

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Brief Job Description:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

NGUYEN THANH LAM

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

NGUYEN BA HOA

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Php150,000 Php499,999

THEIN ZAW

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Ensure all operations are carried on in an appropriate and cost-effective way

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ANDI

Brief Job Description:

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION/S FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT/S (AEP/S)

NO.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

NGUYEN, DANG THONG

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

TheWorld

Friday, December 1, 2023 A11

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Gaza truce extended as talks over other Hamas captives get tougher By Melanie Lidman, Najib Jobain & Kareem Chehayeb

The Associated Press

ERUSALEM—Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to extend their cease-fire by another day, just minutes before it was set to expire. The truce in Gaza appeared increasingly tenuous, as most women and children held by the militants have already been released in swaps for Palestinian prisoners.

A WOMAN smiles as she is welcomed after being released from prison by Israel, in the West Bank town of Ramallah, early Thursday, November 30, 2023. International mediators on Wednesday worked to extend the truce in Gaza, encouraging Hamas militants to keep freeing hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and further relief from Israel’s air and ground offensive. AP/NASSER NASSER

As word of the extension came Thursday morning, gunmen opened f ire on people waiting for buses where a main highway from Tel Aviv enters Jerusalem, killing at least two people and wounding seven others, according to police and Israel ’s Magen Dav id Adom emergency service. Police said the two attackers were killed. It was unclear if the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant group or individuals acting on their own, or if it would have any impact on the truce in Gaza. International pressure has mounted for the cease-fire to continue as long as possible after nearly eight weeks of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign in Gaza that have killed thousands of Palestinians, uprooted three quarters of the population of 2.3 million and led to a humanitarian crisis. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel late Wednesday on his third trip to the region since the start of the war, and is expected to press for further extensions of the truce and the release of more hostages. Qatar, which has played a key role in mediating with Hamas, said the truce was being extended under the same terms as in the past, with Hamas releasing 10 Israeli hostages per day in exchange for Israel’s release of 30 Palestinian prisoners. The announcement followed a last-minute standoff, with Hamas saying Israel had rejected a proposed list that included seven living captives and the remains of three that the group said were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Israel later said Hamas submitted an improved list, paving the way for the extension. The talks appear to be growing tougher, with Hamas having already freed most of the women and children captured during the deadly October 7 attack on

Israel that triggered the war. The militants are expected to make greater demands in return for freeing men and soldiers. Israel says it will maintain the truce until Hamas stops releasing captives, at which point it will resume its offensive aimed at eliminating the group. With Israeli troops holding much of northern Gaza, a ground invasion south—where most of Gaza’s population is now concentrated—will likely bring an escalating cost in Palestinian lives and destruction. The Biden administration has told Israel that if it launches an offensive in the south, it must operate with far greater precision.

Increasingly tense hostage talks

THE plight of the captives and shock from Hamas’ October 7 attack in southern Israel have galvanized Israeli support for the war. But Netanyahu is under pressure to bring the hostages home and could find it difficult to resume the offensive if there’s a prospect of more releases. The initial truce, which began on Friday and had already been extended once, calls for the release of women and children. Israeli officials say Gaza militants still hold around 20 women, who would all be released in a few days if the swaps continue at the current rate. After that, keeping the truce going depends on tougher negotiations over the release of around 126 men Israel says are held captive, including several dozen soldiers. For men—and especially soldiers—Hamas is expected to push for comparable releases of Palestinian men or prominent detainees, a deal Israel may resist. So far, most Palestinians released have been teenagers accused of throwing stones and firebombs during confronta-

tions with Israeli forces. Several were women convicted by Israeli military courts of attempting to attack soldiers. Palestinians have celebrated the release of people they see as having resisted Israel’s decades-long military occupation of lands they want for a future state. An Israeli official involved in hostage negotiations said talks on a further extension for release of civilian males and soldiers were still preliminary, and that a deal would not be considered until all the women and children are out. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations were ongoing. With Wednesday’s releases, a total of 73 Israelis, including dual nationals, have been freed during the six-day truce, most of whom appear physically well but shaken. Another 24 hostages—23 Thais and one Filipino— have also been released. Before the cease-fire, Hamas released four hostages, and the Israeli army rescued one. Two others were found dead in Gaza. Hamas kidnapped some 240 people during the attack on southern Israel that began the war, including babies, children, women, soldiers, older adults and Thai farm laborers. It killed over 1,200 people in the October 7 attack, mostly civilians. Israel ’s bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza have killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, roughly two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The toll is likely much higher, as officials have only sporadically updated the count since November 11 due to the breakdown of services in the north. The ministry says thousands more people are missing and feared dead under the rubble. Israel says 77 of its soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. It claims to have killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence.

In Gaza, an anxious respite

FOR Palestinians in Gaza, the truce’s calm has been overwhelmed by the search for aid and by horror at the extent of destruction. In the north, residents described entire residential blocks as leveled in Gaza City and surrounding areas. The smell of decomposing bodies trapped under collapsed buildings fills the air, said Mohmmed Mattar, a 29-year-old resident of Gaza City who along with other volunteers searches for the dead under rubble or left in the streets. In the south, the truce has allowed more aid to be delivered from Egypt, up to 200 trucks a day. But aid officials say it is not enough, given that most now depend on outside aid. Overwhelmed UN-run shelters house over 1 million displaced people, with many sleeping outside in cold, rainy weather. At a distribution center in Rafah, large crowds line up daily for bags of flour but supplies run out quickly. “Every day, we come here … we spend money on transportation to get here, just to go home with nothing,” said one woman in line, Nawal Abu Namous. Jobain reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip and Chehayeb from Beirut. Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates contributed.

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Henry Kissinger, secretary of state under Presidents Nixon and Ford, dies at 100 By Nancy Benac

The Associated Press

ASHINGTON—Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, the diplomat with the thick glasses and gravelly voice who dominated foreign policy as the United States extricated itself from Vietnam and broke down barriers with China, died Wednesday, his consulting firm said. He was 100. With his gruff yet commanding presence and behind-the-scenes manipulation of power, Kissinger exerted uncommon influence on global affairs under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, earning both vilification and the Nobel Peace Prize. Decades later, his name still provoked impassioned debate over foreign policy landmarks long past. Kissinger’s power grew during the turmoil of Watergate, when the politically attuned diplomat assumed a role akin to co-president to the weakened Nixon. “ No doubt my va nit y was piqued,” Kissinger later wrote of his expanding influence. “But the dominant emotion was a premonition of catastrophe.” A Jew who fled Nazi Germany with his family in his teens, Kissinger in his later years cultivated

the reputation of respected statesman, giving speeches, offering advice to Republicans and Democrats alike and managing a global consulting business. He turned up in President Donald Trump’s White House on multiple occasions. But Nixon-era documents and tapes, as they trickled out over the years, brought revelations—many in Kissinger’s own words—that sometimes cast him in a harsh light. Never without his detractors, Kissinger after he left government was dogged by critics who argued that he should be called to account for his policies on Southeast Asia and support of repressive regimes in Latin America. For eight restless years—first as national security adviser, later as secretary of state, and for a time in the middle holding both

titles—Kissinger ranged across the breadth of major foreign policy issues. He conducted the first “shuttle diplomacy” in the quest for Middle East peace. He used secret channels to pursue ties between the United States and China, ending decades of isolation and mutual hostility. He initiated the Paris negotiations that ultimately provided a face-saving means—a “decent interval,” he called it—to get the United States out of a costly war in Vietnam. Two years later, Saigon fell to the communists. And he pursued a policy of detente with the Soviet Union that led to arms control agreements and raised the possibility that the tensions of the Cold War and its nuclear threat did not have to last forever. At age 99, he was still out on tour for his book on leadership. Asked in July 2022 interview with ABC whether he wished he could take back any of his decisions, Kissinger demurred, saying: “I’ve been thinking about these problems all my life. It’s my hobby as well as my occupation. And so the recommendations I made were the best of which I was then capable.” Even t hen, he h ad m i xed thoughts on Nixon’s record, saying “his foreign policy has held up and he was quite effective in domestic policy” while allowing that the disgraced president had “permitted himself to be involved in a number of steps that were inappropriate for a president.” As Kissinger turned 100 in May

2023, his son David wrote in The Washington Post that his father’s centenary “might have an air of inevitability for anyone familiar with his force of character and love of historical symbolism. Not only has he outlived most of his peers, eminent detractors and students, but he has also remained indefatigably active throughout his 90s.” Asked during a CBS interview in the leadup to his 100th birthday about those who view his conduct of foreign policy over the years as a kind of “criminality,” Kissinger was nothing but dismissive. “That’s a reflection of their ignorance,” Kissinger said. “It wasn’t conceived that way. It wasn’t conducted that way.” Kissinger continued his involvement in global affairs even in his last months. He met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing in July, as bilateral relations were at a low point. And 50 years after his shuttle diplomacy helped end the 1973 Mideast war, when Israel fended off a surprise attack from Egypt and Syria, Kissinger warned of the risks of that conflict repeating itself after Israel faced a surprise assault by Hamas on October 7. Tributes for Kissinger from prominent U.S. officials poured in immediately upon word of his death. Former President George W. Bush said the US “lost one of the most dependable and distinctive voices on foreign affairs” and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Kissinger was “endlessly generous with the

wisdom gained over the course of an extraordinary life.” Kissinger’s consulting firm said he died at his home in Connecticut. Kissinger was a practitioner of realpolitik—using diplomacy to achieve practical objectives rather than advance lofty ideals. Supporters said his pragmatic bent served US interests; critics saw a Machiavellian approach that ran counter to democratic ideals. He was castigated for authorizing telephone wiretaps of reporters and his own National Security Council staff to plug news leaks in Nixon’s White House. He was denounced on college campuses for the bombing and allied invasion of Cambodia in April 1970, intended to destroy North Vietnamese supply lines to communist forces in South Vietnam. That “incursion,” as Nixon and Kissinger called it, was blamed by some for contributing to Cambodia’s fall into the hands of Khmer Rouge insurgents who later slaughtered some 2 million Cambodians. Kissinger, for his part, made it his mission to debunk what he referred to in 2007 as a “prevalent myth”—that he and Nixon had settled in 1972 for peace terms that had been available in 1969 and thus had needlessly prolonged the Vietnam War at the cost of tens of thousands of American lives. He insisted that the only way to speed up the withdrawal would have been to agree to Hanoi’s demands that the US overthrow the South Vietnamese government and replace it with communist-dominated

leadership. Pudgy and messy, Kissinger incongruously acquired a reputation as a ladies’ man in the staid Nixon administration. Kissinger, who had divorced his first wife in 1964, called women “a diversion, a hobby.” Jill St. John was a frequent companion. But it turned out his real love interest was Nancy Maginnes, a researcher for Nelson Rockefeller whom he married in 1974. In a 1972 poll of Playboy Club Bunnies, the man dubbed “SuperK” by Newsweek finished first as “the man I would most like to go out on a date with.” Kissinger’s explanation: “Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.” Yet Kissinger was reviled by many Americans for his conduct of wartime diplomacy. He was still a lightning rod decades later: In 2015, an appearance by the 91-year-old Kissinger before the Senate Armed Services Committee was disrupted by protesters demanding his arrest for war crimes and calling out his actions in Southeast Asia, Chile and beyond. Heinz Alfred Kissinger was born in the Bavarian city of Fuerth on May 27, 1923, the son of a schoolteacher. His family left Nazi Germany in 1938 and settled in Manhattan, where Heinz changed his name to Henry. Kissinger had two children, Elizabeth and David, from his first marriage. The late AP Diplomatic Writer Barry Schweid contributed to this report.

Opec+ suppliers struggle to agree on cuts to oil production even as prices tumble By Courtney Bonnell & Josh Boak The Associated Press

ONDON—The Opec oil cartel led by Saudi Arabia and allied producers including Russia will try to agree Thursday on cuts to the amount of crude they send to the world, with prices having tumbled lately despite their efforts to prop them up. That’s been a good thing for US drivers, who have been able to fill their gas tanks for less money in recent months and whose costs at the pump can be sensitive to moves by the Opec+ coalition. But it’s bad news for Opec+ countries whose oil income props up their economies and who have faced setbacks in keeping prices up despite initial fears that the Israel-Hamas war could affect oil flows. Now, they are struggling to come to a consensus on production cuts, analysts say. The group postponed its meeting originally set for Sunday by four days, indicating that a new agreement will prove to be challenging, said Jorge Leon, senior vice president of oil market research for Rystad Energy. “Despite the challenges, we still expect Opec+ to reach an agreement to reduce production,” he said in an analyst note. That’s because “every member country acknowledges the need to reduce output to support prices into 2024.” The question is how to split it among the 23 member countries, some of whom already accepted lower production targets at the last Opec+ meeting in Vienna in June.

THE logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) is seen outside of Opec’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria on March 3, 2022. The Opec oil cartel led by Saudi Arabia and allied producers including Russia will try to agree Thursday, November 30, 2023, on cuts to the amount of crude they send to the world, with prices having tumbled lately despite their efforts to prop them up. AP/LISA LEUTNER

Another big question is whether Saudi Arabia and Russia will extend their additional voluntary cuts of 1 million barrels per day and 500,000 barrels per day, respectively, beyond this year into 2024. Russia wants more oil revenue as it faces Western sanctions but seeks to pour energy earnings into its war chest against Ukraine. The Saudis have to earn nearly $86 per barrel to meet their planned spending goals, according to the latest estimate from the International Monetary Fund. The Saudis are trying to fund an ambitious overhaul of the kingdom’s economy, reduce its dependence on oil and create jobs for a young population. But the international benchmark Brent crude has stayed in the low- to mid-$80 range in recent weeks, reflecting concerns

about oversupply in a weakening global economy, which could weigh on the thirst for oil for travel and industry. Early Thursday, Brent rose 8 cents to $82.96 a barrel, while US crude rose by 11 cents to $77.97 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Lower oil prices have allowed US gas prices to fall or stay steady since Sept. 19, AAA said. Gas is averaging just below $3.25 a gallon, the motor club said, down about 7% from a month ago. But that’s still higher than when President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, when prices were averaging about $2.40 a gallon. High inflation has been a political challenge for Biden going into the 2024 election, prompting him to say Monday that efforts to improve supply chains and reduce price pressures are a priority.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby declined to address the possibility of Opec+ reducing oil production. “The president is going to keep focusing, as he has been, on a healthy global market that’s properly balanced and that can continue to bring the price of gasoline down here in the United States,” Kirby told reporters at a briefing Monday. US oil production has hit records as Opec+ has cut back, with producers outside the group expected to keep leading global growth in oil supply next year, the International Energy Agency said in its November oil report. For instance, daily production in the US averaged 13 million barrels a day in August, an increase of more than 1 million barrels from a year ago, according to the latest monthly figures from the US Energy Information Administration. Now, the risk is growing that Saudi Arabia’s production cuts could reduce Opec’s influence over oil supplies as other countries boost their output. “The kingdom is balancing the desire to keep prices high by limiting supply with the knowledge that doing so will lead to a further drop in overall market share,” Leon said. Meanwhile, fears the conflict between Israel and Hamas might spread throughout the region, creating a shock to the oil market, have not materialized, with the IEA noting that “there has been no material impact on oil supply flows from the war.” Boak reported from Washington.

POPE Francis attends the weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. AP PHOTO/GREGORIO BORGIA

Pope Francis still has trouble breathing due to lung inflammation, Vatican says By Frances D’emilio The Associated Press

ATICAN CITY—Pope Francis is still having trouble breathing as a result of a lung inflammation that forced him to cancel his scheduled address at the UN climate conference in Dubai and to delegate the reading of his weekly catechesis lesson and other remarks to aides, the Vatican said Wednesday. Francis told his general audience Wednesday morning that he still didn’t feel well and that his voice was “not pretty.” He coughed and spoke in a whisper in the few remarks he did deliver at the end of the gathering. Francis, who turns 87 next month and had part of one lung removed as a young man, no longer has a fever and is in stable condition but continues to receive antibiotics, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in an update later Wednesday. “The lung inflammation associated with the respiratory difficulty remains,” he said. Francis came down with the flu late last week and canceled all his audiences Saturday for what he later revealed was a lung inflammation. The Vatican has said a CAT scan ruled out pneumonia, but Francis on Tuesday canceled his planned weekend trip to Dubai for the climate meeting after doctors recommended against it. The pontiff, who has made caring for the environment a priority of his papacy, wants in some way to participate in the discussions in Dubai, according to the Holy See. It was

unclear if Francis might read his address to the COP28 event by videoconference or take part in some other form. The Vatican said the pope had acquiesced to the doctors’ request “with great regret.” After asking an aide to read his catechism lesson, Francis did speak at the end of the audience to welcome the truce between Israel and Hamas. He said he hopes it continues “so that all the hostages are released and access necessary to permit humanitarian aid” to reach Gaza is provided. “They lack bread, water, the people are suffering,’’ Francis said. Francis also met with members of Celtic, a soccer team from Glasgow, Scotland, which has strong Catholic roots. “Excuse me, but with this cold, I cannot speak much, but I am better than yesterday,’’ Francis told team members. While he let a priest read his remarks, at the end, the pope praised the “beauty of playing together.” The pontiff, an avid soccer fan from Argentina, told the players that he would greet them one by one. And Francis seemed to enjoy a performance of visiting circus performers and posed for a group photo. “I want to say thanks for this moment of joy,’’ Francis said, adding that the circus expresses the human dimension of “simple joy,” and asking the audience to applaud. Francis was hospitalized earlier this year for three days for intravenous treatment with antibiotics of what the Vatican then said was bronchitis.

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Canada says Google will pay $74 million annually to Canadian news industry under new online law By Rob Gillies

The Associated Press

ORONTO—Canada’s government said Wednesday it reached a deal with Google for the company to contribute $100 million Canadian dollars annually to the country’s news industry to comply with a new Canadian law requiring tech companies to pay publishers for their content.

MEMBERS of Parliament and reporters listen as Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge speaks about a deal with Google on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, in the Foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa, Ontario. Pascale St-Onge said that Google will contribute $100 million Canadian (US$74 million)—indexed to inflation—in financial support annually for a wide range of news businesses across the country. ADRIAN WYLD/THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

The agreement removes a threat by Google to block the ability to search for Canadian news on Google in Canada. Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta already has been blocking Canadian news since earlier this year. “Google has agreed to properly

of Canadian heritage, said that Google will contribute $100 million Canadian ($74 million)—indexed to inflation—in financial support annually for a wide range of news businesses across the country. “It’s good for the news sector.

support journalists, including local journalism,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. “Unfortunately Meta continues to completely abdicate any responsibility towards democratic institutions.” Pascale St-Onge, the minister

If there is a better deal struck elsewhere in the world, Canada reserves the right to reopen the regulation,” St-Onge said at a news conference. “This shows that this legislation works. That it is equitable. And now it’s on Facebook to explain why they

are leaving their platform to disinformation and misinformation instead of sustaining our news system,” she said. Canada in late June passed the Online News Act to require tech giants to pay publishers for linking to or otherwise repurposing their content online. Meta responded to the law by blocking news content in Canada on its platforms. Google’s owner Alphabet previously had said it planned to do the same when the law takes effect in December. Meta has said the Online News Act “is based on the incorrect premise that Meta benefits unfairly from news content shared on our platforms, when the reverse is true.” Meta’s change means that people in Canada are not able to view or share news on Facebook and Instagram—including news articles, videos and audio posted by outlets inside or outside of Canada. Links posted by Canadian outlets are still visible in other countries. St-Onge has called Meta’s move

“irresponsible.” “With newsrooms cutting positions or closing entirely, the health of the Canadian news industry has never been more at risk,” she said in Wednesday’s statement. Kent Walker, president of global affairs at Google and Alphabet, thanked the minister in a statement and said Google would continue sending valuable traffic to Canadian publishers. Earlier this year, Canada’s government said it would stop advertising on Facebook and Instagram, in response to Meta’s stance. Meta has taken similar steps in the past. In 2021, it briefly blocked news from its platform in Australia after the country passed legislation that would compel tech companies to pay publishers for using their news stories. It later struck deals with Australian publishers. Trudeau said the deal is going to resonate around the world as countries deal with the same challenges that Canada’s media landscape is facing.

Ukraine sees no sign of Nato war fatigue even as fighting and weapons supplies stall By Lorne Cook & Matthew Lee The Associated Press

JAPANESE coast guard helicopter and patrol vessel conduct search and rescue operation in the waters where a US military Osprey aircraft crashed into off the coast of Yakushima Island, Kagoshima prefecture, southern Japan on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Japan plans to suspend its own Osprey flights after a US Air Force Osprey based in Japan crashed into waters off the southern coast during a training mission, officials said Thursday. KYODO NEWS VIA AP

Japan suspends own Osprey flights after a fatal US Air Force crash of the aircraft By Mari Yamaguchi & Tara Copp The Associated Press

OKYO—Japan suspended its own Osprey flights Thursday after a US Air Force Osprey based in Japan crashed into the sea during a training mission, officials said. Tokyo has also asked the US military to stop all Ospreys operating in Japan except for those searching for victims of the crash. A senior Defense Ministry official, Taro Yamato, told a parliamentary hearing that Japan plans to suspend flights of Ospreys for the time being. Ministry officials said a planned training flight Thursday at the Metabaru army camp in the Saga prefecture in southern Japan was canceled as part of a plan to ground all 14 Japanese-owned Ospreys deployed at Japan’s Ground SelfDefense Force bases. Japan also asked the US military to ground all Osprey flights except for the purpose of joining the ongoing search and rescue operations at the crash site until “their safety is confirmed,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokzu Matsuno told reporters. One US Osprey joined the rescue operation since the crash, Japanese defense officials said. The US Osprey crashed Wednesday off Japan’s southern coast, killing at least one of the eight crew members. The cause of the crash and the status of the seven others on board were not immediately known. The coast guard, as well as Japanese troops searched through the night, and on Thursday, the coast guard started using sonar to search underwater for the broken aircraft that might have sunk to the sea bottom. The Osprey is a hybrid aircraft that takes off and lands like a helicopter but can rotate its propellers forward and cruise much faster like an airplane during flight. Ospreys have had a number of crashes, including in Japan, where they are used at

US and Japanese military bases. In Okinawa, where about half of the 50,000 American troops are based, Gov. Denny Tamaki had said he would ask the US military to suspend all Osprey flights in Japan. Japanese coast guard spokesperson Kazuo Ogawa said the coast guard received an emergency call Wednesday afternoon from a fishing boat near the crash site off Yakushima, an island south of Kagoshima on the southern main island of Kyushu. Coast guard aircraft and patrol boats found one male crew member, who was later pronounced dead by a doctor, Ogawa said. They also found debris believed to be from the aircraft and an empty inflatable life raft about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) off the eastern coast of Yakushima, he said. Matsuno said Wednesday the Osprey disappeared from radar a few minutes before the coast guard received the emergency call. The aircraft requested an emergency landing at the Yakushima airport about five minutes before it was lost from radar, NHK public television and other news outlets reported. NHK quoted a Yakushima resident as saying he saw the aircraft turned upside down, with fire coming from one of its engines, and then an explosion before it fell to the sea. Defense Ministry officials on Thursday refused to confirm the sequence of events or witness account, citing discussions with the US side. US Air Force Special O perations Command said the CV-22B Osprey was from Yokota Air Base and assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing. Ogawa said the aircraft had departed from the US Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi prefecture and crashed on its way to Kadena Air Base on Okinawa. Copp reported from Washington.

RUSSELS—Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba insisted on Wednesday that Nato allies are showing no sign of war fatigue and remain committed to helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia and take back occupied territory. Speaking to The Associated Press, Kuleba also said that President Vladimir Putin is miscalculating if he sees any value in keeping his forces in Ukraine at least until presidential elections in the United States in a year’s time, which could usher in a new administration. “I heard a clear ‘no’ to any reference to fatigue, and I heard (a) clear ‘yes’ to increased support to Ukraine,” Kuleba said after meeting Nato counterparts in Brussels. He said that some allies had made fresh offers of support, but he declined to provide details. “They understand that in order for them to feel safe, in order for them not to end up in a situation where Nato’s soldiers will have to fight, Ukraine has to win in this war,” Kuleba said. More than 650 days into the war, fighting between Russia and Ukraine has bogged down, with neither able to make significant gains. Nato believes that Russia has suffered around 300,000 casualties, but officials decline to speculate about the toll on Ukraine. Nato as an organization does not provide military assistance to Ukraine, even though many members do on an individual basis and in groups. But supplying ammunition and equipment has become a challenge as national weapons stocks dwindle. And the rhetoric has shifted. Six weeks ago, top Nato officials and ministers praised the slow but incremental gains that Ukraine’s armed forces were making. This week, the country’s mere survival was being hailed as a victory. Still, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the allies are “determined to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, including to take back territory.” He said many Nato members want “to help Ukraine build a future force that can ensure deterrence, and ensure defense against aggression going forward.” Blinken said the only thing preventing an end to the war “is Vladimir Putin and the extent to which he believes that he can somehow outlast Ukraine, outlast his people,” and Putin’s refusal “to engage in any meaningful way in diplomacy or negotiations.”

UKRAINE’S Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, right, speaks during an interview at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Nato allies are showing no sign of war fatigue and remain committed to helping Ukraine not only defend itself against Russia but to take back occupied territory, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dymtro Kuleba told The Associated Press on Wednesday. AP/VIRGINIA MAYO

A senior US official said that most, if not all, Nato allies do not believe Putin will agree to any kind of deal with Ukraine until after the US election, and they approach their decisions on assistance to Ukraine with that in mind. This means not only military aid but also reconstruction assistance, economic support and help with reforms to get Ukraine on a more sustainable path to Nato membership, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. He offered no specifics. But Kuleba said that Putin is always holding out for something. “He always waits for elections in another country to take place and for the new government and new leadership to change the attitude,” Kuleba said, “and President Putin always failed, consistently failed, in his expectations.” He added: “There may be differences about the best ways to contain Russia, to deter Russia. But the understanding (at Nato) that Russia poses a threat is consensual, and I don’t see that changing.” The United States and European Union are struggling to provide enough funds to keep Ukraine’s war economy afloat. The money is being held up due to political infighting and convoluted decision-making. But Ukraine is mostly focused on winning the ultimate security guarantee— what Kuleba described as “the mother of all decisions”—joining Nato and opening EU membership talks. EU leaders will weigh that decision next month and the European Commission, which oversees the accession process, has said that talks should start soon, perhaps early in 2024. However, there is no consensus on allowing Ukraine to join Nato while the war continues.

Asked whether Ukraine intends to join both organizations with its occupied territories, including the Crimean Peninsula, Kuleba said that the whole country as it was internationally recognized in 1991 would be signing up. “Otherwise, what was it all for?” he said.

“We will win in the war. We will restore our territorial integrity.” The Nato meeting came a day after the wife of Ukraine’s military intelligence chief was diagnosed with heavy metals poisoning. Marianna Budanova, the wife of Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, was undergoing treatment. An official in the intelligence agency, known as GUR, said Wednesday that Budanova was poisoned with arsenic and mercury. The poisoning of several other GUR employees apart from Budanova was confirmed, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Kuleba said he had no firm information about who or what was behind it, but that “it makes sense to assume that it was an attempt on her life, because we know that Russia previously had tried to assassinate Budanov himself.” The Associated Press writer Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv contributed.

A14 Friday, December 1, 2023 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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editorial ‘AI can harm the integrity and ethics of journalism’

rtificial intelligence is becoming the single biggest paradigm shift in the 21st century. This powerful technology can perform various tasks, such as data analysis, image recognition, natural language processing, and more. AI can respond to questions and compose written content, including articles, social media posts, essays, and editorials. Newspapers around the world are experimenting on AI in generating articles for publication. Adherents say AI-generated news stories can be more accurate than human-written articles. This is because AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, and identify patterns and trends. From the Associated Press: “Sports Illustrated is the latest media company to see its reputation damaged by being less than forthcoming—if not outright dishonest—about who or what is writing its stories at the dawn of the artificial intelligence age. The once-powerful publication said it was firing a company that produced articles for its website written under the byline of authors who apparently don’t exist. But it denied a published report that stories themselves were written by an artificial intelligence tool.” The AP report said experiments with AI went awry at both the Gannett newspaper chain and the CNET technology website. Many companies are testing the new technology at a time when human workers fear it could cost jobs. But the process is fraught in journalism, which builds and markets its values-based products around the notions of truth and transparency. From The Washington Post: “When Internet sleuths discovered last week that CNET had quietly published dozens of feature articles generated entirely by artificial intelligence, the popular tech site acknowledged that it was true—but described the move as a mere experiment. Now, though, in a scenario familiar to any sci-fi fan, the experiment seems to have run amok: On Tuesday, CNET began appending lengthy correction notices to some of its AI-generated articles after Futurism, another tech site, called out the stories for containing some ‘very dumb errors.’ An automated article about compound interest, for example, incorrectly said a $10,000 deposit bearing 3 percent interest would earn $10,300 after the first year. Nope. Such a deposit would actually earn just $300.” With AI creating much controversy in journalism, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial Board was curious how Microsoft’s Bing Chat AI program would handle the command, “Write a newspaper editorial arguing that artificial intelligence should not be used in journalism.” The editors found that Bing Chat made lucid and persuasive arguments for keeping AI out of journalism. In the editorial, the chatbot argued that AI should not be used in journalism, and that human journalists should remain the primary source of news and information. “One of the main reasons why AI should not be used in journalism is that it can undermine the credibility and trustworthiness of news. AI can generate fake news, manipulate facts, and spread misinformation,” it said. “Moreover, AI can also create deepfakes, which are synthetic videos or images that can make people appear to say or do things that they never did. Deepfakes can be used to defame, blackmail, or influence public opinion,” the chatbot said. “Another reason why AI should not be used in journalism is that it can erode the values and principles of journalism. Journalism is not only about reporting facts, but also about providing context, analysis, interpretation, and commentary. Journalism is also about holding power accountable, exposing corruption, and advocating for social justice,” it argued. “AI cannot perform these functions, because it lacks human judgment, empathy, and ethics. AI cannot understand the nuances, implications, and consequences of the stories it produces. AI cannot distinguish between right and wrong, or between truth and falsehood. AI cannot respect the rights and dignity of the sources and subjects of its stories. AI cannot adhere to the codes of conduct and standards of professionalism that human journalists follow,” the chatbot said. “A third reason why AI should not be used in journalism is that it can threaten the livelihood and identity of human journalists, who are not only information providers, but also storytellers, educators, watchdogs, and influencers. Human journalists have a voice, a perspective, and a purpose. Human journalists have a passion, a curiosity, and creativity. AI cannot replicate these qualities,” the chatbot said. “In conclusion, I believe that AI should not be used in journalism, because it can harm the quality, integrity, and ethics of journalism. AI can also endanger the credibility, trustworthiness, and values of journalism,” the chatbot wrote in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial.

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The legacy of Maria Theresa Carlson

wenty-two years ago on November 23, a 38-year-old former beauty queen jumped from her condominium unit at the 23rd floor of Platinum 2000 in Greenhills, San Juan. Her suicide emboldened a coalition of women’s groups, Task Force Maria, to have Congress pass a law to protect women and children against domestic abuse. Two years later in 2004, Republic Act 9262 or the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act” was signed into law, thanks to Maria Theresa Carlson, whose life and tragic death stirred its enactment. Born to a Novo Ecijano mother and an American father, Carlson grew up in San Francisco. She returned to the Philippines when she was 16 to join a local beauty pageant. She was crowned Miss Young International Philippines, got product endorsements and eventually entered the entertainment industry where she enjoyed relative success by banking on her broken Tagalog. She was 19 when introduced to then 32-year-old Rodolfo Farinas, a newly elected mayor of Laoag City in

Ilocos Norte. Not only is Farinas politically powerful, he also comes from a wealthy family and is known for his sharp mind. He placed Number 8 in the 1978 bar exams. Power, name, connections, wealth, good looks and intelligence—Farinas had all of those to make Carlson fall for him. Carlson gave up show business after marrying Farinas and traded Manila life with Laoag abode where her husband got her involved in political campaigns. Being a celebrity made her a sure-fire crowd drawer. According to news accounts, Farinas called her “Whitey” during nerve-wracking and tiresome campaigns at a time when Carlson was supposed to be suffering much pain from scoliosis.

Allegations of abuse started to surface in 1988, a few years after she married Farinas. But it was in 1996 that things came to a head. PROBE, a popular TV show, interviewed her where she revealed details of the alleged abuses. The story gripped the country because of its shocking details, and the names of the victim and alleged perpetrator were familiar. Friends who watched the show and read the subsequent articles rooted for Carlson and admired her bravery to speak up. That bravery didn’t last long. A PEP article said that shortly after the PROBE interview, a TV program, “Magandang Gabi, Bayan” hosted by Noli de Castro showed Carlson recanting everything she said about Farinas who sat beside her. In that interview, Carlson blamed her insecurities for everything she said about Farinas: “Maybe because I am pregnant. I am not beautiful in his eyes. It is all motherhood and being a housewife.” (“Baka dahil buntis po ako. Hindi ako maganda sa kanya. Puro motherhood, puro housewife na lang”). Farinas slammed the PROBE Team for interfering with their marital problems and denied all the allegations of physical abuse made by Carlson. That exercise must have prompted Carlson not to trust and seek help from the media again. At the time of her death at the age of 38, she had six children, lost the allure of her former self, was overweight due to several pregnancies in quick succession and suffered from mental issues. She was living with a

maid in a condominium unit, while her husband and her children were in Laoag. She might have felt despair, with nowhere to go and no one to trust. There was no government protection to speak of and no mention in the media of professional help sought for her. The sheer terror of her situation must have caused all the shrieking in the middle of the night that her neighbors could hear, as published in an Inquirer News Service article in November 2001. She must have felt helpless, broken and demeaned that the only alternative she saw was to end it all. Such was the tragic life of Maria Theresa Carlson. Republic Act 9262, which covers physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence and economic abuse, has been in effect for 19 years. While it has not stopped domestic violence in the Philippines, it has raised awareness about it. A Rappler report in 2022 said that “17.5 percent of women have experienced any form of domestic violence” based on the National Demographic Health Survey. The Philippine National Police logged 5,333 cases of violence against women that same year. The article added that “two out of five women who experienced physical or sexual violence have never sought help to end the violence, or told anyone about it.” Much needs to be done to further prevent or stop domestic abuse cases in the country. Let’s hope that it does not take another Maria Theresa Carlson to make this happen.

Skyscraper-studded Dubai has flourished during regional crises. Could it benefit from hosting COP28? By Jon Gambrell The Associated Press

UBAI, United Arab Emirates—In a city known for its excesses, whether reaching toward the sky with the world’s tallest building or hard partying at its beach resorts and bars, Dubai has pulled off another record-breaking feat in the rolling dunes of its desert outskirts. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, named for the ruling sheikh of Dubai, stretches across some 122 square kilometers (47 square miles) and represents a pledge of billions of dollars by this city-state to reach its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. It’s a solar-paneled gamble in a city where casinos have yet to arrive—though it always seems to be betting big no matter the risk. Rising rapidly from a creek-bound pearling village to a city associated with international glamor, Dubai has

a long history of finding economic success amid the war-ravaged woes of the wider Middle East. Its ruling family likely views the upcoming United Nations COP28 climate talks as another such opportunity, though it carries the significant peril of becoming synonymous with a collapse in negotiations on limiting greenhouse emissions, or being overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. There’s a risk of reputational damage to the UAE if they fail to make any traction in the talks, particularly as they are a major oil producer, said Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a research fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute who has long studied the region. “There is also a risk that media and civil society coverage will focus critically on issues such as the UAE’s planned expansion of oil production capacity and depict the UAE as part of the problem rather than the solution in terms of climate politics,”

Ulrichsen added.

From mud walls to steel and glass

Given the futuristic skyline of downtown Dubai—and how it gleams at night as one side of the Burj Khalifa lights up with a massive 770-meter (2,525-foot) LED display—it can be easy to forget that the city only received its first electrical generator in 1952. Before that, only candles and kerosene lamps lit the night along its eponymous Dubai Creek, where the village first grew. Oil, first discovered offshore of Dubai in 1966, was never at the levels found in the sands and waters of Abu Dhabi, which would become the capital of the United Arab Emirates when the country formed in 1971. Dubai instead used the oil as seed money for massive infrastructure projects that seemed to strike at just the right moment as the UAE grew into a home for some 9.3 million people—only 10 percent of them Emirati and the rest foreign workers and their families.

The massive Jebel Ali Port, the US Navy’s busiest port of call outside of the United States, is the world’s largest human-made harbor. It opened in 1979, just ahead of the Iran-Iraq War. Many ships damaged in that conflict ended up dry-docking at Jebel Ali for repairs, bringing money to the area. That money also built the Dubai World Trade Center, which in 1979 stood out as the sole high-rise in a desert expansive. Today, it is dwarfed by all the towers that followed, fueled by a boom in the city’s real estate market that came with a 2002 decision to allow foreigners to own property. That decision came after the USled war in Afghanistan started, and just before the US led an invasion of Iraq. Dubai became a safe harbor for people with the means to flee the conflicts—as well as those needing to park tens of millions of dollars in suspected ill-gotten gains, once again leading to major investments. See “Skyscraper,” A15

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Entering words: Cursory notes on translating Tito Genova Valiente

annotations

have just finished translating a Bikol novel into English. Some hours ago, I stepped away from the world of Niles Jordan Breis, the multi-awarded writer. It felt, by way of the message I sent Breis, I had left a place I would never visit again, a time I shoud never be in any future.

Other translators with numerous and varied experiences need not announce such a terminus. They would be preparing to venture into another act of translating—another time, another deadline. But I was never the default translator in that group called Savage Mind. When Kristian Sendon Cordero handed me the novel Kalatraban sa Alkawaraan, I saw it as entrusting me with a map. That was all. I don’t think publishers hand out advice to translators. They should not in fact. They know that translators are, to quote a deadly, cheesy existentialist cliché, condemned to be free. Unwritten were other mundane and menial matters—that I would

Skyscraper . . . continued from A14

That has continued with Russia’s war on Ukraine, with Russian investors injecting cash into Dubai real estate projects. While benefiting during crises, the Emirates—a federation of seven sheikhdoms—waged a war on Yemen that saw its soldiers and allies criticized for indiscriminate strikes and abuses on the battlefield. The UAE also has ties to leaders who are viewed with great skepticism or, at the worst, targeted with financial sanctions in the West. They include Libyan military commander Khalifa Hifter and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces leader Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who wages a civil war in Sudan with forces the State Department says have committed “conflict-related sexual violence and killings.” “One of the likely goals of UAE’s hosting of COP28 is reputation laundering,” said Jodi Vittori, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace who has written extensively on Dubai being a money-laundering haven. “By hosting COP28, UAE can move the media headlines from their support for the murderous RSF in Sudan and facilitation of Russian sanctions busting to their supposed support of green causes.” In response to questions from The Associated Press about criticism over its foreign policy and other issues, the Emirati government said that “the UAE is deeply committed to human rights and building upon its steady progress in this field.” “As the host of COP28, the UAE will welcome constructive dialogue and continue to work with international partners and stakeholders to deliver impactful results,” the statement said. “Climate change is a global problem that demands a collective effort, and this significant, momentous event will be a conference of action.”

Going green while pumping more oil

Generators have powered Dubai’s growth for decades, first by noisy diesel units and later through natural gas plants that still provide the bulk of Dubai’s power for its skyscrapers and crucial desalination plants to provide water. The gas comes from both Abu Dhabi and nearby Qatar. But in recent years, Dubai has started to focus on renewable energy—despite a moment where it appeared it would launch a coalfired power plant before switching it to use natural gas instead as its hosting of COP28 loomed. The jewel of Dubai’s clean energy efforts is Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, some 50 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of

be paid for this travel, for the solace and empty moments spent looking at the laptop, wondering whether I had enough terms and labels that would allow me passage into that distant and complex past conjured by Breis. As I am, by training, an anthropologist, I immediately conceded to one approach to translation: this will be my anthropological fieldwork that, according to James Clifford in the paper, “On Ethnographic Allegory,” as both a scientific “laboratory” and a personal “rite of passage.” For Clifford, the two metaphors “capture nicely the discipline’s impossible attempt to fuse objective and subjective practices.” the city’s downtown. There, solar panels stretch far into the distance, taking in the rays in a country that sees, on average, 10 hours of sunlight 350 days a year. Towering over everything in the distance is the world’s tallest solar tower at some 260 meters (850 feet). It collects the light off of 70,000 reflectors to boil salt to run an electricity-generating turbine. In the sparse surroundings of the desert, where camels freely roam, the glowing tower appears otherworldly over the dunes. Dubai spent billions of dollars on the plant, which involves businesses from China, Saudi Arabia and other countries. By 2030, the city hopes to get 5 gigawatts of electricity from the plant, which could power some 1.3 million homes based on US averages. These days, peak demand in the citystate is nearly 10 gigawatts, according to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, its sole utility provider. Overall, the Emirates says it plans to be carbon neutral by 2050. While not specifically outlining plans to achieve the goal, projects like the solar park and Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear power plant, the first on the Arabian Peninsula, aim to make generating electricity a “green” endeavor. But reporting on these projects is difficult in the Emirates, where speech remains tightly controlled. Authorities have not responded to multiple requests for AP journalists to visit the solar plant. Requests to see the country’s four-reactor nuclear power plant have been pending for years. On top of all that, while the UAE pledges to zero out its own emissions, it’s also planning to ramp up oil production. A member of Opec, the UAE produces some 4 million barrels of crude oil a day. In the coming years, it aims to produce 5 million barrels a day, fuel that will be exported, used by other countries and contribute to climate change. Those plans have sparked criticism by activists ahead of COP28, with most aimed particularly at the upcoming talks’ president-designate, the oil company chief Sultan al-Jaber. “The UAE must end its greenwashing campaign, abandon its plans to dramatically increase state oil and gas production and rectify the profound conflict of interest created by” al-Jaber’s appointment, more than 200 groups said in a joint letter in September. Al-Jaber, who also has led billions of dollars in Emirati investments in renewable energy, has dismissed criticism from those who “just go on the attack without knowing anything, without knowing who we are.” AssociatedPressclimateandenvironmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

The objective approach was going to be provided by what I first considered as “an arsenal of vocabulary,” an idea that would not be fruitful in the long run, for that word “arsenal” delivers an image of a combatant, as if to translate was to wrestle with another world, instead of a negotiation, a reappropriation, even a resignation in the face of a construct that had no equivalent in the English language. Even this attitude that was commensurate to giving up became part of an academic exercise, an intellection necessary when imagination did not suffice anymore. The subjective approach to translation is the most common: we come into the deal of translating a work that is in one language into a piece that is now delivered by a different language, with the power that we can do whatever we can. We have been authorized to bring that world into worlds where new or alternative sets of comprehension are now available. Did it matter that I was a Bikolano translating a work of another Bikolano? Did understanding that culture comes first or were the cultures embedded in the words and moving them from that space into another space or spaces meant naturally and organically interpreting the

society from where they came from? Or, did that even matter? Fidelity to the field was the rule. In the world created by Niles Breis was a land that was bisected by a cliff that fell into the sea and hills climbed by rebels or those that did not follow the law of the land. Between those geographic extremes was a town peopled by child-savants and old temperamental women who could read faces like tarot cards. In the middle of the town was a kind of magic garden planted to taro, the delectation of the region turned into enchantment. The episodes turned violent some-

Friday, December 1, 2023 A15

times but always dreams entered the picture and a hazy atmosphere took over. The prose by turns became lyrical or matter-of-factly. I knew then and there that when I leave that place I would like to bring the memories of a place as the storyteller meant it to be—a time and space of languor, loss, recovery, remembering, and murderous resolutions. “These emotions should color my translation,” I told myself. As I proceeded, I began to realize a profusion of terrifically passionate, breathless prose. It was here that I opted to enjoy the process—to respond to the rush manufactured by the long-winded, complex sentences of Breis in Bikol. While in the original, there was a marked need for “asin,” translated as “and,” I took the liberty of using other coordinating conjunctions and marveling at the fact that the meanings and nuances were not affected by that intervention. In general, the sentences in Bikol are complex and compound and lengthy. I opted not to touch or edit them, allowing the circuitous ideas to surface and enabling the convoluted syntax (only from the perspective of the English grammar) to be celebrated. I only touched them when the apprehension of the ideas they

were carrying were difficult to get through. Is empathy with characters needed for the translation to be compelling? How do we understand corpses that do not rot and decay? How to embrace a person that is imagined and becomes real? How do we deal with a man whose palm yields the image of a taro leaf, which then gets transferred to a little boy’s palm? In the end, when the narrator visits to gaze at the incorruptible body of her friend, she remembers the instruction of another friend: Open the palm and blow on it. The wind that comes from you will enable the truth to come out. Of the four months I spent translating Niles Jordan Breis’s novel, a great part was opening my palm, when I was about to give up, and blowing on it to bring out the truth from behind the words. Kalatraban sa Alkawaraan was declared winner Ex Aequo in the first Premyo Valledor for Bikol Novel with Jerome Hipolito’s quasi-experimental romp of a confessional. Both are published by the Ateneo de Naga University Press. I was one of the jurors in this competition. E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Critique of Dr. Edsel Salvana’s presentation entitled ‘Excess deaths in 2021: A scientific explanation’ at the Committee of Public Order and Safety November 21, 2023 By Romeo F. Quijano, M.D.

N this presentation, Dr. Salvana presented himself as the “Leader of the Technical Advisory Group of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management Emerging Infectious Diseases [IATF]; Director and Professor, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, NIH, UP Manila; Professor of Medicine, UP Manila and Adjunct Professor for Global Health, University of Pittsburg.”

At the end of his presentation, Dr. Salvana concluded that: “1. Majority of the excess deaths in 2021 aside from Covid-19 is due to increased deaths due to chronic illnesses as a result of health system disruption (no clinic follow-up, outpatient services); trend started BEFORE the vaccination program. 2. Lockdown prevented a much worse situation that could have resulted in many times more deaths from Covid-19. 3. Vaccination prevented millions of deaths and allowed us to open up safely. 4. No evidence that widespread deaths were due to vaccines—only 9 deaths out of 78 million vaccinated were due to anaphylaxis. 5. Vaccination had NOTHING to do with excess deaths in 2021, no parallel increase in deaths in other countries that started vaccination program at the same time and had low Covid-19 cases; parallel increase locally is coincidental and started PRIOR to the vaccination program. 6. Deaths FELL after the vaccination program reached most of the population as seen during Omicron, with DECOUPLING due to vaccination. 7. Philippines did well compared to many rich countries due to decisive and early lockdown, vaccination campaign and boosting, and judicious use of masks and public health standards.” Given his presented credentials, and from the title of his presentation, Dr. Salvana was expected to give credible scientific rationale for his conclusions. There was none, whatsoever. All he could give are wild speculations, invalid inferences from erroneous modeling and biased, self-serving statements even surpassing the propaganda of his patrons in the pharmaceutical and vaccine industry. It must be noted that Dr. Salvana is laden with conflicts of interests, having served Big Pharma on several occasions in various capacities. He did not cite any credible data nor any verifiable scientific evidence supporting his main conclusion that “Vaccination had NOTHING to do with excess deaths in 2021.” On the other hand, several honest to goodness causality assessments, devoid of conflict of interest, reveal beyond reasonable doubt that the excess deaths in 2021 is largely due to the Covid-19 mass vaccination.

There were 265,493 excess deaths in 2021 compared to 2020 (879,429 total deaths 2021 – 613,936 total deaths 2020 = 265,493). There were no excess deaths in 2020. Excess deaths rose substantially from March 2021 and peaked in September 2021, practically in tandem with the Covid-19 mass vaccination. This excess deaths phenomenon is considered a “Black Swan” event, which comes rarely and only following a major disaster (ex. war, severe pandemic, severe earthquake, severe famine, financial collapse, nuclear disaster, etc). This could not be explained, however, by Covid-19 deaths during that period of the pandemic since there was only a total of 46,410 registered Covid-19 deaths during that time. Many deaths attributed to Covid-19, in fact, can also be attributed to Covid vaccines as the underlying cause since vaccination itself is known to disrupt the immune system and increase susceptibility to severe infections and other diseases. Besides, Covid infection typically took the ill and fragile who were expected to be part of the usual deaths (as observed in 2020, when there were 8,209 identified Covid deaths and 19,758 unidentified Covid deaths, yet, there was no excess deaths during that period (compared to historical average). Excess deaths could not be explained also by “increased deaths due to chronic illnesses as a result of health system disruption” as claimed by Dr. Salvana since “health system disruption” was already present in most of the year 2020 when strict lockdown and other unscientific restrictions were already imposed. The top 10 causes of deaths in 2020, including total Covid deaths (identified and unidentified) amounted to a total of 416,745 deaths, presumably contributing 67.9 percent to the total deaths in 2020 (416,745/613,936 x 100 = 67.9 percent), yet, there were no excess deaths (compared to historical average) during this time. On the other hand, the top 10 causes of deaths in 2021, including total Covid deaths (identified and unidentified) amount to a total of 509,495 deaths, contributing 57.9 percent of total deaths in 2021 (509,495/879,428 x 100 = 57.9 percent), much less proportionately compared to the year 2020, yet, during

this time, a staggering +43.2 percent excess deaths was recorded. Clearly, these chronic illnesses cannot explain the excess deaths in 2021. Additionally, increased deaths due to these chronic illnesses can also be attributed to the mass vaccinations because it is also known (with adequate scientific evidence) that the Covid vaccines can cause or worsen chronic illnesses or co-morbidities leading to premature death. Besides, Dr. Salvana’s mendacious explanation cannot possibly explain why there were increases in excess deaths in younger age groups with no co-morbidities or chronic illnesses, including sudden deaths in athletes and ostensibly healthy adults. On the contrary, these deaths can very well be explained by the known mechanisms of toxicity and overwhelming scientific evidence (including autopsy evi-

dence) of serious adverse effects and deaths due to the Covid-19 vaccines. Dr. Romeo F. Quijano is a retired Professor at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, UP Manila. 1. PhilsExcess Deaths in 2021-Overall 43.2 percent Excess Deaths_721 Excess Deaths per day https://supersally.substack.com/p/thephilippines-is-a-world-leader 2. Scientific Investigation in Post Pandemic Diseases https://www.academia.edu/108439526/ Scientific_Investigation_in_Post_Pandemic_Diseases 3. Causes of Deaths-PhilsJan- Dec 2020_ PSA https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deathsphilippines-preliminar y-januar y-december-2020-0 4. Leading cause of death Phils_2021_ CNN_PSA h t t p s: //w w w. c n n p h i l i p p i n e s . c o m / news/2022/3/29/PSA-top-causes-of-deathPH-2021.html

A16 Friday, December 1, 2023

IN MORE SOPHISTICATED Loss and Damage Fund tops SPIKE CYBER THREATS SEEN FOR ‘24 PHL team agenda at COP28 A By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

@jonlmayuga

HE Philippines looks forward to the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund for countries greatly affected by climate change as it ramps up proactive discussion and climate change solutions in the 28th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For the Philippines, as a nation highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, the establishment of such a Fund is extremely important, according to Enviroment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Gonzaga, head of the 150-strong Philippine delegation. “The Loss and Damage Fund is extremely important because

there are climate-related adverse impacts that are beyond our ability to finance,” said Loyzaga, noting that sea level rise and the massive destruction brought about by super typhoons that hit the country from Yolanda (Haiyan) to Odette (Rai) have crossed multiple regions, “so the cost of really trying to recoup and recover

from this is way beyond what we are able to afford as a country.” On Thursday, Loyzaga was designated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take the lead in this global climate meeting, as he announced a last-minute decision to cancel his trip to Dubai, citing latest developments in the case of 17 Filipino seafarers taken by Houthi rebels who boarded their oil tanker in the Red Sea. The Philippines will be working on seven major working streams during the 13-day COP28 meeting. The Loss and Damage Fund is meant to cover all the financing needed that cannot be addressed by adaptation finance, regular climate finance, or mitigation finance, Loyzaga said. Developed countries and other sources such as private sources therefore will be called upon to contribute to its operationalization in a timely and locally-driven manner. Loyzaga added the Philippines is at the point where it will need to do a thorough review of the country’s commitment to a 75-percent GHG emissions reduction. This represents the country’s ambition for GHG mitigation for the sectors

of agriculture, waste, industry, transport, and energy for the period 2020-2030. “I think it is extremely important for us to be heard by other countries because what we’re trying to do is really approach our climate resilience by twinning adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction. And that will involve the social, economic, environmental, and scientific efforts of our whole government,” she added. The Paris Agreement calls for keeping global warming in check by limiting temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C, and the reduction of GHG emissions by 45 percent by 2030, to reach net zero by 2050. Net zero means bringing down global GHG emissions to almost zero, while the residual or remaining GHG emission is captured or absorbed by, for example, the forests that sequester carbon dioxide, a major GHG. Meanwhile, Loyzaga said the Philippine participation in COP28 seeks to amplify calls for developed nations to fulfill their commitments to developing countries in the areas of climate finance, technology transfer, and capacitybuilding. “Moreover, our exposure internationally will open opportunities for access to financial and technical support that we need as a country vulnerable to climate change,” she said. In recognition of the country’s work on oceans and biodiversity, Loyzaga has been invited to speak at a number of side events. Continued on A4

S the digital landscape continues to evolve, Kaspersky’s latest projections indicate a notable upsurge in sophisticated cyber threats for the year 2024. Based on its latest report, Kasperky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) predicts a significant expansion in the capabilities of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actors, particularly in the realms of mobile, wearable, and smart device exploitation. “We will likely witness threat actors broadening their surveillance efforts, targeting various consumer devices through vulnerabilities and ‘silent’ exploit delivery methods, including zero-click attacks through messengers, one-click attacks via SMS or messaging apps, and network traffic interception. Protection of personal and corporate devices has become increasingly vital,” the Kaspersky report read. The report also draws attention to an imminent increase in the use of AI-powered techniques for spear phishing. These advanced methods are expected to enable attackers to create highly personalized and convincing fraudulent communications, posing an unprecedented challenge to cybersecurity measures. One of the most alarming predictions is the potential for new exploits on mobile and wearable devices, an area that has seen relatively less focus in the past. Kaspersky anticipates these devices to become key targets for APT actors, with sophisticated attack methods including zero-click and one-click exploits, and network traffic interception. Another key area that Kasperky noted would be vulnerable are appliance softwares, especially since this “sometimes receives limited research and delayed fixes, potentially paving the way for new, large-scale, and stealthy botnets capable of targeted attacks.” The landscape of cyber warfare is

also expected to change, with a surge in“state-sponsored cyberattacks”and hacktivism, fueled by geopolitical tensions. These attacks may range from data theft and encryption to more destructive aims like IT infrastructure sabotage. Kaspersky also predicts a growth in supply chain attacks and the emergence of hack-for-hire services. These developments could lead to more widespread and effective cyberattacks, leveraging vulnerabilities in software and hardware supply chains. “In 2023, the notable surge in the availability of AI tools didn’t elude the attention of advanced malicious actors engaged in extensive and highly sophisticated campaigns. However, we anticipate that upcoming trends go beyond AI implications, including new methods for conducting supply chain attacks, the emergence of hack-for-hire services, novel exploits for consumer devices, and more. Our goal is to provide defenders with advanced threat intelligence that stays ahead of the latest threat developments, enhancing their capacity to fend off cyberattacks more effectively,” Kaspersky Director for Global Research Igor Kuznetsov said. The year 2023 marked a significant escalation in cyber threats faced by the Philippines, highlighting vulnerabilities in its digital infrastructure. In April, a massive data breach compromised the personal information of millions of Filipinos. This incident exposed sensitive records from crucial institutions, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Likewise, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) suffered a severe Medusa ransomware attack. This incident, reported in October, affected around 13 million members. Furthermore, the country’s legislative institutions were not spared. Websites of the Senate and House were subjected to a series of cyber attacks. These incidents prompted legislative action, with resolutions filed to inquire into the attacks, aiming to bolster the nation’s digital defenses.

IATA flags risks as global air traffic hits 97% of prepandemic levels in Q3 By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

ing down in H2,” in the BusinessMirror, September 11, 2023.)

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

Supply chain issues need to be resolved

NTER NATIONAL passenger traffic continued to remain on a solid path to post-pandemic recovery, with airlines in the AsiaPacific region leading all regions in annual growth rates at the end of the third quarter. Latest data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed total passenger traffic in September 2023 increased by 30.1 percent to some 700 billion in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) from September 2022. “Globally, traffic is now at 97.3 percent of pre-Covid levels,” said the organization in a news statement. More airline seats are now available industry-wide, rising by some 29 percent in September 2023, yearon-year (YOY), recovering some 97 percent of prepandemic capacity. Passenger load factors (PLF) rose to about 83 percent, reflecting the same load factors in September 2019. The recovery was aided by the 28.3-percent YOY growth in domestic traffic, and the 31.2-percent YOY rise in international passenger traffic. Domestic traffic “hit a new high in the month of September, and exceeded the September 2019 level by 5 percent.” As for international traffic, “all markets saw double-digit percentage gains YOY,” and international RPKs reached 93.1 percent of September 2019 levels. “The third quarter of 2023 ended on a high note, with record domestic passenger demand for the month of September and continued strong international traffic,” said IATA Director GeneralWillie Walsh. IATA represents some 300 airlines comprising 83 percent of global air traffic.

Slowing passenger demand

DESPITE the apparent recovery of global traffic toward prepandemic levels, IATA data showed declining demand for domestic and international travel. “Over the past weeks, the decrease in passenger demand in China has been the main contributor to the global trend in domestic demand. The latest data suggest that total domestic passenger traffic growth could remain flat or decline as pent-up tourism in China cools down, impacting industry-wide and regional numbers,” said IATA. Domestic passenger demand in China surged 168.7 percent YOY, but the growth came from a low base in September 2022, when domestic travel restrictions were reintroduced in some Chinese provinces. The organization added, “International ticket sales steadily increased over the third quarter but now follow a similar downward trend as domestic sales. Despite the elevated risks posed by high consumer prices and a slowdown in China, air travel demand could remain reslient to these headwinds in the coming months.” Earlier, Oxford Economics predicted a slowdown in visitor arrivals in Asia from major markets, with pent-up demand running its course, although Chinese travelers may still provide some impetus for growth. (See, “Asian tourism recovery slow-

OF international passenger markets, airlines in the Asia-Pacific region recorded a 92.6-percent increase in traffic in September 2023, as capacity in terms of available seatkilometers climbed by 82.1 percent, and the PLF rose by 4.5 percentage points to 82.5 percent. September 2023 traffic climbed by 15.7 percent among European carriers versus September 2022, Middle East (+26.6 percent), North America (+18.9 percent), Latin America (+26.8 percent), and Africa (+28.1 percent). Carriers in North America, Latin America and the Middle East already reached their prepandemic traffic levels in September 2023, said IATA. “With the end of 2023 fast approaching, we can look back on a year of strong recovery in demand as passengers took full advantage of their freedom to travel. There is every reason to believe that this momentum can be maintained in the New Year, despite economic and political uncertainties in parts of the world. But we need the whole value chain to be ready,” said Walsh. “Supply chain issues in the aircraft manufacturing sector are unacceptable. They have held back the recovery and solutions must be found. The same holds true for infrastructure providers, particularly air navigation service providers. Equipment failures, staffing shortages and labor unrest made it impossible to deliver the flying experience our customers expect. A successful 2024 needs the whole value chain to be fully prepared to handle the demand that is coming,” he stressed.

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Friday, December 1, 2023

Areit to acquire commercial properties from Ayala Land

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

reit Inc., the real estate investment trust (REIT) of Ayala Corp., on Thursday said it will make its largest acquisition of prime commercial properties next year.

The company said it intends to acquire offices, shopping malls, and resorts from its sponsor, Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), worth some P23 billion. Areit said it will also include in its portfolio a P6.77-billion industrial land from Buendia Christiana Holdings Corp. (BCHC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACEN Corp. This will make Areit the “most diversified REIT” in the country, according to the company. The planned asset acquisition from Ayala Land involves its Makati flagship assets—Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, the property developer’s premium office tower located at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue and shopping malls Green-

belt 3 and 5; and Holiday Inn and Suites Makati at Ayala Center. It also includes Seda Ayala Center in Cebu. “We believe in the synergistic goals between ALI as Sponsor and Areit. ALI has infused a total of P59 billion in assets into Areit since its IPO in 2020. The inclusion of Ayala Tower Two and Greenbelt 3 and 5—some of ALI’s prime assets in Makati, is a testament to our continued commitment to Areit’s long-term growth,” Ayala Land President and CEO and Areit Chairman Anna Ma. Margarita B. Dy said. “We deliberately planned the acquisitions to have a healthy mix of malls, offices, hotels, and industrial properties, which broadens our port-

folio and mitigates concentration risk to a particular sector,” Carol T. Mills, Areit president and CEO, said. Ayala Land and its subsidiaries Greenhaven Property Ventures Inc. and Cebu Insular Hotel Co., Inc. will subscribe to 642.15 million Areit primary common shares in exchange for the Makati and Cebu properties valued at P21.8 billion at an exchange price of P34 per share, as validated by a third-party fairness opinion. Areit’s shares closed at P29.30 apiece on Thursday. The transaction will be subject to the approval of Areit’s shareholders in their special stockholders’ meeting in February 2024. In addition to the asset-share swap, Areit will also acquire Seda Lio in El Nido, Palawan, from Ayala Land unit Econorth Resort Ventures Inc. for P1.19 billion. The acquisition is expected to immediately contribute to Areit’s income within the first quarter next year. The acquisition from Buendia Christiana, meanwhile, involves its 276-hectare industrial land in Zambales, which will be leased by ACEN’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Giga Ace

NGCP project in Iloilo faces delay

he National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said Thursday it would not sacrifice the welfare of Iloilo residents over a proposal raised by the Iloilo Grain Complex Corp. (IGCC) involving the P3-billion Panay-Guimaras 138-kiloVolt (kV) interconnection project. “NGCP continues to reach out to IGCC for an expeditious and amicable settlement. The company, however, hesitates to move forward with the IGCC’s proposal which involves a reroute through a residential area directly traversing five households, as opposed to the open area traversed by the project’s current route covered by the writs of possession [WOP]. Any deviation in the established route may also affect adjacent towers and cause further delay to the completion of the project,” NGCP said. The project, which is vital to address the increasing load growth In Iloilo, may not meet the December 2024 target completion date after the Supreme Court (SC) earlier issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing the grid operator from carrying out one of the components crucial to its completion. The SC granted IGCC’s petition for Certiorari and Prohibition with Very Urgent Application for Temporary Restraining Order and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction. The TRO prevented NGCP from executing the WOP and all other related orders issued by the Iloilo Regional Trial Court Branch 33 dated December 12, 2022. Two tower sites fall under the property of IGCC and is considered crucial as this 1.7-kilometer transmission line will connect the proposed Iloilo Substation to the Ingore Cable Terminal Station which will serve as the connection point of the submarine cable to Guimaras Island. Considered one of NGCP’s priority projects, the Panay-Guimaras 138kV Interconnection is expected to improve power transmission in the area. It will address the increasing demand for power in Iloilo City, and provide greater transfer capacity to and from Guimaras Island, where renewable energy projects are being developed. On September 30, 2022, NGCP filed an expropriation case to acquire the IGCC property, which was granted by Iloilo RTC Branch 33 on November 3, 2022. A WOP was later issued on

December 12, 2022. The IGCC submitted a Motion for Reconsideration last January 18, which was denied by the

RTC. The IGCC then raised the RTC decision before the Supreme Court which then issued the TRO. Lenie Lectura

8 Inc., for its solar plant operations. It will provide Areit guaranteed rental income with annual escalations over the next 25 years. These planned infusions will bring Areit’s assets under management to P117 billion, its gross leasable building area to more than 1 million square meters, and its leased industrial land area to 286 hectares by 2024. The company said it will execute the deed of exchange with ALI, its subsidiaries, and BCHC and apply for its approval with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by March 2024. The new shares will be issued, and the income from the assets will accrue to AREIT upon approval. As in previous asset infusions, Areit will remain compliant with the minimum public float requirement as the sponsor will effect a block placement of its shares on or before the expected SEC approval within the second quarter of next year.

SMC’s Ramon Ang is on Forbes Asia list of philanthropists

amon S. Ang, president of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), made it to the Forbes magazine’s list of Asia Pacific’s 15 billionaire philanthropists, who have shown commitment and gave generous donations to causes close to their hearts. Forbes said Ang, a self-made billionaire, gave P500 million to build schools for underprivileged children in Manila. Ang announced the donation in September as he inaugurated a 39-classroom school in Tondo in Manila, where he grew up. “I strongly believe that empowering a wide range of Filipinos with education and skills is key to unlocking the country’s potential,” Ang told the magazine. “This includes not only the youth but also adults in less privileged areas who seek better jobs or want to start their own businesses.” Ang, who has an estimated net worth of $3.4 billion, was instru-

mental in the transformation of the country’s biggest beer maker and food manufacturer into a diversified conglomerate with interests in banking, energy, power utility and toll roads. Since 2020, Ang through his RSA Foundation has contributed over P150 million to scholarship grants and medical aid, the magazine said. San Miguel Foundation, meanwhile, spent over P1 billion to build five schools in the Metro Manila region, while donating P14.8 billion to support relief measures during the Covid-19 pandemic and earmarking another P3 billion to help clean up the city’s rivers. The list, which the magazine said was unranked, included billionaires from the region, some of which continue to endow their philanthropic foundations with significant amounts to carry on their missions. VG Cabuag

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, December 1, 2023

Meralco enjoins local gencos to take part in power auction

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

he Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has started the competitive selection process (CSP) for 1,200 megawatts (MW) of baseload requirement meant to meet the growing demand for electricity within its franchise area. This followed the Department of Energy’s (DOE) issuance of a Certificate of Conformity on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the 15-year Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) which will be effective once approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Through its Bids and Awards Committee for PSAs, Meralco called on

interested power generation companies to participate in the CSP, with the Submission of Expression of Interest due on December 11, 2023. The pre-bid conference is scheduled on December 18, 2023, while the Bid Submission Deadline is set on January 23, 2024. The TOR states that pursuant to the DOE’s advisory on the conduct

of CSP for power supply using indigenous natural gas as transition fuel, “power suppliers with natural-gas fired power plants are highly encouraged to participate in the Bidding.” It further provides that operations effective date for the initial 810 MW would be on December 26, 2023, while additional 200 MW and 190 MW would be effective by February 26 and March 26, 2024, respectively. This CSP, which was based on Meralco’s DOE-approved Power Supply Procurement Plan, is meant to meet the power distributor’s future capacity requirements, including the 1,000 MW supply that was covered by its PSAs with change in circumstance cases that are pending resolution. Last year, Meralco’s energy sales volumes increased by 6 percent to 48,916 gigawatt hours (GWh) from 46,073 GWh in 2021 brought about by the minimal restrictions in com-

mercial and social activities. Sales mix continued to shift towards the commercial segment, Meralco had reported. The company said in November that its core earnings will likely reach P37 billion by the end of 2023 and surpass last year’s P27.1 billion after the company ended the nine-month period with P30 billion. “As we approach the close of 2023, it might be appropriate to provide our guidance for our full year’s performance. In this regard, absent a Black Swan event, Meralco’s CCNI [consolidated core net income] for the full year is likely to land at P37 billion,” Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said. During the press briefing on the company’s financial and operating results for January to September, Meralco reported that its CCNI at end-September jumped by 53 percent from P19.6 billion in the same period last year.

‘Hike in biodiesel blend will boost D&L growth’

hemical manufacturer D&L Industries Inc. said the government’s plan to mandate the increase in coco-biodiesel blend to 3 percent presents “huge growth opportunities” for the company. In an interview, D&L President Alvin D. Lao said the increase would mean that demand would go up automatically by 50 percent. “So the effect on volume and margin, we expect that it will be substantial.” The Biodiesel Law was passed in 2006 and the mandated blend of B1 was imposed in 2007 then raised to B2 in 2009. The law mandated the use of only biodiesel using coconut oil as feed stock for the production of coco-

methyl ester (CME) or coco-biodiesel. “Everyone in the industry expected the planned increase to 5 percent to proceed as scheduled but the blend was frozen at 2 percent from 2009 until today. However, biodiesel manufacturers like us had already increased capacity in preparation for the B5 blend,” he said. “So, if you look at the biodiesel industry, we’re actually ready to provide even up to the 5 percent blend. What that means is the capacity to supply is the 5 percent blend, but the actual demand is only a 2 percent. So you have roughly 40 percent utilization,” he said. The government is reportedly planning to implement the increase

ACEN taps ₧20-B loan facility for RE projects

CEN Corp. has finalized a P20billion term loan facility with a bank that will partly finance the power firm’s renewable energy (RE) projects. “On November 29, 2023, the Company signed a term loan facility worth P20 billion,” ACEN said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. The company, how-

ever, did not identify the bank. When sought for more details, ACEN said the proceeds will be utilized for general corporate purposes, including investments in RE. The loan facility carries a 10-year term. Last March, ACEN said it will tap credit facilities worth up to P32 billion. “These are loan facilities we are arranging with various lenders, with no specific timing for use yet,” the company said. ACEN is targeting to reach 20 gigawatts (GW) of renewables capacity by 2030. It is also committed to transition the company’s generation portfolio to 100 percent renewable energy by 2025 and to become a net zero greenhouse gas emissions company by 2050. Lenie Lectura

in biodiesel blend to 3 percent or B3 by July next year and to increase this further by 1 percent per year until it reaches B5 by 2026. D&L, through its subsidiary Chemrez, is the biggest player in the biodiesel industry with a biodiesel

MUTUAL FUNDS

plant that produces consistently highquality CME. Benefits of a higher biodiesel blend include lower pollution, import substitution, value adding of coconut oil and mileage improvement. VG Cabuag November 30, 2023

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 204.69 -3.18% -2.61% -3.8% -1.1% -1.84% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.4042 2.73% 3.35% 0.34% 1.25% 4.46% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.8344 -4.52% -2.63% -5.94% -2.84% -2.77% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.6649 -3.37% -5.28% -5.69% n.a -4.92% First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a 0.6173 -8.03% -5.91% -5.43% n.a -4.83% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.5018 -4.61% -2.16% -2.77% -0.8% -3.19% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.6709 -6.1% -3.43% n.a n.a -4.31% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 83.1 8.9% -4.34% -5.97% n.a 10.34% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 41.6555 -5.32% -2.91% -3.09% n.a -3.55% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 434.53 -3.53% -3.05% -3.13% -1.01% -2.22% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.1576 -4.12% 0.68% -1.41% n.a -1.49% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 32.799 -3.1% -0.82% -1.99% 0.92% -1.49% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8393 -2.77% -1.85% n.a n.a -1.12% Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a 4.3796 -4.29% -1.99% -2.24% 0.62% -2.58% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 728.69 -4.38% -2.17% -2.31% 0.59% -2.7% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6615 -2.96% -2.29% -4.95% n.a -1.87% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.2553 -4.81% -2.66% -4.25% -1.12% -3.5% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8264 -4.72% -2.48% -2.63% n.a -2.99% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.0291 -4.16% -2.13% -2.57% -0.15% -2.09% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 1.0258 -4.57% n.a n.a n.a -2.88% COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,20.9939 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a 0.9887 -6.27% -1.81% n.a n.a -5.51% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 884.33 -4.51% n.a n.a n.a -2.77% Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c98.9176 -3.83% -1.83% -2% n.a -2.18% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.8153 -2.22% -11.29% -3.1% -1.74% -4.31% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.5898 8% -0.37% 6.18% n.a 11.64% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.4719 -1.57% -3.49% -2.2% -1.86% -0.86% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.1548 3.72% -1.08% -0.28% 0.07% 2.35% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.4506 -3.12% -1.72% -0.43% -1.15% -2.19% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1858 -5.3% -1.63% n.a n.a -3.98% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.8977 -1.23% -0.8% 0.72% 1.04% 0.57% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.4804 0.05% -2.22% -0.17% 0.19% 1.17% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 15.2458 -0.83% -2.9% -0.7% -0.15% 0.7% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 1.9938 -0.78% -1.05% -0.57% 0.79% 0.36% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.333 -0.4% -1.74% -1.76% -0.52% 0.1% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8784 -0.16% 0.31% -1.04% n.a -0.06% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.9288 1.35% -2.58% n.a n.a 1.49% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.8226 -2.05% -3.96% n.a n.a -1.56% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.8006 -3.24% -4.23% n.a n.a -2.66% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03212 0.03% -6.38% -1.61% -0.17% -0.86% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.8852 1.57% -7.63% -1.25% -1.3% 5.38% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.1037 4.32% -1.99% 3.56% 2.62% 6.7% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $0.9966 1.36% -4.45% 0.45% n.a 2.57% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 389.16 3.35% 1.71% 2.58% 2.13% 2.95% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9034 1.64% 0.1% 0.63% -0.07% 1.53% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.3201 3.05% 1.14% 2.33% 3.78% 3.47% Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.2642 4.66% -0.4% 1.26% 1.21% 3.61% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.4421 2.18% -0.09% 2.06% 1.09% 2.13% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.2496 2.24% -2.8% 1.73% 0.48% 2.65% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.3677 3.67% 1.29% 3.03% 1.73% 3.65% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9987 4.25% 0.18% 2.77% 1.25% 3.36% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.046 2.84% 0.31% 3.29% n.a 2.89% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2855 4.74% 1% 3.52% 1.82% 4.44% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7566 3.97% 0.24% 2.73% 1.24% 3.59% Corporate Debt Vehicle (units) ATRAM Unitized Corporate Debt Vehicle, Inc. -a,3 1.0023 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $491.87 2.78% 0.66% 1.93% 2.48% 2.45% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є212.3 1.4% -0.96% -0.01% 0.75% 1.25% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0194 0.25% -7.01% -1.91% -0.04% 0.99% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0243 2.1% -2.85% -0.41% n.a 2.53% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc. -b $0.8379 -2.59% -8.44% -3.93% -3.3% -6.9% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.2194 3.18% -4.23% 0.74% 1.56% 1.81% Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.0607871 1.87% -0.7% 1.32% 1.56% 1.82% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.6928 -1.16% -5.75% -1.24% 0.16% -1.05% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 136.47 2.53% 1.75% 2.54% 2.02% 2.42% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.1051 3.17% 1.82% n.a n.a 2.93% Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.372 2.73% 1.96% 2.46% 1.98% 2.51% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 104.18 4.01% n.a n.a n.a 3.69% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0936 2.37% 1.32% 1.51% n.a 2.28% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 42.0162 -5.07% n.a n.a n.a -1.56% Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.3991 8.45% 8.6% n.a n.a 13.55% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.9668 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.782 -2.85% -6.93% n.a n.a -1.01%

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PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

November 30, 2023

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

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

148,170 782,351,823 8,239 335,451,079 288,600 3,089,095 400,472,683.50 1,026,768 26,229 158,435 40,352,903.50 136,126,394 4,316,950 185,950 2,130 10,980 45,150 66,190 2,740,490

8,961,731 749 1,876,054 -24,390 -76,223 -154,878,081 -70,068 -48,435 -11,771,794.50 -4,716,232.50 -97,950.00 -45,930 2,700,000

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 4.79 4.8 4.7 4.84 4.65 4.8 11,785,000 56,100,180 ALSONS CONS 0.54 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.58 1,000 580 ALTERNERGY HLDG 0.72 0.74 0.74 0.75 0.73 0.74 3,540,000 2,613,190 ABOITIZ POWER 37.45 37.5 37.1 37.9 37.1 37.5 2,533,700 95,149,620 RASLAG 1.2 1.22 1.2 1.22 1.2 1.2 97,000 116,600 BASIC ENERGY 0.181 0.183 0.18 0.181 0.18 0.181 120,000 21,610 FIRST GEN 16.58 16.6 17 17.04 16.54 16.6 1,640,900 27,389,988 FIRST PHIL HLDG 61 61.9 61.5 62 61 61.9 11,060 676,966 MERALCO 360 362.8 374 375 360 360 748,910 270,519,984 MANILA WATER 17.96 18 18.2 18.3 17.82 18 964,000 17,401,438 PETRON 3.37 3.39 3.37 3.39 3.33 3.39 977,000 3,281,740 PETROENERGY 4.5 4.83 4.51 4.51 4.49 4.5 8,000 36,000 PHX PETROLEUM 4.92 5.2 4.77 5.2 4.77 5.2 17,400 89,879 REPOWER ENERGY 6.65 6.74 6.74 6.74 6.74 6.74 12,500 84,250 SYNERGY GRID 6.14 6.2 6.18 6.28 6 6.2 3,314,800 20,475,206 SHELL PILIPINAS 11.52 11.62 11.9 11.9 11.6 11.62 217,300 2,555,822 SPC POWER 7 7.19 7.36 7.36 6.85 7.19 238,600 1,683,031 AGRINURTURE 1.1 1.14 1.14 1.16 1.07 1.14 6,114,000 6,972,660 AXELUM 2 2.1 2.04 2.1 2 2.1 206,000 425,420 CENTURY FOOD 30.2 30.4 30.1 30.45 30.05 30.4 2,704,900 82,050,950 DEL MONTE 7.12 7.54 7.55 7.55 7.2 7.2 14,800 109,225 DNL INDUS 6.04 6.24 6.06 6.24 6.03 6.24 3,561,100 22,170,833 EMPERADOR 20.8 20.95 20.85 21 20.8 20.95 789,600 16,501,925 SMC FOODANDBEV 49 49.9 50 50 48.95 49.9 152,820 7,514,552.50 FIGARO COFFEE 0.62 0.63 0.61 0.63 0.61 0.63 826,000 510,470 FRUITAS HLDG 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.05 1.02 1.04 1,113,000 1,150,170 GINEBRA 167 167.5 167.5 167.5 167.4 167.5 1,490 249,565 JOLLIBEE 226.6 226.8 233.8 234.8 226.6 226.6 2,075,990 472,786,520 KEEPERS HLDG 1.45 1.48 1.49 1.49 1.46 1.49 141,000 206,910 MAXS GROUP 3.21 3.22 3.46 3.46 3.2 3.22 418,000 1,370,170 MONDE NISSIN 8.31 8.4 8.06 8.4 8.03 8.4 3,245,300 27,054,309 SHAKEYS PIZZA 9.31 9.34 9.31 9.31 9.31 9.31 160,100 1,490,531 ROXAS AND CO 0.47 0.495 0.49 0.495 0.465 0.49 240,000 113,500 RFM CORP 2.93 2.94 2.98 2.99 2.94 2.94 75,000 221,630 UNIV ROBINA 112.7 113 115 115 112.3 113 3,858,250 436,080,083 VICTORIAS 3.06 3.24 3.01 3.01 3.01 3.01 3,000 9,030 CEMEX HLDG 0.78 0.8 0.8 0.84 0.78 0.8 1,274,000 1,010,240 EC VULCAN CORP 0.76 0.78 0.8 0.8 0.77 0.78 3,017,000 2,341,090 EEI CORP 5.8 5.87 5.61 5.89 5.6 5.87 998,600 5,773,136 MEGAWIDE 3.05 3.12 3.05 3.05 3.02 3.05 267,000 811,240 PHINMA 20.05 20.1 20.3 20.3 20 20.1 102,000 2,059,000 CROWN ASIA 1.55 1.57 1.54 1.57 1.52 1.57 42,000 64,370 EUROMED 0.8 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.8 0.8 17,000 14,200 LMG CORP 2.03 2.74 3.23 3.23 3.23 3.23 1,000 3,230 MABUHAY VINYL 5.62 5.97 5.8 5.8 5.7 5.8 2,300 13,180 PRYCE CORP 5.19 5.21 5.3 5.3 5.19 5.21 236,300 1,229,377 CONCEPCION 13.94 14.48 14.44 14.48 13.88 14.48 1,100 15,780 GREENERGY 0.249 0.25 0.26 0.26 0.246 0.249 28,800,000 7,241,490 INTEGRATED MICR 3.41 3.48 3.41 3.48 3.41 3.48 2,000 6,890 IONICS 1.08 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.08 1.08 392,000 423,480 PANASONIC 4.76 4.94 4.94 4.94 4.94 4.94 3,000 14,820 SFA SEMICON 2 2.06 2.11 2.12 2 2 352,000 734,380 CIRTEK HLDG 1.67 1.68 1.69 1.69 1.68 1.68 62,000 104,240

6,814,730 -1,420,280 12,002,845 2,400 -12,666,028 -41,230.50 11,595,524 9,894,474 663,580 -75,920 12,730,225 -977,014 -1,175,966 -434,060 -10,500 -26,154,345 -22,620 4,365,323 7,535,660 -5,030,658 -87,360 16,740 -116,290,154 -148,000 -331,520 229,286 543,704 -147,820 -90,963,123 9,030 307,650 -2,316 261,460 -2,776 175,000 -81,200 -10,080

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ATN HLDG A COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS

45 133 7.2 103.3 30.2 8.25 49.95 18.4 52.1 22.1 69 55.5 1.38 2.61 0.6 962 0.365 168 1,892

1.02 661 46.8 9.8 11.04 0.38 4.49 9.2 5.1 542.5 3.21 38.45 4.6 0.405 4.34 8.84 2.73 2.9 819 107.5 96.2 0.25

45.95 133.5 7.49 103.4 30.4 8.49 50.35 18.44 54.25 22.95 70.5 56 1.41 2.68 0.72 1,098 0.38 170.5 2,700

1.03 664 47.55 9.9 11.2 0.39 4.58 9.4 5.2 546.5 3.49 38.5 5.45 0.46 4.4 8.85 2.77 3.9 825 108 99.5 0.26

44.9 133.1 7.49 102.7 30.4 8.31 50.75 18.46 55.85 22 69 57 1.38 2.7 0.71 1,098 0.365 169 2,698

1.03 662 47.85 10.06 11.36 0.38 4.56 9.29 5.2 547 3.27 37.85 5.47 0.415 4.33 8.9 2.73 3 839 107.5 96.2 0.25

44.9 134 7.49 103.3 30.6 8.88 50.75 18.46 55.85 22.05 70.5 57 1.41 2.7 0.71 1,098 0.38 170.5 2,700

1.04 664 48.1 10.06 11.36 0.38 4.58 9.42 5.2 555 3.27 38.5 5.47 0.465 4.36 8.9 2.74 3 843 108 96.2 0.25

44.9 131.2 7.49 102.1 30.2 8.25 49.2 18.4 55.05 22 67.95 56 1.37 2.55 0.71 1,098 0.365 168 2,698

1.01 657 46.8 9.54 11.04 0.38 4.49 9.2 5.08 538 3.25 37.5 5.45 0.4 4.33 8.82 2.73 3 819 107 96.2 0.25

44.9 133.5 7.49 103.3 30.4 8.49 49.95 18.44 55.05 22 70.5 56 1.41 2.6 0.71 1,098 0.37 168 2,700

1.03 664 46.8 9.8 11.04 0.38 4.58 9.2 5.08 542.5 3.27 38.5 5.45 0.465 4.33 8.85 2.74 3 819 108 96.2 0.25

3,300 5,873,050 1,100 3,248,380 9,500 369,600 8,020,040 55,700 470 7,200 587,290 2,410,610 3,084,000 70,000 3,000 10 120,000 390 1,015

1,895,000 917,210 4,869,100 3,229,600 6,300 100,000 1,175,000 5,443,800 80,200 134,800 54,000 4,930,900 200 120,000 366,000 13,285,500 74,000 30,000 500,460 138,960 540 100,000

1,920,890 608,304,200 229,113,960 31,687,320 69,600 38,000 5,289,260 50,593,580 408,138 73,152,850 175,870 189,603,635 1,092 49,200 1,586,280 117,572,878 202,180 90,000 410,698,655 14,972,433 51,948 25,000

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.415 0.44 0.44 0.445 0.44 0.445 30,000 13,250 ANCHOR LAND 4.03 5.49 5.49 5.49 5.49 5.49 200 1,098 AYALA LAND 30.95 31.2 30.3 31.2 29.75 31.2 20,498,200 630,335,520 AYALA LAND LOG 1.6 1.63 1.64 1.65 1.6 1.6 110,000 178,130 ALTUS PROP 8.96 9.18 8.97 9.18 8.96 9.18 2,900 26,134 ARANETA PROP 1.02 1.05 0.99 1.07 0.98 1.05 2,903,000 2,983,270 AREIT RT 29.5 29.85 28.2 29.85 28.2 29.85 3,975,500 116,534,250 A BROWN 0.63 0.64 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63 100,000 63,000 CROWN EQUITIES 0.065 0.069 0.066 0.069 0.065 0.069 7,790,000 506,450 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.5 2.55 2.5 2.56 2.5 2.5 74,000 185,110 CENTURY PROP 0.305 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.305 0.305 420,000 128,150 CITICORE RT 2.52 2.53 2.53 2.53 2.5 2.52 3,417,000 8,585,550 DOUBLEDRAGON 8.19 8.2 8.1 8.39 8.05 8.2 318,500 2,626,910 DDMP RT 1.22 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.2 1.23 931,000 1,138,470 DM WENCESLAO 6.26 6.27 6.25 6.28 6.25 6.27 13,500 84,645 EMPIRE EAST 0.132 0.136 0.136 0.136 0.132 0.136 250,000 33,300 EVER GOTESCO 0.285 0.295 0.28 0.295 0.28 0.295 1,700,000 489,950 FILINVEST RT 2.78 2.85 2.8 2.8 2.78 2.79 868,000 2,422,260 FILINVEST LAND 0.56 0.57 0.56 0.57 0.55 0.56 3,347,000 1,874,170 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.74 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.74 0.74 54,000 40,040 PHIL INFRADEV 0.5 0.52 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 213,000 106,500 MEGAWORLD 2.05 2.06 2.03 2.06 2.01 2.06 46,941,000 96,492,140 MRC ALLIED 1.42 1.43 1.47 1.47 1.43 1.43 177,000 254,360 MREIT RT 12 12.5 12 12.5 11.94 12.5 1,316,100 16,421,490 PREMIERE RT 1.5 1.52 1.52 1.52 1.52 1.52 8,000 12,160 RL COMM RT 4.65 4.68 4.61 4.67 4.59 4.65 1,624,000 7,527,050 ROBINSONS LAND 14.52 14.78 14.62 14.9 14.52 14.52 2,703,100 39,672,478 SHANG PROP 3.61 3.69 3.71 3.71 3.61 3.61 168,000 606,920 STA LUCIA LAND 3.22 3.27 3.27 3.27 3.27 3.27 22,000 71,940 SM PRIME HLDG 32.3 32.35 32.55 32.7 31.9 32.3 17,410,500 561,948,290 SUNTRUST RESORT 0.8 0.85 0.8 0.81 0.8 0.81 419,000 336,500 VISTA LAND 1.65 1.66 1.64 1.7 1.64 1.66 1,311,000 2,194,010 VISTAREIT RT 1.68 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.67 1.68 145,000 244,340 SERVICES ABS CBN 3.7 3.75 3.71 3.75 3.69 3.75 90,000 333,180 GMA NETWORK 8.29 8.3 8.29 8.3 8.28 8.29 172,400 1,430,061 GLOBE TELECOM 1,710 1,729 1,725 1,740 1,710 1,710 20,790 35,764,675 PLDT 1,273 1,288 1,255 1,288 1,245 1,288 114,435 146,557,485 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.014 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.015 8,000,000 117,700 CONVERGE 8.21 8.24 8.26 8.32 8.16 8.21 5,370,600 44,205,876 DFNN INC 3.03 3.11 3.14 3.2 3.04 3.04 310,000 981,620 DITO CME HLDG 2.29 2.3 2.3 2.31 2.28 2.3 1,012,000 2,322,490 NOW CORP 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.18 1.12 1.14 518,000 591,660 ASIAN TERMINALS 15.52 15.88 15.6 15.6 15.6 15.6 3,300 51,480 CHELSEA 1.29 1.33 1.31 1.34 1.31 1.33 117,000 154,370 CEBU AIR 31.45 31.5 32 32 31.4 31.5 312,100 9,848,140 INTL CONTAINER 215.6 215.8 223.2 224.2 215.8 215.8 3,032,210 659,923,292 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.55 0.67 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 90,000 50,400 MACROASIA 4.1 4.19 4.07 4.2 4.07 4.2 310,000 1,280,130 PAL HLDG 5.3 5.38 5.2 5.4 5.2 5.3 4,100 21,853 HARBOR STAR 0.84 0.85 0.86 0.86 0.85 0.85 2,000 1,710 DISCOVERY WORLD 1.04 1.23 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.04 1,000 1,040 WATERFRONT 0.375 0.39 0.375 0.375 0.375 0.375 30,000 11,250 FAR EASTERN U 572 596.5 598.5 598.5 572 572 460 264,450 STI HLDG 0.46 0.465 0.46 0.465 0.455 0.46 7,240,000 3,330,000 BELLE CORP 1.16 1.17 1.17 1.17 1.16 1.16 252,000 292,940 BLOOMBERRY 9.65 9.67 9.88 9.88 9.65 9.65 13,129,400 126,828,977 PACIFIC ONLINE 3.05 3.08 3.04 3.05 3.04 3.04 47,000 143,180 PH RESORTS GRP 0.9 0.91 0.9 0.93 0.9 0.91 1,241,000 1,144,920 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.59 0.6 0.59 0.6 0.59 0.6 216,000 129,080 DIGIPLUS 6.79 6.8 6.97 6.97 6.8 6.8 240,300 1,644,154 PHILWEB 1.74 1.8 1.79 1.8 1.74 1.74 312,000 557,040 ALLDAY 0.161 0.162 0.16 0.164 0.16 0.162 1,950,000 314,480 BERJAYA 7.12 8 8 8 8 8 100 800 ALLHOME 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.18 1.15 1.17 922,000 1,071,980 METRO RETAIL 1.18 1.22 1.22 1.23 1.22 1.23 73,000 89,070 PUREGOLD 27.15 27.2 27.5 27.55 27 27.2 1,354,800 36,839,855 ROBINSONS RTL 40.05 40.1 40.4 40.45 39.9 40.1 579,700 23,245,200 PHIL SEVEN CORP 75 80 75 75 75 75 10 750 SSI GROUP 2.76 2.8 2.76 2.81 2.76 2.8 90,000 251,710 UPSON INTL CORP 1.6 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.65 1,000 1,650 WILCON DEPOT 20.1 21.15 19.62 21.15 19.58 21.15 2,833,700 57,252,170 APC GROUP 0.225 0.23 0.232 0.232 0.232 0.232 240,000 55,680 EASYCALL 2.26 2.55 2.26 2.26 2.26 2.26 8,000 18,080 MEDILINES 0.325 0.34 0.325 0.33 0.325 0.33 260,000 85,700 PAXYS 1.04 1.18 1.04 1.1 1.04 1.1 143,000 151,720 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.17 0.175 0.173 0.173 0.17 0.173 1,240,000 214,160 MINING & OIL ATOK 6 6.28 5.19 6.3 5.19 6.3 411,500 2,463,740 APEX MINING 2.81 2.82 2.87 2.89 2.8 2.82 4,788,000 13,589,310 ATLAS MINING 3.4 3.5 3.52 3.52 3.4 3.4 348,000 1,207,160 BENGUET A 4.79 4.85 4.76 4.87 4.76 4.85 21,000 100,650 FERRONICKEL 2.33 2.35 2.35 2.35 2.33 2.35 159,000 372,490 LEPANTO A 0.08 0.084 0.078 0.085 0.078 0.084 1,530,000 128,860 LEPANTO B 0.077 0.079 0.07 0.079 0.07 0.079 1,990,000 157,120 MANILA MINING A 0.0049 0.005 0.0054 0.0054 0.0049 0.005 11,000,000 55,000 MANILA MINING B 0.0049 0.0052 0.0068 0.0068 0.0048 0.005 24,000,000 121,500 MARCVENTURES 1.06 1.07 1.03 1.08 1.03 1.07 1,371,000 1,467,860 NICKEL ASIA 5.03 5.05 5.1 5.1 5.02 5.05 1,991,300 10,047,662 PX MINING 3.05 3.06 3.13 3.13 3.06 3.06 1,307,000 4,037,260 SEMIRARA MINING 28.75 28.95 29.1 29.35 28.7 28.95 1,285,200 37,155,685 UNITED PARAGON 0.0041 0.0044 0.0041 0.0041 0.0041 0.0041 6,000,000 24,600 ENEX ENERGY 4.41 4.6 4.8 4.8 4.36 4.6 19,000 85,440 ORNTL PETROL A 0.0081 0.0083 0.0081 0.0082 0.0081 0.0082 14,000,000 113,500 PHILODRILL 0.0082 0.0085 0.0082 0.0082 0.0082 0.0082 3,000,000 24,600 PXP ENERGY 3.7 3.73 3.73 3.73 3.7 3.7 27,000 100,230 PREFFERED ACEN PREF A 1,014 1,020 1,020 1,020 1,014 1,014 6,300 6,394,250 ACEN PREF B 1,066 1,072 1,065 1,070 1,065 1,066 1,045 1,114,050 AC PREF AR 2,430 2,460 2,460 2,460 2,450 2,450 4,655 11,406,370 ALCO PREF D 450 465 455 455 455 455 100 45,500 AC PREF B2R 485.2 500 485.6 485.6 485.6 485.6 1,000 485,600 BRN PREF A 97.5 98 98.45 98.45 97.5 97.7 2,760 271,138 CEB PREF 31.35 31.4 31.4 31.4 31.35 31.4 46,500 1,460,000 DD PREF 91.25 91.9 92 92 91.05 91.05 12,100 1,104,420 EEI PREF B 95 96.8 96.95 96.95 96.95 96.95 10 969.5 JFC PREF A 945.5 959 945.5 945.5 945.5 945.5 10 9,455 MWIDE PREF 2B 93 93.95 93.95 93.95 93.95 93.95 10 939.5 PNX PREF 3B 23.05 24.95 26.95 26.95 24.95 25.9 700 17,760 PNX PREF 4 223 239.4 225.2 239.4 223 223 1,150 259,736 PCOR PREF 3A 975 994.5 994 995 994 995 400 397,700 PCOR PREF 3B 990 1,010 990 990 990 990 50 49,500 PCOR PREF 4C 999 1,000 999 999 999 999 5,400 5,394,600 SMC PREF 2F 70.35 73 72.95 73 70.35 70.35 71,400 5,073,860 SMC PREF 2I 72 72.9 72 72 72 72 4,990 359,280 SMC PREF 2J 67.5 68 67.5 67.5 67.5 67.5 1,970 132,975 SMC PREF 2K 66.1 68.9 68.9 68.9 66.65 68.9 118,590 8,018,476

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

WARRANTS

TECH WARRANT

3.28 8

0.335

3.59 3.59 3.59 3.28 3.28 18,000 8.5 8.6 8.8 8.5 8.5 68,000 0.36

1,023,130 107,556,765 -64,036,640 -9,500,130 27,600.00 -324,150 -9,866,162 -16,643,555 871,195 11,714,187 -81,618,970 6,630,718 4,810 1,098 135,845,545 4,800 40,437,705 102,500 12,410 230,270 28,060 -73,975 800,800 661,610 37,273,660.00 -31,460 10,311,356 -900,100 -2,225,492 -505,560 -103,229,955.00 -883,700 -1,452,670 31,073,660 17,014,784 -37,680 351,370.00 -134,120 -2,633,130 -97,176,152 -159,900.00 -850 2,654,200 -2,496,404 -6,000 631,100 -504,940 -8,105,185 -4,675,520 750 -75,450 3,878,380 3,300 -2,688,310 35,260 20,000 -1,060 -2,832,285.00 -1,018,580 -6,290,940 -20,500 13,500 -24,600 -5,379,250 -1,328,220 7,035.00 -

59,350 586,490

-55,760 94,060

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. 1 - Launch date is August 22, 2023. 2 - Launch date is October 6, 2023.

BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS LFM PROP MERRYMART

0.45 0.455 0.45 0.455 20,000 9,050 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 17,000 12,920 1.03 1.03 0.99 1.03 364,000 367,030 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.69 3,000 2,070 0.053 0.053 0.053 0.053 10,000 530 1.05 1.05 1.03 1.04 483,000 502,450

“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.

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

99.3 99.3 98 98.3 7,090 696,702 90,710

pifa. com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU.”

FIRST METRO ETF

0.425 0.73 0.99 0.66 0.053 1.04 98

0.45 0.76 1.03 0.69 0.06 1.05

98.3

1,980 5,150

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

BIR rolling out digital taxpayer IDN cards

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced it is now rolling-out the digital Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) ID as part of its efforts to modernize the bureau’s operations and eliminate fixers and scammers online. BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. issued Revenue Memorandum Circular 120-2023 that formally announced the availability of the digital TIN ID. The issuance of the digital TIN ID is an additional feature of the BIR’s “Online Registration and Update System” (Orus). With the release of the digital TIN ID, taxpayers are no longer required to go to a physical BIR revenue district office to secure a physical TIN ID. “The Digital TIN ID system shows our commitment to providing excellent taxpayer service. With this new system, we can eliminate the practice of fixers and scammers selling TIN online while giving taxpayers a convenient alternative in getting a TIN, instead of lining up at our Revenue District Offices,” Lumagui said last Thursday. The BIR said the digital TIN ID serves as a valid government-issued identification document acceptable across various government agencies, local government units, banks, employers and other institutions. The authenticity of an individual’s digital TIN ID can be verified through the BIR’s Orus using a Quick Response (QR) code, it added. “Unlike physical TIN cards, the Digital TIN ID does not require a signature. The authenticity of the Digital TIN ID can be verified online through the Orus just by scanning the QR Code appearing in the Digital TIN ID using a mobile device camera,” it said. Individual taxpayers with existing TIN can now start applying for digital TIN ID through the Orus. The BIR emphasized that both the physical TIN card and digital TIN ID are valid identifications with holders of the latter not being required to secure a physical card. The BIR’s latest circular outlined the guidelines on how to secure a digital TIN ID such as the photo dimensions required, updating of contact information, among others. “The Digital TIN ID is free and not for sale. Taxpayers availing of the services of online sellers of TIN ID assistance risk the possibility of getting invalid/fake TIN and wrong taxpayer type classification, which may impact on their future transactions with the BIR,” the BIR said. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, December 1, 2023

NG bags $1B from Sukuk issuance

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

ment it issued last Thursday. The amount raised from the Sukuk issuance would be used by the national government for various purposes, including budgetary support, according to the Treasury. The Treasury said the maiden issue was met with a “strong” demand with the orderbook’s oversubscription peaking at 4.9 times. “This allowed the Republic to price its 5.5-year Sukuk at T+80 basis points (bps), with a profit rate of 5.045 percent, representing a 35 bps compression from the initial price guidance of T+115bps area,” it said. The Philippines’s Sukuk, which is anticipated to settle on December 6, is expected to be rated d Baa2 by

@jearcalas

HE Philippines successfully raised $1 billion from its maiden sale of 5.5-year Sukuk (Islamic bond) issuance, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) announced. The Treasury said the state successfully priced its maiden Sukuk issuance that utilized real estate assets under ijara (lease), wakala (agency) and commodity murabaha (cost-plusprofit margin sale) aspects.

“The Sukuk, with an issuance size of USD 1 billion and a tenor of 5.5 years, marks the first time the Republic has tapped the global Islamic financial markets in this structure,” the Treasury said through a state-

Why ‘Buy-In’ is important

oftentimes hear the term “buyin” during strategic planning sessions and decision-making situations, so I looked into it with greater interest. In an organizational context, “buy-in” refers to getting people to agree with or support a particular idea, initiative, or decision. When someone “buys in,” they are endorsing or committing to a plan or course of action. This is especially important in situations where teamwork, collaboration, or collective decision making is involved, as in the case of associations. Associations thrive when they operate as cohesive units with shared goals and a unified vision. Achieving this cohesion often starts with securing the buy-in of its members. When individuals within an association genuinely embrace its mission and objectives, a sense of unity emerges. This unity bolsters the association’s ability to work as a team, fostering collaboration, and synergy. Members become more than just participants; they become stakeholders invested in the association’s success. An association without buy-in may struggle to motivate its members to participate in events, initiatives, or volunteer work. On the other hand, when members are personally invested, they are more likely to contribute their time, skills, and resources to support the association’s endeavors. Increased engagement translates to a higher likelihood of success in achieving the association’s goals.

Association World Octavio Peralta When members believe in the association’s leadership, mission, and the transparency of its actions, trust flourishes. Buy-in helps build this trust by demonstrating the association’s commitment to its members and their interests. Associations also face critical decisions that require member input and consensus. A high level of buy-in ensures that decisions are made with a broad perspective, taking into account the collective wisdom and expertise of the membership. When members feel their opinions are valued and heard, they are more likely to actively participate in decision-making processes and support the outcomes. Here are some strategies to foster buy-in: 1. Effective communication. Clear, transparent, and open communication is key to securing buy-in. Members should be well informed about the association’s goals, actions, and progress. Regular updates and opportunities for feedback are essential. 2. Inclusivity. Encourage participation from all members, regardless of their level of involvement or seniority. Ensure that every member’s voice is heard and valued.

Moody’s, BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s, and BBB by Fitch, according to the Treasury. The Treasury reiterated that the maiden Sukuk issuance is part of the Philippines’s agenda to promote the development of Islamic banking and finance in the country. Furthermore, the Sukuk allows the country to diversify its borrowing strategies as it taps the Islamic-focused investors across the Middle East, it added. The Treasury added that the Sukuk issuance did not just “attract strong interest” from a wide range of high-quality Islamic investors but also from others, indicating investors’ confidence in the national government’s credit profile.

3. Alignment with member interests. Tailor the association’s initiatives and goals to align with the interests and needs of its members. When members see a direct benefit to themselves or their field, they are more likely to buy in. 4. Recognition and appreciation. Recognize and appreciate members’ contributions and efforts. Acknowledging their involvement fosters a sense of belonging and commitment. 5. Engage in collaborative goal setting. Involve members in setting the association’s goals and priorities. When members have a say in shaping the agenda, they are more likely to invest in its success. “Buy-in” is not just a buzzword; it’s the lifeblood that sustains and propels associations towards their objectives. Achieving buy-in from members creates unity, engagement, trust, and effective decision making, all of which are crucial for the association’s growth and success. Associations that prioritize building buy-in among their members are better positioned to overcome challenges, fulfill their missions, and make a lasting impact in their respective fields or communities. Octavio Peralta is currently the executive director of the Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), the “association of associations.” The PCAAE will hold its 11th Associations Summit at the PICC on December 20, 2023. E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.

“The success of our inaugural Sukuk issuance affirms the Republic’s significant standing in the international capital markets and underscores investors’ conviction in our financial inclusion agenda,” Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said. “We hope this transaction will create positive momentum for Islamic banking and finance in the Philippines, and we look forward to the active participation of all stakeholders,” Diokno added. The national government tapped Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, HSBC, MUFG, and Standard Chartered Bank as joint bookrunners and joint lead managers for the Sukuk issuance.

DBP lends ₧2B to Iloilo for infra, food security

TATE-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) said it has extended over P2 billion to the City Government of Iloilo to bankroll various infrastructure and food-security related projects, which include a modern slaughterhouse. DBP President and CEO Michael O. de Jesus said the local government unit (LGU) of Iloilo City borrowed a P2.13 billion loan under its “assistance for economic and social development for LGUs financing” program. About P180 million of the total loan amount would be used for the construction of a “fully-mechanized” slaughterhouse as part of Iloilo City’s goal to boost its livestock production to meet growing demand of its population, according to the DBP. “DBP re-affirms its longstanding partnership with the local government of Iloilo City with this latest initiative designed to ensure food safety and security in the city, as well as generate more economic opportunities in the locality,” de Jesus said on Thursday. “The modern slaughterhouse is expected to attain ex-

port-grade classification, with its capacity to process more than 500 swine heads a day,” de Jesus added. The DBP noted that Iloilo City, a first class and highly urbanized city, serves as the center of trade and commerce in the Western Visayas Region. It added that the city has a population of about 490,000. The remaining amount borrowed by Iloilo City from DBP was used to rehabilitate public markets, construct city hospitals and acquire medical equipment, construct a parking building and acquire sites for the relocation of informal settlers, the DBP said. De Jesus vows that the lender will continue to “aggressively partner” with more LGUs nationwide and enable them to implement their projects, particularly those designed to accelerate infrastructure and socio-economic development. The DBP said it has approved P91.7-billion worth of loan approvals under its lending program for 362 LGUs. As of end-September, the bank added that it has released P26.3 billion of loans under the lending program. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Lender taps Indian firm for legacy system migration LBP bags corporate governance honor By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Bank of Commerce (BankCom) announced it has tapped Infosys Ltd. to accelerate its digital transformation and redefine banking experience for customers. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), San Miguel Corp. group affiliate BankCom said it is in the process of replacing its legacy systems with new and more efficient technology through the help of the Bangalore, India-headquartered firm. BankCom, however, failed to disclose how much it is paying for Infosys’s product and service. The lender has revealed to the PSE two weeks ago that its net income was at P423.91 million in the third quarter of this year, “lower than the second quarter due to some nonrecurring deals and an increase in expenses related to new IT [information technology] initiatives and compensation.” BankCom said it expects the upgrade from the old legacy system would enable it to roll out “new, unique banking products and services quicker than ever” using the product factories of the Finacle technology, a unit of Infosys subsidiary EdgeVerve Systems Ltd. “The modernization of our core banking system is an integral part of BankCom’s digital transformation journey as a universal bank in

delivering a truly digital banking experience to our clients,” BankCom President and CEO Michelangelo R. Aguilar said through the disclosure. “It will enable us to operate better, innovate, and keep pace with industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and evolving expectations of the markets we serve, notably the San Miguel Group and SMC ecosystem,” he added. BankCom also said customers will benefit from a banking experience that is not only more secure but also more user-friendly with its new open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). With Finacle’s Customer Data Hub, customers will have instant access to their account information across different platforms, making banking more convenient and personalized. Retail and corporate customers will also be able to manage and optimize liquidity on any device and across borders, currencies, and banks through the “Finacle Liquidity Management” solution. Another module called Finacle Alerts will keep customers and designated Bank personnel informed through SMS or email about significant account activities promptly. Infosys Senior Vice President and Global Head of Sales Venkatramana Gosavi was quoted in the statement as saying the firm is “delighted to be selected as the preferred partner” for BankCom’s “digital core trans-

formation journey.” Earlier, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said the pandemic has shaped the perspective and monetary authorities. This has made him more optimistic that the country is ready for a better digitized financial landscape. This is especially true with the increased use of digital payments in the country over the last five years. The share in terms of volume of digital payments over total retail payments significantly increased to 42.1 percent from 30.3 percent in 2021. The BSP has been active in promoting green and sustainable policies in the financial system. By nurturing a regulatory environment conducive to sustainable and inclusive growth, the central bank safeguards the country’s transition into the post-pandemic, digital economy. As the BSP’s digitization efforts progress, Filipinos in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as those working across the globe, can expect sustained economic growth and sustainability, marking a new era of digital transformation for the nation. Last September, an executive of an information technology (IT) consulting firm has flagged the sluggish pace of local banks in terms of digitization. (See https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/09/07/ banks-underinvestment-in-itlegacy-system-flagged/)

HE Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) announced it garnered the highest rating for corporate governance in 2022 from the Governance Commission of GOCCs (GCG). During the GOCC Governance Awards Ceremony held on November 20 at the PICC Complex in Pasay City, the state-run Bank ranked first among government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in the country with a score of 102.50 on the GCG’s Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS). “The principles of good corporate governance—accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility— are the pillars upon which our institution stands,” LandBank president and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz was quoted in the statement as saying. “These principles guide our operations, ensuring that we remain credible to all our stakeholders, stable in our financial dealings, and steadfast in our commitment to ethical practices.” Ortiz personally received the award together with other bank officials, namely Executive Vice President Alex A. Lorayes; Senior Vice Presidents Elcid C. Pangilinan and Joselito B. Vallada; First Vice President Roderick P. Sacro; and, Vice Presidents Myra-Lyn S. Peñalosa and Nikkolas G. Tolentino. LandBank Executive Vice President Liduvino S. Geron and Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca also graced the event as chairman and board member, respectively, representing the Bank’s subsidiary, UCPB Savings Bank.

Land Bank of the Philippines President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (middle) receives an award for the Bank from Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin (sixth from left), GCG Chairperson Atty. Marius P. Corpus (seventh from left) and GCG Commissioners Atty. Geraldine Marie Berberabe-Martinez (third from left) and Atty. Brian Keith F. Hosaka (second from left), for ranking among the top GOCCs based on the Performance Scorecard for 2022. CREDIT: Land Bank of the Philippines

LandBank has consistently garnered high marks in the CGS, which evaluates the governance policies and practices of GOCCs on Stakeholder Relationships, Disclosure and Transparency, and Responsibilities of the Board. The scorecard also assesses the corporate governance practices of GOCCs based on existing corporate governance guidelines. The state-run lender was likewise recognized as among the top-performing GOCCs overall based on its 2022 GCG Performance Scorecard, which provides measures, targets, and success indicators based on the mandates and long-term vision of a GOCC, to evaluate its contribution to the National Government’s development agenda. Meanwhile, two of LandBank’s

subsidiaries also placed among the top 10 GOCCs in the corporate governance rankings. The LBP Insurance Brokerage Inc. ranked seventh with an overall rating of 97.92, while the LBP Resources and Development Corp. placed ninth with a 96.50 rating. “Corporate governance is not just about compliance and meeting financial goals; it’s about upholding public trust and ensuring that every action we take aligns with the greater good of our community and nation,” Ortiz added. As part of its continued commitment to deliver quality financial and support services in serving the nation, Landbank maintains a strong corporate governance culture anchored on integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Relationships

Friday, December 1, 2023 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Vance Joy, 36; Sarah Silverman, 53; Nestor Carbonell, 56; Bette Midler, 78. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: A financial change is heading your way. Be innovative, let your intuition guide you, expect the unusual and learn to accept and embrace whatever comes your way. Take responsibility and focus on achieving what you want to pursue. Keep an open mind and listen to experts, but be sure something is a good fit for you before you get involved. Charm your way forward, but don’t sugarcoat what you have to offer. Your numbers are 9, 14, 22, 26, 30, 37, 42.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Participate and show everyone what you can do. An innovative approach to life, love and happiness will create a stir among your peers and help you attract support. Self-improvement will not go unnoticed; love and romance are in the stars. ★★★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t take on more than you can handle. Your reputation is at stake, and how others perceive you will determine the possibilities. Accepting and making changes without skipping a beat will play in your favor. Embrace new beginnings. ★★

In the winners table

ORE than a week later, my social-media feeds continue to be inundated by the Miss Universe-miss of our candidate Michelle Dee, and the supposed pampalubag-loob belated award to her for Best National Costume. (It was a costume, people! Closer to Cosplay than a representation of the Philippines’s best! Get over it.) While many are still looking to blame someone for our country’s loss in a no-longer-relevant beauty pageant, other Filipinos have actually won awards in an international competition for food-based books. The Gourmand Awards, created by Edouard Cointreau (Cointreau liqueurs, Rémy Martin, Cognac Frapin), recognizes the best food books, drink books, and food television for the year. For the awards’ 29th edition held in Riyadh on November 29, several Filipino authors and their books on Philippine cuisine topped their respective categories and winning worldwide recognition for their efforts. Simpol Dishkarte (2nd Edition) by Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou won 2023 Best Celebrity Chef Book in the World; Clang Garcia’s Philippine Food Holidays won Best Food Tourism Book; We Cook Filipino by Jacqueline Chio-Lauri won as Best Plurinational Recipes; while the World Food Programme’s Study on Iron-Fortified Rice Capacities, Supply Chain, and Campaign Initiatives in the Philippines won as Best Subject-Rice (free). Also recognized among the best in the world were: Salu Salo, Food, Stories, People by Saskia Zimmerman (fourth place) in books on Asia Published Outside Asia; and Mga Masustansyang Meryenda at Inumin by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Lutong Food Nutrition Research Institute for Diet Books (fourth place). Not only does Chef Tatung’s Simpol Dishkarte lighten the load of cooking a variety of meals because of how simple the instructions are, but it also teaches us how to choose and differentiate the better ingredients fit for the chosen dish. This is the third time Chef Tatung

has won the award. He said on his Facebook page that creating Simpol Dishkarte was “a labor of love, and receiving this award validates the countless hours of dedication and hard work that went into its production. This achievement proves that hard work and perseverance do pay off.” The cookbook, published by Vertikal Books, won earlier the Filipino Reader’s Choice Award. After receiving her award, Garcia on her Facebook page said, “I brought with me my country, our culinary heritage champions, culture bearers, and treasured food stories and destinations on every page of the book.” Philippine Food Holidays is a compendium of guided itineraries mapped during the pandemic, aimed at helping lift the culinary and tourism sector which were badly affected by the community lockdowns during Covid-19. Garcia was earlier named Philippine Ambassador by the World Food Travel Association, one of the leading authorities on the food and beverage tourism industry. “I’m a firm believer that the country’s cuisine is an emblem of culture, and I’m proud to have the chance to help preserve and promote our country’s unique culinary culture on a global arena through the WFTA,” she said in a news statement. For a country which counts food as a love language, these Gourmand Awards lifts Philippine cuisine to its highest levels, and places the country among the best gastronomy destinations in the world. ■■■ MY warmest congratulations also go out to our gal pal and BUSINESSMIRRO�’s former lifestyle columnist Francine Medina Marquez, whose essay Normalizing Survival won third prize at the 71st Palanca Awards. Named after businessman and philanthropist Don Carlos Palanca Sr. and sponsored by the Carlos Palanca Foundation Inc., the Palanca Awards is the longest-running and most prestigious literary competition in the country. I bumped into Francine on Tuesday evening, as I was leaving the media appreciation party of a hotel group, and she shared the happy news. I haven’t seen her in person since way, way before the pandemic— although we’ve kept in touch through Viber or Facebook Messenger—so it was a delight to see Francine rocking her new hairstyle and upbeat about her first-time win. What an amazing recognition for someone I’ve long admired. Hugs again, sis! ■■■ ANOTHER Filipino who has done well abroad and waving our flag up high in the highly competitive tourism industry is Sonny Ang, executive assistant manager for sales and marketing of The Murray,

Hong Kong. Sonny was in Manila recently inviting Filipinos to check out his hotel, an iconic landmark in the special administrative region (SAR). The 27-story The Murray used to be a government building and, at the time of its completion in 1969, was the tallest government edifice then. “The windows are specially-designed to keep the interiors cool even if it’s sunny and hot outside,” explains Sonny. The 54-year-old building in Hong Kong’s central district has since been conserved and now houses 336 guest rooms in the ultra-luxe hotel, and a favorite among the youth and socialmedia influencers. It also offers unique culinary experiences, he adds, along with wellness and spaces for celebrations. Data from the Hong Kong Tourism Bureau showed Filipinos were the second largest source of tourists among short-haul markets (excluding China and Macau). From January to September this year, Filipinos reached 474,620, accounting for some 21 percent of the 2.29-million tourists from short-haul markets. The arrivals from the Philippines were 12,126.2 percent higher than the arrivals in the same period in 2022, which means Filipinos continue to hold Hong Kong in high regard as a vacation destination. Who doesn’t love shopping and eating in Hong Kong? As per Sonny, The Murray, Hong Kong, which was named a five-star hotel by the Forbes Travel Guide and is the only hotel in Hong Kong affiliated with “The Leading Hotels of The World,” currently offers several executive room packages for Filipinos with all-new elite experiences, to ensure guests an ultimate luxury stay when they travel to the SAR. The Cassia Lounge Package, for instance, includes a sampling of gourmets with free-flowing Ruinart Champagne and 12-year-old Macallan or Dalmore whiskeys. A HK$1000-dining credit is available under The Indulgence Package so guests can savor a range of culinary delights at any of the hotel’s five restaurants. Many Filipinos also usually head off to Hong Kong for holidays so they may want to check out the Christmas Blissful Package, which includes a visit to the Christmas market, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, along with a HK$1,500 hotel credit and a Christmas gift set from the luxury perfume brand Penhaligon’s. While Sonny has worked for over 20 years abroad, he says he still wants to eventually retire in the Philippines. When that is, he still doesn’t know, but indeed there’s no place like home. For reservations or inquiries, visit The Murray, Hong Kong website. ■

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Size up your situation and plan to rectify whatever isn’t working for you. Update your qualifications, appearance or prospects to meet your demands. Gather information to help you secure a routine that offers peace of mind and a clear passage forward. ★★★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Overindulgence will be your downfall. Don’t try to buy someone’s attention or affection. Stay calm and use your intelligence to get what you want. Invest more time in yourself, and strive for personal growth. ★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put drama aside and play fairly. Recognize the possibilities and aim to secure your position using intelligence and skills to your advantage. Make unique plans with someone you love, and share your intentions. Put your goals in motion and a positive lifestyle in place. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t let anger set in when intelligence is required. Consider what you want and adjust whatever is necessary to reach your goal. Opportunity is available, but it requires a hands-on effort to ensure you make the most of every situation you encounter. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Research is favored. A firm grip on what’s possible will be your ticket to success. Speak up, ask questions and choose what feels right and is within your budget. Make stability one of your goals, and the outcome will offer gratitude. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Learn, develop your style and use your skills uniquely. Embrace change and turn it into an opportunity. Speak from the heart; the right people will help you reach your destination. Time is on your side, and trusting and believing in yourself will suffice. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Speed up the process and head for the finish line. Inject your strength and courage into whatever you pursue. Don’t trust others to be honest regarding their intentions. Consider what you can do yourself, and don’t rely on others to do things for you. ★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Be open regarding your plans. Listen to the feedback offered, and you’ll sidestep an emotional situation caused by a lack of communication. Don’t box yourself into more debt than you can handle. Creative thinking will help you structure a manageable payment plan. ★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t go overboard. Keep things simple, affordable and in your comfort zone. Actions will bring far better results than bragging about what you plan to do next. Update your image and reveal your intentions. ★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Discipline and hard work will lead to looking and feeling your best. Refuse to let emotional issues bring you down when physical activity will encourage personal growth. ★★★ BIRTHDAY BABY: You are proactive, determined and colorful. You are unique and empathetic.

‘extended play’ BY DESIREE PENNER AND JEFF SINNOCK The Universal Crossword • Edited by David Steinberg/Anna Gundlach/Jared Goudsmit

ACROSS 1 Goody bag goody 6 The ___ (those who “shall inherit the Earth”) 10 Air gun ammo 13 “Aha!” 15 Jaws boat 16 Bumped into 17 Landlord’s limitation (In this answer, note letters 4, 6, 8 and 10) 19 “Just as I thought!” 20 Childish comeback 21 At any point in history 22 Score such as 2-2 24 First openly gay man to hold public office in California (...letters 3, 5, 7) 28 URL introduction for a “locked” web page 31 Pleased as punch 32 Be a brat 33 Teakettle output 35 Cry of disbelief (...letters 7, 9, 11, 13, 15) 41 Super funny people 42 Blackjack request

43 Aquafina competitor 46 Sailing the ocean 47 Evian lids (...letters 3, 5, 7) 51 Grasshopper’s partner in an Aesop title 52 Perched on 53 Made good on, as a loan 56 Glam rock? 57 Stretchy loop, and a theme hint 62 Inventor Whitney 63 It’s sometimes held at a deli 64 Be on the brink of toppling 65 Cousin of inc. 66 “Olly olly ___ free” 67 Crock-Pot concoctions DOWN 1 Certain Christmas tree 2 Store in a cask, say 3 Blood feud 4 A Man Called ___ (Tom Hanks film) 5 Paella ingredient 6 Word before “mouth” or “boat” 7 Flub 8 Environmental prefix 9 ___-El (Superman’s birth name)

10 Schlocky film 11 Gazed upon 12 Baby bird? 14 Peter who sang with Bob Marley 18 Code crackers’ org. 21 911 responder, for short 22 Microwave option 23 Intense desire 25 Swerves 26 Zest 27 Motorcycle brand 29 “___ a lid on it!” 30 Well-tossed football 33 Unaffected by feelings, seemingly 34 37-Down for ___ 36 Highest number in Sudoku 37 ___ for 34-Down 38 “See you then!” 39 Breaking a mirror, some say 40 Straight, at a bar 43 “Please continue...” 44 ___ bomb (Oppenheimer subject) 45 Indy 500 sponsor 47 Roll with a hole 48 Fiery act of insurance fraud

49 Cat or dog 50 Barbecue bar 54 Scores 100 percent on 55 “Yeah, right” 57 Offshoot of punk 58 Lenient 59 Agreement with the captain 60 Right out of the box 61 J and Phil Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Friday, December 1, 2023

Faith or fake: ‘Mysteries of the Faith’ P1 million and more cash prizes and others up for grabs

FOR the first time ever, Kapuso Bigay Premyo Panalo Season 8 will make one lucky winner a very merry millionaire by giving away the grand prize of P1 million cash tax-free. GMA Network has launched the eighth season of its Kapuso Bigay Premyo Panalo this Christmas. Starting November 25, 2023, mamimili and sari-sari store owners nationwide who join the Kapuso Bigay Premyo Panalo Season 8 will also have more cash prizes to look forward to: daily winners of P700, weekly winners of P7,000, and P100,000. To join, mamimili and sari-sari store owners just need to follow the mechanics cited in www.gmanetwork.com/ GMAPromos. Winners of the the holiday promo will be done weekly via Facebook Live announcements on the official GMA Promos Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/ GMAPromos) and TikTok (@gmapromos). The Kapuso Bigay Premyo Panalo Season 8 runs from November 25, 2023 until February 2, 2024. The announcement of the grand winners will be on February 24, 2024.

Britain’s Parliament honors Elton John for his work fighting HIV in the UK and beyond LONDON—Elton John has addressed Britain’s Parliament at an event honoring his dedication to fighting HIV in the UK and beyond. The British star spoke to dozens of lawmakers and campaigners in the grand Speaker’s House of Parliament on Wednesday. John set up his AIDS Foundation in 1992 and has helped raise millions of dollars to prevent HIV infections and reduce stigma. “This evening I was privileged to welcome Sir Elton John and acknowledge his exceptional contribution to the global fight against HIV and AIDS—personally and through the Elton John AIDS Foundation,” Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said on X, formerly Twitter. “His work embodies the solidarity and kindness that defines our shared humanity,” he added. In the UK, the charity recently led campaigns to extend a pilot government program to test people visiting hospitals’ emergency rooms for HIV. Under the program, which was recently introduced in London and other cities with a high prevalence of HIV cases, anyone 16 years old or older who has their blood tested in an emergency room will also get tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, unless they opt out of the testing. John’s charity has urged the government to expand the service, which officials say has been key in discovering hundreds of undetected cases of HIV. AP

T was only when the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris caught fire that the rest of Christendom learned of a rare artifact of Catholic faith—the Crown of Thorns—that had been there for some 800 years. We are not talking of symbolic representation or a creative depiction of what we have always seen on paintings or works of art, or in books; we are dealing with the real thing. The very same crown, as the custodian of the relic declared in the documentary, was used some 2,000 years ago in one of the most violent and dramatic events in human history: the Crucifixion and Death of the Christ. It is written how the Roman soldiers mocked the Saviour and went on to gather dry thorns around the hill of Golgotha and fashioned them into a crown fit for a “King.” The same object, now a relic, was now in the Notre Dame cathedral, held up during processions at designated days, and leaving devotees and the curious awestruck. The crown of thorns is kept in what appears to be a transparent material (a hard glass?); you could see through the glazed surface old thorns and twigs and the question you ask is: How were these natural materials preserved? There is a history: in Constantinople where it was kept for a long time, the sacred relic was sold to a Venetian nobleman/businessman. But then, for some reason, a King of France was summoned by his cousin to re-acquire it, to give his reign prestige. That was how the Crown of Thorns ended in France, in Paris. Then came the great fire. A fireman was assigned this time to secure the relic just when the spires of the great church were all crumbling one by one. And so the brave fireman went inside and finally got the Crown, which was on display, only to discover that it was a copy. The true crown was in a vault somewhere inside the massive cathedral. In Spain, there is one majestic claim: the Holy Grail is there. The Santo Grial. The Arthurian Legends made this “sacred object” famous and popular. It is said King Arthur ordered his Knights of the Round Table to look for it. For a long time, the “Cup” from which Jesus Christ drank and turned the wine into his blood was part of an enduring quest so much so that the noun, the Holy Grail, had come to mean anything you impossibly hoped for, the elusive dream of each one of us. But the power of the cup went beyond its sacrality; kings and thugs looked to it as the source

of everlasting life in the physical sense of it—eternal youth. No one ever bothered to check their metaphors at the door, and go back to “life eternal” as an ideal more theological than dermatological. The crisis in Spain though is that there are three women—all historians and, I suppose, believers— who all posit different facts about the provenance of the “true” cup. Of all these relics, we Filipinos could identify more with the Holy Cross. It was the Empress Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, who ventured into an epic pilgrimage to Jerusalem in search of the Holy Cross. The documentary Mysteries of the Faith refreshes us about what she did upon arrival: she sponsored a massive excavation and when her men stumbled upon three crosses, she went on to conduct a test. It is stated in the documentary how the empress placed a dead body on each cross and waited for some results. The first two crosses yielded “nothing”; the third one (the third is always the magical point) was where the magic happened. When a dead body was placed on it, it rose alive. The empress knew then it was the “true cross.” Brought back to Constantinople, the cross was said to have been chopped and separated - each part made into a gift to important personages. Some of these “splinters” reached as far as the New World, in Rio de Janeiro, and one even to the Philippines. In another episode, a murdered magistrate’s bloodstained shirt is declared by one of the most senior cardinals as the Church’s latest holy relic. There are three ways of viewing this documentary:

one is to be an ardent believer, the type that would not question the veracity of any claim with regard to the relics; the other is the critical believer who thinks it is not disrespectful to question the facts about one’s faith. There is another audience in between the two: the person who sees relics as wondrously compelling symbols that can teach us and re-view for us our own religion, and all the appurtenant rites and ideas around it. Mysteries of the Faith is a four-part docuseries, narrated by David Harewood. It examines the artifacts that have assumed divine and, at times, magical power. Are these relics sources of healing and miracles? Or have they become manipulable items for the institutional church? Whatever they are, the relics, as shown in the documentary, have ceased to be merely materials but have become representations of a faith that is built more on the mysterious and tremendous rather than the simple and human. Critics have pointed to the documentary as needing a more nuanced treatment. I agree with this because relics, to borrow the concept of John Eade and Michael J. Sallnow in Contesting the Sacred: The Anthropology of Christian Pilgrimage, create a “sacred center...which appears as a vessel into which pilgrims devoutly pour their hopes, prayers and aspirations. And in a perfect illustration of the classic Marxist model of fetishization and alienation, the shrine then appears to its devotees as if it were itself dispensing the divine powers and healing balm which they seek.” Mysteries of the Faith streams on Netflix. n

Warner Bros. ties up with Mentorque for distribution of MMFF 2023 entry ‘Mallari’ By Roderick L. Abad Contributor TO help revitalize Philippine cinema, Hollywood giant Warner Brothers Pictures has officially sealed its partnership with rising Filipino movie company Mentorque Productions to locally distribute horror film Mallari, the latter’s entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023. To be shown nationwide starting December 25, this scary movie is inspired by the true story of Fr. Severino Mallari, the first reported serial killer in the country. Directed by Derick Cabrido and written by Enrico Santos, this film is topbilled by award-winning actor Piolo Pascual who plays three characters across three different timelines. The film boasts of extensive special effects and elements of horror and mystery. “Mallari is the first mainstream film to be distributed by Warner Brothers Pictures in the Philippines. May this partnership be a gateway to more collaborations and give more opportunities for this industry,” Mentorque Productions president John Bryan Diamante said during their contract signing and press briefing at the Okada Manila in Parañaque City on November 25. Such pioneering local foray of Warner Brothers after its last attempt for a limited release of indie film Mga Munting Tinig in 2003 was “serendipitous,” per distribution director Rico Gonzales. A week after their regional and head offices in Burbank greenlighted their entry into strategic ventures here, Santos phoned him to ask if they are open to distribute a local movie. For Diamante, it was not an easy deal. Apart from meeting its international standard of filming, which amounted to a total of P80 million, they also had to undergo rigorous legalities. He said: “I think we were

WARNER Brothers Pictures Distribution director Rico Gonzales (left) hands over a symbolic gift of their partnership to Mentorque Productions president John Bryan Diamante (right).

able to fulfill all of that.” This was confirmed by Gonzales, who gave a thumb-up after viewing Mallari. He noted that “this is a different horror movie. Warner Brothers will not put our logo or stamp of approval of a movie that’s not worth it. This is definitely worth our brand.” Under the agreement, the global film outfit is tasked for the theatrical distribution of Mallari in the Philippines, which is timely to its centennial celebration. “We would like to be able to give back to the moviegoing audience for all the support you have given to us. Since this is a very historic moment for us, the first Filipino picture [that we’ll release] is happening on the 100th anniversary of Warner

THE cast of horror film Mallari: (from left) Gloria Diaz, Janella Salvador, Piolo Pascual, Elisse Joson and Ron Angeles.

Brothers Pictures,” Gonzales said. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to pitch this movie to our colleagues at least for the Asian region and, eventually, some other territories where Warner Brothers is releasing movies.” Diamante applauded such support for quality local films with the tie-up as happening “because the stars have aligned.” For him, local cinema has a rich and diverse history, known for its unique storytelling style, and has made significant contributions to both regional and global cinemas. “Despite facing challenges such as our ability to compete with international films and the rise of digital platforms, the Philippine film industry

remains resilient and vibrant,” he said. “Mentorque Productions promises to continue to be a conceptdriven film production. We wish to contribute to our rich and diverse cinematic landscape that continues to captivate audiences, both locally and internationally.” Pressed on their future undertakings, he said of their openness for a coproduction of a Filipino film with Warner Brothers in the near future. “Actually, our dream goal is to have an international collaboration or coproduction. Partnering with Warner Brothers is not just because we want to partner, but it’s also to learn from the company and broaden our audience again,” Diamante stressed.

THE relic showing a splinter from the True Cross

Friday, December 1, 2023

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PBBM, PADILLA INVITED TO THE 27TH PAPI NATIONAL PRESS CONGRESS IN LAOAG CITY

RESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sen. Robin Padilla are among the expected guests to grace the 27th National Press Congress at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel in Laoag City on December 11 to 13, 2023. This year’s theme “Media’s crucial role in encouraging agricultural, scientific and technological innovations in LGUs” aims to center on what science, technology and innovations can do to uplift the agricultural sector. T his year’s celebration w ill be in cooperation and in coordination with

the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 1 Office, the Ilocos Norte provincial government and the Laoag City government. The annual Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) event is mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 1187, declaring December every year as the Month of the Community Press in the Service of the Nation. The issuance also designates PAPI as lead agency for the annual observance and enjoins and urges all other agencies to lend their earnest support to its related activities.

Others invited to participate in the occasion are PAPI regular members, most of whom are community newspaper publishers and associate members that include media executives, information officers, editors, broadcasters, reporters, and campus journalists from throughout the country. Loyalty awards shall be bestowed to those who have been active and remained with PAPI from 1970 and 1980 while plaques of recognition and appreciation will be given to deserving members. PAPI president Nelson S. Santos announced that other event participants are DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum; Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc; Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon; DOST Region 1 Director, Dr. Teresita Tabaog; DOST undersecretary for operations, Sancho A. Mabborang; Johnny Dayang, PAPI chairman emeritus; DILG secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.; Jose “Joe” Torres, DirectorGeneral of Public Information Agency (PIA); Paul Gutierrez, Executive Director of PTFoMS; Errol Dacame, POBA President; Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez, Bauertek Corporation’s General Manager; Executive Judge Flordeliz E. Cabanlit-Fargas of Trece Martires City, Cavite. and Richard P. Burgos, DOST-STII Director.

Top self-service payment kiosk provider in the PHL bullish on 2024 outlook

Tap Inc., the leading self-service pay me nt k iosk prov ider i n t he country with 70 percent of the market share is bullish on its outlook in 2024. The people behind the wholly Filipino owned company noted that innovations and its passionate commitment to reach out and tap the unbanked segment of the Philippine population propelled the company to be the leading self-service payment kiosk provider in the country today. Leveraging on eight years of groundbreaking solutions, eTap Inc. has consistently stood as the number one choice by leading brands providing accessible and convenient financial services in the country. “At eTap, we believe in the transformative power of technology to uplift communities. Our self-service payment kiosk system is more than a convenience; it’s a gateway to financial independence for the unbanked. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service to ensure that every individual feels supported on their financial journey,” shares Percy Hernandez, CEO of eTap Inc. Founded in 2015, eTap Inc. has been guided by a dedicated team of visionaries committed to shaping the future of

financial accessibility. The faces behind eTap are passionate advocates for financial inclusivity and innovation zeroing in on the unbanked sector of the PH population. eTap is passionate about creating solutions that cater to the unbanked lower

sector, ensuring financial services are within reach for all. eTap Inc.’s self-service payment kiosk system offers a wide range of services, from bill payments to ticketing, providing users with an intuitive and efficient way to conduct transactions. The user-friendly interface ensures a hassle-free experience, making it accessible to all demographics. It is dedicated to shaping the future of seamless transactions with its state-ofthe-art self-service payment kiosk system. Leveraging innovative technology, eTap Inc. aims to simplify and enhance the customer payment experience across various sectors. In 2024, eTap will further expand to reach out to the unbanked from far flung communities. To complement its wide range of selfservice payment kiosk system, eTap Inc. formed its subsidiary, eTap Solutions, which is dedicated to deploying and operating its own machines for the retail, food, services, and transport industries to fast-urbanizing cities nationwide. eTap Solutions is poised to set a new benchmark for reliability and functionality in the industry. For more information about eTap Inc., please visit etapmo.com.

LifeVantage Celebrates 20th Year with Expansion in PHL

WENTY years ago, LifeVantage opened its business in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A., by offering reliable TrueScience products that aim to activate our body to work better and create vibrant health. A pioneer in Nutrigenomics, a new science dedicated to cracking the human aging code, LifeVantage has evolved and helped millions of people around the globe through its unique blend of sustainably sourced, propriety ingredients making it one of the most trusted brands around the planet. In its 20th year, LifeVantage has finally arrived in the Philippines bearing new products that aim to support Filipino’s healthy lifestyles and journey to looking and feeling young. “It took us a while to come here to the Philippines, but we’re happy to share that we are here now with our latest innovations that will benefit more Filipinos. LifeVantage is set to expand its legacy among Filipino customers who have been wanting to maintain their natural glow and beauty that are renowned all over the world,” shared Kitkat Cruz, LifeVantage Philippines General Manager. With operations and network in the United States, Mexico, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, Thailand, the United

Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, and New Zealand, LifeVantage has also reached several other countries to provide more customers with their wondrous products for personal consumption only. In addition, the Company sells its products in China through an e commerce business model. LifeVantage’s diverse products include Health Maintenance, Concentration and Energy, Collagen, Skin Care, and Personal Care. In the Philippines, LifeVantage is excited to offer its TrueScience® Liquid Collagen and TrueScience® TrueRenew Daily Firming Cream. TrueScience® Liquid Collagen is a nonGMO, gluten- and sugar-free product made of hydrolyzed Fish Collagen Peptides, Appleberry flavor, Vitamin C, red quinoa, berry, and citrus extracts. Available in 10-ct and 30-ct bottles, this product is set to bring the delight and glow you deserve every day. TrueScience® TrueRenew Daily Firming Cream is made of Cranberry Biopeptides, Shrubby Everlasting, Wild Pansy (Hydro-

lyzed Viola Tricolor Extract), and Nrf2 Blend that Helps combat the visible effects of oxidative stress and maintain naturally healthy-looking skin. This product is made to tackle 11 visible signs of aging, giving you visible results in just 21 days. LifeVantage is dedicated to visionary science that aims to transform wellness and anti aging internally and externally with products that dramatically reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level. A leader in Nrf2 science and the maker of Protandim®, LifeVantage also aims to support communities across the globe with its My LifeVenture program that aims to support fellow members to achieve their goals in life. Through its expansive operations and trusted brand image across the planet, Lifevantage is not just set to make Filipino lives healthier and better, but also brighter and happier. LifeVantage Philippines is registered under Protandim Philippines Corporation with a showroom at 4F NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. To learn more about LifeVantage’s, you may visit their official website www. lifevantage.com/ph-en. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more details and updates on the latest products.

IN the photo are, from left, Carousell PH General Manager and Country Representative Shine Resurrecion; Empire East Marketing Communications Head Jazz Ferriol; Empire East Corporate Secretary and Vice President for Legal and Corporate Affairs Dennis Edaño; Empire East First Vice President for Marketing Jhoanna T. Llaga; Carousell PH Corporate Sales Lead Melizza Hernandez; and Bernadette Pambuan Carousell PH Corporate Sales.

Empire East Hailed as Metro Manila’s Best Developer at the 2023 Carousell Awards

MPIRE East, the distinguished industry innovator, celebrates another momentous achievement with its recent accolade as the Best Developer at the prestigious Carousell Awards. This recognition underscores the compa ny ’s u nwaver i ng com m it ment to excellence, solidif y ing its position as a trendsetter in l ifest yle innovation and cityscape transformation. The Carousell Property Awards, an esteemed annual gathering of outstanding businesses and individuals who have significantly contributed to the Philippines’ real estate landscape, bestowed the illustrious Best Developer award upon Empire East, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating exceptional living spaces that suit Filipino homeowners’ needs and aspirations. “We are honored and humbled to be recognized as the Best Developer from this esteemed awards body. This award validates our dedication and excellence in creating innovative and lifestyle-oriented communities that transform the lives of our valued stakeholders,” said Empire East President and CEO Atty. Anthony Charlemagne C. Yu. Marking three decades of excellence, Empire East has consistently pushed boundaries by introducing groundbreaking concepts that have reshaped the real estate landscape in the Philippines. Empire East has emerged as a leading choice for discerning Filipino homeowners, from pioneering townships and transit-oriented developments to introducing urban resorts, loft-type homes, and innovative zero-down payment schemes. The company has also embraced the digital transformation of the real estate industry by launching an industry-first online home buyers portal, “Ask About Your Home.” This portal

aims to make the process of homeownership inquiry seamless and convenient by providing a one-stop platform for prospective buyers to access information, schedule appointments, and more, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience and satisfaction. “Our success lies in our ability to anticipate and respond to the ever-changing needs of the market,” explained Yu. “We are committed to building sustainable and future-ready communities that are strategically located, accessible, affordable, and adaptable to the changing times. We are more than just a developer; we are a partner in fulfilling the dreams of every Filipino.” Empire East has achieved remarkable success by creating holistic communities strategically located within and beyond Metro Manila. The company is also a leader in eco-friendly design, energy efficiency, and the integration of green spaces, as envisioned in its newest development - Empire East Highland City - the first elevated township in the country, rising along Felix Avenue, Pasig-Cainta. Empire East sets itself apart as a developer who values excellence, customer satisfaction, and a vision for the future. By consistently raising the bar in real estate development, Empire East fulfills its responsibility as a developer of choice, contributing to the economic growth and preservation of the environment. As Empire East expands its footprint across the Philippines, its mission remains steadfast in creating vibrant and interconnected communities that foster a sense of belonging and well-being. With its passion for innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction, Empire East remains determined to push boundaries, defy expectations, and continue leading the way in transforming the real estate industry.

Angkas supports PBBM’s push for enhanced digital infra

IDE-H A ILING and tech-enabled transport ser v ices prov ider A ngkas is supporting the government’s move to further improve the country’s digital backbone towards national progress and economic development. The importance of digital infrastructure and its impact on society, as well as industries like education, finance and transportation was tackled by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. at the 2023 APEC CEO Summit held last November 14 to 17, 2023 in San Francisco, California in the United States. During this four-day conclave of heads of states, top executives, and thought leaders from member-countries of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), he underscored the potential for improved connectivity to empower the public with better internet access, resulting to greater convenience in financial transactions and increased productivity. The chief executive, who was elected at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022 and since then has led the country amid external factors like the ongoing wars between Russia and Ukraine in Europe and Israel and Palestine in the Middle East, delved on the similarities of successful economies that have bounced back from such challenges. Believing that productivity is crucial in driving economic recovery and growth, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the role of physical infrastructure, including an efficient and affordable transport system, in boosting the productivity of every Filipino worker.

Sharing the same sentiment with him, Angkas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) George Royeca expressed his support for the administration’s initiatives, particularly when it comes to digitalization. “The President’s emphasis on digital infrastructure aligns with our shared goal of leveraging technology to enhance the lives of Filipinos. The integration of robust digital infrastructure is crucial not only for education and financial transactions but also for fostering a more efficient and productive society. At Angkas, we recognize the transformative power of technology in driving positive change and economic growth,” he said. Royeca was part of the business delegation assembled by the Department of Trade and Industry during the Summit. His participation provided an opportunity to showcase the success and potential of Philippine tech startups he represented, while fostering global collaborations and partnerships. The experiences and insights he has gained as the CEO of Angkas contributed to discussions on adopting innovation, enhancing digital economies, and addressing the challenges and opportunities in the fast changing technology landscape. Moving forward, the transport services platform remains committed to revolutionizing transportation in the Philippines through technology, and Royeca’s involvement in this regional event strengthened the company’s dedication to contribute to the broader global conversation on innovation and economic development.

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

Sports BusinessMirror

Friday, December 1, 2023 B7

Women’s soccer falls short in medical support and pay MARLON “THE NIGHTMARE” TAPALES strike a pose with Jerwin Ancajas in the US.

Ancajas believes Tapales will shock ‘Monster’ Inoue By Josef Ramos

ARLON “THE NIGHTMARE” TAPALES will shock the world when he upsets unified super bantamweight world champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue, former world champion Jerwin Ancajas told BusinessMirror on Thursday. “He [Tapales] really looked great and his condition was every inch better when he was training here,” said former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, referring to Tapales’s training in Las Vegas before moving camp to Baguio City two weeks ago. Tapales wants to add Inoue’s World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Council super bantamweight belts to his IBF and World Boxing Association (WBO) super bantamweight titles in their December 26 fight at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. “Marlon’s speed is going to be a plus factor, his great experience as well,” said Ancajas, who’s scheduled to face Inoue’s brother, World Boxing Association bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue, early next year—their November 15 fight was postponed because of the Japanese’s rib injury. Tapales (37-3 win-loss record with 19 knockouts) will fly to Tokyo at last a week before the fight along with his head trainer and coach Ernel Fontanilla and promoter JC Mananquil of Sanman Promotions. Despite Inoue’s undefeated record in 25 fights with 22 knockouts, Ancajas expects Tapales to give “The Monster” the fight of his life. “Inoue can’t count Marlon out. It’s going to be a great fight,” he said. Top Rank chief Bob Arum, who’s promoting the fight, earlier gave Tapales a chance saying that “no fighter is unbeatable.”

ILIPINO bets stood their ground against top-ranked opponents but still fell short down the wire in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge qualifiers on Thursday at the world-class Nuvali Sand Courts in Santa Rosa City. Anthony Arbasto and Alche Gupiteo duked it out against world No. 157 Yusuke Ishijima and Takumi Takahashi of Japan before running out of steam in the third set of the men’s qualification for a gritty 18-21, 21-19, 11-15 defeat. The Philippine tandem held its own in the three close sets highlighted by a thrilling 21-19 win in the second frame of the biggest beach volleyball event ever hosted by the country behind the leadership of Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara. Two more Filipino duos fell in the opener of the elite four-day tournament organized by the Volleyball World, which also holds

ANCHESTER, England—Women’s soccer is falling short in key areas including medical support and pay, according to a survey of players involved in this year’s Women’s World Cup. The survey, conducted by players’ union International Association of Football Professionals, or FIFPRO, and released Wednesday, found that 60 percent of respondents said they lacked mental health support, while one in three earned less than $30,000 a year from soccer. “The players gave everything they had to put on a brilliant World Cup, but there are still important gaps that need addressing,’’ FIFPRO director of policy and strategic relations for women’s football Sarah Gregorius said. “We will be seeking to work through these issues with stakeholders and resolve

them as soon as possible.” The World Cup was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in July and August. It boasted record attendances and viewing figures, with Spain being crowned champion after beating England in the final. That match was overshadowed when then-Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the awards ceremony, leading to a players’ rebellion and accusations of sexual assault. The survey highlighted

further areas of concern relating to the conditions players were expected to operate under. FIFPRO said it surveyed 260 players from 26 of the 32 national teams in the tournament. It said 10 percent did not undergo a medical examination before the tournament. In what the union described as a “worrying statistic,” it said 22 percent did not have an electrocardiogram. “Anything below 100 percent when it comes to access to an ECG or undertaking a pre-tournament medical is not acceptable,” FIFPRO head of strategy and research for women’s football Alex Culvin said. “All players need to complete these important checks before they compete, and the regulations need to

be applied and adhered to in full.” FIFPRO said two-thirds of players claimed they were not in peak condition by the time the tournament started and 53 percent believed they’d had insufficient rest before their opening game at the World Cup. While FIFPRO guidelines recommend an “off-season break of four weeks, with a re-training period of six weeks,” it said 86 percent players returned their clubs less than two weeks after the

SPAIN’S Aitana Bonmati holds the Player of the Tournament trophy after the final of Women’s World Cup soccer between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. AP tournament. The union quotes an unnamed player as saying it was “mentally exhausting” to return to club soccer. Besides one in three respondents earning less than $30,000 a year from soccer, the survey found that one in five needed a second job to supplement their income. Those figures did not include a guaranteed pre-tax sum of at least $30,000 from World Cup prize money for every player. “FIFA can confirm that it has credited prize money to cover the financial contribution specifically earmarked for all players at the record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to all 32 (associations),” world soccer’s governing body said in a statement to The Associated Press. “Since the conclusion of the tournament FIFA has provided tailored support to (associations) regarding the distribution of payments to players. This support is another concrete step taken by FIFA to develop women’s football and ensure players receive a fair deal.” AP

PHL bets put up tough fight against elite foes in Nuvali NATIONAL team first-timers Sofiah Pagara (2) and Khylem Progella do not shy away from the challenge despite a loss to their world No. 47 opponents from China. NONIE REYES the prominent Volleyball Nations League, but not without a fight under the scorching heat. National team first-timers Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella did not shy away from the challenge despite an 18-21, 16-21 defeat against world No. 47 Zhu Lingdi and Shuting Cao of China, in the women’s qualification. The veteran pair of James Buytrago and Rancel Varga also succumbed to world No. 85 Issa Batrane and Frederick Bialokoz of England, 11-21, 12-21, in the men’s division. The Philippines though is still in play with Jen Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez in women’s as well as Ran Abdilla and Jaron Requinton in men’s already through to the 24-team main draw of the world tiff supported by gold sponsors Ayala Land, Mikasa, Senoh, Philippine Sports Commission, Pinay In Action and Smart as gold sponsors and PLDT, Gatorade, Maynilad, Rebisco, Ayala Malls,

Department of Tourism, CBPI, Club Laiya, Foton as bronze sponsors. Brazilian Jao Luciano Kiodai mentors the Filipino spikers in their battle against the sand giants, composed of top-ranked players, Olympians and world champions from over 30 countries. Only 16 teams in each gender are in the main draw so far with eight more teams booking their spots from the ongoing qualifications as of press time to complete the 24-squad cast slugging it out for the Nuvali crown. The Nuvali leg of the BPT is the last stop before the finals on December 6 to 9 in Doha, Qatar after trips in Mexico, Brazil, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Latvia, Portugal, France, India, China and Thailand. It also serves as a gigantic stage for countries to earn much-needed points to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The PNVF hosting of the BPT comes on the heels of the country’s championship in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures courtesy of Jovelyn Gonzaga and

Sisi Rondina last year as well as a commendable fifth-place finish by Eslapor and Rodriguez this year in the Asian Games beach volleyball in Hangzhou, China.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.: Cycling is a mainstream mode of transportation.

PBBM declares National Bike-to-Work-Day By Samuel P. Medenilla

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared the last working day of every November as “National Bike-to-WorkDay” for the goal of accelerating the mainstreaming of cycling. In his Proclamation No. 409, which he issued through Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin last Tuesday, President Marcos said the measure is in line with the goal of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 to develop active transportation networks. Based on the latest PDP, pedestrians and cyclists should be given the highest priority in the hierarchy of road users. The two-page proclamation noted there is a need to “raise public awareness on the viability of cycling as a mainstream mode of transportation” to help improve local cycling infrastructures.

It also noted the measure will allow the country to be better prepared for future health emergencies, wherein public transportation operations will be stopped or greatly restricted. Marcos tasked the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group on Active Transport (IATWG-AT) of the Department of Health (DOH) to identify programs and activities for the celebration of the National Biketo-Work-Day. All other national government agencies and instrumentalities are encouraged to help in the said IATWG-AT initiatives. In its survey results last September, the Social Weather Station said that at least one member of 10 million households nationwide used a bike. It noted 7.5 million Filipino households cycle as recreation, while 6.7 million do it as an essential activity.

Ababa, Uy dominate season of surprises

OCAL golf continued its upward trajectory in postpandemic, seamlessly transitioning from last year with a flourish of 10 tournaments in both the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) and the Ladies PGT. And a shift from stroke play competitions to the match play format provided a fitting conclusion to an intense and competitive season. With eight different winners in the men’s tour and seven in the distaff side, seasoned campaigners showcased their prowess over the emerging talents, including a couple of top amateurs in the LPGT. The diversity of winners reflected the level playing field in both circuits, debunking the notion that golf is exclusively a young man’s game influenced by technology. Jhonnel Ababa and Daniella Uy emerged triumphant in the Order of Merit (OOM) derby, underscoring that, amidst the club-hopping season at the country’s various championship courses, success still hinges on hard work, discipline and a positive mindset. Ababa, a multi-titled campaigner, clinched his first OOM title after a stellar campaign. His victory at the Philippine Masters, where he edged out 2023 top player Guido van der Valk and Joenard Rates by one at Villamor, and his five-stroke romp over Michael Bibat and Dino Villanueva in the season-ending Mimosa Plus Championship in Pampanga, solidified his top position with total winnings of P1,499,825. The former national team standout outpaced four-time OOM winner and Caliraya Springs leg titlist Tony Lascuña, who banked P1,325,196, and two-leg champion (Forest Hills and Del Monte) Clyde Mondilla, who pocketed P1,305,250, to claim the coveted title. “First, I want to thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed on me,” said Ababa. “Winning the OOM title for the first time did have a great impact on my career. I didn‘t expect [to win] it but it will boost my confidence for next season.” Reflecting on his performance, Ababa appreciated the highs and lows of a highly competitive season, emphasizing moments of outstanding play while acknowledging challenges in the

JHONNEL ABABA and Daniella Uy are on top of the Philippine golf world. course of his campaign. “When you can’t sink the ball and you’re not in shape, they’re the low moments,” Ababa said. “And the high moments were when you just can’t do anything wrong.” “This [year] is most special because I became No. 1 in our country,” said Ababa, whose campaign was backed by Borough Lasik Center, Ping, Calatagan Golf Club and Canlubang Golf and Country Club. The other PGT leg winners were Ira Alido (Negros), Rupert Zaragosa (Iloilo), Reymon Jaraula (Valley) and Justin Quiban (South Pacific). Uy, a former Junior World champion, faced her own challenges early in the LPGT but rallied towards the end. Her one-stroke victory at Forest Hills, a two-shot win at Del Monte and an imposing triumph at Mimosa Plus Championship and consistent performances secured her the top spot in the OOM rankings with earnings of P808,145, surpassing Harmie Constantino, who pooled P685,500 on her victories at Luisita and Villamor Ladies Philippine Masters, and South Pacific leg champion Florence Bisera, who pocketed P611,250. Chanelle Avaricio kicked off the season with a thrilling victory at Negros, top amateur Rianne Malixi upstaged the pros with a convincing win in Iloilo, Epson Tour campaigner Pauline del Rosario ruled the Caliraya Springs stop before another amateur, Mafy Singson, bested the pros at Forest Hills. Both Ababa and Uy highlighted the importance of hard work and focus in their successes, providing a testament to the enduring qualities that lead to golfing triumphs. As the season concluded with a match play championship at The Country Club, where Luisita leg winner Miguel Tabuena, coming off a grueling, month-long campaign on the Asian Tour, overcame fatigue with stirring victories to dethrone Lascuña in the men’s finale. Mikha Fortuna, on the other hand, showcased her dominance by overpowering amateur Laurea Duque to claim her first professional victory.

Motoring BusinessMirror

Friday, December 1, 2023

Editor: Tet Andolong

Crosstrek-ing to Pampanga T

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

HE all-new Subaru Crosstrek made its Philippine debut mid-this year as a replacement for the XV.

Two variants are available in the local market—the 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S. Recently, Motor Image Philippines, the official distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, hosted a drive event for select members of the motoring media. It was a straightforward drive to Clark, Pampanga, without any arranged route, instead precisely the fastest way anyone would take from the Aseana area. Staged at the Subaru Manila Bay dealership, the convoy took the entire Skyway stretch to Balintawak and NLEX.

Compact and rugged

At a glance, the all-new Crosstrek exudes ruggedness and on-the-go guise. The two variants are differentiated mainly on exterior trims. The 2.0i-L received a black glossfinished grille accent and side view mirrors. On the other hand, the top-spec 2.0i-S sports a chrome accent on the grille with dark silver side mirrors and roof rails. As for the wheels, the 2.0i-L has black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the 2.0i-S rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels. Moreover, both variants have LED headlights and daytime running lights (with auto high-beam). However, the 2.0i-S received a steering responsive system and LED cornering lights. Of course, the flat black body claddings give that rugged look. Inside is a standard tablet-like 11.6-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connection function. USB Type A and Type C connections are also available, with the 2.0i-S having an extra rear USB Type C. As for seats, the 2.0i-L has fabric material, while the 2.0i-S has the more premium leather material with a 10-way power adjustment (driver’s seat). It may be the smallest in the Subaru lineup, but the interior boasts space where it is needed most, like the large cargo area door opening with plenty of room to offer. Even better, the 60/40 folding rear seats can further expand

the cargo space to load sizeable items. Motivation comes from an all-motor FB20 2.0-liter Boxer 4 generating 156 horsepower and 196 N-m maximum torque. It is mated to a Lineartronic CVT driving all four wheels. With these figures, Subaru claims that zero to 100 km/h sprint is achieved at 10.5 seconds with a top speed of 198 km/h.

All-wheel driving with enhanced EyeSight

Behind the wheel, the Crosstek, regardless of variant, can quickly achieve cruising speeds thanks to its small frame. Despite the absence of a boost, the all-motor engine has more than enough power to drive all wheels whenever needed. However, since the entire run was primarily straight and dry, it was an easy task for the vehicle’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Speed increments were a walk in the park, and everything was smooth and steady. But what stole the scene was the Crosstek’s EyeSight Advanced Driver Assist Technology. Equipped with the new Subaru EyeSight 4.0, this enhanced version added a monocular lens to the existing setup for a broader detection field. With Autonomous Emergency Steering, improved Pre-Collision Braking prevents frontal collisions under 80km/h by swerving the vehicle safely to the side, within its lane. Pre-Collision Braking brings the car to a complete stop if needed to avoid collisions, now improved with a wider field of vision to cover more traffic scenarios at intersections. While traversing the long stretches of Skyway Stage 3 going to Balintawak and NLEX, the Adaptive Cruise Control became beneficial as the improved function automatically followed the vehicle in front at a safe distance, making the long drive more convenient. Another function tested was the Lane Centering Function, that assisted in keeping the vehicle in the center of the lane. Last was the Lane

The top-spec 2.0i-S variant in Magnetite Gray Metallic color

The 2.0i-L base variant in Pure Red color

Departure Prevention, which automatically nudges the vehicle back into the lane when it sways out when traveling above 60km/h. The entire drive became more comfortable and safer, going to Clark and back to Manila. It shows that the Crosstek is not just any other rugged subcompact crossover but

is also equipped with reliable and advanced driver-assist safety features that help prevent collisions. Other safety features are Subaru EyeSight 4.0 w/ Wide Angle Monocular Camera, High-Beam Assist, seven SRS Airbags, ABS with EBD, Active Torque Vectoring, Vehicle

Looks pretty this early; pioneering Pasay & Santa Rosa

GGRESSIVE marketing activities and supply improvement from across all brands have triggered an 18.6 percent increase in October sales, auguring well for an anticipated record-breaking performance in the run-up to the Christmas rush. It can’t get any better than this if we go by the recent data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA). Both groups reported sales of 38,128 units in October 2023 from 32,146 units sold in October 2022. “Consumer appetite is high and sales are driven by continued pent-up demand, which is also supported by easier access to credit,” said Campi president Rommel Gutierrez. Ecstatic over the industry’s full recovery to pre-pandemic levels, Gutierrez said: “We already achieved 83 percent of our 2023 forecast in October. With sustained demand, we are confident that we can achieve 423,000 units sold by year-end.” In another familiar refrain, Toyota Motor Philippines continued its dominance with another smashing 46-percent market share, followed by Mitsubishi at 18.5 percent, Ford 7.4 percent, Nissan 6.3 percent and Suzuki 4.3 percent.

TMP partnership

TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) has partnered with the cities of Santa Rosa and Pasay

for the Toyota Community Shuttle (TCS), a free on-demand, shared transportation service, which will be delivered via digital interface. Under the program, TMP will provide each city with a fleet of five brand-new and air-conditioned Toyota Lite Ace that will run on flexible routes within city boundaries. The TCS is set to provide free rides for a year starting today, December 1, in Santa Rosa and on Saturday, December 2, in Pasay. “TMP is offering the TCS as part of the Company’s corporate social responsibility and in commemoration of TMP’s 35th anniversary. Through TCS, TMP aims to contribute to improving the quality of life in these communities by providing free, easier, smarter and safer mobility,” TMP president Atsuhiro Okamoto said. The booking service for TCS will be delivered through the ‘myToyota Shuttle PH’ application, one of the flagship mobility solutions of TMP’s mobility service arm, Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines, Inc. (TMSPH). The ‘myTOYOTA Shuttle PH’ allows an efficient on-demand shuttle management that optimizes route planning and seat booking. Through a downloadable mobile application, commuters can easily book their rides using a personal device, monitor the real-time location, and check the arrival time of the TCS unit. “We want to create positive social value

Dynamics Control System, Electric Brake Booster, Electronic Parking Brake w/ Auto Hold, X-Mode w/ Hill Descent Control & Auto Restore (2.0i-L); Dual-Function X-Mode w/ Hill Descent Control & Auto Restore (2.0iS), Rear View Camera, and Rear Automatic Braking. in our beneficiary communities through the provision of free mobility,” Okamoto said. “But the TCS is not only helpful in creating a hassle-free ride experience for commuters. It also complements the current efforts of our project beneficiaries towards becoming a smart city and ‘sustainable eco-city’ through increased connectivity and mobility, among others.” TMP said both cities are embracing innovation and digitalization to improve the quality of life in their communities in all areas, including transportation. TMP celebrated its 35th year of incorporation in August 2023 with a reaffirmed commitment to economic and societal development through its automotive manufacturing and distribution business and mobilityrelated services. Globally, Toyota envisions diversified and innovative solutions focusing on “Connected, Autonomous/Automated, Shared, and Electrified” or “CASE” concepts of future mobility. Indeed, Toyota’s DNA has always been: Nothing’s impossible.

PEE STOP Lyka dela Cruz-Andres says Honda CONNECT is now on, another tech wonder that ensures safety, security and convenience for Honda’s customers. Visit hondaphil.com/technology/hondaconnect, or any of Honda’s 37 dealerships nationwide…Shaina Mae Semana reports that Toyota’s exquisite Hybrid Lineup will be showcased in the much-awaited Go Electrified Tour at One Bonifacio High St. Amphitheater on BGC Taguig on Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. The exhibit runs up to Dec. 10…I missed Mitsubishi’s All-New Triton showcase. But as per Nelda Castro, it was a big hit. Carry on!...Finally, Brennan Raynor Ramos tells me the recent BMW EV Weekend was a smashing success at the Upper Ground Atrium of the SM Aura Premier. Cheers!