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NATURE’S WRATH

SHIPS run aground due to Typhoon Odette in Cebu City on Friday, December 17, 2021. In Cagayan de Oro City, a rescuer assists a girl as they wade through flooding caused by the typhoon on Thursday. The typhoon engulfed villages in floods that trapped residents on roofs, toppled trees and knocked out power in southern and central island provinces, where more than 300,000 villagers had fled to safety before the onslaught, officials said.Story on A3.

PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD/AP/JAY LABRA

BACK TO MOTHER NATURE Barring any resurgence of Covid-19 cases, DENR readies reopening of more Protected Areas, National Parks for visitors

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

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S the Philippine economy gradually reopens with the continuing decline in Covid-19 cases logged on a daily basis by health authorities, ecotourism in Protected Areas (PA) is slowly reclaiming its luster for pandemic-weary Filipinos in need of a much-deserved break from months of onand-off community lockdowns.

Ecotourism in PAs, or areas set aside for conservation, offers people an opportunity to commune with nature, while avoiding crowded areas in the face of the continuing threat of new Covid-19 variants.

The good news is more PAs are expected to resume ecotourism operation soon, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

So far, 55 of the 93 PAs that offer ecotourism in various parts

gat” volunteers were continuously conducted during the closure of the PAs to the public.

Tour guides, transportation and catering services providers were the sectors most affected by the closures of PAs, she said.

“With the reopening of the parks, we are optimistic that tour guides and other service providers that are relying on ecotourism in Protected Areas would soon resume operations. Further, partnership with communities is vital as we recover from the pandemic. At the DENR, we continuously build their capacity in managing our resources as well as in exploring oth-

er alternative livelihood activities,” Maranan said.

Adherence to protocols

HOWEVER, she pointed out that further health and safety protocols that may be issued, especially with the emergence of the Omicron variant, will be followed strictly in our PAs to avoid the spread of the virus in the country. The first two cases of the more transmissible Omicron variant in the Philippines were logged by the Department of Health on Thursday afternoon.

According to Maranan, from the total income generated by Continued on A2

KAYAKERS navigate the limestone cliffs of El Nido, Palawan, part of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, which covers over 36,000 hectares of land and 54,000 hectares of marine waters. WIRESTOCK | DREAMSTIME.COM

of the country have reopened.

More of these ecotourism sites will soon start accepting visitors on the assumption that, hopefully, the current national trend in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations maintains its present course amid the looming Omicron variant threat.

Meriden E. Maranan, chief of the National Parks Division of the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), said with the issuance of Executive Order 151 “Approving the Nationwide Imple-

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 50.1350

mentation of the Alert Level System for Covid-19 Response” in November 2021, tourist attractions are already open in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 4.

As such, she said, more PAs opening to visitors is expected as long as concerned local government units (LGUs) where ecotourism activities will take place will not raise any objection.

Jobs provider

VIA e-mail, Maranan said ecotour-

ism activities in PAs were severely affected due to the quarantine restrictions during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Prior to the pandemic, an average of 4,367 jobs were supported annually through ecotourism development in protected areas, which decreased drastically by 32 percent [2,948 jobs] during the pandemic,” she said.

Nevertheless, Maranan said, patrolling and protection activities of “Bantay Gubat” and “Bantay Da-

n JAPAN 0.4409 n UK 66.7949 n HK 6.4246 n CHINA 7.8717 n SINGAPORE 36.7828 n AUSTRALIA 36.0120 n EU 56.8130 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.3601

Source: BSP (December 17, 2021)

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Vaccine alliance chief: Omicron could trigger ‘Inequity 2.0’

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By Jamey Keaten | The Associated Press

HAVANNES-DE-BOGIS, Switzerland —The head of vaccine alliance Gavi, which is leading a UN-backed push to get Covid-19 vaccines to developing countries, said that he’s seen early signs that rich countries are beginning to withhold donations out of fears about the Omicron coronavirus variant—warning any new hoarding could lead to “Inequity 2.0.”

Gavi chief executive Dr. Seth Berkley took stock of the nearly two-year fight against the pandemic as the alliance released the latest update to its supply forecast for Covid-19 vaccines that it has repeatedly downscaled, largely because of export bans and vaccine hoarding by some producer countries that critics say it should have foreseen.

“With the Omicron variant, what we’ve seen is panic in many countries that has led acceleration of boosters both to the numbers of people getting them, but also the timeline for getting them,” Berkley told The Associated Press in an interview late Tuesday at his home outside Geneva.

He was referring to extra doses given in rich countries to a broad swath of people—not just those at highest risk of contracting severe Covid-19.

‘Rich man’s world’

THE Geneva-based public-private partnership has been the lead

manager of the UN-backed Covax program that initially sought to get coronavirus vaccines to all countries, but was pivoted after wealthier countries, and even some poorer ones, started striking their own deals to get jabs.

That locked down much of tight supplies and prompted vast inequality in access to jabs.

Of the roughly 10 billion doses that have been delivered worldwide, the vast majority has gone to rich countries. Covax has delivered just over 700 million.

“We also are beginning to see donors not wanting to donate their doses as fast as they might have because of the uncertainty now of where we are,” Berkley said, declining to specify. “Of course, our long-term concern is, if it turns out that new variant vaccines are required, that there may be an ‘Inequity 2.0’ where we see wealthy countries hoard those vaccines once again, like we saw at the beginning of the pandemic.”

DR. Seth Berkley, CEO of the vaccine alliance GAVI, speaks to the Associated Press during an interview, in Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland, on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Berkley, the head of vaccine alliance Gavi, which is leading a UN-backed push to get Covid-19 vaccines to developing countries, said in the interview he’s seen early signs that rich countries are beginning to withhold donations out of fears about the Omicron variant, warning any new hoarding could lead to “Inequity 2.0.” AP

While Omicron’s transmissibility, severity and resistance to vaccines aren’t yet fully clear, the new variant could require revisions to existing vaccines or even production of new ones. Berkley says a Covid-19 vaccine from Novavax, which relies on a common technol-

ogy in flu vaccines and has shown efficacy against variants, could be set to win emergency-use approval within “days” from the World Health Organization.

Logistics factor

IN recent weeks, global production of Covid-19 vaccines has taken off and supply is less of a problem than it once was. Now, a challenge is making sure countries can take in vaccines that sometimes require storage in very cold temperatures or are delivered in batches that need to be used at the same time once opened.

Wastage is a risk. Berkley said some is inevitable and insisted less than 1 percent of Covax vaccines have gone to waste.

While he said it’s understandable, if potentially short-sighted, that politicians would want to serve their own people first with vaccines, one leading critic of Gavi’s handling of Covax says a lot of the trouble can be pinned on wealthy-country governments who didn’t ensure steady sharing of vaccines. Now, an influx of vaccines in some developing countries could present problems.

“Since high-income country governments hoarded vaccine and didn’t allow…distribution…to be paced, now we’re at this end-ofyear dump, basically, and lo and behold, surprise, surprise, fragile

health systems—some of them are having real difficultly accommodating it,” said Kate Elder, senior vaccines policy adviser at Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, which provides medical care around the world.

Gavi manages Covax along with the Center for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and UN health agency World Health Organization (WHO), while Unicef handles distribution of shots into arms.

Berkley said Gavi expects to have delivered between 800 million and 1 billion doses by the end of this year to the poorest developing countries, which he says was in line with targets.

Misjudgment?

WHERE the alliance faced slippage in deliveries was with wealthier “self-financing countries” that were originally expected to get jabs through COVAX but didn’t use it as foreseen—many opting for direct deals with manufacturers.

Gavi expects to have 1.4 billion doses available by the end of his year. It had originally set a goal to deliver 2 billion doses by the end of 2021.

Berkley said Gavi expects another 800 million doses in the first quarter of next year, but not all of those are confirmed.

Questions remain about supplies from manufacturers, regulatory

approvals, and dose donations that are “somewhat more unpredictable.” Places like the United States and the European Union have been key donors.

As it has been forced to adapt and revise its strategies, donations from countries like “Team Europe” have grown increasingly important to COVAX—which was never planned to be a donation mechanism.

“In fact, we didn’t even have donations in the original framework and way of working,” Berkley said.

“That only occurred because of the vaccine hoarding that was occurring in wealthy countries and because of the fact that we had export bans.”

Critics say Gavi misjudged national self-interest and wrongly bet on trying to supply the whole world through a vast new program whose long-term impact is questionable.

They say focus should have been on strengthening existing vaccine distribution systems, like one through WHO’s Americas regional body PAHO (Pan American Health Organization).

“Hindsight is 20/20 but there have been a tremendous number of shortcomings in the COVAX facility, probably many of them which could have been anticipated [by] understanding the environment and how countries with means were going to respond to this pandemic,” said MSF’s Elder.

BACK TO MOTHER NATURE Continued from A1

PAs and National Parks (NPs), 64 percent is derived from ecotourism activities. The reopening of ecotourism sites, she said, will help PAs and NPs to recover from financial losses and serve as additional sources of funds for their operations.

Aside from the income generated in the operation of ecotourism in PAs and NPs, Maranan said, the practice instills conservation education and awareness among the visitors and reinforces ecosystem services through a number of benefits while providing livelihood to communities.

“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Protected Areas receive roughly 4.5 million visits annually, and generated approximately P225 million per year from entrance fees and use of facilities. During the pandemic, Protected Areas have received a total of 1.2 million visitors only and generated approximately P59.6 million,” she noted.

According to Maranan, the number of visitors and income generated has decreased drasti-

cally by 72 percent and 73 percent, respectively.

“With the reopening of Protected Areas and easing of travel restrictions, we are expecting that the number of visitors and income from ecotourism in Protected Areas will increase,” she said.

Maranan noted that while the nationwide Alert Level System has already been adopted, park managers or Protected Area superintendents are bound to adhere to local guidelines and ordinances issued by various LGUs, explaining why many PAs and NPs are still closed to visitors.

“Meantime, we take this as an opportunity to enhance the skills of our PA staff and the communities through various relevant training. Further, this is also a chance for our biodiversity to recover from the impacts caused by some activities in the area.

The DENR-BMB is currently strengthening its partnerships with the Department of Tourism, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other development partners through the National Ecotourism Steering

Committee and Ecotourism Technical Working Group.

Maranan said among the areas for collaboration with concerned national government agencies are the updating of the National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan, operationalization of the Reformulated National Tourism Development Plan, and adoption of guidelines on the operation of ecotourism under the new normal to be anchored on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ guidelines and issuances of various relevant agencies.

“These plans will serve as guides for our park managers in the operation of Protected Areas under the new normal,” she said.

In the meantime, as to securing clearance from LGUs to resume operation, Maranan said that since each LGU has specific protocols and guidelines in terms of managing the pandemic, the Protected Area Management Board, where LGUs sit as members, is the most appropriate venue to discuss the necessary clearance for the resumption of PA operation and opening.

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

News BusinessMirror

Saturday, December 18, 2021

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most confident since ‘Odette’ cuts wide swathe of destruction Firms 2019, consumers are bleak in Visayas, Mindanao; 3 deaths reported P S

By Rene Acosta

UPER ty phoon Odette killed at least three people and left a large swathe of destruction in Visayas and Mindanao in rampage that trapped f looded residents on roofs, toppled trees and knocked out power and telecommunications signal, initial reports government reports showed on Friday.

Disaster officia ls were va lidating reports of as many as 12 fatalities, and were assessing the extent of the damage and casualties wrought by one of the strongest ty phoons to hit the countr y in recent years, but said efforts were hampered by w idespread power outa ges, dow ne d com mu n ic at ion s a nd roads clog ged w ith fa l len trees and debris. Witnesses described ferocious w inds that ripped off roofs and forced dow n trees, while others ex perienced severe f looding. President Duterte, during a situation briefing on Friday with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on the effects of Odette in several parts of the country will be visiting this weekend the areas devastated by tropical storm Odette.

“I am flying tomorrow (Saturday) to the area (Siargao); also I would hit maybe Leyte, Surigao and if there’s enough time, Bohol.

Then day after I would try to visit Cebu and in the Western side of the islands—Bacolod, Iloilo,” Duterte said.

This after NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator undersecretary Ricardo B Jalad said they will conduct an ocular inspection of the impact of Odette in Siargao.

Duterte said he wants to visit the typhoon-hit areas to check on the casualties caused by Odette.

“I am not so much worried about damage to structures, infrastructure of the government. What I am afraid of is that many people may have died [from the effects of Odette]. I am eager as you to go there and see for myself,” Duterte said.

Jalad reported that Odette hit regions 4-B, 6,7,8,10,11, and Caraga.

Citing their initial reports, he said they were able to register 12 fatalities and 7 missing persons in these areas.

Officials were assessing the extent of the damage and casualties wrought by one of the strongest typhoons to hit the country in recent years, but said efforts were hampered by widespread power outages, downed communications and roads clogged with fallen trees and debris. Witnesses described ferocious winds that ripped off roofs and forced down trees, while others experienced severe f looding.

“I have never experienced such ferocity of the wind in my life and we were not even directly hit,” Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City told The Associated Press by telephone, adding that at least one resident was killed when she was hit by a cluster of bamboo blown down by the storm.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) though a consolidated report by its command center said the fatalities were recorded in Northern Mindanao, which also reported three injured people. Two others remained missing in Western Visayas.

Undersecretary Casiano Monilla, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the agency’s operations center, said most of the provinces in Eastern, Western and Central Visayas and in Caraga were experiencing power interruptions as early as Thursday.

Some of the provinces, including Northern Mindanao were also without telecommunications signals, forcing the OCD to use satellite phones in communicating with the battered provinces.

Based on the consolidated report of the PNP command center as shared by the national headquarters’ public information office, at least 154 areas in Regions 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were without electricity.

At least 492 areas in Regions 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13 were also without mobile phone signal.

The PNP said at least 152 areas in Regions 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13 were also f looded as of Thursday morning along with 37 road sections in Regions 6, 10 and 13 were also f looded.

Among the provinces that were experiencing power supply and mobile phone signal outages were Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Bukidnon, Dinagat, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur and Agusan provinces.

Monilla said Odette’s strong winds, which prompted weather officials to hoist signal number 4 in some of the affected areas, confined local officials and disaster

response personnel inside their offices and homes on Thursday night, venturing out for response operations only on Friday.

However, search and rescue personnel from agencies, including the PNP and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have been assisting in the rescue and preemptive evacuation efforts of villagers in flooded and threatened areas the whole day on Thursday due to strong rains spawned by Odette even before it could make a landfall.

Maronilla and the OCD said Odette made a landfall in Siargao Island on Thursday, and as of Friday morning, it was already over Sulu and moving westward toward Palawan.

The super typhoon has made a total of eight landfalls as of this writing.

The PNP command center said at least 50,219 families or 198,417 individuals were evacuated due to Odette and were housed in 7,928 government-run shelters in the affected regions and provinces.

The PNP mobilized more than 13,000 personnel, both for actual operations and as standby force, for Odette.

It said the super typhoon also forced the cancellation of 53 flights, stranding 1,083 passengers in airports.

The PCG, on the other hand, said a total of 6,778 passengers, drivers, and cargo helpers were stranded in various seaports along with 3,221 rolling cargoes, 86 vessels and four motor bancas.

Another 275 vessels and 134 motor bancas have taken shelter, it added.

Military spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said their disaster response operations are also ongoing in the affected areas in coordination with the National Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“As the lead agency of the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Cluster, we have mobilized units from our regional commands to the battalion level to ensure the widest coverage possible. Air and naval assets are also on call and ready for deployment to support the national and local disaster risk reduction and management councils and other response clusters,” Zagala said.

PRC deployment

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon mobilized PRC staff and volunteers nationwide to provide immediate assistance following the onslaught of Odette on Thursday.

Gordon instructed PRC’s local chapters to prepare payloaders to clear impassable roads due to fallen trees and debris.

Relief items such as sleeping kits, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, jerry cans, and shelter tool kits were also prepared to aid the most vulnerable.

“Kasama ang local chapters, ay patuloy kaming tutulong [Together with the local chapters, we will continue to help] to alleviate human suffering and uplift the dignity of the people,” Gordon said and reminded people to be cautious as well due to the threat of Covid-19.

Gordon also reiterated the importance of practicing safety protocols in the evacuation areas to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

PRC continues to provide ready-to-eat meals to affected individuals in the evacuation centers.

To date, PRC provided 12,952 hot meals and targets to feed more affected individuals.

PRC has a total of 28 food trucks nationwide, ready to be deployed in situations like disaster, calamities, and conflict.

Gordon also plans to procure additional food trucks to hasten relief operations.

Smart response

PLDT wireless communication Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) on Friday said it is the first to respond to typhoon-hit residents in Barangay Mabua in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. Smart, together with local partners BizTalk and F&H Marketing, deployed an emergency generator set, which powered the covered court-turned evacuation center, where around 74 families sought shelter.

Smart also activated its Libreng Tawag and Charging stations, helping affected residents connect with their loved ones in the wake of Odette (international codename Rai).

Smart had also begun sending emergency load assistance to affected customers in Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur and del Norte, Bohol and Southern Leyte. The typhoon made its first landfall in Siargao Island on Thursday afternoon, bringing torrential rains and destructive winds.

“All these efforts to provide immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, and relief assistance to communities affected by disasters are part of PLDT and Smart’s #SafeandSmart Philippines

program,” said Cathy Yap-Yang, first vice president and group Head, Corporate Communications for PLDT and Smart.

Globe service update

Globe telco has announced that due to strong winds and torrential rains brought by Supertyphoon Odette, Globe’s data and mobile services have been affected in select areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

Outages were caused by multiple fiber cuts and the lack of commercial power. Given this,

customers in affected areas may experience difficulty in using our GCash Buy Load, AMAX, Sharea-Load, Promo registration and Emergency Load Services at the moment.

Meanwhile, Globe said its LTE@ Home Postpaid, Broadband Wireline services and GOMO services are up and available.

At the moment, Globe said its technical teams have started restoration efforts in areas where it is safe to do so. With reports from

AP, Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco and Samuel Medenilla.

hilippine companies’ confidence in the economy returned to its pre-pandemic level this quarter, while households became more pessimistic, according to central bank surveys released Friday.

The business confidence index rose to 39.7 percent in the fourth quarter, a jump from the -5.6 percent reading in the previous three months and the highest since at least the last quarter of 2019 when it was at 40.2 percent.

Meanwhile, the consumer confidence index fell to -24 percent this quarter from -19.3 percent in July to September.

Easing mobility curbs, as vaccination ramps up and Covid-19 cases decline, led to an improvement in

businesses’ confidence, the central bank said, with an expected rise in demand during the Christmas season also giving it a boost.

Yet, households were more pessimistic amid high unemployment, low income and fast inflation, it said.

The Philippines has begun seeing more evident green shoots of recovery after being among Asia’s hardest-hit by coronavirus outbreaks. The government raised its growth outlook for the year and sees faster expansion in 2022.

The surveys were done from October8 to November 18 for firms, and from October 1 to 13 for consumers.

The capital region was under strict virus curbs in October. Bloomberg News

Inflation to remain below 4% in 2022 despite oil prices uncertainty–Diokno

By Bianca Cuaresma

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HE Bangko Sentral ng Pi l ipinas (BSP) sa id inflation will still fall within their target range for next year despite rising oil prices in the global market.

In a virtual briefing on Friday, BSP governor Benjamin Diokno said they are “closely monitoring” global oil demand and supply conditions in its

assessment of the outlook for setting monetary policy. The governor said the latest inflation projections already consider these developments.

BSP estimates showed that energy-related items like petroleum and fuels contributed around 1.5 percentage points to the 4.2-percent November headline inflation.

In its monetary policy setting meeting on Thursday, the

BSP revised their inflation outlook to 4.4 percent for this year from 4.3 percent earlier.

For next year, they have also revised their projection upward, from 3.3 percent to 3.4 percent. Despite the upward revision, their latest projection is still within the 2 to 4 percent target range of the government for 2022 and 2023.

Global oil prices have been on an uptrend in 2021 amid recovery in economic activity. However, the

emergence of the omicron variant raised concerns over weaker demand prospects and led to the recent decline in global crude oil prices. “ W hile the recent oil pr ice increase contr ibuted to November i n f l at ion b e i n g o ve r t he B S P ’s target band, the implementation of direct non-monetar y inter ventions remains cr ucia l in mitigating cost-push inf lation emanating from other commodities,” the gover nor said.

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Saturday, December 18, 2021

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PHL to grow 6.5 percent in 2022, economist says

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By Bianca Cuaresma

HE Philippine economy is expected to bounce back in 2022, with its gross domestic product (GDP) growing by 6.5 percent next year, a private economist said.

In a virtual media briefing for its 2022 outlook, Security Bank Assistant Vice President and Chief Economist Robert Dan Roces said he forecasts “strong economic growth” for the country next year.

The economist attributed his view to multiple factors such as the easing of mobility restrictions, higher number of fully vaccinated Filipinos, as well as the rollout of booster shots.

“We foresee the Philippine GDP growing by 6.5 percent on a yearover-year basis in 2022 as we head towards the normalization of our daily lives. We’re seeing encouraging data that signifies sustained long-term economic recovery, with continued improvements in private consumption, manufacturing production, public infrastructure spending, and external trade,” Roces said.

“With looser curbs, mobility data in the country may reflect a strong rebound in domestic economic activity and improved business confidence,” Roces added.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), over 42 million Filipinos have received their

complete dose of the Covid-19 vaccine while over 55 million have received their first dose as of December 14.

The economist said consumption will remain a key driver for growth in the last three months of the year.

“We predict that herd immunity might be achieved in the country

by March to May 2022, with vaccine rollouts continuing exponentially throughout the Philippines,” Roces said.

For the global economy, the economist said oil prices are expected to remain elevated next year, with the increasing demand for oil as people start to travel again for business or leisure.

BSP finalizing circular mandating better banks’ fraud mgmt systems

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HE Ba ngko Sent ra l ng Pilipinas (BSP) confirmed on Friday that it is in the final stages of issuing a circular mandating the adoption of robust fraud management systems and temporary holding of funds as part of banks’ Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD).

In a v irtual briefing on Frid ay, B SP Gover nor B enja m i n Diok no said the circu lar w i l l be among the controls aimed at preventing or minimizing losses from fraudulent activ ities.

Just earlier this month, the cou nt r y ’s l a rgest ba n k—BDO Unibank Inc.—became the target of cybercrime, with clients losing an estimated P50 million through online banking.

Apart from the circular, the BSP said they are developing the Financial Services Cyber Resilience Plan (or FSCRP), which will serve as the primary and cohesive framework to promote trust and cooperation, intelligence sharing and adoption of cybersecurity best practices and standards among local banks.

Diokno also said the BSP is in the initial stages of implementing a holistic “Governance, Risk, and Compliance” solution on cybersecurity aimed at strengthening BSP’s own cybersecurity posture as well as BSP’s cybersecurity supervision and oversight capabilities.

“The BSP keenly monitors cyber threats amid heightened digitalization during the pandemic, and now in the Christmas season,” the governor said.

Based on BSP’s active cyberthreat surveillance, the top cyber incidents

in 2021 pertain to account takeover or identity theft, phishing attacks and other cyber fraud relying on social engineering tactics.

“A s d ig ita l transfor mat ion and cyberthreats simultaneously evolve, rest assured that the BSP shall work closely with BSP-supervised financial institutions and stakeholders on pioneering and cohesive solutions while ensuring the safety and resilience of the financial system, as the country transitions into the New Economy,” the governor said. Bianca Cuaresma

www.businessmirror.com.ph

UCPB stockholders OK merger with LandBank

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AND Bank of the Philippines announced on Friday that the stockholders of the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) have approved their merger, effectively advancing the ongoing process between the two government banks.

In a statement on Friday, Land Bank said shareholders representing 97.2 percent of the total outstanding capital stock of UCPB voted in favor of the Plan of Merger and Articles of Merger between UCPB and LandBank during the UCPB stockholders meeting held on December 14, 2021.

As the surviving entity of the merger, LandBank’s total assets will grow to close to P3 trillion, maintaining its position as the country’s second-largest bank in terms of assets.

“With this merger, we are looking for ward to a stronger, more resilient

and unified banking institution that will promote and broaden financial inclusion among Filipinos, especially those who belong to the underserved and unbanked sectors,” LandBank President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo said.

The bank also reiterated that it is more than capable of absorbing the financial impact of the merger with UCPB, as its assets and liabilities will similarly expand total deposits, loans, and capital.

The merger between LandBank and UCPB is pursuant to Executive Order 142 signed by President Duterte on June 25, 2021, which approved the merger to form a better capitalized and more resilient institution that will play a principal role in the national government’s development and financial inclusion agenda.

Bianca Cuaresma

Pandemic pushes more Pinoys into poverty–Neda

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By Cai U. Ordinario

ver a million Filipinos must graduate from extreme poverty in order for the Philippines to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

On Friday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) disclosed that the country’s poverty rate increased to 23.7 percent from 21.1 percent in 2018. This translated to 26.1 million poor Filipinos, a 3.9 million higher than the 22.2 million in the same period in 2018.

In terms of subsistence poverty or food poor Filipinos, the rate increased to 9.9 percent in the first semester of 2021 from 8.5 percent in 2018. This translates to 10.9 million food poor Filipinos in the first semester of 2021, an increase of 1.9 million from the 9.03 million recorded in 2018.

“On SDG 1 [the target] is to reduce extreme poverty. The global indicator is to reduce the percentage of those with per capita incomes less than $1.25, that’s in PPP [purchasing power parity] terms,” Neda Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon said at a briefing on Friday.

“In terms of its translation in pesos, halos kapareho ito ng ating subsistence threshold and so us at Neda, we have taken this to mean na yung subsistence poor natin dapat ma-reduce natin to zero by 2030. Right now, nasa 10.9 million ang subsistence poor, tumaas ng konti from 2018 and so in order to reduce this to zero in 2030, then we should be able to graduate out of subsistence poverty at least 1.1 million a year,” she explained.

National Statistician Dennis S. Mapa said the income threshold for 2021 used to classify Filipinos as poor is P12,082, which is 14.7 percent higher than the P10,532 threshold used in 2018. This monthly threshold is for a family of five.

The highest income threshold was recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR) at P13,854 for a family of five per month while the lowest was in Mimaropa at P10,878 per month.

For subsistence poverty, the monthly food threshold of P8,393 was used to determine if families were food poor in the first semester of 2021. This was 13.8 percent higher than the P7,374 food threshold used in 2018.

The highest food threshold was also recorded in Metro Manila at P9,674 per month for a family of five while the lowest was also recorded in Mimaropa at P7,587 monthly.

Mapa noted that the increase in these thresholds were among the factors in the increase in poverty. This was unlike previous years when thresholds would increase due to inflation but would be offset by an increase in income.

“Ngayon, nitong 2021, hindi ganon kataas ang increase sa income. Sabi ko kanina nga, tumaas ang ating poverty threshold ng 14.7 percent between 2018 and 2021 for the first six months pero yung income natin tumaas lang ng 4.5 percent,” Mapa explained.

The slow increase in income may be attributed to the mobility restrictions imposed by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to more Filipinos.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the poverty rate increased due to the quarantines. He noted that regions with stricter quarantines saw higher poverty incidence.

Chua said poverty incidence in Regions 3, 4-A, and 7 increased by over four percentage points. The poverty incidence in NCR also increased by around 1.2 percentage points.

Meanwhile, Chua said five regions with lesser quarantine restrictions recorded lower poverty. These are the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Regions 8, 9, 11, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Chua also said BARMM saw the largest poverty reduction of 17.4 percentage points, which reflected “the progress made on the peace process.”

“With stronger growth in the second half of 2021 as we further relax restrictions and increase the vaccination rate, we can expect poverty incidence to decrease,” Chua said.

Recommendations Chua said in order to address the increase in the country’s poverty incidence, the Duterte administration must be able to restore jobs and bring more people out of poverty.

The government hopes to do this through t he Econom ic Development C luster’s 10-point policy agenda to further accelerate and sustain recovery.

The 10-point policy agenda covers the following areas: 1) metrics; 2) vaccination; 3) health-care capacity; 4) economy and mobility; 5) schooling; 6) domestic travel; 7) international travel; 8) digital transformation; 9) enacting a pandemic flexibility bill; and 10) medium-term preparation for a pandemic resilience.

“Covid-19 has tested our resolve to achieve the Ambisyon Natin 2040, but we will not waver in our goal to provide a better life for all Filipinos. We remain committed to building a stronger and more inclusive economy, where everyone, especially the poor, is provided equal opportunities to succeed,” Chua said.

“We end this year on track to an early recovery. Our growth prospects are encouraging. As we collectively strive towards our 2040 vision, the poor will be at the center of our recovery and development strategy. No one will be left behind,” he stressed.

Part of these efforts is the implementation of the PhilSys or the National ID program to provide every Filipino with a unique and digitalized proof of identity.

As of December 10 of this year, Chua said, 50 million Filipinos registered in Steps 1 and 2 of the National ID program.

The Land Bank of the Philippines also opened more than 6.7 million bank accounts among low-income registrants. This will help, Chua said, in moving closer to achieving a 100 percent financial inclusion at the family level.

Chua said a fully digital ID system would allow the government to more efficiently target beneficiaries for social protection programs and directly deposit cash assistance to their bank accounts.

This will also transform how the government delivers social and financial assistance and help lift more Filipinos out of poverty.

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

Alibaba bares $100-B SEA expansion plan

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libaba Group Holding Ltd. has unveiled ambitious objectives for its Southeast Asian arm Lazada, accelerating an overseas expansion to offset Chinese economic and regulatory headwinds.

The Chinese e-commerce leader is targeting a long-term goal of quintupling gross merchandise value, the sum of transactions across Lazada’s platforms, to $100 billion, Alibaba outlined in a presentation to investors. It wants Lazada to serve more than 300 million users eventually, according to a slideshow posted on its web site.

Lazada, which Alibaba took over in 2016, is the Chinese corporation’s main e-commerce business in the booming Southeast Asian (SEA) market. Its importance has grown since Beijing launched a sprawling effort to curb the influence of Internet giants, spurring the likes of Alibaba and Tencent Holdings Ltd. to ramp up their international businesses.

T h e We C h a t o p e r a t o r, which is grappling w ith a gaming clampdown at home, this month launched a global publishing arm to group Alist titles under one umbrella.

Singapore-based Lazada has grown its GMV to about $21 billion over the past 12 months, after enlarging its active consumer base by 1.8 times to 130 million from March 2020 through September. That’s a ways behind its chief rival in the region, Sea Ltd.’s Shopee, which operates in Southeast Asia and Taiwan and reported more than $56 billion of transactions over the four quarters to the end of September.

The Alibaba subsidiary is now the third-largest online retailer in emerging markets

by GMV, behind Mercado Libre but ahead of South Korea’s Coupang Inc. and India’s Flipkart, according to the presentation.

Lazada, Shopee and fellow Internet giants like Grab Holdings Ltd. and Goto are riding an upswell of Southeast Asian online commerce, which Alibaba says is growing about 27 percent annually on average.

Tencent-backed Sea raised its forecast for annual e-commerce revenue last month for a second time this year, underscoring how the pandemic continues to drive online spending. Southeast Asia’s Internet economy is set to double to $363 billion by 2025, research from Google, Temasek Holdings Pte and Bain & Co. shows.

Bloomberg News

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China’s manufacturing center tightens curbs amid suspected Omicron spread

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hina’s southern Guangdong province is tightening Covid restrictions after a new cluster of infections emerged in the country’s manufacturing hub, and amid signs that the Omicron variant may be spreading in the community.

The Dalang township in Dongguan city, one of the province’s most important factory belts, has been locked down after the detection of eight infections, with people not allowed to enter or exit and bus services suspended.

A local hospital has closed all but its fever clinic and no patients are allowed to leave.

The provincial capital of Guangzhou also imposed movement restrictions on residents in a suburban district and started mass

testing after a cargo flight crew worker tested positive.

Meanwhile, the city also said that its first omicron case had tested positive only after being released from quarantine earlier this month, raising fears that the highly transmissible variant capable of evading vaccine protection could have already taken root in the community.

On Thursday night, local health authorities said a 70-year-old woman who lived in the same apartment building as the Omicron patient also tested positive. It’s unclear if her case is of the new variant or connected to another cluster.

The moves in Guangdong underscore the growing challenge China faces in sticking to its socalled Covid Zero strategy as Omi-

cron breaches the border. Officials have been fighting to extinguish delta outbreaks over the past two months, only to see new clusters continue to pop up, and Omicron is likely to present a further test of their playbook of lockdowns, contact-tracing and mass testing.

Still, Beijing has doubled down on the approach of elimination that’s been abandoned by all other countries: state media and public figures have in recent weeks declared that the emergence of Omicron only justifies China’s refusal to live with the virus.

Zhang Wenhong, a Shanghaibased infectious disease doctor who has become something of a pandemic influencer, said Friday on Weibo that China’s Covid-Zero

strategy has allowed it to maintain its composure in the face of the new variant, and its policies are exactly what the World Health Organization has urged other countries to enact.

Local media have also trumpeted the renewal of restrictions in other countries struggling to contain their infection waves as cautionary tales.

On Friday, stories on South Korea “giving up on co-existing with Covid” were the top-trending item on Weibo after the country tightened some social distancing rules to slow a new surge.

Still, Korea hasn’t said that it wants to stamp out all local transmission—and with several thousand infections a day, isn’t likely to be able to. Bloomberg News

Australia, Britain sign free trade agreement

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, right, walks with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison after their meeting, in the garden of 10 Downing Street in London on June 15. Australia and Britain signed a free trade agreement on December 17, that will eliminate almost all taxes on exports between the countries. AP

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YDNEY—Australia and Britain signed a free trade agreement (FTA) Friday that will eliminate almost all taxes on exports between the countries.

The FTA was signed at a virtual ceremony by Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan in Adelaide and Britain’s Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan in London.

The deal abolishes 99 percent of taxes on exports, saving Australia about $10 billion on exports including lamb, beef, sugar and dairy. It is expected to save Britain 200 million Australian dollars ($144 million) a year on items such as cars, whisky and cosmetics.

Australian agricultural exporters also will have better access to the British market and 40 million

Australian dollars ($29 million) a year of tariffs will be removed from Australian wines entering the United Kingdom.

Australians and Britons will find it easier to live and work in the other country.

Tehan said the deal, which w ill take effect sometime in 2022, w i l l g row investments and help with the recovery from the pandemic.

“Our economies will be able to operate seamlessly again,” Tehan said. “The experiences and opportunities that young Australians and young Brits will be able to get through this initiative is just fantastic.”

Britain has aggressively pursued trade agreements after its departure from the European Union. It has touted the deal as its

largest “from scratch” agreement to be finalized.

Trevelyan said the deal showed what Britain can achieve “as an ag i le, independent sovereig n trading nation.”

“This is just the start as we get on the front foot and seize the seismic opportunities that await us on the world stage,” she said The deal may help Britain’s bid to gain access to a Pacific R i m t r ade i n it i at ive, t he Comprehensive a nd Prog ressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), an 11-nation pact that includes Australia.

Tehan said involving Britain in the CPTPP would help counter trade uncertainty in the IndoPacific.

“I look forward to building on this FTA,” he said.

An in-principle deal between the two nations was announced

by Prime Ministers Scott Morrison of Australia and Boris Johnson of Britain in June following months of negotiations.

Johnson had to win the support of Britain’s farm lobby and overcome fears Britain could be flooded

by Australian exports.

The UK is Australia’s eighthlargest two-way trading partner, worth almost 27 billion Australian dollars in 2018. It is also Australia’s third-largest services trading partner, with Australian service exports valued at 5.5 billion Australian dollars and imports totaling 9.2 billion Australian dollars in the same year. AP

Oil declines as new Covid variant blurs outlook for energy demand il fell for the first time in three days on concerns about the demand impact from the Omicron variant and tighter monetary policy.

Futures in New York dropped below $72 a barrel after rising 2.3 percent over the past two sessions. Daily Covid-19 cases in the UK have jumped to a record, while hospitalizations have surged across the US. The Bank of England unexpectedly raised interest rates for the first time since the pandemic struck in a sign that inflation is now of bigger concern to leading central banks than the virus.

Signs are also emerging of softening oil demand in Asia, while the International Energy Agency said this week that the global market had returned to surplus as omicron impedes travel. The weak-

Saturday, December 18, 2021

ness is showing up in the market’s structure, with Brent momentarily flipping into a bearish contango on Tuesday.

This week has seen traders hit with conflicting signals on demand and supply, ranging from the central bank moves and new restrictions to limit the spread of Omicron to declining inventories in the US. That has seen a generally risk-off attitude in oil markets, leading the aggregate volume of futures contracts on Thursday to drop to its lowest since August.

“There is still much uncertainty stemming from Omicron,” said Howie Lee, an economist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. in Singapore. “Demand may be feeling the hit in different pockets, but does not appear to be as severe as the delta outbreak for now. Price consolidation may

continue for a while.”

Prices: n West Texas Intermediate for January deliver y dropped 1.1 percent to $71.61 a barrel at 12:31 p.m. Singapore time on the New York Mercantile Exchange after advancing 2.1 percent on Thursday. n Prices are little changed for the week. n Brent for February settlement lost 1 percent to $74.29 on the ICE Futures Europe exchange after adding 1.5 percent on Thursday. n The prompt timespread for Brent was 10 cents in backwardation, compared with 24 cents a week earlier.

Omicron is starting to limit the movement of people. The City of London has transformed from a raucous district with thousands of

workers celebrating Christmas into a no-party zone in the space of a week. Almost half of staff didn’t go to the office on Monday, the lowest since September, according to data compiled by Google, which tracks the location of its users.

Other oil-market news: n China ramped up its buying of Iranian crude last month after independent refiners were granted extra import quotas for 2021. n Processing the high-sulfur crudes produced in the Gulf of Mexico hasn’t been this profitable since 2017, thanks to cheap shale gas. n The US is pushing European Union allies to finalize a broad package of sanctions against Russian banks and energy companies that could be imposed if Russia attacked Ukraine. Bloomberg News

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Saturday, December 18, 2021

The World BusinessMirror

Congress approves import ban targeting forced labor in China

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ASHINGTON—Senators gave final congressional approval Thursday to a bill barring imports from China’s Xinjiang region unless businesses can prove they were produced without forced labor, overcoming initial hesitation from the White House and what supporters said was opposition from corporations.

The measure is the latest in a series intensifying US penalties over China’s alleged systemic and widespread abuse of ethnic and religious minorities in the western region, especially Xinjiang’s predominantly Muslim Uyghurs. The Biden administration also announced new sanctions Thursday targeting several Chinese biotech and surveillance companies, a leading drone manufacturer and government entities for their actions in Xinjiang.

The Senate vote sends the bill to President Joe Biden. Press Secretary Jen Psaki said this week that Biden supported the measure, after months of the White House declining to take a public stand on an earlier version of the legislation.

The United States says China is committing genocide in its treatment of the Uyghurs. That includes widespread reports by rights groups and journalists of forced sterilization and large detention camps where many Uyghurs allegedly are compelled to work in factories.

China denies any abuses. It says the steps it has taken are necessary to combat terrorism and a separatist movement.

The US cites raw cotton, gloves, tomato products, silicon and viscose, fishing gear and a range of components in solar energy as among goods alleged to have been produced with the help of the forced labor.

X injiang is a resource-rich mining region, important for agricultural production, and home to a booming industrial sector.

Detainees also are moved outside Xinjiang and put to work in factories, including those in the

apparel and textiles, electronics, solar energy and automotive sectors, the US says.

“Many companies have already taken steps to clean up their supply chains. And, frankly, they should have no concerns about this law,” Sen. Marco Rubio, the Florida Republican who introduced the earlier version of the legislation with Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, said in a statement.

“For those who have not done that, they’ll no longer be able to continue to make Americans—every one of us, frankly—unwitting accomplices in the atrocities, in the genocide,” Rubio said.

As in the House earlier this week, the compromise version passed the Senate with overwhelming approval from Democrats and Republ icans. T he swift passage came after what supporters said was offstage opposition from corporations with manufacturing links to China, although there was little to no overt opposition.

Apple’s lobbying firm lobbied on Apple’s behalf, a federal disclosure form shows. Apple, like Nike and other corporations with work done in China, says it has found no sign of forced labor from Xinjiang in its manufacturing or supply chain.

Some Uyghur rights advocates and others said they had also feared private opposition from within the Biden administration as it sought cooperation from the Chinese on climate change and other issues.

Psaki, in her statement Tuesday night, noted export controls and import restrictions, sanct ions, d iplom at ic i n it i at ives and other measures the Biden

administration had already taken targeting forced labor from Xinjiang.

T he Senate a lso approved Biden’s nominee for ambassador to China, veteran diplomat Nicholas Burns, on a 75-18 vote Thursday.

Advocates credited unrelenting support from rights groups and lawmakers, including statements from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with helping the bill prevail.

With the legislation, sanctions and months of other new measures, “the United States is way ahead” of the international community on confronting China on abuses of Uyghurs, said Nury Turkel, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and vice chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

How can anyone get China to change “without going after the most important thing to the Chinese government, which is their economic interest?” asked Turkel, who praised Congress— but not the administration—for what he called coherent messaging on the matter.

The legislation requires government agencies to expand their monitoring of the use of forced labor by China’s ethnic minorities.

Crucially, it creates a presumption that goods coming from Xinjiang are made with forced labor.

Businesses will have to prove that forced labor, including by workers transferred from Xinjiang, played no part in a product to bring it into the United States.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Department announced new penalties targeting China’s Academy of Military Medical Sciences and its 11 research institutes that focus on using biotechnology to support the Chinese military.

T he mo v e b a r s A me r i c a n companies from selling goods and technologies to the entities without a license.

China “is choosing to use these technologies to pursue control over its people and its repression of members of ethnic and religious minority groups,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.

Separately, the Treasury Department announced it was placing DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, and seven other Chinese companies on an investment blacklist over their alleged

involvement in biometric surveillance and tracking of Uyghurs.

The measure means individuals in the US will be prohibited from purchasing or selling publicly traded securities connected with the companies.

DJI dominates the global market for the small, low-altitude drones used by hobbyists, photographers and many businesses and governments.

Other companies added to the Treasury blacklist are image-recognition software firm Megvii, supercomputer manufacturer Daw ning Infor mation Industry, facial recognition specialist CloudWalk Technology, cybersecurity group Xiamen Meiya Pico, artificial intelligence company Yitu Technology and cloud computing firms Leon Technology and NetPosa Technologies.

US intel ligence has established that Beijing has set up a high-tech surveillance system across Xinjiang that uses biometric facial recognition and has collected DNA samples from all residents, ages 12 to 65, as part of a systematic effort to suppress Uyghurs, according to a senior administration official who briefed reporters on the sanctions on the condition of anonymity.The Com me rce D e p a r t me nt s a id multiple federal agencies determined that the Chinese academy and research institutes “use biotechnology processes to support Chinese military end uses and end users, to include purported brain-control weaponry.”

The White House announced last week it would stage a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing China’s “egregious human rights abuses and atrocities in Xinjiang.”

US athletes will compete but Biden will not send the usual contingent of dignitaries.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a call and e-mail seeking comment.

Rights groups note prison labor has long been a part of the US economy, with inmates producing goods and providing services such as call centers for what is typically reduced pay. Opponents say the system disproportionately profits off the labor of incarcerated Black Americans. AP

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Infection spike rattles Europe, fuels dread about holidays

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ONDON—Soaring infections in Britain driven in part by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus rattled Europe on Thursday, prompting new restrictions on the Continent and fueling a familiar dread on both sides of the Atlantic about entering a new phase of the pandemic just in time for the holidays.

Much remains unknown about Omicron, but officials increasingly warn that it appears more transmissible than the Delta variant, which has already put pressure on hospitals worldwide.

With so many questions unanswered, uncertainty reigned over how quickly and how severely to crack down on Christmas travel and year-end parties.

A f ter t he UK recorded its highest number of confirmed new Covid-19 infections since the pandemic began, France announced Thursday that it would tighten entr y rules for those com i ng f rom Br it a i n. Hou rs later, the countr y set another record, with a further 88,376 confirmed Covid-19 cases reported Thursday, almost 10,000 more than the day before.

In England, the chief medical officer urged people to limit who they see in the festive period.

Pubs and restaurants said many people were heeding that advice by canceling Christmas parties, though there has been much debate about what’s OK to do.

In the US, the White House insisted there was no need for a lockdown, despite signs that Omicron was gaining ground there.

Globally, more than 75 countries have reported confirmed cases of the new var iant. In Britain, where Omicron cases are doubling every two to three days, Omicron was expected to soon replace Delta as the dominant strain in the country. The government has accelerated its booster program in response.

Authorities in the 27-nation European Union say Omicron will be the dominant variant in the bloc by mid-January.

Early data suggests that Omicron may be milder but better at evading vaccines—mak ing booster shots more crucial. Experts have urged caution in particular about drawing conclusions because hospitalizations lag behind infections and because many variables contribute to how sick people get.

Even if Omicron proves milder on the whole than Delta, it may disarm some of the lifesaving tools available and put immunecompromised and elderly people at particular risk.

And if it’s more transmissible,

more infections overall raise the risk that more cases will be serious.

While experts gather the data, some governments rushed to act, while others sought to calm fears that the new variant would land countries back on square one.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted Thursday that the situation in the UK is different from last year because of the widespread use of vaccines and the ability to test.

If people want to attend an event “the sensible thing to do is to get a test and to make sure that you’re being cautious,’’ he said.

“But we’re not saying that we want to cancel stuff. We’re not locking stuff down, and the fastest route back to normality is to get boosted,” he said.

Professor Chris Whitty, Engl a nd ’s c h ief med ic a l of f icer, struck a more cautious note, advising people earlier in the week to limit their social contacts.

On Thursday, he told a parliamentary committee hearing that the government could have to review measures if vaccines prove less effective than expected against omicron.

He said that “would be a material change to how ministers viewed the risks going forward.”

Among those taking the more cautious route was Queen Elizabeth II, who opted to cancel her traditional pre-Christmas family lunch.

In the United States, President Joe Biden’s administration said tighter restrictions are not planned. He said the Omicron variant is not spreading as fast as in Europe because of steps his administration has taken.

Howe ver, he w a r ne d t h at unvaccinated Americans faced “a winter of severe illness and death.”

White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients said that the US was “in a very different and stronger place than we were a year ago.”

Still, feelings of unease persisted among some people.

Michael Stohl, 32, was relieved when he got the Pfizer vaccine last spring, but the spread of omicron has turned his optimism to dread.

“Even though I’m fully vaccinated right now, that doesn’t seem to give me any sort of guarantee anymore,” he said. “It just puts this anxiety over you because they tell you the boosters will work, but that’s what they said about the original vaccines.

Am I going to have to keep getting vaccinated ever y couple months?” AP

Spyware find highlights depth of hacker-for-hire industry B

OSTON— Secur it y researchers said Thursday they found two kinds of commercial spyware on the phone of a leading exiled Egyptian dissident, providing new evidence of the depth and diversity of the abusive hacker-for-hire industry.

One piece of malware recently found on an iPhone belonging to Ayman Nour, a dissident and 2005 Egyptian presidential candidate who subsequently spent three years in jail, originated with the increasingly embattled NSO Group of Israel. That company was recently

blacklisted by Washington. The other was from a company called Cytrox, which also has Israeli ties. This was the first documentation of a hack by Cytrox, a little-known NSO Group rival.

The spyware was uncovered by digital sleuths at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, who said two different governments hired the competing mercenaries to hack Nour’s phone. Both instances of malware were simultaneously active on the phone, investigators said after examining its logs. The researchers said they traced the Cytrox hack to Egypt but didn’t know who was behind the NSO Group infection.

The researchers said in a report that the intrusions highlight how “hacking civil society transcends any specific mercenary spyware company.”

In detailing the Cytrox infection, the researchers said they found the phone of a second Egyptian exile, who asked not to be identified, also hacked with Cytrox’s Predator malware. But the

bigger discovery, in a joint probe with Facebook, was that Cytrox has customers in countries beyond Egypt including Armenia, Greece, Indonesia, Madagascar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Serbia.

Facebook’s owner, Meta, announced on Thursday a flurry of takedowns of accounts affiliated with seven surveillance-for-hire firms—including Cytrox—and notified about 50,000 people in more than 100 countries, including journalists, dissidents and clergy who may have been targeted by them. It said it deleted about 300 Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to Cytrox, which appears to operate out of North Macedonia.

Cytrox’s last known CEO, Ivo Malinkovski, could not be located for comment. He scrubbed his LinkedIn page earlier this month to remove mention of his Cytrox affiliation—though a coffee mug with the company name was in his profile photo. The business intelligence web site Crunchbase says Cytrox was founded in a Tel Aviv

suburb in 2017.

Citizen Lab researcher Bill Marzak said investigators found the malware on Nour’s iPhone after it was “running hot” in June.

He said the Cytrox malware appears to pull the same tricks as NSO Group’s Pegasus product—in particular, turning a smartphone into an eavesdropping device and siphoning out its vital data. One captured module records all sides of a live conversation, he said.

Nour said in an interview from Turkey that he was not surprised by the discovery, as he’s sure he has been under Egyptian surveillance for years. Nour said he suspected Egyptian military intelligence in the Cytrox hack. An Egyptian foreign ministry spokesman did not respond to calls and texts requesting comment.

Cytrox was part of a shadow y a l liance of sur vei l lance tech companies known as Intellexa that was for med to compete with NSO Group. Founded in 2019 by a former Israeli military officer and entrepreneur named

Tal Dilian, Intellexa includes companies that have run afoul of authorities in various countries for alleged abuses.

Four executives of one such firm, Nexa Technologies, were charged in France this year for “complicity of torture” in Libya while criminal charges were filed against three company executives for “complicity of torture and enforced disappearance” in Egypt.

The company allegedly sold spy tech to Libya in 2007 and to Egypt in 2014.

On its web site, Intellexa describes itself as “EU-based and regulated, with six sites and R&D labs throughout Europe,” but lists no address. Its web page is vague about its offerings, although as recently as October it said that in addition to “covert mass collection” it provides systems “to access target devices and networks” via Wi-Fi and wireless networks. Intellexa said its tools are used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies against terrorists and crimes, including financial fraud. AP

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Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, December 18, 2021 A7

Solon urges DOH to suspend limit on medicines that seniors can buy

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

and Senior Citizens Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes said under the DOH Administrative Order 2010-0032, any single dispensing of prescriptive drugs should not exceed more than one month supply of medicines for senior citizens, while dispensing of OTC drugs may be limited for a supply of one day but not to exceed a maximum of seven days.

He said the limitations will inevitably force senior citizens to go out ev-

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HE chairman of the House Committee on Senior Citizens recently filed a resolution urging the Department of Health to remove or suspend the limit in the dispensing of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs for senior citizens.

In House Resolution 2420 filed on Wednesday, panel chairman

ery week just to buy their medicines.

“I filed House Resolution 2420 so that the guidance that the DOH gives to all pharmacies leaves no room for varying interpretations at point of sale when seniors or their representatives purchase medicines and other health care items,” said Ordanes.

“Comparatively, the removal or suspension of the limit in dispensing OTC and prescription drugs would allow our over 12 million senior

citizens to store these drugs and maintain a supply for their medicinal needs beyond one week,” he added.

According to Ordanes, these limitations on dispensing prescriptive and OTC drugs to senior citizens have led to numerous complaints and have become untenable in light of the Covid-19 pandemic where senior citizens must, as much as possible, stay at home due to their susceptibility and vulnerability to the virus.

Ordanes said he disagrees with a part of the DOH directive on the availment of senior’s discount because as currently worded, Rule V. IV of DOH Administrative Order 2010-0032 uses phrases such as “as a general rule,” “for partial filling,” and “drugstores may limit the dispensing.”

“My position is this part of the IRR of the seniors’ discount availment must be unequivocal in favor

of the senior citizen with the doctor’s prescription for prescription drugs,” the lawmaker said.

“By maintaining the said limitations, senior citizens are put in precarious situations where they are forced to increase their exposure to the public because they have to repeatedly go to their physician or local government health center just to get the needed prescription to purchase their medicines,” he said.

Barangay San Antonio Angeles City administers Covid booster shots to senior citizens seniors get cash gifts

By Zorayda Tecson

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

the barangay hall, provided that minimum health and safety protocols will be observed.

Based on the barangay record, most senior citizens in BSA have been inoculated against Covid-19, while there were only some who are not yet vaccinated due to “health reasons or personal beliefs.”

The barangay chairman explained that they opted to give cash gifts instead of groceries to allow the senior citizens to decide for themselves what to buy based on what they need.

“By giving them cash gifts, we’re providing them freedom to buy what they need this Christmas season,” he said.

Lising said this is their small way of thanking senior citizens and making them feel special during the Christmas season.

Lising a lso recent ly went to the Eastshine relocation site in Tanay, R iza l to persona l ly distr ibute r ice sacks to 185 relocated residents of BSA .

Last year, 750 elderly residents received Christmas cash gifts from the barangay.

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O make them feel special during the Christmas Season, around 900 elderly residents of Barangay San Antonio (BSA) in Pasig City will receive Christmas cash gifts on top of the Christmas gifts that the city government distributed earlier.

“We started distributing the P500 Christmas cash gift of our senior citizens on December 15, and we are targeting to distribute all the cash gifts in seven days,” BSA Chairman Raymond Lising said.

Lising said the Christmas cash gifts of their barangay are being distributed via door-todoor delivery. This is to ensure the safety and protection of the recipients, and minimize the risk of exposure of all senior citizens.

“For their safety, since there is still a pandemic, we are delivering the cash gifts right at their doorstep. Safety protocols will be strictly imposed in the distribution,” Lising said.

Meanwhile, Lising said senior citizens may choose to pick up their Christmas cash gifts at

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NGELES CITY, Pampanga—Senior citizens here started on Thursday to receive their booster shots against Covid-19.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said the city government started giving booster shots to senior citizens under the “Sundo Bakuna sa Barangay” program as part of its continuing efforts to ensure population protection against Covid-19.

“The administration of booster shots continues. Now, we will begin for the grandfathers and grandmothers,” Lazatin said in a social-media post.

Irish Calaguas, the chief implementer of the city government ’s vacc inat ion prog ra m, said the vaccination of booster shots will be done on a designated schedule per barangay in the two mega vaccination sites—the City College of Angeles (CCA) and Angeles City National High School (ACNHS).

“The senior citizens will be fetched via jeepney or bus from the barangays to the CCA or ACNHS. After vaccination, they will be brought home,” she said.

The eligible senior citizens received their second dose of vaccines on June 15.

“Recipients should also pres-

A hunger for good films

By Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

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FTER almost two years of being unable to go to a movie theater, moviegoers came out of the woodwork in droves. As the first film festival to open in movie theaters, QCinema was welcomed heartily by moviegoers that have been craving for the in-theatre viewing of movies. Any film will do, as one friend quipped, expressing the long-held deep hunger felt by movie buffs.

It so happened, it was not just any ordinary film that was there for the taking. It was the QCinema International Film Festival happening for 10 days in Cubao, Quezon City. For the first time in so many months, people were allowed to view films in a theater, subject, of course, to a few protocols.

What greeted the starving movie buffs was a smorgasbord of awardwinning, top-notch quality films, some of which were being premiered in this part of the world. It is like being ushered into a 4-star dining venue after being cloistered in a monastery on a diet of bread and water.

Great timing, indeed!

PEOPLE came in Gateway Cineplex Theater as moviegoers and they came

out as nascent movie reviewers. They enthusiastically raved about the films they were seeing, accompanied with cellphone shots of the tickets and interior of the theater. I am surprised that a lot of them, even without formal schooling or training in film aesthetics or theories, are verbally expressive and seem to know what they are talking about.

If there is one good thing about QCinema, it seems to revel in the opportunity to introduce us to other filmmakers from Europe and Asia, expanding our Hollywoodcentric perspective of movies. The films offered helped us appreciate the world’s cineverse. In a very real sense, they enhanced not only our film consciousness but also deepened our understanding of other cultures.

I have always been a lover of good films. The truth is, my minor in college was Film Studies 101. I had always dreamed of attending the international film festival circuit, such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. In my college days, there were no Sundance nor Tribeca and Busan yet.

Now my dream has been granted.

Thanks to QCinema, Cannes, Ber-

lin, Venice are being brought here on local screens.

I am also grateful to the movie buffs that wrote about their comments about it. I had fun reading the mini capsule reviews on twitter. They were helpful in providing tips which movie to watch since there was much to choose from. I’m starting to be not only cine-versant about the latest filmmakers and their works.

I never heard of Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Ryusuke Hamaguchi before. But thanks to the emerging young “manunuri ng pelikula” in our midst, I can now drop their names in cocktail conversations with my circle of culturati.

Seriously, this kind of commentaries by non-professional reviewers should be encouraged and given attention. Moviegoers should be citizen partners or better yet cinezen partners of festivals. The movie is an interactive experience and the beholder takes part in its creation, or should I say helps complete it. As a viewer, it’s your movie too. So why not talk about the movie you’ve just seen with the family, friends, colleagues, and other people.

Festival Director Ed Lejano gets the point in his message in the QCinema catalogue: “Let online conversations between artists and viewers drive the event, so people can share their love for cinema through enlightening and meaningful conversation threads.”

Perhaps at this point it’s only the exclusive arthouse

A SENIOR citizen in Angeles City, Pampanga, gets her booster shot against Covid-19 on Thursday, December 16, 2021. The city government of Angeles started administering booster shots to fully vaccinated senior citizens as part of its efforts to ensure population protection against Covid-19.

PHOTO BY THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF ANGELES

ent their issued vaccination cards,” Calaguas added.

Records from the vaccination

crowd who have been vocal, but hopefully in the future festivals more of the common moviegoers can share what they feel too.

There were plans to have film appreciation tours in schools as part of the QCinema festival.

Maybe it should be considered again. Let’s start exposing young college students to good movies and make them adept at understanding the language and the art of cinema.

This to me is the developmental side of film festivals like QCinema and Cine Malaya that should be given more consideration by organizers, government film agencies like FDCP and LGUs supportive of film festivals such as Manila, Quezon City, and lately even Baguio City.

Have you ever thought of cinema as an effective spiritual teacher? Why not? Many films, including the films shown in QCinema, give unforgettable lessons in core human values such as patience, tolerance, trust, humility, freedom, and resilience.

Think of film as a teacher and yourself as a willing and enthusiastic student. As one of my mentors says, “Enter the movie experience with an open mind and a receptive heart.”

That’s how I matured emotionally and culturally. I learned the ways of other people. I learned about social context in which actions occur. Ozu films taught me about people relationships.

Satyajit Ray taught me about sensitivity to other people’s inner needs. Kurosawa taught me about responsibility and

operation center show that 28,723 elderlies were fully vaccinated in the city’s 33 barangays.

communal effort, about human frailties and the unreliability of truth from the human point of view. David Lean about the indomitability of the human spirit, the complexity of making moral choices and so on, while Lino Brocka’s films made me more socially aware.

Their films also taught me the various ways of expressing their stories, how one image can express a world of thoughts. How sticking to one camera level can put you in a meditative and reflective state. How emotions can best be depicted by a piece of object as an objective correlative.

A good movie is a lesson on life and humankind. I hope more schools will participate and schedule classes inside the movie theaters, or at least assign students to view selected films online and discuss them in class or make a paper on them.

In this connection I wish we had a local version of “Voir,” the latest Netflix series from director David Fincher. A collection of visual essays celebrating cinema, the said documentary series feature the personal stories of selected people about some of the most influential films in history and the hold that the cinema has on our collective imagination.

One episode is very educational because it explores both the unending fascination we have with narratives driven by the need for revenge and the storytelling tricks and tropes utilized by filmmakers. If you want to increase your film IQ and sharpen your critical skill, then you may also want to watch “Attack of Holly-

Last November, a total of 877 doctors, nurses, and health workers received their booster shots. PNA

wood Clichés” also on the same streaming platform, which is a lighthearted send up of the movie industry’s most frequently used tropes. It definitely will make you more discerning in your choice of films next time.

One thing Filipino moviegoers must learn is to be patient and let the movie come to them without expectations. At least two movies in the festival were 3 hours long and I am sure they will never be shown outside a film festival during the usual commercial run in a movie theater. Slow moving films are an acquired taste but that is how many things in life are meant to be experienced: in the fullness of time.

When moviegoers become more cine-versant or cinematically literate, they become part of the creative experience. Their diverse views and insights can serve to inspire current indie filmmakers to do groundbreaking new works.

Some of these lay “manunuris” can later on be inspired to make films on their own. That’s how the French “new wave” came about, when film critics like Francois Truffaut and Jean Luc Godard decided to ditch their pens and make films instead. This will pave the way for the emergence of new voices and fresh thinking on the art of cinema.

Let’s not just sit there and watch. Let’s think and talk about it and share our passion for cinema that is meaningful, provocative and progressive. By doing so, we, filmmakers and film viewers, together, can help enhance the festival in the years to come.

A8 Saturday, December 18, 2021

Education BusinessMirror

Editor: Mike Policarpio

DepEd urged to give teachers special risk allowance

A

LAWMAKER has prodded the Education Department to provide teachers with special risk allowance, as pilot face-to-face classes in select areas in the country have already commenced.

In filing House Resolution 2410, Rep. Stel la Quimbo of Marikina City said teachers are clearly at risk of contracting the coronavirus disease 2019, or Co-

vid-19, especially now that the department plans to expand the physical conduct of classes early next year.

Quimbo said the risk allowance

QUIMBO

would enable teachers to spend more on protective equipment and settle medical bills should they get sick in the line of duty.

“I call on the Department of Education [DepEd] to immediately [allocate] funds for this purpose, and…categorically prohibit schools from requiring their teachers to sign such waivers for face-to-face classes,” the representative said.

She revealed receiving reports that some schools require teachers to commit to a waiver before being allowed to teach in person.

“Necessarily, they would need

to buy medicines. In worse cases, they would have to be confined,” she said, then shared in Filipino that teachers’ sav ings wou ld be depleted in paying medical bills if the government does not help out.

Quimbo also pointed out that teachers who need to work upon the reopening of face-to-face classes are exposed to “unique risks,” given that their students are likely to be unvaccinated, as evidenced by findings of DepEd from October 2021 that only 0.14 percent of minors aged 12 to 17 and only 50.33 percent of teach-

ing and nonteaching personnel are fully inoculated.

“Given the important role of teachers as our frontliners in the education sector, all measures must be implemented to ensure their safety, and proper compensation [is paid to them commensurate with the risks] they are exposed to,” she stressed.

The solon also urged the Department of Health to prioritize educators for booster shots, then called on relevant sectors to support teachers in achieving a safe return of children to schools.

Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA

Lighting ceremony marks start of UST’s Paskuhan Mapúa leverages on online

resources, support platforms for balanced virtual student life

U

NIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) formally began its traditional “Paskuhan” festivities with a lighting ceremony for its campus décor and the Eucharistic Celebration at the Plaza Mayor.

Prior to the lighting, UST ViceRector Rev. Fr. Isaias Tiongco OP delivered a message by UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang OP, PhD at the anticipated Mass for the first Sunday of Advent: “…for the Light of Christ to be in us, as we tread the road through trials.”

Father Ang said, “A Christmas without light is not Christmas.

Let there be light in our souls, in our hearts, as we continue walking down the road to triumph.”

The rector wrote: “Let there be the beautiful Light of Jesus shining upon us, and being with us always.

May there be light in our hearts, in our families, and in our Thomasian and parish communities.”

To il luminate the campus, 210,000 energy-efficient LEDs lights will be turned on between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. until the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6, 2022.

According to UST SecretaryGeneral Rev. Fr. Louie Coronel, OP, EHL, this year’s Paskuhan theme: “The Pilgrimage: Our Road through Trials, Our Road to Triumphs” is about the pilgrimage that Mary and Joseph took looking for a place where the Child

T A CHRISTMAS tree brightens up the UST Campus

Jesus would be born. He said this pilgrimage is likewise experienced in the present time, when Filipinos journey together as a people, looking for answers to the many questions related to the pandemic: how mankind will be able to conquer the health crisis, and when it will see the contagion’s end.

“Christmas Fireworks,” a musical piece composed by the Conservatory of Music Dean Antonio Africa, PhD, accompanied the lighting of the campus shown alongside a montage of the previous year’s Paskuhan lighting ceremonies, which was produced by the UST Communications Bureau.

PHL, Indonesian institutions partner for student mobility

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ESPITE travel restrictions posed by the pandemic, the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia has tied up with the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) to pursue a shared mission through joint teaching, research, as well student and staff mobility program.

The two institutions, partners since 2017, organized a Virtual Student Mobility Engagement Program that provided an exchange between the DLS-CSB School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG) Consular and Diplomatic Affairs and UGM International Relations students. This gave an opportunity for their students to officially attend online classes for the first term of Academic Year 2021 to 2022.

UGM representative Yovadila Yozie Syamsubar, who minors in Global Politics and Security, took up a total of eight courses in the Consular and Diplomatic Affairs Program, as she continued her research interests in social subjects such as race, sexuality and gender. She studied International Relations, Introduction to Political Geography, Issues in International Security, Selected Readings in Philippine History, Western Civilization, History of Eastern Civilizations, World Geography and Seminar-Workshop on Tools of Gender Mainstreaming.

“I truly appreciated Benilde’s inclusive environment,” Syamsubar shared. “Other than being Indonesian, I am also a Muslim. Hence, there was a great worry that mingling would

be a bit challenging. In the end, I was proven wrong.”

“Studying in Benilde enriched my insights and appreciation about a country other than my own,” she added. “My professor in Selected Readings in Philippine History acknowledged that I had little to no background on the subject, and even offered to do a one-on-one session instead. This situation really showed that the people I encountered in Benilde were all very kind and considerate.”

The initiative likewise allowed Benildeans to complete several courses under UGM’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. They attended lectures on International Humanitarian Law, Conflict Analysis and Transformation, Humanitarian Actions, Violence in World Politics, Political Economy of Globalization, Political Corruption in a Global Context, Political Economy of Development, and Global Social Movements.

DL S - C SB de leg ate A iesh a h Koleene Balmori likewise shared the way UGM’s accommodation was to Benildeans: “We had a buddy system with their international-students network, and the faculty has been helping us adjust to their environment.”

“As someone who wishes to be a diplomat, this is an incredible opportunity for me to learn another country’s culture and system,” Balmori stated. “I’ve not only acquired valuable knowledge in [global] relations, but I also gained new skills on diplomacy, and helped me improve on my adaptability and critical thinking skills.”

The decorations include the 70-foot-tall Christmas tree, lifesized figures of the Holy Family at the Arch of the Centuries, the Cross atop the Main Building, including many more lights framing the Benavides Park and campus streets.

The Christmas Tree, in particular, is made up of 50,000 blue LEDs that draw attention to the Star, with meteor lights interspersed to enliven the tree. Another 160,000 LEDs, majority of which were reused from previous years, brighten up the other campus trees and structures. Some lights form the shape of gothic arches as a throwback to a time when the university

was still in Intramuros.

UST’s Paskuhan season was scheduled to culminate on December 17 with the following activities: a celebration in its virtual Minecraft campus at 9 a.m.; a Eucharistic Celebration to be presided over by Fr. Ang to be concelebrated with Very Rev. Filemon I. dela Cruz Jr. OP and Father Tiongco at 5:15 p.m.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of UST’s annual Paskuhan.

To bring the festive spirit to the Thomasian community that will be held minus its live audience, the event will be live-streamed via the official UST Facebook page.

Smart, Ateneo alumni team up for esports

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HE Ateneo A lumni Association (AAA) recently partnered with Smart Communications Inc. for the organization’s firstever Mobile Legends Bang Bang tournament: “Alumni Esports Challenge 2021” held from December 17 to 19 to raise funds for its scholarship program.

“We are looking forward to bringing this to a bigger arena in the future, and perhaps even include other schools and universities in the spirit of healthy competition and sportsmanship,” said Dennis Cariño, president of the AAA. Cariño said the tournament is open to all their members, the Smart-hosted esports tournament is part of the fund-raising efforts of the organization for its scholarship program.

He disclosed that up to 52 teams will battle it out for a share of the P500,000 prize pool, with the champion taking home a grand prize of P250,000.

With a joining fee of P500, AAA members may register

their team at https://esports. ateneoalumniassociation.org.

Each must have six participants, with at least three current AAA members, and may only have one professional esports player.

Smart’s support for AAA’s first-ever esports tournament is part of the telco’s longstanding thrust to promote esports as a legitimate form of sports, and advocate values such as hard work, discipline and teamwork, as well as showcase the players’ unique sets of strategy and skill.

“Our groundbreaking partnership with the AAA for their first-ever Mobile Legends tournament underscores the growing mainstream appreciation of mobile games, as esports bring people together and celebrate the values, talents, and skills of players,” said Jane J. Basas, Smart’s SVP and head of Consumer Wireless Business. “We wish the organization the best, as we closely work together in bringing the best mobile gaming experience for all the participants.”

Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

HE pandemic has dramatically reshaped education.

With Covid-19 cases still being reported daily in the country, many students still continue their studies within the confines of their homes.

Online or remote learning, like all new concepts, has a significant learning curve. Students need to have discipline to focus on their lessons, since teachers are far away from them. Hardware and connectivity requirements must also be available for learners to participate in classes.

Most schools and educators are doing their best to make online classes easier for students.

In the case of Mapúa, it has meticulously optimized its learningdelivery system so students will find virtual classes less stressful and more inviting.

Aside from giving senior high school, undergraduate and postgraduate students access to powerful and enterprise-grade educational software as well as vast online resources, the university has devised a system that encourages academic-related interactions and collaborations among students, allows for teacher consultations to help students cope with school work and, of equal relevance, promotes a fun-filled student life even while learning at home.

For Mapúa Senior High School (SHS), students work in groups for performance tasks and laboratory reports. Regular teacher consultations, tutorials and chat groups on collaboration tools or social media make learning sessions more personal to students. Class advisers conduct weekly 1-hour homeroom gatherings after class hours, so that students can discuss any concerns that they might have.

“Interaction among students is important, because it helps build their social and communicative abilities, [while making] them feel that they belong,” said Dr. Lilibeth D. Sabino, principal of Mapúa SHS. “Most of the teachers have already been conducting group activities even before the online classes started. They check on their students as often as necessary, and are usually the first ones to reach out to [the young ones for assistance].”

This emphasis on collaborative learning is also seen in Mapúa’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Despite travel restrictions, students can still join virtual global cultural activities, webinars, joint classes, collaborative online international learning or COIL, summer programs, and an online English party organized by Mapúa’s office of International Career and Exchange Programs (ICEP).

“Since the pandemic, we’ve pa r t nered w it h compa nies through the Japan International

Cooperation Agency and other institutions in Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong to implement our virtual international on-the-job program,” revealed Engr. Rosette Eira E. Camus, director of ICEP. “To date we have a total of 18 partner-companies, [as 21 students have been deployed by] the first quarter of 2021.”

The university is also offering free peer advising or tutorials in math, physics, chemistry and other professional courses through its Center for Student Advising.

Tutorials are done online via messaging and connectivity apps.

“We cater to students referred by the guidance counselors, and those who voluntarily request assistance,” said Arlene C. Macatuggal, RGC, RPM, Mapúa’s director for student advising and counseling. “We help students cope with course requirements to maintain their good academic standing.”

Because “all work and no play” does not bode well even for the most studious of scholars, Mapúa also ensures that it continuously organizes virtual events, where students can decompress and feel that they are still part of a funloving school community. They are treated to institutional activities such as the Foundation Week, University Week, “FroSHS” Week, CineMapúa, Paskong Mapúan and other events that promote social and cultural development, and unify and uplift the student body.

“Institutional activities promote camaraderie, unity, sense of pride and community spirit, while providing an opportunity for the Mapúa student body to have fun,” said Dante J. Sauquillo, director for student affairs. “Student organizations are instrumental in keeping the school spirit alive.”

The university currently has 70 student organizations that focus on academic, religious, socio-recreational, and socio-civic interests. The most active clubs this season concentrate on hobbies and interests like theater arts, dancing, singing, gaming, and community development.

However, burnout is still a reality for some students. The solitude, health risks, and uncertain times may lead them to experience mental, physical, or emotional stress. With this in mind, Mapúa’s Health Services Department offers free online medical consultations for all enrolled students. They also initiate health-awareness campaigns.

Mapúa’s holistic approach toward online learning is an ideal template of the way education should look and feel like for each Filipino learner. It is also proof of the institution’s dedication in offering excellent, globally competitive instruction.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Saturday, December 18, 2021 A9

It’s Time to Return to Bohol Story & photos by Bernard L. Supetran

T

he recent dropping of the RT-PCR or antigen requirements in many domestic destinations was the best news quarantineweary Pinoys ever heard, perhaps next to a visa-free entry to a bucket list country.

A perennial top domestic and international destination, Bohol is a top-ofmind go-to place now that travel is less restrictive and staycation packages are being sold at rock-bottom rates. Add to this the fact that it isn’t densely-populated and the attractions are outdoors.

Among the first places to be piloted by the Department of Tourism with the travel bubble concept, the province has been beckoning visitors as early as last year with its Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) along with its own travel app and card for contact tracing purposes.

With a spanking international airport right in the heart of the tourist island of Panglao, beach bums bask in the sun, sea, and sand a matter of minutes after touchdown.

Taking pride in its mesmerizing dive sites, enduring cultural heritage, diverse dishes, lush tropical biodiversity, its powdery white beaches are arguably the major tourist magnets, particularly by those coming from the Metro’s urban jungle.

If there is one reason why Bohol is acclaimed as among the world’s top scuba diving havens, Balicasag Island is definitely it. The 25-hectare island barangay is host to Balicasag Island Dive Resort, a property of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) which has clusters of bungalow cabanas that evoke the nostalgic yesteryears.

The 1.5-hectare government-run resort also has a quaint restaurant which serves homestyle favorite dishes where you can watch the world go by slowly.

A showcase for marine conservation, it has an array of spectacular dive spots and a sanctuary just off its sleepy shores.

ATV at Bohol beach club, a beach resort in the island of Panglao.

BALICASAG Island Dive Resort beach is designed for both business and leisure travel.

SUP yoga at Loboc River, a major destination in the municipality.

Balicasag’s school of jacks swirling in the deep. Jerome Kim

Among these sites are Resort Wall, Black Coral Forest, Cathedral Wall, The Cavern, and Turtle Point, teeming with sea turtles, mackerels, cushion stars, a profusion of feather stars, and reef fishes.

A sought-after site is the school of jacks which swirl endlessly at some 100 feet below, a favorite among photographers.

And if you don’t dive, the tranquil view from dusk till dawn, which can make you feel like a stranger in paradise. Waking up at the doorstep of this underwater paradise and being in a safe, physicallydistanced hideaway more than compensate for the resort’s lack of modern frills.

An iconic landmark in mainland Panglao is Bohol Beach Club (BBC), a pioneer establishment and a favorite among corporate guests, families and small groups who love its eclectic allure for business and leisure.

With a long private beachfront, guests can cavort in its powdery sands away from the madding crowd.

Its open-air restaurant, Agotata, still breathes the fire of the olden days when it was among the prestigious places to be seen. Named after the golden cowrie which abounds in the Visayan seas, it serves local favorites to international fare, and is slowly bringing back its buffet breakfast to its pre-pandemic spread.

If it’s any indication of the renewed confidence to travel, the resort has been abuzz with private and government functions, weddings, and family vacationers.

To keep guests occupied, BBC offers a full range of aqua sports, which includes scuba diving and dive certification courses. Just about a hundred meters away from the shore, divers can plunge at the resort’s house reef.

For land-based adventure, it recently introduced the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with a purpose-built trail within the resort complex. Trips to the Chocolate Hills and other countryside attractions can also be arranged with the Club’s accredited tour operators.

A must-visit in central Bohol is Loboc town, which is known for its eco-cultural attractions topped by the popular floating restaurants which cruise along the scenic river.

For an adrenaline rush before or after a relaxing river cruise, get your feet wet quite literally, on a stand-up paddle board tour at Fox and the Firefly Cottages along the riverbanks. The home base of SUP Tours Philippines, the native-themed lodging is the pioneer provider of outdoor adventure sports in tourist localities, particularly the now-famous SUP boards.

An intimate sanctuary for travelers yearning for back-to-basics allure, you can read a book at the bamboo river boardwalk, jump from the 15-foot swing, pedal around Loboc’s heritage structures, or the attractions en route to the Chocolate Hills. You can also commune with the natural vibe as you meditate and do yoga at the pavilion, or paddle board at the river.

Come chow time, feast on Food & Fables Café’s healthy gourmet dishes and sip the house specialty drinks of shakes, cocktails, wines and Belgian beers. Finally, hit the sack and get a sound sleep at the naturally-ventilated nipa hut-inspired rooms tucked between trees, lush greeneries and rice paddies.

With the sun, sea and sand, and everything in between, the road back to Bohol is simply irresistible.

This Christmas, rediscover a luxury staycation in Manila

By Carla Mortel-Baricaua

O

n December 1, New Coast Hotel Manila finally reopens and invites the public to celebrate the holidays with good food and good times while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a five-star hotel.

“Our doors are now open and people can come here to enjoy and relax. We know people had been locked up for so long. Now that the economy is opening up, people want to enjoy the holidays. We would like them to come and have a staycation. And since we’re a five-star rated hotel , we have so much to offer in luxury for a price that’s still affordable,” says General Manager Marc Kerckhofs of New Coast Hotel Manila.

In the ongoing promo, an overnight stay in a Superior Room with breakfast for two is priced only at P6,000 nett, and comes with a free P1,000 food credit that can be used in any of the hotel outlets. Another good promo is the staycation package for two nights, priced only at P6,700 with the third night offered for free. All staycation promos are valid for the stay period of December 1, 2021 (except December 24) until January 16, 2022.

A longtime favorite of expats, business and leisure travelers, New Coast Hotel Manila sits strategically in the heart of the capital city surrounded with entertainment hubs, shopping districts and tourist spots.

The hotel boasts its 288 guest rooms featuring 249 well-appointed superior and 39 luxurious suites designed with enhanced

comfort and equipped with complementing features such as 24-hour room service, work space, and high-speed Internet access. Moreover, the Superior Room and all guest rooms provide a spectacular view of either the cityscape or the Manila Bay, on top of functional features and amenities.

During their stay, guests and their family members can relax and enjoy the 25-meter outdoor lap pool, whirlpool, or the kiddie pool. They can also go to the fully-equipped Club Oasis fitness center to exercise, or utilize the indoor Jacuzzi and cold plunge facility. There’s also the Pastry Boutique, where guests can sample freshly baked breads, cakes, sandwiches, and pastries and pair them with a good cup of coffee or tea.

For foodies, the New Coast Hotel Manila is cooking up a very good deal—an Eat-allyou- can buffet at P1,088 per pax. Located on the third floor of the hotel, Manila Café’s lunch and dinner buffet serves an innovative concept to the dining experience that every foodie in the “new normal” will enjoy. In addition, diners can choose their favored ingredients and watch the live cooking sessions at different stations.

For those planning a big get-togethers, the Celebration Package offers P2,195 net per pax that include soup, salad, appetizer, three main courses, plain rice or potatoes, vegetable dish, two desserts, fresh fruits in season, bread and butter. The package also comes with free one round of iced tea and one round of cocktail drink, with table snacks to be served per table as pre-dinner executive lopungemunchies.

BAY360 executive lounge

EXECUTIVE suite living room

PRESIDENTIAL suite living area

SUPERIOR Twin

Clients can also create their own menu from their international menu. This deal also comes with the use of the venue for four hours, elegant centerpieces on all guest tables, mobile lights and sound system, use of multimedia projector and

screen, and dedicated event personnel to attend to all requirements.

Next year, here’s another to look forward to: the Li Li restaurant will soon open its doors. Li Li is known to serve sumptuous Cantonese dishes using the freshest of

OUTDOOR pool with bar

ingredients as well as live seafood that are prepared and cooked using traditional cooking practices. Located on the fifth floor, Li Li welcomes guests with a stylish residential setting with a blend of Chinese and European decors.

A10 Saturday, December 18, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

UK antitrust watchdog investigates Microsoft’s Nuance deal LONDON—British antitrust regulators are opening an investigation into Microsoft’s $16 billion acquisition of speech recognition company Nuance in the latest sign they’re tightening scrutiny of big technology deals.

The Competition and Markets Authority said in a brief statement on Monday that it’s looking into the purchase because of concerns that it could result in a “substantial lessening of competition” in the UK market. Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft Corp. declined to comment. The company said in April that it was buying Nuance Communications Inc., a pioneer in voice-based artificial intelligence technology. Nuance was instrumental in helping power Apple’s digital assistant Siri but later shifted

to focus on health care with widely used medical dictation and transcription tools.

The transaction, which was expected to close this year, would be Microsoft’s second-largest deal, following the software giant’s $26 billion purchase of LinkedIn in 2016. Burlington, Massachusetts-based Nuance has about 7,100 employees, more than half of whom are outside the US. British regulators have stepped up scrutiny of techrelated acquisitions.

Last month, the competition authority ordered Facebook to undo its purchase of Giphy and sell off the GIF-sharing platform because it found the deal stifles competition for animated images and hurts social media users and advertisers. AP

Digital platforms hope to help salons post-pandemic PHOTO BY ADAM WINGER ON UNSPLASH

T

HERE is no doubt that among the hardesthit sectors of the last two year’s lockdowns were salons. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, an estimated 400,000 employees in over 35,000 salons across the country lost their jobs due to the lockdowns. How sad is this?

The salon in Katipunan that I’ve frequented for years closed in 2020, just months after the pandemic began. The hairstylist who used to do my hair is lucky to have the resources to service his clients in the comforts of their home. Let me tell you that this isn’t easy. You’d need, aside from the usual tools like scissors and blow dryers, stuff like extension cords and folding chairs, not to mention the expenses involved in lugging these around.

It is with these challenges in mind that the L’Oreal Group has developed an innovative social commerce platform to support its salon partners across the country. Called L’Oreal Salon Shop, the platform allows customers to consult salon experts and hairdressers to advise them with the best suitable products and services for their hair needs, shop hair-care products by top-performing professional hair brands such as L’Oreal Professionnel, Kerastase, Matrix and Biolage which can be delivered straight to their homes and schedule in-salon appointments for their preferred salon services and treatments.

“Salons and hair stylists were the hardest hit in this pandemic. This platform is our way of being ready and adapting to whatever will happen, and a way of forging meaningful interaction between customers and hairdressers,” said Cary Co Choa, general manager for L’Oreal Luxe and Professional Products Division at L’Oreal Philippines, during a media roundtable.

“Through L’Oreal Salon Shop, customers can consult salon experts, talk to their favorite hairdressers, book their salon appointments in their

favorite salons and shop their hair-care products as well, which gets delivered to your homes.”

The digital platform initiative is built on four pillars: digital infrastructure, digital upscaling, consumer relevant promotions and raising awareness.

Choa said that through the platform, the salons can leverage on the digital infrastructure that L’Oreal has built and will maintain to create meaningful interactions between hairstylists and customers.

“The dream is really to build a social commerce channel for the salon industry in the Philippines.

We will not build it alone. We will build it alongside our salon partners and our hairdressers. We will teach them the right skills and help them reach more consumers,” said Lota Jamer, commercial and transformation director of the brand’s Professional Products Division.

Accredited L’Oréal Salon Shop partner salons in Metro Manila as of December 2021 include Emphasis

Salon and Azta Urban Salon. L’Oreal intends to partner with more salons in the first quarter of 2022.

Azta Salon was one of the salons hardest hit by the pandemic lockdowns. All their 11 branches are located inside malls. Luckily, they did not have to close any of their branches and now, their loyal customers are slowly coming back.

“Thanks to L’Oreal because I believe this will really help us. The web site can help us provide a more personalized approach when it comes to hairstylistcustomer interaction,” said Azta Salon managing director Mel Velhagen.

“We were doing okay but in a snap, things changed.

We weren’t prepared for the pandemic. This website can help us reach a wider target market and tap more clients,” said My Cantos, marketing head of Emphasis Salon in Rockwell.

To browse all the products and services of L’Oreal Salon Shop and schedule an appointment, visit www. lorealsalonshop.com.ph.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

VIBER EXPANDS FOOTHOLD IN THE PHILIPPINES IN 2021

ONE of the world’s leading apps for free and easy communication, Viber has expanded its growth in the Philippines in 2021, a year marked by strategic partnerships that respond to the changing needs of the users and allowed them to explore how the app can be an integral part of their day-to-day life beyond calls and messages.

These partnerships have been Viber’s key driver for success, as the messaging app recorded 33-percent growth in monthly active users in 2021, with 31-percent increase in power users or those using Viber more than 25 days in a month. Group features like group messages and calls have remained a favorite among the users, posting the biggest gain at 110-percent upsurge. More brands and businesses have also started using Viber to communicate with their customers given that the app noted a 54-percent increase in business messages. Meanwhile, one-on-one messaging is still a must feature at 28-percent growth.

What’s more interesting is that Viber noted that over half of its users in the Philippines are part of the younger demographic with 40 percent belonging to the 25-34 age group, followed by the 35-50 at 30 percent. Filipinos below 24 years old have also started using the app more, making up 17 percent of its users, while the remaining 13 percent are comprised of 52 years old and up.

“Partnering with local brands and businesses has allowed Viber to strengthen its presence in the Philippines while improving our connection with them, responding to their needs, and presenting them with new features that help them enhance how they communicate and make their lives more efficient,” said David Tse, Rakuten Viber senior director for APAC. With this, the app has noted significant growth in content collaborations across various categories like entertainment and sports. It has also pursued partnerships with fintech companies, tie-ups with government agencies particularly the health departments, and pacts with telecommunication companies.

Viber in the Philippines has notably sealed partnerships with local brands like Globe to help micro, small and medium entrepreneurs on the Food PH bot through the Negosyoserye webinars, LEB Holdings Inc. to help Cebuanos connect with local food sellers on the Let’s Eat Bai Community, and PGAG to provide its avid followers with its own open-for-all Community within the messaging app.

Given Viber’s performance in 2021, Tse is optimistic that Viber will be able to move into 2022 in a position of strength as it will also continue to find ways to better understand and engage Filipino users with features and local partnerships and content that resonate with them most. He also pointed out that the app will remain an integral part of the users’ lives in 2022, even when restrictions are lifted and things are back to normal.

He explained that the pandemic has shown people how messaging apps like Viber make things more efficient—like how it cuts business travel costs now that anyone can reach out to their colleagues in a few clicks, and how educators can maximize online chats to improve relationships with their students and the parents.

“Even if the situation goes back to a ‘new’ normal, online communication will continue to strive, become more efficient, and change how the people communicate,” Tse said. “And these new realizations and habits will definitely influence our plans and impact our performance next year and beyond.”

EU plan for sweeping update of Big Tech rules gains momentum

BY KELVIN CHAN The Associated Press LONDON—The European Union’s ambitious plan to update its pioneering Internet rules gained momentum on Tuesday after a key committee passed measures requiring technology companies to better police content and lawmakers prepared to vote on regulations to rein in Big Tech.

The 27-nation bloc has for the past year been drafting a sweeping overhaul of regulations for digital companies, aimed at making sure tech giants like Google and Facebook, now renamed Meta, treat rivals fairly and protect users on their platforms.

The rules, which have been the subject of fierce lobbying from the tech industry, look set for

approval from lawmakers, though they still face tough negotiations next year with EU bodies. The regulations, and similar ones in the United Kingdom to curb harmful online content, show Europe’s role as a pacesetter for regulating the tech industry as a global movement picks up pace following whistleblower Frances Haugen’s allegations that Facebook put profits ahead of safety.

One set of EU rules, the Digital Services Act, aims to make tech companies more responsible for content on their platforms. The lead committee working on the rules said Tuesday that it approved amendments before sending the draft to the full EU Parliament for a vote, expected in January.

“We are now democratically reclaiming our online environment,” EU Parliament member

Christel Schaldemose said. “The DSA is bringing EU tech regulation into the 21st century, and it is about time.” The committee approved a ban on platforms using “dark patterns”—deceptive or nudge techniques to influence users to do things that they don’t intend to—as well as restrictions on targeting ads to children and requiring porn sites to register the identities of users uploading material.

EU officials want to use another set of rules, known as the Digital Markets Act, to clamp down on the biggest online companies, dubbed “digital gatekeepers,” by laying out a list of dos and don’ts.

With those rules, the bloc is seeking to prevent tech giants from dominating digital markets, a change from its previous practice of issuing big fines for past antitrust violations.

Google declined to comment on the EU rules.

Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Amazon didn’t respond to requests for comment.

The Digital Markets Act’s criteria for defining a gatekeeper have been tweaked to include companies earning at least 8 billion euros ($9 billion) in annual revenue in Europe, have a market value of 80 billion euros, provide services in at least three EU countries, and have 45 million users and 10,000 business users.

Violations could be punished with whopping fines: up to 6 percent of a company’s annual income under the Digital Services Act and up to 20 percent under the Digital Markets Act, which could work out to billions of dollars for wealthy Silicon Valley companies. ■

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Saturday, December 18, 2021 A11

Google will sack staff who refuse to comply with vaccine policies GOOGLE has threatened to reduce pay or even fire staff who fail to comply with internal policies on Covid-19 vaccinations, CNBC reported, citing internal documents.

The Alphabet Inc. unit warned employees they had till December 3 to declare and prove their vaccination status, or apply for exemptions. Those who hadn’t complied by January 18 will be placed on “paid administrative leave” for 30 days, CNBC said. They could then be put on unpaid leave for up to six months, before finally getting dismissed, it added.

Like much of the US, Silicon Valley is coping with a resurgence in Covid-19 and the new omicron variant, forcing companies to re-evaluate plans to get staff to return to offices. The Biden administration has mandated vaccinations for federal contractors nationwide, but several major US corporations have suspended efforts to comply amid a slew of challenges from states that say the president overstepped his authority in requiring Covid-19 shots. Google, which employs more than 150,000 in the country, said it plans to follow Biden’s order. In July, the search giant said it will require all workers returning to work to get vaccinated. Representatives for the company didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

“We expect that almost all roles at Google in the US will fall within the scope of the executive order,” CNBC reported, citing Google’s memo. “Anyone entering a Google building must be fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation that allows them to work or come onsite,” the company said, adding that “frequent testing is not a valid alternative to vaccination.” BLOOMBERG NEWS

Christmas comeback for global tech brand

THE GIFT OF HEALTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

TELEHEALTH service provider KonsultaMD and global Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo, kick off the holiday season with the gift of accessible health-care services to their loyal customers.

The partnership was launched during Uniqlo Philippines’s Thank You Festival last November, wherein the beloved brand goes beyond retail to share KonsultaMD’s advocacy of democratizing health services in the country.

Shoppers can get a free KonsultaMD Family Health Plan until December 19 for a minimum purchase of P4,000 at Uniqlo Philippines stores and online. The health plan covers one-month membership for a primary member plus four dependents, unlimited voice consultations, and four video consultations. It also includes access to e-prescriptions, e-documents, e-Laboratory requests, e-Medical Certificates, and other partner benefits.

Both KonsultaMD and Uniqlo Philippines believe in improving people’s lives by making health care available to everyone, everywhere—especially in areas where there are limited medical practitioners present.

“Telemedicine is becoming an important innovation to the lives of Filipinos. More and more are realizing the value of the service since it saves time, money and effort. Moreover, with KonsultaMD, even those in far-flung places can talk to a doctor anytime and as often as they want,” said Cholo Tagaysay, KonsultaMD Chief Executive Officer.

Currently, the service has reached over 1 million members who enjoy 24/7 unlimited access to licensed doctors via voice or video call for as low as P60 a month.

Subscribed members can consult with doctors specializing in various fields—from general medicine, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, rehabilitation medicine, mental health support (counseling and psychotherapy), psychiatry, dermatology, ophthalmology, dentistry, ENT, and surgery.

KonsultaMD is one of the portfolio companies under 917Ventures, the country’s largest corporate venture builder wholly owned by Globe.

More information can be found at www.konsulta.md.

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WENTY-TWENTY One has been a quiet year for Huawei smartphones. Except for a couple of Y and nova series releases, the once-second biggest smartphone company in the world seems to have turned its attention on its ecosystem products, such as the Matebook, Matepad Pro, smart watches, wearables and other AIoT devices.

Well, Huawei fans, it looks like things are about to get exciting again as the company announced the global reveal of its flagship Huawei P50 Pro and the P50 Pocket foldable this December 23.

Could 2022 be the comeback year for the tech giant?

Inheriting the P Series legendary story of Huawei photography, the P50 Pro returns with more innovative technology such as the iconic Dual-Matrix Camera system, Huawei XD Optics, and True-Chroma Image Engine, which makes it undoubtedly the most high-end photography in its category. Dubbed as another Super Device, the P50 Pro enables users to easily control or set up multi-device collaboration with other Huawei gadgets such as Huawei Vision, FreeBuds, MatePad, MateBook etc.

Initially released in China, P50 Pro has already claimed the coveted top spot at the DXO Mark rankings for delivering “outstanding still image quality in all conditions,” earning itself a new top mark in the Photo category with a score of 149.

What’s even more interesting is that we might also be getting the first P-series foldable. The P50 Pocket is described as the company’s “Winter Flagship” and based on the teaser image, it highlights a vertical folding design that rivals the Samsung Flip and the Moto Razr. The image also hints at two possible color options: white and gold.

We’ll have more updates once the brand-new P50 devices as they make their grand debut on December 23, 3:30PM (PH Time), on their official Facebook page.

In the meantime, Huawei is having its Better Together 2022 Christmas Campaign where you can get their latest laptops, tablets, smartphones and wearables at discounted prices and get freebie bundles worth as much as P3,389. The campaign is ongoing until January 2, 2022.

We checked out their offerings and here are some of our top picks.

A NEW ERA OF DIGITAL HEALTH

GETTING fit or living healthier again on your new year’s resolution? Then you might want to upgrade to the Huawei Watch GT 3 series.

Arriving in two sizes—42mm and 46mm, the Huawei GT 3 is a personal trainer on the wrist as it records and analyses the user’s workout data, and

intelligently identifies the basic period, lifting period, consolidation period, and reduction period according to the user’s current athletic ability level and goals, then adjusts the training intensity and gradually increases the training volume to gradually improve athletic ability.

It supports personalized health and fitness features, including AI Running Coach and Healthy Living Shamrock, which is like a health and fitness assistant for users to stay healthy and active. For the first time, the GT 3 runs on HarmonyOS 2.1 ensuring a unified design layout with other HarmonyOS products allowing users to experience the interactive features of the smartphones.

Health and fitness monitoring has always been one of Huawei wearables’ core strengths and this time, the brand is providing a comprehensive upgrade to the GT series, with the addition of the new TruSeen 5.0+. With it, the accuracy of heart rate monitoring is fully improved, especially for workout, the accuracy of dynamic heart rate monitoring is enhanced. The hardware and software upgrade also enhances the accuracy of SpO2 monitoring. After overcoming the problem of loose wearing, the signal is enhanced by the innovative multi-channel signal adjust algorithm, and the SpO2 output rate and accuracy rate are increased by 5 percent.

STYLISH MID-RANGER

SINCE it first debuted, the Huawei nova series has always been among the best mid-range options— offering an impressive balance between specs and pricing. Well, the nova 8 for me, is also the best-looking. Continuing the series’ fashionable trendsetting design, Huawei said it was inspired by the fascinating charm of the rings of Saturn. Calling it the Nebular Camera System Design, the nova 8 is free from the rectangular-shaped camera modules that have become passe, and overused by almost every smartphone brand.

Instead, it has a prominent, oval-shaped module that contains the 64-megapixel main camera as well as three other snappers and the phone’s LED flash that is similar to the P50. As for the build, it sports a metallic frame with a glass front and back.

Given Huawei’s stellar reputation for its cameras, it’s almost a guarantee that you’re getting an excellent set of shooters with their smartphones. The nova 8 has four rear cameras headlined by a 64MP lens that has a larger-than-average 1/1.56-inch sensor, paired with an f/1.9 aperture lens and PDAF. There’s also an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree FOV, along with a 2-megapixel depth camera and 2-megapixel macro camera.

Taking the nova 8 out for some photo samples, I almost forgot just how good their cameras were.

Easily one of the best cameras systems on a midranger. You get clear detailed images that you could immediately post on your social-media feed, and if you do need to edit, it captures enough info to make post-editing easy.

PREMIUM AND POWERFUL

WHETHER you are looking to return to the office or continuing to work from home this coming year, every professional needs a reliable laptop that can

stand those long meetings, accomplish a lot of tasks, and still let you indulge on binge-watching your favorite series. If you are looking for a robust laptop that looks equally as good, there are several Huawei Matebooks you could choose from.

The flagship laptop Huawei MateBook 14s 2021 is the newest PC from the tech giant that boasts a mix of features never before seen in its price segment, headlined by its Huawei Mobile App Engine and 2.5K Huawei FullView Display with 10-point multi-touch capability and 90Hz refresh rate.

The Huawei Mobile App Engine allows users of the MateBook 14s to enjoy mobile apps from the Huawei App Gallery directly on their laptops. Users will find it convenient to not shift from one device to another to access social, video, photo editing, news, online learning, daily lifestyle, gaming, and entertainment apps.

All laptops in the Huawei MateBook D and 14 2021 series come with the freebies worth P3,389, consisting of a Tumblr and Wireless Charging Lamp. Purchasers of any Huawei MateBook D 2021 products also get to take home a free AF30 mouse. The Huawei MateView GT 27” is also up for grabs for only Php 18,999.

Huawei is likewise offering great deals for its tablet lineup. The MatePad 11 (6+128 GB) comes with a free keyboard, while the variant with 256 GB is offered with a Tumblr and Wireless Charging Lamp. The midrange tablet MatePad gets a price drop to P17,999, while the budget tablet Huawei MatePad T10 comes with other freebies. ■

DISCOVER HISUIAN FORM OF VOLTORB IN POKÉMON LEGENDS: ARCEUS

THE Pokémon Company introduces a newly discovered Pokémon: the Hisuian form of Voltorb. With a striking resemblance to Poké Balls in Hisui, this newly discovered and enigmatic Pokémon has a glossy, spherical body. It looks very similar to the Poké Balls of the Hisui region, with wood grain-like makeup on its body’s surface and a hole on the top of its head that seemed to be packed with countless seeds.

Occasionally, this head spouts seeds out of this hole.

However, no one exactly knows what it’s like inside the Pokémon’s body because it is pitch-dark inside the hole. This makes it impossible to see anything even if one peers into it.

This Pokémon is always in high spirits and has a friendly personality. However, it discharges its stored electricity all at once from the hole in its head when it gets excited, so it frequently shocks humans and Pokémon in its vicinity.

The Hisuian Voltorb will be available in the Nintendo Switch software titled Pokémon Legends: Arceus on January 28, 2022.

More information is available at legends.pokemon.com/en-us/.

Sports

THE Southwoods team—(from left) Lanz Uy, Ivan Monsalve, Josh Jorge, Ryan Monsalve, Masaichi Otake and Sean Ramos—celebrate their victory.

BusinessMirror

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| Saturday, December 18, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

TIGER BACK IN ACTION

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RLANDO, Florida— The father of Justin Thomas got the first look at Tiger Woods playing a round of golf since his car crash 10 months ago and saw more than he expected.

“It’s crazy how good he’s hitting— and far he’s hitting—for what he’s been through,” Mike Thomas said Thursday at the PNC Championship.

“It’s impressive where he’s at.”

Next up for Woods is playing in front of an audience.

It’s one thing for the 15-time major champion to play with 12-yearold son Charlie, with Mike Thomas along for the ride, last week near his home in south Florida. It’s another to tee it up in front of thousands of spectators and on network TV. Only 10 months ago, Woods shattered bones in his right leg, ankle and foot when the SUV he was driving along a winding suburban road in Los Angeles crashed through a median and down a hill. Woods was immobilized for three months in a makeshift hospital bed in his house.

He went from crutches to slowly walking. He was hitting balls on the back end of the range at Albany during his Hero World Challenge two weeks ago in the Bahamas.

And while the PNC Championship—20 teams of parents and children, one of them a major champion or Players Championship winner—is a family affair, the score counts. Woods will be able to ride a cart if he chooses.

“My excitement level is high just for him being out here and being somewhere other than his house and getting to see a lot of familiar faces,” said Justin Thomas, one of his closest friends on tour who won the PNC Challenge last year with his father, a longtime club pro.

“And I know spending time with Charlie is a huge deal to him.

“In terms of competing, I think his expectations are very low,” Thomas said. “But at the same time, he is who is

SOUTHWOODS FIL-AM CHAMPS

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TIGER WOODS takes a swing during a practice session at the Albany Golf Club during the sidelines of the Hero World Challenge Golf tour in New Providence, Bahamas, early this month. AP for a reason. So I’m sure he’ll be [ticked] off if he didn’t play well.”

Woods was not expected until the Friday pro-am.

Among the teams is a pair of major champions—Nelly Korda (Women’s Professional Golf Association Championship) and her father, Petr (Australian Open tennis in 1998). Korda said she hardly ever watches golf except when Woods is playing, and now she’ll be playing in the group ahead of him at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club Orlando.

Korda said it would be a chance to create memories with her father, but that’s not all.

“Playing right in front of Tiger Woods is pretty cool, too,” she said.

“I’m not going to lie. I’m being a little selfish here, but that’s pretty cool.”

Woods and son will be playing

in the final group with the Thomas duo, a pair of familiar faces. Thomas was among the players from the next generation who often stopped by his house to encourage Woods when he was recovering from fusion surgery in 2017.

Now it’s a family affair. Mike Thomas specialized in working with juniors when he was at Harmony Landing outside Louisville, Kentucky.

While technically not his coach, he has been a second set of eyes for Charlie, and the 12-year-old has taken to Justin Thomas.

Thomas, meanwhile, has turned to Woods as a mentor. He said Woods has shared plenty of nuances about golf and competition, which he doesn’t plan on sharing because he considers it to be an advantage. And there is a lot that Woods doesn’t tell him.

“Because he knows that he still likes

golf and wants to beat me when we’re playing,” Thomas said with a laugh.

“But I think just being there as a friend is most important as a mentor, kind of pushing each other along the way.”

Such is the friendship that the words can be on the sharp side.

Thomas shared one story in which he had played with Woods in competition for the first time—he couldn’t recall if it was the Hero World Challenge in December 2017 or at Riviera that following February—and asked Woods what part of his game needed work.

This was after Thomas had won his first major and qualified for his first US team.

“Immediately, he’s like, ‘You don’t have near enough shots. You can work it, but you don’t have enough shots to be as dominant as I was’ kind of thing,” Thomas said. AP

PBA chief Marcial delighted with return of cheering fans

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By Josef Ramos

NT Tropang Giga came from behind to beat Alaska, 81-77, for a bounce back victory by the Philippine Cup champion in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup that played Day 3 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Crowd attendance remained below the maximum 4,000 live fans set by the league as it tests the waters in returning to normal amid the waning Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

But for PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, seeing the fans in the stands is a reason to be delighted.

“I’m so happy to see the fans cheering for their respective teams, it feels so good,” Marcial told BusinessMirror, adding Days 1 and 2 at the Big Dome saw a total of 2,000 fans trooping to the league’s traditional home and rooting for their favorite teams.

“I’m super satisfied and so happy of the outcome,” he said.

Ticket sales from the fans yielded at least P300,000, the league’s sales at the gates since March last year when the last game was played before strict lockdowns were enforced.

The PBA returned to the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday with 1,480

fans watching the Magnolia-Terrafirma and NLEX-TNT Tropang Giga games.

Thursday’s games, though, attracted only 228 fans when Meralco beat Blackwater, 98-77, although Marcial said the day’s total could have reached close to a thousand counting the second game where Rain or Shine edged Phoenix (90-88).

“Second day? I don’t have the exact number but it’s less than 1000,” he said.

The Covid-19 scare that still prevails and financial constraints on fans prompted Marcial to be conservative with his estimates.

“I expected at least 10 fans who’ll watch because of Covid-19 scare and financial constraints, but I was surprised with the turnout,” he said. “Almost half of the fully-vaccinated 4,000 fans limit showed up in the arena.”

He added: “Maybe after almost two years without live basketball, the fans are starting to get excited.”

Marcial expects live attendance could spike on Christmas Day when NLEX and Phoenix Super LPG clash at 4 p.m. and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Magnolia duel in the return of the Manila Clasico at 6:45 p.m.

Veteran Jayson Castro scored 20 points and had five rebounds and six assists to lead TNT.

Magsayo targets Russell’s belt

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ARK “MAGNIFICO” MAGSAYO finally gets a shot at a world title when he challenges World Boxing Council featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. on January 22 at the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

But Magsayo cautioned himself against the American champion who he described as an all-around boxer.

“You just cannot underestimate his [Russell] punches because all boxers have a power punch. Once you’re hit, you will surely drop,” Magsayo told

BusinessMirror in a phone interview from Los Angeles, California. “Russell is more tactical, smart and knows when to counterpunch, and his footwork is fast.”

Magsayo, 26, crushed Mexican slugger Julio Ceja with a blazing right hand for a 10th-round knockout victory in his last fight last August 21. He was in one of the undercards of the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas duel the Cuban won at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The pride of Tagbilaran City trains under world-renowned Freddie

ANILA Southwoods formally laid claim to the Fil Championship it won almost unchallenged while Time Cargo Logistics went through the wringer to rule the Am Championship of the 71st Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament on Friday in Baguio City.

Manila Southwoods closed out with 122 for a four-day total of 504 and a 32-point win over Luisita Golf and Country Club which carded 121 points for a 472-point total in a Fil-Am being played strict health protocols because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ryan Monsalve led the Carmona (Cavite)-based team with a oneover 35 at the Baguio Country Club with Sean Ramos and Ivan Monsalve accounting for 32 and 29, respectively, for the team which got 26s from Masaichi Otake and Lance Uy, one of which did not count.

Jed Dy made a team flight and Baguio Country Club’s best score of 37 to lead Luisita’s charge that netted them the runner-up finish in the championships shortened to six days and where all 388 players were subjected to three antigen tests.

Jet Hernandez made a 30 and Gabriel Manotoc and Leandro Bagtas carded 25 each for Luisita.

After trailing third-round leader Forest Hills by four points, Time Cargo Logistics came back strong on the last day to score 99 points and escape with a six-shot victory in the Am Championship.

Gary Sales led with 28, Junjun Plana chipped in 26 and Ruel Cabral and Rustico Bayani Jr. added 23 and 22, respectively, for Time Cargo which finished with a 419 aggregate.

Forest Hills managed an 89 for a 413 total on the 31 of Jose Inigo, 25 of Augusto Pacheco, 21 of Rodel Mangulabnan and 12 of Dennis Nicomedes.

X1R Mizunon settled with a 91 en route to 406 for third place.

Manila Southwoods, meanwhile, took the Seniors Fil Championship crown by 25 points over co-host Camp John Hay team.

Southwoods closed out with 114 and 423 total, while Camp John Hay had 111 and 398 for second place.

Co-host Baguio Country Club finished third with 355 after a 104.

Chess nationals for women unfurls

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HE Philippine National Women’s Championship comes off the wraps on Saturday at the PACE building in Quezon City with a cash pot of P135,000 and a slot to next year’s Hanoi Southeast Asian Games at stake.

Woman Grandmaster (GM) Janelle Mae Frayna will be the player to watch in the 12-strong field which will vie for the P50,000 cash prize to the champion, P30,000 to the runner-up and P15,000 to the third placer. They will also receive trophies.

Frayna, 24, was the lone female participant in the recent National Open Championship in Mactan, Cebu, and finished 10th in the 12-player field with 4.0 points.

“I’m hoping for the best but the field is really tough because all participants have a chance to win,” Frayna said.

Expected to give Frayna a run for

her money are former national titlists Shania Mae Mendoza and Jan Jodilyn Fronda, Olympiad veteran Bernadette Galas and WGM candidate Kylen Joy Mordido.

Also seeing action in the 11-round event are Marie Antoinette San Diego, Rinoa Mariel Sadey, Marian Calimbo, Ruelle Canino, Allaney Jia Doroy, Lexie Grace Hernandez and Francois Marie Magpily.

The event is backed by National Chess Federation of the Philippines president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Chess Movement Inc. Chairman Dr. Ariel Potot and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office vice Chairman and General Manager Royina Garma and Atty.

Roel Canobas.

Lim leads bid in Asian karate tilt

S LEAGUE Commissioner Willie Marcial intently observes the officials table, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino looks at the electronic scoreboard and the fans, seated one seat apart, are back at the Big Dome.

Alaska, after a good start, suffered back-to-back setbacks to fall to a 2-2 win-loss record.

Glenn Khobuntin added 16 points and rookie Mikey Williams had 12 points for TNT, which yielded a close 100-102 setback to NLEX on Wednesday.

“We really expected to struggle from the first game and even in our

first few games because this is the first time that we’ve played together,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes, noting that import McKenzie Moore isn’t 100 percent and finished with only 13 points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field with a mere four rebounds.

Import Olu Ashaolu led the Aces with 29 points and 18 rebounds but committed eight turnovers.

Roach, who got him a sparring partner who fights like Russell.

Magsayo is undefeated in 23 bouts with 16 knockouts while Russell has a 31-1 win-loss record with 18 knockouts.

Russell hasn’t fought since February 8, 2020, when he defeated Tugstsogt Nyambayar of Mongolia via unanimous decision in Pennsylvania.

But Magsayo said Russell remains a threat.

“I just have to focus very well in training. I know he’s still competitive despite his last fight was almost two years ago,” he said. “In terms of my weight and condition, I don’t have a problem.” Josef Ramos

GARBAGE CONCERNS

EVEN Filipino athletes will vie in the 17th Asian Karate Championships starting on Saturday in Kazakhstan hoping to bag medals that eluded a national team sent to the World Karate Federation Senior World Championships last month in Dubai.

Competing in the Kazakhstan city according to Karate Pilipinas President Ricky Lim are Jamie Lim (women’s 61 kgs), Remon

Visitors pose for a selfie with a statue containing the Olympic rings at a park near the headquarters for the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games in Beijing. Olympics organizers say measures to prevent cross-infections between athletes and the outside world are being extended to holding their garbage inside the bubble dividing the two. AP

Misu (women’s 61 kgs, under 21), Junna Tsukii (women’s 50 kgs), Alwyn Batican (men’s 67 kg) and Ivan Agustin (men’s 75 kg) in kata and Sakura Alforte (women’s kata, senior) and John Enrico “Joco” Vasquez (men’s kata, senior).

“We have high hopes with Jamie [Lim] and Junna [Tsukii] for a podium finish, but we have new athletes here—Alforte and Filipino-Japanese Misu,” Lim told BusinessMirror over the phone from Almaty.

Alforte, Lim said, was bronze medalist in the juniors world championships in Chile.

“We’re expecting Alforte to bag a medal and we’re grooming Misu for the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam next year, so let’s see how they fare,” Lim said.

Lim also said all the athletes have finally passed the weigh-in and they are all billeted in Rahat Palace.

“We are expecting high-level competition here to hone the skills of our athletes for next year’s Southeast Asian Games [Vietnam] and Asian Games [Huangzhou],” Lim said.

A total of 600 karate athletes from 30 Asian nations headed by powerhouse Iran, Turkey and Japan, are competing in the five-day tournament.

Lim, Tsukii, Vasquez and another kata athlete, Sarah Pangilinan, took part in the Dubai worlds but all missed podium. Josef Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

21TH CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION #28 Lot 12 Blk 94, R. Papa Ave. Cor. P. Garcia St. Phase 6, Afpovai, Western Bicutan, City Of Taguig

CHEN, ZHIMING Purchaser 1.

Brief Job Description: compile requests for materials, prepare purchase orders, keep track of purchases and supplies, and handle inquiries about orders, gather information and records to draw up purchase orders

Basic Qualification: compute proficiency , particularly with spreadsheets programs, experience in supply chain management (preferred) time management and organizational skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

NISHIDA, AYAO Transaction Processing Analyst 2.

Brief Job Description: Performs accounts payable transactions with medium to high complexity

Basic Qualification: Accounting, finance or any business- related course graduates are preferred

3.

Brief Job Description: Research or commission research of information and relevant data to support the activities of the CEO as required including the regular preparation of reports and briefings.

YAN, KE Technical Manager 9.

XU, HEJIA Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Help customer with complaints and questions.

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

CEBU AIR, INC. Cebu Pacific Bldg., Domestic Rd, Brgy. 191, Pasay City

WEERASEKERA, SHEVANTHA KAMIL Senior Adviser- Engineering & Fleet Management 5.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the over-all business plan, vision and strategy for Engineering and Fleet Management

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

6.

Brief Job Description: this job is responsible for planning, leading, organizing, and controlling various activities in software development projects for engine control systems which include total service management, total operational management, improvement management, result management, human resource management, health and safety, and periodic operational review.

7.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative (csr)

MAI QUOC VIET Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

TRU QUY THANH Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

WANG, XIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

15.

Basic Qualification: 1.1 Must have completed a bachelor’s degree in Computer related field 1.2 At least four years experience as Senior Manager 1.3 Strongdecision making and leadership capabilities Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling inbound calls e-mails and or chat with the goal of ensuring resolutions of customer issues effective communication

FU, SENGEN Call Center Agent Mandarin Speaking 16.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling inbound calls e-mails and or chat with the goal of ensuring resolutions of customer issues effective communication

LI, GAOCHENG Call Center Agent Mandarin Speaking 17.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling inbound calls e-mails and or chat with the goal of ensuring resolutions of customer issues effective communication

LI, WENQUAN Call Center Agent Mandarin Speaking Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese curriculum.

Can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin . Can operate computer Mandarin character.

18.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Outsourcing Manager , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling inbound calls e-mails and or chat with the goal of ensuring resolutions of customer issues effective communication

LIU, FUQIANG Call Center Agent Mandarin Speaking 19.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling inbound calls e-mails and or chat with the goal of ensuring resolutions of customer issues effective communication

MA, JIXING Call Center Agent Mandarin Speaking 20.

Brief Job Description: The Outsourcing Manager will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

Brief Job Description: Customer Service

DONG, LIYONG Call Center Agent Mandarin Speaking

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

8.

LI, FEI Customer Service Representative

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

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

ZHANG, CHAO Outsourcing Manager

Brief Job Description: Customer Service

GOLDENSKY INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC. Midas Hotel, 2702 Roxas Blvd., Brgy. 076, Pasay City

FAREAST OUTSOURCE PROCESSING INC. 7th, 8th, 9th Flr. Nu Tower, Moa Coral Way, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

DONG, JUNLIANG Customer Service Representative (CSR)

HUANG, CHIU-HUNG Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: At least 20 yrs experience in aeronautical engineering and airline industries, holding a senior leadership role. At lease 15 yrs in engineering operations, line maintenance and fleet management

DENSO TECHNO PHILIPPINES INC. 2/f Sm Jazz Residences, N. Garcia Cor. Jupiter Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati

TANABE, YOSHITAKA General Manager Of Engineering Value Add Division

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Technical Manager , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

No.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling inbound calls e-mails and or chat with the goal of ensuring resolutions of customer issues effective communication

TENG, ZHENPING Call Center Agent Mandarin Speaking 21.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling inbound calls e-mails and or chat with the goal of ensuring resolutions of customer issues effective communication

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

22.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate level and fluent in Mandarin/Basic English

NORHASHIKIN BINTI HASAN VP - Cash And Liquidity Management

23.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the day-to-day management of the manila cash and liquidity management & overdraft interest processes; accountable for senior onshore stakeholders and funding managers for provision of case and liquidity management service; and work closely with business partners and stakeholders to ensure the effective and timely delivery of all cash and liquidity management strategic enhancements and tactical delivery.

JIN, ZELONG Human Resource Manager For Enterprise Business Group 24.

Brief Job Description: 1. To be the human resource business partner of the enterprise business group of Huawei Philippines.

2. Will serve as business partner in developing human resource management. 3. To develop HR management strategy in developing talents capability.

CHEN, LEI Solution Manager For Command Center Construction Project

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

25.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Cantonese and mandarin speaking/Know how to read and write Chinese

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

LAI KUEN LING Malaysian Customer Support Representative 26.

27.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Cantonese and mandarin speaking/Know how to read and write Chinese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

ZHANG, HONGFEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 28.

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

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

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

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

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg., #48 President Avenue, Bf Homes, City Of Parañaque

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Cantonese and mandarin speaking/Know how to read and write Chinese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

YU, XIAOFENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Cantonese and mandarin speaking/Know how to read and write Chinese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: 1. Provide and review datacom products and network solutions for different Philippines customers.2. Organize training courses and transfer datacom products knowledge and skills to local Filipino employees. 3. Organize Proof of Concept (POC) demo and verify solution feasibility.

Basic Qualification: 1. Must be Proficient in using the various datacom network design software, WLAN planner. quotation design software, SCT (Smart Configuration Tool). 2. Able to quickly design architectures and select products based on customer requirements.

3. Highly proficient in Chinese and English language.

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION Ground, 2nd, 3rd And 4th Floor, Eight West Campus Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Cantonese and mandarin speaking/Know how to read and write Chinese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: 1. With at least 3 year managerial work experience in HR management. 2. - Has the ability to define business needs and convert to Human Resources Management.

3. Has experience in talent management. 4. Highly proficient in Chinese and English language.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Cantonese and mandarin speaking/Know how to read and write Chinese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Must have a degree/ qualification in finance, accountancy, business management and previous experience in operations management with reputed multinational banks; with good understanding of financial products, market risk measures and market data; and competent in the production of information, and the ability to analyze large volume of data.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate level and fluent in Mandarin/Basic English

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Cantonese and mandarin speaking/Know how to read and write Chinese

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

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. U-5302, 53/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Cantonese and mandarin speaking/Know how to read and write Chinese

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

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling inbound calls e-mails and or chat with the goal of ensuring resolutions of customer issues effective communication

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

HSBC ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING (PHILIPPINES) INC. Filinvest One Building, Alabang Zapote Road, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest City, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION YANG, ZHILONG Call Center Agent Mandarin Speaking

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. 4th-11th Floor Aseana 3 Building, Aseana Avenue Corner Diosdado Macapagal, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Basic Qualification: Speaking and writing in Japanese (Native level); Business level in English.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

ARTSOFT CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT CO. INC. Unit 25d, 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

4.

Brief Job Description: The Technical Manager will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

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

ACOM CONSUMER FINANCE CORPORATION 10/f Unit A, 45 San Miguel Bldg., No. 45 San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig YAMAGUCHI, YOSHIRO Executive Officer

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

LI, GANG Chinese Customer Service Representative 29.

Brief Job Description: Track main industry trends in Korean through blogs, micro blogs and forums

Basic Qualification: At least college graduate, speak and write fluently (mandarin and English) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.- PHILIPPINE GLOBAL SERVICE CENTER 23/f Net Plaza, 31st St. E-square Zone, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

BusinessMirror

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CHARITY, RORY GERALD Fund Servicing Manager Iii

30.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: • Responsible for providing operational service related to fund accounting and administration, benefit payment services, compliance reporting services, investment analytics and consulting, financial and valuation reporting, investment operations outsourcing services, transfer agency services, or trust and fiduciary services.

• This may include working closely with operations, financial controllers, external vendors, and consultants.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: • 8-10 years relevant experience with working knowledge of Derivatives and over-the-counter investment products.

• Strong background on all security types (Bonds, Equities, Commodities, and Indices etc) and their accounting treatment.

• Technology solutions experience with automation and new age tools like Tableau, Alteryx and Process modeler.

No.

RUDIANTO Chinese Customer Service 45.

TRAN THI HONG THUONG Chinese Customer Service 46.

47.

31.

Brief Job Description: Provide commercial leadership, expected to plan, direct and control development and profitable operations, with direct commercial, P&L, forecasting, and management responsibilities.

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

MERCK SHARP & DOHME (I.A.) LLC 26/f Philam Life Tower, 8767 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

RIEDEL, ANDREAS MICHAEL Managing Director

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

48.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

MICRON CLEANROOM (PHILIPPINES), INC. Unit 906 Page I Bldg., Acacia Ave. Mbp, Ayala, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa CHIN SZE KEE Company Director/vice President 32.

Brief Job Description: To Lead and manage the over all operation of its subsidiary company; VP

49.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 50.

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

AMOS SAMGAR Chinese Customer Service 33.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ARUANTO Chinese Customer Service 34.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

BUDIANTO Chinese Customer Service 35.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

BUDIONO Chinese Customer Service 36.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

DIANA Chinese Customer Service 37.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

DU, TAO Chinese Customer Service 38.

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

39.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LINAH Chinese Customer Service 40.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LONG, WEI Chinese Customer Service 41.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LU, FA Chinese Customer Service 42.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MIAO, ZHANFANG Chinese Customer Service 43.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

PHAM VAN HANH Chinese Customer Service 44.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

CHEN, JIA-RONG Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Basic Qualification: Expatriate

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries

LIAO, TZU-JUI a.k.a. LIAO, TZU-YI Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

DASH, TUSAR Production Manager 51.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: Determine and improvement to implements to the production process of every product

GUBIANI, DEVID HONORE Chief Executive Officer, President & Director 52.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: Establish an overall vision and strategy, and approve policies and procedures for the country/ local business unit, that contribute to the overall corporate plan.

ROSMAN BIN ABDUL RAZAK National Team Badminton Coach 53.

Brief Job Description: Lead the training of the Philippine National Badminton Team; Collaborate with senior management as it relates to business growth, strategy and operational planning

REN, YICHUAN Mandarin QA/QC Engineer (Construction) 54.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the overall integration, troubleshooting and acceptance of the assigned site.

Undertake Site construction management

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries

LAMB, ANDREW DARREN Senior Project Manager 55.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a relevant discipline or MBA. Experienced and senior executive level. Knowledgeable in Financial principles such as profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow management, general finance and budgeting.

Basic Qualification: Five years or more of recent badminton coaching experience internationally. A world class and highly skilled coach who has experience in working with world class athletes

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

LIUWU, YONGQI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

59.

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

SHEN, DONGDONG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

60.

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

Brief Job Description: The senior project manager reports to the project director. He must have knowledge of day-to-day issues that affect the progress of works, he shall make experienced advice regarding work and construction methodologies.

61.

56.

NG HONG KIAT E-commerce Manager Brief Job Description: Devising strategies that harness sales related insights

Basic Qualification: Extensive experience in the said position Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

Brief Job Description: Maintain effectively internal communications to ensure that all relevant company functions.

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

W.E.W RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, INC. 50/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

62.

63.

JIA, MINGHUI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Support For Mandarin Speaking Client

Basic Qualification: With Knowledge in Computer Application Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIAO, HONGJI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Support for Mandarin Speaking CLient

Basic Qualification: With Knowledge in Computer Application Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WANFANG TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 6-9/f Double Dragon Plaza, Edsa Cor. Macapagal Ave., Barangay 76, Pasay City Basic Qualification: At least 19 y/old; Ability to speak write and communicate in Vietnamese

TRAN ANH THU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 64.

Brief Job Description: Maintains financial account; recommend potential products and services; attract potential to a customers

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

XINCHUAN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL PHILIPPINE PROJECT LTD CORP. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

YANG, XIONGFENG Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Analyst 65.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Analyst will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Analyst , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

CHEN, BUNING Mandarin Field Service Supervisor 66.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Field Service Supervisor will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Field Service Supervisor , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

SHI, CONGJUN Mandarin Quality Inspector

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

RUNTO TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 902 & 903 9th Flr. One World Place, 32nd Street, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: Monitor and report on effectiveness marketing materials of the product.

TARAK, MOHAMMAD Marketing Manager

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, type in Mandarin language.

Technical skills in software as stated above

Basic Qualification: Cumulative 20 years experience in construction and project management, cost and contracts management; knowledge of various trades, crafts and construction equipment; construction site management acquired from high profile projects overseas; required international experience in managing all stages of a complex project lifecycle.

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

TURQUOISE MERCANTILE GROUP INC. Unit No. Sf-12 Flr., No. 2/f Baclaran Bagong Milenyo Bldg. F.b. Harrison St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

Basic Qualification: Must know how to speak English; 33-35 years old with experience in implementing standard operating procedures for production operations

PRIME METRO BMD CORPORATION 16/f Three E-com, Moa Complex, Bayshore Cor. Ocean Drive, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

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

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

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

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries

58.

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

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

CHEN, DONG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

PHILIPPINE BADMINTON ASSOCIATION, INC. Unit-2601 West Tower, Psec Exchange Road, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

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

Brief Job Description: To undertake any procedures and comply with any administrative, fiscal, or judicial formalities as required by the laws of the country in which it operates, among others.

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West, Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

Basic Qualification: Advance knowledge in finance; graduate of a reputable university; proficient in French (native)

NEROT, ALBAN PIERRE GUY DOMINIQUE Managing Director

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

SERVIER PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit Ad, 11/f 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Poblacion, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

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

No.

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

PHIL-TOWER CONSORTIUM INC. Unit S-08 Eco Tower Bldg., 32nd St. Cor. 9th Ave., Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries

NILOY OVERRUNS CORPORATION Unit No. 1f-5, Two Shopping Center Bldg., Taft Ave. Cor. Cuneta St. Zone 10 District 1, Barangay 78, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read and Write customer service inquiries

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 1331 Pearl Plaza Bldg., Quirino Ave., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

A33

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

57.

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

Basic Qualification: Strong general management and dynamic leadership capabilities to grow the business.

Prior 15+ years of work experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Proven General Manager/ MD experience.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Saturday, December 18, 2021

67.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Inspector will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

LIU, XIAOWEI Mandarin Technical Supervisor 68.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Technical Supervisor will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Quality Inspector , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Technical Supervisor , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

*Date Generated: Dec 17, 2021 Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR