BusinessMirror December 28, 2021 by BusinessMirror

RCEP countdown: DTI cites gains anew ‘Close borders, cut Omicron exposure risk’ By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

W C

By Cai U. Ordinario

ITH the Regional Comprehensive Economic Part(RCEP) AgreeLOSINGnership the country’s borders ment set to enter into force on Januis one of the most immediate ary 1, 2022, the Department of Trade courses of action the governand Industry (DTI) on Monday ment must take to prevent the lat-said joining the RCEP will boost the counest Covid-19 variant, Omicron, from try’s chances of recovery from reaching Philippine shores, accord-the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. ing to local economists. With the DTI securing T he new this, var iant is asaid threat, Senate concurrence to the ratifie s p e c i a l l y w it h t he hol id ay s cation of the Agreement becomes coming up and more foreigners more urgent to for travel the Philippines. being a llowed to the DTI Assistant Secretary Allan B. Philippines, De La Sa lle UniverGepty, the Philippines’s lead negosit y economist Mar ia Ella Oplas tiator for the RCEP agreement, said told BusinessMirror. studies consistently show that The holidays usually bring inthe Philippines willWorkers indeed benefit from Overseas Filipino (OFWs) the RCEP agreement. who are eager to spend Christmas @caiordinario

the WorlD »B7

Photos of aftermath of Christmas eve myanmar massaCre fuel anger

with their loved ones, while foreigners living in temperate regions usually want to relax in tropical countries like the Philippines. This year’s influx of OFWs is expected to be heavier since many of them were unable to come home for the holidays in December 2020. “My recommendation is to protect the borders. Do not allow people with “Prior to RCEP, there had been no FTA a history of travel to countries with between China, Japan, and Korea, which positive cases to enter,” Oplas said. there is no pre-existing preferential “Wemeans should be more restrictive. [We treatment on traded goods among them, have to be] more protective in terms and MFN rates are applied.” of our measures.” —DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez Oplas said that while this will be a setback to some industries, this “Figures may be higher or lower is a fair measure considering thatdepending on the assumptions and modthis could help prevent placing the els used, but an improvement in real country in another strict lockdown,

GDP, no matter how small, is always a welcome development, especially as we seek tosaid, reverse economiccan slump which, she thethe economy no we’ve experienced due to the pandemic,” longer afford. said Gepty in athat statement. the “It is better we do Earlier, protective DTI called anew for Senate concurpreventive measures than get exrenceagain. in theWe ratification of to thelose,” largposed have a lot est trade deal in the globe in order to Oplas said. “We should do it now so allow the country’s participation. that we can open just before Christ Many economists internamas. If it gets contained,and we can open tional organizations have already it again.” expressed viewsfor onEconomic the value Reand Ateneo Center importance of the RCEP agreement search and Development (ACERD) to the Philippines andSer to the region. Associate Director Percival The RCEP agreement will K. Peña-Reyes said closingenter the into forceborders on January 2022 for country’s would1,be effecsix Asean member-states—Brunei tive but should still adhere to the Darussalam, Cambodia, PDR, standards set by the WorldLao Health Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam Organization (WHO). —and five Asean trading partWhat the is needed, Peña-Reyes told ners: Australia, China, Japan, Kothis newspaper, is for travel restricrea and New Zealand. The agreetions to be put in place swiftly and

Tuesday, December Monday, November28, 29,2021 2021Vol. Vol.1717No.81 No.52

ment will enter into force for the remaining Signatory States 60 days after the deposittoofbetheir instru-in for government proactive ment of ratification or approval. imposing them. Previous instances when the

Diversion investments country hadofthe opportunity to imTRADE Secretary Ramon Lopez pose travel restrictions did not presaid some investments may likely vent the spread of Covid-19. That was be diverted away from non-particimainly because the decision was not patingimmediately, countries, which means lost made he said. opportunities and capital flight. “Kung papatay patay [If we’re Citing a report, the DTI said the slow] and we get caught flat-footRCEP region accounts for 50 ed, [that’s risky] We were tooperrecent of the global manufacturing active instead of proactive before. output andlearn globalfrom automotive outWe should that,” Peñaput; 70 percent of electronics; and Reyes said. “It’s a delicate balancing 60 percent of the global value chain act. We need to push testing and (GVCs) for petracing toelectrical/machinery, be properly informed troleum/chemicals, textile/apparel, of our decisions. Blanket/shotgun metal and transport approaches could haveequipment, dire conseamong others. quences on the economy.” Continued on A2 See “Omicron,” A2

FOOD-INSECURE PINOYS NATL GOVT BORROWINGS UP REPORT FORTO 1046.1M—UN MOS DIP TO P2.75T

n n

P25.00 P25.00nationwide nationwide||22sections sections24 20pages pages||

By Cai U. Ordinario By Bernadette D. Nicolas

Labor group Omicron risk spurs revival pushes jabs of quarantine for Filipino rules in PHL seafarers

@caiordinario @BNicolasBM

HE HEnumber nationalof food-insecure government’s Filipinos gross expanded to 46.1 borrowings as of million in 2020, end-October shrank according joint by almostto6 apercent report published year-on-year to by Food Agriculture P2.75and trillion. Organization of theLatest United Nations data from the Bureau of the (FAO) and the Treasury showed that United the government’s gross borrowings during the Nations Children’s 10-month period fell by 5.99 percent Fund (UNICEF). from P2.92 trillion a year ago.

With only two months left for this year, the latest figure is already equivalent The reporttotitled Asiaofand 89.6“2021 percent its the Pacific Regional Overview of P3.07-trillion borrowing program. Food Security Nutrition,” Broken down,and gross domesticindiborcated that the latest estimate is 2.1 rowings from January to October million than the 44down million settledhigher at P2.23 trillion, by recorded in 2019. 5.08 percent from P2.35 trillion in“Food 2020. insecurity as measured by Experi the The Food bulk Insecurity of the amount was ence Scale refers to limited access sourced from Fixed Rate Treasury to food,(P1.19 at thetrillion), level offollowed individuBonds by als or households, due to lack of short-term borrowings from Bangmoney or ng other resources,” the ko Sentral Pilipinas or BSP (P540 report read. billion), Retail Treasury Bonds/Pre myo According to the report, FAORetail proBonds (P463.3 billion), vides estimates of food insecurity Onshore Dollar Bonds (P80.84 bilatlion). twoIn different of there severity: the samelevels period, was moderate or severe food insecurity also a net redemption of Treasury and food insecurity. Billssevere amounting to P43.94 billion. Continued on A2 Net debt redemption means there were more debts repaid compared to the amount borrowed during the period. Meanwhile, gross foreign borrowings in the same period also contracted by 9.7 percent to P518.7 billion from last year’s P574.4 billion. This was raised through global bonds (P146.17 billion), program loans (P139.98 billion), euro-denominated bonds (P121.97 billion), a project loan (P86.41 billion), and yen-denominated samurai bonds (P24.19 billion).

G I

By Samuel P. Medenilla

PEOPLE walk past the mural of Gat Andres Bonifacio at Manila City Hall Underpass. The country will celebrate the 158th birth anniversary of Filipino revolutionary hero Gat Andres Bonifacio on Tuesday, November 30. ROY DOMINGO

OVER 3-M FARMERS LISTED FOR P75-B COCO LEVY FUND

CHAIRMAN Benhur Abalos Jr. of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Christian Martin Gonzalez, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas dating its registry following the them. This allows everyone to see programs as President Duterte Officer of ICTSI, conduct an inspection at the Manila International Container Terminal in Tondo, Manila, on Monday, December 27, 2021. They discussed viable solutions and alternate routes for trucks and @jearcalas enactment of the Coconut Farmwho are listed in the registry and if is expected to sign the industry trailers, with the imminent closure of a portion of Roxas Boulevard for the repair of a damaged box culvert. Story on page. A3 NONIE REYES

ORE than 3 million coconut farmers and workers are now registered with the government’s registry, which serves as the basis for the number of people to be covered by the utilization of the P75-billion coconut levy fund. Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Deputy Administrator Roel M. Rosales said about 3.11 million coconut farmers and farm workers have been registered with the government since it started up-

See “Borrowings,” A2

ers and Industry Trust Fund law. farmer doesn’t see his name then he Rosales explained that about shall coordinate with the PCA im500,000 coconut farmers and mediately,” he explained at a recent workers were added to the PCA’s dialogue with coconut farmers. 2018 list that had about 2.5 million “On the other hand, if people coconut farmers and farm workers. would see names on the list and The PCA’s next step is to conthey think they are not coconut Stella F. Arnaldo Diseasesor(IATF) in dealing with ductBy anMa. exclusion-inclusion profarmers their details are incor@akosistellaBM Covid-positive guests. cedure by making the updated rect, they can report it to the PCA Special to the BusinessMirror The Department farmers’ registry public, providfor immediate action,”of he Health added. ing everyone the opportunity to (DOH), however, was unable to The PCA official noted that HE Philippine Hotel Ownconfirm that the rising number of check the veracity of the list, Rothe completion of the initial list ers Association (PHOA) Covid-positive cases in Metro Masales added. of coconut farmers registry would into reports that nilajust wasindue to the of ba “Thewill listlook will be posted in public be time for arrivals the expected some of its member-hotels servlikbayans (homecoming Filipinos). spaces where people can easily see rollout of coconut levy-funded ing quarantine guests are also ac PHOA Executive Director Benicepting Covid-positive individuto C. Bengzon Jr. told the Busials, who should otherwise remain nessMirror that the association 67.2329 n HK 6.4722 n CHINA 7.9013 n SINGAPORE 36.8968 AUSTRALIA in isolation facilities. “strictly abides by then guidelines This developed as the Departof the IATF on accommodation esment of Tourism (DOT) served tablishments used as quarantine more notices to explain (NTEs) to facilities.” He added, “We assure accommodation establishments the public that we have always prifound violating guidelines of oritized the safety of our guests the agency and that of the Interand workers, and will continue Agency Task Force on the Manto observe the prescribed health agement of Emerging Infectious standards in our hotels.”

OV ER NMENT agencies @sam_medenilla have yet to ascertain if any Filipino seafarers are NTER NATIONA L concerns among those on board dozens of over the possible spread of the cruise ships with reported Covid-19 more infectious Omicron Coinfections now prompted facing thethesame vid-19 variant govproblems as last year—being reernment to reimpose mandatory fused entry by ports. facility-based quarantine for all arriving This, as a labor group passengers in thestressed country. on Monday the importance of vacActing Presidential spokespercination among Filipino seafarers son Karlo B. Nograles announced amid the numerous ships on Sunday that the cruise Inter-Agency with reported infections. Task Force for the Management ofThe Associated Marine Officers’ Emerging Infectious Diseases and Seamen’s Union of the Philip(IATF) suspended the implemenpines (Amosup) is banking on 150the tation of its Resolution No. said requirement by the employA (s.2021), effectively imposing ers to ensure the protection of the stricter protocols for all inbound workers. travelers. “The companies vaccinated their To note, IATF Resolution 150crew,” Amosup Eduardo R. Santos A had allowed fully vaccinated said in an travelers SMS. from Green List non-visa areas To note, the Inter-Agency Task to enter the country withForce for the Management of Emergout the need for facility-based ing InfectiousasDiseases (IATF) inquarantine long as they secure cluded outbound overseas Filipino negative Reverse Transcriptionworkers (OFW) in the A1 priorPolymerase Chain Reaction (RTity group, which includes frontline PCR) test within 72 hours prior health-care workers, to get vaccinato their departure. tion“Except to ensure they will be protected for countries classified against Covid-19 abroad. as ‘Red,’ the testing and quarantine

A2 development plan in early 2022. protocols See for“Labor,” all inbound internaRosales said the PCA will not tional travelers in all ports of entry stop updating its list of coconut shall comply with the testing and farmers and enjoined them to regquarantine protocols for ‘Yellow’ ister in order to reap the benefits list countries,” Nograles said, citing of the decades-long idled coconut the provision of IATF Resolution levy fund. “We will not stop at 3.1 No. 151-A. AskedWewhether had hotels, latest a ser- has million. hope thatPHOA more indiHe“the noted Hongbeing” Kong, which internal protocols to deal with viced apartment in Taguig City viduals will register in our coconut confirmed a case of the Omicron member-hotels violating DOT managed by an international hosfarmers registry,” he said. variant, will also fall under the YelandThe IATF regulations, pitality the same sources updating of the Bengzon coconut low listfirm, countries. said, “I’ll look into it.” This comes added. The NTE wasofserved on for farmers registry is mandated by The suspension the rules after PHOA was apprised of the rethe apartment management on Republic Act (RA) 11524 or the “Green List” countries will be in ported violation one of its more Monday morning. Coconut IndustryofTrust Fund Act. effect from November 28, 2021 to prominent member-hotels. The Meanwhile, spokesperSee “3-M farmers,” A2 December 15,DOH 2021. hotel, based in Makati, is owned son, Undersecretary Maria RoContinued on A2 by a Filipino conglomerate with sario Vergeire reiterated, “[There interests in other industries, and are] four detections of omicron 36.2807 n EU 56.5758 innother SAUDI Source:travelers BSP (Novembersince 26, 2021) has accommodations key ARABIA from13.4531 incoming we destinations of the country. started monitoring [for the new The hotel has already been variant].” She said in an online sent a notice to explain (NTE) by briefing on Monday the fourth the DOT, but its management has case is a returning overseas Filidenied accepting Covid-positive pino (ROF) from the US, who is guests, sources in the agency said. now under home quarantine after “Several” NTEs have already being in isolation for 10 days. been served by the DOT on other Continued on A12

HOTELS ACCEPTING COVID GUESTS TOLD TO EXPLAIN

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 50.4600

n JAPAN 0.4374 n UK

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 50.0200

n JAPAN 0.4374 n UK 67.0118 n HK 6.4127 n CHINA 7.8559 n SINGAPORE 36.8011 n AUSTRALIA 36.1244 n EU 56.6326 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.3209

Source: BSP (December 27, 2021)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Mock polls to focus on voting gear performance, not turnout By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

HEN it comes to its nationwide mock polls on Wednesday, the Commission on Elections said machine perfomance instead of voter turnout will be its main focus in the exercise.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez issued the statement when

asked about the risk that only a few voters may participate in the event

due to the lack of information drive about the event. “As far as the turnout, that is not really the issue. We are not after a big turnout [of voters]. What we are going for is the [automated election] system performance,” Jimenez explained in a virtual briefing last Monday. Comelec will hold the the mock polls in Isabela, Albay, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Maguindanao, Davao Del Sur, and in the National Capital Region (NCR). Over 22,000 voters from over 2,000 precincts are expected to

participate in the event, which will be held from 7 am to 5 pm of December 29, 2021. Jimenez clarified they will be using once again fake ballots with fictitious candidates instead of the partial list of official candidates. Last October Comelec already did a voting simulation, a timeand-motion study as well as hold the dry run of its health protocols come the 2022 elections. It is now planning to hold an “end-to-end demonstration” of its automated election system (AES) in its mock polls this week.

T.I.P. Manila’s all-in-one online civic platform, 1st runner-up in Amazon-sponsored hackathon

HE Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) Manila’s comprehensive civic website ‘Helpier’ clinched first runner-up in the 2021 Build On, ASEAN hackathon of e-commerce giant Amazon. An online platform for all kinds of aid, ‘Helpier’ enables multiple stakeholders across the country to connect and share resources, services, and skills, pushing for a

Labor...

Continued from A1

more inclusive society. Donations, collaborations, and other forms of assistance are welcome on the website. To avoid misuse, Computer Engineering seniors Raniel Andri Faderugao, Lois Fernando Ilustre, Von Jason Lagare, Yuneza Claire Mortos, and Justin Mark Salandanan put up a verification system in which users need to present a valid government ID. Tokens are likewise

given to encourage people to help. “’Helpier’ demonstrates our students’ capability to effectively identify, formulate, and solve complex societal issues. Through this, we are also addressing world sustainable development goals 10, 11 and 12,” said mentors Engr. Jennifer Enriquez and Engr. Mon Arjay Malbog. A m a zon’s 2021 Bu i ld On, ASEAN hackathon challenged

communities to craft solutions to problems faced by some of its partners. T.I.P. Manila worked on the issue set by technology leader Cognizant, competing with nine other student and professional teams nationwide. For more information on T.I.P., please visit tip.edu.ph or T.I.P.’s official social media accounts through @TIP1962official for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

As of December 26, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) reported there are now 2.84 million vaccinated individuals in the A4 category,

who got their first Covid-19 jab, and another 2.79 million who are fully inoculated against Covid-19. During the weekend, the US

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention said it was monitoring 67 cruise ships with reported Covid-19 cases among its crew or passengers. Of these, eight have 10 to 55 Covid-19 cases, while the rest have at least seven infected individuals. Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment Inc. (FAME) Executive Secretary Maria Daphnie V. Vargas expressed concern over the trend. “While there are cases rising in cruise ships and in general it is a concern, unfortunately we don’t have the data,” Vargas said in a SMS. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it has yet to get any report of any Filipino seafarer in the cruise ships, which are being monitored by the CDC. Samuel P. Medenilla

www.businessmirror.com.ph

RCEP countdown...

Continued from A1

As such, the department said it is critical for the country to secure preferential access to these value chains. Dr. Francis Quimba, economist from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), said nonparticipation to RCEP will cause the Philippines to miss out on this opportunity to facilitate the much-needed economic growth and recovery. He reiterated that delayed or non-participation to RCEP would lead to a 0.26-percent decline in real GDP of the Philippines. “Economies that fail to ratify the agreement (when the rest of the countries do) will be adversely affected. The Philippines and Vietnam are among the countries that have positive export growths once the RCEP is in effect, and much of the growth is coming from newproduct margin where innovations stem,” said Dr. Quimba. Citing his initial estimates, Quimba said that while East Asian countries stand to benefit the most in terms of increase in exports as RCEP will be the first FTA among the three, the Philippines and Vietnam will gain the most in terms of real GDP due to lower trade costs and higher factory gate prices. For his part, Dr. Caesar Cororaton, a Research Fellow at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (USA) and a Visiting Scholar at the De La Salle University (DLSU), said RCEP is estimated to improve the country’s trade balance by as much as $128.2 million, increase overall welfare by $541.2 million, contribute to a 1.93- percent real GDP growth, and lower poverty incidence by 3.62 percent in 2031. A study released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) recognized RCEP’s strong potential to mold regional trade and investment patterns well into the future and to influence the direction of global economic cooperation at a challenging time. RCEP’s effects on the region’s trade will also significantly deepen regional production networks and raise productivity. At the sectoral level, exports and imports of nondurable and durable manufactures will experience the most growth. Some stakeholders, however, pointed out that the ADB study indicates marginal gains for the Philippines, with the country only seeing an incremental increase in real income of $3 billion by 2030 (or 0.39-percent growth) compared to other RPCs

such as China, Japan, and Korea. Still, DTI’s Lopez said it is understandable that East Asian countries see the largest increase in incomes as this will be the first time that these three countries will have an FTA among each other. “Prior to RCEP, there had been no FTA between China, Japan, and Korea, which means there is no pre-existing preferential treatment on traded goods among them, and MFN rates are applied. The same can also be said with trade in services and investment where these countries do not accord special treatment to services and investments coming from the other two countries,” said Lopez. During the conduct of public hearings by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (CRF), the DTI said questions were raised by stakeholders on the impact of the RCEP Agreement on the Philippine economy, particularly in the context of the economic slowdown due to the pandemic, and the worsening trade balance of the Philippines. The agency added that stakeholders also had concerns that the tariff liberalization that come with the RCEP Agreement would cripple the country’s ability to address the Covid-19 pandemic due to lower tariff revenues, and force local industries out of business with cheaper imported goods. The DTI said the primary basis for these concerns is the study by Banga et al., published by Boston University, showing tariff liberalization under RCEP will negatively impact the balance of trade (BOT) of Asean countries. It added that the balance of trade (BOT) of the region will deteriorate by 6 percent annually, primarily due to an increase in imports and trade diversion within the RCEP group towards more efficient exporters. For the Philippines, the study finds that exports are estimated to decrease by 0.2 percent while imports will increase by 0.2 percent, causing a decrease in the country’s trade balance by 1.1 percent. While the figures presented by Banga et al. indicate a negative outcome for Asean’s trade balance post-RCEP, the agency said it should be noted that the model used in the study is limited in scope as the same only takes into consideration changes in tariff rates and excludes other factors that may affect the country’s trade performance.

Food-insecure Pinoys up to 46.1M–UN report Continued from A1

“People affected by moderate food insecurity face uncertainties about their ability to obtain food and have been forced to reduce, at times during the year, the quality or quantity of food they consume due to lack of money or other resources,” the report read. “Severe food insecurity refers to situations when individuals have likely run out of food, experienced hunger and, at the most extreme, gone for days without eating. The prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity is the combined prevalence of food insecurity at both severity levels.” Of the 46.1-million food-insecure people in the country, the FAO-Unicef report estimated that 4.3 million Filipinos experienced severe food insecurity last year, up from the 3.4 million recorded in 2019. In Asia-Pacific, the report estimated that more than 375 million people in the region faced hunger in 2020, an increase of 54 million over the previous year. Also, it noted that more than one billionpeopledidnothaveaccesstoadequate food in 2020, an increase of almost 150 million people in just one year. “The high cost of a healthy diet, and persistently high levels of poverty and income inequality, continue to hold healthy diets out of reach for 1.8 billion people in the Asia and Pacific region,” FAO said. The major contraction of economic activity in Asia-Pacific and the disruption in food supply chains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the food woes of the region.

Struggling for food

ECONOMISTS from the Asian Development Bank (ADB—Manisha Pradhananga, Matteo Lanzafame,

and Irfan A. Qureshi--said in their blog that Covid-19 has “unsettled” food supply chains in Asia. “In the initial days of the pandemic, uncertainty surrounding imminent lockdowns across the region led to panic buying, temporary shortages, and price spikes,” they said. “Disruptions to domestic and international food supply chains—which emerged as rising health risks —led to major travel restrictions, undermined food availability and accessibility, in particular of perishable goods.” The ADB economists also noted that the impact on food security has also been sharp within economies. “While the divide is clear across the income strata, new fault lines have emerged as well.” Urban centers, they said, have been more severely affected because of higher population density, a disproportionately larger share of Covid-19 cases and outbreaks, and stricter restrictions on movement. “Among the worst affected have been the urban poor, who largely rely on insecure jobs in the informal sector and spend a substantial portion of their income on food.” The economists said the pandemic has also intensified food insecurity for women and vulnerable groups. The share of women affected by moderate or severe food insecurity was 10 percent higher than that of men in 2020, up from 6 percent in 2019. “Together with a lower availability of nutritious food and disrupted health and nutrition services, income losses associated with the pandemic are projected to expose an additional 9.3 million children worldwide to wasting by 2022, 2.6 million to stunting, and 168,000 to death, and induce 2.1 million maternal anemia cases,” they said.

Proposals

FOOD assistance and other social transfers will help protect the most vulnerable members of society, according to the economists. They noted that many Asian economies, including the Philippines, are already implementing food assistance programs. Addressing food security challenges in the medium and long term requires resilient food systems, the economists said. “A proactive response is especially needed in the context of climate change and the expected rise in the frequency and scale of extreme weather events.” The economists urged governments in Asia to invest in early warning systems—based on advanced spatial information technolog y combined with detailed crop models, machine learning algorithms, ground data on agricultural production and management—as this can help farmers anticipate extreme weather events and plan accordingly. They noted that Asia is home to 350 million smallholder farmers, who have access to limited resources, particularly in the face of adverse events. Estimates by FAO suggest that between 2008-2018 agriculture absorbed 63 percent of the damage and loss caused by climate-related disasters across all economic sectors in developing countries. Alarmingly, between 2003 and 2013, six of the world’s 10 climaterelated disasters most damaging to agriculture were in Asia. They include floods in agrarian economies such as Pakistan, which caused approximately $5.3 billion in agricultural damage and loss in 2010 and $1.9 billion in 2011.

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The Nation BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, December 28, 2021 A3

BIFF leader ‘Motorola’ slain in Maguindanao clash By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

NOTORIOUS commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)Karialan faction was killed during a firefight with government troops in Maguindanao on Sunday. Major General Juvymax Uy, Joint

Task Force Central and Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, identified the terrorist as Zukarno Guilil alias Motorola. Guilil, the military said, was the commander of the 4th Division and chief of staff of the Karialan faction. He was also an expert bomb maker. The BIFF leader was killed during

a clash between his group and elements of the 6th Infantry Battalion (6th IB) in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, early on Sunday. Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, 6th IB commander, reported that a firefight erupted after his men cornered the group of Guilil at Barangay Ganta, after its presence was tipped-off

DOH logs 4th Omicron variant case from US foreign traveler

HE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported the detection of an additional Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant case and 38 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) cases based on the latest batch of whole genome sequencing conducted by the Philippine Genome Center (PGC). There are now four Omicron variant cases in the country. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that 82.61 percent were positive from Delta variant based on the PGC report as of December 24, while 2.17 percent was positive from the Omicron variant. The 4th case is a 38-year-old female from the US who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on December 10 via Philippine Airlines PR 127. Vergeire said that the person experienced throat itchiness and colds on December 13. A day before her flight to the Philippines, she met her friends in the US. She had a negative pre-departure

PCR swab last December 7, 2021. On December 14, her RT-PCR yielded positive results. She was released on December 24 but was reswabbed on December 25 following the sequencing result when the Omicron was detected. She is currently on home isolation. “She will be re-tested again tomorrow [December 28],” Vergeire said adding that they are still verifying her co-passengers but assured that all of them underwent isolation. “And they are being monitored,” Vergeire added. Vergeire said that the Delta variant is the most common lineage (42.43 percent) nationally. “Once detected in a region, it becomes the more common lineage,” she added. The Beta variant, on the other hand, comprises 18.22 percent among all samples sequenced since March, making it the second most common lineage. Meanwhile, 15.91 percent or

3,169 samples were positive for the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), 0.02 percent or 4 samples positive for the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), and 0.02 percent or 3 samples positive for the Gamma variant (P.1). VergeiresaidthatdetectedOmicron casesremaintobeamonginternational arrivals but its entry is inevitable. “We want to further delay its entry to ensure that local health systems are ready,” Vergeire said adding that the impact of Omicron can be minimized by: Vaccinating as fast as we can Prioritize A2 and A3 to minimize burden on health care capacity as they have highest likelihood for hospitalization and death Vacc i n at ion m ay les se n transmission Control case increases through immediate case detection, isolation, and contact tracing—lower case numbers means less chances for the virus to be transmitted and chances for it to further mutate. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

by residents. The soldiers recovered two fragmentation grenades. Uy said Guilil was responsible for various attacks and bombings in Maguindanao and had several standing warrants of arrests, which include murder, multiple attempted murder, destructive arson and violation of Anti-Terrorism

Act of 2020. He was also a known homemade bomb expert of the BIFF. “The neutralization of alias Motorola gives justice to all victims of BIFF atrocities. The lead given by the residents further shows their desire to end the said terror group,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade.

Uy vowed to continue hunting down the remnants of the BIFF and Daulah Islamiya who have been attacking communities in Central Mindanao for almost a decade. “As part of the marching order of President Rodrigo Duterte, we are dedicated to put an end to these terror groups,” Uy said.

Officials ready traffic plan with possible closure of portion of Roxas Boulevard By Claudeth Mocon Ciriaco @claudethmc3

ITH the imminent closure of a portion of Roxas Boulevard to give way for the repair of a damaged box culvert, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. met with transport, public works, and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) officials to find alternate routes for trucks and trailers bound to be be affected by the road closure. “One of the possible solutions that we are eyeing is for the container vans to be carried on the barge and will be transported from MICT [Manila International Container Terminal] going to the Cavite Gateway Terminal in Tanza, Cavite,” said Abalos who also inspected the MICT on Monday. He was joined by Transporta-

tion Secretary Arthur Tugade, Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region Regional Director Nomer Abel Canlas, Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Santiago, and ICTSI Executive Vice President Christian Gonzales. “We are studying all options to alleviate the possible traffic it would generate,” Abalos further said. For his part, Gonzales admitted that the planned rerouting will be challenging “in the beginning” but vowed to give their support to the government. “We’re in the business of moving containers so we have to find a way. Challenging of course in the beginning but we’ll ramp it up as quickly as possible,” Gonzales said. The MMDA chief also stressed that the agency has yet to determine if a portion of the southbound direc-

tion of Roxas Boulevard fronting HK Sun Plaza will be totally or partially closed to vehicular traffic. “The structural integrity is at stake. Hence, we are appealing for the public’s understanding of the inconvenience the road closure would cause. This is temporary. The construction is only for three months,” Abalos explained. Tugade, for his part, said the Cavite Gateway Terminal would enable efficient transport of container trucks. The rehabilitation of the damaged Libertad Drainage Main Box Culvert in front of Libertad Pumping Station in Pasay City would require the immediate closure of the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard. Approximately 1,000 cargo trucks and trailers per day are traversing the Roxas Boulevard southbound direction.

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Popcom reports slowest population rate hike in ’21, but no demographic dividend assured

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Philippines may register its slowest population growth this year, but even that cannot serve as an assurance that the country will be able to start reaping the demographic dividend anytime soon.

Based on the latest estimate of the Population and Development (Popcom), only 324,000 Filipinos or an addition of 0.3 percent to the country’s population is expected this year. This means this is the slowest population growth of the Philippines in 75 years. Commission on Popcom Executive Director and Population and

Development (POPDEV) Undersecretary Juan A. Perez III told the BusinessMirror that while this “natural increase in population” will help attain replacement rate necessary for reaping the demographic dividend, it may not be enough. “Crucial to the attainment of the demographic dividend will be the

total fertility rate nearer to 2 rather than 2.5. Certainly the decline in natural increase in population will be a precursor to lower fertility,” Perez said. “It is important to sustain this beyond the current public health emergency for us to be confident that low fertility is within reach. The numbers are important and necessary, but the dividend comes from improved wages, youth and women employment as well as greater financial literacy,” he explained. Achieving the demographic dividend entails reaching replacement rate in terms of fertility; a large number of young workers; and an economy that is able to provide decent jobs. The demographic dividend ensures high and sustainable economic growth for a country. “I think we are looking at 2025 not as a deadline, but a year to reestablish benchmarks for the next 15 years in population development. If the fertility declines earlier, the government must accelerate complementary policies,” Perez said. “It would be ideal to establish these emerging policies in the next Philippine Development Plan of the next administration as the inevitability of lower fertility and stable population takes shape,” he added. Based on the latest estimates of Popcom, the country’s total population will reach 109.991 million. This is 2 million lower than earlier projections based on a 1.63-percent population growth rate (PGR). It made the computations based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) vital statistics preliminary reports for the period spanning January 2020 to August 2021. Popcom said this annual “natural increase” is the lowest since the period between 1946 and 1947, when the population grew by 254,000.

Budget hike for child protection programs in Bicam report hailed

It also noted that the natural increase in population in 2020 was 914,797 with reference to PSA’s vital statistics, which placed the population at the end of 2020 at 109.667 million. The natural increase in population that year was 0.79 percent. “The natural increase in population, or natural population change, refers to the projection based on the number of births minus deaths in a particular time period,” Popcom said in a news statement. While this is the lowest natural increase in population since the World War 2, Perez said this will not lead to a rapid decline in population where the future labor force would no longer be able to support the elderly or the younger generations. Perez said maintaining an increase of 324,000 a year for two years would still lead to over 600,000 Filipinos. He said, however, that ensuring the future of these young Filipinos and soon to be born Pinoys is crucial. He said that while there are more consumers than effective workers, creating a pool of potential effective workers for the next 15 years, there was still great variation in the support ratio (SR). SR refers to the average number of people a wage earner supports, including himself or herself. Perez earlier said there is a “significant positive correlation” between a region’s minimum wage and its SR, and that as the minimum wage rises, the SR also goes up, and vice versa. An SR lower than 0.5, such as in the Bangsamoro Region at 0.26, has more than 2 persons being subsidized by a worker, which takes away from a family more resources for savings and investments. A higher SR, like in the NCR at 0.62, implies there are more earning

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

EMBERS of the Tinagacan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Tarbc) in Purok 11, Barangay Tinagacan, General Santos City, will now have a common area to store their coconut and coconut byproducts. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently turned over a consolidation area to the group to serve as their storage facility, DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Cenon S. Original announced in a news statement. The Tarbc is one of the agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) assisted by DAR-Sarangani province and the lead ARBO in Tinagacan agrarian reform community (ARC) in General Santos City. The facility was procured under the Linking Small Holder Farmers to Market with Microfinance (LinkSFARMM) project of the DAR. “The project aims to store the whole coconuts without compromising its quality prior to its delivery. It will also be a good area for post-harvest activity such as dehusking of the coconuts, while avoiding the direct sunlight which can affect the quality of the product,” Original added in the statement. The cooperative will be responsible for the consolidation of the whole coconuts of the member agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and other smallholder farmers, where they can sell their products in an all-in mechanism. Original said that farmers would now be able to store their whole coconuts using consolidation area, creating more market opportunities that may result in an increase in their income.

Let’s create change in 2022!

IVIL-SOCIET Y organizations (CSO) hailed the increase in the government’s investment on child protection programs under the proposed 2022 national budget approved by the bicameral conference committee (Bicam). Social Watch Philippines (SWP) said the government’s investment on these programs increased to P622.2 million under the Department of Education (DepEd) and P178.5 million under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). “This one-step gain draws us closer to securing the budget allocation for child protection programs. The remaining step to further guarantee this is for President Duterte to finally stamp its approval to the 2022 National Budget without change to these additional allocations for protecting children,” SWP said in a news statement. The ratified Bicam report incorporated the following proposed increases in the DepEd budget in contribution to the fulfillment of the protection of children from abuse, violence, and neglect, which includes P100 million for the provision of instructional materials for learners with disabilities and P510 million for the Last Mile Schools Program for children of school age situated in geographical isolated, disadvantaged and conflict areas. The Bicam report also noted that the budget contains P22.145 million for DepEd’s Child Protection Program to fund their planning, strategizing and monitoring of activities related to child protection policy, capability building of teachers and child protection committees, conduct of research and data management, and strengthening child protection reporting and referral mechanism of schools. The report also provided additional P178.5 million to the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program under DOLE. Cai U. Ordinario

workers, which creates a more viable environment for economic growth. “Both the pandemic and social behavior during the pandemic and post pandemic are difficult to predict, which is why we are now using natural increase rather than projections averaged over five years which are far from reality,” Perez told the BusinessMirror. “We should start putting in policies that lead to a quality, effective work force which we hope to incorporate in the next cycle of socioeconomic planning,” he added. Perez also emphasized that the last two years of low increases in population provide opportunities of attaining a more stable population that can support socioeconomic development at the national and household levels if integrated population and development interventions are sustained. This demographic situation, he cautioned, should be appreciated vis-à-vis the pandemic’s effect that has caused rather unusual fertility behaviors, such as delay in family formation, couples’ unions and increasing contraceptive usage, which need to be investigated further. Nonetheless, Perez noted that the low 2020-2021 population growth enables a greater chance for the country and households to recover from the Covid-19 outbreak, given the national and local governments’ increased capabilities in providing quality services to Filipinos. The Popcom chief also said that the agency’s projected population for 2021 does not yet cover international migration during the year, and that the civil registration data as reported by PSA is also subject to underreporting and late reporting. Popcom, he assured, will update this projection as soon as data becomes available.

GenSan ARBs get coconut storage facility from DAR

By Henry J. Schumacher

S we are heading into a new year after a problematic 2020 and 2021, it’s time to reflect on how corruption eats away at things we all care about, from fundamental human rights to socioeconomic equality and environmental protection. Aroundtheworld,corruptionmade headlines, sparked demonstrations and toppled governments in what should be a wake-up call for leaders to follow through on their commitments and make good on old promises as well as new, meaningful resolutions. To give all of us some inspiration, here are four anti-corruption wishes we should have for us, the international community and our planet for 2022: 1. People power to transform countries Corruption is continually deepening the crisis of democracy in many parts of the world. Research shows that countries with higher rates of public sector corruption have weaker democratic institutions, depriving citizens of political and human rights. In 2021, people lost patience and took to the streets to demand that

their governments serve public interest. We may see more protests in 2022 if political leaders don’t take urgent steps to eradicate corruption and make their countries a livable place for all citizens. The battle cry is: Don’t leave anyone behind! 2. Advanced economies to end complicity in corruption abroad Strong measures are needed by relatively “clean” countries that often enable cross-border corruption by maintaining loopholes and failing to prosecute foreign bribery by corporations. This has consequences for societies all over the globe. Ending corporate secrecy and reining in banks and financial intermediaries of dirty deals must be among our top priorities for 2022. The Philippine Anti Money Laundering Council needs to do its job. 3. Climate action to be free from corruption Where corruption goes unchecked, this has devastating consequences for the environment, too. The pandemic of 2020/21 has clearly shown us that we need climate action to create a better future for us and our children. Let’s keep the devastation created by Typhoon “Odette” (international code name Rai) in mind and initiate these changes in 2022. 4. Health care in 2022—hopefully free from corruption It’s certainly good news, that a number of vaccines were approved for application in the UK, the US, Canada and in the Philippines. As I mentioned in an earlier column, let’s hope that the vaccination process will be executed without corruption. Corruption does not stop when health is at stake. We have seen it regarding the PPEs, PhilHealth, hording and misappropriation of relief goods and payments, etc. Making health services and supplies by

government and the private sector free from corruption can only be achieved if adequate safeguards are built into supply chains. Let’s look to the New Year with hope and create room for anti-corruption progresses to accelerate and some negative trends to reverse. Let me conclude with a note of caution. There is risk in exposing people involved in anti-corruption activities. Work in a group rather than alone. And remember: the youth deserve an end to corruption. Young people are not just our future. They are key to creating a just, peaceful and prosperous world right now— here and abroad! Finally, one more change: Each of the five major American Internet companies Alphabet (Google), Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft is now more powerful than most governments of this world. They set standards that others only talk about. We need to change this balance of power. A “Digital Markets Act” and a “Digital Services Act” are needed in 2022, intended to regulate fair competition and an adequate handling of user content. The “Big Five” are to be obliged to report any plans to take over additional companies anywhere in the world, and, if necessary, to disclose their algorithms. In the future, they must not be allowed to evaluate the data of their business customers in order to compete with them. After all, the US giants who are active in the Philippines also are supposed to adhere to rules in order to curb “fake news” and “hate speech.” Violations should result in penalties of up to 10 percent of sales—and even dismantling.

Feedback would be appreciated; you can contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

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Govt told: Don’t give unfair advantage to meat, fish importers

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

@joveemarie

ILIPINO livestock growers and fish producers on Monday vowed to continue to invest and expand capacity next year despite challenges in the agriculture sector in the past years. In a news statement, food security advocacy group Tugon Kabuhayan said they are optimistic for the agriculture sector’s prospects in 2022 even with limited or no

government support. “All we ask is for the next administration to ensure ease of doing business and to stop excessive fish imports,” Taal Lake Aquaculture

Alliance Inc. (TLAAI) spokesman Adrienne Nera said. Tugon Kabuhayan Convenor Atty. Asis Perez said the local agriculture sector is capable and the government should only look at policies that will not have an adverse impact on local producers. “We ask for very little help, but don’t give importers unfair advantage over Filipino producers,” he stressed. Citing their challenges, National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. President Chester Warren Tan, for his part, said local hog raisers encountered difficulties in transporting pork products across the country.

“The local hog industry has been hit by a double whammy—we had to deal with the African swine fever [ASF] outbreak and also Covid-19. Right now, the biggest challenge we are facing is on the transportation side, particularly in delivering our products from Visayas and Mindanao to Luzon,” Tan said. “We hope the new government will study the procurement of transport vehicles such as vessels and trucks because for the past years, for the past decades, the private sector is handling it. We should replicate what other countries are doing such as providing subsidies, they have their

own government-owned vehicles, even vessels,” he added. For his part, Finfish Hatcheries Inc. Assistant Vice President for Sales Renato Bocaya said local hatcheries are able to produce less than half of the country’s milkfish fry requirement. “Just to give you an idea, the national demand for milkfish fry is about 2.7 billion pieces. However, local hatcheries are can only fulfill about 1 billion pieces of the country’s total requirement...maybe around 200 million. The remainder we import, mainly from Indonesia,” Bocaya said. Christopher Tan of Oroseas

Aquaventure Inc. and MLDT Aquaculture said growers find it hard to production. “Some growers stopped raising bangus due to insufficient supply of feeds. We believe that’s the main problem now,” Tan said. As for the aquaculture sector in Taal, which went on lockdown even before the pandemic due to Taal’s eruption, local producers were able to boost their output. “In spite of the challenges, we added more cages. Right now, we have additional 3,000 cages and our production is continuous. However, our sales declined due to the pandemic,” Tan said.

SC affirms CA ruling on illegal dismissal of four ABS-CBN cameramen in 2003 By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Supreme Court has affirmed the ruling issued by the Court of Appeals (CA), which declared as illegal the dismissal of four cameramen employed by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation since 2003. In a 22-page decision released to the public on Monday, the SC’s First Division denied the petition for review filed by ABS-CBN seeking the reversal of the CA’s decision which set aside the resolutions issued by the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) in 2011 junking the complaints for illegal dismissal, unfair labor practice and monetary

claims filed by Kessler Tajanlangit, Vladimir Martin, Herbie Medina and Juan Paulo. In the same ruling, the CA ordered ABS-CBN to immediately reinstate the respondents to their former positions without loss of seniority rights with payment of full backwages and all other statutory monetary benefits to which they are entitled from the time they were dismissed up to the date of their actual reinstatement. The Court did not give weight to the claim of ABS-CBN that the respondents were independent contractors since they were engaged to render service for specific programs by their respective producers, considering that respondents

have already acquired talents and skills in performing the tasks of a cameraman. The petitioner added that the terms of engagement of respondents are co-terminus with the programs for which they were engaged. However, the Court held that the broadcasting company failed to present proof of any contract between the cameramen and the company from the time they were engaged in 2003 to 2005, up to the filing of the complaint against them in 2010, other than the unsigned draft of employment contracts presented to respondents in 2011, which respondents refused to sign due to the already impending labor dispute.

Aside from these unsigned drafts, the Court noted that ABSCBN presented only its Article of Incorporation, legislative franchise, payslips, and belatedly, affidavits executed by other workers, which the CA declared insufficient to establish the status of respondents as independent contractors nor rebut the evidence submitted by respondents to prove their employment. The SC said the CA correctly considered the evidence presented by the cameramen before the NLRC such as identification cards, income ta x returns, payslips, memoranda issued to discipline similarly situated employees, work schedules issued by petitioner,

and documents from Social Security Service, PhilHealth and PagIBIG to prove the existence of an employer-employee relationship with petitioner. In light of the overwhelming evidence of the respondents, the CA found the NLRC to have committed grave abuse of discretion in ruling that no employer-employee relationship exists, totally disregarding substantial evidence presented to indubitably show that respondents are truly employees of the company. “Based on the foregoing, this Court cannot fault the CA, which in the hopes of preventing a substantial wrong and doing substantial justice, found grave abuse of

discretion when the findings and conclusions reached by the NLRC are not supported by substantial evidence and are in total disregard of evidence material to and even decisive of the controversy. Thus, to arrive at a just decision of the case, the CA correctly granted the respondents’ Petition for Certiorari,” the SC declared. “Hence, the CA committed no error to warrant the reversal of its ruling that respondents are regular employees of petitioner and are entitled to reinstatement and the payment of backwages, other statutory monetary benefits and attorney’s fees, by virtue of their illegal dismissal from the latter,” it added.

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Lawmaker sees Palace ‘plot’ to take over underperforming power coops

ITH just a few more months before the 2022 national and local elections, a party-list lawmaker on Monday warned against Executive Order (EO) 156 that mandates the Department of Energy (DOE) to identify unviable, unserved, underserved and poorly served areas within the franchise areas of distribution utilities.

Under EO 156, House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate explained that the DOE must order all distribution utilities to submit a Comprehensive Electrification Master Plan for the total electrification of their respective franchise areas within 30 days.

Zarate noted the timing of EO 156 considering that election day is fast approaching and a change in the management of electric coops may affect the delivery of electricity during elections. “This may be a guise to take over electric cooperatives like

what the administration tried to do with the Benguet Electric Cooperative [Beneco] in Baguio,” the lawmaker alleged. Z a r at e a l s o w a r ne d t h at ty phoon Odette’s devastation might be used as reason to take over electric cooperatives.

“EO 156 may seem innocuous and even supposedly beneficial to far flung areas still in need of electricity but it may be just be a disguised scheme to take over and then sell to private power players the electric cooperatives especially with the devastation caused by Odette,” said Zarate. The EO said the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 empowers the DOE to ensure the reliability, quality and security of the supply of electric power, and facilitate and encourage reforms in the structure and operations of distribution utilities for greater and lower costs. “While the electrification of the entire country is one of the primary concerns of the government, certain distribution utilities, as well as ailing electric cooperatives, continue to underperform, and thus hamper government efforts for the country’s

total electrification,” the EO added. Under the EO, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) shall “promulgate rules in computing rates that allow full cost recovery for the facilities built by microgrids, [distributed energy resources], and other alternative electric service providers.” The ERC is also responsible for the imposition of fines and penalties against non-compliant distribution utilities and recommend the revocation of their franchises to Congress. The National Electrification Administration, on the other hand, must “coordinate with the DOE and extend the necessary assistance to enhance distribution development.” Funds for the implementation of the executive order will be sourced from the budgets of the concerned agencies. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

PSA adopts Arta’s recommendation on foundling registration and authority to solemnize marriage

HE Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) on Monday announced that the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has formally adopted its recommendations easing the process and requirements for securing a Certificate of Foundling and Certification of Registration of Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM). In a news statement, Arta said the PSA signed its Memorandum Circular No. 2021-24 on the Guidelines in the Registration of the Certificate of Live Birth of Persons

with No Known Parent/s and the Amended Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2021 on the 2021 Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing the Registration of Authority to Solemnize Marriages on December 14, 2021. The agency said among the changes made in the guidelines for the registration of foundling include the new revised form for the Certificate of Foundling, renamed as the Certificate of Live Birth, which is found to be less discriminatory.

“The PSA also scrapped the requirements of the affidavit of the finder stating the facts and circumstances surrounding the child and the certification of the barangay captain or police authority regarding the report made by the finder,” Arta said. “Instead, those securing the said certificate will only be required to submit four copies of the correctly and completely accomplished Certificate of Live Birth, the original or certified true copy of the social case study

report, and the certificate declaring a child legally available for adoption (CDCLAA) in case the person with no known parent/s is subject for adoption,” it added. Also, Arta said, PSA also removed the “burdensome” requirements in securing a CRASM, particularly the required list of 200 bonafide active members with their complete addresses and signatures. Arta said required sworn statement containing the brief history of the religion or religious sect

and the certified Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporations and by-laws, and updated General Information Sheet issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were also removed from the list of requirements. “We strongly believe that these revised guidelines will help the Filipino public conduct smoother, faster, and more efficient transactions with their government,” Arta Director General Jeremiah B. Belgica said. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

PRC deploys humanitarian caravan to typhoon-hit areas in Palawan

HILIPPINE Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon on Monday ordered the deployment of a humanitarian caravan to provide additional assistance to the residents affected by typhoon “Odette” (international code name: Rai) in Palawan. The PRC humanitarian caravan is loaded with emergency relief supplies and other equipment to hasten relief operations in the

province. Gordon, in a news statement, said that the humanitarian caravan bound to Palawan is the fifth to be deployed after Odette’s devastation. The humanitarian caravan to Palawan comprised of eight service vehicles which include one unit water tanker, one unit of a mobile water treatment plant, one unit of ambulance, one unit of Honda motorcycle, one unit of 10-wheeler truck, one unit of food

Health dept calls on public to shun ‘torotot’ during New Year’s Eve revelry

EALTH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday appealed to the public to refrain from using torotot, or party horns, to greet the New Year to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Vergeire said that using torotot could cause droplets that can cause the virus to spread for it can be expelled by the air on the person in front of the torotot. Meanwhile, Vergeire said that as of 6:00 a.m. of December 27, a total of 19 fireworks-related injuries were reported. “These were 58 percent higher compared to 2020 [12 cases] and 67 percent lower than the five-year

average [58 cases] during the same period,” Vergeire said. All cases were injuries due to fireworks. There was no fireworks ingestion, stray bullet injury, or death reported. Seven or 37 percent of cases occurred in Region 6. Vergeire said that 16 (84 percent) cases were due to illegal fireworks and three (16 percent) cases were due to legal fireworks. Six cases or 32 percent were injured due to Boga, three cases or 16 percent were injured due to Piccolo, and 50 or 82 percent out of the 61 sentinel hospitals submitted an injury or zero report before cut-off. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

truck, one unit of service vehicle, and one unit of VSAT, together with 11 manpower. The teams are set to distribute relief supplies, which include 1,000 pcs jerry cans, 500 sets of sleeping kits, 500 sets of hygiene sets, 1,000 pieces of tarpaulins, 500 sets of kitchen utensils, and 300 sets of shelter repair kits. The humanitarian caravan also includes two units of generators, four units of camping tents, and

one unit of satellite phone. “Based on the initial assessment done by our volunteers and staff, this caravan, composed of rescue vehicles, equipment, relief items, and manpower, will strengthen our response to the ongoing operations. We will continue to provide assistance to alleviate human suffering and uplift the dignity of the people,” Gordon said. A day after typhoon Odette hit the country, Chairman Gordon de-

ployed a humanitarian caravan on December 17, 2021, to Bohol and Surigao del Norte to provide an immediate response to individuals affected by the typhoon. “We want to show our fellowmen here that the Red Cross is always ready to help them most especially in times of calamities. We want to make them feel that they are not alone and we want to motivate them so that they could easily get back on their feet again,” Gordon added.

NIA officials inspect future office in New Clark City

APAS, TARLAC – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) recently conducted an ocular inspection of the office space it intends to occupy at the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC), the disaster-resilient alternative government hub in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. NIA Administrator Ricardo Visaya led his team of top management and regional and department managers in checking the suitability and readiness of the NGAC Government Building, which was constructed and is currently managed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) with its development partner MTD Clark Inc. “Heeding the call of the President as a requirement in Executive Order 119, the NIA management had decided to acquire a property with the BCDA-MTD NGAC Phase 1. This move, significantly, is being one with other government sectors in helping decongest Metro Manila. Moreover, if some disaster hits the Metro, the operations of NIA will not be hampered as we will have an office outside of the metropolis

which will continue to deliver the mandate of the agency,” Visaya said. The NIA has already submitted a letter of intent to BCDA-MTD NGAC Phase 1 Joint Venture (NGAC Phase 1 JV) to acquire 969 square meters of space at the North Building, as well as a condominium-type unit in The Residences for its officials or visiting staff. The Residences is a modern, secure dwelling structure for state employees and locators in New Clark City. Fund for the NIA’s acquisition of these properties is already included in the fiscal year 2022 budget. Should its plans materialize, NIA will be able to strategically position more of its operations in Central Luzon, one of the country’s leading regions in terms of agriculture. BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen Anunciacion Zosa said, “We look forward to having NIA at the NGAC. We commend the NIA leadership for having the foresight to set up an alternative office during times of disaster, and that they have already taken bold strides to achieve this.” By virtue of Executive Order 119, President Duterte established the

NGAC in New Clark City “to serve as an integrated government center outside the [National Capital Region], and, in case of disaster, a recovery center and back-up administrative hub.” All departments, bureaus, offices and agencies under the Executive Branch were directed to establish satellite or field offices there. The Legislative and Executive Branches were likewise encouraged to follow suit. Over 40 government institutions have already expressed interest in setting up offices in NGAC. These include the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which is already setting up its security plant complex in NGAC and master planning its development. BCDA Senior Vice President for Investment and Financial Management Atty. Nena Radoc welcomed Visaya and the visiting NIA officials at New Clark City. NGAC Phase 1 JV President Engr. Patr ick Nicholas Dav id, who also serves as president of MTD Clark Inc., accompanied the NIA contingent during the inspection.

Gatchalian hails Bicam report raising age of statutory rape

ENATOR Win Gatchalian hailed the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on a measure that increases the statutory rape age to 16, calling it a big leap forward in upholding the rights of Filipino children. The bicameral conference committee report resolved differences between House Bill No. 7836 and Senate Bill No. 2332. Gatchalian is one of the authors of the bill that seeks to increase the age for determining statutory rape. The current age of sexual consent in the Philippines is 12, the lowest in Asia and one of the lowest in the world. Gatchalian reiterated that increasing the statutory rape age will be crucial in curbing teenage pregnancies nationwide, noting that many young mothers are victims of sexual violence. Earlier this year, Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III said that based on the 2019 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), two out of three adolescents who got pregnant have partners who are older by 20 years. The POPCOM chief added that this points to a degree of power play and seduction among girls aged 11 and 12. POPCOM reported this year that the number of girls aged 15 and below who gave birth increased by seven percent from 2018 to 2019. From 62,341 in 2018, the number of minors who gave birth in 2019 rose to 62,510. POPCOM also reported that in 2019, 2,411 girls aged 10 to 14 gave birth, an equivalent of seven per day. This is triple the number recorded in 2000 when 755 girls from the same age group gave birth. The POPCOM also warned that teenage pregnancies will likely surge because of Covid-related lockdown measures. “Napapanahon nang isabatas natin ang panukalang itaas ang statutor y rape age upang mabigyan ng proteksyon ang ating mga kabataan mula sa karahasan at pang-aabuso. Hindi na natin dapat palampasin ang ganitong uri ng karahasan sa ating mga kabataan,” said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture. The reconciled version of the measure adopts the Senate’s “sweetheart provision,” which would not penalize consensual sexual activity between young couples in love.

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DOH warns of uptick in Covid-19 cases in NCR amid heightened holiday mobility

12: 88 (lower by 20 percent), and November 29 to Decembe 5: 110.

9 with the highest positivity rate,” Vergeire said. All island groups and NCR Plus areas maintain a flat case trend. Meanwhile, national and all regions at minimal risk case classification with negative twoweek growth rate (TWGR); NCR and Region 9, however, showed positive one-week growth rate (OWGR). Eight areas, including five in NCR, were flagged after recording positive OWGR and TWGR. These are: San Juan, Las Piñas, Apayao, Manila, Makati, Davao de Oro, Parañaque, and Davao del Sur.

Positivity rate

Covid beds, ICU utilization

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

HILE the country’s case classification remains at minimal risk, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday warned that Covid-19 infections may start to increase as an uptick in cases was observed in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“Meron tayong nakikita na uptick ng kaso pero [We have seen an uptick in cases but] it’s not significant enough yet but it is an alarm. It is a warning for all of us that cases may start to increase,” Vergeire said in an online media forum on Monday. Vergeire played down the possibility that the Omicron variant may be the cause of the uptick in cases, but attributed it to the increase in people’s mobility during holiday season. “Meron tayong natatala na Omicron galing sa labas o incoming international travelers. Nai-isolate naman po natin sila [We were able to detect Omicron cases but from out-

side of the country or international travelers. We isolated them].... So hopefully it is not variant-driven,” Vergeire said as she reminded the public of the importance of strictly observing health protocols. Vergeire also stressed the importance not only in complying with the minimum public health standards but of vaccination to control the spread of the virus and prevent the increase in the number of cases. The average daily reported cases in NCR was higher by 49 percent (December 20 to December 26 with 115 cases), December 13 to December 19: 77 (lower by 13 percent), December 6 to December

WHILE nationally, average cases remain lower in the recent week and case classification still at minimal risk, Vergeire, however, said that increases in case and positivity rate in the recent week were observed in NCR and 14 of 17 of its areas. “Nationally, weekly positivity rate is at 1.30 percent; Region 7 with lowest rate followed by CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region), BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and Region 8. Region

Over 170,000 passengers arrive in Philippines for Christmas

TOTAL of 172,432 passenger arrivals, majority of whom are Filipinos, were recorded dur ing t his mont h, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Monday. The latest data from the BI showed that 141,216 Filipinos arrived during the holiday season, many of which are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), followed by Americans with 12,455, Canadians with 2,805, and Japanese with 1,645 while the remainder is composed of other nationalities.

Commissioner Jaime Morente said most of those who arrived are balikbayans coming home to their families in the Philippines to spend Christmas and New Year. “This is expected since many of our kababayans who are now living abroad wish to spend the holidays here with their families,” he said in a news statement. Meanwhile, BI Port Operations Division chief Carlos Capulong said the arrivals this year for December 24 and 25 doubled compared to last year’s figures.

“Last year, there were only 5,478 arrivals for the two days, whi le t his yea r, it increased 100 percent to 11,074 for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,” he added. Capulong also acknowledged immigration officers who were on duty during for the holiday season. “Our officers sacrifice their time with their families to render their duty and provide service for incoming and outgoing passengers,” he said. PNA

Comelec eyes release of final poll bets’ list by early January

N official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said they are expecting to release the final list of candidates for the May 2022 polls early next month. “We expected them to finish (on) the first week of January. Hopefully, all the decisions have been released. We have until January 7 to finish everything so that we won’t be late in printing. The January 7 (deadline) is an estimate when all of these things will be done,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in a virtual news briefing. Among the pending cases faced by some candidates are for disqualification, cancellation of certificates

of candidacy, and declaration as nuisance candidates. Jimenez also said they expect to start printing the official ballot by January 15. Meanwhile, he said they would be using fictitious names of candidates in the mock polls, which will be simultaneously held in several areas in the country, including Metro Manila on December 29. “In the mock elections we will use fictitious names. As you can see...we will not be using the tentative list (of candidates) for anything even resembling a mock election. That would not be a good idea,” he added. Three areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) where the

mock polls will be held are in the cities of Pasay and Taguig and the municipality of Pateros. Mock polls will also be held in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. For Luzon, the areas are: Isabela, Cauayan City, Barangays District 1 (Poblacion), Minante 1. Cordon, Magsaysay and Gayong. Albay, Legazpi City, Kawit East (Barangay 16) and Ilawod West (Barangay 13) and Piodoran, Banawan and Caratagan. In the Visayas: Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City, Barangays Taclobo and Balogo. Zamboanguita, Poblacion and Mayabon. Leyte, Tacloban, Barangays 6, and 6-A; Baybay City, POB Zone 11 and Gaas; Palompon, Ipil II and San Juan. PNA

VERGEIRE said all areas have both total Covid-19 beds and ICU utilization at low risk As of December 26, nationally, there are 51 cases pending ICU admissions, while 498 cases pending ward/isolation bed admissions. “Vacant beds should be able to cover the pending admissions within their respective regions,” she said. National total Covid-19 beds capacity at low risk at 17 percent utilization. Compared to July, current

dedicated beds are higher by 112 (0.3 percent) and admissions are lower by 10,244 (64 percent). Veregire said that percentage of severe and critical cases among confirmed Covid-19 admissions have been on a slow decline since October. However, signs of plateauing were seen in the recent week. Of the 758 total admissions as of December 25, 133 (18 percent) are severe cases and 77 (10 percent) are critical cases. In NCR, total beds utilization has been decreasing since midSeptember, showed a slight uptick in the recent week. Compared to start of July, total beds increased by 99 (1 percent) while occupied beds are lower by 1,707 (51 percent). ICU bed utilization is at low risk in NCR. Compared to start of July, total ICU beds increased by 117 (10 percent) while occupied ICU beds lower by 192 (43 percent).

Deaths

Vergeire said deaths peaked at the end of September and show a continuous decline. Partial deaths in December

at 7 deaths per day; NCR with highest number of deaths for December, followed by Regions 1, 3, 2, and 4A.

318 Covid cases on Monday

ON Monday, the Department of Health logged 318 additional Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 2,838,792. There were also 255 recoveries and 11 deaths. Of the total number of cases, 0.3 percent (9,579) are active, 97.9 percent (2,778,002) have recovered , a nd 1.80 percent (51,211) have died. Two laborator ies were not operational on December 25, 2021, wh i le 26 l abor ator ies were not able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Document Repository System. Of these 26 laboratories, 12 confirmed that they were closed and non-operating on December 25, 2021. Based on data in the last 14 days, the 28 non-reporting labs contribute, on average, 9.5 percent of samples tested and 6.4 percent of positive individuals.

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Oil firms announce price NTRC expands capabilities rollback as the year ends of online portal on registration, monitoring of fiscal incentives T By Lenie Lectura @llectura

HE National Tax Research Center (NTRC) is further developing the functionalities of its existing online incentives application portal for investors to allow the electronic submission in the future of reports that would enable the government to better review and analyze the economic impact of investment incentives.

In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, the NTRC said this online portal—Fiscal Incentives Registration and Monitoring System (FIRMS)—is currently being used by potential investors to submit their applications for incentives in any of the investment promotion agencies (IPAs). Under Republic Act (RA) No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Law, the NTRC serves as

the secretariat of the reconstituted Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) and is tasked to craft the application forms of business enterprises who wish to avail of tax incentives. Dominguez chairs the reconstituted FIRB, with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez as co-chairman. He recently ordered all agencies attached to the Department of Finance (DOF) to implement their

respective digital transformation programs long before the pandemic. The NTRC launched the FIRMS last June 14, 2021 to comply with the provisions of the CREATE Law. On top of being an application portal, the FIRMS will be used by the IPAs and the FIRB to review, approve/reject, and monitor activities/projects. The NTRC said that in the future, FIRMS will be able to generate the electronic Certificate of Registration (COR) and Certificate of Entitlement to Tax Incentives (CETI) of approved investments. The NTRC is encouraging existing businesses already receiving tax incentives from the government to also create their accounts in FIRMS. It will soon allow business enterprises to electronically submit their reports on the fiscal incentives they have received, in compliance with the provisions of CREATE, the NTRC said. These electronic submissions will enable the government to better monitor, review, and analyze the economic impact of tax incentives. Under CREATE, the FIRB shall conduct an impact evaluation, such

as a cost-benefit analysis, on investment incentives to determine the impact of such incentives on the Philippine economy. The CREATE law provided for a three-tiered framework in the grant of incentives to qualified industries under the government’s Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which aims to attract high-value, labor-intensive investments that will create more jobs and further sharpen the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global market. Likewise, under the law, the Board of Investments (BOI) in coordination with the FIRB, the IPAs, and other stakeholders shall formulate the SIPP which will be submitted to the President for approval. Meanwhile, the 2020 Investment Priorities Plan of the Board of Investments (BOI) serves as the transitional SIPP, until such time that the initial SIPP is issued. As proposed by the BOI and approved by the FIRB, activities under the 2020 IPP may be eligible for incentives under the Tier I classification, without prejudice to upgrade to Tiers II or III if qualified under the new SIPP.

LGUs must adapt better to more destructive climate disaster–Gordon

HIS year’s last oil price adjustment is a rollback, oil firms announced Monday. Gasoline prices will be slashed by P0.20 per liter, diesel by P0.65 per liter, and kerosene by P0.85 per liter. This week’s oil price reduction will take effect at 6am of Tuesday, December 28. Petron, PTT Philippines, Caltex, Seaoil, Pilipinas Shell announced

their price adjustments. For Cleanfuel, the price rollback will happen at 8:01a.m. Other oil firms are expected to follow suit. Last week, pump prices increased by over P1 per liter. However, in areas affected by Typhoon Odette, oil companies did not implement price hikes. Instead, some oil firms extended price discounts until the end of this month. Oil firms adjust their pump prices every week to reflect movements in the world oil market.

Gordon urges banks to impose stringent measures vs online bank theft

ANKS should enforce tighter online security to prevent hackers from stealing from accounts in light of recent incidents of online bank fraud, reelectionist Senator Richard J. Gordon has underscored. Gordon, who chairs the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee, remarked that banks should be more proactive in keeping their customers’ trust as a keepsake of their financial assets. “Para mapigilan yan, habulin natin yung nang-scam. Butasang batas. Hindi ineenforce. Ang dami nating batas, hindinaman ine-enforce. Pwedeng estafa, swindling. Nakalagay sagobyerno natin, meron tayong bank secrecy [law]… yungbabayaran ka, may insurance, ‘yung [Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation],” he said in a recent radio senatorial forum. “ I t ’s a r e l a t i o n s h i p o f trust. Kung nawawala yan, tungku linng bangko, sila mismo, ang maghanap ng paraan para mahuliang mga scammers na ito,” he added. Recently, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) opened a probe against two leading banks for illegal wire transfer and theft. Unlike previous instances of fraud where customers supplied sensitive details such as account number and the one-time password

(OTP), many claimed that they were only notified of loss of cash upon successful transfer of money. R e p o r t s s t at e d t h at t h e wire transfers were sent to a certain“Mark Nagoyo,” whose last name literally translates into “being duped or swindled” in Filipino. Gordon, a lawyer by profession, said he hopes that the government sharpen its teeth with the enforcement ofcybercrime-related laws and the deterrence of the proliferation of false information on social media. “Ang society natin ay ginagaya ang buong mundo, pawangmga kasinungalingan, pawang mga fake news ang umiiral, dapat may batas,” he pointed out. “Dapat tayo ay magkaroon ng enforcement ng DataPrivacy Act at Cybercrime Prevention Act. Maraming batas,ku lang sa enforcement,” he added. Gordon has fallen victim to several cybercrimes, includinga distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on his official website, dickgordon.ph, during the height of the Senate investigation on an anomalous government procurement deal. He has also been a constant target of trolls parroting false statements made by political detractors, rehashing issues that have long been settled or blown out of proportion.

HOUSE LEADER PITCHES P16.2-B TOURISM REHAB PROGRAM Continued from A12

PHILIPPINE Red Cross chairman and CEO Sen. Richard J. Gordon leads the deployment of Humanitarian Caravan bound to the affected areas of Typhoon Odette in Bohol and Surigao.

ITING the drastic effects of climate change on the Filipino people, Senator Richard J. Gordon on Monday urged local government units (LGUs) to adapt to the adverse impact of stronger and more destructive typhoons traversing the country. Gordon, who chairs the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the country’s premier humanitarian organization, said local authorities must accept the fact that storms are increasingly becoming more powerful due to the onslaught of climate change. “I’m anticipating. The best lesson to learn is, right now, climate change has changed the whole nine yards,” he said, mindful that the country is often visited by an average of 20 typhoons every year. “You have more storm surges. You have more powerful winds. You have more rain. So, adjustments

must be made. Man must learn how to practice adaptations,” he added. Considered as the strongest storm to hit the country this year, typhoon Odette (international codename Rai) has left a swath of destruction across hundreds of towns in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. According to the latest figures released by the Philippine National Police, the death toll stemming from the storm had risen to 375, while 52 people remained reportedly missing. Typhoon Odette has affected over 1.8 million people after making landfall nine times, according to official estimates. It had also toppled power and communication lines, uprooted trees, stripped buildings of roofs, and shattered windows. Authorities have initially esti-

mated the damage to agriculture and infrastructure at P2.2 billion and P585.8 million, respectively. This includes damage to road, bridges, and flood structures. Gordon, an advocate of disaster risk reduction, called on pertinent government agencies to revisit housing and building structural designs by looking at archetype of typhoon-resistant architecture to help weather powerful winds. “’Yung design ng bahay natin talagang madaling liparin. ‘Yan, dapat special effort ng gobyerno na magpa-design ng bahay not only to be strong against winds but para malalapat, ma-adjust doon sa hangin katulad sa ibang bansa na may A-frame sila sa houses nila tulad ng Switzerland at ibang Nordic countries para pag bumagsak ang yelo, babagsak doon sa A-Frame houses,” he explained.

Gordon also underscored the importance of proactive dissemination of weather advisories to alert LGUs, notably those in the coastal and low-lying areas, so that they take swift and appropriate actions to prepare against disasters. In the Senate, Gordon has introduced bills that address the impact of disasters in the country. Among them include Republic Act (RA) 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, and RA 9803, also known as the Food Donation Act. He had filed several Senate Resolutions (SR) tackling disaster risk reduction and preparedness, including SR 600, which seeks to implement a comprehensive recovery plan for areas affected by a typhoon, and SR 253, which seeks for the Philippines to prepare a culture of disaster preparedness.

Earlier, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte urged the Palace to include the construction of permanent and durable evacuation centers in government’s six-month rehabilitation plan for provinces devastated by Typhoon Odette. Citing the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Villafuerte said over 285,000 people or nearly 71,000 families spent their Christmas in a total of 1,204 evacuation centers across 10 regions affected by Odette. According to the lawmaker, the initial construction of these permanent evacuation centers can be sourced from the P10 billion that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said would be made available for the rehabilitation of Odette-ravaged provinces. “Rehabilitation should not only cover the reconstruction of typhoondamaged infrastructure, but should also consider adaptation measures to help safeguard people from future calamities,” Villafuerte said. President Duterte declared a state of calamity on December 21 in six Odette-battered areas, including Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan or Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Northern

Mindanao and Caraga. Earlier, Villafuerte welcomed the passage by the House of Representatives of a measure paving the way for the construction of such permanent evacuation centers across the country, especially in his disaster-prone home region of Bicol, and appealed to senators to immediately consider passing a counterpart bill in the Senate to benefit would-be displaced families in future natural calamities. Under House Bill 8990, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be in charge of building the evacuation sites, while local city and municipal governments shall be responsible for running and maintaining the centers. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will serve as the lead agency. Evacuation centers have to be constructed in all cities and municipalities to serve as immediate and temporary shelter for those evacuated or displaced by emergencies such as typhoons, flood and fire, among others, the bill states. Under the measure, evacuation centers should withstand wind speed of at least 300 kilometers per hour (kph) and moderate seismic activity of at least 8.0-magnitude, said Villafuerte, a principal author of the bill. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

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State workers in Executive Dept to get ₧10K benefit By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

UA LIFIED gover nment workers employed in the Executive Department will soon be getting a one-time P10,000 service recognition incentive (SRI). This after President Duterte issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 45 granting the said benefit to civilian personnel in the national government agencies (NGA), state universities and colleges (SUCs) and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCC), occupying regular, contractual or casual positions. It will also apply to personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Namria). To qualify for the incentive pay, the personnel must still be in government service as of November 30, 2021 and must not have received any additional yearend benefit for fiscal year 2021 over and above the benefit authorized under Republic Act 6686. They will get the full amount if they have rendered an aggregate of four months of satisfactory service as of the said cutoff period. Those who worked less than four months as of November 30, 2021 will be entitled to a pro-rated SRI ranging from 10 to 40 percent of the amount depending on their length of service. The SRI must be paid to all qualified government employees “not... earlier than December 21, 2021.” Excluded from the SRA are those engaged without employer-employee relationship and whose compensation is funded from non-Personnel Services appropriations/budgets. The fund for the SRI will be sourced from Personnel Services allotments under the 2021 General Appropriations Act, Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, and corporate operating budgets. AO 45 also allows legislative and judicial departments and other offices vested with fiscal autonomy to give the SRI to their workers upon the approval of their respective heads of office at a uniform rate not exceeding P10,000. The issuance was signed on December 24, 2021, but was only released to the media last Monday. It will take effect immediately after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Kiko eulogizes Desmond Tutu

HE late South African bishop Desmond Tutu was eulogized on Monday as someone who, despite wearing the cleric’s robe, stood side by side with the “warriors” who fought to end evil in his country, while inspiring people around the world. “The Most Reverend Desmond Mpilu Tutu of South Africa was born in a time and place where color of the skin condemns a whole people into a life of oppression, servitude, and violence. As a man of God, he served his fellowmen to the utmost of his abilities and many times dared fate and history to try and extinguish his life and his light,” Sen. Francis Pangilinan said in a statement of Tutu, who died at the weekend. “Though donning the frock of the church, he was a warrior who stood in the middle of a war without fear. He and his fellow warrior Nelson Mandela stood with their people and faced the most violent and fearsome forces of their time—men who had the power and were willing to kill other men because of their skin color.”

Tuesday, December 28, 2021 A9

3 Fil-Ams, a health service CEO, civil and labor rights leaders, advise Biden By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

S President Biden will appoint 23 commissioners—three of them Filipina-American health care, civil rights and labor rights women advocates—to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), the White House announced last week. The three Filipino-American commissioners are Teresita Batayola from Seattle, Washington; Dr. Amy Agbayani from Hawaii and Luisa Blue from California. The presidential commission is expected to advise Biden on policies to address anti-Asian attacks in the United States, as well as address other inequity issues being faced by women, LGBTQ+ Asians, native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Teresita Batayola is the president and chief executive officer of Seattlebased International Community Health Services — a nonprofit health center that provides comprehensive health care to immigrants, refugees

and those who need affordable care. A health care access advocate, Batayola has obtained, among others, these

MVP Group: 98 percent vaccine coverage for workers, families

HE Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) group of companies’ vaccine task force (VTF) reported on Monday that 98 percent of its nationwide workforce has been vaccinated against Covid-19, with over 60,000 company-procured Moderna jabs administered under its own MVP Group #WeGotYourVac Immunization Program by mid-December. The task force also reported that inoculation of the group’s registered dependents, household members, and extended workforce is also nearing completion. Furthermore, vaccinations for employees’ registered 12 to 17-year-old dependents are also under way, with the VTF closely monitoring government approval for the inoculation of 5 to 11-year-old minors by January 2022. The MVP group also started giving Covid-19 booster vaccinations for qualified non-medical employees and dependents this December. This followed booster inoculation of frontliners from the group’s 18 hospitals under Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc. (MPHHI), who were first to get Covid-19 jabs at the start of 2021. Pilot booster vaccinations in MPHHI’s Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Manila on December 1, PLDT Santa Ana on December 9, and Meralco Compound in Pasig on December 15 coincided with the Bayanihan, Bakunahan National Covid-19 Vaccination Days (NVD) of the National Task Force Against Covid-19 and National Vaccines Operation Center. Moreover, the MVP group said it has been supporting inoculation efforts of various NCR and regional LGUs. Aside from vaccine donations, PLDT and Smart provide free internet services to select vaccination facilities nationwide throughout 2021. PLDT-Smart Foundation, Metro Pacific Investments Corp., and One Meralco Foundation also jointly donated P 1.5 million worth of Smart load for the NVD’s 34,000 encoders in 11,000 vaccination sites nationwide. To incentivize vaccination, Smart copresented a program under Taskforce T3’s Ingat Angat Bakuna Lahat campaign. With Smart Bakuna Benefits, one simply needed to present a vaccination card after getting jabbed to avail of exclusive deals from over 200 participating retail establishments nationwide. In the first quarter of 2021, the MPHHI provided the expertise and available capacity of its key facilities for LGU vaccinations. The launch of MVP Group’s vaccinations for its non-clinical employees at NCR+ megasites soon followed in July, followed by regional vaccinations throughout the second half of 2021 in partnership with MPHHI and Reliance United. Rizal Raoul Reyes

awards and recognition: the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Award for Outstanding Business & Philan-

thropic Contributions, Woman of Courage Undaunted from the University of Washington Women’s Center, and the Filipino Women’s Network’s Most Influential Filipino Woman in the World. Dr. Amefil “Amy” Agbayani, 78, was born in the Philippines and is a graduate of political science from the University of the Philippines. She is known as “Manang Amy” and has fought for the civil rights and fair treatment of Filipinos in Hawaii. She is an emeritus assistant vice chancellor for student diversity and equity at the University of Hawaii at Manao. She is a former chair of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, conducting research on AANHPI in higher education; and is member of the Patsy T. Mink PAC and the Legal Clinic for immigrant justice Hawaii. In an interview with PBS Hawaii, Agbayani blamed former US President Trump for triggering the anti-Asian sentiments during the Covid-19 pandemic. She said Trump “made things worse” by calling Covid-19 a “China virus.”

“We have to call it what it was—it was a racist statement that did not assist in reaching out to these communities.... Filipino Americans did not just die from the virus, Filipino nurses make up 4 percent of the nurses in the US, and 30 percent of nurses who died in the US during the pandemic are Filipinos,” Agbayani said. Luisa Blue is labor rights activist, who recently retired as executive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)—making her one of the highest ranking AAPI officials in the labor movement. During her term, Blue was responsible for the SEIU Asian Pacific Islanders Civic Engagement and Leadership program, is a member of the Racial Justice Task Force, chair of the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, and chair of the Ethical Culture Committee. The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), a national affiliation of Fil-Am institutions, umbrella organizations, and individuals in the US, were thrilled over the White House announcement.

A10 Tuesday, December 28, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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editorial

Helping Philippine MSMEs rise again

he damage caused by Typhoon Odette would have a serious impact on the country’s economy that is already reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on the government’s running assessment of the destruction left the by strongest storm to hit the country this year, damage to infrastructure and the agricultural sector was initially estimated at more than P3.5 billion. The Department of Trade and Industry last week announced it has earmarked P20 million for its Livelihood Seeding Program (LSP) to help micro, small and medium enterprises that were devastated by Typhoon Odette in the Visayas and Mindanao. Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said the LSP will initially benefit about 2,000 MSMEs in Siargao under the Negosyo Serbisyo Sa Barangay program. He said the DTI is currently assessing affected MSMEs in other provinces that need DTI’s livelihood support. (Read, “DTI extends aid to ‘Odette’-hit MSMEs in Visayas and Mindanao” in the BusinessMirror, December 24, 2021). DTI’s attached agency, the Small Business Corp., will also open a P200million lending facility. “MSMEs get LSP from DTI and [devastated] resorts can borrow from the SBCorp. CARES [Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises] program,” Lopez said. The LSP seeks to expand DTI’s efforts in business development assistance through coordination with local government units. MSMEs comprise 99 percent of business establishments in the Philippines and are employing approximately 63 percent of the country’s workforce. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, our MSMEs accounted for about 40 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. MSMEs are among those that have been hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic. A study by the UN International Trade Centre shows that 60 percent of micro and 57 percent of small businesses have been strongly affected by the pandemic, compared with 43 percent of large firms. Due to their limited resources, surviving the crisis has been daunting for MSMEs. Therefore, it is important to adopt policies that mitigate the negative impact of Covid-19 on our MSMEs. This is crucial to help them recover from the debilitating effect of the pandemic. Our MSMEs constitute the backbone of the Philippine economy. In 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded a total of 957,620 business enterprises operating in the country. Of these, 952,969 (99.51 percent) are MSMEs, and 4,651 (0.49 percent) are large enterprises. Micro enterprises constitute 88.77 percent (850,127) of total MSME establishments, followed by small enterprises at 10.25 percent (98,126) and medium enterprises at 0.49 percent (4,716). Given these numbers, it should be a no-brainer for government officials to see the need to formulate policies that would help typhoon-ravaged and pandemic-affected MSMEs to enable them to recover. Helping them survive will also prevent widespread unemployment, and thus preserve household income. Other countries know the importance of MSMEs to their post-pandemic economic revival. That’s why they find ways to keep their MSMEs solvent and minimize the economic costs of the pandemic. In Nigeria, for example, Mariam Katagum, Nigeria’s minister of state for industry, trade and investment, said her country is supporting MSMEs through grants to address their financing needs. “Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses by creating opportunities for MSMEs to thrive is essential for increasing productivity, creating jobs and boosting our economy,” Katagum said. The Philippines would do well to follow Nigeria’s way of supporting small entrepreneurs. Government must empower our MSMEs to survive the economic downturn. We should take a whole-of-government approach that integrates the collaborative efforts of the departments and agencies of government to provide effective solutions to nurture their growth. There’s an urgent need for innovative policies and programs to help our MSMEs survive and thrive. Enhancing the business environment for them amid the pandemic is the much-awaited tide that will surely lift all MSME boats in the country.

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Hope springs eternal despite natural disasters Manny B. Villar

THE Entrepreneur

E should be modestly celebrating the New Year because of the successes we achieved both on the health and economic fronts. We have tamed Covid-19 through an aggressive vaccination rollout program, leading to declining daily cases. We reopened the economy and restored thousands of jobs through less mobility restrictions. We should be the envy of citizens in Europe where the pandemic is still raging. A Christmas lockdown in the Netherlands and similar restrictive measures in Germany, the United Kingdom and the rest of the continent at this time of the year have dampened the spirit of the season for many Europeans. They cannot celebrate the passing of 2021 and the coming of the New Year with days and nights of revelry, not with Covid-19 lurking around and infecting thousands by the day. Filipinos are luckier during this year-end holiday. Thousands have trooped to the malls and public parks after months of being confined in their homes. Revenge shopping is obvious—an indicator of a lively economy. Domestic tourism is back as thousands hit the road on their way to picturesque Tagaytay and Baguio. Many booked their flights and visited their favorite beach resorts and diving spots where they spend the holidays.

Holiday dampener

I, too, am relieved to see more

people out in the streets and holding low-key Christmas parties in the offices and restaurants. But I am saddened by the tragedy that befell our fellow Filipinos in Siargao Island, northern Mindanao, Visayas and Palawan. Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos are made homeless after Typhoon Odette ripped through these areas, including Cebu, Bohol, the Negros and Panay islands and Southern Leyte. Photos and videos documenting the wrath and the damage of Odette are heartrending. In the blink of an eye, Siargao was turned into a ghost town from a surfing mecca, while hundreds of thousands of our kababayans are literally groping in the dark due to power outages. Odette’s strong winds leveled many houses, leaving many Filipinos homeless during the holidays. Our farmers and fishermen again bore the brunt of the typhoon. Odette destroyed thousands of hectares of crops and coconut trees, obliterated fishing villages and left tourism operators with no livelihood.

I am aware that the government is doing its best to help the displaced and give aid to those who are currently suffering much. In hindsight, however, we should be better prepared for the next cataclysmic storms. We are experiencing the onset of global warming, which should give us more reasons to plan ahead in order to mitigate the damaging effects of climate change. First and foremost, we can do more to shorten our disaster-response time in order to attend to the needs of the victims. The victims of Odette have clamored for drinking water and basic foods and necessities hours after the disaster. This is the challenge for the next administration. I remember back then, when as Senate president, I strongly batted for the allocation of more funds to relevant agencies like the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, or PAGASA, and the disaster coordinating agencies. Our disaster coordinating agen-

cies need more funds. For one, they should be equipped with more rubber boats in order to conduct search and rescue operations right after a typhoon strikes. These agencies need all the available resources they can use in times of emergencies. Priority funding must be set aside for them. Disaster response units must have all the resources at their disposal to successfully conduct rescue operations and save lives, as in the case of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009.

Rehab program

The victims of calamities, most of the time, are left to fend for themselves after suffering the onslaught of natural disasters. It would do well for the incoming administration to prioritize a rehabilitation program for Filipinos who lost their homes and belongings due to typhoons and other natural calamities. This should include short-term livelihood programs, especially for farmers who lost their crops and livestock. The government can also provide a more decent housing or shelter, preferably in less disaster-prone areas, and one that can withstand strong typhoons and protect the poorer Filipinos who do not have the resources to build more resilient structures. Many typhoon victims live on a subsistence level and are unable to break the poverty cycle. Providing them with better livelihood opportunities and a more decent and sturdier home gives them hope. HAPPY NEW YEAR! For comments, send e-mail to mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph or visit www.mannyvillar. com.ph

Outlets hurt by dwindling public interest in news in 2021

By David Bauder | AP Media Writer

EW YORK—The presidential election, pandemic and racial reckoning were stories that drove intense interest and engagement to news outlets in 2020. To a large degree, 2021 represented the inevitable hangover. Various metrics illustrate the dwindling popularity of news content. Cable news networks were the main form of evening entertainment for millions of Americans last year. In 2021, weekday prime-time viewership dropped 38 percent at CNN, 34 percent at Fox News Channel and 25 percent at MSNBC, according to the Nielsen company. The decline was less steep but still significant at broadcast television evening newscasts: 12 percent at ABC’s World News Tonight and the CBS Evening News; 14 percent at NBC’s Nightly News, Nielsen said. The Trump era saw explosive subscriber growth for some digital

news sites like The New York Times and Washington Post. Yet readers aren’t spending as much time there; Comscore said the number of unique visitors to the Post’s site was down 44 percent in November compared to November 2020, and down 34 percent at the Times. While a December 23 headline on the Los Angeles Times front page— “How Much More Can We Take?”— referred to Covid-19, it could easily be applied to the news appetite in general. For the most part, smart news executives knew the peaks of 2020 were not sustainable. “It was entirely predictable,” said news media analyst Ken Doctor.

Perhaps that was most obvious at the cable news networks. They built a prime-time model almost entirely focused on political combat during the Trump years, which made it difficult for them to pivot to something different, said Tom Rosenstiel, a journalism professor at the University of Maryland. “You become, to some extent, a prisoner of the audience you built,” Rosenstiel said. Those networks remain focused on politics even as viewership interest wanes. The media monitoring company NewsWhip looked at 14 million political articles online last year and found they had an average of 924 engagements, or social media interactions. The 13.5 million articles NewsWhip has traced in 2021 had an average of 321 engagements. To a certain extent, these outlets have turned elsewhere for revenue opportunities, Doctor said. CNN is preparing to debut a new streaming service early next year, and recently

poached Fox News’ Chris Wallace to join that effort. Fox News, while doubling down on conservative commentary following perceived threats from outlets like Newsmax and OANN, directed fans to its Fox Nation streaming service. Arguably Fox’s most attentiongetting programming of the year was a documentary on the January 6 Capitol riot by Tucker Carlson, that asserted it was an effort to silence Trump supporters. Both CNN and MSNBC face key programming decisions in the new year. CNN must replace its most popular host, Chris Cuomo, who was fired after it was revealed how he helped his brother through a political scandal. MSNBC must replace Brian Williams in its lineup and will most likely see its most popular personality, Rachel Maddow, cut back on her hours. Although usage of the Times’ digital site is down, the company passed See “Outlets,” A11

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The Philippine investment pitch

Odette brought Christmas gifts Manny F. Dooc

TELLTALES

Atty. Jomel N. Manaig

Tax Law for Business

ven before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippine government has been hard at work making the country more business-friendly for foreign investment. As other regional players enhance and improve on their respective business and investment climates, there is a need to adapt and innovate lest the country lag further behind its neighbors. With the lingering effects of the pandemic that disrupted economies, the need to revamp the economic landscape has been given a fresh perspective: to revitalize and reinvigorate an economy ravaged by a series of lockdowns and fiscal drain. Addressing the economic concerns, the Philippine government is seeking to pass a set of amendments to existing investment laws. These amendments, dubbed “economic liberalization bills,” involve the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Public Service Act, and the Foreign Investments Act. For now, let us focus on the last-mentioned economic liberalization bill, the proposed amendments to the Foreign Investments Act. The amendments to the Foreign Investments Act have already been passed by both Houses of Congress as of December 7, 2021. Among the amendments to the law include the creation of the “Inter-Agency Investment Promotion Coordination Committee” (IIPCC), which will be the body to integrate all promotion and facilitation efforts to encourage foreign investments. This is a welcome development considering that various government agencies and instrumentalities handling foreign investment promotion may have differing strategies to attract foreign investors. An inter-agency body would ensure a uniform approach to foreign investments and perhaps even avoid red tape. In line with the creation of the IIPCC is the formulation of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Marketing Plan (FIPMP) based on competitive advantages, natural resources, skill and educational development, traditional linkages, and international market potential. The FIPMP must also be fully consistent with the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan under the Tax Code, as amended. This shows the government’s integrated approach to deal with foreign investments. Gone are the days where each instrumentality of the government will act on its own to achieve its mandate. Now, a common direction for all is being charted. Perhaps one of the more notable proposed amendment is in relation to the Foreign Investment Negative

Outlets. . .

Continued from A10

8 million subscriptions and is on pace to grow further. Doctor said the Times has done an effective job of diversifying beyond politics, most notably with its Wirecutter service of consumer recommendations. Leaders at the Post have wrestled with how to deal their readers’ dependence on political fare, according to the Wall Street Journal. The company is looking internationally for growth opportunities, Doctor said, a focus that plays to the strength of its new executive editor, Sally Buzbee. “People to some degree have focused inward,” Rosenstiel said. “They’re getting the news that they need but it’s not as much news as it was a year ago.” Particularly for the national news outlets, Rosenstiel said 2021 may best be remembered as a transitional year away from the frenzied news pace of the Trump years. He sees the effect of those years in the intensity with which the media has covered every twist and turn of

List. It is put forward that micro and small domestic market enterprises with paid-in capital of less than $200,000 are reserved to Philippine nationals. However, as a matter of exception, a minimum paid-in capital of $100,000 shall be allowed to nonPhilippine nationals if their enterprise: (i) involves advanced technology as determined by the DOST; (ii) is endorsed as a startup or startup enablers; or (iii) has direct employees the majority of which are Filipinos but in no case shall the number of Filipino employees be less than 15. Further, the registered foreign enterprises involving foreign nationals and enjoying fiscal incentives shall implement an understudy or skills development program. The restriction on micro and small domestic market enterprises is nothing new. The same provision already exists in the present iteration of the law albeit the enterprise is described as “small and medium” instead of “micro and small.” Nonetheless, to give more opportunity for economic growth, the exceptions were provided for enterprises involved in advanced technology which the Philippines may lack or has limited access to; or to enable or promote startups to deepen the business pool of the country; or even just to ensure employment to Filipinos. All in all, the steps taken to improve the investment climate are very promising. The groundwork has been laid out and is just waiting for a stroke of the pen to transform it into law. After that comes the selling of the idea of investing in the Philippines to foreign investors. Hopefully, that is an area we will not fall short on. The author is a senior associate of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a memberfirm of WTS Global. The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at jomel.manaig@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 403-2001 local 380.

legislative negotiations over President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” bill. Like most work in Congress, it’s slow-moving and filled with incremental developments. He’s concerned that concentration on this story has distracted from other priorities, including focusing on local efforts to restrict voting rights, ultimately a more important story. Some 100 to 120 local newspapers shut down in 2021, a number that is on pace with the declines of the past two decades, said Penelope Muse Abernathy, a professor at Northwestern University. Yet local news outlets are also expected to have their smallest number of job cuts in 14 years, according to the research firm Challenger Gray & Christmas. That comes after 2020 saw the biggest number of lost newsroom jobs since 2008. “What we’re seeing this year is kind of a watershed moment in the pivot from a print business model that is diminishing to a digital model that is beginning to take shape,” said Timothy Franklin, Abernathy’s colleague at Northwestern.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021 A11

hristmas is the season for giving, but the calamity named Odette provides us a cogent reason to give not only material things but also a part of ourselves to others. No one had the slightest clue that a gorgeously named typhoon would hit a major portion of Visayas and Mindanao with such fury, causing destruction, bringing untold sorrows and sufferings to our hapless countrymen. It’s the strongest typhoon so far to ravage the Philippines this year, spoiling the holiday cheers of so many people after the pandemic stole their Christmas last year. To our unfortunate Christian brothers in the south, this year’s Christmas was the gloomiest. Their homes were demolished, their animals and crops that provide them sustenance were destroyed and, most of all, their hopes were shattered. Just as when a glimmer of hope appears with the receding Covid-19 statistics paving the gradual opening of our slumping economy, another catastrophe struck, dashing all expectations of a better year in 2022. The closing days of 2021 are the times that test the resilience of our brother Filipinos—homeless, with nary a dry clothing on their back, without food, water and electricity and, worst of all, disconnected from the rest of the world. You can deprive a Filipino everything but not a communication line. That’s the extreme penalty you can impose on a social being. But a calamity brings out the best among our people. It is admirable how we work for a common good of providing assistance to the victims of Typhoon Odette. Filipinos go out of their way to come to the aid of their countrymen. Forget about their political color and affiliation, donors are color-blind when it comes to helping others in need.

Benefactors come from all walks of life, LGUs all over the country, businesses big and small, various organizations, sectors and professions, pour in their donations to provide relief to the residents of the severely affected communities. Celebrities and famous athletes exert their influence and popularity to solicit donations from various sources. ABS-CBN, despite losing its franchise, launched a fund-raising concert to help the typhoon victims. Many schools and private foundations spearheaded donation drives, which raised significant amounts to rescue the starving and homeless people of the affected communities. I’m certain that the residents of Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo, Siargao, Surigao, Dinagat, Negros Islands, and Palawan who are all reeling from the impact of the typhoon are grateful for all the assistance extended to them. The typhoon left close to 400 deaths so far, not counting those who are still missing; it left a wide swath of destruction, totally wiping out the people’s sources of livelihood, including the bancas that they use to catch fish, in the more than 10,000 villages along its path before it exited in the West Philippine Sea. It may take us years to recover and rehabilitate the massive agricultural and livestock losses and infrastructure damages caused by Odette. The traces of destruction will remain long

The closing days of 2021 are the times that test the resilience of our brother Filipinos—homeless, with nary a dry clothing on their back, without food, water and electricity and, worst of all, disconnected from the rest of the world. You can deprive a Filipino everything but not a communication line. That’s the extreme penalty you can impose on a social being. But a calamity brings out the best among our people. after the Duterte administration has left the scene. Affected LGUs may find that their bigger revenues scaled up by the Mandanas ruling will be hardly sufficient to nurse back the local economy to health. Rebuilding of homes and public infrastructure such as school buildings, bridges and road, repair and restoration of public utilities, and assistance to farmers and fisherfolks to return them to their livelihood will drain the limited resources of both the local and the national governments. The costs of rebuilding and rehabilitating every damaged community will be gargantuan and will pose an insurmountable challenge to the incoming administration. We have not even completed the rehabilitation of Marawi, and many of the communities ravaged by supertyphoon Yolanda. What may be overlooked in our frantic efforts to extend much-needed succor to our distressed population is the significant efforts being undertaken by the private employers on behalf of their own employees in the affected places. The employers may have national or local operations. They may be based in Metro Manila or locally, but regardless, they are equally concerned and are looking after the welfare of their own officers and staff. Since they know the particular circumstances of their own people, they know exactly the needs of their employees and can directly focus their assistance to their specific needs.

They have better insight into their employees’ immediate concerns and thus, can respond to them more effectively. Responsible employers can give them paid leave while they are still attending to their basic and immediate needs like repairing their dwellings, taking care of their injured or sick family members, and relocating their family, if warranted. Most employers provide cash and material assistance to help their workers tide over the calamity. They also grant concessionary house repair loans and medical loans, as well as other financial facilities. Concerned employers can mitigate the sufferings of their employees, which the government cannot readily do. This goes without saying that private philanthropy can do a lot to improve our people’s miserable conditions and complement the limited resources of the government. I know this because I serve on the board of the Insular Life group of companies and I have seen first hand how a company that places a premium on corporate responsibility promotes the welfare of their employees. They conducted in-house fund raising from their directors, officers, employees and business partners that Insular Life matched one-on-one. I understand that the company generated millions of pesos, which it distributed to their employees in all the areas affected by the typhoon. I’m sure that other companies have done similar things and their employees have something to cheer about this Christmas. And I’m mighty proud of my company, Insular Life, and similar others that taught us how to keep the real spirit of Christmas alive. Odette might have brought untold sufferings to our people, but as writer Arathi Variar once said: “Thoughts are shattered…Mind is chaotic… Feelings are unsure…But, hope is still alive!” Other Odettes may come in the future, more destructive than this one, but we can count on our fellow Filipinos. Remember this: “We rise by lifting others.”

Covid-19 variant disrupts holiday travel but not shopping

By Bryan Gallion & Paul Wiseman | The Associated Press

EWARK, N.J.—The latest Covid-19 variant is upending holiday plans for tens of thousands of travelers—but it didn’t do much damage to holiday shopping.

Airlines canceled hundreds more flights Sunday, citing staffing problems tied to Covid-19, as the nation’s travel woes extended beyond Christmas, with no clear indication when normal schedules would resume. But shoppers shrugged off the Omicron variant, and holiday sales rose at the fastest pace in 17 years, according to one spending measure. Omicron is likely to slow the economy’s unexpectedly strong rebound from last year’s coronavirus recession by disrupting travel and discouraging some consumers from venturing out. The variant could also add more heat to already simmering inflation by forcing shutdowns at factories and ports, delaying shipments and driving up prices. “A full reopening of the US economy will be delayed yet again,’’ said Robin Brooks, chief economist at the Institute of International Finance, a trade group of financial firms. But it’s not yet clear how deep the hurt will go or how long it will last. For now, the variant is playing havoc with travel. More than 1,100 flights entering, leaving or flying within the US were called off, according to the flight-tracking web site FlightAware. That figure was up from nearly 1,000 on Saturday. About 130 flights were already canceled for Monday. Delta, United, JetBlue and American have blamed Omicron for staffing shortages that forced cancellations. “This was unexpected,” United spokesperson Maddie King said of the variant’s effect on staffing. Globally, airlines scrapped more than 2,700 flights as of Sunday eve-

ning, nearing the more than 2,800 cancellations the day before, FlightAware’s data showed. The site does not say why flights were canceled. JetBlue scrapped 11 percent of its flights Sunday. Delta and United both canceled 5 percent, according to FlightAware. The three airlines canceled more than 10 percent of their scheduled flights on Saturday. Mason Herlocker waited Sunday at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to pick up his girlfriend, who was coming in from Paris. Her flight was delayed for four hours. It took her five hours to get a Covid-19 test the day before to enter the US. She’s visiting for three weeks, and Herlocker said he fears that she will get stuck here if she doesn’t have a negative test result before trying to return home to France. Worried about his parents getting sick, Herlocker recently got a booster shot and encouraged others to get theirs, too. He said he doesn’t believe an end to the pandemic is in sight. “I’m of the opinion that this is the new normal,” Herlocker said. “I don’t foresee [the virus] going away any time soon.” Aneesh Abhyankar flew in from Atlanta on Sunday and was waiting for a flight to India. Neither of his flights was delayed or canceled, but he said news of the Omicron variant encouraged him to push up his travels to ensure he could get to his destination. He said face masks and vaccines are likely to become ingrained in everyday life for the foreseeable future. “I don’t think we have much to

Despite Omicron, American consumers appeared undaunted. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks all kinds of payments, including cash and debit cards, reported Sunday that holiday sales had risen 8.5 percent from a year earlier, the biggest annual gain in 17 years. Mastercard SpendingPulse had expected an 8.8 percent increase. worry about if we take all the precautions, and I think we will be entering a situation where we just live with” the virus, he said. Despite Omicron, American consumers appeared undaunted. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks all kinds of payments, including cash and debit cards, reported Sunday that holiday sales had risen 8.5 percent from a year earlier, the biggest annual gain in 17 years. Mastercard SpendingPulse had expected an 8.8 percent increase. The results, which covered November 1 through December 24, were fueled by purchases of clothing and jewelry. Holiday sales were up 10.7 percent compared with the pre-pandemic 2019 holiday period. After Omicron hit, some consumers shifted their spending to ecommerce, but sales stayed strong. “I feel really good about how the season played out,’’ said Steve Sadove, senior adviser to Mastercard and former CEO of Saks Inc. “When people feel a little bit uncomfortable, you’ll see a little bit of a pickup in online and a little bit of a slowdown in store performance.’’ Sadove said consumers are “learning to live” with what Covid-19 throws at them. “You’re coming out of 2021 with quite a bit of consumer momentum,’’ he said. Also Sunday, the nation’s top infectious disease doctor acknowledged that he was frustrated with

the limited supply of Covid-19 tests. Demand for tests has risen amid the Omicron surge. “We’ve obviously got to do better,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said an interview that aired Sunday on ABC’s This Week. “I think things will improve greatly as we get into January, but that doesn’t help us today and tomorrow,” Fauci said. Fauci said he was pleased with evidence that Omicron causes less severe illness for most people. But he warned against complacency because the rapid spread of the disease could “override a real diminution in severity,” because so many more people could get infected. There are still many questions about how bad the Omicron surge will be in the US, Johns Hopkins infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja said Sunday. “There are multiple signals showing decreased severity. But the problem is, we have many high-risk individuals that are not vaccinated in some parts of the country. And there are hospitals in those regions that already are dealing with a lot of delta patients,” Adalja said. Meanwhile in Europe, France recorded more than 100,000 virus infections in a single day for the first time in the pandemic. Covid-19 hospitalizations have doubled over the past month as Omicron complicates the French government’s efforts to stave off a new lockdown. The country’s overall death toll stands at more than 122,000. President Emmanuel Macron’s government planned emergency meetings for Monday to discuss the next steps. Some scientists and educators have urged delaying the post-holiday return to school or suggested re-imposing a curfew. Wiseman reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Mead Gruver in Fort Collins, Colorado, contributed to this story.

A12 Tuesday, December 28, 2021

HOUSE LEADER PITCHES P16.2-B TOURISM REHAB PROGRAM

HE chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means on Monday called for the creation of a P16.2-billion tourism rehabilitation infrastructure program (TRIP) to support safer and more resilient tourism in Typhoon Odettestruck areas. Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda estimated that the Odette-hit areas accounted for 14.9 million tourists out of 56.7 million domestic or regional and foreign tourists during the pre-pandemic year of 2019. “That’s 26.31 percent of tourist arrivals, a loss that could hamper recovery of the tourism sector as a whole,” he added. “Odette-hit areas are tourism heavyweights. Let’s support them,” Salceda added. Salceda said Congress can allocate funds for tourism rehabilitation infrastructure program for Odette-hit communities. “I think the immediate figure will be at least P16.2 billion, as an initial tranche of programs. We can definitely consider appropriating such funds for a special budget, if the government so asks,” Salceda added.

“Ultimately, infrastructure is a reflection of how you value human life and which parts of an area will see more economic growth,” Salceda said.

Permanent housing

MEANWHILE, Salceda joined the call to include permanent rehousing and relocation in government’s infrastructure plan. He noted that “560,000 houses were totally damaged by the typhoon,” citing partial statistics from local incident reports. “Rehabilitation must therefore involve building roads, support infrastructure such as schools and health-care facilities, and new housing in areas that are safer from natural and geohazards,” Salceda added. “We have to shift from temporary evacuation to permanent rehousing. As we have seen in both Yolanda and now in Odette, even evacuation has its own faults when the evacuation facilities are not resilient,” Salceda said. Continued on A8

2022 GAA signing delayed, but reenacted budget ruled out

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

HE government is still eyeing to sign the P5-trillion 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA) this week to avoid a reenacted budget next year.

This after Senate president Vicente “Tito” C. Sotto III announced on Monday that the Malacañang postponed the date for the signing of the said legislation. In a televised interview last Monday, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the 2022 GAA was initially scheduled to be signed on December 28, 2021. But in a Viber message, Senator Christopher “Bong” T. Go said that schedule is still tentative and may still be reset to a new date.

But “per OES [Office of the Executive Secretary],” Go said Malacañang is still trying to have the 2022 national budget signed into law this week. Acting Budget Secretary Tina Rose Marie L. Canda said the 2022 GAA is still going through a review process to determine if some of its provisions will be vetoed by President Duterte. “For the items to be vetoed, I remember only one. But I don’t think I am in a position to discuss it at this point because it is still being reviewed,” Canda said.

As of press time, Palace officials have yet to announce the final date of the signing. The government wants the 2022 GAA to be signed as soon as possible to provide an additional P4 billion assistance funds to local government units (LGU), which were affected by typhoon Odette (international name: Rai). Canda gave assurances the government could still release calamity funds even with a reenacted budget. However, a reenacted budget from this year will allow the government to only utilize P4.5 trillion worth of funds instead of the P5-trillion budget under the 2022 GAA. Earlier, House Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera expressed confidence the final version of the proposed 2022 General Appropriations Act complies with the Constitution, thus reducing the chances of a veto. “The GAB [General Appropriations Act] was prepared with the constitutionality of every provision in mind, and we are confident PRRD

[Duterte] won’t veto its provisions, especially those related to Covid-19 response,” the Bagong Henerasyon representative said. Herrera was a member of the House contingent to the bicameral conference committee that worked on the reconciled version of the national budget for 2022. She said the 2022 national budget tried to cover all of the requirements arising as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Next year’s national budget includes appropriations for benefits and compensation for health-care workers, hiring of human resource for health emergency, laboratory network commodities, free Covid-19 tests for jobseekers, procurement of vaccine booster shots, hiring and training of contact tracers, among others,” Herrera said. “Most, if not all of these, were not funded in the National Expenditure Program or the original budget document submitted by Malacañang to Congress,” she noted.

DBM releases ₧1B more for Odette-hit areas; ’22 calamity fund totals ₧20B By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

& Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released an additional P1 billion on Monday and is eyeing to release another P4 billion before this year ends to aid local government units (LGUs) in responding to the damages caused by Typhoon Odette. DBM Officer-In-Charge Tina Canda said on Monday this would be sourced from this year’s national budget. Including the P1 billion that was released on December 24 to the affected LGUs and sourced from the Office of the President’s contingent fund, this would bring the total funds to be released by the government this year due to the calamity because of Typhoon Odette to P6 billion. “In accordance with the President’s order, we released P1 billion last Friday for the local government units and today we released another P billion, also per his instructions. We will also release P4 billion in aid to local government units which they will distribute to those affected by typhoon Odette,” Canda said in an televised interview on Laging Handa.

Fund source

SOUGHT to clarify the funding source, Canda told BusinessMirror that the additional P1 billion will once again come from the Office of the President’s Contingent Fund while the P4 billion will come from this year’s unprogrammed fund. “We will charge the P2B from Contingent. Then P4B from the unprogrammed fund which the BTr [Bureau of the Treasury] certified as available,” she said, partly in Filipino. As of press time, the DBM has yet to release the breakdown of the allocation per LGU in terms of the additional P1 billion released. The President earlier vowed to release P10 billion in funds due to the calamity, but Canda said the remaining P4 billion will just be released next year. In terms of agencies’ budget re-

quests, Canda said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has already requested an additional P600 million while the Office of Civil Defense and the Philippine National Police sought another P100 million and P25 million, respectively. Last Friday, the DBM released the P1 billion in financial assistance to cover affected LGUs in six regions recently placed under State of Calamity by President Duterte. The DBM computation of the shares of covered regions was based on the number of affected families or persons, and on the damage incurred in the infrastructure and agriculture sectors, according to the Report of the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center.

P20-B calamity fund in ‘22

ON Monday, Senator Juan Edga rdo A nga ra a ssu red ava i lability of P20-billion funding for calamity response allocated in the P5.024-trillion 2022 national budget, which President Duterte is expected to sign into law this week. The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee gave the assurance after DBM’s Canda said only P4-billion is available in the current 2021 budget that President Duterte can swiftly release to typhoon-ravaged areas. President Duterte earlier pledged an initial P10-billion aid to affected local government units (LGUs). On Monday, Angara said “savings” for 2021 in some agencies can still be used also for calamity response. Duterte was expected to sign into law within the week the Congress-ratified P5.024-trillion national budget in its entirety. The last national budget to be enacted under the Duterte administration has the theme, “Sustaining the Legacy of Real Change for Future Generations.” The P5.024-trillion national budget is equivalent to 22.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and is higher by 11.5 percent than the 2021 national budget. For 2022, the government expects to generate P3.290-trillion in total revenues, representing 14.9 percent of the GDP.

A STALL owner arranges assorted round fruits at the San Andres Market in Manila, as sales for round fruits picks up as the New Year draws near. Filipinos believe that having round fruits on the table when welcoming the New Year will bring good luck. ROY DOMINGO

Octa poll shows BBM has 63% of A-B-C voters

ARTIDO Federal ng Pilipinas standardbearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., has the “overwhelming support of the Class A-B-C voters” after more than 60 percent chose him as their president for the 2022 polls, a postsurvey analysis from his headquarters said on Monday, a day after the OCTA Research survey showed him grabbing a 54-percent share of the vote among aspirants. The OCTA Research Tugon Ng Masa nationwide survey was conducted from December 7-12 and participated in by 1,200 respon-

Hotels...

dents—9 9.6 percent of whom were all registered voters—and has -+ 3 percent margin of error. According to the results, 63 percent of the total respondents from Class ABC said they would vote for Marcos if the elections happened at the time of the poll, while Class D recorded 55 percent and the Class E bracket registered 46 percent. Meanwhile, Francisco Domagoso received 14 percent preference votes from Class ABC, Leni Robredo with 9 percent; Manny Pacquiao with 5 percent; and Panfilo Lacson with 2 percent.

Continued from A1

The three other reported cases were an ROF from Qatar, another ROF from Japan, and a Nigerian who arrived from Oman. As of December 24, she said, 19,922 samples were sequenced nationwide and almost 77 percent were found positive for Covid. She didn’t say whether these were mostly due to balikbayans, who were allowed by the IATF to return home for the

Christmas season. Government sources averred, however, more and more balikbayans were testing positive for Covid and the Omicron variant. “That will likely be the agenda in the first [IATF] meeting next year,” said a separate source. The IATF didn’t meet over the holidays. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat was furious that

For classes D and E, all aspirants aside from Marcos received less than 25-percent preference votes. This latest election sur vey proved that Marcos is the most preferred presidential aspirant from all socioeconomic classes, his camp pointed out. It was proven not only through surveys but also from the big number of supporters who continue to join him and his vice presidential partner Sara “Inday” Duterte, Davao City’s mayor, during their UniTeam rides and motorcades nationwide.

The same OCTA survey showed that Marcos will also dominate the May 2022 presidential derby in all areas of the country as he received more than the majority of the preference votes with 54 percent. Inday Sara also topped the vicepresidential survey with 50 percent. This survey, said the UniTeam camp, confirmed and reinforced the previous polls by other firms —SWS, Publicus, Kalye Survey, DZRH, RMN, and Pulse Asia, among others—showing Marcos pulling away from the pack of other presidential hopefuls.

a number of regular quarantine hotels had been accepting Covidpositive guests who left their assigned isolation facilities. (See, “Hotels-as-quarantine on the sly reap DOT ire,” in the BusinessMirror, December 27, 2021.) Under DOT’s Administrative Order 2021-004-A, hotels found accommodating guests not permitted under relevant agency guidelines, receive a stern warning and/ or fine equivalent to 2x the rack rate of the room used for the accommodation on the first offense;

a fine equivalent to 3x-5x the rack rate of the room used for the second offense; and a fine of 6x or more of the rack rate of their most expensive room, and suspension or revocation of accreditation, depending on the gravity of offense, on the third offense. Under the same administrative order, the same amount of fines or penalties are imposed on hotels found violating health and safety protocols issued by the DOT, DOH, or IATF, from the first to third offense.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5/f To 10/f, Tower 4 Pitx #01, Kennedy Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque LI, YINGTAI Mandarin Customer Service Representative 1.

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquires and other status

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written

KABWE, NICKNATE SAFI SW/Application/Cloud Tech Support Analyst 2.

Brief Job Description: Advise clients team leads of development status and issues; help in knowledge by explaining business requirement/functional design to team lead and members; improve auto translation process and request onshore counterparts to unify description of functional design

TAN, RUI Chinese IT Support Specialist 11.

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

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

13.

ACQUIRE ASIA PACIFIC PHILIPPINES INC. Lg-c Worldwide Corporate Center, Edsa Cor., Shaw Blvd., City Of Mandaluyong

SENDJE, DRICH HILLMAN Bilingual Technical Support Representative 3.

Brief Job Description: Understand network architecture required to support VIP services.

YU, YANG Mandarin Speaking Marketing Specialist 4.

Brief Job Description: Understand the competitive market trends and effectively communicate to the Company’s valued customers, stakeholders and partners.

14.

15.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English

Brief Job Description: Delegate different customer service duties to team members

KHOEM, CHANREACHSEY Marketing Manager-Khmer Speaking

16.

Brief Job Description: Develop and implement market strategies to effectively reach target market

17.

CHEN YONGCHENG Data Analyst - Mandarin Speaking

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

ASUS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 401-404 Hanston Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Brief Job Description: Develop, maintain and strengthen business relationships with existing and new accounts; Conduct sales management and analysis of data and provide monthly and quarterly reports.

Basic Qualification: Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese with at least five (5) years sales and management experience in same or related business industry. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: The procurement manager is responsible for the contract management, the procurement of equipment, materials and services within the agreed timeframes and against the optimum market conditions for a large complex on- and offshore project. GEERLINGS, CORNELIS ROBERTUS ALOYSIUS Survey Manager

Brief Job Description: Responsible for directing and coordinating the survey discipline during the tender phase, preparation, execution and close out of large complex on and offshore dredging & development project

Basic Qualification: Extensive experience in the international Dredging industry with focus on procurement and Logistics management. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: University or higher professional education related to the Survey discipline

GAO, SHAOQIU Chinese IT Support Specialist 10.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST Shall Answer incoming phone calls from client and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Collecting and interpreting data, and addressing inquiries of Mandarin speaking customers.

OROS ARIAS, SHANTAL HAIR Senior Process Executive 19.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking)

No.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking)

Brief Job Description: Provide support through media review of sports, entertainment and adult video content for Spanish language

LIU, CHIA-WEI Taiwan Business Relationship Manager 20.

Brief Job Description: Assumes overall responsibility for the department’s portfolio; provides advice, guidance, and loan services to the department’s loan officers

YOKOI, JUNICHI Technical Adviser Of Body And Safety Division

23.

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

21.

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

YUAN, NUONUO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 22.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Brief Job Description: Reporting directly to the General Manager – 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.

Basic Qualification: At least six years experience in software development for CAEN engine control system as software engineer and at least six years in supervisory/managerial capacity Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

DIGIVIRTUAL TECH CORPORATION 7/f Ba Lepanto Bldg., 8747 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

GAO, ZHONGQIANG Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist 24.

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

JIANG, BO Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist 25.

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking)

DING LI BUSINESS CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg., Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

LI, CHUNQING Mandarin Marketing And Promotion Specialist

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

26.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Good in Statistic and probability. Excellent in writing, reading and speaking in Mandarin and English.

Brief Job Description: shall interpret written or spoken marketing material into one or more other languages-mandarin, ensures meaning and context are maintained, creates glossaries or term dictionaries, possesses knowledge of multiple languages, works with individual clients and corporations. Communicating in dual language English and Mandarin Chinese (spoken and written) with clients. Analyze business market stability for management and clients satisfactory. Monitor and align the organizational goals with the target market. Conduct competitive business research and analyze benchmarking data. Recommend website and campaign optimizations. Research and implement marketing tools to support our promotional projects (automation software, social media scheduling etc.). Work closely with sales and marketing teams to identify opportunities for new client acquisition.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, type in Mandarin language. Technical skills in software as stated above Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LI, XIANQI Mandarin Marketing And Promotion Specialist

27.

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

Basic Qualification: Typing; Communication Skills; Spanish language expertise

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, type in Mandarin language. Technical skills in software as stated above Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZHANG, CUNYU Mandarin Marketing And Promotion Specialist

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

28.

Basic Qualification: With banking experience specifically in the field of corporate banking/account management/sales Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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

LIU, CHUNDONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

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

CTBC BANK (PHILIPPINES) CORP. 16-19 Flr. And Unit 2201 & 2202 2nd Flr., Fort Legend Tower, 31st. St. Cor. 3rd Ave., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

CAPSLOCK INC. 7th & 8th Flr. Y Tower Bldg., Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Ave., Brgy. 076, Pasay City

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd, 3rd, And 4th Floors, Science Hub Tower 4 Bldg., Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST Shall Answer incoming phone calls from client and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

CLOVERSENSE TECHNOLOGY INC. 29/f Robinsons Summit Center, 6783 Ayala Center, Bel-air, City Of Makati

18.

LIU, CHIA-JUNG Country Product Manager

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST Shall Answer incoming phone calls from client and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware TING TENG YII IT Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Extensive knowledge of marketing strategies, channel and branding

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

Basic Qualification: To ensure a faster and smoother flow of operation through division of labor excellent communication and leadership skills

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

TANG LOON TAT Customer Service Assistant Team Leader-Malaysian Speaking

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

ANTENG HEAVY MACHINERY CORP. Unit 18a 18/f Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: at least 1 year of work experience in technical support.

12. Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree graduate, can communicate effectively in both oral and written English and required language; knowledgeable or with experience in service desk management

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, type in Mandarin language. Technical skills in software as stated above Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

DL MANILA BRANCH 12th Flr. Menarco Tower, 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin Chinese with customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin Chinese with customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BAE, SEONGIK Administrative Manager 29.

Brief Job Description: Plan, schedule, and promote office events, including meetings, conferences, interviews, orientations, and training session.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of experience in the related field. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

A14

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LIAO, XIANGTIAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 30.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written

No.

42.

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

31.

Brief Job Description: Looking after the budget of the marketing department and making sure the budget spend is delivering a return on investment. Managing the design and production of promotional materials, such as websites and brochures.

TAN, FANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk Basic Qualification: Can work harmoniously with executive team such as the marketing director or managing director to set the marketing strategy for the business .Must be willing to hire and manage junior marketing team that includes PR and creative staff . Able to speak and communicate using mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

ZHANG, SHAOHAI Project Manager 32.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing technical issues on materials, equipment being used on projects

33.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company

43.

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

44.

34.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for producing information, transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying and transmitting data and graphics from English to Mandarin. XIONG, LU Customer Service Representative (Mandarin Speaking)

35.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for producing information, transcribing, formating, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying and transmitting data and graphics from English to Mandarin.

Basic Qualification: Extensive, thorough & fluency in Mandarin language and characters

NAM, TAE WOUNG Korean Marketing Consultant 45.

Brief Job Description: work with corporate management to improve plan and implement effective management strategies

CHIU, CHIEN-SHUO a.k.a. CHIU, MIN-HE Chinese Customer Service Representative 46.

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

LI, QIAO Chinese Customer Service Representative 47.

Basic Qualification: Extensive, thorough & fluency in Mandarin language and characters

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

CHEN, SHIN-HUNG Chinese Technical Support Representative 48.

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

GOLDEN HAMIR LENDING AND TRADING CORP. #246-d, D. Tuazon St. 1, Manresa, Quezon City

BRAR, PARMINDER SINGH Indian Loan Collector 36.

Brief Job Description: Keep track of the assigned account to identify outstanding debt

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least two (2) years work experience in the related field

SUN, YU-HSUAN a.k.a. SUN, HSIAO-HUA Chinese Technical Support Representative 49.

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

37.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in assisting customer on products and services of the company

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Chinese, and other multilingual language

50.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for achieving business and sales objectives. Develop relationships with sales channels and engage resources in support of customers （good customer relationship with Globe is a must)

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

DO TO TRAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Bachelor Degree in communication engineering of China 211 universities. 7 years overseas working experience in Telecom including 3 years in sales.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese Mandarin, English and their respective native language.

LU, SIYING Chinese Speaking Brand Marketing Specialist 56.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least 19 y/old; Ability to speak write and communicate in Chinese mandarin

57.

HU, YULONG Mandarin Customer Service Representative 58.

59.

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

NGUYEN VAN KIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 52.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese Mandarin, English and their respective native language.

39.

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

LI, FUHAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 40.

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

TANG TU LE Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 53.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

60.

VINOGRADOVA, ALENA Multilingual - Product Development Specialist 54.

LUAN, YIDONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 41.

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for producing information, transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving and transmitting text data and graphics from English to other language such as Hebrew, Malay and MonKhmer.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Hebrew, Malay and MonKhmer language.

Brief Job Description: Manage customer queries and complaints. process orders, modifications, and escalate complaints across a number of communication.

CHOI (SPOUSE OF PARK), JEONG SOON Business Consultant

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English Mandarin and other MultiLingual Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English Mandarin and other MultiLingual Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: University/college graduate, at least 1yr. Professional relevant work experience, able to speak Korean and English (or Filipino) fluently, able to read and write Korean and English with clarity.

Brief Job Description: Develop and implement marketing plan to Korean market

Basic Qualification: Proficient in SPeaking, Reading and Writing Korean and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg., Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd., Brgy. 076, Pasay City SIM SHIOW YIT Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider 62.

Brief Job Description: Open and maintain customer accounts by recording account information

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

MINDSCAPE CREATIVES INC. Unit 19-o, Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

63.

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

KE, XIAOWEI Mandarin Technical Support Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

PENG, TINGFANG Mandarin Technical Support 65.

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

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

NOCMAKATI, INC. 8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16,17,18 & 19 Floors, Century Diamond Center, Kalayaan Ave. Cor. Salamanca St. Poblacion, City Of Makati

66.

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

JUDD WISY GROUP INC. Unit 2c One Ecom Bldg., Ocean Drive Mall Of Asia Complex St. Zone 10 District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

KP JOEUN CONSULTANCY INC Unit 7 Goldland Millenia Tower, Escriva Drive Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

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

JP & L BEAUTY PRODUCTS INC. 22 The Trade And Financial Tower, 7th Ave. Cor. 32nd St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

Brief Job Description: Responsible in Answering customer questions about product and services of the company

KIM, JAEKYUNG Customer Service Representative

64. Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

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

KOREA SME BUSINESS CENTER CORP. U-1807 18/f One San Miguel Avenue Condo., San Miguel Ave. Cor. Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese mandarin, English and their respective native language

Brief Job Description: Responsible in Answering customer questions about product and services of the company

LUU HONG DUYEN Mandarin Speaking Finance Analyst

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

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

Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

KONGANBUDDIES MARKETING INC. 48/f Lower Ground Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

YANG, JIE Chinese Speaking Brand Marketing Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Chinese mandarin, English and their respective native language

Basic Qualification: Candidate must possess at least Bachelor’s/ College Degree in Business Studies/Administration/ Management, Marketing or equivalent. Excellent knowledge with communication and interpersonal skills. Active listening skill, resilience, self-motivated and competitive. Able to establish trust with the customer/clients

KAISER DYNASTY TRADING CORP. Unit 25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate preferably 6 months to 1 year marketing consultancy exp.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

CHEN, LIN Mandarin Technical Support

INFOVINE INC. 8th, 9th, 10th/f Aspire Corporate Plaza Bldg., Macapagal Blvd. St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City

CHEN, YIMING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Brief Job Description: Identify business opportunities, researching and analysing sales options. Identify product improvements or new products on industry trends, market activities, and competitors. Responsible in maintaining good relation with customers.

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

51.

38.

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

CHIEN QIN YI Malaysian Customer Service Representative

HXPT PHILIPPINES INC. 2904 World Plaza, 5th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

DU, CHENSHENG Sales Manager

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

61.

HEIGH IT SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES CORP. 20/f Zuellig Bldg., Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, Urdaneta, City Of Makati

YANG, TAO Multilingual Customer Service Representative

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

JIU ZHOU TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. 31/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Avenue, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHU, WENJING Sales Executive

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other multilingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

THONG MUN KEAT Mandarin Speaking Hr Manager

GLOBAL PACIFIC KNOWLEDGE CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 905 9/f, The Pearlbank Centre, 146 Valero St., Bel-air, City Of Makati HU, JIWEN Customer Service Representative (Mandarin Speaking)

No.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

INQUICK SERVICES INC. Unit 606 6/f Itc Bldg., 337 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin & english languages both verbal and written

FRONTIER POINT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS INC. 29/f Techzone Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

LEE SZE KAI Mandarin Customer Service

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

55.

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503, Nueva St, , Binondo, City Of Manila

WONG KOK CHIU Senior Marketing Specialist

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

SUM SOAK ENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

www.businessmirror.com.ph

67.

CHANG CONG HY Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

DINH THI NGOC ANH Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

DIP NAM PHI Chinese Customer Service Representative 68.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

DONG, FANGHENG Chinese Customer Service Representative 69.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

HOANG VI KIET Chinese Customer Service Representative 70.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

HUANG, LI Chinese Customer Service Representative 71.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

LI, JIALONG Chinese Customer Service Representative 72.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services

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

73.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for leading sales teams to reach sales targets. Sales managers are primarily tasked with

LIEW BEN LIK Multilingual Customer Service Specialist 74.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for leading sales teams to reach sales targets. Sales managers are primarily tasked with

MADSEN, THEIS ORTEGA Multilingual Customer Service Specialist 75.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for leading sales teams to reach sales targets. Sales managers are primarily tasked with

UDOMTHANGTRAKUL, SOPHON Multilingual Customer Service Specialist 76.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for leading sales teams to reach sales targets. Sales managers are primarily tasked with

ZHU, XIULING Multilingual Customer Service Specialist 77.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for leading sales teams to reach sales targets. Sales managers are primarily tasked with

82.

Brief Job Description: Planning and defining scope of the project; activity planning and sequencing; resource planning

TAN MEI YEE Business Lending Development Officer 83.

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

Brief Job Description: Develop business proposals. Analyze current and past expenses. Develop creative strategies

LEI, KEPING Chinese Customer Service Representative 84.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries. Resolving problems. Fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 LIN, LANLAN Chinese Customer Service Representative 85. Basic Qualification: 18-50 Y/O, Good organizational skills proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

86.

Basic Qualification: 18-50 Y/O, Good organizational skills proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 Y/O, Good organizational skills proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries. Resolving problems. Fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

TONG, WEIXING Chinese Customer Service Representative 87.

Basic Qualification: 18-50 Y/O, Good organizational skills proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries. Resolving problems. Fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

SHANGGUAN, YINFU Chinese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: 18-50 Y/O, Good organizational skills proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries. Resolving problems. Fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

ZHUANG, YOUBIN Chinese Customer Service Representative 88.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries. Resolving problems. Fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

78.

Brief Job Description: Responsible to do business development in the phil.

Basic Qualification: Sales professional with 13 yrs of experience for cloud based banking solutions.

YANG, HEPING Mandarin Speaking Technical Support 89.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for its system management

COLIN POWELL SUMARLIN Bahasa Indonesian Language-trade Specialist 90.

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

79.

Brief Job Description: Provide business operations support on the financial, administrative and contractual aspects of a business unit

SAE TUAN, KANOKWAN Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist 80.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the management of workflow throughout all departments within a business. The purpose of this position is to optimize daily activities and performance of the business across the abroad

Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in Mandarin. At least 6 months work related experience. Knowledgeable in computer applications

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

RUCKCHOBSANTI, NATTAKAN Data Analyst Officer 81.

Brief Job Description: Multilingual customer support, especially for other Asian languages

NOVIA ANDRIATI Bahasa Indonesian Language-trade Specialist 91.

Basic Qualification: Must be 21 yearsold above, Graduate of any Vocational or Bachelor’s Degree Course, Can speak and write Thai, Telugu, Hindi, Vietnaments, Hangul and Bahasa can also converse in English, Atleast 1-year experience as Data Analyst or Customer Service, With good oral and written communication skills, Intermediate to advance computer skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in English. Preferably 6 months to 1 yr lending development experience

HUANG, FEILI Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 94.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in English. Preferably 6 months to 1 yr lending development experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

95.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business, marketing and other relevant courses. Must fluently speak and write any of the following languages: Chinese, Bahasa Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese and Thai to cater to foreign markets

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing and other relevant courses. Must fluently speak and write any of the following languages: Chinese, Bahasa Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese and Thai to cater to foreign markets

96.

LEE, SEUNG HOON Korean Technical Support Staff 92.

Brief Job Description: Apply diagnosis utilities to aid in troubleshooting

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

TANZILA TRADING INC. U-29 3/f Bac., Bagong Milenyo F.b. Harrison St., Brgy. 076, Pasay City LING, HONGKAI Trade Marketing Specialist

93.

Brief Job Description: Creating and implementation of a trade marketing strategy. Managing brand awareness across various categories and products. Develop, implement and communicate metrics reporting processes and documentation across plants and companies with operations, marketing and sales functions, fluency in English and Mandarin Language is a must.

Basic Qualification: Strong knowledge of customer industry, ability to think critically and creativity. Fluency in English and Mandarin Language is a must. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: 300 vacancy/college graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and english speaking

Brief Job Description: maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices

Basic Qualification: 300 vacancy/college graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices, fluent in mandarin and english speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

VICCI BUSINESS CONSULTANCY CORP. 10/f Liberty Plaza, 102 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati CHAU VAN VI Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation) 97.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails, and chats, related to inquiry from client, and/or customers through Mandarin to English translation

Basic Qualification: Fluency in Mandarin language and characters 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 LIANG, SHU-HSUAN Chinese Customer Service Representative 98.

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

LIAO, BING-LIN a.k.a. LIAO, PEI-WEI Chinese Technical Support Representative 99.

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

HO YEN DIEN Vietnamese Technical Support Representative 100.

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

Basic Qualification: Atleast 19 years old Ablity to speak write and communication in vietnamese Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese Mandarin , English and their respective native language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

XUSHENG TECHNOLOGY CORP. Flr. No. 1-5 Bldg., No. 0050 F.b. Harrison St. Cor. Williams And Roberts St., Zone 4, Barangay 013, District 1, Pasay City LIANG, ZHIGANG Mandarin Speaking Technical Support 101.

Brief Job Description: Deals with hardware and application support queries and issues reported to the

Basic Qualification: FLUENT IN MANDARIN SPEAKING Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YOFC INTERNATIONAL (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION U-307-309, #99 Reliance It Center Bldg., E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Ugong, City Of Pasig

WANG, XIN Account Manager 102.

Brief Job Description: Experienced delivering client- focused solutions to customer needs.

ZHU, XI Account Manager 103.

Brief Job Description: Experienced delivering client- focused solutions to customer needs.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English language both verbal and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English language both verbal and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZENDESK, INCORPORATED 30th Floor Net Park 5th Ave., E-square Crescent Park, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

YOO, DONG RAK Technical Support Customer Advocate

SKYLUCK CORPORATION #360, Unit 243 Shaw Center Mall, Shaw Blvd., Penthouse Shaw It Center, City Of Mandaluyong Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language / preferably six (6) months experience in office staff

Brief Job Description: maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices

NGUYEN TRONG NGHIA IT Specialist

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: College graduate. Fluent in English. Preferably 6 months to 1 yr lending development experience

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

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product, and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

HU, JIAHAO Chinese IT Specialist

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in English. Preferably 6 months to 1 yr lending development experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

PACIFIC SEA BPO SERVICES, INC. 16/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: Good social and presentation skills; Excellent oral and written communication skills

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in English. Preferably 6 months to 1 yr lending development experience

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West, Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

SHANG SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 11/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Bel-air, City Of Makati

OUTWIT, INC. 2/f Marvin Plaza, 2153 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

ERIC HENDRYSON Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in English. Preferably 6 months to 1 yr lending development experience

SEAGULL-WORLD INC. Unit 2807 28/f Cityland, Pasong Tamo Tower, 2210 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

ORADIAN INC. 6/f Polaris Center Bldg., 48 Polaris St., Poblacion, City Of Makati

JAIN, NITIN Business Development Executive

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, or a related field, excellent oral and written communication both in English and mandarin Chinese; strong public speaking skills

No.

RIGHT CHOICE FINANCE CORP. 5e-1 Electra House Bldg., 115-117 Esteban Street, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LIU, HAORAN Chinese Project Manager

A15

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

PHILIPPINES FIBER OPTIC CABLE NETWORK LTD., INC. Unit 2802-2803, 28th Floor, The Podium, Adb Avenue, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English

OPTIMORE INC. Unit 3-c 3/f Lpl Tower, 112 Legaspi St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

BJORNDAL, THORE GEORGE Multilingual Customer Service Specialist

No.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

104.

Brief Job Description: You take ownership of customer issues through resolution, are emphatic, responsive, resourceful, and see the support experience through our customers. Excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills - you must convey technical jargon in a wide - array syntax from beginner level users to developers.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in writing, reading, and speaking korean and english, has basic knowledge of various mobile platforms; IOS, Android, windows phone, black berry and has at least three years of technical support experience Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 *Date Generated: Dec 27, 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.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

PLDT bags 45K telco permits

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

LDT Inc. said it was able to secure a record number of permits this year, as the government reduced red tape and streamlined permitting guidelines for telco infrastructure builds. Alfredo S. Panlilio, the company’s president, said the PLDT and wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. secured over 45,000 fixed and wireless permits this year. “A s t he economy re-opens and our countrymen continue to recover from the pandemic, the demand for reliable internet connectivity only continues to accelerate. As such, we are one

with our government in ensuring faster delivery of quality connectivity to more Filipinos nationwide,” he said. The Anti-Red Tape Authority, National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Information and Communications Technology earlier eased permitting requirements for telco infrastructure given the huge demand

for Internet connectivity due to the pandemic. “Government initiatives such as the streamlining of permitting guidelines for our cell sites and fiber lines are really helpful in expediting the expansion of our network across the country,” Panlilio added. These include the simplification of the permitting process for cable laying, including the erection of poles, construction of underground fiber ducts, and installation of cables and facilities along national, local, and subdivision roads, including pavements and sidewalks. PLDT claims to have the most extensive fiber infrastructure with 615,000 kilometers as of end-September and the widest 5G network with around 6,400 base stations nationwide. In March, PLDT said expects its telco core income to grow by about 6 percent to as much as P30 billion

this year, driven mainly by the projected growth of its home, wireless and enterprise businesses. Manuel V. Pangilinan, the company’s president and chairman, said the profit guidance of P29 billion to P30 billion is in line with the continued growth of the telco’s bottomline, as it continues to surmount the negative effects of the pandemic. Pangilinan said the home broadband business will likely post a high double-digit growth, while both wireless and enterprise verticals will be in the high single-digit levels. Revenues this year, he added, are expected to post a high single-digit increase, which he described as “a compulsive number.” Pangilinan is optimistic that the company will move past the P30billion telco core income mark in the coming years, as the company introduces new solutions in the market beyond connectivity.

Fruitas board greenlights IPO of bakery unit

he board of food and beverage kiosks operator Fruitas Holdings Inc. has approved the initial public offering (IPO) of its wholly-owned subsidiary, bakery operator Balai Ni Fruitas Inc., which it plans to complete by the end of the first quarter of 2022. In a disclosure, the company said it will file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange

Commission for its P309-million IPO, proceeds of which will be used mainly to support Balai’s store network expansion, commissary setup and to fund future acquisitions. Balai will issue up to 325 million primary common shares. Fruitas will sell its 50 million secondary common shares in Balai and another 37.5 million as its overallotment option. The IPO shares have been set at

an indicative price of P0.75 apiece. The public float after the offer can reach 27.6 percent of Balai’s total issued shares if the over-allotment option is fully exercised, the company said. The company plans to run the offer period in March 2022, and targets to list on the PSE’s SME board before the end of the first quarter of 2022. “We evaluated several capital-

raising options to fund the next phase of growth of Balai. Given the significant growth prospects of the bakery sector, distinct from the kiosks within Fruitas Holdings, we decided to undertake an IPO for Balai. This will provide Balai its own resources to take advantage of the opportunities presented to it,” Lester Yu, Balai and Fruitas president and CEO, said. VG Cabuag

Meralco backs Green EDSA Movement By Lenie Lectura @llectura

he Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has joined the Green EDSA Movement (GEM) in transforming EDSA into a green and people-friendly thoroughfare. GEM is an initiative led by private sector leaders and environment advocates. It gathers organizations from various sectors to declare their solidarity in making EDSA a safer place, where people mobility is prioritized over vehicle mobility, public transportation is fueled by clean energy, and greenways are developed. In support of GEM, Meralco is currently converting its companymanaged streetlights along EDSA to LEDs, for energy conservation and efficiency. Further, as part of Meralco’s heightening efforts to drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support and promote the country’s transition to electric vehicles, it is electrifying its vehicle fleet across its sector offices and business centers, including those situated in EDSA. Through its subsidiary, eSakay, Inc., Meralco also provides green transport options for its institutional customers and for the riding public. Meralco’s corporate social responsibility arm, One MERALCO Foundation, is likewise prepared to partner with GEM in making EDSA a tree-lined greenway, through its One for Trees program which aims to sus-

tainably plant and nurture trees in Philippine forests and critical watersheds. To date, Meralco has planted more than one million trees in sites in Bulacan, Cebu, and Panay, with a target of five million trees by 2025. “We are deeply committed to our civic duty to protect the environment, which enables us to lead lives in continuing socio-economic prosperity, ecological balance, and general well-being,” said GEM Chairman Eduardo H. Yap. “We aim to transform EDSA through robust advocacy for publicprivate partnership in carrying out green improvement projects,” he added. The partnership and collaboration between the public and private sectors on the Green EDSA Movement will be vital in the restoration of EDSA into a safe and cleaner place for all. “I am convinced that the Green EDSA Movement is an excellent initiative and distinctive opportunity for us to work with like-minded individuals and organizations as we further Meralco’s sustainability agenda, which is anchored on promoting the well-being of communities, creating better lives for our stakeholders, and powering the good life for all,” said Meralco President Ray C. Espinosa. Meralco’s sustainability agenda is anchored on four pillars—Power, Planet, People, Prosperity—and supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

CTS Global aims to finance expansion via ₧1.37-B IPO

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

tock broker CTS Global Equity Group Inc. has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) that could raise P1.37 billion for its overseas expansion.

In the registration statement it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company, formerly known as Citisecurities Inc., will offer to the public some 1.37 billion in primary common shares at an indicative price of P1 apiece. Its offer will begin on February 21 and its shares will be listed on the small, medium and emerging (SME) board of the Philippine Stock Ex-

change on March 9. Its shares will be traded under the ticker symbol CTS. The company engaged SB Capital Investment Corp. as the issue manager, underwriter and bookrunner for the transaction. CTS Global was established to engage in the business of equities trading. It uses its expertise to capitalize on opportunities on a local and global scale through trading of equities

listed in various stock exchanges, its documents read. Currently, the company has a pool of over 30 individual traders who manage a combined capital amounting to P550 million. Most of the proceeds of its IPO, or about P1.23 billion will be used to scale up it operations globally. “For the past few years, the company has consistently generated profits from its assets under management but was not able to maximize its bottomline profit due to overhead expenses. As the traders scale their accounts using the existing strategy, the company’s overhead expenses will stay the same, giving a promising opportunity for its operating leverage,” it said. “For the past decade, the company maintained its capital stock at P200 million, only raising it to P500 million in the last quarter of 2019 and an additional P50 million in 2020.

A further increase in capital to be deployed in the global markets is the key to CTS Global taking it to the next level.” It will allocate some P20 million to build the client accounts management segment and offer its services to interested clients as it hires more talent in the new departments and creates the client acquisition and support infrastructure. During the first few years in business, this segment will need the capital to fund the initial expansion in operation, it said. The remaining balance of about P100 million will be used for general corporate purposes, such as any adjustments needed depending on the country’s pandemic recovery. This may be in the form of developing the company-owned office space to the extent necessary or further improvements in the digital systems for the work-from-home arrangement.

ERC issues COC to GNPower coal plant S ome 700megawatts (MW) of additional capacity will be added to the Luzon grid after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) released Monday a Certificate of Compliance (COC) to GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD). “With the issuance of a COC to GNPD, it can now commercially operate and inject power to the Luzon Grid that will provide the much needed additional power supply to meet the increasing demand for power this

holiday season and up to the election period,” ERC Chairperson and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera said. The COC is for the first unit (724.965 MW) of GNPower Dinginin coal plant in Mariveles, Bataan. The GNPD’s generation facility is composed of two 668 MW net supercritical coal-fired power plant and its associated facilities are connected to the Luzon grid via an interim connection to the Mariveles Substation. The final connection of the genera-

tion assets will be connected to the New Mariveles (Alas-asin) 500 kV Switching station of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). The COC granted to GNPD, however, is only for its Unit 1, as Unit 2 is still undergoing construction, and yet to complete test and com-

missioning. GNPD, in consultation and coordination with the NGCP and the Department of Energy (DOE) moved its internal test for Unit 1 last November 30 in view of the current demand and supply situation, and to support the grid during the Malampaya’s outage. Lenie Lectura

mutual funds

December 27, 2021

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

228.81

-0.14%

-3.1%

-0.2%

0.71%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.6482

25.06%

5.18%

4.9%

25.53%

0.4%

-6.49%

-2.94%

1.45%

-5.51% n.a.

-7.41%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1783

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7526 -7.16% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7609 1.55% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

5.0987

-2.41% n.a.

2.6%

2.23%

-0.93%

1.56%

3.19%

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

0.7677

-0.05%

-2.61%

-2.14%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

94.41

-6.94%

-7.32% n.a.

-7.32%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

47.1423

-0.26%

-1.36%

1.63%

0.65%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

491.54

-0.33%

-1.42%

0.85%

0.53%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d

1.1451

5.32% n.a. n.a.

4.36%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.3328

13.45%

2.12%

3.43%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

35.8869

2.67%

-0.61%

2.14%

3.21% 0.93%

14.09%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9215

0.13% n.a. n.a.

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.8589

0.49%

-0.61%

2.25%

1.41%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

811.46

0.34%

-0.62%

2.2%

1.23%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7405

1.81%

-4.78%

-1.05%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.7064

1.23%

-2.9%

0.55%

2.28%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.925 -0.11%

-0.97%

1.91%

0.8%

United Fund, Inc. -a

-1.05%

2.68%

1.99%

3.3847

1.12%

-1.12%

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

109.1716

0.61%

-0.41%

2.69%

1.5%

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

$1.1269

-4.84%

7.14%

6.4%

-6.32%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.8304

10.32%

18.84%

12.04%

9.42%

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

1.6707

0.1%

0.42%

0.45%

0.13%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2551

-1.7%

0.84%

0.79%

-1.33%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6646

0.88%

1.71%

2.57%

1.44%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.2062

3.31% n.a. n.a.

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

2.72%

2.68%

1.48%

1.9962

1.23%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.7222

-2.21%

1.8%

1.67%

-1.79%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.6574

-2.08%

1.61%

-1.67%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0968

-0.37%

0.47%

1.41%

0.27%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.6039 0.29%

-0.36%

1.17%

0.86%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9808

-4.39% n.a. n.a.

-4.09%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9287

-2.95% n.a. n.a.

-2.16%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.9173

-2.51% n.a. n.a.

-1.69%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

0.94

4.97%

0.69%

1.53%

4.09%

5.89%

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

$0.03797

-3.06%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0639

-6.95% 6.53%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.1943 1.39%

7.29%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.7712

2.54%

1.74%

-2.89%

0.95%

4.01%

-5.85%

13.12%

8.92%

5.73%

4.7%

0.91%

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

374.3

0.89%

2.92%

2.61%

0.86%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.8841

-0.82%

0.46%

-0.17%

-0.85%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2426

0.92%

2.98%

3.93%

0.85%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2488

-2.11%

1.81%

1.69%

-2.15%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4234 -1.13%

3.14%

1.98%

-1.21%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.3923

-5.17%

3.86%

1.79%

-5.13%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3204

0.05%

3.78%

2.83%

-0.07%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9769

-0.22%

4.3%

2.84%

-0.6%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0283

-1.04%

4.84%

2.22%

-1.46%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1867

-0.33%

4.89%

3.65%

-0.61%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

-1.11%

2.99%

-1.44%

1.7298

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

$489.48

1.2%

2.98%

2.54%

1.13%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є219.95

0.37%

1.14%

1.01%

0.33%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2028

-5.97%

2.26%

1.87%

-6.02%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.026 -2.26%

1.45%

1.03%

-2.26%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

-6.35%

3.34%

-0.39%

-6.09% -1.23%

$1.0236

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.5088

-1.01%

4.94%

3.1%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.0623373

-0.08%

3.03%

2.04%

0.06%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1967 -0.89%

3.63%

1.99%

-0.83%

2.56%

1.04%

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

131.17

1.09%

2.78%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0578 0.96% n.a. n.a. Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1

1.3153

1.48%

2.58%

2.53%

0.93% 1.42%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0605

0.79%

1.45% n.a.

0.65%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d 1.3579

22.63% n.a. n.a.

20.21%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a,d

$0.97

-1.02% n.a. n.a.

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

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

FINANCIALs

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS FERRONOUX HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH VANTAGE

130,830 107,378,714 48,060,484.50 2,953,390 277,553 56,294,270.50 946 1,816,834 4,510 40,060 134,119,665 4,954,342 10,020 74,440 132,000 29,340 18,960 112,200 14,936 19,040

32,850,127 3,403,714.50 -129,070 -1,511,730.50 -21,604.00 2,564,289 -829,498 -61,950 -30,000 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 11.18 11.2 11.28 11.3 11.04 11.18 9,973,200 111,012,842 ABOITIZ POWER 30.5 30.7 31 31 30.5 30.5 835,300 25,525,710 0.63 0.64 0.62 0.64 0.61 0.64 14,071,000 8,717,900 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 27.25 27.5 27.75 27.75 27 27.5 181,900 4,978,090 70.05 70.1 71.5 71.5 70 70.05 86,680 6,072,939 FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO 301 302 299 301.4 298 301 86,770 26,039,284 24.75 24.8 25 25 24.45 24.75 391,000 9,598,325 MANILA WATER PETRON 3.13 3.15 3.12 3.17 3.12 3.13 729,000 2,290,850 10.44 10.86 10.86 10.86 10.86 10.86 1,000 10,860 PHX PETROLEUM SYNERGY GRID 13.08 13.14 13.4 13.4 13 13.08 4,138,100 54,146,240 PILIPINAS SHELL 19.22 19.62 19.48 19.56 19.22 19.22 187,300 3,645,646 13.8 13.82 13.9 14 13.78 13.82 79,800 1,105,126 SPC POWER SOLAR PH 1.37 1.38 1.15 1.4 1.15 1.38 619,955,000 796,508,760 4.83 4.84 4.27 4.84 4.27 4.84 1,238,000 5,531,970 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 2.88 2.89 2.86 2.95 2.84 2.89 2,129,000 6,275,200 27.55 27.7 27 27.55 27 27.55 9,926,400 273,430,685 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 15.76 15.8 16.4 16.4 15.6 15.8 214,000 3,403,940 DNL INDUS 8.79 8.82 8.83 8.95 8.78 8.79 1,529,000 13,504,844 19.5 19.52 19.16 19.7 18.98 19.52 1,373,200 26,423,100 EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV 69.7 69.75 71.9 71.9 69.75 69.75 199,850 13,963,167.50 0.59 0.63 0.62 0.62 0.59 0.62 335,000 207,260 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.21 1.22 1.21 1.24 1.21 1.21 11,737,000 14,327,950 108.2 109 110.5 113.9 108 108.2 15,890 1,750,644 GINEBRA JOLLIBEE 217.6 220 219 221.4 216.8 217.6 234,540 51,510,696 1.33 1.35 1.33 1.36 1.32 1.34 6,195,000 8,230,000 KEEPERS HLDG MAXS GROUP 6.49 6.5 6.65 6.65 6.5 6.5 23,400 153,107 MG HLDG 0.15 0.157 0.15 0.157 0.15 0.157 120,000 18,070 15.8 15.82 15.84 16 15.74 15.82 3,533,100 56,091,810 MONDE NISSIN SHAKEYS PIZZA 10.12 10.24 10.4 10.6 10.08 10.12 155,400 1,608,482 0.66 0.68 0.65 0.73 0.65 0.68 5,291,000 3,606,090 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 4.6 4.65 4.65 4.65 4.65 4.65 8,000 37,200 129.2 130 130 130 127.5 129.2 361,260 46,482,141 UNIV ROBINA VITARICH 0.71 0.72 0.69 0.72 0.69 0.72 286,000 205,600 1.04 1.05 1.05 1.06 1.03 1.05 1,114,000 1,164,360 CEMEX HLDG 14.12 14.46 14.06 14.44 14.06 14.44 1,000 14,306 EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP 6.45 6.55 6.67 6.67 6.45 6.45 72,000 470,143 5.4 5.49 5.5 5.5 5.35 5.4 23,200 126,792 HOLCIM MEGAWIDE 5.05 5.1 5.1 5.11 5.01 5.05 242,300 1,226,352 19.64 20 20 20.1 19.7 20 47,000 937,760 PHINMA TKC METALS 0.77 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 20,000 15,600 0.92 0.94 0.92 0.94 0.92 0.93 585,000 538,780 VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA 1.69 1.7 1.69 1.7 1.69 1.7 22,000 37,200 EUROMED 1.45 1.53 1.45 1.5 1.45 1.5 34,000 50,850 5.66 5.75 5.69 5.76 5.65 5.76 112,900 643,671 PRYCE CORP GREENERGY 2.33 2.34 2.32 2.35 2.31 2.35 3,841,000 8,950,360 8.5 8.53 8.51 8.61 8.5 8.5 284,300 2,419,854 INTEGRATED MICR IONICS 0.69 0.71 0.7 0.7 0.69 0.69 86,000 60,150 5.8 6.01 6.01 6.02 6 6.01 12,600 75,729 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 1.08 1.12 1.12 1.14 1.09 1.12 55,000 60,940 3.8 3.84 3.86 3.89 3.7 3.84 1,216,000 4,591,400 CIRTEK HLDG

27,855,454 -6,316,355 283,960 -1,465,365 -3,647,979 -2,133,506 141,105 -295,110 -143,086 1,240,302 91,180 1,828,720 540,020 5,720 -3,210,640 -272,140 272,790 551,948 -1,093,272 -120,611 -11,420,126 -6,550 -6,322,328 -2,120 1,699,690 -27,293,229 -206,090 -287,430 -15,600 16,900 13,350 6,918,130 -272,065 10,500 1,140 -185,690

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER ZEUS HLDG

43.5 125.2 93.05 25.9 9.36 54.6 8.73 19.6 56.5 20 117.4 102.3 1.56 4.13 0.63 3.23 880.5 0.6 211.4 0.84

0.92 873 57.85 11.92 7.56 0.89 0.39 5.16 7.58 572.5 54.05 6.1 2.92 9.95 0.38 3.95 1.11 2.81 967 113 120.3 0.166

45.5 125.5 94 26 9.4 55 9.46 19.74 57.5 20.2 118 103 1.66 4.15 0.66 3.32 947.5 0.67 215.8 0.85

0.93 879.5 58.05 12 7.9 0.9 0.415 5.17 7.6 574 54.4 6.2 2.98 9.96 0.415 3.96 1.18 3 975 114 128.8 0.17

43.7 122.8 91 25.8 9.38 54.6 9.46 19.58 56 19.7 117.2 101.9 1.67 4.13 0.66 3.23 948 0.6 212 0.9

0.91 865 56.55 12 7.9 0.88 0.395 5.17 7.67 568.5 53.5 6.2 2.94 9.98 0.375 3.96 1.11 2.95 960 113.9 128.9 0.167

43.7 125.5 94 26 9.44 55 9.46 19.6 57.5 20.2 118 104.6 1.67 4.18 0.66 3.32 948 0.6 215.8 0.9

0.95 883 58.15 12.1 7.9 0.9 0.395 5.21 7.67 576 54.35 6.2 2.94 9.98 0.375 3.96 1.19 3 975 114 128.9 0.17

43.6 122.5 91 25.8 9.35 53.65 9.46 19.44 56 19.7 117.1 101.1 1.67 4.13 0.66 3.23 948 0.6 211.4 0.84

0.91 864 56.5 11.88 7.9 0.88 0.39 5.15 7.5 568.5 53.25 6.2 2.9 9.78 0.375 3.91 1.1 2.95 960 112.5 128.9 0.166

43.6 125.5 94 26 9.4 55 9.46 19.6 57.5 20 118 102.3 1.67 4.13 0.66 3.32 948 0.6 215.8 0.85

0.93 879.5 58.05 12 7.9 0.9 0.39 5.16 7.58 574 54.05 6.2 2.9 9.95 0.375 3.95 1.18 3 975 114 128.9 0.166

3,000 862,120 520,410 113,700 29,500 1,033,870 100 93,300 80 2,000 1,138,670 48,440 6,000 18,000 200,000 9,000 20 187,000 70 22,000

5,409,000 132,370 716,050 821,400 2,200 123,000 70,000 240,300 5,467,100 133,070 310,070 17,800 200,000 917,600 10,000 4,767,000 24,000 371,000 57,670 62,440 400,000 570,000

4,993,000 116,178,505 41,436,334 9,829,810 17,380 108,980 27,450 1,239,866 41,399,781 76,017,395 16,714,669.50 110,360 583,270 9,081,616 3,750 18,793,100 27,010 1,112,950 55,832,865 7,089,550 51,560,000 95,090

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.63 68,000 42,690 AYALA LAND 35.4 35.5 35.35 35.8 35.25 35.5 2,451,900 86,989,540 6.2 6.24 6.28 6.4 6.12 6.2 2,994,100 18,649,871 AYALA LAND LOG ARANETA PROP 0.95 1.02 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.03 1,000 1,030 48.8 48.85 48.95 49 48.5 48.8 566,800 27,662,770 AREIT RT A BROWN 0.77 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.77 0.8 84,000 64,940 0.73 0.74 0.72 0.73 0.72 0.73 37,000 26,930 CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES 0.098 0.105 0.098 0.105 0.098 0.105 11,050,000 1,083,110 2.72 2.73 2.74 2.74 2.72 2.72 515,000 1,402,770 CEB LANDMASTERS 0.395 0.4 0.39 0.4 0.39 0.4 5,070,000 2,002,650 CENTURY PROP DOUBLEDRAGON 7.1 7.11 7.07 7.1 7.01 7.1 510,700 3,610,170 1.78 1.79 1.78 1.79 1.78 1.79 1,718,000 3,062,180 DDMP RT DM WENCESLAO 6.76 6.78 6.76 6.78 6.76 6.78 31,800 215,208 0.33 0.335 0.33 0.345 0.33 0.33 39,990,000 13,417,300 EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST RT 7.35 7.39 7.4 7.4 7.34 7.35 825,200 6,074,844 1.09 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.08 1.09 5,075,000 5,524,420 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 0.91 0.92 0.89 0.92 0.89 0.92 10,817,000 9,631,890 8990 HLDG 11.28 11.3 11.54 11.88 11.3 11.3 677,600 7,843,458 530 540 520.5 540 520.5 540 80 42,615 GOLDEN MV PHIL INFRADEV 1.12 1.13 1.15 1.15 1.12 1.13 633,000 714,730 3.05 3.36 3.05 3.05 3.05 3.05 7,000 21,350 KEPPEL PROP CITY AND LAND 0.86 0.87 0.86 0.87 0.86 0.87 7,000 6,080 3.14 3.16 3.18 3.18 3.12 3.14 6,321,000 19,889,880 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 0.246 0.247 0.245 0.248 0.245 0.246 6,700,000 1,647,840 18.3 18.32 18.32 18.34 18.24 18.32 713,900 13,055,474 MREIT RT PHIL ESTATES 0.54 0.55 0.51 0.55 0.51 0.54 3,310,000 1,758,470 PRIMEX CORP 2.04 2.06 1.93 2.08 1.93 2.04 380,000 755,590 7.4 7.41 7.55 7.55 7.32 7.41 1,748,400 12,859,335 RL COMM RT ROBINSONS LAND 18.6 18.62 18.62 18.7 18.5 18.62 1,708,400 31,776,168 0.204 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.204 0.204 40,000 8,280 PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL 1.5 1.52 1.52 1.52 1.5 1.5 21,000 31,520 2.6 2.61 2.61 2.61 2.61 2.61 12,000 31,320 SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND 2.61 2.89 2.88 2.89 2.88 2.89 10,000 28,830 34.5 34.65 34.8 34.95 34.4 34.5 4,539,800 156,569,355 SM PRIME HLDG 1.09 1.12 1.07 1.1 1.07 1.1 283,000 306,660 SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND 3.48 3.49 3.5 3.52 3.49 3.49 549,000 1,920,340 SERVICES ABS CBN 12.44 12.46 12.46 12.52 12.44 12.44 34,700 432,726 GMA NETWORK 13.72 13.8 13.62 13.8 13.56 13.72 263,200 3,594,874 0.42 0.45 0.445 0.45 0.445 0.45 90,000 40,150 MANILA BULLETIN GLOBE TELECOM 3,412 3,416 3,346 3,416 3,342 3,412 7,600 25,704,320 1,841 1,860 1,836 1,864 1,831 1,860 23,730 43,728,560 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.076 0.077 0.078 0.079 0.076 0.077 96,460,000 7,424,020 32.8 32.9 33 33 32.1 32.9 2,274,900 73,971,945 CONVERGE DFNN INC 2.49 2.5 2.38 2.5 2.38 2.49 361,000 889,280 5.04 5.05 5.09 5.09 4.98 5.04 7,937,700 39,838,405 DITO CME HLDG 1.7 1.77 1.75 1.8 1.75 1.8 28,000 49,050 JACKSTONES NOW CORP 1.23 1.25 1.23 1.25 1.22 1.25 615,000 757,290 0.295 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.295 0.295 1,330,000 395,950 TRANSPACIFIC BR 2GO GROUP 7.58 7.79 7.99 7.99 7.56 7.56 2,100 16,215 13.88 14 13.88 13.88 13.88 13.88 100 1,388 ASIAN TERMINALS CHELSEA 1.61 1.62 1.65 1.65 1.6 1.62 223,000 357,810 43 43.25 43.65 43.65 43 43 322,400 13,870,415 CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER 194.8 198 194 198 192.6 198 309,200 60,498,713 LBC EXPRESS 23.5 23.75 21.05 23.5 21 23.5 121,800 2,840,005 5.25 5.3 5.23 5.34 5.2 5.3 333,400 1,744,334 MACROASIA HARBOR STAR 0.9 0.91 0.92 0.93 0.89 0.91 41,000 37,430 1.6 1.66 1.65 1.67 1.65 1.67 32,000 53,020 ACESITE HOTEL DISCOVERY WORLD 1.8 1.9 1.88 1.97 1.85 1.92 204,000 388,930 535 550 550 550 550 550 30 16,500 FAR EASTERN U IPEOPLE 7.4 7.55 7.55 7.55 7.55 7.55 1,500 11,325 0.345 0.355 0.345 0.345 0.345 0.345 1,700,000 586,500 STI HLDG BELLE CORP 1.37 1.38 1.37 1.39 1.37 1.39 3,000 4,150 BLOOMBERRY 6.48 6.5 6.38 6.54 6.36 6.5 2,025,900 13,109,246 1.77 1.86 1.86 1.86 1.86 1.86 1,000 1,860 PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES 1.41 1.43 1.41 1.43 1.41 1.43 414,000 585,060 0.76 0.77 0.79 0.8 0.77 0.78 216,000 168,510 PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE 0.43 0.435 0.435 0.44 0.43 0.43 410,000 176,900 1.86 1.9 1.86 1.9 1.85 1.9 330,000 612,140 PHILWEB ALLDAY 0.63 0.64 0.64 0.65 0.63 0.64 24,699,000 15,697,820 6.79 6.89 6.85 7 6.5 6.79 506,800 3,406,786 BERJAYA ALLHOME 8.3 8.31 8.43 8.43 8.3 8.31 687,500 5,759,798 METRO RETAIL 1.43 1.44 1.43 1.43 1.4 1.43 499,000 713,050 37.9 38.1 38.5 38.6 37.9 37.95 721,200 27,406,630 PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL 65.9 66.25 66.7 66.75 66 66.25 352,600 23,464,909 88 90.9 88 88 88 88 27,390 2,410,320 PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP 1.11 1.12 1.11 1.14 1.1 1.12 771,000 859,610 30.1 31 30.05 31 30 31 9,388,100 290,701,040 WILCON DEPOT IPM HLDG 7 7.05 7.02 7.06 7.02 7.06 2,900 20,422 MEDILINES 1.29 1.3 1.3 1.33 1.3 1.3 7,334,000 9,612,600 0.54 0.56 0.52 0.57 0.51 0.54 10,109,000 5,414,130 PRMIERE HORIZON MINING & OIL ATOK 5.54 5.72 5.78 5.93 5.51 5.72 64,800 372,767 1.34 1.38 1.39 1.39 1.32 1.34 1,126,000 1,498,190 APEX MINING ATLAS MINING 5.97 5.99 5.96 6.01 5.96 5.99 436,700 2,615,056 5.06 5.15 5.05 5.05 5.05 5.05 9,500 47,975 BENGUET A COAL ASIA HLDG 0.27 0.28 0.26 0.27 0.26 0.27 100,000 26,500 2.55 2.8 2.78 2.8 2.78 2.8 100,000 278,900 CENTURY PEAK FERRONICKEL 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.08 2.06 2.06 1,336,000 2,753,050 0.131 0.134 0.131 0.134 0.129 0.131 3,970,000 519,820 LEPANTO A MARCVENTURES 1.05 1.08 1.07 1.08 1.06 1.08 141,000 150,880 NIHAO 0.96 1.04 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 6,000 5,760 5.12 5.18 5.15 5.21 5.09 5.18 1,095,400 5,624,935 NICKEL ASIA ORNTL PENINSULA 0.72 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.72 0.72 142,000 102,720 5.01 5.02 4.94 5.04 4.87 5.01 225,000 1,122,040 PX MINING SEMIRARA MINING 21.4 21.5 21.7 21.7 21.15 21.5 154,000 3,292,015 0.0061 0.0064 0.0063 0.0064 0.0063 0.0064 3,000,000 19,000 UNITED PARAGON ACE ENEXOR 41.75 41.8 38 41.9 38 41.8 1,357,600 54,275,155 ORNTL PETROL A 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.011 2,200,000 23,600 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.011 15,500,000 167,200 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL 0.0093 0.0095 0.0088 0.0096 0.0088 0.0096 27,000,000 252,100 5.98 5.99 5.99 6.05 5.97 5.99 68,000 406,692 PXP ENERGY PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 100.5 100.9 100.9 100.9 100.9 100.9 50 5,045 AC PREF B2R 513 524.5 512 512 512 512 200 102,400 42.8 42.95 42.9 42.95 42.8 42.95 6,700 287,180 CEB PREF CPG PREF A 102.1 103 103 103 103 103 1,980 203,940 100.6 101.5 101.5 101.5 100.8 100.8 1,500 151,308 DD PREF EEI PREF B 105.6 105.8 105.6 105.8 105.6 105.6 7,500 792,020 102.5 108.3 110.1 110.1 100 100 20,010 2,028,621 FGEN PREF G GTCAP PREF A 1,010 1,027 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,010 50 50,500 1,005 1,010 1,005 1,005 1,005 1,005 5 5,025 JFC PREF A 1,004 1,019 1,003 1,003 1,003 1,003 60 60,180 JFC PREF B MWIDE PREF 4 100.1 100.8 100.9 100.9 100.9 100.9 10 1,009 102 102.5 102.5 102.5 102.5 102.5 2,370 242,925 PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 996 1,000 998 999 998 998 720 718,670 1,095 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 1,100 115 126,500 PCOR PREF 3B SMC PREF 2F 79 79.75 79 79.9 78.25 79.9 851,450 68,011,212.50 75.65 76.45 75.95 75.95 75.95 75.95 800,300 60,782,785 SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I 78.4 79.65 78 78.4 78 78.4 16,240 1,268,534 SMC PREF 2K 75.7 75.9 75.7 75.7 75.7 75.7 500 37,850 53 53.5 53.1 53.1 53.1 53.1 8,600 456,660 TECH PREF B2D PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 12.1 13.3 12.1 12.1 12.1 12.1 200 2,420 GMA HLDG PDR 13.06 13.44 13.02 13.06 13.02 13.06 43,100 561,542 WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.81 0.83 0.85 0.85 0.8 0.83 1,469,000 1,192,120

502,650 -15,378,920 6,017,896 -5,474,966 806,237 -3,101,289 8,663,230 -5,541,465 -574,570 -1,518,108 -4,184,010 -1,086,000 -1,077,630 -3,777,858 -17,000 6,200 3,597,410 -1,286,172 20,604,730 6,570 -40,650 -15,750 -27,478 -91,400 -263,500 1,352,386 -4,086,430 105,374 541,070 -2,921,160 9,800 -784,366 -1,800 983,451 -4,136,762 30,000 28,710 -48,908,125.00 85,600 -157,080 -3,854,000 -10,095,375 -19,500 -21,416,155 7,251,495 -1,255,645 -776,200 -15,765 -27,600.00 2,476,638 -8,580 -6,840 8,600 -3,740 21,120 3,223,681 -4,671,800 -2,393,322.50 -479,600 -3,316,845 -132,730 361,650 1,370 33,656 278,900 20,330 -2,677,553 -74,370 -664,350 1,481,195 - -222,840 -5,025 -60,180 - - -

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP -1.02% ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MAKATI FINANCE MERRYMART

newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

December 27, 2021

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

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the

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20.05 1.28 2.95 2.45 2.52

20.1 1.29 3 2.55 2.53

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

109.7

110.2

21.15 1.32 2.98 2.45 2.33

21.15 1.32 3 2.55 2.52

20 1.28 2.98 2.45 2.33

20.1 1.28 3 2.45 2.52

124,600 56,000 10,000 100,000 11,732,000

2,509,350 72,450 29,960 245,100 28,470,360

1,448,980

109.4 110.2 109 110.2 7,720 845,740 27,382

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Now, worker’s ‘bale’ may be obtained through an app By Roderick Abad

@rodrik_28

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AYKEY, a fintech company based in Israel, bared that it is in advance talks with some leading banks in the Philippines to introduce the first Earned Wage Access (EWA) app in the local market in early 2022. EWA is a concept that is now fast becoming a global trend. It allows employees to access their salary before payday and release their already earned stipend with a click of a button. Workers in the Philippines get paid once or twice a month on payday, and it’s been like this for many years which, according to PayKey Chief Innovation Officer and General Manager Roy Gabriel, is “a very outdated way of looking at how salaries are paid.” “If they need money to pay bills and other unanticipated expenses, especially amid the new normal, they need to find another solution. They would ask for an advance, or what Filipinos call ‘bale’, from their employers, or even borrow from their family and friends, or take a loan from external lenders, which, sometimes can get stressful and painful,” he said. “All these happen because they’re waiting for their payday even if they already have worked and earned their money. Employees have this money but cannot access it even when they need it. It’s a very archaic way of looking at employees and salaries and, we want to change that by empowering them through EWA,” he added. With EWA app, banks can offer this to their corporate clients so employers can include it as an employment benefit to their Filipino workers. It works by just going to the app to see how much money they earned to date. Then, they can request an advance on salary via the app. Since

its feature allows them to transfer the funds to their linked bank account immediately, they can expect the money to be credited as soon as the payment has been confirmed. Employees do not only get benefitted from the PayKey EWA app, but also the employers because it motivates productivity among their workers and empowers them to take charge of their finances. Based on a recent study published by Visa, 84 percent of the 1,000 surveyed participants “worry about finances while at work,” and 68 percent indicated that financial worries affect their health and productiveness. Also, it indicates that over eight out of 10 employees spend time at work thinking about or dealing with finances each week. Per the 2018 Special Report: Financial Stress and the Bottom Line by PwC, on the other hand, the production cost due to the financial stress amounts to an estimated $3.3 million, excluding the $166,000 cost for failure to report to work for a company with 10,000 employees. “Simply put, everyone earns with EWA. The employer gets a happier, more productive worker, the employee feels less stressed and is taking control over his life, and the bank gets to offer a new product in the salary arena. This is an area where we did not see any innovation in such a long time,” Gabriel said. The top executive also emphasized that the solution serves as “a major selling point in a competitive job market” as it aids easier recruitment. “In the Philippines, the generation is getting younger. With the coming of age of digital native generations, such as millennials and GenZs, employees now expect everything to happen fast and with just a few clicks. Integrating EWA is one great way for banks to ensure that they thrive now and, in the future,” he stressed.

DOJ MOA with bankers’ group vs cybercrime being finalized

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Tuesday, December 28, 2021

‘PhilHealth holiday will hurt public’; ₧84-B UHC gap cited

HUGE P84-billion funding gap threatens to shut down the Universal HealthCare program passed barely two years ago, the Senate’s chief budget critic said Monday, as he noted this must be a priority concern of the next administration.

This, as the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. urged the Private Hospital Association of the Philippines (PHAPi) to rethink its call for its members to go on a “PhilHealth holiday.” Should PHAPi’s member hospitals heed the call to refrain from accepting PhilHealth deductions for health services, the state health insurer warned on Monday that it is the public that would eventually bear the brunt, the state health insurer pointed out. In an out-of-town press conference, Senator Panfilo Lacson lamented that the Universal Health Care Act (UHCA) is “still underfunded by about P84 billion—a gap that must be addressed by the next administration to stop hospitals from leaving the state health insurance system for good and prevent the public from suffering even more amid the coronavirus pandemic.” Running for president in the upcoming national elections as Partido Reporma standard-bearer, Lacson

tackled the issue in a press conference after a campaign sortie in Lingayen, Pangasinan. He noted with concern that more private hospitals are cutting ties with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) over unpaid hospitalization claims amounting to P20 billion as of November. The senator reminded the Executive that the full implementation of the UHCA was crucial for the country to address the pandemic, and Lacson added this will be his priority if elected President in the 2022 national elections. Fielding questions from Pangasinan media, Lacson affirmed that “our primary program, of course, is to address the pandemic.” He continued: “We have a Universal Health Care Act that was passed in 2018 [but] until now it is not fully funded, although it can be.” He noted that “its full implementation is worth P257 billion but the fund allocated for it in 2022 is just P173 billion.” At the same time, the senator re-

By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Department of JusticeOffice of Cybercrime (DOJOOC) disclosed that a memorandum of agreement is now being finalized with the Banking Association of the Philippines (BAP) for a more strategic effort in fighting cyber criminals targeting the banking industry. DOJ-OOC Officer-In-Charge, lawyer Charito Zamora said his office has been constantly coordinating with the BAP in order to come up with a comprehensive approach to shield the banking sector from cyber attacks. Recently, several account holders of BDO, the country’s largest bank, complained about losing thousands of pesos due to unauthorized transfers made to a Union Bank of the Philippines account under a fake name. The National Privacy Commission has started investigating the hacking incident believed to have affected close to 700 clients. “The DOJ through the OOC is closely working with the Bank-

ing Association of the Philippines [BAP] towards achieving the common goal of establishing a collective, coordinated, and strategic cyber response within the banking industry through information sharing and collaboration,” Zamora said. “To this end, a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] between the DOJ and BAP is being finalized to establish a formal agreement that would promote a genuine atmosphere of collaboration and alliance through an effective and efficient partnership meant to curb cybercrime and cyberrelated offenses nationwide,” he added. Earlier, Senator Joel Villanueva urged the government to form an interagency task force to investigate and come up with measures to prevent more cyber attacks on the banking industry. He suggested that the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the National Privacy Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation be part of the task force.

called that private hospitals in Iloilo were “rebelling” against PhilHealth and withdrawing from the state health insurer which, he stressed, “should be chaired by a competent fund manager or financial expert” from the Department of Finance (DOF) and not by the Secretary of Health. In voting to pass the Universal Health Care Law, Lacson likewise wondered why the law “could not be funded correctly,” asserting that a fully-funded health care act “means that all barangays in the country would be covered and that there would be one hospital bed for every 800 population.” In contrast, he cited 2020 statistics showing that in the country’s poorest regions such as Mimaropa (Region 4B), the ratio was one hospital bed per 10,000 people—way below the proportion of one bed for every 1,000 prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Lacson asked: “PhilHealth— isn’t it an insurance [company] as its name suggests? But why is the ex-officio the DOH [Department of Health] Secretary? Shouldn’t it be under the DOF? It’s insurance, so it is more financing than health, that’s why it’s all messed up. It has so many anomalies.” Moreover, Lacson lamented that “the hospitals in Iloilo are rebelling,” noting that “they are withdrawing their membership from PhilHealth. What if other hospitals leave PhilHealth? Surely our countrymen will suffer.”

Earlier, PHAPi President Dr. Jose De Grano encouraged the group’s member hospitals to go on PhilHealth holiday from January 1 to 5 to support hospitals that plan to cut ties with the state health insurer. Far Eastern University–Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEUNRMF) Center earlier said it would disengage with PhilHealth while seven hospitals in Iloilo City have also said they would no longer renew their PhilHealth accreditation due to unpaid claims. “We hope Dr. De Grano will rethink his call to his member hospitals to go on PhilHealth holiday. Eventually, it will be the Filipino people who will suffer the consequences of such a call,” PhilHealth said in a statement on Monday. PhilHealth assured the public that it is constantly conducting reconciliation meetings on claims reimbursement issues with all its hospital partners nationwide to ensure continuity in availment of members’ benefits. As of December 24, PhilHealth said it has fast-tracked the release of P11.64 billion for payment of claims through the Debit Credit Payment Method (DCPM) to hospitals nationwide. Under the third wave of DPCM, all hospitals treating Covid patients and those offering the PhilHealth testing package can now avail of subsidy. To date, 182 hospitals have submitted their letter of intent to participate in the third wave of DCPM. Butch Fernan-

dez and Bernadette D. Nicolas

PNB economist: BSP may hike key rates by total 75 basis pts By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may raise the key interest rate by a cumulative 75 basis points next year after keeping them at a record low, the Philippine National Bank (PNB) said. PNB Head of Research Division Alvin Joseph Arogo said the Central Bank may start hiking the policy rate after the election, especially if the country’s GDP growth and inflation numbers would end up higher than

expected, along with a more aggressive policy stance from the US Federal Reserve. Arogo said this scenario could result in BSP raising the key interest rate by 25 basis points for each of the three consecutive quarters next year starting at the end of the second quarter. This would then raise the figure to 2.75 percent by the end of 2022 from the current 2 percent. He noted there is now more pressure from Fed, especially after it said it will double the pace of reduc-

China’s central bank pledges more targeted monetary policy File photo of Department of Justice, which is now finalizing an agreement with banker groups on fighting cybercrime.

HINA’S central bank pledged greater support for the real economy, and said it will make monetary policy more forward-looking and targeted. There will be more “proactive” use of monetary policy tools, the People’s Bank of China said in a statement on Saturday. It added that there will be “good use” of the monetary policy tools’ quantitative and structural functions, referring to the adjustment of liquidity in the market and policies targeted at certain groups. The monetary policy committee held a meeting on Friday that was chaired by Governor Yi Gang. The central bank also reiterated its aim to promote the property sector’s “healthy” growth and protect home buyers’ rights, as well as work to better meet housing demand. The PBOC has so far taken a restrained approach to monetary stimulus but expectations are growing that it will do more in the New Year, especially if property market problems and slowing private consumption continue. With many global central banks including the Federal Reserve looking to tighten policy or already raising rates, further monetary easing from the PBOC would widen that divergence and could start to put pressure on the currency.

Policy makers reiterated they will keep liquidity reasonably ample and make credit growth more stable. The PBOC will also keep the macro leverage ratio, or the debt-to-gross domestic product ratio, basically steady to stabilize the economy. It repeated the Central Economic Work Conference’s evaluation that the domestic economy is facing three shocks including shrinking demand, disrupted supply and weakened expectations. The PBOC allowed banks to lower the benchmark lending rate by five basis points earlier this month, after unleashing 1.2 trillion yuan ($188 billion) of money by cutting the amount of funds banks are required to keep in reserve. It also reduced the interest rate for the re-lending program for small businesses, with credit growth picking up in November after slowing for almost a year. The central bank on Saturday said it will implement re-lending programs that support small businesses and companies in reducing emissions. It will also guide banks to offer greater support to hightech firms, small companies and private enterprises as well as green projects. The PBOC said it will also encourage lenders to increase loans to the manufacturing sector. Bloomberg News

ing the monthly debt purchases to US$30 billion. “This suggests that tapering will end around March 2022 [rather than middle of next year], which US economists believe opens the door for an earlier start in the rate hike cycle,” he said in an economics research report. In terms of their Baseline view, Arogo expects the BSP to raise the key interest rate by 25 basis points at the end of the third quarter (or 2.25 percent) and to keep this level until the end of the year given that

they still believe that BSP will be comfortable to start the rate hike cycle when the economy is nearer its prepandemic level or fourth quarter of 2019. Arogo said they estimate this would occur in the last quarter of 2022. To recall, the BSP kept the overnight reverse repurchase rate steady at 2 percent since November 2020 meeting. It has also raised its inflation estimates for this year and next year by 10 basis points to 4.4 and 3.4 percent, respectively.

RBL Bank tumbles after India CB appoints director to board

BL Bank Ltd. shares plunged after a decision by India’s central bank to appoint a new director to the board raised concerns about the outlook for the small private-sector lender. The stock dropped as much as 25 percent in Mumbai on Monday, the biggest decline since listing in 2016. It later pared the retreat to about 13 percent as of 1:15 p.m. local time after the Reserve Bank of India said the lender’s financial health “remains stable.” The RBI appointed Yogesh Dayal, a career central banker, to RBL’s board for two years on the weekend. Meanwhile, Rajeev Ahuja was elevated as the interim managing director and chief executive officer of the bank, succeeding Vishwavir Ahuja who went on medical leave. The central bank’s action comes as RBL grapples with a surge in soured loans to consumers during the pandemic, prompting the lender to boost provisions that led to a first-quarter loss. The bank returned to profit in the quarter ended Sept. 30, and Rajeev Ahuja said on the weekend that the RBI’s move wasn’t motivated by worries over asset quality and deposit levels. RBL is well capitalized and its financial position “remains satisfactory,” the central bank said in a statement on Monday. The firm has maintained a “comfortable” capital

adequacy ratio of 16.33 percent and a provision coverage ratio of 76.6 percent, the RBI said. Shares of RBL are now down about 35 percent this year, trimming the lender’s market value to 91 billion rupees ($1.2 billion). That compares with about 8 trillion rupees for HDFC Bank Ltd., India’s most-valuable lender. RBL in October reported quarterly net income of 308 million rupees, down 79 percent from a year earlier. The RBI said it appoints additional directors at private-sector banks when it’s felt that the board needs closer support in regulatory or supervisory matters. India’s central bank has taken similar steps at other lenders, such as Yes Bank Ltd. and Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd., when it saw signs of “weakness,” Anand Dama, an analyst at Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd., wrote in a note on Saturday. Dayal’s appointment will be taken adversely by investors, keeping the stock under pressure, while the management changes add to uncertainty, Dama said. RBL, founded in the 1940s, has witnessed a steady deterioration in its asset quality in the past two to three years. It started off with a sudden surge in nonperforming loans to companies and was followed by soured credit card and microfinance debts during the Covid-19 outbreak, Dama said. Bloomberg News

Tuesday, December 28, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Art

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Museum to fix ‘ripples’ in Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ A VIEW of Rembrandt’s biggest painting, The Night Watch, showing the ripple in the painting in the top left corner, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. AP

By Mike Corder The Associated Press

HE HAGUE, Netherlands—Rembrandt van Rijn’s iconic painting The Night Watch will be restretched to get rid of deformations in its top left corner, the Netherlands’ national museum announced Wednesday. The 379.5x453.5-centimeter (149.4x178.5-inch) canvas will be removed from its wooden stretcher next month and placed on a new one to remove rippling that was caused when the world famous painting was housed in a temporary gallery while the Rijksmuseum underwent major renovations from 2003-2013. The oil on canvas painting depicts an Amsterdam civil militia and shows off Rembrandt’s renowned use of light and composition to create a dynamic scene filled with characters. The museum said the ripples were likely caused by “excessive climatic fluctuations in the gallery” where it hung during the rebuilding work on its landmark home in Amsterdam. “We feel this is very important to do to for the long term preservation of the painting. The deformation [is] then expected to relax and the painting then will assume a flatter, more even surface,” said Petria Noble, the museum’s head of paintings conservation. The painting has undergone many restorations over its lifetime. It was placed on its present wooden stretcher in 1975. Once the painting has been restretched, the museum will decide on whether further restoration work is needed. The announcement came as the museum rounded off a long and minutely detailed scrutiny of the painting using a battery of high-tech imaging technology, including scans that revealed a preparatory sketch of the work underneath the paint. “It gives us the feeling we can peek over Rembrandt’s shoulder while he was working on The Night Watch,” said Pieter Roelofs, the museum’s head of paintings and sculpture. Experts had long suspected that Rembrandt sketched the work before painting it in 1642. Now they have the proof. “This gives us real insight into Rembrandt’s creative process for the first time. It is fascinating to see how he’s searched for the right composition,” Roelofs said. “We’ve discovered the origins of The Night

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: John Legend, 43; Denzel Washington, 67; Edgar Winter, 75; Dame Maggie Smith, 87. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Timing is critical, and knowing when to start and when to stop will determine your success. Listen to your inner voice, and you will discover what works best for you. Embrace change, and activate skills that can help you overcome obstacles that stand in your way. Push your emotions aside, let go of the past and do what makes you happy. Your numbers are 6, 11, 24, 28, 31, 37, 49.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Listen carefully and observe how others react. Don’t feel pressured to make a move if you don’t feel prepared. Look to someone you respect for advice; you’ll get a different perspective regarding your options. Don’t take an unnecessary risk. HHH

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A change will spark your imagination and push you in a new and exciting direction. Express your desire to make a difference, and someone influential will support your thoughts and actions. Progress is within reach if you go through the proper channels. HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): What you know may not help you when dealing with your peers if you let your emotions step in and trigger exaggeration. Stick to the truth to avoid being held hostage by someone eager to point out your error. Protect your reputation. HHHHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you are fun to be with, everyone will want to be with you. Put on a happy face, share memories with someone you love and make plans. Taking control of your life mentally, physically and financially will ease stress. HHHHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t feel you must follow the crowd or bend to someone’s persuasive tactics. Change is good only if it improves your life. When in doubt, step back and do something that will help you put things in perspective. HH

Watch.” The museum said that much of the painting remains in excellent condition, while some areas are “in poor repair, partly as a result of the many treatments The Night Watch has undergone since the 17th century.” It added that past removal of varnish likely led to paint dissolving on parts of the work. The Dutch government announced Wednesday that it plans to buy another Rembrandt masterpiece, The Standard Bearer, from a private collection in France. The ministry for education, culture and science sent a budget amendment to parliament seeking lawmakers’ backing to spend €150 million ($169 million) on the painting, which would hang near

The Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum. The country’s Rembrandt Association will also help fund the purchase with a donation of €15 million ($16.9 million) and the Rijksmuseum Fund will add €10 million ($11.2 million), the ministry said in a statement. For Rijksmuseum Director Taco Dibbits, it is a dream come true to acquire a painting seen as a key moment in the Dutch master’s development as an artist. “The quality and the fact that this painting marks Rembrandt’s artistic breakthrough makes it an unparalleled work by the master: Rembrandt became Rembrandt!” he said in a statement. n

Ancheta’s ‘Fusion’ promotes local artists, wonders of art collecting ART collector Allan Ancheta releases his first book, titled Fusion, taking readers through the wonders of appreciating and collecting pieces, especially at a time when art can bring solace amid the pandemic. Launched on Manila FAME’s new digital platform FAME+, Fusion showcases artworks by Filipino talents featured in The Cabinet at Canterbury, an art gallery Allan Ancheta built with his wife Jas inside their home in Manila. “Fusion is an exploration of the arts, self and one’s environment. In learning more about the lives of the local artists and the contexts of their art, we go beyond what we see and gain a deeper appreciation of their work. This is a crucial step for those who wish to start their own collection. One’s environment also plays an important role, as these artworks bring spaces into life and can transform a place into a cabinet of curiosities,” says Ancheta. Ancheta spotlights artists from various disciplines and backgrounds, promoting the diversity of the local art scene. He features the emotionally-driven abstract works of BenHur Cabana, who was trained by accomplished painter and printmaker Romulo Olazo. Alongside Cabana is Khristina

Today’s Horoscope

Manansala’s art inspired by childhood memories and religious themes, reminiscent of the works of her grandfather Vincent Manansala, a legendary cubist painter. Conveying human truth and the arts’ role in the country, the works of Nixxio Castrillo, son of the late Eduardo Castrillo, is also included in the collection among the many other brilliant artists in the gallery. A significant milestone in his mission to advocate for Filipino artists, Ancheta launched his book through FAME+ Market Days, a community and platform where exhibitors, buyers, stakeholders, as well as the design industry’s finest manufacturers and artisans, gathered to champion local talent. Guiding readers through the how-tos of collecting, Ancheta also emphasizes that aside from their significance, the pieces must complement the color and form of the gallery’s interiors. His love for the arts and his wife Jas’s expertise in interior design has turned The Cabinet at Canterbury into more than just a wonder-room, but also a memorable melding of art and design. “In The Cabinet at Canterbury, our philosophy of fusing art and interiors is clearly displayed by these two rules. Most

of the artwork displayed in the gallery reflects the possibility of expressing personal tastes and preferences, but it also serves as a possible complement to a room design option,” Ancheta says in his book. Moving into their dream home in 2008 was an exciting milestone for the Anchetas, but finding a suitable designer was a challenge. Learning interior design on her own, Jas successfully transformed their humble abode from what was once a blank canvas into a fusion of art and life. This experience led her to professionally pursue interior design and after graduating with honors at Philippine School of Interior Design, she set up her own firm, Jas Ancheta Interiors, as a licensed designer. An essential book for art enthusiasts and collectors alike, Fusion tells a story of the transformative role of art in one’s life. The passion and family endeavor behind Jas Ancheta Interiors that made The Cabinet at Canterbury possible, is a testament that the fusion of art, stories and spaces can make one’s personal journey more meaningful. Fusion by Allan Ancheta is available at www. jasanchetainteriors.com and Jas Ancheta Interiors on Facebook and Instagram.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Get in touch with someone who makes you laugh. Sharing your feelings and plans will encourage you to initiate a lifestyle change to stabilize your emotional well-being. Focus on what you need to do, and don’t stop until you reach your goal. HHHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Emotions will surface regarding domestic matters. Don’t act in haste or say something you’ll regret. Bide your time, use your resources and make sure that the changes you make are warranted. Discipline will help overcome impulsive action and indulgent behavior. HHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll receive mixed messages from friends, relatives and colleagues. Don’t rely on others. Do your due diligence, and leave no room for error. Take ownership, and turn your intentions into a reality. Say what’s on your mind. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Research what will help you get ahead. Learn all you can, and be ready to stretch your mind to accommodate what you want to pursue. Don’t let anger take over when progressive action can turn a negative into a positive. HHHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take a unique approach to life. Make changes that will clear the path to a brighter future. Put your heart on the line, and be honest about the way you feel. Set your plans in motion, and don’t look back. HH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t believe everything you hear. Check the facts, and walk away from a deal asking for too much and giving too little in return. Go over personal paperwork to ensure you haven’t forgotten to update something of consequence. HHHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep your wallet in a safe place. The temptation to spend on things you don’t need or letting someone take advantage of you is present. Put more emphasis on personal gain, stabilizing your future and improving your lifestyle. HHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are original, charming and protective. You are proactive and loyal.

‘from a to b’ BY CHRISTINA IVERSON The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Alligator ___ (avocado) 5 Trite 10 What goes sideways? 14 Instrument described as “an ill wind” 15 Justice Samuel 16 Prince Charles, e.g. 17 Cheap beer to sip while golfing? 20 Cared for a friend’s cat, say 21 Harris who made history in 2020 22 Mathematician Lovelace 23 Issa of Insecure 25 “That hurt!” 26 Name within “Benedict” 27 Chant from a crowd that hates Thunderbolt ports? 30 “Frontline” channel 32 Wintry mix 33 What may require a 20-sided die: Abbr. 36 Was on TV 38 Above, to a bard 39 Diet that avoids processed food 41 Confucian path 42 Figurine of a “notorious” justice?

45 Santa ___, California 46 Oddity 48 Slob’s opposite 50 Part of a precarious chain 51 Hiss sources 52 Utensils for detangling spaghetti? 56 Dragon’s burst of smoke 59 New Zealand native 60 Toy for a windy day 64 Great Plains people 65 Flashiness, informally 66 Bus. class 67 Special brownie ingredient 68 Old Pontiac 69 Like pink hair DOWN 1 Daddy’s partner, maybe 2 Went out like the tide 3 Major artery 4 Shot callers 5 They’re settled when they’re picked up 6 ___-country (music genre) 7 Dr. Fauci’s agcy. 8 Breakfasted or lunched

9 10 11 12 13 18 19 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 34 35 36 37 39 40 43

Strand, as one’s babysitter Buddy Was on TV again Lit path on a train “Daily” food in a prayer Rowing tools Uncultured people Memorial speech A Midsummer Night’s Dream king One of many for a Q-tip Pea, for a pea plant ThirdLove undergarment Upright or grand Ride for a Quidditch player Endurance exercise for abs Wish granter Ever so slightly Liquid-Plumr alternative Morning-after pill brand Acorn makers Word that means “flowers,” with or without “ss” at its center 44 Musical set in France, to fans 47 Less than pleased 49 Assigned work to

53 54 55 56 57 58 61 62 63

“Rats!” Cover in chocolate, maybe Ricelike pasta “Bam!” Colorado native Enemy Slick, as a road One has a nail Apt word for this slot

Solution to today’s puzzle:

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Show BusinessMirror

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Tuesday, December 28, 2021

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ MARKS TV COMEBACK IN ‘HAPPY TOGETHER’

TOM HOLLAND as Spider-Man (left) and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange in Columbia Pictures’ Spider-Man: No Way Home. AP

‘Spider-Man’ surpasses $1B globally in second weekend

By Lindsey Bahr The Associated Press

ETER PARKER’S good fortune continued over the holiday weekend as Hollywood prepares to close the books on a turbulent 2021. Even with some mighty competition from new Matrix and Sing movies, and rising concerns over the Omicron variant, Spider-Man: No Way Home stayed in the No. 1 spot and netted a few more milestones too including crossing the $1 billion mark globally. According to studio estimates Sunday Spider-Man added $81.5 million over the three-day weekend, down 69 percent from its first weekend. The Sony and Marvel film has now grossed $467 million from North American theaters, more than doubling the domestic grosses of 2021’s previous No. 1 film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

With $587.1 million from 61 overseas markets, in just 12 days of release, Spider-Man has grossed $1.05 billion globally. It’s the first film of the pandemic to cross $1 billion and is tied with Star Wars: The Force Awakens for being the third-fastest film ever to do so— and this without the benefit of its release in China. Universal’s Sing 2 came in second place with an estimated $23.8 million, while Warner Bros.’ The Matrix Resurrections grossed $12 million to take third place. The animated musical Sing 2 features high-profile celebrity talent including Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon and Bono, as well as a jukebox soundtrack full of well-known hits. Since its release on Wednesday, it’s made $41 million ($1.6 million of that came from Thanksgiving weekend showings) from North America and $65 million worldwide. “We’re extraordinarily pleased,” said Jim Orr, Universal’s president of domestic distribution. Orr said the stellar CinemaScore (A+) and audience scores suggest that the film will continue to perform well in the next few weeks, when many kids are still out of school for the holidays. The fourth Matrix also opened on Wednesday and has earned an estimated $22.5 million in its first five days in North America. The film, directed by Lana Wachowski and starring Keanu Reeves and CarrieAnne Moss, is currently streaming on HBO Max as well. Globally, it’s grossed $69.8 million to date. While the studio was hoping for a stronger box office, Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros.’ head of domestic distribution, said the movie achieved what they were looking for as an overall strategy including HBO Max. The Matrix Resurrections is the last of the 18 Warner

Bros. films released in 2021 to debut both in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously. Starting in 2022, the studio will have a 45-day exclusive theatrical window on their films. In fourth place was Disney and 20th Century’s The King’s Man, a prequel to the action-comedy Kingsman series starring Ralph Fiennes. It came in slightly under expectations with $6.4 million from the weekend and $10 million from its first five days. The audience skewed heavily male (65 percent). The Kurt Warner biopic American Underdog opened on Christmas Day and has made an estimated $6.2 million in its two days in release to round out the top five. Zachary Levi stars as Warner, the quarterback who went from undrafted free agent to Hall of Famer. Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza expanded nationwide on Christmas, after playing in limited release for a month, and added $2.3 million bringing its total to $3.7 million. And right behind it was the Denzel Washington-directed drama A Journal For Jordan, which to $2.2 million. With just a few days left in 2021, the North American box office is currently sitting at $4.3 billion and is likely to net out around $4.4 billion. Pre-pandemic, it was normal for a year’s box office to surpass $11 billion. “To say was a roller-coaster year is an understatement,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for comScore Inc. “The marketplace is still facing challenges from the pandemic, but what an amazing capper to one of the most incredible years ever at the box office.” He added: “The future of the movie theater a year ago was a big question mark, and a year later it’s here to stay.” n

A MERRIER and laughter-filled holiday season awaits viewers of GMA here and abroad with the highly-anticipated weekly comedy sitcom Happy ToGetHer, which premiered on December 26. Multi-awarded actor, bankable leading man, and top-caliber endorser John Lloyd Cruz makes his grand TV comeback as he topbills this much-awaited program. Aside from playing the lead role of Julian, a handsome mechanic and single dad who aspires to give his son a better future and find his one true love, he is also a creative consultant for Happy ToGetHer. As he begins a new season in his life, the multitalented actor admitted that this new opportunity challenged him: “Siguro, mas malaking challenge na nasa bagong bakuran tayo. It’s challenging kasi nangangapa kaming grupo. Kaya napakaswerte namin dahil iyong assistance, paggabay, at pagtulong ng GMA sa amin ay talagang hindi matatawaran.” He added: “’Yung opportunity na galing sa GMA executives, araw-araw namin ipinagpapasalamat. Sa bawat araw na nasa loob kami ng bubble, mayroon kaming opportunity na makapagtrabaho and we can all move forward from the current situation of our nation. Kaya punong-puno kami ng pasasalamat. In return, ang gusto lang naman namin ay maibalik sa audience ’yung favor na ibinibigay sa atin dito sa network.” GMA Network first vice president for program management Jose Mari Abacan is confident the audiences will love the show: “Nung nakuha ko na ’yung mga na-tape nilang episodes, talagang I [became] very, very confident na the Kapuso viewers will actually appreciate it. Matutuwa sila doon sa mga episodes na ginawa nila John Lloyd.” Director Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz, who helms the sitcom, has nothing but good words to say to John Lloyd: “Involved na involved talaga si Lloydie hindi lang sa creatives. Nung nawalan na ng trabaho ang marami sa amin, nilapitan ko siya at sabi ko, ‘Lloydie, puwede ba tayong gumawa [ng show] para matulungan mo kami at ’yung mga kasamahan natin?’ Tapos sabi niya, ‘Sige, Direk. Kung makakatulong ako, babalik ako.’ ’Yan ang unang-una naming ipagpapasalamat kay Lloydie.” According to Mortiz, preparations for the show took longer than expected because it had to be special: “Tumagal ’yung paghahanda namin dahil sa konsepto nung show. Gusto namin siyempre maiba naman ’yung konsepto niya kaysa doon sa dating ginawa namin. Nandoon pa din ’yung flavor na gusto namin, pero iba naman siya. Iba ’yung comedy namin. Makikita niyo na may touch ng John Lloyd.” Happy ToGetHer is made even more funny and delightful with the star-studded cast led by Miles Ocampo as Liz, Jayson Gainza as Mike, Ashley Rivera as Pam, Jenzel Angeles as Rocky, Eric Nicolas as Anton, Janus del Prado as TG, Kleggy Abaya as Kanor, Vito Quizon as Joey, Leo Bruno as Boss Oca, Wally Waley as Andy, and Carmi Martin as Nanay Pining. Happy ToGetHer can be enjoyed every Sunday before Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. More information can be found at www.GMANetwork.com.

FROM left: Vito Quizon, Miles Ocampo, John Lloyd Cruz, Carmi Martin, Jenzel Angeles and Ashley Rivera.

Angeli, Angeli on High

IT’S been again quite a challenging year for most, but two actresses who have the same first name are closing this tough year on a high note. Angeli Khang is one of Viva’s most promising discoveries and based on her movie outings, she is certainly making people take notice of her potential as the precious gem that her mother studio should take very good care of. In just a few month’s time, Khang has already racked up one movie after another, after being successfully launched in her introductory movie Taya, helmed by Roman Perez Jr. “Initially, I was able to convince myself and those I hold dear that I would just use the sexy route as a stepping stone to become an actress. But I was entrusted successive daring roles and I had no choice but to welcome each one since I know that every new role will help me improve as an actor, and allow me to work with other actors and directors that I can learn a lot from. I also trust my Viva bosses because they have been in the industry for 40 years and they certainly know what they are doing,” she volunteered. The 20-year-old actress made more heads turn to her direction after the release of her second movie, Lawrence Fajardo’s Mahjong Nights. In this movie, she had to pit

talents with the very competent actor Jay Manalo, and Khang delivered effortlessly in their scenes together, whether dramatic or steamy. Based on research, her surname’s origin is from Southern China, but Khang said her father is a Korean military officer and her mother is Filipino. She lived in the US for a few years before coming back to Manila to try her luck as a movie star. Khang has bagged yet another lead role in a new movie movie, titled Eva, directed by former singer turned filmmaker Jeffrey Hidalgo. “I feel very lucky that good roles are offered to me. When I say good, I mean the character is not only interesting but has layers that I need to dig deep into and bring out on the screen, and that is the challenge for me as an actor,” she explained. Eva started streaming on Vivamax on Christmas Eve, and Khang shared that she has also wrapped up work for another project, titled Silip sa Apoy, penned by the iconic Ricky Lee and directed by Mac Alejandre. “I am so grateful to have worked with acting giants like Sid Lucero and Dexter Doria, both award-winning actors. I certainly learned a whole lot from them,” she gushed. ENDING THE YEAR WITH A BANG ANOTHER Angeli is thankful that 2021 is closing with a bang. Angeli Bayani is back in the big city after many months of locked in work in Baguio City, the location of the new Dreamscape TV series The Broken Marriage Vow. The series is the local adaptation of the British drama series Doctor Foster, and Bayani plays a major supporting character, Dr. Sandy Alipio. “I am thankful to be back in the ABS-CBN fence after years of absence. I am glad that I am one of a few actors who can work in all networks as long as the role is interesting, the rate is just, and the working conditions are fair and pro-people.” Bayani shared that she was allowed to perform her jury

ANGELI KHANG (left) and Angeli Bayani

duties for the recently concluded Singapore International Film Festival during her free days in the locked-in shoot. “I had to watch all the films in the main competition, and had to exchange opinions with other jury members, deliberate and come up with those we wanted to win. It was not easy but all went well and I am proud to represent the Philippines in the jury lineup.” She also quietly finished work for another series, called The Kangks Show, an irreverent sex-themed comedy show that also stars Angelica Panganiban, Nonie Buencamino, Kit Thompson, Maris Racal and JC de Vera.

Described as “a national gem” by no less than Oscar winner and esteemed world-class filmmaker Ang Lee when he visited the Philippines many years ago, Bayani is also the only authorized acting teacher of the highly touted Meisner acting technique. She leads virtual workshops regularly to share her expertise in acting. “I am so looking forward to another productive, rewarding year that will hopefully be safer, healthier and more abundant for everyone, especially for all of us in the entertainment industry.”

B6 Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Christmas characters cheer vaccinees at SM Lucena

Skills development and reintegration: Christmas and life-time gift for OFWs

HIS holiday season, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is expecting more than 100,000 OFWs to return home for the holidays or for good. Many of these OFWs and women migrant workers were displaced by COVID or are unsure of their future job prospects abroad, or reintegration opportunities back in the Philippines. The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the displacement of millions of OFWs since 2020, demonstrating the risks and precariousness of working abroad and being away from family. The continuing threat of Omicron and other possible new variants have only made these challenges even starker. In the Philippines, families of OFWs also face the economic and employment difficulties resulting from the pandemic. These are made worse by disasters, and the stronger and more frequent destructive weather events, like the latest Typhoon Odette (Rai) which wiped out the houses, investments, and livelihoods of tens of thousands, including families of OFWs. As part of the reintegration, skills development, and employment support for women migrant workers, including the millions of OFWs displaced or repatriated due to the pandemic, the Safe and Fair Philippines - a partnership between UN Women and the International Labour Organization (ILO) - together with the ILO Women in STEM Workforce Readiness and Development Programme, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Overseas

ACCINATORS garbed with Christmas costumes literally cheer the Covid-19 vaccinees at SM City Lucena. Residents of the city, including minors, didn't mind being jabbed by cheerful nurses from the City Health Office headed by Dr. JC Tabernilla. Misgivings with needles are brushed away by the colorful attire and festive ambience in the vaccination area (the cinemas of the mall). Santa Claus, Joker, Toy Soldiers, and Fairies were accompanied by reindeers in dishing out vaccines to Lucenahins, with the city now nearing its target herd immunity in Covid-19 vaccinations. The City Health Office' nurses and medical health workers are noted for dressing up to lend a festive air on vaccinations, effectively allaying any nervousness and spawning calm reactions from the vaccinees. Last month, the vaccinators don Squid Games costumes to the delight of the vacinees. The seniorsCovid-19 vaccination at SM

City Lucena is a continuing efffort of the City LGU to encourage people to get vaccinated in a convenient venue.

Home Buddies gift Golden Gays a year’s rent Workers Welfare Administration-National Reintegration Center for OFWs (OWWANRCO) jointly launched in 2020 the #WomenOFWsCanDoIT scholarship programme. Those who are eligible for the full scholarship are women OFWs (abroad, returnees, or just preparing to leave), or their family members. The TESDA courses are conducted fully online or in blended mode. These are offered every semester, and scholars are also given daily allowances and insurance. The scholarships prioritize (but are not exclusive to) women, to increase their choices, options, and opportunities in the fields of science and technology (IT/STEM), and other technical-vocational jobs that help break gender stereotypes (e.g., computer programming, web development and design, food production, events management, driving, bookkeeping, etc.) Successful graduates earn officiallyrecognized National Certificates (NC) or Training Certificates (TC) that can be used as credentials in applying for work locally, overseas, and even online. “Reskilling and upskilling services particularly in IT/STEM -related occupations offer a viable resiliency strategy to prepare and improve the difficult situation many women OFWs face today. This has become even more critical in response to the massive displacement caused by COVID, the ensuing economic crisis, and the gender stereotypes and challenges that OFWs face in pursuing jobs outside domestic work,” affirmed Linartes

Viloria, National Project Coordinator, ILO Women in STEM. The #WomenOFWsCanDoIT scholarship programme is currently offered across the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 7. Since its launch in 2020, more than 900 women OFWs and family members have availed of the scholarship and graduated. Plans are underway to roll out in more areas nationwide by next year. “We highly encourage our returning kababayans to take this opportunity to avail of our TESDA courses in information technology, STEM, events management, bread and pastry production, and many more,” said TESDA-NCR Regional Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. “We offer immediate and concrete solutions for self-improvement that are safe, financially viable, and will help prepare you for whatever the future brings in the new normal.” “This scholarship really changed my life,” said Evelyn Caballero, an OFW in the United Kingdom who graduated from one of the courses. “I was working as a nanny in the UK and was planning to go back abroad. When I got hired for a BPO, I got the opportunity to work here in the Philippines. Now I’m on the path to financial stability. I can provide for my family needs and there’s no need for me to take another flight to work abroad. No need for me to go away from my family.” Visit and follow the Safe and Fair Philippines Facebook page. Go to the Babaeng BiyaHero website for more information.

IRAL Facebook community Home Buddies once again proves how homes are built by more than just the material. After having hosted multiple events and an exclusive sale to celebrate their first year last September, Home Buddies chose the Home for the Golden Gays as the beneficiary of their #HBPaskongMayPuso fundraiser. Members of Home Buddies visited the Home for the Golden Gays last December 13 to personally gift the post-dated checks for one year’s rent as well as groceries and other essentials they might need. The Home for the Golden Gays is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 by LGBT rights activist and columnist Justo Justo. A safe space intended to be a care facility for elderly and homeless members of the LGBT community, the facility served as a home for many of its members for over three decades until it was forcibly closed down in 2012 after Justo’s passing. Founder and Mayora of Home Buddies Frances Cabatuando shared how the organization was chosen to be their first beneficiary, “We think they represent two of the most vulnerable communities in our country, the seniors and the LGBT, and we believe that our group supporting them sends a powerful message that they are not, and will not be left behind.” To raise funds for the organization, the Home Buddies Tanods (moderators) launched the sale of exclusive Home Buddies merchandise

inviting members of the community to take part in their Christmas mission. To further their efforts in spreading the #HBPaskongMayPuso initiative, a Home Buddies Paskong May Puso livestream will be held today, December 22 at 7 pm on the Home Buddies group to raise funds for the victims of recent typhoon Odette with Waves for Water PH. The program is copresented by Samsung and is supported by Lazada, AllHome and PLDT Home. It will feature games, performances from Lola Amour and Clara Benin, Jikamarie, Leanne and Naara, Quest, and a stand-up special by Victor Anastacio and Red Ollero from Comedy Manila. The event is a chance for kapitbahays to come together to celebrate the holidays, as well as unite to help our kapitbahays in Visayas and Mindanao. The Home Buddies #HBPaskongMayPuso initiative is the first of many more to come, as the community seeks to continue spreading the kindness and generosity common among members of the group with others outside of the community. Beyond all the DIYs and budol finds popular in the group, the #HBPaskongMayPuso initiative goes to show how for kapitbahays, kindness and compassion are the heart of every home. To be a kapitbahay and join the Home Buddies community today, check out their official Facebook Group. You may also purchase a Home Buddies shirt to support their #HBPaskongMayPuso initative at shopee.ph/shophomebuddies.

SLMC joins efforts to aid victims of Typhoon Odette

LifeWave helps showcase modern approach to wellness

n much of the world, the idea of wellness has long been roughly the same as the concept of being free from illness. While this is certainly a key component of being well, the modern reimagining of wellness has developed past this point, to an interpretation that takes a more holistic idea of wellbeing into account. A decline in wellness is not caused solely by disease or other conditions, it can also be the natural result of aging. While aging is, of course, a normal part of life, there’s plenty of interest these days going towards how we can help to mitigate the negative aspects of the process. As many people are living longer, they’re looking for ways to increase the longevity of their wellness rather than just their overall age. To address this issue, LifeWave has conducted innovative research into an area of aging that has fascinated scientists for decades — stem cells. As our normal cells age, they can be replaced via the use of stem cells, however, stem cells become less active

over time, causing many of the issues we associate with aging. The wellness company has worked to address this shortfall in modern wellness through the invention of its X39 patch. This patch works to activate the body’s existing stem cells and help improve processes such as wound healing, skin regeneration, and more. It not only represents a huge leap forward for antiaging research, but it also shows how the company is keeping at the forefront of the modern wellness movement. LifeWave was founded in 2004 by CEO David Schmidt. At that time, the CEO had already made a name for himself through more than 30 years of work in the field of business and

development. He developed the line of wellness products for which his company has become known — its phototherapy patches. These topically applied patches utilize the power of specific wavelengths of light to reflect energy into a user’s body. Depending on the placement and design of the patch, each one can have different wellness benefits. For instance, the first patch designed by the company, the Energy Enhancer Patch, was created to help promote energy levels and increase a user’s stamina. They’ve also found great success in helping athletes achieve personal bests in competition. Visit www.lifewave.com or call us at +632-85409558 for more information.

T. LUKE’S Medical Center (“SLMC”) launched St. Luke’s Bayanihan, a relief operation for the communities in Visayas and Mindanao hit by Typhoon Odette. Around 5,000 food packs were given to the victims at the bayanihan held on December 23 and 24. “Typhoon Odette has brought unimaginable damage to thousands of Filipino families. There is a need for each one of us to join together to help those in need,” Dr. Arturo S. de la Peña, President and CEO of SLMC, “We earnestly hope that St. Luke’s Bayanihan will be part of a broader effort by Filipinos in successfully enabling their kababayans to rise from this natural disaster.” De La Peña himself spearheaded the packing of relief goods for the victims. “We also thank our volunteers for their support. The spirit of Christmas is all about

giving back to others and giving selflessly, and we thank our volunteers for embodying this spirit,” Dr. Dela Peña said. The Bayanihan project called on the SLMC community of doctors, nurses, and associates to help pack 5,000+ boxes. Some doctors also brought their family members to help in the packing of goods. Dr. Dela Peña also expressed hope that St. Luke’s Bayanihan will inspire other stakeholders in society to aid the victims of Typhoon Odette. “As individuals, we may not be able to give much to the communities in need. However, if we join hands together, we can make a difference in their lives,” Dr. de la Peña said. “The SLMC family prays that more Filipinos will band together in helping our country surpass one of its greatest challenges in recent history.”

ST. LUKE’S Medical Center joins efforts to aid victims of Typhoon Odette

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

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Australia’s daily Covid cases surge past 10,000 for 1st time

In this photo provided by the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), vehicles smolder in Hpruso township, Kayah state, Myanmar, on December 24. Myanmar government troops rounded up villagers, some believed to be women and children, fatally shot more than 30 and set the bodies on fire, a witness and other reports said Saturday. KNDF via AP

Photos of aftermath of Christmas Eve Myanmar massacre fuel anger

ANGKOK—Photos of the aftermath of a Christmas Eve massacre in eastern Myanmar that reportedly left more than 30 people, including women and children, dead and burned in their vehicles, have spread on social media in the country, fueling outrage against the military that took power in February. The photos showed the charred bodies of over 30 people in three burned-out vehicles who were reportedly shot by government troops as they were f leeing combat. The accounts could not be independently verified. The international aid group Save the Children said that two of its staffers were missing in the massacre, which sparked outrage against the military that took power after ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Save the Children said it was suspending operations in the region. On Sunday, the US Embassy in Myanmar said it was appalled by the “barbaric attack in Kayah state that killed at least 35 civilians, including women and children.” “We will continue to press for accountability for the perpetrators of the ongoing campaign of violence against the people of Burma,” it said in a statement. A villager who said he went to the scene told The Associated Press that the victims had fled the fighting between armed resistance groups and Myanmar’s army near Koi Ngan village, which is just beside Mo So, on Friday. He said they were killed after they were arrested by troops while heading to refugee camps in the western part of the township. Save the Children said that two of its staff that were traveling home for the holidays after conducting humanitarian response work in a nearby community were “caught up in the incident and remain missing.” “We have confirmation that their private vehicle was attacked and burned out,” the group added in a statement. “The military reportedly forced people from their cars, arrested some, killed others and burned their bodies.” The government has not commented on the allegations, but a report in the state-run Myanma Alinn daily newspaper on Saturday said that the fighting near Mo So broke out on Friday when members of ethnic guerrilla forces, known as the Karenni National Progressive Party, and those opposed to the military drove in “suspicious” vehicles and attacked security forces after refusing to stop. The newspaper report said they included new members who were going to attend training to fight the army, and that the seven vehicles they were traveling in were destroyed in a fire. It gave no further details about the killings. The witness told the AP the remains were burned beyond recognition, and children’s and women’s clothes were found together with medical supplies and food. “The bodies were tied with ropes before being set on fire,” said the witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he feared for his safety. He did not see the moment they were killed, but said he believed some of them were Mo So villagers who reportedly got arrested by troops on Friday. He denied that those captured were members of locally organized militia groups. Myanmar’s independent media reported on Friday that 10 Mo So villagers including children were arrested by the army. The media said that four members of the local paramilitary Border Guard Forces who went to negotiate for their release were reportedly tied up and shot in the head by the military. The witness said the villagers and anti-government militia groups left the bodies as military troops arrived near Mo So while the bodies were being prepared for cremation. “It’s a heinous crime and the worst incident during Christmas. We strongly condemn that massacre as a crime against humanity,” said Banyar Khun Aung, director of the Karenni Human Rights Group. Earlier this month, government troops were also accused of rounding up villagers, some believed to be children, tying them up and slaughtering them. An opposition leader, Dr. Sasa, who uses only one name, said the civilians were burned alive. A video of the aftermath of the December 7 assault—apparently retaliation for an attack on a military convoy—showed the charred bodies of 11 people lying in a circle amid what appeared to be the remains of a hut. Fighting resumed over the weekend on the border with Thailand, where thousands of people have fled to seek shelter. Local officials said Myanmar’s military had unleashed airstrikes and heavy artillery on Lay Kay Kaw, a small town controlled by ethnic Karen guerrillas in neighboring Kayin state, since Friday. The governor of Thailand’s Tak province, Somchai Charoenkitroongroj, told reporters that around 4,700 evacuees from Myanmar were in three shelters across the border. Sounds of gunfire and explosions could be heard across the river dividing the countries. He ordered five border districts to prepare supplies and secure places to receive more refugees from Myanmar. Myanmar’s military’s action prompted multiple Western governments including the United States to issue a joint statement condemning “serious human rights violations committed by the military regime across the country.” “We call on the regime to immediately cease its indiscriminate attacks in Karen state and throughout the country, and to ensure the safety of all civilians in line with international law,” the joint statement said. AP

ustralia reported more than 10,000 daily Covid-19 cases for the first time since the start of the pandemic amid the rapid spread of the Omicron strain. New South Wales on Monday recorded 6,324 cases, with 55 in intensive care among 520 people in hospital. The most populous state also reported its first known death from the Omicron variant—a man in his 80s with underlying health issues who had received two doses of vaccine and became infected in his nursing home. Everyone in the state is likely to get Omicron at some point, the state’s health minister Brad Hazzard said Sunday, according to a local report. The second biggest state, Victoria, posted 1,999 daily cases. Infections a lso multiplied in smaller states that recently reopened domestic borders for the summer holiday tourism season: Queensland had 784 new cases on Monday, while South Australia counted 842. There was one new case in Western Australia, the country’s last holdout of the Covid-zero approach. Its premier Mark McGowan extended restrictions introduced last week, such as masks at indoor public venues. “We are not out of the woods yet,” McGowan told reporters Monday. Most of Australia has shifted toward living with the virus, relying on vaccines and a growing arsenal of treatments. Recent studies have raised hopes that Omicron symptoms may be less severe compared with the Delta wave.

Key developments:

New York State sets new record for Covid cases

New cases of coronavirus in New York State surged to an all-time high on December 24 before retreating on Christmas Day. Governor Kathy Hochul’s office reported 49,708 new Covid-19 cases as the Omicron variant extend its spread worldwide. The number of new cases in New York slowed to 36,454 on December 25, probably because of the holiday. Americans should stay vigilant against the Omicron variant despite evidence its symptoms may be less severe because the volume of cases can still overwhelm hospitals, President Biden’s top medical adviser said Sunday. “When you have such a high volume of new infections it might override a real diminution in severity,“ Anthony Fauci told ABC’s Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl on “This Week.”

South Africa Covid rates climb

The number of people hospitalized for Covid in South Africa rose to 9,114 on Sunday, according to data from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. The daily positive rate also increased to 27.2 percent from 25.7 percent a day earlier. T he big gest sh a re of ne w cases was recorded in coastal Western Cape province, at 28 percent, followed by KwaZulu

Natal at 26 percent, both popular destinations for domestic tou r i st s du r i ng t he c u r re nt summer holiday period.

More cases detected in China after large-scale tests

Xi’an reported 155 locally transmitted Covid-19 cases on Saturday, bringing the total number of locally transmitted confirmed cases to 485 in the latest resurgence since December 9, Xinhua reported. Many infections previously not found in communities in the capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province were detected during three rounds of large-scale testing. Infections may further emerge in the coming days.

S. Korea approves emergency use of Covid pill: Yonhap

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has decided to approve emergency use of Pfizer’s oral Covid-19 drug Paxlovid, Yonhap News said, citing the ministry. Separately, South Korea reported 4,207 new cases Monday, the fewest since November 29, as the country imposed tighter rules on social-distancing and limited public activities of unvaccinated people. The number of severe cases was at 1,078, little changed from the average the past week.

Singapore adjusts vaccination approach

From February 1, applicants who wish to work on a long-term basis or permanently live in the citystate, as well as those looking to renew existing employment visas, will have to be inoculated against Covid-19, the health ministry said. This latest move adds to measures in recent months to put pressure on those who have opted not to get jabbed—they’re already barred from most public spaces including restaurants, attractions

Despite supply issues and Omicron variant, US holiday sales rise 8.5%

oliday sales rose at the fastest pace in 17 years, even as shoppers grappled with higher prices, product shortages and a raging new Covid-19 variant in the last few weeks of the season, according to one spending measure. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards, reported Sunday that holiday sales had risen 8.5percent from a year earlier. Mastercard SpendingPulse had expected an 8.8percent increase. The results, which covered Nov. 1 through December 24, were fueled by purchases of clothing and jewelry. Holiday sales were up 10.7 percent compared with the prepandemic 2019 holiday period. By categor y, c lothing rose 47 percent, jewelr y 32 percent, electronics 16 percent. Online sales were up 11 percent from a year ago and 61 percent from 2019. Department stores registered a 21 percent increase over 2020. After Omicron hit, some consumers stayed home and shifted their spending to e-commerce— but sales stayed strong. “I feel really good about how the season played out,’’ said Steve Sadove, senior adviser to Mastercard and former CEO of Saks Inc. “When people feel a little bit uncomfortable, you’ll see a little bit of

a pickup in online and a little bit of a slowdown in store performance.’’ A broader picture will be revealed next month when the Nat ion a l R e t a i l Fe d e r at ion , the nation’s largest retail trade group, comes out with its combi ned t wo - mont h resu lt s i n mid-Januar y. The results will be based on an analysis of the November and December sales figures from the Commerce Department. Analysts will also be dissecting the fourth-quarter financial results from different retailers that are slated to be released in Februar y. O ver a l l , a n a ly st s h ad e xpected a strong holiday season, fueled by early shopping that started back in October in a nt ic ipat ion of a product shortage. Consumers were also deter m i ned to ce lebrate t he holidays after a muted one a year ago. Still, November saw a slowdown in retail sales, in part because of the early shopping. And Omicron, which has fast become the dominant version of the virus in the United States, has now spoiled holiday plans for many Americans who have had to cancel gatherings last minute. The National Retail Federation said early in December that holiday sales were on track to beat its already record-breaking forecasts for an increase of 8.5

percent to 10.5 percent compared to the year-ago period. Holiday sales increased 8.2 percent in 2020 when shoppers, locked down during the early part of the pandemic, splurged on pajamas and home goods, mostly online. The group expects that online and other non-store sales, which are included in the total, will increase between 11 percent and 15 percent. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. Holiday sales have averaged gains of 4.4 percent over the past five years, according to the group. The update from the NRF was delivered in early December, right before Omicron became a bigger threat in the US and started to disrupt businesses f rom Broadway t heaters to restaurants. But overall store traffic hasn’t taken a plunge, though some stores are reporting dips in big city locations. For the week that ended December 18, store traffic was up nearly 20 percent from a year earlier, though down 23 percent from the same week in the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to Sensormatic Solutions. Peter McCa l l, Sensor matic’s senior manager of retail consulting, noted shoppers are still going to retail stores but are now favoring open-air shopping centers and outlet malls more than enclosed shopping centers. AP

and malls, and required to foot their own medical bills. Authorities are expecting more Omicron infections than for Delta, and a “rapid doubling of cases” in coming days and weeks.

Thailand’s daily Covid cases drop

Thailand reported 2,437 new Covid-19 cases, the lowest daily tally since June 16, as the Southeast Asian nation ramps up vaccination efforts. The countr y also reported 18 Covid deaths on Monday, the least since June 14.

Germany hits interim vaccination target

Germany has reached a target of administering 30 million Covid-19 vaccines between mid November and the end of the year as it tries to ward off the fastspreading Omicron strain, said Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. “ We’re now going into the second round,” Lauterbach, who wants 30 million booster shots to be given in January, told news agency DPA. “It’s our goal to continue the booster campaign over the next few weeks at such a high speed that we can significantly reduce the number of hospital admissions due to the Omicron variant.”

Indonesia’s new infections at 21-month low

Southeast Asia’s biggest economy added 92 new Covid cases Sunday, the fewest since March 23, 2020, taking the total to more than 4.26 million, according to the Health Ministry. As many as 110.6 million people, or 53 percent of the targeted population, have received two doses of vaccines. The country has tightened its borders, especially land and sea, due to rise in positive rate triggered by the emergence of the Omicron variant. Bloomberg News

Putin to ponder options if West refuses guarantees on Ukraine

OSCOW—Russian President V ladimir Putin said Sunday he would ponder a slew of options if the West fails to meet his push for security guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine. Earlier this month, Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back its military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe. The Kremlin presented its security demand amid tensions over a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine in recent weeks that has fueled Western fears of a possible invasion. US President Joe Biden warned Putin in a video call earlier this month that Russia will face “severe consequences” if it attacks Ukraine. Russia has denied an intention of launching an invasion and, in its turn, accused Ukraine of hatching plans to try to reclaim control of the territories held by Moscowbacked rebels by force. Ukraine has rejected the claim. Putin has urged the West to move quickly to meet his demands, warning that Moscow will have to take “adequate military-technical measures” if the West continues its “aggressive” course “on the threshold of our home.” AP

Sports BusinessMirror

MIAMI’S Caleb Martin misses seven games while completing health and safety protocols. AP

War Cannon dominates 3YO Grand Derby

AR Cannon blasted away the opponents in ruling the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom)-Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) 3YO Locally-Bred Grand Derby on Sunday at the Saddle and Clubs Leisure Park in Naic, Cavite. Breaking out of the gate second to last, War Cannon bided his time way behind stablemate Flattering You which dictated the early pace with Arrabiata in tow followed by Stayinthemoment and All Too Easy. The Brigand-Ivanavinalot bay colt made his move at the half-mile pole en route to the come-frombehind victory. By the-last 600 meter mark, the Melaine Habla-owned and Ruben Tupas-trained and Kelvin Abobomounted charger was not to be denied the victory with Arrabiata giving chase. War Cannon hit the wire eightlengths clear of Arrabiata (Striding Ahead-Toyland) followed by Isla Puting Bato, All Too Easy and Tocque Bell. War Cannon clocked one minute and 53.40 seconds (13’-22-24’-25’28’) in the 1800-meter race to snatch the P1.8 million top prize. Arrabiata, Isla Puting Bato and All Too Easy banked P600,000, P300,000 and P150,000, respectively.

| Tuesday, December 28, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

NBA VIRUS WOES WON’T GO AWAY

HE way Miami’s Caleb Martin sees things, he’s lucky. He just missed seven games while completing the National Basektball Association’s (NBA) health and safety protocols related to the coronavirus, the worst of his symptoms being a couple days of fatigue. And when looking at the still-rising numbers of positive tests around the league right now, Martin offered a stark assessment. “It almost seems it’s inevitable,” Martin said. The numbers in the NBA indeed keep getting higher and may continue that way for the foreseeable future. Expanded testing, agreed to earlier this month, went into place Sunday for players who have yet to receive their booster shots. The new testing plan is expected to remain in place until January 8, after weeks of urging by the league and the National Basketball Players Association for players to get boosted. By early Sunday evening, the numbers of players known to be in the protocols was up to 116—and probably slightly higher, considering some teams had yet to update injury reports. Numbers can fluctuate quickly as players test in and out, and being on the protocols list does not always mean someone has tested positive. “I think any logical person would

worry how far is this going to go, and there’s a couple teams that have quite a few people in the protocols.... You don’t know where it’s going to go,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. Almost all NBA teams are dealing with at least one known case of virus-related issues now, and some teams are down to mere skeletons of what an NBA team should look like. Toronto played Cleveland on Sunday with eight players, four of them hardship signings brought on because 10 Raptors are currently in the protocols. “Shoutout all the guys filling in to keep this season going—from unknown guys to the vets,” Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, one of the sidelined Toronto players, tweeted. Here’s what the Orlando injury report looked like on Sunday: Six players out because of virus-related problems, another sidelined while he completes the process of getting cleared from a protocols stint, and another six players out with injuries. Yes, that’s 13 players—from one team. “You expect the unexpected,” Magic Coach Jamahl Mosley said. Golden State’s Draymond Green was the latest big name added to the protocols list on Sunday, less than 24 hours after the Warriors beat Phoenix in what was the best game on the league’s five-game Christmas lineup and probably one of the more

anticipated games so far this season. “This is the reality of this association right now,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. Spoelstra was missing, among others, point guard Kyle Lowry, head athletic trainer Jay Sabol and assistant coaches Chris Quinn and Caron Butler on Sunday. Quinn was at the arena— just not in the arena. He was waiting in a parking garage, watching a stream of the game, hoping a confusing testing situation got cleared up in time for him to go to work. It didn’t. Quinn probably could have coached Sunday and been fine, and Lowry told Spoelstra he felt like he could play. But Spoelstra said there’s a far bigger point in the ongoing fight with the virus. “This virus is so complex that it really isn’t about us,” Spoelstra said. “And then now you’re dealing with the complexity of this new variant and if you’ve been fully vaccinated and have a booster shot and you feel fine...then hopefully your return to play or return to work as a staff member can be quicker.” Talks between the NBA and the NBPA have been going on for several days about a potential shortening of the return-to-play protocols, though nothing has been finalized. The Raptors hadn’t played for more than a week. But the schedule said they were playing Sunday, so they showed up to play on Sunday.

“We haven’t done a thing since our last game,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said about 90 minutes before tip-off. In Chicago, where the Bulls just had 10 players go through protocols and are now without coach Billy Donovan as he navigates them, it had been pointed out that Lonzo Ball was the lone player to appear in every game for the team so far this season. That streak is about to end: Ball is one of three players on the latest list of Bulls in the protocols. “Y’all jinxed me,” Ball tweeted. Memphis saw its protocols list grow to five on Sunday. San Antonio—one of the few teams that hadn’t had a player in protocols of late—had its run of luck on that front end when Dejounte Murray was added to the list, and Atlanta added John Collins to its already-jammed list, now up to 10 players. “It’s a crazy virus. It really is,” Spoelstra said. “It just brings out the worst in people. It can happen. The league, they have to make really tough decisions right now. I don’t envy what they’re having to do, but organizations are having to make tough decisions daily. Same thing with the players association and staffs. “We just have to stay the course. The business is still moving forward. It’s thriving. Everyday life is still moving forward. But you have to have the appropriate level of precautions and awareness as well.”

Ancajas, Ioka unification fight set next year

NTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas and World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight titlist Kazuto Ioka are looking at a May or June schedule for their postponed unification fight in Japan. “Jerwin [Ancajas] will be fighting in February 2022, so the Ioka unification fight can happen in May or June,” MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons told BusinessMirror on Monday. The Panabo City pride Ancajas will face Argentina’s Fernando Daniel Martinez (13-0 win-loss record with eight knockouts) in February at a still to be determined date and venue in the United States. “It’s going to be a good fight for Jerwin [Ancajas] and we need him to stay busy for the Ioka fight, Gibbons said. “I’m still trying to get him [Ioka] though, we still have no contract.” The unification bout was originally set for New Year’s Eve but was postponed upon orders of Japanese government because of the Covid-19 Omicron variant scare. Ancajas, who has been training in Los Angeles, California, under Joven Jimenez since September, will be turning 30 on January 1. He’s been sparring with Mexican Francisco Rodriguez at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card boxing gym. The 30-year-old Martinez last fought last August 13 in Dubai where he beat Mexican Gonzalo Garcia Duran via a fourth-round technical knockout. Ancajas, on the other hand, beat Jonathan Javier Rodriguez also of Mexico last April 10 via unanimous decision in Connecticut. Ioka settled for a fellow Japanese opponent ,Ryoji Fukunaga, in the New Year’s Eve fight in Tokyo. Josef Ramos STANLEY PRINGLE undergoes surgery in his left knee as Matthew Wright is churning in the numbers for the Fuel Masters.

PSC STOPS EJ-PATAFA MEDIATION EFFORT T

HE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) decided on Monday to discontinue a mediation effort that aims to heal the rift between Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) after the Olympic pole vaulter posted in social media that he’s not submitting himself to the exercise. “In light of the recent decision of Mr. Ernest John Obiena as posted on his social media account, the Philippine Sports Commission humbly informs the public that we are discontinuing the mediation offer,” the PSC said in a statement. “The agency leaves the mediation table, respecting the decision of Mr. Obiena who chose to submit to procedures conducted by other institutions,” the PSC statement added. PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez called a special meeting among the members of the PSC Board to address Obiena’s declaration which he posted on

JOCKEY Kelvin Abobo rides War Cannon to victory.

Facebook on Christmas Eve. “I just want to be clear that I have no issue with the PSC mediation; in fact I was the first to agree to it verbally but things change when the other party neglected the moratorium imposed by PSC and continued to insinuate ill behaviors,” Obiena said on his Facebook post. “First, there is already a process underway with the POC [Philippine Olympic Committee] and IOC [International Olympic Committee] related to my case on harassment. I believe it’s appropriate to allow this process to finish unencumbered by outside matters such as a parallel mediation process” he said. “I believe it’s right to allow several more days for the POC process to conclude.” The PSC said in the same statement that the mediation effort could have been a better platform to resolve the issue that put Philippine athletics in a bad light before the global sports community. “We have to underscore that mediation

should be the first course of action being the more peaceful, equitable, confidential, voluntary option to resolve issues,” the PSC said. “The PSC though is keeping its doors open to the process should both parties agree to it in the future.” Obiena, the Asian men’s pole vault record holder, stood pat on his stand as expressed by his latest Facebook post. “After this, what is there to mediate? Every accusation had been refuted. What is left is a clearing of my good name, my full reinstatement, and necessary changes to the system to avoid this situation to ever happen again and avoid this burden being placed on athletes,” he said. He added: “If after the POC process is final, and my payment records are public, there is still a belief in mediation then at that time I am 100 percent ready to sit down and do so.”

Pringle out for 3 months; Wright named week’s best

By Josef Ramos

ARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel’s Stanley Pringle will be out for next three months after undergoing surgery in his left knee before Christmas Day, according to Head Coach Tim Cone. Cone, however, didn’t go down to specifics on Pringle’s injury which already ruled him out of the Governors’ Cup where the Gin Kings are the defending champions. Pringle only played on game in the current conference, scoring seven points with four rebounds and three assists in an 80-77 win over Alaska last December 12 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Cone said that the injury already bothered Pringle before the Philippine Basketball Association resumed the games last December 8. Jared Dillinger will also be out for two months because of a patellar tendon tear while Joe Devance is still recovering from a knee injury. Veteran Mark Caguioa, according to Cone, is day-to-day because of a calf injury while there’s no time table on Aljon Mariano’s return from a leg injury.

Despite being undermanned, high-leaping Japeth Aguilar remained optimistic about Ginebra’s chances. “Having many guys out does affect our rotation but knowing our team, we always have the ‘next man up’ mentality and our coaching staff really works hard to fill the gap these players have left,” Aguilar said. Veteran LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson and rookie Kent Salado remain on the healthy list to man the team’s guard positions.

WRIGHT PLAYER OF THE WEEK

MATTHEW WRIGHT and importless Phoenix Super LPG couldn’t have snapped out of their slump at a perfect time than on Christmas Day in front of a sizeable crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. And the Fuel Masters couldn’t have caught a bigger fish than erstwhile unbeaten NLEX in a 10392 win in the two-day Philippine Basketball Association Christmas special dubbed “Season of Joy.” With import Paul Harris playing just a little over two minutes because of an injury, Wright took matters into his own hands and finished with a game-high 23 points to hand Phoenix

a fitting Yuletide present and arrest a two-game skid before the Governors’ Cup enters the New Year. The ace guard laced his performance with six triples on top of nine rebounds and four assists to bag the third Cignal Play–PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award after NLEX’s Kevin Alas and Ginebra’s Arvin Tolentino. “As bad as we played in our last two games, Matt said that we just have to keep on playing. That it’s either we go all the way with three straight losses or we stop the streak of NLEX,” said coach Topex Robinson on Wright’s leadership in a win that also served as his sweet birthday present. Robinson celebrated his 47th birthday on Christmas Day as Phoenix climbed to a 3-2 record. “These guys are really motivated, especially our leaders,” added Robinson who also credited the solid contributions of Justin Chua, Chris Banchero, Jason Perkins, RJ Jazul and Aljun Melecio in a huge Phoenix win sans Harris. Chua, who uncorked 19 points and six boards, was also considered for the weekly citation for the period December 22 to 26.