BusinessMirror February 09, 2024 by BusinessMirror

Arta targets automating 120 LGUs in 2024 By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

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US DRONE STRIKE IN BAGHDAD KILLS MILITIA HEAD RESPONSIBLE FOR ATTACKS ON AMERICAN TROOPS

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OLITICAL will among mayors is needed to comply with automation requirements for processing of business permits under the Ease of Doing Business law, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta). Arta Secretary Ernesto V. Perez stressed this as he revealed that the agency is targeting to automate 120 LGUs this year. The Arta chief stressed, “The requirement to set up an [electronic

Business One Stop Shop] eBOSS... It’s provided for by law, it’s not an option for them; it’s a requirement.” Perez stressed that there is no reason not to comply with the automation requirement, even with some LGUs raising internet connection issues and using the “far-flung” municipality card,among others. To prove his point, he cited the example of San Roque in Eastern Samar, which he said is a “fourth-class municipality” but was able to comply. “So [we need] political will on the part of the mayor to comply with it,” Perez said at a briefing on Thursday

in Quezon City. The anti-red tape watchdog described eBOSS as a single online portal that allows clients to access all necessary services and information for business registration, including submission of applications, online payment, and electronic issuance of pertinent documents. Under Section 11(c) of the law, all LGUs are mandated to set up and operationalize an eBOSS by June 17, 2021, within three years from the effectivity of the law. As of January 2024, Arta revealed that 10 LGUs showed “exemplary”

performance in processing business registrations, posting the fastest processing times. These top 10 LGUs are Navotas City, Valenzuela City, Marikina City, Quezon City, City of Manila, Parañaque City, Malabon City, Pasay City, Batangas City and Balanga City, Bataan. Navotas City posted the fastest processing time, with 20 minutes for processing new permits and 20 minutes for renewal of permits. This was followed by Valenzuela City, which has a processing time of 30 minutes for new permits and 30 minutes for renewal of permits.

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FOR 4TH MONTH, PHL GIR

BREACHES $100-B LEVEL By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

HE Philippines started the new year with its reserves exceeding $100 billion. This is the second consecutive year in a row that it breached that threshold, based on data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The country’s gross international reserves (GIR) level, based on preliminary data, settled at $103.4 billion as of the end of January 2024. In January 2023, the country’s GIR level was at $100.67 billion. The data also showed the GIR level has been above $100 billion for four consecutive months (October, November, December and January) and is gradually increasing. “The month-on-month decline in the GIR level reflected mainly the National Government’s [NG] payments of its foreign currency debt obligations and downward valuation adjustments in the BSP gold holdings due to the decrease in the price of gold in the international market,” BSP said. At the end of October 2023, the GIR was at $101.04 billion and increased to $102.72 billion at the end of November 2023 and $103.75 billion at the end of December 2023. See “PHL Gir,” A2

RESOURCEFULNESS AMID ADVERSITY In Barangay Mahogany, Butuan City, children exhibit remarkable ingenuity as they navigate the submerged streets using a makeshift boat ingeniously crafted from the stem of a banana tree. Constant rains have flooded huge parts of the CARAGA region the past week, forcing the evacuation of thousands. Story in Nation, A4. ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

MORE SWISS FIRMS EYE PHL FOR INVESTMENT–CASSIS By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

ORE Swiss businesses are interested to invest in the Philippines, visiting Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said. He said that since the signing of an FTA between the Philippines and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 2018, doing business in the Philippines has become “much easier and attractive”than the previous years. “There is a growing interest by Swiss companies to invest in your country with the free trade agree-

ment between the EFTA families and your country,” Cassis said in his opening statement during his bilateral meeting Thursday in Manila. Aside from Switzerland, other country-members of EFTA are Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Cassis was in Manila for a oneday visit, the first ever trip of a Swiss federal councilor and foreign minister in the Philippines in 16 years. Swiss companies have invested around US$3.1 billion (P170 billion) in the Philippines, employing around 28,000 workers, he said. See “Swiss firms,” A2

₧100 wage hike could raise biz op-ex 15-20% By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is leaving to lawmakers’ discretion the decision of whether or not to approve the proposed P100-daily minimum wage increase for private sector employees. However, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the DOLE together with other agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have already submitted their technical inputs on the proposed wage hike. The technical inputs, accord-

ing to Laguesma, project the possible adverse and positive impact of the legislated wage hike on the employment level, inf lation rate, economic growth and operations of businesses. “At the end of the day, let me just go back to my earlier statement that the enactment of laws is within the jurisdiction of the Congress, both the House of Representatives and the Senate. We just implement them but before that we provide technical inputs,” Laguesma explained. “If they will listen to us, thank you. If not, and if they think we are very conservative, then we would leave it up to their judgment. See “Wage hike,” A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 56.0330 n JAPAN 0.3782 n UK 70.7641 n HK 7.1663 n CHINA 7.7870 n SINGAPORE 41.7129 n AUSTRALIA 36.5223 n EU 60.3756 n KOREA 0.0422 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.9413 Source: BSP (February 8, 2024)

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SMC-led consortium submits highest bid for Naia rehab T By Lorenz S. Marasigan

shall provide an upfront payment of P30 billion to the government as premium and another P2 billion in annuity payments. It is also required to remit a certain percentage of the revenues to the government. This will be the main bid parameter for the auction —the higher the proposed share of the government in the Naia’s revenues are, the better. The Asian Airport Consortium, composed of the Asian Infrastructure and Management Corp., Cosco Capital Inc., Philippine Skylanders International Inc., and PT Angkasa Pura II, did not make the final cut after its technical proposal was

deemed non-compliant. SMC-SAP and Co. Consortium consists of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp. Manila International Airport Consortium is composed of GIP EM MIAC Pte. Ltd, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Inc., Alliance Global Infracorp Development Inc., Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Filinvest Development Corp. and JG Summit Holdings Corp. GMR Airports Consortium is a partnership among GMR Airports International BV, Cavitex Holdings Inc. and House of Investments Inc. On Thursday, the agency started the opening and evaluation of the financial proposals for the Naia Privatization deal. SMC President Ramon S. Ang said on Thursday that the financial proposal of SMC was “superior,” highlighting that it prioritizes benefits to the government and the Filipino people. Story in Companies, B1.

SMC is also undertaking the development of the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan, which Ang said could create “potential synergies” with Naia. The Naia Privatization Project is a Rehabilitate-Operate-ExpandTransfer (ROET) deal led by the DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa). The concession was initially set for 15 years with an option to extend by 10 years as long as the concessionaire is “not in flagrant violation of the concession agreement.” The Naia Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project seeks to rehabilitate and expand the current threeterminal gateway in Manila. Once completed, its capacity shall be expanded from 35 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 62 MMPA. The agency aims to award the P170.6-billion PPP deal by February 15. The agency will then evaluate the compliance of the postaward requirements. It targets to sign the concession agreement on March 15.

way, their number of business registration and revenue tax collection,” the anti-red tape watchdog said. In terms of revenue collections from business permits, Batangas City posted the highest number as it collected P937.15 million in 2022, followed by Marikina City which generated P767.27 million

in revenue collections from business permits in the said year. “I hope that through this, other LGUs can be inspired and start working on setting up their respective eBOSS,” Perez said. On top of the 10 LGUs, Arta cited the LGUs that are fully automated and have been “commended.” These

are Ilagan, Isabela; Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, and Mandaluyong City while Legaspi, Albay; Ubay, Bohol; and Davao, Davao del Sur are yet to be commended. “We hope that in the coming months, more and more LGUs will comply. We want this to materialize because this is not just for the benefit of the government,” Arta said. The anti-red tape watchdog noted that this benefits “many,” including stakeholders and future foreign and local investors in the country. For this year, Arta has set the goal of 10-minute processing time for business permit applications for LGUs. To achieve this, the agency will continuously tap the private sector for assistance, Perez said. For instance, he noted that the Aboitiz group helped to capacite 10 identified LGUs; while Meralco donated 500 computer units that were distributed to various LGUs.” Arta said the 10-minute processing time is a “commitment that we made from the call of the business sector; they’ve actually benchmarked this with other countries.” The agency earlier said an LGU will be considered fully automated based on four criteria: first, the LGU has a system of submitting business applications online through the Unified Application Form which can upload the required documents in processing business applications. Another basis for the LGU to qualify as fully automated is the capability to issue the following: electronic tax bill or (orders of payment) TOP, Bureau of Fire Protection-Fire Safety Inspection Certificate Fee, and Barangay Clearance Fee. Also among the criteria for the LGU to be fully automated is being able to provide an “integrated online payment” or paying through online or digital facilities and gateways, such as pawnshops, GCash, or Bayad Centers. Finally, Arta said the LGU should have the capability to issue electronic versions of issued permits and should have a link connecting to a physical courier to deliver permits.

@lorenzmarasigan

HE consortium led by San Miguel Corp. and partner Incheon International Airport Corp. submitted the highest bid amount for the P170.6-billion Naia privatization deal, making it the front-runner in the auction.

During the bidding ceremonies on Thursday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) revealed the bid amounts submitted by the complying groups, with SMC-SAP & Co. Consortium offering to share 82.16 percent of future gross revenues — excluding passenger service charges—with the government. GMR Airports Consortium, meanwhile, offered a bid amount of 33.30-percent government share, while the Manila International Airport Consortium submitted a bid amount of 25.9-percent government share. Under the terms of reference for the deal, the winning consortium

Arta...

Continued from A1

With these LGUs’ “fully automated” eBOSS, Arta said, “We can see that the effect is not just with their process per se.” “It also affected, in a positive

PHL GIR...

Continued from A1

However, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort noted that the January GIR level was $347 million or 0.3 percent lower than the endDecember 2023 level. “[This] is largely reflected by the month-on-month declines in foreign investments [$462 million or 0.5 percent]; also the monthly decline in gold holdings [$258 million or 2.4 percent, amid the increase of 1.1 percent month-on-month increase in global world gold prices, which reached new record highs in the latter part of December 2023],” Ricafort said. However, Ricafort noted that the GIR was higher yearon-year by $2.7 billion or 2.7 percent. This was mainly due to remittance inflows and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) revenues. He also noted a decline in global crude oil and other global commodity prices from the highs posted in 2022. This could have also helped narrow the country’s trade deficit/net imports. The BSP also noted that the latest GIR level represented a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.7 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. By convention, the GIR is viewed to be adequate if it can finance at least three-months’

Wage hike...

Continued from A1

But, at the end of the day whenever a law is passed, our obligation is to implement,” he added. The Senate on Tuesday opened plenary deliberations on Senate Bill No. 2534 sponsored by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resource Development. The bill proposes a P100-daily minimum wage increase which is expected to benefit over 4.4 million minimum wage earners. From the original proposal of a P150 daily wage increase, Estrada said his committee recommended a P100 daily pay hike as almost all regional wage boards have already responded to the workers’ clamor by ordering an increase ranging from P30 to P90 last year. However, Laguesma cautioned lawmakers on the possible adverse chain reaction on the business sector, particularly on the small and medium enterprises, of the legislated wage hike based on the simulation they conducted. One possible effect of the proposed increase, according to Laguesman, is the increase in operational expenses of businesses by 15 to 20 percent. He also warned that the increase might result in the so-called wage distortion, where minimum wage earners would surpass the salaries of average employees because the former will enjoy mandated wage increases. “Under the law, employers

Swiss firms...

Continued from A1

There are around 60 Swiss-owned or partly-owned businesses in the Philippines, the most notable being Nestle food and beverage company, Avaloq cloud banking solutions provider, and Cereal Partners Worldwide breakfast cereals maker. The Swiss foreign minister characterized the bilateral relationship between Manila and Bern as having “deep roots,” noting that the first ever Swiss diplomatic presence in Asia was in Manila in 1862 “primarily for trade.” “Today, our two countries enjoy ex-

worth of the country’s imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. T he centra l ban k a lso showed that the GIR in January is six times the country’s short-ter m exter nal debt based on original maturity and 3.9 times based on residual maturity. The BSP explained that short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and longterm loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months. The level of GIR as of a particular period, BSP said, is considered adequate if it provides at least 100 percent cover for the payment of the country’s foreign liabilities, public and private, falling due within the immediate 12-month period. The data also showed that the net international reserves, which refers to the difference between the BSP’s reserve assets (GIR) and reserve liabilities, decreased by $0.9 billion to $102.8 billion as of end-January 2024 from the end-December 2023 level of $103.7 billion. The BSP said these reserve liabilities include short-term foreign debt and credit and loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

cellent bilateral relations,” Cassis said. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the “strongest ties that bind” the two countries were the people—over 15,000 Filipinos work or live in Switzerland, while 4,000 Swiss nationals made Philippines their second home. Manalo said they sought the support of Switzerland in“upholding peace, stability and a rules-based international order.” Before coming to Manila, Casis embarked on a trip to other Asian countries —India, China and South Korea.

would have to address this issue to prevent demoralization among its employees. However, Laguesma said it is the Neda which can provide concrete details on the impact of the proposed wage hike on the investors, employment level and economic growth. Estrada clarified that “while the minimum wage in Metro Manila for the non-agricultural sector consistently recorded the highest basic pay in the country at P610 per day ...the actual daily pay is eroded by inflation.” He noted that the real value of the minimum wage—which reflects the inflation-adjusted rates using the consumer price index— has fallen to P514.50 in the capital as of July 2023 and further decreased to P504 for October 2023, and this scenario is replicated across all regions. Meanwhile, Laguesma welcomed the recent results of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing a record low of 3.1-percent unemployment rate in December 2003 and 4.3 percent in 2023. “The DOLE is thankful and elated with the latest report coming from the PSA showing a high employment rate. The said result will serve as an inspiration for us to continue the implementation of DOLE’s programs that are intended to provide more job opportunities,” Laguesma said. The Swiss minister said Switzerland and the Philippines are “likeminded” and both adhere to “rulesbased order.” Switzerland was also instrumental in the peace process in Mindanao, by providing technical expertise in transitional justice and reconciliation. Cassis vowed to continue this kind of cooperation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “We are also concerned and worried about the many crisis that’s going on,” he said, apparently referring to UkraineRussia war and the newest conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.

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Friday, February 9, 2024 A3

MERALCO DISPLAYS COMMUNICATIONS BRILLIANCE AT THE 20TH PHILIPPINE QUILL AWARDS. Meralco bagged a total of 28 Excellence and Merit trophies and was Company of the Year first runner up for its exemplary communications programs centered on sustainability, corporate social responsibility, innovation, and public service.

Recognized with multiple accolades ONE MERALCO EXEMPLIFIES BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION EXCELLENCE

HE Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the country’s largest and premier distribution utility led by its Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, has once again demonstrated its exemplary brilliance in business and communications, clinching multiple accolades from two of the country’s most prestigious award giving bodies.

Meralco emerged as one of the top winners at the 20th Philippine Quill Awards with a total of 28 Excellence and Merit trophies—the most number of awards among entrant companies—for its communication programs centered on sustainability, corporate social responsibility, innovation, and public service. With such fetes under its belt, the company was cited as one of the finalists for the “Company of the Year” Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines during its first in-person awarding ceremony post-pandemic. As a testament to its excellence in communications, Meralco received two Gold and one Silver Anvils from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) during the 59th Anvil Awards. The Philippine Quill Awards— organized by IABC Philippines—is considered as the country’s most prestigious awards program in

the field of business communication, highlighting its importance in achieving goals and in making a difference in society. Meanwhile, the Anvil Awards—also known as “the Oscars of Philippine Public Relations”—is an annual awards program organized by the PRSP which recognizes outstanding public relations programs, campaigns, and tools that exemplify the highest standards of PR practice in the country. Among the communications campaigns that bagged Excellence Awards in the Philippine Quill Awards are centered on customers’ needs, namely Meralco’s Always On Content in the New Normal, Meralco Storm Watch, Safeguarding the Stability of the Power Grid through Power Supply and Energy Management Education, and The New Meralco Bill: Giving More Power to the Customers We Serve. These proactive information campaigns reaffirm Meralco’s commitment to

constantly position customers at the heart of the power distributor’s services with programs that aim to answer or help address the needs and requirements of clients. Beyond electricity distribution and generation, Meralco’s commitment to sustainability extends to people empowerment through its diversity and inclusivity program #Mbrace. A testament to the program’s impact, Meralco Advances Diversity and Inclusion through #Mbrace was bestowed an Excellence Award. Since it pioneered the training and hiring of female linecrew in Southeast Asia in 2013, Meralco has been actively promoting gender equality in the maledominated power industry. For its Liwanag sa Dilim: Amplifying the Heroism of Meralco Typhoon Odette Restoration Contingent campaign, Meralco highlighted the spirit of bayanihan and malasakit by sending its own contingent of 150 linemen and engineers to help electricity distributors in Cebu and Bohol following the devastation of the powerful typhoon. These unsung heroes toiled for more than a month away from their families to help bring back electricity in the affected areas. In recognition of its green mobility advocacy, Meralco’s campaign for The 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit 2022 earned an Excellence Award for highlighting the progress and developments in the industry, earning wide media coverage. The company co-hosted the event with the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines alongside the Department of Energy and Nissan Philippines Inc. Meralco’s social development arm, One Meralco Foundation (OMF), also bagged three Excel-

ONE MERALCO FOUNDATION CLINCHES GOLD. OMF bagged a Gold Anvil for its One for Trees: Empowering People and Communities to Nurture Our Forests program which aims to plant and nurture trees while providing livelihood opportunities to tree

MERALCO TAKES HOME GOLD AND SILVER AT THE 59TH ANVIL AWARDS. Meralco clinched three Anvils—two Gold and one Silver—for its campaigns focused on talent acquisition, sustainability, and issues management.

lence Awards for its initiatives that put the spotlight on providing much needed support beyond its franchise. Through its Light Up Pilipinas campaign, OMF shed light on the impact of its solar lamp donation program which has so far benefitted 6,000 low-income families in various communities from the provinces of Rizal, Cebu, Antique, Bulacan, Cagayan, Aurora, Laguna, Zambales, Ilocos Norte, and Catanduanes. Rooted on its advocacy for environmental stewardship, OMF’s One for Trees: Empowering People and Communities to Nurture Our Forests program meanwhile presented how the foundation continuously expands its environmental

program that also provides livelihood opportunities to tree farmers. In 2022, OMF marked a significant milestone under its One For Trees program with over 2 million trees planted and nurtured in various parts of the country. As part of Meralco’s overarching sustainability campaign, One for Trees also equips communities with the means to engage in agroforestry and raises awareness on the importance of preservation and protection of our forests. Meanwhile, Electrification for Development: Improving the lives of last-mile Filipinos showed how the OMF’s electrification program uplifted the lives of those living in unserved and underserved communities across the country.

PROGRESSING WITH EVs. Meralco earned an Excellence Award for its campaign for The 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit 2022 for highlighting the progress and developments in the EV industry.

Garnering another Excellence Award is Meralco’s entry, The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Meralco's Spectrum on Solar Rooftop Installations, which captured the benefits of investing in clean and renewable energy, particularly solar, by telling the story of renowned environmental advocate, Illac Diaz. Meralco's 2021 Corporate Annual Reports entitled “Bayanihan,” “Kalinga,” and “Malasakit” also clinched an Excellence Award for showcasing how its purpose and values propelled the company’s recovery and growth. At the Anvil Awards, Meralco bagged a Gold Anvil for its campaign, Turning Crisis Into An Opportunity: Meralco’s Efficient And Quick Communications Response To The Manage NAIA’s Power Outages. Meralco’s award-winning entry demonstrated its quick action to respond to negative sentiment which led to an overall audit on the power systems of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to ensure optimal operations of the country’s major gateway. Another Gold Anvil was bestowed on Meralco’s #BuildingABrilliantFuture with Meralco: Facebook as a Social Media Recruitment Marketing Tool for consistently amplifying its talent acquisition and employee welfare programs. Meanwhile, the PRSP awarded Meralco with a Silver Anvil for Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Future: Meralco’s Strategic Communications Program for the 2023 Giga Summit which narrated the importance of public discussions and consultations to achieve a sustainable energy future.

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

Friday, February 9, 2024

13 Butuan villages placed under state of calamity as flood displaces 13,477 By Erwin M. Mascariñas

UTUAN City—Thirteen barangays here were placed under state of calamity amid the swelling of the Agusan River, forcing 13,477 individuals to flee their inundated homes and communities. On Wednesday, February 7, at around 4:00 p.m., the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Butuan, in response to the escalating effects of continuous weather disturbances, declared 13 out of the 27 affected barangays under a state of calamity allowing the affected areas to utilize their calamity funds. In a statement, the SP declaration pointed out that for a barangay to be declared under a state of calamity, at least 15 percent of the affected population based on a science-based projection need emergency assistance, pursuant to National Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum Order 60 s. 2019. Based on the information provided by the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), as of 7:00 a.m. Thursday, the number of displaced or affected individuals increased to 14,868 or 4,282 families from 49 evacuation centers of the 27 affected barangays. Several barangays have yet to fully submit their reports and assessment of affected and displaced families. They are hoping to be part of those declared under the state of calamity to access their calamity funds. The sudden jump in the number of displaced individuals from 10,000 on Monday was attributed to the sudden thunderstorm brought by the easterlies on the afternoon of Wednesday, which further flooded several areas of the city.

Rea Canasisi, 33 years old and a mother of two, and a resident of Purok 3A in Barangay Mahogany, said that initially they didn’t plan to evacuate even after the forced evacuation order was imposed on Sunday, February 4 but changed their minds after the heavy rain covered the city Wednesday afternoon. “Our house was designed to not be reached by flood water even if it’s above a person’s height but I got afraid since most of the time my husband is out driving a public utility vehicle and I am left alone with the children. In case of emergency, it will be hard for us since the water level is already up to the neckline, what makes it worse is that it’s pitch black after dark as the power in our barangay had to be cut off as a precaution from electrocution,” said Canasisi. Canasisi stated that they haven’t

experienced flooding in the area for 10 years but it’s quite different now as more people are living now in the barangay compared to what it was in 2014. “The big flood in 2014 was bigger than this but we fear that this might grow further as the rain is starting to come back. Most of the evacuation centers are packed and it was good that we found a spot in one of them,” said Canasisi. Mycl Angeli Sumalinog, head of the Early Warning System Management Section of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), said that the water level is still rising and that people should not be complacent. “The call to evacuate and leave the flooded areas with the forced evacuation order since February 4, unfortunately, a of people still decided to remain in their

On Constitution Day, PBBM pushes amending economic provisions By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

MID a heated word war between the House of Representatives and the Senate on Charter change, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday stressed the need and urgency for amending the Constitution’s “restrictive” economic provisions. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Jr. said President Marcos gave such assurance that his support for reform “extends to economic matters alone to boost the country's economy nothing more.” The president was the guest of honor and speaker at Constitution Day, hosted by the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) and the Manila Overseas Press Club Thursday night at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City. The President also praised the bicameral Congress and the inherent system of checks and balances, describing them as remarkable elements. He emphasized the importance of allowing a robust and democratic debate to unfold.

“We must allow this healthy and democratic debate to rage on,” the president added. The President said these provisions act as barriers to foreign investments, impeding the potential for rapid and inclusive economic growth and ultimately hindering the improvement of the quality of life for all Filipinos, according to Romualdez. “The President made it clear that these provisions hinder the entry of foreign investments and the potential for faster and more inclusive economic growth, which in turn could translate into a better life for every Filipino,” he said. “We are happy that he also took note of our consistent advocacy in the House of Representatives for changing those restrictive provisions for more than three decades since the 8th Congress, or since 36 to 37 years ago,” Romualdez said. Despite their persistence in advocating for constitutional amendments, Romualdez reiterated the stance that their advocacy is strictly limited to economic reforms, without any inclination towards political amendments.

“At the risk of being makulit, we have been saying that we do not advocate any political amendment,” said Speaker Romualdez, who is also the Philconsa president.

‘PI may still serve purpose’

A SENIOR lawmaker on Thursday warned that if Congress fails to approve changes in the Constitution’s economic provisions, the people’s initiative (PI) for a direct proposal of a single constitutional amendment may proceed. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, a leader of the Nacionalista Party in the House of Representatives, said congressmen have no Plan B in case their 37-year-old push for economic reform in the Charter dies again in the Senate. He expressed hopes that the Senate will adopt Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6) within the promised time frame. However, if this does not materialize, Barbers suggested that the ongoing PI, which has been temporarily suspended by the Commission on Elections, might be considered as a backup plan.

homes amid the threat. No matter if the sun rises or if it rains, the water levels will continue to rise as the floodwaters coming from Agusan del Sur are still trickling down to Butuan,” said Sumalinog. According to the CDRRMO the Agusan River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the floodwater in Talacogon town, Agusan del Sur remains at 6 meters. “The floodwaters in Agusan del Sur will flow towards Butuan in the next few days, a clear indication that people should evacuate and for us to continue with our monitoring and coordinate with the barangay officials,” Sumalinog said. Several of the evacuees complained about the lack of proper toilets, adequate water supply, and crowded classrooms as

“We are just giving the Senate the time to consider approving and adopting RBH 6. It would really be appreciated if they would adopt this within the time that they have promised,” he said. “Of course, if this does not happen, I think the PI is still ongoing, and it’s just suspended for the meantime in the Comelec. Maybe the backup plan is to consider the PI,” Barbers added. RBH 6, authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senators Loren Legarda and Juan Edgardo Angara, proposes amendments to certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution. RBH 6 is entitled “A Resolution of Both Houses of Congress proposing amendments to certain provisions of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, particularly on Articles Xll, XlV and XVl.” A special Senate subcommittee chaired by Angara opened public hearings on the measure last Monday. Barbers reiterated that House members have no participation in the PI, which advocates a constitutional amendment that the two chambers of Congress should vote jointly on any Charter change proposal.

several of the school rooms that were provided as evacuation centers for the displaced families became congested and crowded with several incidents of verbal and violent altercations between family members and other individuals in the school evacuation centers. The CDRRMO stated that they would look into several of the complaints and incidents in the evacuation centers. According to the PAGASA weather update for Caraga Region, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to easterlies. Possible flashfloods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains. Light to moderate winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).

Chinese lodges extortion rap vs 5 airport policemen By Nonie Reyes

ANILA International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines on Thursday relieved five airport policemen for alleged extortion of a Chinese national at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 last Sunday, February 4, 2024. Reports said the Chinese victim lodged a complaint against the five airport policemen before the PNP-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) Naia for allegedly extorting some P15,000. MIAA is now conducting its own investigation into incident, even as airport authorities are reviewing the CCTV footage that will form part of the probe. Lt. Col. Alfredo Lim, who heads the AVSEGROUP unit at Naia 3, said they identified the five Airport Police Department (APD) personnel behind the extortion try. Criminal charges were filed Wednesday before the Pasay City Prosecutor Office for robbery extortion against the security officers. The APD is a unit under the administrative and operational supervision of the MIAA and not the PNP. According to the Chinese victim, he just accompanied a fellow Chinese to the airport on February 4 when the five APD officers ordered him to show his passport. The victim showed a copy of his passport on his cell phone to the APD personnel but they still took him into custody. It was then the suspects warned the victim he would end up in jail if he would not pay their P15,000 demand. Fearing for his safety, the victim said he gave in to the suspects’ demands.

Friday, February 9, 2024

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

Meralco power rate up by ₧0.5738/kWh in February

IGHER power generation charge led to an increase of P0.5738 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the February electricity rate, bringing overall rate for a typical household to P11.9168 per kWh this month from P11.3430 per kWh in January. For residential customers of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) consuming 200 kWh, the adjustment is equivalent to an increase of around P115 in their total electricity bill. Meralco said Thursday that generation charge went up by P0.4552 to P7.1020 per kWh from P6.6468 per kWh last month, primarily due to higher cost of power from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Power Supply Agreements (PSA). Charges from IPPs increased by P1.4764 per kWh due to higher fuel costs mainly resulting from the increased use of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). Charges from PSAs inched up by P0.1558 per kWh due to higher charges from Emergency PSAs (EPSA) and peso depreciation, which affected around 11 percent of PSA costs that were dollar-denominated. Mitigating a further increase was higher excess energy deliveries from some PSAs, which were priced at a discount. IPPs and PSAs accounted for 32.8 percent and 46.8 percent, respectively, of Meralco’s total energy requirement in the last supply month. The increases in IPP and PSA charges were tempered by the P0.4071 per kWh decrease in charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) due to improved supply situation in the Luzon grid. Average demand and average capacity on outage were lower by about 502 MW and 101 MW, respectively, for the January supply month. Meralco sourced 20.4 percent of its total energy requirement from the WESM during the period. Transmission and other charges, meanwhile, registered a net increase of 0.1186 per kWh. This already reflected the collection resumption of the P0.0364 per kWh Feed-In Tariff Allowance (FIT-All) starting this February billing month as ordered by the Energy Regulatory Commission. Meralco pays pass-through charges for generation and transmission to the power suppliers and the grid operator, respectively, while taxes, universal charges, and FIT-All are all remitted to the government. Meralco’s distribution charge, on the other hand, has not moved since the P0.0360 per kWh reduction for a typical residential customer beginning August 2022. In preparation for the summer months, Meralco has called on large power consumers to enroll in the government’s Interruptible Load Program (ILP). The ILP is an energy demand-side management program through which largeload customers are asked to use their generator sets or shift their operations, instead of drawing power from the grid, to spare households from power interruptions during instances of red alert or when supply is insufficient to meet the demand. At present, there are 103 companies with 528-megawatt de-loading capacity across the Meralco franchise areas that are enrolled in the ILP. Since it was first implemented in 2014, the ILP has spared as many as 1.8 million households from power interruptions in the Meralco franchise area. “We are banking on the support of large load consumers within the Meralco franchise area to embody the spirit of bayanihan and join the ILP. As we have experienced in the past, the program has been beneficial in ensuring continuity of service even when supply is tight,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said. Lenie Lectura

Poor regions bear brunt of higher rice prices in January–PSA data

OOR regions, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and even the so-called rice granary of the Philippines, saw high retail prices for rice in January 2024. Based on the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), retail prices for regular milled rice averaged P48.71 per kilo in the first two weeks of January and P49.9 per kilo in the last two weeks of January. However, the average retail price for regular milled rice in Central Luzon, Bicol, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and BARMM were higher than P50 per kilo for the whole month of January. Regular milled rice prices in Central Luzon, the country’s rice granary, averaged P53.01 per kilo in the first phase of PSA’s data collection and P53.03 per kilo in the second phase. Most of the provinces in the region posted regular milled rice prices of above P50 per kilo, except for Bataan, which posted an average retail price of P46.49 per kilo in the first phase and P46.46 per kilo in the second phase. Regular milled rice prices in Zambales posted the highest in the region at P62.69 per kilo during both phases of the PSA’s data gathering efforts. However, this was not the highest price recorded nationwide in January among provinces. The highest was in Batangas where the average retail price of regular milled rice was at P64 per kilo in the first and second phase of PSA’s data gathering efforts. When it comes to well-milled rice prices, the average nationwide was P55.48 per kilo for the first phase of data gathering and P55.42 per kilo in the second phase. All regions posted average prices of above P50 per kilo in both data collection phases except for Mimaropa Region, which posted an average price of P51.83 per kilo in the first phase and P49.42 per kilo in the second phase. The highest well-milled rice prices were still recorded in Zambales and Batangas. The average well-milled rice prices in Zambales averaged P70.13 per kilo in the first and second phases of data collection while Batangas recorded P62.2 per kilo in the first phase and P62.3 per kilo in the second phase. Meanwhile, in terms of special rice, the average nationwide was P63.83 per kilo in the first phase and P63.93 per kilo in the second phase of PSA’s data gathering. All regions posted an average price of P60 and above for special rice in the first and second phases of data gathering except for Calabarzon and SOCCSKSARGEN. The average price for special rice in Calabarzon averaged P58.65 per kilo in the first phase of data gathering and P58.66 per kilo in the second phase. For SOCCSKSARGEN, the average price for special rice averaged P58.31 per kilo in the first phase and P58.35 per kilo in the second phase of PSA’s data gathering activities. Meanwhile, PSA data showed special rice was the most expensive in Central Visayas where the average retail price was recorded at P81.27 per kilo in the first phase of data collection and P80.85 per kilo in the second phase. Two provinces in Central Visayas stood out as places where special rice is the most expensive—Cebu and the City of Cebu. In Cebu, the average price of special rice was at P115.25 per kilo in the first and second phase of PSA’s data collection activities. For the City of Cebu, the average price of special rice was recorded at P110.36 per kilo in the first phase and P108.23 per kilo in the second phase of PSA’s data gathering efforts. The PSA explained that the first phase survey round price collection is conducted from first day to the fifth day of the month. The second phase survey round price collection is conducted from 15th day to the 17th day of the month. Prices for the January 2024 first phase survey round are preliminary, while the regional averages are based on the prices of the reporting provinces. It also noted that prices of special rice largely vary in some areas because of the different varieties available and monitored in those areas. Cai U. Ordinario

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

News BusinessMirror

Friday, February 9, 2024

DFA blocks attempt of 58 Chinese nationals to acquire PHL passport By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

@maloutalosig

HE Department of Foreign Affairs thwarted attempts of at least 58 Chinese nationals who applied for Philippine passports in Metro Manila. DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Adelio Cruz said the Chinese nationals presented original birth certificates and other documents when they

applied for passports at the DFA consular headquarters in Aseana, Pasay City. “Nahuhuli na lang naming sila [Chinese passport applicants] during the interview,” he said. One of the Chinese applicants, he recalled, pretended to be a person with disability and made motion gestures that he is deaf and mute. “Buti na lang meron kaming staff na marunong ng sign language. Ayun, nahuli namin na hindi naman pala sign language

yung mga hand motions niya,” Cruz narrated to diplomatic reporters. Some Chinese applicants appeared to have been “coached,” and memorized all the details in their spurious birth certificates and other documents. “Pero pag tinanong namin ng questions like, ‘Sino ang laging ka-tandem ni Nora Aunor? Ano ang famous song ni Andrew E.?’ Tapos di masagot, ayun, mare-red flag na baka hindi Filipino,” he added. Last year, he said police and NBI

authorities have investigated 12 Chinese nationals for illegal possession of genuine Philippine passports. Cruz said the case buildup against these 12 Chinese nationals is still ongoing but investigators are having difficulties getting their true identities. Upon the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, the DFA activated the Inter-Agency Task Force on Passport Irregularities and held two meetings to stop the proliferation of

these illegal activities. He said one of challenges the DFA passport assessors face is that applicants are able to submit original PSA birth certificates—the major requirement to show proof of identity. “Madali lang kasi makakuha ng PSA birth certificate. Mag-late registration, get affidavit from two disinterested parties, ayun may original birth certificate ka na. So that’s one of our concerns,” Cruz said. He said a memorandum of agreement

is being negotiated now between the DFA and security agencies on how to better improve the policing and ensuring sanctity of passports. They are also proposing that real-time sharing of information be done so they can immediately ascertain the identities of applicants. “We can assure you that our colleagues here in consular affairs, not just in China, are being very, very careful that only legitimate, qualified applicants can avail of Philippine passports—only Filipinos,” Cruz said.

BusinessMirror

Friday, February 9, 2024 Republic of the Philippines

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

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

February 9, 2024

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

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

NO.

ESTABLISHMENT

AICE PHILIPPINES ICE CREAM INC. Block 9A, Lots 1-3, Lima Technology Center, San Lucas, City of Lipa, Batangas

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CLARISSA VANIA HARJANTO

Basic Qualification:

Translator

Must have Bachelor’s degree in Linguistic and knowledgeable in translation process

Brief Job Description: Translate content within documents test result and software and handle interpretation during conferences and business meetings and other workrelated concerns

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

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Senior Product Programmes Manager – Haircare

Must have a degree qualified (Engineering or Science Discipline) or equivalent

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Responsible for leading teams across specialisms in specified functions or small regions of Dyson to interpret and execute large scale/complex design and validation of new products and features to the market

Salary Range:

MOE MOE SAN

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

GREENCORE PHILIPPINES, INC. Blk. 5-B, Lot 2, Dasmariñas Technopark, Paliparan I, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

LE THI LINH

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

HYUN, DONGCHUL

Basic Qualification:

Plant Manager

College graduate, with good moral character and excellent verbal and written communications skills in Mandarin and English; Liasing with colleagues to develop sales and marketing strategies

Brief Job Description:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

KYOEI DIETECH PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 6, Starts Rental Factory, Lot 3-D, Greenfield Automotive Park, Don Jose, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

WAKAMATSU, NORIO

Basic Qualification:

General Manager

Excellent management, decision making and goal oriented

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

Php30,000 Php59,999 Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

SHIGEZANE, MAMORU

Basic Qualification:

Department Head - Production, Engineering, QA & QC

Must be a College graduate

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

Responsible for the over-all management of production, engineering, qa & qc department and provide support and technical skills to employee

SUZUKI PHILIPPINES INCORPORATED 126 Progress Ave., Carmelray Industrial Park 1, Carmeltown, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

Php30,000 Php59,999

LIU, XINGJIE

NAKASHIMA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 2nd St., North Drive, Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

Salary Range:

DONG, AO

Basic Qualification:

Spare Parts Manager

Has extensive background in the management of sales, warehousing and operation from automotive parts, consumer durables, or other related industry

Brief Job Description: Oversee the sales and warehousing operations of Suzuki Genuine Parts (SPG) for motorcycle, automobile and marine products

Salary Range:

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

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

BUI, THI LINH CHI

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

DUONG VAN DINH

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Php150,000 – Php499,999 16

WILL TEAM PH INC.

UEMATSU, HIROFUMI

Basic Qualification:

Bldg. U3, Lot 22B, Phase 1B, First Philippine Industrial Park, Ulango, City of Tanauan, Batangas

Vice President and Treasurer

Must have experience relative to the position of Vice President and Treasurer

Brief Job Description: Act as the President in the absence of the latter and keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in the books of the corporation

Php30,000 Php59,999

Please inform DOLE Regional Office IV-A if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Brief Job Description:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

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 Regional Office IV-A located at 3rd and 4th Floors, Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication.

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

Php150,000 – Php499,999

NAKAJIMA, TAKUYA

Salary Range:

FE LUNG

Salary Range: Php60,000 Php89,999

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Oversee all daily operations of the plant/warehouse from production & manufacturing or installations

Salary Range:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Php90,000 Php149,999

Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

Basic Qualification:

Php500,000 and above

NANG HSENG AUNG

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries 8

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries 7

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries 6

Php60,000 Php89,999 Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries 5

HOANG, THI CANH

Salary Range:

SINGLETON, JOSEPH DAVID

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries 4

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

www.businessmirror.com.ph

To avail of free job referral, placement, and employment guidance services, visit the nearest Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) or log on at http://www.philjobnet.gov.ph

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

3M SERVICE CENTER APAC, INC. 17th, 18th, 19th Floors, Bonifacio Stop Overcorporate Center, 31st Street Cor., 2nd Avenue, E-square Information Technology Park, Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

HWANG (SPOUSE OF IM), SEON YOUNG Sales Support Analyst (Korean) 1.

Brief Job Description: Communicates clearly and professionally with the customer by telephone and/or written correspondence. Assists and trains internal customers with various processes & systems and directs to appropriate resources.

Basic Qualification: Associate degree or higher from an accredited learning institution. Bilingual capability for Korean and English languages (reading and writing are required while speaking and listening are preferred).

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

GUO, AICHEN IT Technical Mandarin 3.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

KIM, HYEOK IT Technical Mandarin 4.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company

LIU, XIAOFEI IT Technical Mandarin 5.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

ZHU, FENG IT Technical Mandarin 6.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

PI, LILI Pricing Analyst (Freight Forwarding)

10.

WANG, BINGHE Pricing Analyst (Freight Forwarding)

11.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HE, MENGTING Procurement Specialist

12.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

13.

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

Brief Job Description: Pricing analysts help businesses determine competitive pricing strategies to gain market share and achieve revenue goals. They analyze data from multiple sources, develop complex pricing models, and collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop sales strategies.

Brief Job Description: A procurement specialist facilitates purchases from outside suppliers to keep a business running. Their primary responsibilities include researching key suppliers, negotiating purchase agreements, and ensuring all products and materials meet company standards.

HUANG, JUNSHUANG Procurement Specialist

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

QIN, LINFU Procurement Specialist

18.

HUANG, PENGXIANG Procurement Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: In-depth knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis. Ability to keep abreast of industry trends and develop dynamic pricing tools. Advanced ability to present pricing analysis reports to relevant stakeholders. Excellent analytical and communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Strong verbal and written communication skills. The ability to plan, delegate and evaluate progress toward goals is necessary for managing these projects. Must have strong problem-solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZHANG, QIANQIAN Procurement Specialist

19.

Basic Qualification: Strong verbal and written communication skills. The ability to plan, delegate and evaluate progress toward goals is necessary for managing these projects. Must have strong problem-solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZHENG, QINFANG Procurement Specialist

20.

AMAZON OPERATION SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. B21 Three E-com Moa Complex, Harbour Drive Cor. Bay Shore, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

PARK, YOONSOO Senior Associate, Screening 21.

Brief Job Description: Administer the initiation and adjudication of medical/background checks and provide additional support.

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Korean languages are required. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

SU, QIONGQIONG Dynamic Functional Consultant 22.

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

Brief Job Description: Are key to finding the right business solution for an organization. Helps an organization implement a new business solution or tweak the existing solution.

Basic Qualification: Should have analytical skills, communication skills, and creativeness. Experience in related field is an edge. Must have any bachelor’s degree like business manage or computer science. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ARISE AND GAIN MERCHANDISE CORP. 65, Road 20, Bahay Toro, Quezon City

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

KE, GUIMEI Procurement Specialist

16.

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

DENG, HUALIANG Pricing Analyst (Freight Forwarding)

HUANG, JINGYUN Procurement Specialist

AM-PRO IMPORTS MARKETING CORP. 16e Residenza Suites, 429 Shaw Blvd., Addition Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

15.

CHEN, ZEKUN Pricing Analyst (Freight Forwarding)

No.

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

7 PRIME TECH, INC. 10/f Ewestpod, Eton Westend Square, Yakal St. Cor. Don Chino Roces Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

14.

ANDHIKA ISLAM RAMADHAN Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

66 GLOBAL SOLUTIONS INC. 9th & 11th/f Ssk Building, Block 7 Lot 5 Kennedy Road Corner Mindanao Avenue, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque 5/f 6/f 7/f And 10/f Ssk Building, Block 7 Lot 5 Kennedy Road Cor. Mindanao Avenue, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque

CHEN, LEI IT Technical Mandarin

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Friday, February 9, 2024

LI, BINLONG Procurement Specialist

17.

WANG, JIAXIAO Dynamic Functional Consultant 23.

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

WANG, XIAOREN Dynamic Functional Consultant 24.

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

Brief Job Description: Are key to finding the right business solution for an organization. Helps an organization implement a new business solution or tweak the existing solution.

XU, JINMING Dynamic Functional Consultant 25.

Brief Job Description: Are key to finding the right business solution for an organization. Helps an organization implement a new business solution or tweak the existing solution.

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Friday, February 9, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZOU, PENG Dynamic Functional Consultant 26.

Brief Job Description: Are key to finding the right business solution for an organization. Helps an organization implement a new business solution or tweak the existing solution.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Should have analytical skills, communication skills, and creativeness. Experience in related field is an edge. Must have any bachelor’s degree like business manage or computer science.

No.

LIU, SHOUZU Quality Assurance Specialist

36.

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

XIE, ZHIMING Monogram General Operator 27.

Brief Job Description: A person who partakes for the design conceptualization up to the actual implementation of the designs to various garments using simple to latest and critical sewing machinery.

Basic Qualification: Experience as monogram general operator is an edge. Solid knowledge of image editing and digital sketching software, like Photoshop, In design and Adobe Illustrator. Ability to collaborate and meet deadlines. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

XU, ZHANGCHENG Monogram General Operator 28.

Brief Job Description: A person who partakes for the design conceptualization up to the actual implementation of the designs to various garments using simple to latest and critical sewing machinery.

37.

29.

Brief Job Description: A person who partakes for the design conceptualization up to the actual implementation of the designs to various garments using simple to latest and critical sewing machinery.

AYU FARADILLA MUSTIKA ADJI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service 38.

30.

Brief Job Description: A person who partakes for the design conceptualization up to the actual implementation of the designs to various garments using simple to latest and critical sewing machinery.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions.

NGUYEN HOANG THANH TRUC Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions.

SHERAFAT, CYRUS SHAHRIAR Executive Vice President, Head Of Gaming Brief Job Description: Prepare annual business plans that identify revenue potential by key market segments, and describes Casino Marketing programs and systems, player development activities and services, junkets and special events that will attain acceptable levels of revenue by key segment and control expenses to achieve an acceptable rate of return for invested expenses and complimentary services.

BOBADE, NIKHIL KAILAS Technical Specialist

ZHOU, QUANFU Monogram General Operator 31.

Brief Job Description: A person who partakes for the design conceptualization up to the actual implementation of the designs to various garments using simple to latest and critical sewing machinery.

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

CAI, WEIMING Quality Assurance Specialist

32.

Brief Job Description: Ensure products meet established quality standards and industry benchmarks. They monitor processes and inspect produced goods and services. They propose measures and process improvements to enhance operations, ensure the reliability of systems, and minimize downtime, errors, and defects.

HUANG, ZHIQIANG Quality Assurance Specialist

33.

JI, SHUHUA Quality Assurance Specialist

34.

41.

Brief Job Description: He shall be providing his highly technical skills and shall act in a lead role in the project, and he shall, under general direction, develop and apply advanced skills, techniques, concepts, and approaches to complex problems and issues relating to the startup and operations of a powergenerating plant.

VERMA, AJAY OCS Specialist 42.

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

Basic Qualification: Outstanding problemsolving and decisionmaking skills. Excellent verbal and writing skills. Strong analytical and organizational skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Outstanding problemsolving and decisionmaking skills. Excellent verbal and writing skills. Strong analytical and organizational skills

Brief Job Description: Oversee and optimize the day-to-day operation of the company to ensure the efficiency, safety and the successful delivery of the project.

35.

LI, TAO Chinese Speaking Program Designer Basic Qualification: Outstanding problemsolving and decisionmaking skills. Excellent verbal and writing skills. Strong analytical and organizational skills

48.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 15 years of supervisory experience in the gaming industry, 10 years of which is in the casino marketing or player development department of a casino.

50.

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

51.

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

DAHUA VENTURES INC. 2/f Bachrach Bldg. Ii, 23rd St. Cor. Railroad Sts., 068, Barangay 653, Port Area, City Of Manila

CHEN, YIWEN Sales Representative 52.

Brief Job Description: Build relationship with existing customers, maintaining client records, achieved sales targets, evaluating customer needs, product knowledge and demonstration and sales presentations and negotiations.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in English and ChineseMandarin languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

DENSO TEN SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 2309-2310, B2 B4, 24th & 25th Flr. Hanston Square Bldg., 17 San Miguel Ave., San Antonio, City Of Pasig

YAMAMURA, YOSHITAKA Vice President 53.

Brief Job Description: Submit periodic accomplishment reports to the President, attend management meetings and participate in division/department consultations.

Basic Qualification: Electronics Engineering graduate. Fluent in Japanese language and with at least 5 years of relevant work experience. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 534, Tomas Mapua St., Barangay 298, Santa Cruz, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of workrelated experience in Railway Construction Projects. Proficient in English language. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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

ZHAO, JIARUI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields from a recognized accredited program, master’s degree in relevant fields or local equivalent preferred, 15 plus years of experience with at least 10 years in power generating plant or related industries.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

WANG, SIYU Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

RUAMSUKYING, JULAIRAT Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

CONG, PEIJUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 43.

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

CHEN, JIE Chinese Speaking Program Designer 44.

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

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

55.

LI, PINGWEI Chinese Cargo Office Agent Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation.

WU, MANMAN Chinese Cargo Office Agent Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Chinese documentation. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Outstanding problemsolving and decisionmaking skills. Excellent verbal and writing skills. Strong analytical and organizational skills

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

DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2001-a, 2602 & 2603 20/f & 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

ANTWI, CHRISTOPHER NIMAKO Bilingual IT Specialist 56.

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

45.

47.

54. Basic Qualification: Outstanding problemsolving and decisionmaking skills. Excellent verbal and writing skills. Strong analytical and organizational skills

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LI, QING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 708 7/f Tower One & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

HUANG, RUIJIE Chinese Speaking Program Designer

LIN, CAIYING Quality Assurance Specialist

No.

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

BVI (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION 40/f 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: Outstanding problemsolving and decisionmaking skills. Excellent verbal and writing skills. Strong analytical and organizational skills

BLOOMBERRY RESORTS AND HOTELS INC. Solaire Resort And Casino, 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

40.

ZHANG, NIXIA Monogram General Operator

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

BAOLONG TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY GROUP LIMITED INC. 24th-27th/f Century Diamond Tower, Kalayaan Ave. Cor. Salamanca St., Poblacion, City Of Makati

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

49.

39.

ZENG, LINGLING Monogram General Operator

WU, JUNHAO Quality Assurance Specialist

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

57.

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 58.

LI, GANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 46.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks.

NGO MINH QUANG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chats and emails.

TRAN CHI QUOC HUNG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chat and emails.

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503, Nueva St., Barangay 289, Binondo, City Of Manila

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

BAI, XUE Marketing And Sales Agent 59.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Can contribute information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies and can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

No.

71.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 72.

CHEN, DAWEI Marketing And Sales Agent 60.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas.

LIN, FANG-JU Marketing And Sales Agent 61.

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas.

Basic Qualification: Can contribute information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies and can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

73.

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

74.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

HENDRIK Indonesian Account Specialist Brief Job Description: Accounting hardware and software installations.

FENNIATI Indonesian Quality Control Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

HARTONO Indonesian Quality Control Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

RODES THANG Indonesian Retention Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

KIM, HONGJIN Korean Account Specialist 75.

EVERESTFORTUNE TRADE CORPORATION Unit 10-4 10th Floor One Neo, 26th Street Cor. 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Prepares work to be processed by gathering, sorting, organizing, and recording data, information, and documents.

Friday, February 9, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

No.

85.

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

GUAN, XIAOLIN Marketing Consultant 62.

Brief Job Description: Write report with suggestion for improvement of new ideas.

LI, XIAOYAN Marketing Consultant 63.

Brief Job Description: Write report with suggestion for improvement of new ideas.

LIU, CHAO Marketing Consultant 64.

Brief Job Description: Write report with suggestion for improvement of new ideas.

Basic Qualification: Ability to think strategically and analytically.

76.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to think strategically and analytically.

KWON, YONGJEONG Korean IT Support Specialist 77.

65.

Brief Job Description: Write report with suggestion for improvement of new ideas.

WEN, LEI Marketing Consultant 66.

Brief Job Description: Write report with suggestion for improvement of new ideas.

Brief Job Description: Answering employee questions regarding computer system.

Basic Qualification: Ability to think strategically and analytically.

86.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to think strategically and analytically. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Ability to think strategically and analytically.

Brief Job Description: Manage online and offline communication with clients and increase brand awareness. Distributing promotional material, responding to customers’ queries and comments on social media and networking during marketing events.

WANG, ZIJIE Marketing And Communications Specialist 79.

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

DE JONG, WOUTER Director General For Business Growth 87.

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

FLSMIDTH PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 2001 The Taipan Place, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

67.

Brief Job Description: In-Charge of execution of civil engineering and steel structure works. Supervision of concrete stands for cement mill.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of supervisory work experience and 5 years of technical experience with equipment from cement/ mining industries.

80.

81.

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

68.

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Construction Manager.

69.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of incoming phone calls.

PENG, ZHUO Chinese Financial System Manager 70.

Brief Job Description: Perform data analysis and advise senior managers on profit-maximizing ideas.

89.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Works in close collaboration with the project team, customers, authorities, partners, contractors and subcontractors to deliver project plan.

ALBA CAMACHO, GABRIEL ARTURO System Interface Manager Brief Job Description: Ensure the identification, management, and fulfillment of the System and Functions Requirements for the entire life cycle of the project.

AZLEE ASHRAF BIN RUSLEE System Manager 90.

Brief Job Description: Develops sampling and procedures for testing product quality. Maintains standards by verifying test results and audits comply with food safety regulations and requirements.

Brief Job Description: Ensure the identification, management, and fulfillment of the System and Functions Requirements for the entire life cycle of the project.

ONG VU HAI HR Executive 91.

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

LYU, XIULING Sales Management Specialist

82.

Brief Job Description: Develops and implements sales strategy, new business/membership/client development, retention of clients/members, negotiation of contracts, and identification of entrepreneurial enterprises and relationship management strategies.

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

Brief Job Description: Administer and monitor all the benefit programs of all employees. Review and filter applications from potential candidates.

NGUYEN QUOC HUY HR Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 92.

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

XU, JIULEI Sales Management Specialist

83.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

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

CUI, JIEWEI Sales Representative 84.

Brief Job Description: Manage and develop new customers, while maintaining existing sales within assigned customers and a given sales territory. Develop a daily/weekly call list and maintain information accuracy monthly. Review daily sales reports.

Brief Job Description: Manage all core HR departmental areas, including payroll, employee relations, HR admin, learning and development, internal recruitment employment engagement and maintaining and improving HR systems.

ISHIZAKA, KOJI Senior Account Development Manager

93.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the business team’s daily Japanese account operational management and ensure both contractual and operation KPIs are met. Act as senior account manager for the Japanese company and client in the following areas, but not limited to, credit management, cash applications, order management and collections.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 WONG TAI WEE Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Excellent communication skills in verbal and written. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree graduate with 5-7 years’ work experience. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree graduate with 5-7 years’ work experience. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 2 years of professional experience in human resources. With knowledge of HR policies, procedures and employment laws. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of professional experience in human resources and with at least 2 years in a managerial role. With knowledge of HR policies, procedures and employment laws. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of work experience in TELCO and project management industry. Fluent in Japanese language and has strong leadership and critical thinking skills. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

INFOVINE INC. 9/f Y Tower, Moa Complex, Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal, Barangay 76, Pasay City

94.

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

INFINIVAN INC. 17th Floor Ore Central Tower, 31st Street, Cor. 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

HYPERPUSH MEDIA INC. 15/f Unit 06 Mg Tower Ii, Shaw Boulevard, Hagdang Bato Libis, City Of Mandaluyong

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

GIGA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT INC. 2/f Lipam’s Building, 40 Presidents Avenue, B. F. Homes, City Of Parañaque 31/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

MUPUENG, JIDAPA Bilingual Customer Service Representative

ZHOU, MENGYU Quality Assurance Specialist

GEDI CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Level 15 6750 Ayala Ave., Office Tower Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

JIA, ZHIJIE Mandarin Construction Manager

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

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

Brief Job Description: Lead the marketing and sales functions and lead the business go to market strategy.

HILL, WADE BERNARD WILLIAM Construction Manager

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

HITACHI RAIL STS S.P.A. PHILIPPINE BRANCH OFFICE 27/f Nex Tower, 6786 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

HESTIA PRIME PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS CORP. Suite 9d 9/f The Valero Tower, 122 Valero St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 YANG, ZHIWEN Marketing And Communications Specialist

ROMANI RAMZI ABDELAZIZ ESTIFANOS Field Civil Specialist

Brief Job Description: Manage and develop new customers, while maintaining existing sales within assigned customers and a given sales territory.

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

HAIDILAO PHILIPPINES RESTAURANT CORPORATION 109-113, 114ab-115ab (em) Mall Of Asia Complex, J.w Diokno Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City

LUO, YANGLIAN Marketing And Communications Specialist

ZHONG, BING Sales Representative

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

78. WANG, WENQING Marketing Consultant

Brief Job Description: Answering employee questions regarding computer system.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION YU, HUI Sales Representative

88. JUNG, JINIL Korean IT Support Specialist

A11

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

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

INSPIRINGPG INC. Unit 1708-t 17th Floor Sm Aura Office Tower, 26th Street Corner Mckinley Parkway, Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

BusinessMirror

A12 A6 Friday, February 9, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

YI, CHAOYANG Mandarin Account Manager 95.

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

YI, BINGJIE Mandarin Warehouse And Logistics Manager 96.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Warehouse and Logistics Manager will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and longterm goals.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Account Manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Warehouse and Logistics Manager excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

97.

Brief Job Description: Provide support for multiple languages on the platform.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin language, both verbal and written.

108.

Brief Job Description: In charge and dealing with the potential client of the company and represent the company at all functions and proceeding.

BILA MENDES DA SILVA, ABEL NUNO Disputes Voice Coordinator - Portuguese Speaker Brief Job Description: Arrange gembas for visitors.

MORA RAMIREZ, JOSE ANDRES Key Client AR Controller 109.

Brief Job Description: Be the finance partner for key client managers & GSC teams.

ARDIANTO JONATHAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 110.

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

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

JEREMY EVAN RUSLI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Manage the business affairs of the company, initiate and develop company policies, project, plans and programs. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

MICHAEL Indonesian Customer Service Representative 112.

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

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

FAN, RENLING Marketing Consultant - Mandarin Speaking 99.

Brief Job Description: Researching and analyzing the market for favorable condition to release a particular product knowing ups and downs in the market.

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in data analysis and market research.

TRAN HOAI THUONG Control Specialist - Vietnamese Speaking 100.

101.

102.

103.

104.

Brief Job Description: Manage projects and lead work teams that support projects.

NGUYEN THI MINH HANG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion.

NGUYEN, DANG NHU PHUONG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion.

PHAM NGOC PHUONG THAO Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion.

PHAM, ANH TU Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion.

YEREMIA ANGELICA DIAN JULIANNA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 113.

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

KNW TECHNOLOGY INC. 103 Equinox Plaza, Sierra Madre, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

Basic Qualification: 4 year degree holder, moderate computer efficiency and ability to troubleshoot computerize equipment.

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

114.

105.

Brief Job Description: Provides technical support to users in an efficient and accurate manner.

Brief Job Description: Assist with drafting business plans, sales pitches, presentations, reference material, and other documents as required.

HOANG VAN DAT Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 115.

116.

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

HUANG, YU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information.

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

LIEW JIA LIANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 117.

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

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

LIU, SHIYUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 118.

DANG, TRUNG HIEU Helpdesk - Vietnamese Speaking

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

AUNG KYAW LATT Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

Basic Qualification: Basic helpdesk skills, effective communication skills and customer service skills.

Brief Job Description: Assist with drafting business plans, sales pitches, presentations, reference material, and other documents as required.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 SONG, ZHENMAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

PHAM XUAN HAI Maintenance Specialist - Vietnamese Speaking 106.

107.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining the company’s technology equipment and machinery.

PHAN CONG Maintenance Specialist -Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Maintain building exteriors.

Basic Qualification: High school diploma or equivalent, and at least 2 years associate’s degree.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Spanish and English languages.

119.

Brief Job Description: Assist with drafting business plans, sales, pitches, presentations, reference material and other documents as required.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ZHONG, YONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information.

ARR PYUE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 122.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 HU, HAILONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 123.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree, with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

124.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree, with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

125.

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organization and project management skills.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

NGUYEN, THI MY LINH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 126.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree, with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

LUO, CANHUI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree, with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

JIANG, CHENGJUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

PHAM VAN HIEU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 127.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Vietnamese language.

No.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Portuguese and English languages.

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 2/f 331 Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

111.

98.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

121.

JC TOPFIT ELASTOMER INC. 25 F., Balagtas Street, Marikina Heights, City Of Marikina

WANG, WEN-CHING Consultant

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

MAERSK GLOBAL SERVICE CENTRES (PHILIPPINES) LTD. Levels 6-8 North Wing, Estancia Offices, Capitol Commons, Meralco Ave., Oranbo, City Of Pasig

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

IT AMERICANO INC. 10/f Pacifica One Center Bldg., 2178 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

LAI, YUBIAO Multilingual Platform Product Specialist

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

PHAM, NGOC DUY Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 128.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication. . Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

SONG, LEI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 129.

TRAN XUAN TRONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 130.

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

ZHANG, YUANZHI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 131.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organization and project management skills.

AYE AYE WIN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 132.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. With strong organization and project management skills.

GAO, PO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 133.

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organization and project management skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Vietnamese language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

TONE KYAN YEE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 120.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

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

MAO, ZANXIANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 134.

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

NGUYEN THI QUY Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 135.

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

QIN, LONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 136.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

WEI, YUNHAO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 137.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on requirements.

YIN, QI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 138.

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

LI, WEIQIANG Chinese Speaking HR Associate 139.

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

OHN MAR KYAW Chinese Speaking HR Associate 140.

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

WANG, YANTING Chinese Speaking HR Associate 141.

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

NGUYEN QUOC CUONG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 142.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

WANG, GUOQIANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 143.

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

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

144.

145.

146.

147.

148.

149.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

YANG, XIANCAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

ZHANG, XIAOLONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

DESTIN, JEAN-ROBERT MATATA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

BUI THI XUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

DANG THI THOM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

150.

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

151.

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

152.

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

153.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Previous experience working in human resources. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

154.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

DO THU HANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

HA VAN LUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

HOANG THI QUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

NGUYEN THI THIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

NGUYEN, THI ANH HONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

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

155.

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

156.

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

PHAM THI NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

TRAN THI THANH NGA Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

MA, YUEHUI Mandarin Customer Service Representative 157.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling Mandarin-based customer question, complaints, and concerns in a timely manner.

158.

Brief Job Description: Provide all support to multiple channels and other business-related inquiries.

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

CHEN, BIEYING Chinese Technical Works Supervisor 159.

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction and participates in the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection and repair of electronic electrical scientific, instrumentation and other various systems.

FANG, QING Chinese Technical Works Supervisor 160.

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

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction and participates in the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection and repair of electronic, electrical, mechanical, scientific instrumentation, and other various systems.

QIN, ZIHAO Chinese Technical Works Supervisor

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

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

161.

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction and participates in the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of electronic, electrical, mechanical, telecommunications equipment, scientific instrumentation, and other various systems.

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

ZHAO, ZHIYONG Chinese Technical Works Supervisor 163.

164.

162.

WANG, JING Multilingual Business Manager Brief Job Description: Oversees the activities of other workers.

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

LYU, YINGJIE Multilingual Marketing Manager 165.

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

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

ZHUANG, YINGHONG Multilingual Marketing Manager 166.

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

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

LONG, XIANG Multilingual Technician

167.

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

168.

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

169.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of construction.

170.

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

171.

Brief Job Description: Plan all construction operations and schedule intermediate phases to ensure deadlines will be met.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

RIDGE OUTSOURCING SERVICES INC. 46/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

172.

173.

QIAN, YUE Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of incoming calls.

YE, JUNJIAN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of incoming calls.

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

RRA ONE GLOBAL CONSULTANCY CORP. Blk 1 Lot 6 Progressive St., Lucky Homes Subd., Barangay 168, City Of Caloocan

HARJINDER SINGH Resource Planning Manager 174.

Brief Job Description: Providing project managers with outgoing resource management and related support.

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

SERVEAHEAD INCORPORATED Unit Ug 02 & 03 Cityland 10 Tower 1, 156 H.v Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin language both verbal and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language.

QIU, YUKUN Mandarin Coordinator 175.

YUAN, CHENPENG Chinese Technical Works Supervisor

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

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

No.

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

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ONWARD WORLDWIDE MANAGEMENT & CONSULTANCY SERVICES CORP. 5/f Greensun Bldg., 2285 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Magallanes, City Of Makati

LEE, CHU-YIN Client Support Agent

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NOONA BUSINESS CONSULTING SERVICES INC. 10th & 31st Floor Ore Central Tower, 9th Ave. Cor. 31st St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 1331 Pearl Plaza Bldg., 133 Quirino Ave., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

WANG, RONGLIN Chinese Customer Service

No.

Friday, February 9, 2024

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering service questions, suggesting information about other services and confer with customers to provide information about company services.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Bilingual is a requisite. Fluent in Cantonese, Taiwanese and Mandarin languages. Must work under pressure and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SOLIDLEISURE SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 1803a, 1803b, 1804a, 1804b & 1805a West Tower, Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

BusinessMirror

A14 A6 Friday, February 9, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

176.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHE, MENGLIN Mandarin System Administrator Brief Job Description: Manage network servers and technology tools.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Mandarin language. WENLA ALFIAN General Automotive Mechanic

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 187.

STONE ASIA AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, INC. 350, J.p. Rizal, Namayan, City Of Mandaluyong IWAN Multilingual Finance Manager 177.

Brief Job Description: Provide financial reports and interpret financial information to managerial staff while recommending further courses of action.

LIU, TAIQI Multilingual Project Manager 178.

Brief Job Description: Supervise the work of laborers, mechanics etc. and give them guidance when needed.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Automotive mechanics help diagnose and repair various issues for different automotive vehicles, including cars, trucks and vans.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Must develop skills in areas like problemsolving, communication, and attention to detail. Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities. Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages, both in written and verbal.

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

Basic Qualification: Must develop skills in areas like problemsolving, communication, and attention to detail. Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities. Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages, both in written and verbal.

ZHONG, WEIXING General Automotive Mechanic 188.

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

Brief Job Description: Automotive mechanics help diagnose and repair various issues for different automotive vehicles, including cars, trucks and vans.

VICTORY 88 GROUP LTD INC. 8/f, I Land Bay Plaza Bldg., D-macapagal Ave. Moa Complex, Barangay 76, Pasay City DU, MENGJUN Lead - Cs Phone 179.

Brief Job Description: Provide sales and support to web ghosting account’s high volume domain customers via telephone calls and email and to interact and communicate effectively cross-functionally and within various levels of the organization.

LOZOYA ARZATE, FERNANDO Assistant Lounge Manager 180.

Brief Job Description: Work alongside the front office managers and resort managers to deliver hospitality, manage operations and lead and develop the team.

LILES, IWAO FRANCISCO Group Director Of Experience 181.

Brief Job Description: Set goals for guest services and front of the house both qualitative and quantitative.

MORALES HERNANDEZ, GUSTAVO ALFONSO Group Director Of Operations 182.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for efficient and smooth running of all aspects of the resort’s operations ensuring standards are met.

183.

Brief Job Description: Analyzing an organization and designing its processes and system. Apply business and functional knowledge including testing standards, guidelines and testing methodology to meet the team overall test objectives.

189.

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

190.

Basic Qualification: With professional experience of 19 years in luxury hotels. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Knowledgeable in trading and marketing. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

191.

192.

Brief Job Description: Identify effective marketing campaigns that will reach targeted audiences effectively and efficiently.

193.

185.

Brief Job Description: Identify effective marketing campaigns that will reach targeted audiences effectively and efficiently.

194.

186.

Brief Job Description: Identify effective marketing campaigns that will reach targeted audiences effectively and efficiently.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

RESPATI DYAH KUMORO JATI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 195.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

SUTRISNO KUSUMA Indonesian Customer Service Representative Basic Qualification: Strong knowledge of sales and persuasion techniques coupled with excellent knowledge of the products. Knowledge of data analysis and market research. Intuition about customer desires and practical needs.

Basic Qualification: Strong knowledge of sales and persuasion techniques coupled with excellent knowledge of the products. Knowledge of data analysis and market research. Intuition about customer desires and practical needs.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ZAKARIA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 197.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

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

HAN, CHUNLEI Chinese Language Research Analyst 201.

202.

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

203.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

204.

205.

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

206.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. LONG, NIANFENG Chinese Language Research Analyst

207.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. SHI, HONGPING Chinese Language Research Analyst

208.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. SU, YINHAN Chinese Language Research Analyst

209.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. WANG, DAN Chinese Language Research Analyst

210.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. WEN, MIAO Chinese Language Research Analyst

211.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. XIONG, YUANHONG Chinese Language Research Analyst

212.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. YANG, GAO Chinese Language Research Analyst

213.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. YANG, QIUWEN Chinese Language Research Analyst

214.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. ZHANG, HUA Chinese Language Research Analyst

215.

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

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. LIU, LEI Chinese Language Research Analyst

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

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. LIU, JIALIN Chinese Language Research Analyst

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

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. LIU, HANG Chinese Language Research Analyst

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

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. LI, SHUAN Chinese Language Research Analyst

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

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. HU, XIXIA Chinese Language Research Analyst

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

ZHANG, MINGSONG Chinese Language Research Analyst 216.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

CAI, GUOMAO Chinese Language Research Analyst 198.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

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

ZHOU, HUAIFANG Chinese Language Research Analyst 217.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

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

*Date Generated: Feb 8, 2024

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

XIANG, FENGJUN Chinese Marketing And Sales Consultant

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

RADEN CHANDRA RUSDIANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

MO, KAI Chinese Marketing And Sales Consultant

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

MUHAMMAD AFIF FADLI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

196.

184.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

EDY GUNAWAN SIBORO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

LUO, JIATAO Chinese Marketing And Sales Consultant

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

DWI RINGGA JUNIARTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Proven work experience as a director of experience or similar role. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

DANIEL WINATA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Must have strong leadership ability.

TOUCH AND TAKE LIFESTYLE INC. Unit No. U-58 Bac Bagong Milenyo Plaza Bldg., F.b Harrison St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

UDDIN, SHAMIM Development Associate

AHMAD DIANDO ARYA ABDUL KODIR Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

TEN KNOTS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 3rd Floor Alveo Corporate Center, 728 28th Street Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

No.

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

SUTHERLAND GLOBAL SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 12th Floor Philplans Corporate Center, Kalayaan Avenue & Triangle Drive, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Strong knowledge of domain monetization and domain aftermarket and knowledge of internet affiliate programs and strategies.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

CHEN, YUCHANG Chinese Language Research Analyst 199.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

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

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on February 7, 2024, the name DANH HUU LAM under the company NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION, should have been read as DAN HUU LAM and not as published. Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

GONG, KUNFA Chinese Language Research Analyst 200.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

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

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

TheWorld

Friday, February 9, 2024 A15

US drone strike in Baghdad kills militia head responsible for attacks on American troops By Qassim Abdul-Zahra, Lolita C. Baldor & Aamer Madhani

The Associated Press

AGHDAD—A US drone strike blew up a car in the Iraqi capital Wednesday night, killing a highranking commander of the powerful Kataib Hezbollah militia who is responsible for “directly planning and participating in attacks” on American troops in the region, the US military said Wednesday.

The precision blast hit a main thoroughfare in the Mashta l neighborhood in eastern Baghdad, attracting a crowd as emergency teams picked through the wreckage. It came amid roiling tensions in the region, and will likely further anger Iraqi government leaders, who US officials said were not notified in advance of the strike. Security forces closed off the heav ily g uarded Green Zone, where a number of diplomatic compounds are located, and there were concerns about social media postings urging protesters to

storm the US embassy. There were conflicting reports on the number of those killed, with US officials saying the initial assessment was one, and saying there were no civilians hurt or killed. But two officials with Iran-backed militias in Iraq said that three died, including Wissam Muhammad Sabir Al-Saadi, known as Abu Baqir Al-Saadi, the commander in charge of Kataib Hezbollah’s operations in Syria. Kataeb Hezbollah later announced his death “following the bombing of the American occupation forces” in a statement.

CIVIL defense members gather at the site of a burned vehicle targeted by a US drone strike in east Baghdad, Iraq, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. AP/HADI MIZBAN

Those officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak to journalists. In a statement, US Central Command said “there are no indications of collateral damage or civilian casualties at this time.” It added that the US “will not hesitate to hold responsible all those who threaten our forces’ safety.” The strike—which came at 9:30 p.m. local time—is certain to inflame already seething relations between Washington and Baghdad. It comes just days after the US military launched an air

Blinken: Hamas-Israel deal still possible even though the sides remain far apart By Matthew Lee, Tia Goldenberg & Wafaa Shurafa The Associated Press

EL AVIV, Israel—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas was still possible, despite the two sides being far apart on the central terms for a deal. Blinken was in the region trying to broker an arrangement that could bring some respite in Israel’s war against Hamas, which is entering its fifth month after killing more than 27,000 Palestinians, displacing much of the territory’s population and sparking a humanitarian catastrophe. Those diplomatic efforts were rattled earlier in the day when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a detailed, three-phase plan by Hamas that would unfold over 4 1/2 months. The plan stipulated that all hostages would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, including senior militants, and an end to the war. Netanyahu, who called Hamas’ plan “delusional,” dismissed any proposal that leaves the militant group in full or partial control of Gaza. Netanyahu said military pressure was the best way to free the roughly 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip, where they were taken after Hamas’ cross-border rampage into southern Israel on October 7, which sparked the war. Israel has made destroying Hamas’ governing and military abilities one of its wartime objectives, and Hamas’ proposal would effectively leave it in power in Gaza and allow it to rebuild its military capabilities. But Blinken downplayed the posturing, saying it was part of the arduous negotiating process. “It’s not flipping a light switch. It’s not yes or no,” he said. “While there are some clear non-starters in Hamas’ response, we do think it creates space for agreement to be reached, and we will work at that relentlessly until we get there,” he said. Blinken is trying to advance the cease-

fire talks while pushing for a larger postwar settlement in which Saudi Arabia would normalize relations with Israel in return for a “clear, credible, time-bound path to the establishment of a Palestinian state.” B u t t h e i n c re a s i n g l y u n p o p u l a r Netanyahu is opposed to Palestinian statehood, and his hawkish governing coalition could collapse if he is seen as making too many concessions.

Hamas spells out demands

HAMAS’ statements came in response to a proposal drawn up by the United States, Israel, Qatar and Egypt. The militants’ reply was published in Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar newspaper, which is close to the powerful Hezbollah militant group. A Hamas official and two Egyptian officials confirmed its authenticity. A fourth official familiar with the talks later clarified the sequencing of the releases. All spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief media on the negotiations. In the first 45-day phase, Hamas would release all remaining women and children, as well as older and sick men, in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel would also withdraw from populated areas, cease aerial operations, allow far more aid to enter and permit Palestinians to return to their homes, including in devastated northern Gaza. The second phase, to be negotiated during the first, would include the release of all remaining hostages, mostly soldiers, in exchange for all Palestinian detainees over the age of 50, including senior militants. Israel would release an additional 1,500 prisoners, 500 of whom would be specified by Hamas, and complete its withdrawal from Gaza. In the third phase, the sides would exchange the remains of hostages and prisoners.

Victory in ‘a matter of months’

AT the news conference earlier, Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ demands, saying they

would lead to a disaster for Israel. “Surrendering to Hamas’ delusional demands that we heard now not only won’t lead to freeing the captives, it will just invite another massacre,” Netanyahu said in a nationally televised evening news conference. Netanyahu said the Israeli military had achieved many of the goals it set out and that victory was “a matter of months” away. He said forces had dismantled 18 of Hamas’ 24 battalions, destroyed tunnels and killed militants, and that military pressure on Hamas was the best way to bring about the release of the hostages. He said preparations were underway for the military to move into the southern Gaza border town of Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have crammed to flee the fighting. “We are on the way to an absolute victory,” Netanyahu said. “There is no other solution.” That stands in contrast to some Israeli officials, who say Israel’s two goals of destroying Hamas’s capabilities and freeing the hostages are incompatible and that only a deal can lead to their release. Meanwhile, Hamas has continued to put up stiff resistance across the territory, and its police force has returned to the streets in places where Israeli troops have pulled back. Netanyahu ruled out any arrangement that leaves Hamas in control of any part of Gaza. He also said that Israel is the “only power” capable of guaranteeing security in the long term. At a news conference held immediately after his appearance, hostages freed in a late November deal said they were worried Netanyahu was taking too hard a line and that the remaining hostages and their families would pay the price. “If you continue in this approach of seeking the collapse of Hamas, there won’t be any hostages to free,” said a tearful Adina Moshe, who was freed nearly 50 days into her captivity. Hamas is still holding over 130 hostages, but around 30 of them are believed to be dead, with the vast majority killed on October 7.

assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three US troops and injured more than 40 others at a base in Jordan in late January. The US has blamed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a broad coalition of Iran-backed militias, for the attack in Jordan. President Joe Biden and other top leaders have repeatedly warned that the US would continue to retaliate against those responsible for the Jordan attack. And officials have

Misery deepens in devastated Gaza

THERE is little talk of grand diplomatic bargains in Gaza, where Palestinians yearn for an end to fighting that has upended every aspect of their lives. “We pray to God that it stops,” said Ghazi Abu Issa, who fled his home and sought shelter in the central town of Deir al-Balah. “There is no water, electricity, food or bathrooms.” Those living in tents have been drenched by winter rains and flooding. “We have been humiliated,” he said. New mothers struggle to get baby formula and diapers, which can only be bought at vastly inflated prices if they can be found at all. Some have resorted to feeding solid food to babies younger than 6 months old despite the health risks it poses. While Blinken said Israel’s response to the October 7 attack was “fully justified,” and he ruled out any role for Hamas in postwar Gaza, he also criticized some of Israel’s responses. Blinken said the daily toll of Israel’s military operations on innocent civilians “remains too high.” “Israelis were dehumanized in the most horrific way on October 7. And the hostages have been dehumanized every day since. But that cannot be a license to dehumanize others,” he added. The Palestinian death toll from four months of war has reached 27,707, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. That includes 123 bodies brought to hospitals in just the last 24 hours, it said Wednesday. At least 11,000 wounded people need to be urgently evacuated from Gaza, it said. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its figures but says most of the dead have been women and children. The violence in Gaza has drawn the attention of the United Nations’ top court, which last month ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza. But the panel stopped short of ordering an end to the offensive. Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Goldenberg from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Samy Magdy in Cairo, Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed to this report.

suggested that key militia leaders would be likely targets. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has regularly claimed strikes on bases housing US troops in Iraq and Syria against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, saying that they are in retaliation for Washington’s support of Israel in its war in Gaza that has killed more than 27,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. There have been nearly 170 attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria since October 18, but the latest drone strike in Jordan— the only one in that country so far—was the first to take American troops’ lives. The US, in response, has struck back about a half dozen times since October 27, targeting weapons storage sites, command and control centers, training facilities and other locations used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian-backed groups, including Kataib Hezbollah. Wednesday’s US strike in Iraq’s capital drew comparisons to the 2020 drone strike in Baghdad that killed Iran’s Quds Force leader Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in response to attacks on US bases there and an assault on the US Embassy in Baghdad. That bombing also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy command-

er of Iran-backed militias in Iraq known as the Popular Mobilization Forces. And it enraged Iraqi leaders, triggering demands for the withdrawal of US forces from the country. Kataib Hezbollah had said in a statement that it was suspending attacks on American troops to avoid “embarrassing the Iraqi government” after the strike in Jordan, but others have vowed to continue fighting. On Sunday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed a drone attack on a base housing US troops in eastern Syria killed six fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led group allied with the United States. The latest surge in the regional conf lict came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected terms proposed by Hamas for a hostage-release agreement that would lead to a permanent cease-fire, vowing to continue the war until “absolute victory.” Also on Wednesday, the media office of the Houthi rebels in Yemen reported two airstrikes in Ras Issa area in Salif district in Hodeida province. Madhani and Baldor reported from Washington. Associated Press journalist Ali Jabar in Baghdad contributed to this report.

Mexico overtakes China as top source of goods imported by US By Paul Wiseman

AP Economics Writer

ASHINGTON—For the first time in more than two decades, Mexico last year surpassed China as the leading source of goods imported by the United States. The shift reflects the growing tensions between Washington and Beijing as well as US efforts to import from countries that are friendlier and closer to home. Figures released Wednesday by the US Commerce Department show that the value of goods imported by the United States from Mexico rose nearly 5 percent from 2022 to 2023, to more than $475 billion. At the same time, the value of Chinese imports tumbled 20 percent to $427 billion. The last time that Mexican goods imported by the United States exceeded the value of China’s imports was in 2002. Economic relations between the United States and China have severely deteriorated in recent years as Beijing has fought aggressively on trade and made ominous military gestures in the Far East. The Trump administration began imposing tariffs on Chinese imports in 2018, arguing

that Beijing’s trade practices violated global trade rules. President Joe Biden retained those tariffs after taking office in 2021, making clear that antagonism toward China would be a rare area of common ground for Democrats and Republicans. As an alternative to offshoring production to China, which US corporations had long engaged in, the Biden administration has urged companies to seek suppliers in allied countries (“friend-shoring’’) or to return manufacturing to the United States (“reshoring’’). Supply-chain disruptions related to the Covid-19 pandemic also led US companies to seek supplies closer to the United States (“near-shoring’’). Mexico has been among the beneficiaries of the growing shift away from reliance on Chinese factories. But the picture is more complicated than it might seem. Some Chinese manufacturers have established factories in Mexico to exploit the benefits of the 3-year-old US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, which allows for duty-free trade in North America for many products. The Associated Press writer Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.

A16 Friday, February 9, 2024 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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editorial

Revitalizing economic growth: WB cites need for bold policy reforms

he World Bank’s latest report, “Falling Long-Term Growth Prospects: Trends, Expectations, and Policies,” paints a concerning picture of a global growth slowdown. The report highlights the weakening forces that have driven growth and prosperity over the past three decades, and warns of the implications this decline holds for emerging markets and developing economies. However, amid these challenges, there is hope for countries like the Philippines to accelerate their economic growth through sustained improvements in key areas.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines, along with other countries in East Asia and the Pacific, can increase their potential growth by implementing growth-enhancing reforms. These reforms, if successfully implemented, could raise potential growth by 0.8 percentage points per year by the end of the decade. The report emphasizes the significant role of investment growth in driving this increase, with more than half of the projected growth boost coming from improvements in investment. (Read the BusinessMirror report: “WB whips out to-do list for faster PHL growth,” February 6, 2024). To achieve this growth, the Philippines should prioritize several measures. Firstly, the broadening of the tax base to finance infrastructure projects is crucial. Better infrastructure not only supports connectivity but also stimulates innovation, paving the way for sustained economic growth. Additionally, reforms aimed at improving the quality of education will enhance labor force skills and promote productivity growth. Measures to adjust curricula and implement catch-up programs can mitigate learning losses caused by the pandemic. Looking beyond immediate challenges, the World Bank says the country must also focus on developing resilient and inclusive education systems that can withstand future crises. This includes embracing remote learning as a means of ensuring continuity in education during emergencies. By investing in education and building a skilled workforce, the Philippines can create a foundation for long-term economic growth and development. The World Bank says the success of these reforms relies not only on national efforts but also on increased cross-border cooperation and substantial financing from the global community. The magnitude of the global growth slowdown demands ambitious policy responses at both the national and global levels. Countries should learn from their past policy successes and replicate them to foster economic growth. A major investment push, grounded in robust macroeconomic frameworks, can reverse the current slowdown and set the stage for a more prosperous future. The World Bank’s report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers worldwide. It highlights the urgent need for action to combat the persistent decline in long-term growth prospects. The Philippines, with its potential for accelerated growth, should seize this opportunity and implement the necessary reforms to unlock its economic potential. By focusing on investment, education, and infrastructure, the country can position itself as a beacon of growth in the region. To realize these goals, it would do well for the government to prioritize collaboration with international partners and secure the financial support required to implement these reforms. The global community must recognize the significance of this global growth slowdown and provide the necessary resources and support to enable countries to overcome these challenges. As we navigate an era of dwindling global growth rates, it is essential to remember that economic prosperity is not guaranteed. It requires concerted efforts, bold policy actions, and international cooperation. The Philippines has the potential to be at the forefront of a growth resurgence, but it must act swiftly and decisively to seize this opportunity. By doing so, the country can combat poverty and achieve its future development goals.

FIBA World Cup 2023–A feather in the cap of the Philippines Sonny M. Angara

Better Days

T is not that often that a country is given an opportunity to take part in an event that has a global following and one that has the potential to reap huge benefits for the host. In 2023, we were fortunate to have been selected as one of three countries, alongside Japan and Indonesia, to host the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup. Considered as the biggest basketball tournament in the world, the FIBA World Cup was held between August 25 and September 10, 2023 in Okinawa, Japan; Jakarta in Indonesia; and in Manila. A total of 32 national teams competed in the World Cup, which showcased 55 players from the National Basketball Association, 15 of which are stars in their respective teams. Over 700,000 hoops fans were in attendance for the 92 games of the World Cup, both local and foreign spectators who traveled long distances to support their respective national squads. Filipino fans were just as hyped to watch this major sporting event and this was demonstrated in full during the opening ceremony held at the Philippine

Arena where 38,115 fans were in attendance—a new record for a FIBA World Cup event. More than pride and bragging rights, the country’s hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup resulted in direct and indirect economic impacts. A significant amount of spending was done by the organizers in preparation for the event, including setting

Winning the marathon

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EAGLE WATCH

ast week, the Philippine Statistics Authority released the latest data for gross domestic product. The annual GDP growth figure of 5.6 percent falls below the government target of 6 to 7 percent for 2023. Nevertheless, the Philippines is still in the position of being one of the “best-performing” economies in Asia. Among countries that have already released their Q4-2023 GDP growth figures, the Philippines trails behind Vietnam (6.7 percent) but surpasses China (5.2 percent) and Malaysia (3.4 percent). Performance, metaphorically speaking, depends on what sport the Philippines wants to play. If it just wants to do a sprint, where the objective is simply to outrun its neighbors, then the Philippines would have reason to boast—at least for now. The country, however, should be aspiring to win its own marathon, as it were, for that is what truly matters to the average Filipino in the long term. So, where is the Philippines now? It is worth recalling that in last year’s International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook results, the Philippines did well in terms of real GDP growth (ranking 6th out 64 countries), but it did poorly in terms of real GDP per capita (ranking 62nd out of 64 countries). This means that the benefits of brisk economic growth are not really trickling down

to the average Filipino. Indeed, the latest GDP data reveal some structural imbalances that would still hint at growth being narrow, shallow, and hollow. On the expenditure side, growth is, yet again, largely driven by household final consumption, which accounts for 73.1 percent of GDP and has grown by 5.6 percent, in line with overall GDP growth. There is an indication, though, that it is slowing down, as its growth rate from 2021 to 2022 was 8.3 percent. Meanwhile, government final consumption, which accounts for 14.2 percent of GDP, has been virtually stagnant, as it has grown by just 0.4 percent. Gross capital formation (investment) accounts for 23.1 percent of GDP and has grown by 5.4 percent. The country continues to be a net importer. On the production side, the ser-

up the venues, booking the hotels and providing food for the delegates, transportation, merchandise and other related activities. The event in turn generated revenues for the organizers, particularly those that originated from foreign sources. Domestically, the influx of visitors and the local interest in the games led to an increase in economic activity for the suppliers, hospitality and food and beverage sector, and other service providers. A report prepared by Nielsen Sports pegged the economic impact of the World Cup at around P26.4 billion for the three host cities. As the host of the most number of games, including the final phase of the tournament, Manila had the highest economic impact at approximately P18.8 billion. An economist estimated that the hosting of the World Cup in Manila had a positive impact on the country’s GDP, contributing approximately 0.05 percent to 0.1 percent or an estimated P2.5 billion to P5 billion in the third quarter of 2023. These numbers are impressive considering that it was all for just one event that lasted just a little over two weeks. At the sidelines of the World Cup,

the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the FIBA Local Organizing Committee (LOC) also conducted activities and events including the FIBA Congress, which was participated by the Central Board and member countries, the Basketball for Good Charity Gala and Auction of the FIBA Foundation that raised over $320,000 to fund the organization’s grassroots initiatives and the renovation of a basketball court in Pasig City. Bagging the hosting rights for the 2023 FIBA World Cup was a multistakeholder effort that started way back in 2017, led by SBP Chairman Emeritus Manny Pangilinan. We gained the rights to host this prestigious tournament again, nearly four decades after we first secured such in 1978. It was a particularly masterful touch when the idea was floated that the bid for hosting would be shared between three nations. This was a first in the flagship event’s entire history. Our government also played a key role in this effort. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Administrative Order No. 5, s. 2023 that constituted an inter-agency task force and directed all government See “Angara,” A17

vices sector continues to account for the lion’s share of GDP (62.3 percent), while the industry sector (29.1 percent of GDP) and the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector (8.6 percent of GDP) continue to lag behind it. Accommodation and food service activities (1.9 percent of GDP) and transportation and storage (3.6 percent of GDP) have grown by 23.4 percent and 13.1 percent, respectively. By contrast, manufacturing (17.9 percent of GDP) and the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector have grown by just 1.3 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively. Where does the Philippines want to go? In a marathon, there is a goal or destination. By 2025, the Philippines will graduate from lower middle-income status (gross national income, or GNI, per capita between $1,086 and $4,255) to upper middleincome status (GNI per capita between $4,256 and $13,205). Right now, GNI per capita is estimated at $3,567. So, for 2024, the government is targeting GDP growth of 6.5 to 7.5 percent to attain upper middleincome status by next year. Also, by 2040, as articulated in AmBisyon, the Philippines will become a prosperous middle-class society where no one is poor. How can the Philippines get to where it wants to go? How can it win its marathon? Under a business-as-usual scenario, given its current pace and structure, the Philippines can grow by about 6.3 percent, which falls be-

low the 2024 target growth rate of 6.5 to 7.5 percent. Given its current financial position, the government must find ways to collect new revenues and improve revenue collection efficiency to boost its spending. It is also important to attract more foreign direct investment that can be channeled into exports. This is easier said than done, however, as foreign investors are probably waiting to see remarkable improvements in Philippine competitiveness indicators. Continuing this highly uneven, inequality-worsening type of growth runs the risk of hampering the muchneeded spending power of a vast majority of Filipinos. The country might run out of gas and fail to reach its goal. Thus, structural rebalancing is needed so that scarce productive resources are strategically shifted from the top sources of growth to the lagging sectors in the economy, particularly agriculture and manufacturing. The tradeoff, though, is slower economic growth, as it will take some time for the lagging sectors to catch up with the leaders. Of course, there is wisdom in this saying: “If you want to go far, slow down.” There will be short-term sacrifices for long-term gains. The country can forgo winning the sprint, but with structural rebalancing, it can build a more robust engine that will take it to its destination. Dr. Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes is the Director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development.

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Eat pancit for long life Dennis Gorecho

Sensing the coffee; Minding the skies (for Meyen and her Sweet Bean Paste)

Kuwentong Peyups atbp.

‘T

his is it pansit” is a Filipino expression usually associated with significant milestones in life. Every Pinoy celebration will not be complete without the staple food pancit that is considered a manifestation of Chinese influence in Philippine culture.

Pancit, also known as pansit, encompasses a diverse range of traditional noodle dishes that hold great significance in Filipino cuisine, especially when it comes to joyous occasions like weddings, baptisms, graduations, and, above all, birthdays. The pancit is associated with inherently Chinese belief for edible harbingers of a long life and must not be cut short so as not to stall the symbolism. The term “pancit” originates from the Hokkien phrase “pian i sit,” which translates to “something conveniently cooked fast.” Initially, Pancit did not exclusively refer to a noodle dish; instead, it encompassed any quick and easily prepared food item. Noodles were introduced to the country by Chinese immigrants that have been fully adopted and modified in conformity with local customs and cuisine, even incorporating Spanish influence. There are numerous types of pancit, often named based on the noodles used, method of cooking, place of origin, thickness, the toppings, or the ingredients. The most commonly used and consumed noodle variants are sotanghon, bihon, canton, or miki. Pancit was mentioned in Chapter 25 (Laughter and Tears) of Jose Rizal’s El Filibusterismo, where he described the plate as a “soup made with mushrooms, prawns, shrimp, beaten egg, rice noodles, chicken, and God knows what else!” Another expression is “iiwanan ka ng panahon kung lagi kang natutulog sa pansitan,” which means failure to grab an opportunity because of laziness. Pansit-pansitan (shiny bush, Peperomia pellucida Linn) is a very common herb that grows quickly in cool, damp places—carpeting nooks and yards with their soft, fleshy leaves. Workers on the field often took a respite from their job and the harsh sun by napping on a patch of pansitpansitan—hence, “natutulog sa pansitan.” A few might take their naps longer, and this sleeping on the job can result in unfinished work—and lost opportunities. A replica of plate with pancit is displayed on a table of the portion of the Bahay Tsinoy museum that showcased the Filipino-Chinese kitchen. The Bahay Tsinoy is a building in Intramuros, Manila that houses the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center, a museum that documents the history, lives and contributions of the ethnic Chinese in Philippine life and history. I am usually among those who converge along the streets of Binondo in celebration of Chinese New Year for the special performances (Dragon/Lion dances), cuisine, lucky

Angara . . .

continued from A16

agencies and instrumentalities, and encouraged local government units to extend their support to the SBP in organizing, preparing and hosting the 2023 FIBA World Cup. For our part in Congress, we provided our support by allocating the funds necessary to host the event in the 2023 General Appropriations Act. Gilas Pilipinas may not have emerged at the top in the competition, but with our hosting of the World Cup, we as Team Philippines have won a lot of other victories. For instance, not only did we solidify further our spot in the pantheon of basketball-loving countries, we also gained the experience and the knowhow of organizing a truly world-class sporting event. We should not allow

charms, prosperity fruits, and boxes of “tikoy.” Considered the world’s first and oldest Chinatown, Binondo was established in 1594 as a permanent settlement for Chinese immigrants, particularly those who had converted to Catholicism and intermarried with indigenous Filipinos. It was positioned near Intramuros, but across the Pasig River, so that colonial rulers could keep a close eye on their migrant subjects amid fears of an imminent invasion from China. In the years that followed, Binondo became the first stop for Chinese immigrants who arrived in Manila in search of a new life. It is the foundation of the Filipino-Chinese community amidst multiple occupations by our colonizers. At present, the number of Filipino citizens who happen to be ethnic Chinese is now more than 1.2 million, or 1.2 percent of the total population of the Philippines. Teresita Ang See of the ChineseFilipino NGO Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran (KAISA) said in a paper that historically, there have been Chinese immigrants to the Philippines since the era of Spanish colonial rule. However, the contemporary influx of Chinese immigrants into the Philippines started in the 1970s, especially after the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1975. It escalated in the 1980s with the market reforms instituted by Deng Xiaoping and the opening up of China to foreign markets. The term “Tsinoy” was created by KAISA in 1992 as an alternative to “intsik,” which is quite harsh to the Tsinoy ear. Tsinoy is Tsinong Pinoy or Chinese Filipino, not Filipino Chinese (Filipino is the noun, Chinese is the adjective). Ang See stressed that while the Tsinoys may recognize and take pride in their ethnic cultural heritage, they are simultaneously assimilated into all aspects of Philippine socio-economic and political life. For the Tsinoys, Ang See added, their loyalty is first and foremost to the Philippines. This sentiment is best encapsulated in the KAISA credo, which states: “Our blood may be Chinese, but our roots are deep in Philippine soil and our bonds are with the Filipino people.” Kong Hei Fat Choi! Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 09088665786.

the lessons we’ve learned and the confidence we’ve gained from this experience go to waste. Here was a clear example of what we as Filipinos can accomplish when we work together towards achieving a single vision. The fact that we have already done it with hosting the FIBA World Cup only means we can do it again for another world-class competition or another multi-country global event. Hopefully, with each iteration, we do better than the one before. At this point, we are only limited by our ambition. Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 19 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 10 as Senator. He has authored, co-authored, and sponsored more than 330 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate. E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

Friday, February 9, 2024 A17

conviction about life. In the hotel, where I stayed first for a week, the coffee had its own reputation, and its duty was to maintain that prestige every day. On one of those days, I realized there were days when that cup of coffee became a lousy vessel of inattentiveness— the coffeemaker or the barista had become lazy, uninspired, dull. But

man looking out of the window, or to that woman frightened because her husband had brought in, together, with the cups of coffee, a woman who did not care much about her looks as her looks taking care of her insouciantly. That morning, I witnessed love flying out of the 25- or 30-yearold marital kinship and infidelity brushed with the gold leaf of sophistication. Who is Tokue in this story? She is the copy of our own selves addressing issues that are not social or political upon first sight but, upon closer inspection, are advertising issues about our notions about ourselves, and the society embracing us in the absence of critics who will nitpick on our lives and choices. Tokue is that woman who teaches us the difficulty about cooking and the more complex acts of finding the

you did not complain—the waiters and waitresses remained adamantly elegant and smiling, detached and yet happy. Were they well paid? Or, did they happen to be good people? Was it the interior design of the cafe or the interiority of the proprietor to be unwavering once a cup had been singled out for delivery to that

“right beans.” Our discovery is that, like love, there is always the unmentionable, the mystery of falling for a person who does not stand for everything that we aspire to. And the magisterial mood created when we do not want to be stopped even when the object of our desire has retreated into smugness and amusement. In the preparation of the beans,

Tito Genova Valiente

annotations

ow, you would ask: what is a good coffee? It all depends, all depends on the person, the place, and the point of it all.

Every person has a standard set. He or she has certain rules to follow, by which coffee and even water are subjected to intense scrutinizing. Water? Yes. My grandparents used to describe water as delicious, using an adjective that neither betrays a fondness for the sweet or the bitter. They then would tell us how they kept water in a big jar called “Tapayan.” Or “Banga.” Numerous studies exploring the origins of the term “Tapayan” have established its connection to the words “tapai” or “tapuey” (uncertain spelling), which refer to rice wine and the ingredients stored in a large container for fermentation. Over time, the wine disappeared, leaving behind only the intoxicating recollection. The water of our ancestors traces its wellspring not from the ground but from that which questions grounding, or that which celebrates the soaring of the mind and spirit. This is, if you allow the use of it, a journey muddled and mind-blowing. And, the kind of water brings us to the reality of it contributing to making your simple cup of water an unforgettable cup of coffee. Or, we could be like Tokue, the Japanese woman, her fingers bent and her mind ready to bend your will anytime, who could tell you about the bean paste used in a Japanese delicacy called “dorayaki.” For her, the bean paste, whether it came from China or sourced in Canada, could tell you “about the feelings of the person who made it.” Sentaro, listening to Tokue, the old woman, was not easy to convince. We all are difficult to convince when the issue involved is about the best delicacy we ever produce and the

one must be like Tokue, one who could talk endlessly about the beans and who looks deeply into the pot where the beans are being ministered. She talks to them and allows them to start responding not to the hot water but to the tenderness in the spatula she uses. There is nothing wrong with fastidiousness in the face of coffee for breakfast or rice. One must never be guilty about being extremely delicate about food. When you begin to eat at six or seven in the morning, you are dealing with a tourist version of creation. Or you can be confronting the salient points of sex. When your mouth touches the lip of a cup, that is engagemen—you better be prepared for the demands of a good food on you. Tokue may be the creation of Durian Sekigawa, the author of Sweet Bean Paste, but she lives in those women who create rice cakes from nothing, or whisk off neutral milk for your hot Americano. She is our grandmothers who endure lack of sleep because they should be there when the glutinous rice has been steeped too long. She is our aunts and grant aunts who had held their faith even when the banana leaves selected as wrap could not make it to the grand encounter between heritage and competition. Think of it this way: when that morning comes when you sense the coffee a flood of which had submerged your resistance on a drab Tuesday morning, feel that drink. Respond to that bitterness from the cup. That taste could be the mar amarga—the bitter sea—of Lorca, or it could come from the wooden stirrer you celebrate over the plastic ones. Or, it could be from that much-anticipated embrace that never came, the bitterness of waiting not because love was not there but because you came too late in another person’s life. Do not forget the skies, they look down on us, and our lives as cups, or as mugs, even as solitude. E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Xi’s markets shakeup surprised insiders, showing alarm over rout By Bloomberg News

taffers at China’s main securities regulator had been working around the clock for weeks on ways to prop up the nation’s tumbling stock market when the bombshell dropped. Late Wednesday, the official Xinhua News Agency reported that their boss Yi Huiman had been ousted, becoming the biggest Communist Party casualty of a $5 trillion selloff that’s undermining confidence in the fragile economy. The announcement sent shockwaves across the industry and within the China Securities Regulatory Commission, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. Prior to the Xinhua news, there had been no internal announcement from the Communist Party’s organization department, which typically shares key personnel changes internally before they go public, the people said. The departure of Yi, a surprise to even high-ranking CSRC officials, underscores the growing sense of alarm within President Xi Jinping’s government over the speed and scope of the market meltdown that’s now entering its fourth year. Wu Qing, a close ally of Premier Li Qiang, is taking over as chairman of the regulator. The CSRC didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. China watchers say the move may signal additional measures to revive the world’s second-largest stock market. An earlier flurry of support in the run-up to the Lunar New Year holiday, when exchanges are closed

for six days beginning Friday, had failed to restore investor confidence. “This is long overdue in my opinion, if one chief cannot do the job, then maybe we should give someone else a chance,” said Jiang Liangqing, managing director at Zhuhai Greenbamboo Private Fund Management. “At the minimum, a new broom sweeps clean and he could be more bold in taking action instead of just words.” Anticipation of more fulsome efforts to end the rout had been mounting for days, after Bloomberg News reported that regulators led by the CSRC planned to brief President Xi on the markets as soon as Tuesday. There’s been no public disclosure yet on whether Xi had that briefing. It was not known what role Yi had, if any, in that planned briefing. China’s latest measures, including curbs on short-selling and purchases by state-owned entities, had some effect this week as the main equity gauge jumped three straight sessions to pare declines for the year. China’s “national team” bought about 70 billion yuan ($9.7 billion) in shares over the past month, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. estimated in a report Monday. At least 200 billion yuan is needed to stabilize the market, according to the US bank. “Government buying might help circuit-break the downward spiral, but we think reforms, policy consistency, and plans to address structural macro headwinds are required to re-rate China equity,” the Goldman analysts wrote. If history is any guide, more gains may be afoot. The past two sackings of CSRC chiefs heralded extended

The departure of Yi, a surprise to even high-ranking CSRC officials, underscores the growing sense of alarm within President Xi Jinping’s government over the speed and scope of the market meltdown that’s now entering its fourth year. Wu Qing, a close ally of Premier Li Qiang, is taking over as chairman of the regulator. equity rallies. The benchmark CSI 300 Index rose more than 40 percent in almost a two-year span after Liu Shiyu replaced Xiao Gang in 2016. The gauge jumped more than 80 percent over two years after Liu was ousted for Yi in 2019. Major market interventions in China have rarely been smooth, however. And the country’s economy is facing bigger challenges than during previous market slumps: The property crisis shows no sign of ending, geopolitical tensions with the US continue to simmer and foreign investors are wary of a government that has clamped down on private enterprise. What’s more, the CSRC is constrained by what it can do to turn markets around, notes 22V Research analyst Michael Hirson. It can’t command an intervention by the “national team” or launch some kind of stabilization fund, and can do little on its own to drive economic growth. “Changing the chairmanship at the CSRC alone does not change anything fundamentally,” said Yan Wang, chief China strategist at Alpine Macro in Montreal. “The stock market performance is a reflection

of weak growth and poor confidence. Unless Beijing addresses these issues, the stock market will likely continue to struggle.” The tall task now rests with Wu, 58, who had been tipped last year to take over the CSRC before he was promoted to deputy party secretary for Shanghai. Before that, he worked closely with Premier Li—President’s Xi’s top deputy—who was previously party secretary in the nation’s financial capital. Wu is well connected in China’s halls of power. He earlier headed the Shanghai Stock Exchange for almost two years and held various roles at the CSRC, earning him the nickname “broker butcher” after shuttering 31 firms over regulation breaches. He then oversaw the fund industry until 2010. Wu also worked at the national planning committee, which later morphed into the National Development and Reform Commission. Wu, who holds a PhD in economics from the Renmin University of China, is known as a low-key technocrat who has zero tolerance for wrongdoing, a person familiar with him has said. Wu sometimes jokes he’s more fit to be a surgeon, the person said. “Wu’s background in financial regulation suggests he might do a better job in cracking down on malicious short selling and illicit behaviors in the market,” said Sun Jianbo, president of China Vision Capital. “While that’ll soothe investor nerves in the short term by cultivating a more favorable environment, it requires more policy efforts.” With assistance from April Ma, John Cheng and Jacob Gu /Bloomberg

A18 Friday, February 9, 2024

Dip in wholesale retail trade jobs an alarming sign–Ibon

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE decline in wholesale retail trade jobs during the holidays is a concern and indicates that more Filipinos do not have sufficient purchasing power, according to Ibon Foundation Inc.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the wholesale and retail trade sector shed the most jobs in December 2023. In December, there were 10.27 million workers in this sector. However, this represented a loss of 660,000 jobs from the 10.93 million in December 2022 and 655,000 from the 10.92 million in November 2023. “The employment drop in wholesale and retail trade is among many indicators that the government should pay closer attention to and not take labor force figures at face value,” Ibon said in a statement. “The fact that sales are lagging and less people are being hired during a usually busy holiday season should ring alarm bells that even more Filipinos are barely

scraping by and have to sacrifice even putting food on the table,” it stressed. Ibon also noted that job losses in the food sector under wholesale and retail trade jives with slowing food consumption. In the fourth quarter of 2023, growth of household final consumption expenditure slowed to 5.3 percent from 7 percent in the same period last year. One factor was the sluggish growth in food and non-alcoholic beverages consumption to 0.5 percent from 4 percent. This contributed to the lower household spending, slower growth in furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance consumption to 0.5 percent from 9.4 percent; and contraction of 1.4 percent in clothing and footwear

consumption from 10.2 percent. “This may be a result of weaker demand which is concerning since the month of December is usually marked by more spending due to the holidays,” Ibon said. “This could mean that more Filipinos are having a hard time because of weaker purchasing power from low income and high prices. They are thus forced to curb their expenses, particularly on food,” it added. Based on PSA data, apart from wholesale and retail trade, the sectors that posted the highest decline in jobs included administrative and support service activities which shed 250,000 jobs and fishing and aquaculture with a decline of 159,000 jobs. The list also includes financial and insurance activities, with a decline in 132,000 jobs and arts and entertainment, which shed 16,000 jobs. Meanwhile, the services sector continued to dominate the labor market in December 2023 regarding the number of employed persons, with a share of 57.3 percent of the 50.52 million employed persons. The agriculture and industry sectors accounted for 24.4 percent and 18.3 percent of the employed persons, respectively.

The top five subsectors in terms of the annual increase in employed persons in December 2023 were construction with an addition of 777,000 jobs; agriculture and forestry, 715,000; accommodation and food service activities at 498,000. The data also showed transportation and storage saw an increase of 174,000 jobs and human health and social work activities with 140,000. Earlier,BusinessMirrorreported that despite the record-low unemployment rate in December last year, economists and the PSA are not convinced that the country already has a tight labor market. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/02/08/phlnot-a-tight-labor-market-expertspsa/). Based on the results of the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS), the PSA said the country’s unemployment rate averaged 3.1 percent in December 2023 and 4.3 percent in 2023. The 3.1 percent rate in December is a new record low in the series that began in 2005. Given this, the country’s employment rate averaged 96.9 percent in December 2023 and 95.7 percent in 2023. The PSA said the rate in December is also the highest since 2005.

DICT OFFERS CYBER SECURITY TRAINING AS ONLINE RISKS RISE By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) plans to provide cyber security training to the general public as part of its efforts to combat the country’s online threats. In a press conference in Malacañang on Thursday, DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy reported a rising demand for cyber security specialists in both the private and public sector here and abroad. He noted there are more than 2 million vacancies related to cyber security worldwide. As of 2022, DICT reported there are only about 200 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) in the country. “So, we are intensifying on a massive scale our training and our capacity building for cyber security, for AI [artificial intelligence], for many of the emerging technologies among our digital workforce,” Uy said. To help increase the country’s pool of cyber security specialists, the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Academy engaged in upskilling government workers. Their program this year includes deploying “a more inclusive cyber training to the general public,” Uy said. “We have a DICT-ICT Academy,

so we’re going to expand that academy to include not just training for government but also for private individuals who want to be trained.”

Private sector partnership HE said they are also coordinating with universities, colleges, training institutes to deploy some of DICT’s course content for cyber security. To boost their chances of being hired, those who would like to become a CISSP, will be set up for training with technology giants like Google and Microsoft. “We are identifying which training components [to] be free and offered to the public. But they [trainees] want advanced training and have certification, we will be negotiating with these [tech] companies to provide maybe a volume discount that is okay,” Uy said. The training initiative is part of the National Cyber Security Plan), which was approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Aside from increasing the country’s cyber security specialists, the plan also included advance threat assessment, and information exchange programs with other countries on emerging cyber threats. “So, the plan is comprehensive,” and mainly addresses “the need to develop good policy in order to ensure a safe cyber landscape for the country,” Uy said.

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Friday, February 9, 2024

DoubleDragon all set for Nasdaq listing of Hotel101 By VG Cabuag

@villygc

oubleDragon Corp. on Thursday said its unit Hotel101 Global Pte Ltd. has reserved the Nasdaq stock exchange ticker symbol HBNB.

This step is in line towards Hotel101 Global’s previously announced listing preparations by way of special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). “Hotel101 Global expects to sign with its chosen SPAC sponsor the definitive SPAC business combination merger agreement

by next month,” the company said. It will soon file its prospectus subject to regulatory approvals of the United States government. DoubleDragon expects Hotel101 Global to “very soon” become the first Filipino company to list via SPAC in the US Nasdaq Stock Exchange, and seen to be-

come one of the major brands, concept and business model export of the Philippines. The company said given its asset-light business model, it could become one of the major sources of US dollar inflow to the Philippines from 2025 onwards. “Moreover, as far as we know, the Hotel101 unique concept has never been done in any part of the world before, more so in multiple countries worldwide,” the company said. “The opportunity that we see globally in the hospitality space is that of standardization because we believe it brings unbeatable efficiency, especially for the midend segment. Take for example the budget airline industry—es-

sentially all budget airlines sell one product across the whole industry and that product is the economy seat,” DoubleDragon Chairman Edgar Injap Sia II said. Hotel101 is expected to derive over 95 percent of its revenues outside of the Philippines to be consolidated back to the ultimate parent, Philippine-listed DoubleDragon. Hotel101 Global’s Vision is to accumulate a portfolio of 1 million rooms in 101 countries before 2050. It aims to be in 25 countries by 2025, including Japan, Spain, t he United K ingdom, United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Switzerland, and China.

Alternergy income surges to ₧121M By Lenie Lectura @llectura

lternergy Holdings Corp. (Alternergy) recorded a net income of P121 million from July 2023 to December 2023— the first semester of its fiscal year 2024—from the P879,000 recorded in the same period in 2022. The company attributed this to the increase in revenues from the testing and commissioning of the Palau Solar PV + Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project (Palau Project) and improved performance from its power assets, in particular increased production from the Pililla wind power project.

The company ended 2023 with a healthy cash position at P2.26 billion and its total assets grew 31 percent to P6.39 billion from P4.87 billion for the first half of fiscal year 2024, following the P1.45-billion subscription in private placement by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in November 2023. “Our solid first half financial result has given us leverage to push our projects at an even more accelerated phase and strategically positions us for our ongoing capital raising efforts,” said Gerry P. Magbanua, president of Alternergy. “We are excited for the coming months as Alternergy is expected to break ground for our Alabat and

Tanay Wind Power Projects. At the same time, generation revenues from the Palau Project will be recognized in full in the succeeding months following achievement of commercial operations.” Alternergy is well positioned for its ongoing capital-raising activity. It is tapping the green finance market for up to P4 billion in green corporate notes. The company said it would continue to infuse funding into its affiliates and subsidiaries to accelerate the project development of theAlabat and Tanay wind projects and Apulid aqua-voltaic solar project and continue supporting the ongoing construction of the 4.6 MW Dupinga

San Miguel ready to modernize NAIA—Ang

ong l ome r ate S a n Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Thursday said it is ready to take on the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), after its consortium was deemed “superior” among the bidders. Included in the consortium were San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc. and Incheon International Airport Corp. Ramon S. Ang, San Miguel’s president and CEO, sa id t he consortium’s financial proposal “prioritizes benefits to the government and the Filipino people.” “Our aim is to elevate NAIA to world-class standard, ensuring an exceptional experience for all travelers with first-rate services and facilities. Our commitment is to ensure this project brings significant value and advantages to our nation, our government and our kababayans.” He lauded the Department of Transportation for facilitating a transparent and equitable bidding process, which it concluded on Thursday. Ang said its strategic collaboration with IIAC, focused on developing an airport ecosystem that promotes better connectivity, high-quality service, and operational efficiency, alongside offering affordable and accessible travel options for Filipinos. “Our vision is to create an integrated airport network that not only improves the travel experience but also supports sustain-

able economic growth and elevates the Philippines as a prime hub for tourism, business, and investment in the region.” He said the company has potential synergies with its ongoing development of the New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan. This development is expected to enhance operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and optimize flight schedules, contributing to a more connected and accessible Philippines poised for future growth.

IIAC is the developer and operator of the Incheon International Airport, the largest airport in South Korea, which opened in 2001. Incheon International Airport was ranked by air transport research firm Skytrax as the 4th best airport in the world in 2022 and the world’s first airport to be awarded the highest level of customer experience by the trade association of the world’s airports, Airports Council International. VG Cabuag

and 7.6 MW Ibulao 1 run-of-river power projects in Nueva Ecija and Kiangan, respectively.

2Go, NU forge OJT partnership 2

Go Group Inc., the country’s largest sea transportation and logistics solutions provider, has made a deal with its sister firm National University (NU) to provide maritime on-the-job training (OJT) for the school’s tourism and hospitality students. This strategic alliance between the two SM-owned firms aims to equip students with the practical work experience essential for a successful transition into their professional careers upon graduation, the company said. Over the three-year partnership, participating students will onboard 2Go vessels, gaining exposure to local hospitality and tourism expertise during a seven-day voyage. In addition to assisting with the onboard hotel and food and beverage operations, students will receive standard lectures from training instructors guest relations, housekeeping and food and beverage, among others. “National University is dedicated to provide top-notch educational opportunities, and the 2Go Group Inc.’s internship program will enhance our students’ knowledge, experience and employability upon graduation,” Renato Carlos H. Ermita, the school’s president, said in a statement.

The onboard learning program will center on harnessing 2Go’s expertise in hospitality services, offering students a five- to sevenday cruise-like work experiences onboard. Participants will gain firsthand experience in the vessel’s hotel management, particularly valuable for those aspiring to enter the cruise operator field, the company said. This initiative serves as a pivotal bridge for NU’s graduating class, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical insights into the dynamic service industry. The internship program will run from January 2024 to 2027, offering participating students’ mentorship, guidance and industry insights. Both 2Go and National University said they anticipate a positive impact on students’ lives and future careers through this partnership. “In the SM group, we understand the importance of being able to move people and goods safely and conveniently and how domestic tourism contributes to inclusive economic growth. This collaboration with academic institutions like NU will prepare and encourage more competent people to join the travel and logistics sectors,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, 2Go president and CEO. VG Cabuag

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, February 9, 2024

DOE endorses 13 projects for system impact study

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

he Department of Energy (DOE) has endorsed 13 proposed renewable energy (RE) and energy storage projects with total potential capacity of over 2,900 megawatts (MW) to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for the conduct of system impact study (SIS).

The DOE issued 13 SIS endorsements to the NGCP last January. The DOE said these are all new applications. Based on the list, seven are wind power projects. These are Apolaki One Inc.’s 300MW Pasacao-San Fernando, 50MW Tinambac, and 50MW Sibonga. Apolaki Three Inc.,

meanwhile, proposed the 50MW Lian and 50MW Taysan wind power projects. The remaining two are the 156.25 MW Pantabangan of Freya Renewables, Inc. and the 924.6MW Caluya of The Blue Circle Philippines Mindoro Corp. For solar power and energy stor-

age system (ESS) projects, 65MW will be put up by Burgos Pangasinan Solar Energy Corp., 72.64MW from Casilagan Solar Power Corp., 100MW from Therma Mobile Inc., 451.38MW from Tera Renewables 7 Corp., 160.48MW from Labrador Green Energy Corp., and 301.39MW from Ixus Solar Energy Corp., which also offered to integrate it with a 225MW battery ESS. The conduct of SIS is necessary to determine the adequacy of the grid and its capability to accommodate a request for power delivery service. The NGCP said it is carrying out a comprehensive series of actions to tackle the challenges posed by the lengthy queue of SIS for power plant connections. Due to the increasing demand for power generation in the country, the number of applications for SIS surged significantly. Historically, however, majority of the applicants do not push through with their initial plans, with only around 28 percent of completed SIS resulting in the es-

tablishment of actual power plants, NGCP had said. “Although 7 out of 10 SIS applicants will not actually pursue their power investments, we are obliged to fully evaluate each application when they are passed on to us by the DOE,” said NGCP President and CEO Anthony Almeda. “Accordingly, we have taken the necessary steps to expedite the process and improve its efficiency.” One of the key initiatives is the expansion of the SIS team through hiring additional manpower. NGCP expects to boost the capacity of the organization and conduct more SIS studies simultaneously. The company is also adopting a clustering approach for SIS, grouping together power plants with a common connection point or study area. This clustering strategy aims to streamline the process and accelerate the evaluation of multiple projects, enhancing the overall efficiency and reducing the waiting time for potential power plant developers.

Ogura opens ₧710-M facility in LIMA Estate

apanese manufacturer Ogura Clutch Philippines Inc. has relocated its operations from Calamba, Laguna, to LIMA Estate, an 826-hectare industrial-anchored development in Lipa and Malvar, Batangas, owned by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Economic Estates. With an investment of P710 million, the new facility covers 16,144 square meters within the 200-hectare industrial expansion zone of LIMA Estate, serving both distribution and manufacturing functions. “We strategically chose to relocate our operations to LIMA Estate due to its comprehensive infrastructure development solutions. The distinctive support provided by AIC for Japanese manufacturing companies, notably demonstrated through organizations like the Japanese Locator Association, dis-

tinguishes the estate from other industrial parks,” Toshio Takahashi, president of Ogura Clutch Philippines, said in a statement. The strategic relocation to LIMA Estate is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for Calabarzon. Ogura Clutch Philippines’ newly established facility at the estate is projected to generate approximately 1,500 job opportunities for the residents of Lipa and Malvar, Batangas. “This job generation opportunity aligns with the broader economic potential resulting from the 200-hectare industrial expansion at LIMA Estate,” AIC, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, said in a statement. Established in Japan in 1938, Ogura has solidified its standing as the world’s largest producer of electromagnetic clutches and brakes. Ogura Clutch Philippines specializes in producing clutch parts for renowned automobile brands such as Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford. Their new facility in LIMA Estate will enable increased efficiency in distribution and manufacturing functions, further solidifying Ogura’s position as a prominent manufacturing powerhouse in the area.

MUTUAL FUNDS

February 8, 2024

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 222.13 2.83% -0.1% -3.87% 0.18% 5.4% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.5141 4.78% 5.31% -0.87% 2.27% 2.8% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0862 2% 0.17% -6.01% -1.62% 4.78% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7126 0.42% -3.04% -5.82% n.a 1.99% First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a 0.6583 -5.67% -2.52% -5.8% n.a 5.23% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.85860.46% 0.08% -2.95% 0.38% 4.94% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.7293-0.34% 0.26% n.a n.a 5.31% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 83.16 3.23% -5.56% -7.59% n.a -2.15% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 45.3874 0.47% -0.44% -3.13% n.a 5.77% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 471.77 2.61% -0.54% -3.14% 0.22% 5.46% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.2381 2.01% 2.39% -1.56% n.a 2.72% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 35.2753 1.33% 1.07% -2.17% 2% 4.88% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9147 3.17% 0.7% -2.83% n.a 5.51% Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a 4.7653 1.28% 0.43% -2.38% 1.89% 5.65% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 793.05 1.21% 0.24% -2.45% 1.9% 5.67% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.7184 2.45% 0.62% -4.83% n.a 4.77% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.5747 1.46% 0.16% -3.91% 0.37% 6.25% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8996 0.99% -0.04% -2.74% n.a 5.71% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.2455 0.38% -0.3% -2.87% 1.19% 4.99% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 1.11421.02% n.a n.a n.a 5.55% COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,2 1.0232 n.a n.a n.a n.a 1.84% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a 1.0415 -6.68% -0.76% n.a n.a 2.21% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 962.9 1.17% n.a n.a n.a 5.69% Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 107.81091.83% 0.68% -2.13% 2.6% 5.76% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.7943 -12.18% -15.53% -4.52% -1.22% -3.37% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.71 13.36% -0.62% 6.97% n.a 2.9% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.2629 5.65% 0.06% -0.54% 0.83% 2.22% ATRAM Unicapital Diversified Growth Fund, Inc. -a,41.5501 4.98% -2.16% -2.3% -1.02% 2.61% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.5741 -0.21% -0.24% -0.85% -0.33% 3.1% -2.33% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1969 0.2% n.a n.a 3.41% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9895 -0.58% 0.52% 0.67% 1.92% 2.92% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.6579 3.02% -0.8% -0.05% 1.09% 2.87% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 16.0279 3.02% -1.48% -0.71% 0.76% 2.99% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.0853 2.34% 0.21% -0.81% 1.55% 2.83% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5146 2.16% -0.24% -1.84% 0.57% 3.13% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.9317 1.74% 1.93% -0.93% n.a 3.03% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.95251.24% -2% -1.09% n.a 1.3% 4.08% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.88170.55% -1.93% -2.56% n.a Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.86310.1% -2.03% -2.97% n.a 4.54% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03278 -1% -5.46% -1.68% 0.12% -1.29% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.8819 -8.1% -10.08% -1.97% -0.77% -3.63% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.3523 8.2% -2.15% 4.11% 3.35% 1.41% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.0392 3.15% -4.06% 0.68% n.a -0.17% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 391.64 3.15% 1.78% 2.56% 2.33% 0.29% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9165 1.41% 0.22% 0.47% 0.12% 0.4% 3.3354 2.37% 1.19% 2.23% 3.74% 0.3% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.2829 2.95% -0.2% 1.24% 1.54% -0.14% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.4532 1.5% 0.05% 1.93% 1.22% -0.17% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.3099 2.81% -2.41% 1.89% 1.13% 0.28% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.3843 4% 1.52% 3.15% 1.86% 0.81% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.0378 2.64% 0.44% 2.42% 1.77% 0.08% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0519 2.46% 0.4% 2.92% n.a 0.21% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.3073 3.26% 1.05% 3.15% 2.36% -0.17% -0.24% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7651 2.54% 0.29% 2.29% 1.74% Corporate Debt Vehicle (units) ATRAM Unitized Corporate Debt Vehicle, Inc. -a,3 1.0153 n.a n.a n.a n.a 0.76% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $496.81 2.69% 0.81% 1.97% 2.53% 0.32% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є214.39 1.54% -0.77% 0.03% 0.8% 0.19% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.033-1.21% -6.63% -2.01% 0.06% -0.94% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0248 2.48% -2.06% -0.16% n.a -0.4% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc. -b $0.85 -1.62% -7.96% -4.07% -3.19% -0.86% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.293 2.49% -3.21% 0.69% 1.84% -1.16% -0.73% 1.31% 1.6% 0.41% Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.0611633 1.45% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.758 -0.61% -4.93% -1.12% 0.43% -2.67% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 137.3 2.83% 1.84% 2.47% 2.07% 0.31% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.1125 3.33% 1.98% 2.13% n.a 0.37% Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.38032.88% 2.06% 2.43% 2.06% 0.33% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 105.08 4.23% n.a n.a n.a 0.48% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) 2.78% 1.52% 1.59% n.a Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.1023 0.44% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 43.2579-1.85% n.a n.a n.a 0.34% Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.5062 15.45% 8.95% n.a n.a 2.52% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.0078 n.a n.a n.a n.a 0.81% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.7972-3.3% -6.97% n.a n.a -0.69% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. 1 - Launch date is August 22, 2023. 2 - Launch date is October 6, 2023. 3 - Launch date is May 25, 2023. 4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last May 21, 2020 (formerly, ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc.) “While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www.

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

February 8, 2024

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND MANULIFE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE VANTAGE

1,666,000 990,533,841 119,940 571,266,548 4,395,195 687,088 363,089,355.50 585,225 2,370,844 56,631 1,100 83,730 16,583,072.50 10,978,750 527,510 731,710 6,100 29,870 744,255 814,000 36,905 208,000 188,950

7,000 324,204,336 50,250 37,694,807 -1,846,725 -1,750 90,850,475.50 18,620 -1,304,077 -824,050 -323,920 712,500 814,000 9,290 -39,000 46,500

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 4.37 4.38 4.35 4.43 4.35 4.38 10,847,000 47,556,150 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 2,000 1,040 ALSONS CONS ALTERNERGY HLDG 0.75 0.76 0.75 0.76 0.74 0.76 385,000 287,910 ABOITIZ POWER 37.6 37.85 37.2 38.1 37.2 37.85 2,060,800 77,926,050 1.18 1.19 1.17 1.19 1.17 1.18 77,000 91,050 RASLAG BASIC ENERGY 0.224 0.226 0.23 0.23 0.22 0.226 4,440,000 995,320 FIRST GEN 17.98 18 17.98 18.02 17.98 18 220,300 3,965,126 64.5 64.7 64.7 65 64.5 64.5 106,910 6,925,349 FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO 367 372 372.6 374.4 367 367 245,940 91,076,330 MANILA WATER 18.68 18.7 18.74 18.8 18.7 18.7 1,950,100 36,560,928 3.25 3.3 3.26 3.32 3.25 3.3 442,000 1,445,150 PETRON PHX PETROLEUM 4.13 4.37 4.39 4.4 4.2 4.2 8,000 34,820 7.11 7.27 7.3 7.3 7.14 7.27 46,600 337,841 REPOWER ENERGY 32.65 32.7 32.75 32.8 32.5 32.7 1,448,000 47,325,840 SEMIRARA MINING 7.65 7.68 7.67 7.78 7.67 7.68 448,400 3,460,384 SYNERGY GRID SHELL PILIPINAS 10.76 10.78 10.58 10.78 10.58 10.78 99,500 1,062,552 8.09 8.1 8 8.12 8 8.1 412,000 3,318,849 SPC POWER 1.16 1.17 1.16 1.17 1.15 1.17 10,294,000 11,966,160 SP NEW ENERGY AGRINURTURE 0.54 0.55 0.54 0.58 0.54 0.55 11,288,000 6,271,460 2.25 2.28 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.25 18,000 40,500 AXELUM 20.25 21.2 17.8 21.9 17.8 21.2 348,200 7,107,688 CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD 36 36.5 35.9 36.5 35.25 36 1,183,200 42,677,550 5.9 5.94 5.9 5.94 5.9 5.94 4,200 24,784 DEL MONTE 6.69 6.7 6.57 6.75 6.52 6.7 1,928,300 12,897,862 DNL INDUS EMPERADOR 20.45 20.5 20.45 20.7 20.45 20.5 1,234,300 25,328,810 50 50.25 50 50.45 49.25 50.25 18,530 926,045 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.7 0.72 0.7 0.72 0.7 0.71 15,255,000 10,821,610 FIGARO COFFEE ALLIANCE SELECT 0.45 0.49 0.45 0.45 0.42 0.42 140,000 62,100 FRUITAS HLDG 0.84 0.85 0.85 0.86 0.84 0.84 463,000 391,940 163.1 164.7 164.5 165 164 164.7 3,400 560,531 GINEBRA JOLLIBEE 261.4 262 265 268 261.2 261.4 282,030 74,384,922 KEEPERS HLDG 1.42 1.43 1.42 1.43 1.42 1.42 746,000 1,062,420 13.06 14.7 15.98 15.98 14.7 14.7 200 3,068 LIBERTY FLOUR MACAY HLDG 5.61 6.28 5.61 6.28 5.61 6.28 4,900 27,757 3.31 3.33 3.36 3.36 3.33 3.33 47,000 157,480 MAXS GROUP 0.09 0.091 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 20,000 1,800 MG HLDG MONDE NISSIN 9.95 9.97 9.8 10.1 9.68 9.95 19,471,700 193,963,763 SHAKEYS PIZZA 10.52 10.6 10.6 10.68 10.6 10.6 902,200 9,564,936 0.56 0.57 0.56 0.6 0.55 0.57 6,015,000 3,481,440 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 2.89 2.95 2.91 2.95 2.88 2.95 387,000 1,123,220 SWIFT FOODS 0.057 0.064 0.067 0.067 0.067 0.067 20,000 1,340 111.2 111.3 111.5 112.3 111.3 111.3 3,919,350 437,500,185 UNIV ROBINA 0.5 0.52 0.495 0.5 0.495 0.5 503,000 251,400 VITARICH VICTORIAS 2.62 2.87 2.62 2.62 2.62 2.62 5,000 13,100 1.81 1.82 1.56 1.84 1.52 1.81 63,812,000 109,192,360 CEMEX HLDG 0.63 0.67 0.63 0.67 0.63 0.67 60,000 38,100 EC VULCAN CORP EEI CORP 5.5 5.52 5.44 5.55 5.43 5.52 448,900 2,456,588 3.28 3.3 3.33 3.33 3.26 3.3 324,000 1,066,540 MEGAWIDE 1.67 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 12,000 20,400 CROWN ASIA MABUHAY VINYL 5.5 5.78 5.7 5.78 5.7 5.78 2,100 12,002 5.19 5.2 5.25 5.25 5.19 5.19 243,800 1,267,727 PRYCE CORP 13.02 13.2 13 13.2 13 13.2 900 11,840 CONCEPCION GREENERGY 0.224 0.225 0.227 0.229 0.223 0.225 16,080,000 3,661,230 2.48 2.51 2.5 2.65 2.48 2.48 5,365,000 13,644,550 INTEGRATED MICR 1.18 1.19 1.21 1.21 1.18 1.19 1,685,000 2,007,750 IONICS PANASONIC 5.1 5.16 5.22 5.22 5.22 5.22 100 522 2.42 2.49 2.47 2.49 2.4 2.49 365,000 898,620 SFA SEMICON 1.86 1.89 1.88 1.91 1.86 1.88 357,000 670,640 CIRTEK HLDG

2,527,540 -55,500 -14,653,370 -111,460 -608,380 -1,595,100 -14,881,362 -3,926,820.00 -339,780 14,925,725 451,771 654,309 5,205,170.00 1,514,240 -151,165 -503,560 -5,900 -1,382,584 -3,062,850 -191,131.50 164,750 49,500 428,745 9,508,968 171,820 -20,110 65,359,950 267,640 -46,500.00 756,190 -237,267,335 1,741,200 -10,900 88,430 20,800 -11,840 18,240 -7,453,740 118,000 -

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP PRIME MEDIA SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES

206,030 49,298,835 -14,660,090 -2,120,710 497,798 14,977,180 11,057,975 1,252,410 721,629 155,622,980 814,412 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

35 153.3 6.25 113.4 33 8.8 59.2 8.7 18.6 54 95.05 22.75 73.2 44.55 1.03 2.46 0.61 2.7 4.43 1,101 183.1 2,552 0.77

1.03 700 47.25 11.74 11.84 0.39 0.345 5 10.92 5.1 676 3.55 39.05 0.375 4.27 9.59 2.39 915 108 1.67

35.5 153.6 6.7 114.2 33.5 8.81 59.4 8.75 18.66 55 119.9 23.3 73.3 45.15 1.08 2.56 0.68 2.71 7.5 1,199 183.7 2,600 0.78

1.04 705 48.1 11.78 11.98 0.41 0.36 5.04 11 5.5 684 3.84 39.5 0.42 4.35 9.67 2.45 920 109.8 1.92

35 150.5 6.7 113.1 33.5 8.71 57.8 8.75 18.56 55 110 22.6 73 45.25 1.1 2.48 0.61 2.72 8 1,100 188.4 2,600 0.78

1.02 706.5 47.95 11.7 11.8 0.4 0.36 5.04 10.72 5.58 692 3.84 39.6 0.38 4.26 9.6 2.58 916 107.8 1.67

35 154.8 6.8 114.5 33.5 8.81 59.95 8.75 18.66 55 110 23.3 74.05 45.45 1.1 2.56 0.61 2.72 8.03 1,100 188.4 2,600 0.78

1.06 723 48.3 11.78 12 0.4 0.36 5.05 11 5.58 695 3.84 40.2 0.42 4.39 9.76 2.58 937 110 1.67

35 149.6 6.7 113.1 33 8.7 57.8 8.7 18.52 53.1 110 22.6 72.8 44.55 1.03 2.41 0.61 2.71 7.49 1,100 183.1 2,600 0.77

1.01 700 47.25 11.7 11.8 0.4 0.36 5 10.72 5.5 676 3.84 39.05 0.38 4.26 9.59 2.39 915 107.8 1.67

35 153.6 6.7 113.4 33.5 8.8 59.2 8.7 18.6 55 110 23.3 73.2 44.55 1.06 2.56 0.61 2.71 7.5 1,100 183.1 2,600 0.77

1.04 700 47.25 11.74 11.98 0.4 0.36 5.04 11 5.5 676 3.84 39.05 0.42 4.35 9.59 2.39 915 108 1.67

47,600 6,470,760 17,900 5,015,440 131,500 78,300 6,116,060 66,900 127,500 1,030 10 3,700 225,510 243,800 501,000 292,000 10,000 11,000 99,200 740 200 80 245,000

13,343,000 574,430 1,029,700 1,967,400 14,000 120,000 40,000 841,300 5,380,700 118,600 75,400 1,000 1,071,300 130,000 29,000 1,695,200 189,000 402,640 104,830 1,000

13,754,070 408,283,090 48,906,595 23,115,912 167,174 48,000 14,400 4,239,295 58,913,198 652,321 51,390,010 3,840 42,178,295 50,200 125,470 16,365,614 456,920 371,448,655 11,351,757 1,670

PROPERTY AYALA LAND 34.85 34.9 34.5 35.2 34.45 34.9 12,644,500 442,257,185 1.79 1.8 1.74 1.81 1.74 1.8 2,742,000 4,891,970 AYALA LAND LOG ALTUS PROP 8.97 9.36 9.36 9.36 9.36 9.36 2,600 24,336 1.03 1.05 1.04 1.07 1.02 1.06 1,413,000 1,470,150 ARANETA PROP 34.1 34.2 34.5 34.5 33.95 34.1 581,800 19,870,290 AREIT RT A BROWN 0.63 0.65 0.66 0.66 0.63 0.63 930,000 587,990 0.7 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.7 0.7 3,000 2,120 CITYLAND DEVT 0.061 0.063 0.063 0.063 0.063 0.063 70,000 4,410 CROWN EQUITIES CEB LANDMASTERS 2.63 2.64 2.65 2.65 2.62 2.63 741,000 1,951,200 CENTURY PROP 0.27 0.275 0.27 0.275 0.27 0.27 1,150,000 314,250 2.68 2.69 2.71 2.71 2.69 2.69 1,898,000 5,115,780 CITICORE RT DOUBLEDRAGON 8.04 8.15 7.76 8.15 7.7 8.15 614,100 4,935,274 DDMP RT 1.22 1.23 1.22 1.24 1.22 1.23 1,225,000 1,506,340 5.6 5.98 5.7 5.99 5.7 5.98 23,800 138,249 DM WENCESLAO 0.127 0.129 0.129 0.129 0.127 0.127 1,240,000 158,720 EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO 0.275 0.285 0.27 0.285 0.27 0.285 230,000 65,250 3.15 3.16 3.15 3.16 3.12 3.15 497,000 1,562,930 FILINVEST RT 0.68 0.69 0.67 0.69 0.67 0.68 3,230,000 2,199,570 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 0.8 0.84 0.8 0.84 0.8 0.84 347,000 277,640 8.52 8.73 8.78 8.82 8.73 8.73 19,400 170,810 8990 HLDG 869.5 890 889 890 889 890 20 17,790 GOLDEN MV PHIL INFRADEV 0.53 0.54 0.55 0.55 0.53 0.54 314,000 171,020 0.8 0.82 0.84 0.84 0.8 0.8 330,000 266,600 CITY AND LAND 2 2.01 1.99 2.02 1.99 2.01 7,583,000 15,229,630 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 1.28 1.31 1.3 1.34 1.28 1.31 233,000 302,370 13.94 13.98 13.98 14 13.9 13.98 303,500 4,241,378 MREIT RT 0.325 0.35 0.325 0.325 0.325 0.325 10,000 3,250 PHIL ESTATES PREMIERE RT 1.58 1.6 1.57 1.6 1.57 1.6 805,000 1,280,680 2.21 2.53 2.52 2.52 2.52 2.52 5,000 12,600 PRIMEX CORP 5.5 5.54 5.46 5.55 5.45 5.5 1,339,200 7,372,817 RL COMM RT ROBINSONS LAND 16.22 16.3 16.36 16.5 16.22 16.22 790,200 12,973,690 PHIL REALTY 0.148 0.165 0.165 0.165 0.148 0.148 390,000 58,570 1.38 1.42 1.38 1.42 1.38 1.42 8,000 11,120 ROCKWELL SHANG PROP 3.8 3.81 3.91 3.91 3.8 3.81 261,000 997,190 STA LUCIA LAND 3.45 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.49 3.5 132,000 461,980 34.65 35 34.8 35.4 34.65 34.65 12,217,300 428,072,285 SM PRIME HLDG VISTAMALLS 2.3 2.38 2.28 2.3 2.28 2.3 45,000 102,850 0.77 0.83 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 21,000 16,800 SUNTRUST RESORT 1.69 1.7 1.68 1.7 1.68 1.7 686,000 1,156,310 VISTA LAND VISTAREIT RT 1.73 1.74 1.74 1.75 1.72 1.73 281,000 487,960 SERVICES ABS CBN 4.3 4.38 4.2 4.38 4.2 4.34 325,000 1,402,950 8.93 8.94 8.9 9 8.9 8.94 295,700 2,648,960 GMA NETWORK MLA BRDCASTING 8 8.48 8.5 8.5 8.48 8.48 300 2,547 1,740 1,741 1,748 1,759 1,741 1,741 31,955 55,925,570 GLOBE TELECOM 1,292 1,295 1,300 1,310 1,290 1,295 76,195 98,854,900 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.014 20,700,000 271,900 9.75 9.78 9.7 9.83 9.6 9.78 6,786,900 66,438,759 CONVERGE 2.46 2.47 2.48 2.5 2.4 2.46 3,802,000 9,327,000 DITO CME HLDG NOW CORP 1.1 1.12 1.1 1.13 1.07 1.12 1,355,000 1,486,180 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.125 0.126 0.127 0.127 0.125 0.126 160,000 20,050 16.82 16.98 16.88 16.98 16.82 16.82 37,200 627,322 ASIAN TERMINALS CHELSEA 1.49 1.53 1.48 1.54 1.48 1.53 212,000 320,110 33.7 33.9 33.75 33.9 33.65 33.9 155,900 5,262,495 CEBU AIR 270.6 271 270 280 268 271 2,042,260 559,386,688 INTL CONTAINER 15.44 17.88 15.34 15.36 15.34 15.36 200 3,070 LBC EXPRESS MACROASIA 4.03 4.04 4 4.07 3.98 4.03 772,000 3,099,790 5.48 5.51 5.48 5.51 5.48 5.48 4,500 24,669 PAL HLDG 0.76 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.75 0.77 62,000 47,560 HARBOR STAR ACESITE HOTEL 1.81 1.89 1.88 1.88 1.8 1.88 45,000 83,960 0.062 0.064 0.064 0.064 0.062 0.064 12,240,000 779,320 BOULEVARD HLDG 1.16 1.22 1.16 1.22 1.16 1.22 9,000 10,500 DISCOVERY WORLD WATERFRONT 0.385 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 80,000 32,000 8.41 8.81 8.81 8.81 8.81 8.81 2,200 19,382 CENTRO ESCOLAR 551 567.5 565 567.5 550 567.5 310 174,925 FAR EASTERN U IPEOPLE 7.01 7.42 7.44 7.44 7.42 7.42 4,100 30,502 0.6 0.61 0.59 0.61 0.58 0.61 3,839,000 2,296,210 STI HLDG 1.16 1.17 1.17 1.18 1.17 1.17 192,000 225,720 BELLE CORP BLOOMBERRY 11.5 11.52 11.74 11.86 11.5 11.5 6,150,200 72,078,458 PACIFIC ONLINE 4.23 4.24 4.2 4.24 4.13 4.24 544,000 2,274,980 0.83 0.85 0.83 0.85 0.83 0.83 909,000 757,630 PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE 0.71 0.72 0.7 0.72 0.7 0.71 7,062,000 5,027,650 DIGIPLUS 7.9 7.91 7.82 7.96 7.77 7.9 9,419,200 74,406,659 1.77 1.78 1.78 1.78 1.76 1.78 214,000 380,570 PHILWEB ALLDAY 0.16 0.161 0.158 0.161 0.157 0.16 12,590,000 2,003,360 BERJAYA 7.7 7.84 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.7 3,000 23,100 1.12 1.14 1.15 1.15 1.1 1.12 2,803,000 3,137,610 ALLHOME METRO RETAIL 1.29 1.3 1.31 1.31 1.29 1.3 90,000 116,590 PUREGOLD 27.45 27.9 27.75 28 27.45 27.45 835,800 23,217,370 36.15 37 37.05 37.5 36.15 36.15 598,400 21,863,715 ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP 77 78 78.5 78.5 78 78 104,440 8,195,416.50 SSI GROUP 3 3.02 3 3.04 3 3 1,819,000 5,465,690 1.26 1.31 1.36 1.36 1.25 1.31 45,000 56,920 UPSON INTL CORP 22.9 22.95 22.4 23.2 22.4 22.95 1,440,800 33,024,325 WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP 0.204 0.214 0.205 0.206 0.203 0.204 1,230,000 251,520 2.1 2.35 2.1 2.14 2.1 2.14 14,000 29,480 EASYCALL 0.315 0.32 0.315 0.325 0.315 0.315 100,000 31,700 MEDILINES PRMIERE HORIZON 0.169 0.171 0.173 0.173 0.168 0.169 1,050,000 178,210 4.21 4.5 4.4 4.5 4.4 4.5 12,000 53,300 SBS PHIL CORP MINING & OIL ATOK 4.7 4.79 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 25,000 117,500 APEX MINING 2.7 2.72 2.81 2.84 2.65 2.7 17,633,000 48,249,610 ATLAS MINING 3.34 3.4 3.35 3.39 3.34 3.34 162,000 542,020 4.39 4.4 4.45 4.48 4.4 4.4 83,000 366,270 BENGUET A COAL ASIA HLDG 0.134 0.149 0.134 0.134 0.134 0.134 30,000 4,020 3.05 3.09 3.05 3.09 3.05 3.09 6,000 18,340 CENTURY PEAK 1.99 2 2 2 1.98 2 518,000 1,030,560 FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE 0.044 0.047 0.037 0.047 0.037 0.047 2,900,000 121,100 0.07 0.071 0.071 0.071 0.07 0.07 2,100,000 148,210 LEPANTO A 0.071 0.072 0.071 0.071 0.071 0.071 140,000 9,940 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.004 0.0042 0.0043 0.0043 0.004 0.004 32,000,000 130,900 0.0041 0.0042 0.0042 0.0042 0.0041 0.0042 13,000,000 54,300 MANILA MINING B 0.81 0.82 0.83 0.84 0.81 0.82 467,000 382,820 MARCVENTURES 4.68 4.7 4.75 4.75 4.68 4.68 1,395,000 6,568,090 NICKEL ASIA ORNTL PENINSULA 0.66 0.67 0.65 0.67 0.65 0.66 148,000 98,520 3.1 3.14 3.11 3.12 3.1 3.1 541,000 1,680,120 PX MINING 0.004 0.0048 0.0043 0.0045 0.0043 0.0045 46,000,000 204,000 UNITED PARAGON ENEX ENERGY 4.75 4.9 5.1 5.1 4.7 4.94 26,000 124,750 0.0079 0.008 0.008 0.0081 0.008 0.008 9,000,000 72,100 ORNTL PETROL A 0.0075 0.0078 0.0078 0.0078 0.0075 0.0075 7,000,000 53,300 PHILODRILL PXP ENERGY 3.75 3.76 3.68 3.78 3.67 3.75 32,000 118,360 PREFFERED ACEN PREF B 1,073 1,080 1,072 1,080 1,072 1,080 9,420 10,169,020 2,498 2,502 2,494 2,504 2,494 2,504 25 62,400 AC PREF AR ALCO PREF C 97.05 101.9 101.9 101.9 101.9 101.9 30 3,057 495 500 495 495 495 495 80 39,600 AC PREF B2R 96.5 98 96.95 96.95 96.5 96.95 50,300 4,855,100 BRN PREF A DD PREF 94.75 95 95 95 95 95 33,510 3,183,450 955 978.5 952.5 952.5 952 952 1,080 1,028,660 GTCAP PREF B 925 950 940 940 940 940 60 56,400 JFC PREF B MWIDE PREF 2B 92.05 97.5 92 92 92 92 13,000 1,196,000 93 93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 100 9,350 MWIDE PREF 4 101 101.5 100.2 101.5 100.2 101.5 200 20,170 MWIDE PREF 5 PCOR PREF 4C 990 1,000 990 992 990 990 755 747,460 SMC PREF 2F 72.55 72.9 72.5 72.5 72.5 72.5 750 54,375 70.8 72.55 70.65 70.65 70.65 70.65 1,000 70,650 SMC PREF 2I 70 71.95 70.05 70.25 70.05 70.05 19,080 1,336,804 SMC PREF 2J SMC PREF 2L 77.95 78 78 78 78 78 10,000 780,000 77 78.5 78.2 78.5 77 77 38,910 3,006,078.50 SMC PREF 2N 79.45 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.45 79.5 1,940 154,225.50 SMC PREF 2O TECH PREF B2D 48.7 49.3 48.5 48.5 48.5 48.5 200 9,700

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

73,336,925 -22,980 -220,250 370,700 200,500 -1,651,250 19,823 31,000 133,465 40,640 21,940 -56,440 -3,492 8,890 22,000 3,360 166,740 1,729,326 12,600 -408,615 -220,968 -2,840 57,100 68,625,260.00 -647,710 1,730 -8,662,545 -6,728,385 2,412,175 913,760 515,030 661,890.00 109,830,768 -526,550.00 3,900 1,220 1,067,330 -21,060 -8,801,610 -71,500 40,959,731 1,780 -60,170 -1,945,800 32,500 -6,071,480 -3,616,935.00 409,386.50 3,393,140 4,000 6,710 -6,300 -7,027,990 -10,170 18,340 632,710 -1,267,540 31,100 -495,000 -54,375 -

ABS HLDG PDR 4.01 4.1 4 4.01 4 4.01 82,000 328,720 8.59 8.7 8.57 8.7 8.57 8.7 17,000 147,640 GMA HLDG PDR

TECH WARRANT

WARRANTS

0.199

0.235

0.25

0.199

240,000

56,310

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

0.405 0.415 0.405 0.415 1,000,000 405,600 12,450 0.73 0.75 0.73 0.75 5,000 3,670 0.98 1 0.98 1 1,484,000 1,474,310 0.69 0.7 0.69 0.7 142,000 98,440 1.53 1.53 1.52 1.52 19,000 28,910 0.065 0.065 0.065 0.065 20,000 1,300 1 1.02 1 1.02 663,000 667,280 0.26 0.26 0.248 0.255 40,000 10,230 -

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

107.7 109 107.7 108.5 40,260 4,373,301 -632,193

BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH LFM PROP MERRYMART XURPAS

FIRST METRO ETF

0.41 0.72 0.98 0.67 1.52 0.06 1.01 0.255 108.1

0.415 0.75 1 0.7 1.6 0.065 1.02 0.26 108.5

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, February 9, 2024

MB seen to start path to low rate-regime The Association as a Dragon

Association World Octavio Peralta

APPY Chinese New Year! According to the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. While the characteristics of a dragon vary across different traditions, there are common elements often associated with these mythical creatures, such as having a reptilian appearance, wings, multiple heads, and the fire-breathing ability. Dragons also carry symbolic meanings such as strength, wisdom, loyalty, and a sense of shared purpose. This aligns with what associations are meant to be. Here are some of these aspects: 1. Forging unity and collaboration. Associations, by nature, are formed by individuals or entities with a common interest, purpose, or advocacy. Like the dragon with many heads, an association brings together a diverse array of members, each contributing unique skills, perspectives, and experiences. The strength of the association lies in the unity of its members, working collaboratively to achieve shared objectives. 2. Being guardians of knowledge. Much like dragons often depicted guarding treasures, associations act as custodians of valuable knowledge, expertise, and industry insights. Associations provide a platform for members to share, exchange, and safeguard information. This accumulation of collective wisdom becomes the association’s treasure trove, benefiting members and the broader community. 3. Navigating challenges. Dragons are renowned for their ability to fly and navigate challenging landscapes. Similarly, associations adapt and evolve to overcome obstacles in their respective fields. Whether facing technological advancements, regulatory changes, or economic shifts, associations spread their wings of adaptability to stay relevant and continue serving the needs of their members. 4. Speaking out for the collective voice. In public policy and advocacy, associations act as “fire-breathing” advocates for their members. They champion shared interests, voice concerns, and work towards creating a favorable environment for their industry or profession. Like the fiery breath of a dragon, the passionate advocacy of associations leave a lasting impact on the socio-economic situation. 5. Having intelligence and innovation. Dragons are often portrayed as wise and intelligent beings. Similarly, associations are hubs of learning, research, and innovation. They foster an environment where members can exchange ideas, stay informed about industry trends, and collectively contribute to advancements. The intelligence of the association fuels progress and keeps its members at the forefront of their respective fields. 6. Longevity and legacy. Just as dragons are often associated with long life or immortality, associations aim for longevity and a lasting legacy. They strive to create a sustainable impact that transcends generations, leaving behind a trail of progress and contributions that stand the test of time. In this symbolic representation of dragons, associations can soar through challenges, breathe fire into advocacy efforts, and guard the treasures of collective wisdom. As associations navigate the dynamism of their professional and societal domains, the association as a dragon stands as a powerful symbol of unity, strength, and shared purpose. Ready to become a dragon? Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror. E-mail: bobby@ pcaae.org.

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may start toning down its hawkish monetary policy stance next week when the Monetary Board is expected to maintain key policy rates. This is according to an economic brief released by the research division of the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. (ANZ Research), which expects the BSP to cut interest rates in the fourth quarter this year.

The think tank said the Monetary Board, the highest policymaking body of the BSP, may cut interest rates by 50 basis points. With this, key interest rates may end the year at 6 percent.

“We expect the BSP to tone down its hawkish bias in next week’s monetary policy meeting, while maintaining the policy rate at 6.5 percent,” ANZ Research said. The think tank said the 2.8 percent inflation rate in January is below market expectations and already at the low-end of the BSP’s inflation target (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/02/06/inflationslows-to-2-8-in-january-slowestsince-october-2020-psa/). However, ANZ Research noted that consumer’s inflation expectations remained elevated based on the BSP’s Consumer Expectation Survey (CES) results. It added that the 12-month average inflation rate is still above 4 percent. Data from the Philippine

Statistics Authority (PSA) showed inflation in 2023 averaged 6 percent. “In our view, it will take time for the BSP to cut its policy rate,” according to ANZ Research. “The widening of the trade deficit in late 2023 also points towards renewed current account pressures if relative strength in imports persists.” The BSP earlier said its hawkish stance remains despite commodity prices slowing to 2.8 percent, the slowest in 39 months or four years. Based on the PSA, inflation slowed to a rate that is the slowest since October 2020 when inflation averaged 2.3 percent. This is within the BSP’s forecast range of 2.8 to 3.6 percent for January.

However, the BSP said inflation could increase anew and post an average higher than the target range in the second quarter. This, the central bank explained, is due to the impact of El Niño weather conditions and positive base effects. The BSP sees the slowdown in inflation as mainly due to base effects as well as “some easing of supply constraints affecting key commodities.” Inflation was at 8.7 percent in January 2023 and 3.9 percent in December 2023. The central bank explained that the country’s inflation outlook remains tilted to the upside. These risks include higher transport charges, increased electricity rates, higher oil prices and higher food prices due to strong El Niño conditions.

BIR to continue raiding establishments, Chinese Bitcoin miners filing cases vs evaders in tax campaign find new crypto haven

AST spring, cargo containers began appearing near electricity substations connected to the recently built Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest. Inside were stacks of powerful, energy-guzzling computers. It was a telltale sign that Chinese Bitcoin miners, having bounced from country to country in search of cheap power and benign regulations since Beijing cast them out two years before, had arrived in the Horn of Africa. Buffeted by political and economic headwinds, they were lured by some of the world’s lowest electricity costs—as well as an increasingly friendly government. Ethiopia, which allowed Bitcoin mining starting in 2022 even though it still bans cryptocurrency trading, has bolstered ties with China over the past decade, and several Chinese companies helped build the $4.8 billion dam the miners plan to draw their power from.

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will continue conducting raids and filing of criminal cases against offenders in a bid to plug tax leakages. BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. pointed out last Thursday the government is losing a large amount in tax revenues due to fake transactions and tax evaders. Last year, Lumagui said the government is losing P500 billion or half a trillion annually due to tax evasion. Last Thursday, however, he only cited the cases they filed under the BIR’s Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) and Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) programs as basis for the “large amount” of losses. To curb tax leakages, the commissioner said they would remain focused on chasing after tax offenders. He said the bureau also hopes that people will be compliant in paying their taxes. “Tututukan lang talaga namin yan. [We will just focus on that.] It’s important na hindi lang kami bumitaw sa mga issues na yan [that we don’t let go of the issues such as these],” Lumagui told reporters on the sidelines of the bureau’s tax campaign launch. He also stressed that BIR personnel will continue conducting raids on establishments and filing cases so that the offenders will realize that the bureau is “serious” in their efforts. “Baka iniisip nila na sa simula lang to at titigilan ko rin [Maybe they are thinking that this is just for the beginning and I will stop it] but this year, those raids will continue,” he warned. Recently, the BIR filed a case against a popular cosmetic brand in the Philippines with total tax deficiencies amounting to P9.3 million.

Ethiopia’s giant dam This February 8, 2024, photo shows Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto delivering his keynote speech during the 2024 Bureau of Internal Revenue National Tax Campaign Kick-off held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. Photo by: Nonoy Lacza

(See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/02/02/popular-cosmetic-brand-faces-p9-3-million-taxrap/) Lumagui also said that they will go after big companies and file cases against offenders. These companies, he said, are in all industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and other different sectors. Previously, the BIR has also filed cases against four ghost corporations with estimated tax liabilities of P25.5 billion and three corporate buyers and their officers, accounting firms, and certified public accountants (CPA) with total estimated tax liabilities

of P17.9 billion. When asked regarding a backlog in the payment of taxes of social media personalities and content creators, Lumagui said these people have been compliant and are communicating with the BIR. He added that through the bureau’s “soft approach,” they are able to help them and are expecting more from the sector to pay their taxes. The BIR has collected a total of P2.5 trillion in revenues for 2023, higher than the 7.5 percent it recorded in 2022 amounting to P2.3 trillion. This year, the BIR is tasked to collect about P3.05 trillion in revenues.

Maya Bank users more than doubled to 3M last year, hike deposit balance By VG Cabuag

@villygc

AYA Bank Inc. reported having more than doubled its users to 3 million depositors last year, with deposit balance reaching P25 billion, a 69-percent increase during the previous year. According to the the fintech arm of PLDT Inc., it disbursed some P22 billion in loans last year, a sevenfold increase from a mere P3 billion in 2022. Maya said it used customer transaction data to make quick and efficient lending decisions. “We’re redefining how Filipinos interact with their money,” Maya Bank Co-founder Shailesh Baidwan said. “Our all-in-one platform is a response to the real, daily financial needs we’ve seen and heard from our

customers, and we’re committed to bringing them even more innovative solutions.” According to the fintech firm, it has captured 57 percent of the digital banking depositors, based on the latest September 2023 data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. There are only six digital banks in the Philippines. Aside from Maya Bank, the rest are GoTyme Bank led by the Gokongwei family, Overseas Filipino (OF) Bank of Land Bank of the Philippines, UNO digital bank of UNOAsia Pte Ltd, the Singapore-headquartered financial technology, UnionDigital Bank of the Aboitiz group and Tonik Digital Bank Inc., led by Singapore’s Tonik Financial Pte. Ltd and 20-percent owned by Oak Drive Ventures Inc.

Maya claims to be the only digital bank app to offer savings, credit, e-wallet, crypto, insurance, investment and rewards. “Banking shouldn’t be a chore; and that’s what we’re changing at Maya,” Angelo S. Madrid, the bank’s president, said. “Every payment you make on the Maya app—it’s not just a transaction, it’s a step towards bigger savings and smarter credit. That’s our mission, making finance a seamless part of daily life.” Replicating its success in consumer banking, Maya said it is also reshaping SME banking in the Philippines. It is powering SMEs to accept various payment methods offline and online, using this vast data to offer lucrative savings and instant credit options, the bank said.

ETHIOPIA has emerged as a rare opportunity for all firms that mine the original cryptocurrency, as climate change and power scarcity fuel a backlash against the $16 billion-ayear industry (at Bitcoin’s current price) elsewhere. But it holds special appeal for Chinese companies, which once dominated Bitcoin mining but have struggled to compete with local rivals in Texas, the current hub. It is also a risky gamble, for the companies and Ethiopia alike. A succession of developing countries like Kazakhstan and Iran initially embraced Bitcoin mining, only to turn on the sector when its energy use threatened to fuel domestic discontent. China’s reign as the epicenter of Bitcoin mining came to an abrupt end in 2021, when the government banned it. Dozens of companies were forced to leave. “Firstly, countries can run out of available electricity, leaving no room for miners to expand,” said Jaran Mellerud, chief executive of Hashlabs Mining. “Secondly, miners can suddenly be deemed unwelcome by the government and be forced to pack up and leave.” Ethiopian officials are wary of the controversy that accompanies Bitcoin mining, according to industry executives who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid jeopardizing government relations. Even after new generation capacity came online, almost half the population live without access to electricity, making mining a delicate topic. At the same time, it represents a potentially lucrative source of foreign-exchange earnings. Ethiopia has already risen to become one of the world’s top recipients of Bitcoin mining machines, according to an estimate from mining services provider Luxor Technology. That’s even as Luxor’s first major deals to ship equipment there came in September, said Chief Operations Officer Ethan Vera. The state power monopoly says it

has struck power supply deals with 21 Bitcoin miners. All but two of them are Chinese. “Ethiopia will become one of the most popular destinations for Chinese miners,” said Nuo Xu, founder of China Digital Mining Association, which organizes exhibitions and facilitates trading in mining machines. He’s arranging a trip to Ethiopia for a group of Chinese mining executives to tour potential sites.

New growth market

THAT Bitcoin miners are willing to ship equipment worth tens of millions of dollars to a country that just two years ago emerged from a civil war in its north is a testament to the fraught political and economic environment in which they exist. The companies play a crucial role maintaining the Bitcoin network by using powerful computers (or “rigs” in industry argot) to solve mathematical puzzles and validate encrypted transactions on the blockchain. In return, they receive rewards in Bitcoin released from the network. It’s a volatile business, with revenues tracking the token’s rise and fall. Miner Core Scientific Inc. plunged into bankruptcy in December 2022 as cryptocurrency markets crashed; 13 months later it won court approval to exit Chapter 11 after the price of Bitcoin jumped almost 150 percent. The rigs use vast amounts of power, so access to cheap electricity is a critical competitive advantage. Bitcoin mining consumed 121 terawatt-hours of power in 2023, the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance estimates—similar to Argentina’s use. Electricity can account for as much as 80 percent of miners’ operating costs, according to Mellerud. This explains why low-cost power has largely dictated where miners put much of their equipment in the past few years: First in China, then in places like Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and northern Sweden, and most recently Texas. What those places have in common is relatively cheap energy. The reliance on abundant power is also a major vulnerability because it can put miners in competition for electricity with factories and households, exposing them to political backlash. When Kazakzstan imposed fresh curbs and taxes on miners, “it basically killed the industry,” said Hashlabs co-founder Alen Makhmetov. Two years after the clampdown, his 10-megawatt facility there is still sitting idle. And in an era when rising temperatures wreak havoc around the world, Bitcoin mining is increasingly seen as a contributor to global warming that doesn’t serve any productive purpose—even though miners have claimed they’re increasingly tapping clean energy. A study by United Nations University published in October estimated that two-thirds of the electricity used for Bitcoin mining in 2020 and 2021 was generated using fossil fuels. Bloomberg News

Relationships BusinessMirror

Friday, February 9, 2024 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Bea, Kim, Lahbati may find love anew in the Year of the Wooden Dragon u CHINESE

Executive Chef Waai Hoi Yeung tosses the Yusheng—the higher the toss, the luckier in business.

v w

and prosperity with Yusheng made of abalone, fresh salmon, and jelly fish tossed in a decadent plum sauce.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Tyson Houseman, 34; Mia Farrow, 79; Joe Pesci, 81; Carole King, 82. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Keep the momentum flowing. Take the initiative to stick to your pattern and budget. Trust and believe in yourself. Outside influences will tempt you to overstep your means, expand too quickly or take on too much. Grow with each step and the pieces will fall into place. Positive change is within reach if you nurture and protect what you deserve. Your numbers are 6, 13, 20, 27, 32, 37, 44.

v ATTRACT luck

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your eagerness will allow someone to take advantage of you. Don’t commit to taking on unfair responsibilities without getting what you want in return. Negotiate with as much passion as you put into a job well done. Protect against insult and injury. HHHH

w LUCKY

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Overthinking a situation will send mixed messages to others and cause you to make poor decisions. Let your instincts take over and put your energy into actions, not analysis. A change of heart will encourage you to plan something special for someone you love. HH

directions for the Year of the Wooden Dragon by Master Joseph Chau.

PHOTOS BY STELLA ARNALDO

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t make changes without researching or getting permission. The fallout from acting in haste will set you back. Be smart and approach projects by asking questions and preparing for the best outcome. Showing interest will help you gain respect and encourage enthusiasm. HHHHH

x SEND luck to

your loved ones with Nian Gao in different flavors and shapes.

PHOTO FROM MARCO POLO ORTIGAS

O there’s been a lot of drama in the romance department among Filipino celebrities in the past few months, highlighted by the apparently earthshattering breakup of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. This was quickly followed by news of other separations, among them Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez, and the latest being Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque. (The latter, I am told, were even supposed to get married this year after having announced their engagement in 2023. Ooof!) But as Year of the Wooden Dragon dances its way on February 10, can any of them look forward to a romantic year or will they have to tend to their broken hearts a bit longer before being able to find love again? Popular Hong Kong-based geomancer and feng shui master Joseph Chau (Chau Kam Shing) tells us that as we enter the year of the dragon, we also enter the Feng Shui trend 9. “This is the symbol of happiness and prosperity. But on the other side, trend 9 is full of fire element. It means people are easy to be moody and hot-tempered; their mind is not clear, so they easily create conflict and are prone to fights.” Trend 9 will stay from 2024 to 2043, and while this period “is lucky for marriage, it will also be easy to have separation for couples. Therefore, couples must be patient enough and reach the mutual understanding together to maintain a good relationship,” he adds. As the Romance Star lays in the East direction this year, Chau advises couples to go on dates at Marco Polo Ortigas, where he will give a live feng shui forecast during a grand luncheon at the restaurant Lung Hin on Saturday, February 10. “Marco Polo Ortigas is sitting West and facing East, therefore the hotel is lucky for dating for couples. It is also lucky for business, so have your

lunch or dinner meetings there for the success of your business.” For single persons to find their true love, Chau recommends they “put a fresh flower in the East direction of their house and bedroom together with their updated photo which is taken after February 5, 2024, then it is easy to attract a romantic partner.”

OX (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021) Existence of the Lonely star. Be tolerant of each other. (Anne Curtis, KC Concepcion)

GRAND LUNCHEON AT LUNG HIN

RABBIT (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023) Romance star blooms; you will easily get into romantic involvements. (Bea Alonzo, Jake Cuenca)

I WAS more interested, of course, in my financial forecast and the lucky dishes to be served at tomorrow’s grand luncheon which were created Chinese Executive Chef Waai Hoi Yeung. I was fortunate to get a taste of the auspicious dishes to be served in Lung Hin’s special ala carte menu and set menu which are available until Sunday, February 11. We started off lunch with the traditional Yusheng Toss, to attract luck in the new year. The delicious dish was made of buttery abalone, fresh salmon, and jelly fish tossed in decadent plum sauce. Also winners were the fork-tender braised pork knuckle and sea moss with garden green, which perfectly complements the savory fried rice of taro and Chinese sausage, followed by the succulent wok-fried prawn and sea conch in XO sauce. I also loved the spicy and earthy notes of the Hong Kongstyle deep-fried flower red crab in garlic and chili, with its claws and legs so crispy I was able to devour them entirely. Unfortunately, I had to leave before the desserts were served but went home with Lung Hin’s signature Nian Gao (that’s tikoy to most of us), which are available in Double Gold Bars, Double Flavored Muscovado Red Dates, Ginger and Osmanthus Water Chestnut. These come in decorative gift boxes which make for delightful presents for family and friends, and even yourself as well. For inquiries and reservations, call +632-77207777 or e-mail lunghin.mnl@ marcopolohotels.com.

TIGER (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022) Love life is weak; control your mood swings. (Liza Soberano, Ruffa Gutierrez)

DRAGON (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) Romance star is not activated. (Vice Ganda, Derek Ramsay) SNAKE (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) Relationship is pretty good and full of harmony. (Xian Lim, Sarah Geronimo) HORSE (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) Love life is activated; you will enjoy a good relationship with others. (Kim Chiu, Andi Eigenmann) GOAT (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) Love life is filled with obstacles and problems. (Edu Manzano, Bela Padilla) MONKEY (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) Love life is stable. (Enrique Gil, Kitty Duterte) ROOSTER (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) Romance star appears; you can easily hit it off with the object of your affection and bear fruits of love. But open your eyes to see the entirety of the other person’s character so you are not cheated by a love trap. (Nadine Lustre, Sarah Lahbati)

REST MUNA KATHRYN, CHERRY PIE

DOG (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) Romance star is not shining; do not expect too much. (Cherry Pie Picache, Baron Geisler)

RAT (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) Love affair is weak; be patient and try to reach mutual understanding. (Popular Rats are Kathryn Bernardo and Richard Gutierrez)

PIG (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) Romance star activated. Love life is satisfied and desirable. (Daniel Padilla, John Lloyd Cruz) Chau emphasizes that a person’s love destiny is guided by the specifics of one’s birth details. To find out what this Dragon year has in store for your, contact Chau via Viber or WhatsApp at +852-90269781.

MEANWHILE, Master Chau gives us a general reading of how our newly-separated artistas and other celebrities could fare in the Year of the Wooden Dragon:

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A creative project will turn out better than anticipated. Don’t feel you have to overspend to make a statement. Say no to joint ventures and risky investments. Show how much you care about something through your actions. Romance is in the stars. HHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Gravitate toward people, places and pastimes that inspire you to look and do your best. Partnerships will be complicated, and recognizing who makes you shine brightly will make it easier to accomplish your goals. Walk away from temptation. HHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Choose to do things differently. Allow yourself the freedom to experience something new. A change will spark your imagination and offer insight into how you can use your skills and talents to benefit you physically. HHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Expand your horizons and try something new and exciting. Challenge your intellect and share feelings and plans with someone you love. Consider the possibilities and create a financial plan to help you achieve your goals. Don’t risk injury. HHHHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Put a plan in place and act. What you do will impact your life and relationships more than what you say. Make changes that add to your comfort and allow you to spend more time doing things you enjoy with people you love. HH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t join forces with someone who doesn’t play fairly, exaggerates or misleads you. Reorganize your plans and eliminate what you can to lower your overhead and ease stress. A minimalist attitude will give you the freedom to live life your way. HHHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Send a clear message to anyone in your way. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to make a move. It’s up to you to initiate your plans. Actions will stand out and give those around you a fair warning that things are about to change. HHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Direct your energy where it will have the greatest impact. Imagine the possibilities and create a blueprint in your mind that will encourage you to take the necessary steps to reach your objective. Listen to your inner voice and protect yourself from temptation and criticism. HHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Pay attention to detail and stay on top of where your money goes. Check your balances, look for bargains and buy only what’s necessary. Revisit how you feel about someone, attend a reunion or let someone special know how you feel. Romance is favored. HHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are profound, optimistic and patient. You are conceptual and groundbreaking.

‘twitter headlines’ BY SPENCER LEACH

The Universal Crossword • Edited by David Steinberg/Anna Gundlach/Jared Goudsmit/Andrian Johnson ACROSS 1 “Everything ___ Changed” (Taylor Swift song) 4 University in Houston 8 “Goodness gracious!” 12 Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn 14 Org. that approves hard hats 15 Investigate 16 Seizure of power 18 Chip away at 19 Nairobi’s land 20 Asian food store 22 ___ instinct 23 Sia hit with the lyric “Baby, I don’t need dollar bills to have fun tonight” 26 Put a fresh coat on 29 Covered in grease 30 Too formal 31 Female deer 33 Runs away 36 Tonic’s partner 37 Common stir-fry green 40 French fashion monogram 41 Rim shot drum 43 Band’s booking 44 “Relative” of Bigfoot

45 So bad that it’s good, in Gen Z slang 47 Future syrup, perhaps 49 Sentry’s question 53 “You’ve got mail” co. 54 Cognizant (of) 55 “Fingers crossed!” 59 Word before “saw” or “smoker” 61 Natural sounds that the starts of 16-, 23-, 37- and 49-Across resemble 63 Great praise 64 Words per minute, for one 65 “Read ‘em and ___!” 66 Country found inside Romania? 67 Commotions 68 ___ Jose DOWN 1 Break into, digitally 2 Soothing succulent 3 Created, as yarn from wool 4 Fish eggs 5 Request for consent 6 Winner, casually 7 Go to, as a restaurant 8 Screw up

9 Craft items that roll easily? 10 Pop star Paula 11 Specifics, slangily 13 Surveillance device, for short 15 Become stone 17 Indian yogurt 21 Greek letter used to represent density 24 Prefix with “skeleton” 25 Not well 26 Dungeons & Dragons and Undertale: Abbr. 27 Ireland, in old poems 28 Drink that might come with a paper umbrella 32 Certain heart reading, for short 34 “Como ___ usted?” 35 What someone might do on a banana peel 37 Laments 38 Until now 39 Shrek, for one 42 Cloth scrap 44 Bull-riding cheer 46 Church bench 48 Carle who wrote “The Very Hungry

Caterpillar” 49 Off-the-wall 50 Unexciting 51 Big name in hummus 52 B-D-F or C-E-G, in music 56 Bullfight cheers 57 “Guilty” or “not guilty” 58 “Monday Night Football” channel 60 OH- or NH4+ 62 ___ Moines Solution to today’s puzzle:

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Friday, February 9, 2024

Cine Panalo: Winning festival THE young filmmakers who participated in the film festival.

RESSURE?” I did not articulate the word; it was a word Sigrid Bernardo understood when I approached her after she was introduced together with other filmmakers in a press presentation organized by Chris Cahilig. The event was aimed to announce the recipients of the much coveted film grants from Puregold. Sigrid Bernardo, of course, is no stranger to first editions of film festivals and competitions, having been a pioneer in many concourses including Cinemalaya, where she won Best Director for her work in Babae. Bernardo’s name is credited with the sleeper hit of 2017, the film Kita Kita starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. In the same year, that film was chosen as the best romantic-comedy in the last 25 years, an honor resulting from the poll conducted by CNN Philippines. That afternoon in Artson Events Place in Quezon City, she was dubbed, in half-jest, as the leader of the pack. There are two general categories for the grant: the full-length and the short film. Six made it to the list. These are the following: Bernardo’s Pushcar Tales; Rainier Brizuela’s Boys at the Back; Joel Ferrer with his Road to Happy; and Carlo Obispo’s A Lab Story. I learned of Ferrer first with his tandem with Miko Livelo on the film Blue Bustamante. Ferrer would later become popular with his teen tales aired over TV5. Then came Elise in 2019, a charming polished film about first love and the eternity it somewhat hides. Brizuela was asked by media persons if his film was a product of his own experience. He talked of how his transfer to public school as a young high school student made him into what he is today, bringing to the fore the daring and fun story of “those boys who always stayed at the back of the classroom.” Carlo Obispo belongs to a new generation of filmmakers with a singularly astute way of interpreting social realities. As early as 2013, he produced the cogent Purok 7, a story of childhood and innocence in a closely knit community. He is the director of The Baseball Player, the story of a young Moro child soldier who dreams to become a baseball player against the backdrop of a running vicious war. It won Best Film in the 2022 Cinemalaya, among many other awards here and abroad. Two newcomers in the field are part of the honor roll: Kurt Soberano and his Under the Piaya Moon and Eugene Torres’s One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All. Soberano is already a celebrity in Negros where his short films have been consistently been winning awards. I have personally served as juror in some of the film festivals in Bacolod, and have noted how his short films have always been characterized by impressive production designs. Be that as it may, I have also called Soberano’s attention to the observation of how his short films are really bursting to become full-length feature films. The Cine Panalo project makes that wish for him (and

we suppose his as well) come true. Torres’s film is a tribute to the notions (and actualities) of families in the life of the LGBTQIA+ communities. Online, interviews of Torres capture the given explanation about how One Day League… has multiple characters as the filmmaker is anxious this kind of film may not have another opportunity to be made, and those personas may never have their fabulous exposures. Volleyball is an iconic shorthand for gayness in this film. The six directors for the full-length films received a substantial grant of P2.5 million each. Twenty-five short film student directors were given 100,000 each. All finalists received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital for their respective films, as well as essential groceries from Puregold to, at least, provide more support during the production period. The 25 young filmmakers are the following: Jenievive B. Adame (STI College Cubao); Ma. Rafaela Mae Abucejo (Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Alexa Moneii Agaloos (Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Kent Michael Cadungog (University of the Philippines); John Pistol L. Carmen (Bicol University); Chrisha Eseo Cataag (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo); Patricia W. Dalluay (Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Joanah Pearl Demonteverde (University of the Philippines-Visayas); Joshua Andrey A. Doce (Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology); Neil M. Espino (De La Salle Lipa); Terence Gale Fernandez (Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Daniel Gil (Ateneo

de Davao University); Alexandra Lapid (Mapua University); Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima (University of San Carlos); Dizelle C. Masilungan (University of Santo Tomas); Jose Mikyl Medina (De La Salle University); Ronjay-C Mendiola (Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Mark Terence Molave (Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Jhunel Ruth A. Monterde (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde); Doxford D. Perlas (University of the Philippines-Visayas); Andrea S. Ponce (Polytechnic University of the Philippines); Edz Haniel Teñido Purificación (Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna); John Wilbert Llever Sucaldito (Far Eastern University); Tyrone Lean J. Taotao (Polytechnic University of the Philippines); and Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon (University of the Philippines-Visayas. The films, short and full-length, will all be premiered at the Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to 17. There are plans also to have regional screenings, with some of the venues slated in selected schools. The short films will also be made available on Puregold’s official social media channels via its YouTube and Tiktok. The distinguished selection committee— composed of veteran film and television director Jeffrey Jethurian; award-winning filmmakers Lemuel Lorca and Victor Villanueva; Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad; Lyle Gonzales of Republic Creative; Puregold CinePanalo festival director Chris Cahilig; and this columnist—played a crucial role in shaping the festival’s trajectory.

‘Firefly’ most awarded film of Manila International Film Festival 2024

FROM left: GMA Public Affairs SAVP and Firefly creator Angeli Atienza; Firefly actress Ysabel Ortega; GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; and Sparkle GMA Artist Center Vice President Joy Marcelo.

FROM being the silent underdog to becoming the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival big winner, Firefly continued its victorious streak abroad as it won the most awards at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California— including the highly-coveted Best Picture honor. The film produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs also took home three more awards and three nominations during the MIFF Awards Night last February 3: another Best Screenplay for GMA Public Affairs SAVP and Firefly creator Angeli Atienza; Best Director for award-winning director Zig Dulay; and Best Supporting Actress for acclaimed actress Alessandra de Rossi. Present during the awarding ceremony were GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, who accepted the Best Director award on behalf of Zig Dulay; Angeli Atienza; and Firefly actress Ysabel Ortega, who accepted the Best Supporting Actress award on behalf of Alessandra de Rossi. Joining them were Sparkle GMA Artist Center Vice President Joy Marcelo and Firefly actor Dingdong Dantes.

Aside from winning four major awards, the film also garnered nominations for the Best Supporting Actor (Epy Quizon) and Actress (Cherry Pie Picache) categories, as well as for Best Cinematography (Neil Daza). Following their Best Picture win, the Firefly team was awarded a $200,000 co-producing package by Birns and Sawyer for the production of a US-based feature film. The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Picture awardee, Firefly narrates a moving story about family, dreams and bravery, as the young Tonton (portrayed by MMFF Best Child Performer Euwenn Mikael) embarks on a journey to find the mystical island of fireflies based on his mother’s bedtime stories. The film also won Best Screenplay along with 15 nominations at the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal last December. Early this year, Firefly was shown in the United Arab Emirates prior to its screening in Los Angeles, California, as part of the MIFF. The MIFF is an international film festival that aims to bridge Filipino films to global audiences and showcase Filipino culture and art.

Prince William thanks public for messages to King Charles and Kate, says they mean ‘a great deal’ LONDON—Prince William returned to royal duties Wednesday for the first time since his father, King Charles III, announced his cancer diagnosis and his wife, Kate, was hospitalized for abdominal surgery. Speaking about his families’ health scares in public for the first time, the 41-year-old heir to the throne thanked the public for their “kind messages of support” at a charity gala dinner. Earlier in the day, he performed an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. “I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days,” William told the gala dinner for London’s Air Ambulance Charity. “It means a great deal to us all.” “It’s fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather medical focus, so I thought I’d come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all,” he added jokingly. The royal, who is a former air ambulance helicopter pilot, met fellow pilots and chatted with guests including Hollywood star Tom Cruise at the black-tie event. William temporarily stepped away from public duties last month to help care for Kate and their three young children following her operation for an undisclosed condition. The Princess of Wales, formerly Kate Middleton, isn’t expected to resume public duties until April. Charles’ cancer diagnosis earlier this week is putting extra pressure on the royal family, with the king suspending his public appearances to focus on treatment and recovery. While receiving treatment for an unspecified form of cancer, Charles will continue with behind-the-scenes work such as reviewing and signing state papers. “His absence is putting a lot of pressure on the other members of the royal family, who are certainly up to it,” said Sally Bedell Smith, author of Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life. “And having one of the great stars of the royal family, the Princess of Wales, in recuperation from a surgery” magnifies those strains. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to call the king Wednesday evening to wish him well as he recovers. In-person audiences are expected to resume later this month. Charles’ illness comes at an awkward time for the House of Windsor. The king, who ascended the throne just 17 months ago, has pledged to reduce the cost of the monarchy, in part by keeping a lid on the number of “working royals” whose public duties are supported by taxpayer funds. But with two of the most visible family members out sick, it will be more challenging for the family to keep up. In addition to the widely publicized pomp and ceremony of royal processions and state visits, the Windsors attend hundreds of little-known events every year to recognize the accomplishments of the general public and mark local events such as the opening of libraries and community centers. Hundreds of charities cherish royal appearances, which give visibility and credibility to their good work among potential donors. AP

Benilde Open Design and Art extends submission of entries

IN synergy with the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, De La Salle University announces its support for all practitioners within the Philippine creative industry. Last November 2023, as part of the celebration of its 35th year, the Benilde Open Design and Art was launched. This is an initiative that welcomes Filipino artists, architects, technologists, engineers, industrial designers, craftsmen, illustrators, textile designers, animators, playwrights, composers, poets, filmmakers, cinematographers, lighting designers, fashion designers,

chefs and all creative practitioners—to heed the call to submit proposals to realize projects that have not seen the light of day. The call for proposals thematically explores the curious mindset. Proposals should revolve around curiosities on movement and its relationship to sustainability; the shuttling of thinking across craft and technology; and the culturing of the virtual with the real. The call further seeks design and art projects marked by an appetite for investigation and experimentation, for

tinkering that fuels renovation and innovation. The deadline for the submissions of proposals has been extended to February 12. Proponents of selected proposals will be notified by March 2024, coinciding with a media launch. The selected works will be shown in a month-long exhibition, anchored by a highly anticipated show featuring an international artist that opens to the public on May 23, 2024. All entries will be reviewed and selected by a noteworthy jury—local and international advocates

representing various sectors within the creative industries. Up to 10 projects will each be awarded a grant of up to P300,000 net of taxes, to assist in bringing the projects to fruition. These projects will be exhibited alongside student projects in the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and the De La Salle University campuses. More information on the Benilde Open Design and Art can be found at open.benilde.edu.ph and the various social media platforms under @benildeopen.

Friday, February 9, 2024

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THAILAND ON BOARD WITH PHL-INITIATED AGRICULTURE-MSME DEVELOPMENT PLAN

PRESENT during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for ABAC Thailand were, seated from left, Vathit Chokwatana, Visit Limlurcha, Kobsak Duangdee, with ASEAN BAC Philippines Chair Joey Concepcion, Go Negosyo Senior Adviser Dr. William Dar, and ABAC Philippines’s George Barcelon and Michael Tan. On hand to witness and to reaffirm the commitment of the council chairs to pursue the objectives of the MOU were, standing from left, Thanongsinh Kanlagna (Laos), Moe Kyaw (Myanmar), Dr. Robert Yap (Singapore), Oudet Souvannavong (Laos), Chanthachone Vongsay (Laos), Jukhee Hong (Malaysia), and ASEAN BAC Executive Director Gil Gonzales.

HE ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Thailand has become the latest to sign to the region-wide private sectorled agriculture-MSME Development plan initiated in the Philippines. Thailand’s signing brings to near-completion the consensus among the ASEAN BACs of nine ASEAN-member states to bring together agriculture companies from the private sector to conduct possible joint business ventures and increase trade and investment within the region.

“This is an absolute win for the ASEAN, for its MSMEs, and for agriculture and food security in the region,” said Joey Concepcion, chairman of ABAC Philippines. “Successful ventures made possible by the region-wide partnerships can result in the agriculture sector’s development by involving more players across the value chain, especially farmers and fisherfolk,” he explained. The signing was held during the 99th ASEAN BAC Council Meeting last January 29, 2024 at Luang Prabang in Lao PDR. It was led by Concepcion and Kobsak Duangdee, ABAC Thailand Chair, and witnessed

by the ABAC Council chairs from the ASEAN countries. The areas of collaboration with Thailand cover rice, banana, vegetables, and palm oil. ABAC Philippines initiated the project with each ASEAN member-state, starting with Malaysia, which signed its MOU last July. This was followed by the ABACs of Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, and Indonesia, who all signed last September in time to coincide with the ASEAN Business Investment Summit, with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet as witnesses. The MOUs covered the exploration

of joint partnerships in knowledge and technology development; trade and investment opportunities; research and development; and strategies in sustainable agriculture, among others. The agri-MSME development partnerships are patterned after Go Negosyo’s Kapatid Angat Lahat sa Agri Program (KALAP) which aims to integrate small farmers into the value chain of large agri companies, also called “big-brother companies” under the KALAP program. Concepcion is also the founder of Go Negosyo. During the meetings in Laos, it was also decided that the Philippines should chair the technical working group on Food Security of ASEAN BAC in 2024. An initial trade mission has been tentatively scheduled this April 23 and 24, coinciding with the 100th ABAC meeting on April 25 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to facilitate engagement between key industry players from the Philippines and Malaysia, as part of the MOU implementation. The objective is to explore collaborative opportunities and exchange best practices in sectors including oil palm, rubber, rice, dairy, poultry, pineapples, durian, banana, coconut, and corn, and generate mutual commercial benefits for both parties. Following suit, other ASEAN BAC member countries who have endorsed the MOU will also embark on similar trade missions.

Strides in social good: SM Foundation recognized at the 59th Anvil Awards

HE SM Foundation, known for its dedication to social development, clinched two prestigious Silver Anvil Awards at the recent 59th Anvil Awards. Recognized as the “Oscars of Public Relations,” the awards are presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) to honor excellence in the field. The achievements of SM Group’s social good arm were celebrated in the PR Tool categories of Publication and Multimedia, serving as a source of inspiration for their continued commitment to exemplary development communication. These awards fuel the Foundation’s drive to further strengthen engagement with stakeholders, fortifying its mission to inspire positive change and spread social good in grassroots communities. T he meticu lous selection process for the Anvil Awards involves a comprehensive assessment by seasoned PR

THE SM Foundation, represented by, from left, Asst. Communications Manager Michaela Tangan, Senior Asst. Vice President (SAVP) Victor Chan, Senior Project Manager Dr. Bless Bertos, Asst. Communications Manager Rheza Candelaria, and SAVP Eleanor Lansang, take home two Anvil awards bestowed by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP). professionals and a distinguished multisectoral jury. This rigorous evaluation underscores the credibility and prestige

associated with these accolades, emphasizing the commitment to excellence in public relations practices.

Latest FJ Moto Mountaincross Adventure Series causing a stir in social media

HE latest edition of the FJ Moto Mountaincross Adventure Series has teased riders to hold their breath and has caused quite a stir on social media. Positioned as an unparalleled and epic moto event, the organizers drafted an adventure course that deviates from standards and aims to be remembered and emulated as a cornerstone of FJ Moto Enduro and The Long Riders. The response has been overwhelming

as there are 300 official registered participants coming from diverse backgrounds. The event garners a collective reaction which is nothing short of incredible. Going through the adventure ride is a tremendous undertaking for the newbies, something that returning participants know all too well. Before the event, the organizers worked months to give riders a challenging and inspiring experience. This int turn became

an opportunity for cultural immersion and engagement in a project of passion that has rewards for riders as well as the communities along the routes. A massive congratulations go out to the FJ Moto Mountaincross Adventure 2024 organizers for presenting and charting a journey to rediscovery in ONE truly unique adventure. Can’t wait for the send-off date. Can’t wait to outlast expectations.

Ship building, repair firm Herma Shipyard Inc. launches new tanker

ERMA Shipyard Inc. (HSI), a 100 percent Filipino-owned ship building and ship repair company under the Ship Building and Maritime Infrastructure Division (SBMID) of the Herma Group, launched and christened last January 26, 2024 another 12MB tanker. Named Motor Tanker Mayabong (M/Tkr Mayabong), the launching was led by the Chairman and CEO of the Herma Group Herminio S. Esguerra. The ship was built for sister company Herma Shipping and Transport Corporation (HSTC). Once delivered, this ship will take its place among the most fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable home-grown product tankers in the country. Also in attendance were SBMID Managing Director Captain Emelito S. Sosa, Marine Transport and Services Division Managing Director Primo R. Agbayani, Corporate Services Division Managing Director Judithea Esguerra-Ibuyan, Environmental Management Services Division Managing Director José Exiquel Esguerra, Member of the Board of Directors of the Herma Group of Companies, Atty. Gabriel B. Esguerra, Herma Shipping and Transport Corporation COO Peter Huang; HSI COO Atty. Nathaniel S. Joquiño, and Chief Operating Officer of the Petroleum Supply Chain Division Benedict Julius F. Ibuyan. Witnessing the event were guests representing HSI’s various business partners and stakeholders including the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Philippine Registry

of Shipping (PRS), and Pioneer Insurance as well as guests from the Maritime League, the premiere Filipino maritime foundation that works to advance the interests of the maritime industry. Representing the league were Vice Admiral Emilio C. Marayag AFP (Ret.), and Vicky Viray, League Trustee and Editor of the League’s newsletter, the Maritime Review. The building of M/Tkr Mayabong ensures adherence to MARINA rules and the Philippine Registry of Shipping (PRS) class rules and regulations. Furthermore, the vessel fully complies with various international conventions and satisfies all the safety and operational standards required by the Ship Inspection Report Program (SIRE). The 77.36m long tanker is designed to handle a maximum of three grades of petroleum products simultaneously. It has a total capacity of 2,208.00 cubic meters, or 12,000 US barrels. M/Tkr Mayabong is a testament to Herma Shipyard Inc’s. commitment to excellence and the capabilities of the Filipino maritime industry. Its launch reinforces Herma Shipyard’s position as a leader in shipbuilding and underscores its dedication to contributing to the growth and development of the Philippine maritime sector. “The vessel, along with others in its fleet, will contribute tremendously to fueling the Philippine economy,” HSI Chief Operating Officer Atty. Nathaniel S. Joquiño, CAPT. PN (Ret). added.

Local Christian Preschool to Open its Doors to International Parents this April in Makati

HERE’S no denying that the thought of your child going to school can be daunting. From researching different types of curriculum to checking the teachers’ background, there is a lot to consider when choosing a preschool. Miranda Avellana, or “Teacher Mimi” as many address her, the founder and directress of Little Warriors, understands the million questions racing inside an intentional parent’s mind, such as “What teaching style is right for my child?”, “Who am I entrusting my child to?”, or “What skills and values do I want my child to pick up?” She used these questions as her guide in designing a preschool that caters to parents who are cautious and meticulous about their children’s development and safety. Little Warriors is a pre-kindergarten school that uses stories in the Bible as a springboard for teaching Literacy and Numeracy, as well as developing socioemotional and psychomotor skills. Through this approach, Little Warriors aims to inculcate Christian values in children in order to build strong and healthy self-identities, which will help them navigate and brave real-life challenges that will come their way. The preschool started out as a learning center in 2022, producing educational kits for homeschooled children. Now, with the Covid-19 lockdowns being over, and with children having gone back to faceto-face classes, Teacher Mimi is opening their first Summer Program this April. Little Warriors’ first Summer Program is designed to provide parents and children with a preview of how their regular school year will operate. Children ages two to five years old will be learning about the value of trusting God and His provision, identifying Needs vs. Wants for basic financial literacy, and strengthening their minds and bodies through kids yoga. Starting from P3,000 to P5,750 (enrollment fee varies, depending on your child’s age and school level), their Summer Program already includes the following: 10 days of classes, 1 Little Warriors shirt (which serves as your child’s uniform), healthy daily snacks, and school supplies.

TEACHER Mimi

Yes, you read that right! When you register your child for Little Warriors’ Summer Program, there’s no need for you to rush to the bookstore for your child’s school materials or fuss about packing their food, since these are already well taken care of! However, take note: they are only accepting a small number of students per batch to ensure a high quality of learning and socialization. Batch 1 runs from April 1 to 12, while the second batch resumes from April 22 to May 6, 2024. Inquire now to reserve your child’s slot by contacting the founder, herself, via text or WhatsApp at 0917-133-6406. By making a reservation ASAP, you also get to make the most out of their Early Bird Rate until February 29, 2024 only. This goes to the Makatizens and families residing in nearby Metro Manila cities, since the preschool is located in Santiago Village, Barangay Valenzuela, Makati City.

Sports BusinessMirror

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

ARIS—A strawberry dessert contaminated by her grandfather’s heart medication might have caused Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva’s positive doping test, her lawyers argued at sport’s highest court, which rejected the explanation and banned her for four years. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday published the 129-page detailed ruling from its three judges to explain why they imposed the ban last week on Valieva, whose doping case at age 15 stunned the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The word “strawberry” features 43 times in the document that details why the judges rejected the argument. The CAS judges were asked to believe that Valieva’s grandfather “accidentally dropped a pill into the dessert while he was preparing it or because there were crushed residues of a [trimetazidine] tablet on the chopping board he used to prepare the dessert.” “There are too many shortcomings in the evidence, and too many unanswered questions, for the panel to decide that her account is more likely than not,” the judges wrote. Valieva tested positive for the banned heart medication in a sample given at the Russian championships on December 25, 2021. The test result was not sent from a laboratory in

Gold eludes weightlifters in Tashkent

Strawberry for dessert, anyone? Stockholm, Sweden, until six weeks later during the Beijing Olympics. Valieva had already skated in the team event, helping the Russians win gold, and was allowed to continue competing in the women’s individual competition. Under intense scrutiny, her error-filled free skate dropped her to a fourth-place finish. Athletes who test positive for doping can escape a ban if they later prove they were not at fault for ingesting a substance. The explanation from Valieva’s lawyers during the Olympics was that she was accidentally contaminated by her grandfather’s medication at her

family’s home in Moscow. More detail was given when the case came to CAS in appeal hearings held in separate sessions last September and November in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was suggested in court that Valieva’s grandfather prepared the strawberry dessert in the days before the national championships for her to take with her to St. Petersburg. “There is no other evidence— beyond his own assertion—that he can provide as to this claim,” the ruling stated. “Nor is there other evidence— beyond his own assertion—that he was using TMZ at the time.”

By Josef Ramos

The CAS judges upheld an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which asked for a fouryear ban and disqualification of her results after a Russian tribunal cleared Valieva of blame. The Russian team was stripped of its Olympic title by the International Skating Union, which declared the United States champions. Japan was upgraded from bronze to silver and the Russians were demoted to bronze after Valieva’s scores were removed. AP

VEGAIL ROMBAON and Mathilda Krogg made Team Philippine NavyStandard Insurance proud by sweeping the women’s road race titles in the PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2024 in Cavite and Batangas on Thursday. Rombaon made a solo breakaway after the first 50 kms and held sway by keeping a consistent pace in the Sampaloc climb in Laurel to cross solo after 4 hours, 22 minutes and 03.69 seconds. A multi-faceted cyclist—she clinched an MTB bronze in the 2019 SEA Games also in Laurel town—Rombaon dethroned Jermyn Prado, who chased solo in the final 30 kms of the 134-km Women Elite race that started and ended at the Praying Hands in Tagaytay City. Prado clocked 4:23:21.83 to finish ahead of Maura WOMEN Elite winners Avegail Rombaon, Jermyn Prado and Maura de los Reyes with Philippine Olympic Committee and PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Standard Insurance Group chairman Ernesto “Judes” Echauz.

Bolts yield to Knights

KAMILA VALIEVA’S excuse is rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. AP

de los Reyes, who completed a 1-3 Standard Insurance finish with her bronze medal in 4:28:33.77 in the race organized by PhilCycling and calendared by the UCI. Krogg also had time to spare in winning the Women Under-23 crown with her 4:24:22.40 clocking in the championships presented by Standard Insurance and MVP Sports Foundation and supported by Tagaytay City, Chooks-To-Go, Excellent Noodles, CCN and Fitbar and backed by the local government units in Batangas and Cavite and PNP commands in Batangas and Cavite and the Bureau of Fire. Wenizah Claire Vinoya crossed 26 seconds later and Raven Joy Valdez more than a minute later to make the medal ceremony graced by Philippine Olympic Committee and PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Standard Insurance Group chairman Ernesto “Judes” Echauz. Kim Bonilla, meanwhile, dominated the Women Junior race on Wednesday, winning her third gold medal after the criterium and time trial in 1:08.73. Rosalie de la Cruz (1:12:31.73) and Jazmine Kaye Vinoya (1:27:57.97) completed the podium. Mark Baruelo (2:02:23.13) won the Men Junior road race, followed by Carl Ivan Alagano (2:02:32.76) and Charles Ferrer (2:02:44.73).

Look Mom, no hands

Chery Tiggo’s Eya Laure eyes the ball after a spike against the Petro Gazz defense on Wednesday night in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League action at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The Angels won, 25-23, 25-9, 23-25, 25-17. NONIE REYES

ERALCO lacked added firepower and yielded to the Seoul SK Knights, 72-62, late Wednesday night in the East Asia Super League at the Jamsil Student’s Gymnasium in an away game in Seoul. The Bolts were without seven of their key players led by Chris Newsome in their final game in the regional meet’s home-and-away season. Still, they gave the home team a

ANJO CARAM drives against two Korean defenders.

AS VEGAS—Las Vegas proposed to the National Football League (NFL) in December 2021. “Let’s just marry these brands, and let’s bring the Super Bowl here,” Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, recalled telling a room of NFL franchise owners. They said yes. The betrothal culminates Sunday in a not-so-intimate ceremony at Allegiant Stadium, where the city will host its first-ever Super Bowl. Officials expect it to draw

Magnolia goes for Finals equalizer vs San Miguel Beer

Standard Insurance’s Rombaon, Krogg top national championships road races

ANESSA SARNO finished fifth in the women’s +71 kgs competitions on Thursday as the Filipino athletes go home from their Asian Weightlifting Championships campaign in Tashkent without a gold medal. Sarno, 20 and back-to-back Southeast Asian Games champion, was bothered by back spasms and managed 100 kgs in snatch and 128 kgs in clean and jerk for a total of 228 kgs. “We didn’t force her because she hurt her back and we don’t like to aggravate the injury,” Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas secretary-feneral Patrick Lee told BusinessMirror in a chat message from the Yunusabad Sports Complex in the Uzbek capital. “Vanessa is a fighter, she refuses to surrender but she had no choice because of the injury,” he added. Sarno Is almost guaranteed of a ticket to Paris with her No. 5 ranking in her weight class—the top 10-ranked athletes in each weight class will qualify for the Paris Olympics set from July 26 to August 11. North Korea’s Song Kuk Hyang swept the three gold medals with her 115 kgs in snatch, 154 kgs in clean and jerk and 269 kgs total lift in the Paris Olympics qualifying event. Chinese Taipei’s Chen Wen-Huei (108-128-236) clinched silver and South Korea’s Mun Minhee (102-129231) bagged bronze. Tokyo Olympian Elreen Ann Ando clinched two silvers in women’s -59 kgs and Rosegie Ramos one silver in women’s 49 kgs division in Tashkent. The same athletes—plus Tokyo Games champion Hidilyn DiazNaranjo—will compete in the last Olympic qualifier, the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup—from March 31 to April 11 in Phuket, Thailand. Josef Ramos

Friday, February 9, 2024 B7

good fight all the way until the final quarter when the Knights outscored them, 23-14, to clinch their fourth win in six outings to share the Group B lead with the New Taipei Kings heading to the Final Four in Cebu City. Leon Williams had monster numbers of 25 points, 19 rebounds and three steals to pace the Knights, who also got 19 points from Ilyoung Heo on 4-of-7 shooting from threepoint range.

Las Vegas prepares for its biggest party yet more than 330,000 visitors and generate $600 million in revenue. New records are predicted for hotel room rates, ticket prices and sports betting. Already known for its lavish blowouts—including New Year’s Eve fireworks set off from multiple casinos at once—the big game has Las Vegas going all out. Elvis Presley impersonators and showgirls, both Vegas stalwarts,

welcomed the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs when they arrived last weekend. A towering replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy floats in the Bellagio fountains. Mock field goal posts buttress pedestrian bridges on the Strip. Among the biggest parties planned is the Maxim Casino Royale Experience, which includes an “Ace of Spades” package. It’s a $1 million weekend with transportation by

private jet, $75,000 in gambling credits and $10,000 a night in dining credit at Resorts World restaurants. Guests will also enjoy game seats on the 50-yard line. “There’s no bigger stage in the world,” said Seth Kaplan, a 15-year veteran of global event planning and production. The company he founded and leads, unKommon Events, is orchestrating the Maxim bash.

Import Shonn Miller led the Bolts with 23 points and eight rebounds. Alvin Pasaol finished with 14 points as the best local scorer for Meralco, which also didn’t suit up Allein Maliksi, Bong Quinto, Raymond Almazan, Chris Banchero, Aaron Black and Cliff Hodge. New import Alioune Tew had 10 points and grabbed 21 rebounds as the Bolts finished their campaign with a 1-5 record. Celebrities, pro athletes and social media influencers are among the 5,000 people on the guest list, Kaplan said. On Monday, his team of 300 began round-the-clock shifts to build the party venue inside Resorts World’s 80,000-square-foot facility. Rappers 21 Savage and 50 Cent are headlining. In a city where everything is bigger, better and brighter, Kaplan said he knew he needed to build a venue from scratch to meet expectations. He set out to create a place guests have never been before and will never be able to visit again. AP

AGNOLIA found a chink in San Miguel Beer’s armor in winning Game 3 and the Hotshots intend to pounce on the same weakness as they go for the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Finals series equalizer Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. “We just have to limit them below 100 points and we have a good chance of beating them again,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero told BusinessMirror on Thursday. The Hotshots foiled a potential SMB sweep of the best-of-seven series with their 88-80 victory in Game 3. They went 0-2 in the duel when the Beermen went beyond 100 points—103-95 in Game 1 and 109-85 in Game 2. “We have our defensive legs back,” said Victolero, whose Hotshots played six straight games from their semifinals series with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters while the Beermen had an easier time eliminating the Ginebra Gin Kings. “The two days between Games 2 and 3 helped us recover,” he added. Despite losing the battle off the boards, 50-57, Magnolia made SMB bleed for points as the Beermen made only 28 of their 82 attempts from the field while scoring 38 of their 84 tries. Tyler Tarik Bey, who has averages of 19.6 points and 12.3 rebounds in the Finals, focused on defending against his SMB counterpart Bennie Boatwright and finished with only 11 points. Boatwright managed 27 points and 13 rebounds but committed eight turnovers. “I expect a grind in Game 4 and they [Beermen] will come out strong so we have to be ready,” said Victolero, adding that he now feels comfortable after the issue between Calvin Abueva and SMB coach Jorge Gallent has been thrown out the window. “That’s already gone and we never talked about it,” he said. “All the distractions are already gone.” Abueva, who was fined P100,000 for mocking Gallent’s disability, approached the coach before the Game 3 tipoff and gave him a hug. SMB team manager Gee Abanilla, meanwhile, confirmed that Jericho Cruz will play Friday after missing Game 3 after incurring a fifth technical foul in the conference. But Terrence Romeo, Abanilla said, remains a day-to-day decision with his ankle tendonitis. “Game 4 is going to be a tough game and very important for both teams,” Abanilla told BusinessMirror. “It’s good to have a 3-1 edge in this series and we don’t want Magnolia to seize the momentum once they tie the series.” Mark Barroca anchored Magnolia’s offense in Game 3 with 20 points, six assists and two steals. Game 4 is set at 7:30 p.m.

MAGNOLIA’S Mark Barroca shoots over San Miguel Beer’s CJ Perez in Game 3.

Motoring BusinessMirror

Friday, February 9, 2024

Editor: Tet Andolong

Mitsubishi unleashes

the All-New Triton A

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

FTER its successful preview during Motors Philippines Corporation’s (MMPC) 60th Anniversary Expo, the All-New Triton has finally made its local debut. Now bearing a new name, MMPC claims the highly anticipated latest-generation model represents a significant transformation in the brand’s current segment lineup.

The All-new Mitsubishi Triton ATHLETE 4WD AT variant in new Yamabuki Orange color Fitted with a newly-developed 2.4-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine with a “two-stage” turbo

Moreover, it reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering vehicles that exceed expectations. MMPC also claims that the nameplate transition from “Strada” to “Triton” signifies a profound evolution in the brand’s approach to pick-up trucks. The Triton nameplate projects the image of a more advanced and refined pick-up truck that goes beyond limits, indicating that this vehicle is not merely an upgrade but an entirely new experience that enhances life’s journey. The new nameplate draws inspiration from the Greek mythology god of the sea and symbolizes an influential figure with its powerful performance and elegant features.

All-new look inside and out

Exterior-wise, the fresh design is revolutionary. The all-new look highlights a more aggressive front fascia with cunning headlights combined with a massive square-shaped grille. The iconic Dynamic Shield Design was retained to complete the overall look. The fresh look denotes a tougher character with increased

Enhanced safety features

Equipped with Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), pedestrian detection, and object detection, the Triton offers improved safety for drivers and passengers. The top-spec Athlete variant also has a Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which alerts the driver via visual and audible warnings if an approaching vehicle is detected when reversing. Additionally, there is a Multi-Around View Monitor to aid in maneuvering in tight spaces.

Pricing and colors

All-new powertrain and damping system

Motivation comes from a newlydeveloped 2.4-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine with a “two-stage” turbo dishing out 201 hp and 470 N-m of maximum torque (Athlete 4WD AT variant). Available transmission options are six-speed automatic and six-speed

No way but up; Traviz milestone ILL vehicle sales hit the half-a-million mark this year? If you ask Rommel Gutierrez, the answer is a resounding yes. “It’s possible,” said Gutierrez, citing 2023 figures that breached the 420,000 threshold in volume sales. Gutierrez, the lawyer president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi), said the 500,000-unit

suring excellent comfort even in the harshest terrain.

length and a broader stance. Complementing those black wheel arcs are 18-inch black alloys. Inside, everything was reimagined with the driver and passengers in mind. Improvements focused on offering more comfort and space, including all the essential amenities within reach. The roomier interior has enhanced connectivity options through its new nine-inch display with a New Audio System. Cargo-wise, the All-New Triton now has larger cargo bed space with dimensions of 2340 (L) x 1580 (W) x 515mm (H), which can fit a Euro palette (120 x 80 cm) crosswise even with a bed-liner. It also has a lower bed floor height of 821mm for more effortless loading and unloading.

target is achievable as it is within the 429,807 output sold in 2023. Last year’s growth was a milestone as it broke the previous all-time high of 425,673 established in 2017. Although sales nosedived to 223,793 when the pandemic swooped down on us in 2020, the next two years of 2021 and 2022 saw a gigantic jump to 268,488 and 352,596, respectively. Indeed, Covid-19 struck the in-

Reimagined design with more space and enhanced audio system

manual gearbox. Exclusive to the top spec is the Super Select 4WD-II, while the GLX and GLS AT variants have the

Easy Select 4WD system. The platform also received an increase in strength while reduc-

ing overall weight. Also new is the improved suspension design with a new shock-absorption system en-

dustry hard after robust performances of 357,410 units sold in 2018 and a whopping growth of 369,941 in 2019. What would spark sales this year is the projection of good-weather economic upsurge as Ralph Recto’s ascent to the finance portfolio is seen to spur fresh ideas for business uptick. My mole also tells me sustained allocations for in-demand brands and the arrival of new models will generate growth as the pandemic-driven slowdown in vehicle acquisition is still being shaken, handsomely, by vigorous revenge spending. In short, there’s no way but up after that “stormy weather” brought about by the dreaded dark years of 2020-2022. 2023 being the recovery year,

2024 should prove to be the inexorable year for moving further—steadily.

Filipino business owners.” To mark the milestone, Isuzu gave two Traviz owners a luxurious trip each worth P200,000 to a destination of their choice, redeemable within six months. This is on top of receiving mobile phones and exclusive merchandise. Names of hundreds of other winners can be found on Isuzu Philippines’ official website. “The success of Traviz is a reflection of IPC's commitment to provide vehicles that meet the diverse needs of Filipino entrepreneurs,” says Yvonne. “With its robust design, Traviz offers a reliable and efficient solution for businesses looking to optimize their operations and achieve greater productivity.” Says IPC President Tetsuya Fujita: "We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our customers, who

Traviz

ISUZU’S Yvonne Lingchangco proudly reports that Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) Traviz, a leading model in the Cab & Chassis segment, has reached over 20,000 units sold since its launch in 2019. “This milestone underscores Traviz’s position as a preferred choice for small businesses nationwide, thanks to its unmatched durability, flexibility, fuel efficiency, high torque, and superior cargo capacity,” says Yvonne, a leading Isuzu light for the longest time. “Traviz sold 20,519 units in 2023, a testament to its enduring popularity and reliability among

The All-New Triton GL 2WD MT retails at P1.134 million, the GLX 2WD MT at P1.311 million, the GLX 2WD AT at P1.383 million, the GLS 2WD AT at P1.582 million, the GL 4WD MT at P1.157 million, and the GLX 4WD MT at 1,561,000. Meanwhile, the top-spec ATHLETE 4WD AT retails at P1.909 million. Available colors are White Diamond, Graphite Gray, Jet Black, Red Solid, and White Solid, plus new colors Blade Silver and Yamabuki Orange.

have been instrumental in making the Isuzu Traviz a phenomenal success. This achievement is not just a reflection of the quality of our products but also the strong relationships we have built with our customers. We look forward to continuing to serve the needs of Filipino businesses with the same dedication and excellence.” Yvonne directs us to www.isuzuphil.com for more details.

PEE STOP Elvin Luciano writes to say that Mixie Flavier now heads Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) Public Relations section for Toyota Marketing. Sunshine Cabrera is now with TMP’s Customer Service Operations… Carlo Ablaza now holds office at Lexus Manila Inc. BGC Taguig as LMI General Manager. Cheers!