BusinessMirror February 15, 2023

“blatant”

of Manila’s sovereign rights. Story on page A14 PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD VIA AP

Demographic shift ‘hits’ baby food makers

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE slower increase in the country’s population may have improved the chances of the Philippines to reap the demographic dividend but some sectors of the economy, specifically baby food manufacturers, may suffer losses. GlobalData, a UK-based research and consultancy firm, said the country’s baby food market is

expected to decline by 4.5 percent to only P42 billion or $826.7 million in five years.

Apart from the demographic developments, rising inflation is expected to limit household spending on baby food products in the immediate future, according to GlobalData.

“Demographic changes taking place with respect to the baby population and live birth rates, and the government’s measures to restrict the number of births,

coupled with an increase in the number of working women will contribute to a decline in the Philippines’s baby food market,”

Shraddha Shelke, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, said.

In December 2022, the impact of inflation was severely felt by Filipinos as food and energy prices reached their highest levels since 2008 in the country. With high inflationary pressures expected to continue in 2023, the cost-of-living crisis

will undermine sales of premium products in the immediate future.

The per capita expenditure (PCE) on baby food in the Philippines increased from $204.1 in 2017 to $267.1 in 2022, surpassing both the regional level at $177.3 and the global level at $167.2.

“However, as the economy rebounds in the upcoming years, consumer spending on baby food is set to recover in terms of value

See “Baby food,” A2

Govt: Bird flu cases under control

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

Bureau of Animal Industry

(BAI) Assistant Director Arlene

Asteria Vytiaco told reporters there have been six confirmed outbreaks of bird flu this year, with the latest being in Sultan Kudarat and Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

Vytiaco disclosed that the other confirmed outbreaks of bird flu were in Candaba and Masantol in Pampanga, Cagayan Valley and in Sampaloc, Manila.

The outbreaks in Pampanga affected quails while the bird flu cases in Cagayan Valley and Manila involved gamefowl. The bird flu outbreak in a Sultan Kudarat farm affected ducks while layers were infected in one farm in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

Vytiaco disclosed that authori -

ties culled 17,425 layers in the Sta. Maria, Bulacan farm, but assured the public that its impact on the overall table egg supply of the country is “insignificant.”

Vytiaco said necessary surveillance measures are being undertaken by authorities to ensure that no other farms within the 1-kilometer radius of the infected farm are also infected with bird flu. The authorities will also pursue a 7-kilometer radius surveillance measure after the 1-kilometer surveillance as part of the government’s bird flu control protocol.

Authorities are now tracing the possible cause of the incursion of bird flu in the Sta. Maria, Bulacan

See “Bird Flu,” A2

Public Services Act’s gains unfelt sans Cha-cha–Robin

IT’S been a year since the Public Services Act was enacted, but its promised benefits have yet to be felt, and they will not likely be felt, especially if the economic provisions of the Constitution are not amended, Sen. Robinhood “Robin”

C. Padilla said on Tuesday.

Besides still lacking implementing rules and regulations, the Public Service Act’s constitutionality is being questioned by some groups, the senator said, a day after President Ferdinand R. Marcos signalled he did not consider Charter change a priority.

Advocates for Charter change in the House of Representatives and in

the Senate, led by Padilla, have said they are unfazed by the President’s remark and will proceed with hearings on the matter.

On Tuesday, in flagging the problems behind the amended PSA law—once touted as a magnet for foreign investments—Padilla said:  “Paano natin ibebenta sa foreign investor na meron kaming na itong public utility pwede na kayong mag -invest dito? E , one year na, wala pang IRR. Kinukwestyon pa ng maraming nagrereklamo at sinasabi nila na unconstitutional ito. Kung ikaw ba, investor ka, makita mo gusto ko

See “Cha-cha,” A2

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Philippines is regaining its allure as a leisure destination for  international cruise lines.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed 139 port calls on various  destinations in the country by 29 cruise ships, carrying 37,374 passengers this year. These include expedition vessels, which carry no more than 250 passengers to huge cruise ships, which in turn can ferry over 5,000 passengers.

Among the most popular locations for this year’s ship calls are Manila (34 ship calls), Puerto Princesa (22),  and Boracay (13). Prior to the pandemic, there were 102 port calls in the Philippines in 2019.

In an interview via email, Ben Angell, Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific for the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) told the BusinessMirror , “The Philippines is a significant market for us as a source market and as a destination. The Philippines

See “Cruise ships,” A2

THE country continues to grapple with the spread of bird flu but government authorities gave assurances that the impact of recent cases of the disease on overall poultry product supply is insignificant.

THIS photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard shows a green military-grade laser light from a Chinese coast guard ship in the South China Sea, Monday, February 6, 2023. The Philippines on Monday accused a Chinese coast guard ship of hitting a Philippine coast guard vessel with a military-grade laser and temporarily blinding some of its crew in the disputed South China Sea, calling it a

violation

PHL govt urged to pursue gangs behind crypto scam

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, in a statement, condemned criminal networks for exploiting Filipinos in cryptocurrency scams.

“I strongly condemn the illegal trafficking of our fellow Filipinos allegedly being carried by a Chinese mafia operating in Southeast Asia,” Salo said.

“Taking advantage of the desperation of our kababayans looking for job opportunities is the peak of injustice and cruelty,” Salo added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega recently stated

that criminals, particularly the Chinese mafia, operating cryptocurrency scams in Southeast Asia are targeting Filipinos due to their English proficiency and computer skills. The Filipinos are then forced to trick individuals to invest in cryptocurrency. A couple of Filipinos lured to work in what they thought would be decent establishments in Thailand but ended up in crypto scam camps in Myanmar and Cambodia have provided vital information to Senate probers earlier. The wife of one illegally trafficked victim claimed

her husband and his coworkers faced threats of violence each time they fail to meet “quotas” in tricking unsuspecting investors.

“I am calling on the National Bureau of Investigation [NBI] to investigate and build the appropriate case against these unscrupulous individuals,” Salo said on Tuesday.

“I also urge the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking [IACAT] to strengthen their monitoring and implementation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003,” Salo added.

Salo implored all relevant government agencies to increase the protection and awareness against human trafficking and cryptocurrency scams.

“We must continue to educate our fellow Filipinos against these illegal activities so we can minimize the victims of these criminal syndicates. We need to remind everyone that when the offer is too good to be true, then it must be a red flag,” he said.

“They cannot risk their lives for a promised financially rewarding job. And when the work is abroad, they have to go through established legal processes as these are designed for our people’s protection,” Salo added.

Cruise ships. . .

Continued from A1

is well-known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, friendly people, and unique cuisine. When Norwegian Jewel makes her longawaited return to Asia in October, she will offer NCL’s first cruise departing from Manila, allowing Filipinos to cruise with us right from their doorstep.”

Asian cruising season

MARKING its return to the region after three years, NCL is offering 14 voyages aboard its Norwegian Jewel for the Asian cruising season between October 2023 and March 2024. This includes an 11-day cruise from Manila to Kuala Lumpur departing November 30, that “will take travelers on an unforgettable journey through popular tourist destinations like the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the multicultural landscapes and towering skyscrapers of Singapore, and the intricate caves of Puerto Princesa in the Philippines.”

In addition, “We’ll be calling to several brand-new Philippine ports of call for NCL during our upcoming extended Asia season, including Boracay, Palawan and Salomague [Ilocos Sur].”

Angell cited a Skyscanner study in 2022 that indicated travelers across the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas are increasing their travel budgets, with 48 percent of these bigger spenders looking to book extended getaways. “Many of NCL’s global itineraries—including Norwegian Jewel’s 14 Asian voyages—are longer and more immersive, featuring few to no sea days, lesser-known cruise destinations, and on-shore experiences that allow guests to interact authentically with locals. On-shore, our excursions provide travelers with an opportunity to learn about the Philippines’s rich history and scenic wonders. Travelers can explore Old Manila via jeepney or discover Tagaytay and the breathtaking views of the Taal Volcano.”

Enticing Pinoy cruise passengers

THE Norwegian Jewel has a 2,376 guest capacity, and “boasts of 13 different bars and lounges; 14 diverse dining options; the Stardust Theater for enthralling entertainment; a basketball court that transforms into a tennis court; Mandara Spa for pampering and wellness, as well as Entourage, where older kids can have their own space, away from it all. Whether it’s a night of entertainment with the family or committing some time to personal wellness at the spa with a massage or hot stone treatment, Filipino travelers are sure to love NCL’s unique cruise offering,” underscored Angell.

The Philippines has often been bypassed as a cruise destination because of the lack of dedicated cruise port facilities. The DOT earlier developed a National Cruise Tourism Strategy that aimed to promote the country as a major cruise destination in Asia, and estimated that P6.1 billion in investment was needed to develop major cruise ports and terminals in Manila and other key cities.

Other cruise line companies with itineraries in the country this year include Seabourn, Holland Cruises, Regent, P&O Cruises, Oceana Cruises, MSC Cruises, Amedeo, Windstar Cruises, Hapag Lloyd, Cunard, Swan Hellenic, Insignia, Heritage Expeditions, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Crociere, Coral Expedition, and Aida Cruises.

Bird flu. . .

Continued from A1

farm, but they are not ruling out yet the possibility of migratory birds as a possible vector.

The bird flu outbreaks confirmed this year are still part of the series of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 outbreaks that started last year.

Vytiaco said the government culled at least 2 million birds from over 200 poultry farms last year to control and curb the spread of bird flu nationwide.

Vytiaco urged poultry raisers to report any unusual mortalities they observe in their farms to competent authorities so that necessary control measures are undertaken. She also reminded poultry raisers to improve their biosecurity to shield their farms from infection of various poultry diseases such as avian influenza.

Baby food. . .

Continued from A1

sales. As a result, the Philippines’s PCE on baby food is projected to reach $271.2 by 2027,” Shelke said.

Shelke said, however, that the expected rise in the disposable income of Filipino families is expected to jack up sales of premium and organic baby food products.

“To build a stable consumer base in the country amid changing demographic conditions, manufacturers should focus on offering affordable premium baby food products with value-added benefits,” Shelke said.

Hypermarkets & supermarkets was the leading distribution channel in the Philippines baby food market in 2022, followed by convenience stores and drugstores and pharmacies.

Brands manufactured by Nestlé, Mead Johnson (Reckitt Benckiser), and Abbott Laboratories were the leaders in the Philippines’s baby food sector in 2022.

Cha-cha. . .

Continued from A1

mag-invest sa public utility na yan at nabalitaan mo, teka may nagkukuwestyon, magbibigaykangpera (How will we attract foreign investors with the Public Service Act when it still has no IRR, and some groups are still questioning its constitutionality? If you were a foreign investor and you learned about these issues, will you still invest in the Philippines)?” he said in a radio interview.

Also, Padilla has started working on the timetable to amend the economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, aiming to bring it to the people in a plebiscite that will coincide with the barangay elections this October.

Zubiri: No majority backing

HOWEVER , Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday affirmed anew that majority of senators are not keen to do controversial Charter changes.

“Well...Charter change was never really in our agenda,” Zubiri told reporters.

The Senate leader added, partly in Filipino, “as you can seem there are about 20 legislative priorities being discussed in the LEDAC [Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council]. Charter change is not yet there. So, if Sen. Robinhood wants to tackle charter change in his committee, he has the mandate to do so.”

Zubiri added: “He [Padilla] can do so, but it is not a priority of our administration, particularly [because] we would like to finish the 20 priority measures still pending with us.”

Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, said he wants to speed up the process through a Constituent Assembly, and removing political provisions from the equation.

“We should have a committee hearing first. Under the Constitution, the ratification should not be earlier than 60 days nor exceed 90 days. So we have a short time to make sure the plebiscite lines up with the barangay elections, so we can save funds,” he explained.

Padilla aims to have the amendments hurdle the bicameral level by August, and have the plebiscite coincide with barangay elections on October 30. He does not agree with a constitutional convention as a mode for amendments, describing it as more expensive, and prone to opening the door to tackling political provisions.

Also, he said he is not worried by the lack of support in the Senate, noting Sen. Ronald dela Rosa had sought to amend the Charter’s economic provisions in the 18th Congress while Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is also seeking to do so in the 19th Congress.

Meanwhile, Padilla said he holds no hard feelings against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for saying that amending the Charter is not his priority, since it is not the President’s mandate to take steps to amend the Constitution.

“The President, when he was a lawmaker, believed in amending economic provisions in the Constitution to bring in more foreign investments. Now that he is the President, this is not his mandate, so there›s nothing wrong with it,” he said, speaking in mixed English and Filipino.

“His priority is to implement the law. But it is not his mandate to amend the Constitution. Besides, it is the people who will decide on the proposed amendments to the Charter’s economic provisions,” he added.

Padilla reiterated that the Constitution’s economic provision must be amended to allow more foreign investments—and in turn, generate jobs for Filipinos.

He said framers of the Constitution also admitted they “rushed” their work, leading to some restrictive economic provisions.

“At the time, the country had just experienced People Power, and the framers of the Constitution wanted a nationalistic Charter. It was very good—for 1987. It’s 2023 now. Did the restrictive economic provisions benefit us? No, because foreign investments are limited to 40 percent,” he asserted.

He added that at a time of globalization when the Philippines has participated in many international trade agreements, the restrictions in the Constitution may be a stumbling block to the entry of foreign investors.

“We should not suffer because of this. We should not get by on borrowings. So I hope the economic provisions can be amended so we can be on a par with our Asian neighbors whose economies are open to foreign direct investments,” he said. Marcoleta slammed MEANWHILE , a party-list group called out Rep. Rodante Marcoleta for his alleged inconsistencies on the Cha-cha issue.

“In the Visayas leg of the House of Representatives’ public consultations held yesterday at the Iloilo convention center, Rep. Marcoleta asserted that removing restrictions on foreign ownership via charter change is essential for the country as he responded to Rep. Biron, who argued that bureaucracy is a bigger problem than the Constitution when it comes to development,” said Kabataan party-list.

“Thank you for addressing some of the ills of our bureaucracy and I think our government is very serious in addressing this, but we also need the key towards a holistic approach on how our country can be developed and free from the clutches from a very restrictive provision in our constitution,” Marcoleta was quoted saying.

However, noted the party-list, “Rep. Marcoleta’s previous tirade to shut down ABS-CBN for allegedly having breached foreign ownership rules puts cracks in the credibility of his own and the entire charter-change lobbying campaign initiated by members of the House of Representatives. It exposes that his advocacy whether it be for or against foreign ownership rules, is not based on any evidence-based stand, principled analysis or ideal of national development, but on self-interest. Of course, politicians especially those from dynasties stand to gain most from term extensions and the removal of term limits to further entrench themselves in power.” Butch Fernandez

THE chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs on Tuesday called on Philippine authorities to investigate the criminal networks running cryptocurrency scams in Southeast Asia.

The Nation

Data reveals persistence of teen marriage in PHL

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

BEFORE reaching their 15th birthday, a total of 63 teenage women got married in the Philippines in 2021, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Of this number, PSA said 28 married men who were between 20 and 24 years old, while 23 teenage women married men aged 15 and 19 years old. The data showed seven of the young women married a man between 25 and 29 years old, and two of them married men aged 30 to 34 years old.

However, at least one them each married a man aged 40 to 44 years old and 35 to 39 years old. There was also one who married a young man who was below 15 years old.

We should address this issue using the whole-of-society and the whole-of-government approach. Legislation will help and the House of Representatives and Senate are already working on their bills [e.g. House bill 79—An Act providing for a national policy preventing adolescent pregnancy of Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman],” Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) Executive Director Lisa Grace S. Bersales told the BusinessMirror

However, legislation is not enough. Bersales said a dialogue to address Muslim and tribal practices that allow adolescent marriages and pregnancies is needed.

Based on the PSA’s data, of the 63 under-15 young women who were married in 2021, 32 were married through Muslim traditions and 29 marriages were solemnized through a tribal ceremony. Two others were married through other religious rites.

T he data also showed that two young men

aged below 15 years old were also married through a tribal ceremony and one was married through Muslim rites.

[There is a need to] address Muslim and tribal practices that provide enabling environments for adolescent pregnancies, we need more dialogue for addressing this while being sensitive to their culture,” Bersales said.

In my mind, one way to address this is to open the eyes of the leaders of the better benefits for their communities when girls are allowed to mature and develop themselves.

We can choose Muslim women leaders to champion this,” she added.

B ersales added that education of both girls and boys in school on comprehensive sex education should be undertaken at all schools.

L ocal government units (LGUs), she said, should strengthen advocacies against Teenage pregnancies and should involve the Sangguniang Kabataan by creating programs other than sports development.

T he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Bersales said, can also help parents provide guidance to their adolescent children.

Young and old

BASED on the PSA data, apart from the 63 girls, a total of 15,190 teenagers aged 15 to 19 years old were married in 2021.

T he bulk of these teenagers or 8,565 were married to men aged 20 to 24 years old followed by the 3,310 teenagers who married men aged 25 to 29 years old and 2,042 who married men in the same age bracket.

T he data also showed that 126 teenagers married men who were at least twice their age or those who were 40 and above.

Some 68 teenagers married men aged 40 years old, while 24 married men aged between 45 and 49 years old.

T he PSA data also showed 14 teenagers married men aged 60 and above; 11 teenagers married men aged between 50 and 54 years old; and nine married men who were 55 to 59 years old.

Meanwhile, the PSA data showed no woman aged 20 and above married a young man who was younger than 15 years old.

However, two teenagers aged 15 to 19 years old married a boy under the age of 15 while one girl aged below 15 years old married a boy of the same age.

Meanwhile, the data showed there were 18,731 women who were in their 40s and above who got married in 2021.

A total of 9,048 women aged 40 to 44 years old got married in 2021, followed by 4,295 women aged 45 to 49 years old; 2,443, 50 to 54 years old; 1,564, 60 and over; and 1,381,

55 to 59 years old.

Of the senior women, some 1,180 married men who were also seniors like them. However, 384 of these women married men who were younger than them.

Some 183 senior women married men aged 55 to 59 years old; 91 married those aged 50 to 54 years old; 49, 45 to 49 years old; 26, 40 to 44 years old; 17, 35 to 39 years old; 10, 30 to 34 years old; 5, 25 to 29 years old; and 3, 20 to 24 years old.

Topacio

asks SC to cite Guanzon for contempt for ‘malicious’ publication of disbarment case

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

ALAWYER asked the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday to cite retired Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Maria Rowena Amelia Guanzon for indirect contempt for violating the confidentiality rule on the filing of disbarment cases.

T he petitioner, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, was referring to Guanzon’s posts in her Twitter account announcing her filing of a disbarment complaint against him on June 13, 2021 and a criminal case for unjust vexation she filed before a trial court in Bacolod City.

Topacio and Guanzon have been at odds after the former filed a graft case before the Office of the Ombudsman against her.

T he petitioner said the former Comelec official “intentionally and maliciously tweeted in public about the disbarment case she filed against him and even tagged major media organizations.

On the day of the filing of the complaint, Topacio said Guanzon went overboard when she announced to the media the filing of the disbarment case.

Topacio submitted as evidence a video footage of Guanzon flashing the first page of her petition before the media for the public to see.

A n article that came out in a major newspaper the next day, according to Topacio, quoted and thoroughly cited the details in the petition, which was supposed to be confidential in nature.

T he petitioner expressed belief that it was Guanzon who disseminated to the media the details in her petition.

He also noted that even after the filing of the disbarment case, Guanzon continued to mention about it in her succeeding tweets for no valid reason except to humiliate him and tarnish his reputation as a lawyer.

Topacio pointed out that the confidentiality rule is intended to prevent the use of disbarment proceedings as a tool to damage a lawyer’s reputation in the public sphere.

T hus, the petitioner said, the general rule is that publicly disclosing disbarment proceedings may be punished with contempt.

Respondent, in repeatedly tweeting the existence of the disbarment case, and the other cases she filed, appears to insinuate to her followers that the petitioner has already done an unlawful act even if it has not yet been proven in a legal proceeding, Topacio stressed.

Rule 139-B, Section 18 of the Rules of Court states:  “Proceedings against attorneys shall be private and confidential, However, the final order of the Supreme Court shall be published like its decision in other cases.”

House

panel OKs bill protecting IP rights of content creators, creatives

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House Committee of Trade and Industry on Tuesday approved the proposed comprehensive reform of the Intellectual Property Code, and a bill allowing the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to block web sites showing infringed content.

A lbay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said House Bill 799 and House Bill 7028 seek to support Filipino digital creatives.

Let’s run both horses and see which one goes faster. But we need site-blocking powers urgently because that will help put an end to stealing from Filipino content creators and creatives,” Salceda said.

You cannot own what you cannot defend. That’s why these powers are just as important as actions to promote content creation,” he added.

Salceda said that between 7.3 percent to as much as 15 percent of the economy relies on copyrighted material, and is expected to be an even larger share of the economy with greater digitalization.

“And more media and creatives are moving towards the digital space. Vivamax, IWantTV, among others create and stream Filipino content. They will lose out, along with the jobs they create, if we don’t block pirated content,” he said.

C iting a study by Media Partners Asia, Salceda said at the start of the pandemicinduced lockdowns, online content piracy was estimated to have translated to P1 billion in potential revenue losses to local video producers, distributors and aggregators in 2020.

Such losses were most felt during the 2020 Metro Manila Firm Festival, which had to migrate to streaming due to Covid-19 restrictions,” he said.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

T

T he latest estimate, disclosed by SRA board member Pablo Azcona to the media recently, is 2,000 MT lower than the agency’s pre-final crop estimate of 1.833 MMT.

I f the latest production estimate materializes, then this will be the Philippines second-lowest

THE dreaded Big C is now treatable, thanks to medical advances and innovations, according to Dr. Marvin Mendoza, Head of the Section of Medical Oncology, National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).

Even at stage 4 or when a cancer has metastasized to other organs— be it breast, liver, cervical—there is

raw sugar output in over two decades, based on historical SRA data. The country produced 1.82 MMT of raw sugar in the previous crop year, the lowest volume in at least 21 years.

A zcona explained that the further reduction in production esti-

hope for treatment, but even more so if diagnosed early. The medicines for many different kinds of cancer are already available locally, the oncologist revealed.

G oing beyond chemotherapy, the government provides targeted therapies for two types of cancer, breast and lymphoma. For breast cancer patients who cannot afford

mates was attributed to impacts of prolonged rains in certain sugarcane plantations in the country.

HE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) further lowered its raw sugar production estimate for the current crop year to 1.831 million metric tons (MMT) due to adverse effects of prolonged rains and sudden closure of Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc. (CADPI) sugar mill in Batangas.He added that the closure of CADPI’s sugar mill was also factored in the SRA’s latest production estimate since the SRA board anticipates some sugarcane of displaced Batangas planters will be left unmilled at the end of the crop year.

T he latest estimate by the SRA takes into account at least 50 percent of the harvested sugarcanes nationwide, Azcona explained.

Batangas and Northern Cagayan have just started milling.

We are studying the impact of extended rains and we are anticipating the problem [caused by closure of] CADPI’s [sugar mill] that some of their sugarcanes will not be milled,” he told reporters in an interview.

A zcona also disclosed that the lower raw sugar production forecast was considered by the SRA board in coming up with the final sugar import volume of 440,000 MT. (Relat-

the P300,000 to P450,000 needed to go through the required 18 treatment cycles, they can go to at least 23 public hospitals throughout the country to avail of the free treatment.

Options for treatment include a subcutaneous injection that takes about five minutes to administer or a three-hour intravenous administration that also requires an additional

Bill reviving PHL salt industry

included

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

ed story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/02/13/sra-boardokays-importationof-440000mt-of-refined-sugar/)

“ We considered the production capacity, capacity to produce raw, we also considered the pending MAV [minimum access volume], we are studying the details and guidelines of the MAV, but we considered the volume,” he said.

“ We also considered the possible impact of the closure of the CADPI. This was a sudden closure and we were not prepared for this. All of those were considered in coming up with the final volume,” he added.

T

K abayan Rep. Ron Salo said his House Bill 1976 or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act employs a whole-of-nation, whole-ofsociety, and whole-of-government approach as it seeks to revitalize the salt industry.

I am very pleased that our proposed measure on the revitalization of the salt industry is part of the priority measures of the administration,” Salo said.

I thank the President for recognizing the urgent need to revitalize our dying salt industry. It is indeed high time that we give attention to this industry which has been overlooked for decades now,” Salo added.

S alo filed House Bill 1976 or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act at the beginning of the 19th Congress as a mea -

two hours or so for preparation,” Dr. Mendoza explained.

Only about 200 or so patients can be accommodated nationwide because the Department of Health (DOH) was given only less than P1 billion for this program.

Meanwhile, there are about 27,000 new cancer cases for breast cancer alone each year, Dr. Mendoza also revealed.

If we have to save more lives, we need more funds from the government not just for treatment but for testing, because early diagnosis and treatment is far more effective than treating late-stage disease,” he added.

sure to revitalize the local salt industry.

HE Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) has included the passage of the bill amending Republic Act No. 8172 or the ASIN law of 1995 in its priority measures.It clearly outlines the specific role of various departments and agencies of the government toward salt self-sufficiency and mandates the provision of necessary funding,” said Salo.

T he bill includes provisions on the identification of areas suitable for salt production, the construction and lease of salt farms, and the grant of incentives to businesses linked to salt farming, among others.

“

To ensure the successful implementation of the law, an inter-agency body to be called ASINDERO, for Administration for Salt Industry Development, Revitalization and Optimization will also be created,” Salo added.

“

I am certain that this will go a long way in empowering our sea salt farmers, artisanal salt makers, and salt producers. Thus, we hope for its immediate enactment into law,” Salo said.

To date, the proposed measure is pending at the Committee on Agriculture and Food Technical Working Group (TWG) which Salo chairs.

providers to administer, reaching more patients in a timely manner. We can beat cancer now. We can save lives. And we are trying our best to make treatment accessible nationwide, especially to those who cannot afford the treatment. In particular, we have medicines for breast cancer and lymphoma available in the DOH hospitals,” Dr. Mendoza added.

SRA lowers sugar output forecast for current crop year to 1.831 MMT

PBBM approves EO reorganizing communications office

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday expressed its utmost compassion and deepest sympathies for the loss of lives and properties brought by the magnitude

7.8 earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria last February 6.

T he lower chamber adopted House Resolution (HR) 763 and consolidated with three other resolutions during its Tuesday plenary session as Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and the House turned over Monday through the Speaker’s Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Initiative $100,000 financial assistance to quake victims in Turkey.

Along with the rest of the world, the House of Representatives commiserates with those affected by the recent earthquakes in Syria and Turkey and hopes for healing and restoration as they rise from the rubbles of this horrifying catastrophe,” the resolution read.

In responding to the TurkeySyria earthquake, the Philippines has organized a team of 87 rescue personnel, including military personnel, engineers and health workers, to be deployed to Turkey to help in the search and rescue operations and provide relief assistance to survivors. such as medical supplies, blankets and winter clothing,” it added, noting that a copy of the resolution will be given to the Consulate of the Syrian Arab Republic and the Embassy of Turkey in Manila.

T he deadly earthquake—which triggered aftershocks and tremors that affected Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the Palestinian territories—caused the collapse and destruction of buildings, houses, and historical sites across the region, and led to more than 21,000 deaths as of February 8, 2023, tens of thousands of injuries, and a substantial number of missing persons.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed utter regret over the two Filipino lives that were lost in the tragedy and acknowledged the tireless effort of the Philippine embassy in continuously verifying information and bringing affected Filipinos to safety,” lawmakers noted in the resolution.

A s rescue and recovery missions continue, the death toll is still expected to increase as rescuers endeavor to search through the rubbles for casualties and survivors, according to the House.

R omualdez turned over the $100,000 assistance to Turkey’s Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol and his wife Inddri Puspitarasi on Monday at his office in the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City. The funds came from the Speaker’s Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Initiative launched during his 59th birthday celebration last November 14.

T he legislator said Turkey was among the first countries that sent help when Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) hit parts of the Philippines, including Leyte, in 2013.

The assistance extended by Turkey, the United States and our allies and friends abroad helped ease the pain and suffering of our people,” Romualdez said.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

E O No. 16 supplements EO No. 11 (s 2022) signed by the President last December 29, 2022, which streamlined the adminis -

trative structure of the Office of the President (OP) and renamed the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) to PCO.

T he revamped PCO will still be headed by a Secretary who will be supported by five Undersecretaries, 14 Assistant Secretaries, and one Assistant Secretary directly reporting to the PCO Secretary.

T he five Undersecretaries will lead the five functional areas in the restructured PCO namely; Traditional Media and External Affairs; Digital Media Services; Content Production; Broadcast Production and Operations, Administration and Finance.

A s the government’s main body responsible for crafting,

developing and coordinating the messaging system of the OP, the restructured PCO will now be tasked to coordinate closely with the Presidential Adviser for Creative Communications on matters relating to communications and information dissemination.

EO No. 16 also amends or modifies the relevant provisions of EO No.

2 (s 2022), which, resulted in some Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) being placed under the OP.

G OCCs such as the People’s Television Network Inc., APO Production Unit, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, and the National Printing Office will now be reattached to the PCO

and will be supervised by an Assistant Secretary.

M eanwhile, other communications agencies such as the Presidential Broadcast Service-Bureau of Broadcast Services; Bureau of Communication Services; News and Information Bureau; Freedom of Information-Program Management Office; Philippine Information Agency; and the Presidential Broadcast Staff-Radio Television Malacañang will also now be placed under the direct control and supervision of the PCO, according to the EO.  Signed by President Marcos on February 13, 2023, EO No. 16 takes effect immediately upon publication at the Official Gazette.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Filipinos are with him for a peaceful resolution in the raging RussiaUkraine conflict.

Marcos made the commitment during a phone call with Zelenskyy last Monday.

“ I had the pleasure of talking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy yesterday [Monday]. I told him that we in the Philippines are watching with admiration, the bravery and the nationalism that has been displayed by the Ukrainians during this crisis,” Marcos said in a tweet.

A nd that we join in his effort to reach a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in his country. “Mr. President, we are with you in your search for peace,” Marcos told Zelenskyy.

For his part, Zelenskyy thanked Marcos for supporting the sovereignty and territorial in-

tegrity of Ukraine.

Had the first phone call in the history of bilateral relations with the President of the Philippines. Thanked him for supporting sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” he said.

We discussed further deepening of cooperation, in particular on international platforms,” Zelenskyy added.

In an AP report, Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian chief, said that nearly 8 million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries since the war started last year and 5.3 million are displaced within the country.

He told the UN Security Council Monday that 17.6 million Ukrainians—almost 40 percent of the population—need humanitarian assistance.

Griffiths said that he would be launching an appeal later this month in Geneva to raise $3.9 billion to help more than 11 million people this year. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

T he DFA said the actions of CCG 5205 against the PCG vessel constituted a “threat to Philippine sovereignty and security as a state, and are infringements of its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone.”

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said, “The Philippines has the prerogative to conduct legitimate activities within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. China does not have law enforcement rights or powers in and around Ayungin Shoal or any part of the Philippine EEZ.”

S he added: “These acts of aggression by China are disturbing and disappointing as it closely follows the state visit to China of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in early January during which he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to manage maritime differences through diplomacy and dialogue, without resorting to force and intimidation.”

Senators slam Beijing

ALSO on Tuesday, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri led the chamber in denouncing the China Coast Guard harassment of the patrolling Filipino vessel well.

“ We condemn this latest intimidation tactic employed by the Chinese Coast Guard against members of the Philippine Coast Guard on a rotation and resupply mission of the Philippine Navy in Ayungin Shoal,” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said. The senator described the act, which

In this light, the ECCP “highly encourages” that a Multistakeholder Advisory Panel be established under the WRMO with representation from the private sector, academe and civil society to serve as an additional “soundboard” for the said office in the crafting and implementation of policies, programs and projects for the water sector in line with IWRM’s principle of participatory governance.

T his “interim structural reform,” the business group said, will hopefully provide more “synergy” with public-private partnerships, as it leads and encourages the establishment of investments, technology, benchmarking, and sharing of best practices.

Two weeks ago, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the formation of the WRMO to consolidate water management

reportedly caused temporary blindness to the Filipino crew members, as “loathsome, as it put them in harm’s way and jeopardized their safety.”

He urged the DFA to lodge a diplomatic protest and stand firm in defending the country’s sovereign rights under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

Beijing lying–Risa

MEANWHILE , Deputy Minority Leader Sen. Risa Hontiveros accused China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of lying. “It cannot claim that the Chinese Coast Guard ship acted in accordance with international law, when the 2016 arbitral tribunal that ruled against China’s baseless 9-dash-line claim was constituted precisely under the Unclos.”

It’s as clear as daylight that Ayungin Shoal is Philippine territory. That’s not China’s. They should stop calling it by its Chinese name. Ayungin is part of the Philippines’s exclusive economic zone. The Unclos affirms this. The wider international community recognizes this. It is only China’s authoritarian government that seems to think otherwise,” added Hontiveros, speaking partly in Filipino.

“

To China’s MOFA, stop lying and stick to the truth: that China is using her military might to justify her blatant and dangerous disregard for international law, with her flimsy historical ‘claim’ as an excuse. Stop with the false narratives, end the lies, and get out of the West Philippine Sea.”

efforts of all concerned government offices.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the core task of WRMO would be to formulate and ensure the implementation of the Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Andrea E. San Juan

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 16 approving the reorganization of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) to consolidate its communications activities and ensure efficient delivery of its core services to the public.

compliance and managing security risk across the account.

Client Data Protection Tool, Manage my sales (MMS) or equivalent.

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

16.

MBILA, ARNAUD EMMANUEL SW/app/cloud Tech Support Analyst

Brief Job Description: The position will require candidates to take calls using any of the 6 languages to support our clients with their IT-related incidents and request. Some of the roles and responsibilities for the role include perform initial triage for IT issues raised by customers log, track, and update incidents attempt first time resolution for known issues. Identify target resolver group and route tickets, do remote trouble shooting, install/uninstall applications for incidents raised by clients.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any 4yr course, preferably IT or Engineering related. Strong working knowledge level on multiple IT technologies. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal. Willing and able to work effectively in a diverse and multi-cultural environment. Willing and able to work on a shifting schedule.

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

AON INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE BROKERS PHILIPPINES, INC.

8/f Ayala North Exchange Tower 1 Ayala Ave.,

Brief

Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Finance Supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

84.

Brief

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Human Resources Supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Basic

ZENG,

YI Mandarin Human Resources Supervisor

Brief

and above

Moldovan leader outlines Russian ‘plan’ to topple her government

By Stephen Mcgrath & Cristian Jardan

The Associated Press

CHISINAU, Moldova—Moldova’s

president outlined Monday what she described as a plot by Moscow to overthrow her country’s government using external saboteurs, put the nation “at the disposal of Russia” and derail its aspirations to one day join the European Union.

President Maia Sandu’s briefing comes a week after neighboring Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country had intercepted plans by Russian secret services to destroy Moldova, claims that were later confirmed by Moldovan intelligence officials.

“The plan for the next period involves actions with the involvement of diversionists with military training, camouflaged in civilian clothes, who will undertake violent actions, attack some state buildings, and even take hostages,” Sandu told reporters at a briefing.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly a year ago, Moldova, a former Soviet republic of about 2.6 million people, has sought to forge closer ties with its Western partners. Last June, it was granted EU candidate status, the same day as Ukraine.

Sandu said the alleged Russian plot’s purpose is “to overthrow the constitutional order, to change the legitimate power from [Moldova’s capital] Chisinau to an illegitimate one,” which she said “which would put our country at the disposal of Russia, in order to stop the European integration process.”

She defiantly vowed: “The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to our country will not succeed.”

There was no immediate reaction from Russian officials to Sandu’s claims.

Sandu said that between October and December Moldovan police and its Intelligence and Security Service, the SIS, have intervened in “several cases of organized criminal elements and stopped attempts at violence.”

Over the past year, non-Nato member Moldova has faced a string of problems. These include a severe energy crisis after Moscow dramatically reduced gas supplies; skyrocketing inflation; and several incidents in recent months involving missiles that have traversed its skies, and debris that has been found on its territory.

Moldovan authorities confirmed that another missile from the war in Ukraine had entered its airspace on Friday.

Last April, tensions in Moldova also soared after a series of explosions in Transnistria—a Russia-backed separatist region of Moldova where Russia bases about 1,500 troops—which had raised

fears it could get dragged into Russia’s war in Ukraine. Transnistria has a population of about 470,000 and has been under the control of separatist authorities since a civil war in 1992.

The World Survivors still being rescued on 8th day after earthquake

Sandu claimed that Russia wants to use Moldova in the war against Ukraine, without providing more details, and that information obtained by intelligence services contained what she described as instructions on rules of entry to Moldova for citizens from Russia, Belarus, Serbia, and Montenegro.

“I assure you that the state institutions are working to prevent these challenges and keep the situation under control,” Sandu said.

She said that Moldova’s Parliament must adopt draft laws to equip its Intelligence and Security Service, and the prosecutor’s office, “with the necessary tools to combat more effectively the risks to the country’s security.”

Costin Ciobanu, a political scientist at the Royal Holloway University of London, said it’s likely there “was a huge pressure” on Moldovan authorities to explain more to the public after Zelenskyy first went public with the security information last week in Brussels.

“Today’s announcement by President Sandu legitimizes the narrative that Moldova needs to focus on its security,” he told The Associated Press. “Probably, based on the evidence they received, they are now more sure of these kinds of attempts by Russians.”

He added that Sandu going public could also be a preemptive bid to thwart “Russia’s attempts to destabilize Moldova,” in the same way Western officials called out the Kremlin’s war plans before its invasion of Ukraine.

The president added that the plan would “rely on several internal forces, but especially on criminal groups” and went on to name two Moldovan oligarchs, Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc, both of whom are currently in exile. Both men last year were sanctioned by the US and the UK.

Last fall, a series of mass anti-government protests organized by Shor’s populist, Russiafriendly Shor Party, also rocked Moldova amid the energy crunch.

The president’s press briefing Monday comes after the surprise resignation on Friday of Moldova’s Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita. The same day, Sandu appointed her defense and security adviser, pro-Western economist Dorin Recean, to succeed Gavrilita.

On Friday, after Moldovan authorities confirmed the missile incident, US State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters in Washington that “Russia has for years supported influence and destabilization campaigns in Moldova, which often involve weaponizing corruption to further its goals.”

McGrathreportedfrom Sighisoara, Romania

UN says Syria agrees to open 2 new crossings for quake aid

By Edith M. Lederer

The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—Syria’s president agreed to open two new crossing points from Turkey to the country’s rebel-held northwest to deliver desperately needed aid and equipment to help millions of earthquake victims, the United Nations announced Monday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement by Syrian leader Bashar Assad to open crossing points at Bab Al-Salam and Al Raée for an initial period of three months. Currently, the UN has only been allowed to deliver aid to the northwest Idlib area through a single crossing at Bab Al-Hawa, at Syrian ally Russia’s insistence.

The announcement followed a meeting in Damascus earlier Monday between Assad and UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths, who spent the weekend viewing the devastation caused by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that ravaged southern Turkey and northwestern Syria.

Guterres’ official announcement came during a closed meeting of the UN Security Council where diplomats said Griffiths announced Assad’s agreement to open the two new crossings during a virtual briefing.

Syria’s UN ambassador, Bassam Sabbagh, told reporters while the meeting was taking place that Assad held a “positive and constructive meeting” with Griffiths and “confirmed the need for urgent aid to enter all regions in Syria, including those under occupation and under control of the armed terrorist groups.”

“Based on that, Syria supports the entry

By Bernat Armangué & Zeynep Bilginsoy The Associated Press

ANTAKYA, Turkey—Rescuers

on Tuesday were working to reach people under the rubble in three provinces hit hard by the devastating quakes that hit Turkey and Syria last week.

The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 quakes that struck nine hours apart on February 6 in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria passed 35,000, and was certain to increase as search teams find more bodies.

Turkish television continued broadcasting rescues Tuesday, as experts said the window to find survivors is closing.

In Adiyaman province, rescuers reached 18-year-old Muhammed Cafer Cetin, and medics gave him an IV with fluids before attempting a dangerous extraction from a building that crumbled further as rescuers were working. Medics surrounded him to place a neck brace and he was on a stretcher with an oxygen mask, making it out to daylight on the 199th hour. “We are so happy,” his uncle said.

Two others were rescued from one building that’s been destroyed in central Kahramanmaras, near the epicenter, Tuesday some 198 hours after the quake. Broadcaster Haberturk said one was 17-year-old Muhammed Enes, who was seen wrapped in a thermal blanket and carried on a stretcher to an ambulance. Dozens of rescuers were working at the site and Turkish soldiers hugged and clapped after their rescue.

Rescuers then asked for quiet to continue looking for others and shouted “can anyone hear me?”

The health conditions of the rescued were unclear.

In extremely hard-hit Hatay, Sengul Abalioglu lost her old sister and four nephews. “It doesn’t matter if dead or alive, we just want our corpses so that they at least have a grave and we bury them,” she told The Associated Press, devastated as she waited in front of the rubble where her family could be.

of humanitarian aid into the region through all possible cross points whatever—from inside Syria, or across the borders—for the period of three months to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to our people in...northwestern Syria,” Sabbagh said.

Brazil and Switzerland, which oversee Syria cross-border issues in the council, asked for “quick implementation” of the agreement to open the two new crossings.

“We certainly hope Assad is serious about this,” US State Department spokesman Ned Price said. It would be “a good thing for the Syrian people,” he said, noting the Syrian regime’s previous opposition to additional humanitarian crossings.

The United Nations has been under intense pressure to get more aid and heavy equipment into Syria’s rebel-held northwest since the earthquake struck a week ago, with survivors lacking the means to dig for other survivors and the death toll mounting.

The toll in the northwestern rebel-held region has reached 2,166, according to the rescue group the White Helmets, while 1,414 people have died in government-held areas, according to the Syrian Health Ministry in Damascus. The overall death toll in Syria stands at 3,580.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric cited difficulties of operating during Syria’s 12year war.

To criticism that the UN hadn’t responded quickly enough to the quake, he said some aid is getting into the northwest, pointing to 58 trucks that arrived with aid through the Bab Al-Hawa crossing.

TheAssociatedPresswritersAbbySewell in Cairo and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report

In Syria, President Bashar Assad agreed to open two new crossing points from Turkey to the country’s rebel-held northwest to deliver desperately needed aid and equipment to millions of earthquake victims, the United Nations announced Monday. The crossings at Bab Al-Salam and Al Raée will be opened for an initial period of three months. Until now, the UN has only been allowed to deliver aid to the Idlib area through a single crossing at Bab Al-Hawa.

The United Nations has been under intense pressure to get more aid and heavy equipment into Syria’s rebelheld northwest since the earthquake struck a week ago, with survivors lacking the means to dig for other survivors and the death toll mounting.

The first Saudi aid plane, carrying 35 tons of food, landed in governmentheld Aleppo airport Tuesday morning, according to Syrian state media. Saudi Arabia has raised some $50 million dollars in a public campaign to aid Turkey and Syria. Prior to Tuesday, Saudi planes landed in Turkey, with Saudi trucks also delivering some aid into impoverished rebel-held northwestern Syria.

Several other Arab countries have sent planes loaded with aid to government-held Syria, including Jordan and Egypt, the United Arab Emirates. Algeria, Iraq, Oman, Tunisia, Sudan and Libya have also delivered aid to Damascus.

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said late Monday rescue work continued in Hatay province, along with Kahramanmaras—the epicenter— and Adiyaman. Rescue work appears

to have ended in the remaining seven provinces.

The quake affected 10 provinces in Turkey that are home to some 13.5 million people, as well as a large area in northwest Syria that is home to millions.

Quake survivors also face difficult conditions amid wrecked cities, with many sleeping outdoors in freezing weather. Much of the region’s water system is not working, and damage

to the system raises risks of contamination. Turkey’s health minister said samples taken from dozens of points of the water system were “microbiologically unfit,” which highlights how precarious basic needs continue to be.

More than 41,500 buildings were destroyed or so damaged that they would have to be demolished, the Minister of Environment and Urbanization. There are bodies under those buildings and the number of missing

remain unclear.

Many in Turkey blame faulty construction for the vast devastation, and authorities continued targeting contractors allegedly linked with buildings that collapsed. Turkey has introduced construction codes that meet earthquake-engineering standards, but experts say the codes are rarely enforced.

The death toll in Turkey stood at 31,643 as of Monday. Officials have decreased the frequency of death toll updates since the first week of the response, now releasing larger updates once or twice a day.

The toll in the northwestern rebel-held region has reached 2,166, according to the rescue group the White Helmets, while 1,414 people have died in government-held areas, according to the Syrian Health Ministry in Damascus. The overall death toll in Syria stands at 3,580.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s cabinet was scheduled to meet Tuesday.

B ilginsoy reported from Istanbul. Kareem Chehayeb contributed from Beirut and Edith M. Lederer contributed from New York

TURKISH rescue workers from Kazakhstan and Turkey pull out Hatice Akar from a collapsed building 180 hours after the earthquake in Kahramanmaras, southern Turkey, early Monday, February 13, 2023. Thousands left homeless by a massive earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria a week ago packed into crowded tents or lined up in the streets for hot meals on Monday, while the desperate search for anyone still alive likely entered its last hours. IHA VIA AP

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

10 ANOC99 CORPORATION

POGO 1 Building, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

11 B/E AEROSPACE B.V. Lot 18, 3rd Street, First Philippine Industrial Park, Ulango, City of Tanauan, Batangas

12 DAEGYOUNG APPAREL INC.

Units 5A-5D, Gabriel Industrial Complex, Block 23, Phase 4, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

13 DELTA DESIGN PHILIPPINES LLC

C4-5A, Carmelray Industrial Park II, Batino, City of Calamba, Laguna

SURIYANTO

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

TAN KOK MOH

Associate Director-Operations

Brief Job Description:

Provide strong leadership and communication to the on-site staff and program teams.

LIM, TAECKSOO

Plant Manager

Brief Job Description: Oversee production planning and management activities within the organization

BERERA PONNAPPA, POOVAIAH

Production Specialist

Brief Job Description: Work closely with the production floor to ensure that the technology confirms with the specifications, project controls and requirements

KITAJIMA, HIROKI

14 KMG JAPANESE LANGUAGE CENTER, INC.

Unit 308, 3rd Floor, Ancon Bldg. 122, Merchan St., Barangay 4 (Pob.), City of Lucena (Capital), Quezon

15 MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

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

16 MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

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

Japanese Language Instructor

Brief Job Description:

Teach Japanese language

XU, LONG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

YUE, JIAWEI

Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Knowledgeable in statistics, continuous improvement, and problem-solving tools and techniques.

Salary Range: Php500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Adequate knowledge of business and management principles (budgeting, strategic planning, allocation, and human resources

Salary Range: Php60,000 - Php89,999

Basic Qualification: At least 5 to 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment related to tooling technology

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

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

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

9 ANOC99 CORPORATION

POGO 1 Building, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

ZHENG, QIYUN

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

17 NIHON HOUZAI LAGUNA CORPORATION

Unit 5, Orient Goldcrest Bldg. 3, East Main Ave., Lot 3, Phase 5B, Laguna Technopark, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

18 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

19 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

TAKETSUKI, KIYOTOSHI Manager

Brief Job Description:

Responsible for increasing sales performance through new accounts

CHI, XIN

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the People’s Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner

LU, QINGLIANG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the People’s Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner

Basic Qualification: Have at least 10 years of experience in packaging design and sales

Salary Range:

Php90,000 - Php149,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range:

Php30,000 – Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range:

Php30,000 - Php59,999

The World 3 killed at Michigan State University; gunman dead

By Joey Cappelletti & Ken Kusmer The Associated Press

Mich.—Police

India tax officials search BBC offices weeks after Modi doc

By Krutika Pathi

The Associated Press

NEW DELHI—Officials from India’s Income Tax department began conducting searches Tuesday at the BBC’s offices in the capital, New Delhi, three of the broadcaster’s staff members told the Associated Press.

The search comes weeks after the British broadcaster released a controversial documentary that examined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role during 2002 antiMuslim riots.

The employees asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Teams from the tax department surveyed the BBC’s Delhi and Mumbai offices, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, quoting officials whom they did not identify.

India tax authorities declined to comment on the situation. The BBC was not immediately available to comment.

India banned the two-part documentary “India: The Modi Question” last month and authorities scrambled to halt screenings of the program and restrict clips of it on social media in a move that critics and political opponents decried as an assault on press freedom.

India’s Foreign Ministry called the documentary a “propaganda piece designed to push a particularly discredited narrative that lacked objectivity.”

The BBC in a statement had said the documentary was “rigorously researched” and involved a wide range of voices and opinions.

“We offered the Indian Government a right to reply to the matters raised in the series—it declined to respond,” the statement said.

Police say the man apparently shot himself off campus. The announcement came early Tuesday, four hours after shootings were reported, first at Berkey Hall and then nearby at the MSU Union, a popular hub to eat or study.

The shootings began shortly before 8:30 p.m. at Berkey Hall, an academic building, and also

occurred nearby at the student union, a popular gathering spot, said Chris Rozman, interim deputy chief of the campus police department.

Students were ordered to shelter in place for hours. Rozman urged parents to stay away.

“I can only imagine the emotion that’s involved right now.... We are

doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our campus and all of our students,” he said.

Sparrow Hospital spokesperson

John Foren said he had no information on the conditions of five injured people.

By 10:15 p.m., police said Berkey, as well as nearby residence halls, were secured.

Separately, police on Twitter reported a shooting at IM East, a recreational center for students. But Rozman didn’t mention it during a news briefing and said there had been false reports of additional shootings.

WDIV-TV meteorologist Kim Adams, whose daughter attends Michigan State, told viewers that students were worn down by the hourslong saga.

“They’ve been hiding, all the lights off in a dark room,” Adams

said. “Their cellphones are starting to lose battery charge. They don’t all have chargers with them and losing contact with the outside world is terrifying on a normal day for college kids, let alone when there’s someone out there that they haven’t caught yet.”

Aedan Kelley, a junior who lives a half-mile (less than a kilometer) east of campus, said he locked his doors and covered his windows “just in case.” Sirens were constant, he said, and a helicopter hovered overhead.

“It’s all very frightening,” Kelley said. “And then I have all these people texting me wondering if I’m OK, which is overwhelming.”

Michigan State has about 50,000 students. All campus activities were canceled for 48 hours, including athletics and classes.

Kusmer reported from Indianapolis

Thailand to impose 300 baht entry fee for travelers in June as tourism booms

By Anuchit Nguyen

THAILAND will impose an entry fee on foreign holidaymakers from June as the tourism-reliant nation presses ahead with the long-delayed levy following a better-than-expected recovery in tourist arrivals.

Travelers flying into Thailand will need to pay 300 baht ($8.9) for

each trip and those entering the Southeast Asian nation through its land borders and sea ports will be levied 150 baht each, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told reporters after the cabinet approved the charges Tuesday. The fees will come into effect in June, he said.

The government expects to collect about 3.9 billion baht in fees this year and a part of it will be used to provide health and accidental insurance cover for the

tourists during their stay in the country, Phiphat said.

The entry fee, widely criticized by local tourism industry, comes as the nation famed for its Buddhist temples, beaches and national parks is witnessing a rush in tourist arrivals that’s gained momentum with the abolition of pandemic-era curbs and China’s move to end it Zero-Covid policy. Foreign tourist arrivals may reach as high as 30 million this year, almost tripling from 11.2

million last year, according to some estimates.

Thailand has for long mooted an entry fee for foreign travelers but its implementation was delayed by the pandemic. A part of the fee will help fund the development of local tourist attractions, Phiphat said. The levy will be added to air ticket prices, while the method of collections from entry by land has yet to be determined, the government said last year. Bloomberg News

China must fix business confidence post-Covid Zero, says EU chamber

EUROPEAN businesses in Shanghai are calling on the Chinese government to restore foreign business confidence and take steps toward repairing fraught international ties now that Covid Zero is over.

China should eliminate barriers to investment faced by foreign firms, as well as promote the yuan’s internationalization and strengthen financial support for smaller companies, the European Chamber of Commerce’s Shanghai chapter wrote in its annual report published Tuesday. “Much more remains to be done to restore Shanghai’s reputation as a great place to live and conduct business” following last year’s spring Covid lockdown, Bettina Schoen-Behanzin, chair of the chapter, wrote in the report. The citywide restrictions brought business to a standstill and confined residents to their homes for months.

Foreign businesses slowed down their investments in or even pulled money out of China last year as a housing slump and the government’s stringent virus controls pushed economic growth to its second-slowest pace since the 1970s.  Rising geopolitical tensions added to the uncertainty, and the amount of new utilized foreign direct investment in both November and December fell more than 20 percent below

the same months in 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce.

There have been other indications of a broad dropoff in investment as well, with net foreign direct investment into China falling in the second half of 2022, according to newly released central bank data. Portfolio investment into financial markets fell in the first nine months of the year, too.

Meanwhile, foreign investors pulled money out of Chinese bonds and equities all year, according to separate central bank data, with the stock of investment down 17 percent from the high point at the end of 2021.

Some EU firms actually ran contrary to those trends, with actually utilized FDI from the European Union rising about 92 percent in 2022, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce. However, much of that was likely due to a few big investments by German car and chemical manufacturers early in the year.

The commerce ministry has called the foreign investment outlook “very complex and severe,” suggesting the Chinese government is concerned about the prospect of a rebound. Officials have expressed confidence that an improvement can happen, though, and in recent months announced plans to boost manufacturing investment and introduced a policy to

encourage foreign businesses to set up R&D centers in China.

In Tuesday’s report, European firms raised the fact that companies found it difficult to get staff to work in China, or even to visit to see operations in the country due to the quarantine rules on inbound travelers that existed through December.

The uncertainty over the resumption of crossborder travel that existed at that time—the borders have since reopened and quarantine was eliminated— combined with “negative media coverage, heightened geopolitical tensions and a lack of transparency of what is happening on the ground have left European HQs frustrated and placed an increasing strain on their relationship with their China operations,” according to the report.

The decline in the number of foreign residents living in China was also listed as a concern in the report, which said that 25 percent of Germans living in Shanghai left the city after the 2022 lockdown. The number of French and Italian citizens in Shanghai who were registered with their governments each fell by 20 percent. The European chamber has more than 620 member companies in Shanghai, which is almost a third of its total membership in China. With assistance from Colum Murphy and Lin Zhu/Bloomberg

EAST LANSING,

say a man suspected of killing three people and wounding five more at Michigan State University on Monday night has died.

THIS photo shows a BBC sign outside the entrance to the headquarters of the publicly funded media organization in London, July 19, 2017. Officials from India’s Income Tax department began conducting searches on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the BBC’s offices in the capital, New Delhi, weeks after the British broadcaster released a controversial documentary that examined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role during 2002 anti-Muslim riots. AP/FRANK AUGSTEIN

Closing the country’s agricultural trade gap

The country’s expenditures for agricultural imports were more than double its exports in 2021, based on an annual report published by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in September 2022. Of the farm goods imported by the country in 2021, rice topped the list, accounting for 7.3 percent of the import bill. The report noted that imports of rice at 2.98 million metric tons increased annually by 33.7 percent and its corresponding value of P56.17 billion expanded at an annual rate of 28.9 percent.

Other top contributors to agricultural imports in 2021 were rubber, mongo, onion and garlic. The country’s purchases of rubber reached P5.33 billion and were 72 percent higher year-on-year in terms of value. Imports of mongo, which Filipinos usually consume on Fridays when Catholics usually abstain from meat, jumped by 20 percent in terms of volume. The country shelled out P2.22 billion just to buy mongo from other countries, a figure that is nearly a quarter higher than the level registered in 2020.

From 2017 to 2021, the PSA report, titled “Agricultural Indicators System: Agricultural Exports and Imports,” indicated that the country’s food imports have been rising, except in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic struck and limited mobility. In 2017, the Philippines’s food import bill reached P554.31 billion. The import bill jumped to P700.73 billion in 2021 as the Philippine economy started to reopen and demand for food items rose.

In contrast, the value of the country’s farm exports did not even breach the P400-billion mark during the five-year period. Receipts from agricutural exports recorded from 2017 to 2021 were as follows: P331.60 billion, P322.15 billion, P345.76 billion, P307.63 billion, and P334.24 billion. During the period, banana, pineapple and rubber were the country’s top agricultural exports, with banana taking the lion’s share of total receipts.

It is clear from the PSA data that the Philippines has retained its status as a net food importing country. Significantly reducing food imports while increasing exports exponentially would require major changes in the Philippines’s food production and trade strategy. Simple tweaks will not suffice, as it is evident from the PSA data that there have been no major changes in the country’s export lineup.

The Philippines paid P3.344 trillion for goods produced by farmers and food producers from other countries in 2017 to 2021. This is more than double the P1.631 trillion obtained by Filipino farmers and food producers from foreign buyers of local agricultural products during the period. What’s worrisome is that receipts from farm exports could go down in the coming years as the country’s top competitors for certain items like banana are increasing their market share in areas where the Philippines used to dominate (See, “PHL loses No. 2 spot for banana exporters,” BusinessMirror , January 26, 2023).

It would do well for our policymakers to keep this in mind as they set out to find the right strategies that will increase the incomes of farmers and fishers. These strategies should include focus on research and development and innovation if the government is keen on closing the agricultural trade gap.

Since 2005

Heart ailments of seafarers

Dennis gorecho

Pinoy Marino rights

TIMe and again, the Supreme Court has held that cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and other heart ailments of seafarers are work-related and, thus, compensable.

Seafarers have a higher rate of mortality, injuries, and illnesses than their counterparts ashore due to their particularly risky working conditions.

Seafarers have to brave storms, typhoons and high waves during the vessel’s journey, plus the sudden change of climate and temperature as the vessel crossed territories.

The Court has ruled in several cases that heart ailments of seafarers can be triggered or aggravated by his working conditions aboard the vessel as they can be subjected to physical and mental stress and strain.

Under the POEA Standard Employment Contract, cardiovascular disease events that are considered as occupational illness include heart attack, chest pain (angina), heart failure or sudden death.

Other common cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease/ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident or stroke, and hypertension or elevated blood pressure.

A seafarer with heart illness may

claim compensation if the following conditions are met: (a) when the heart disease was aggravated by reasons of the nature of the seafarer’s work, (b) the severity of the strain of the work may be sufficient and followed within 24 hours by clinical signs of cardiac insult, and (c) signs and symptoms of cardiac injury appeared during his work and the same persisted.

In most cases, the employer deny its liability for disability compensation by arguing that the seafarer failed to prove the causal connection between his heart disease and work aboard the vessel. They usually attribute his medical condition to poor lifestyle choices and health habits and was not indicative of workrelatedness.

In granting disability benefits, the Supreme Court acknowledged that seafarers working for companies for long period of time is normally saddled with heavy responsibilities relative to navigation of the vessel, ship safety and management of emergencies. (Magsaysay Mitsui v. Bengson, GR

198528, October 13, 2014)

One’s responsibilities may cause heavy burdens on a seafarer’s shoulders all these years, and certainly may have contributed to the development of his illness. Any kind of work or labor produces stress and strain normally result in wear and tear of the human body.

Notably, an overseas worker, having to ward off homesickness by reason of being physically separated from his family for the entire duration of his contract, bears a great degree of emotional strain while making an effort to perform his work well. The strain is even greater in the case of a seafarer who is constantly subjected to the perils of the sea while at work abroad and away from his family. (Fil-Pride Shipping v. Balasta GR 193047, March 3, 2014)

A seafarer normally spends much of his productive years with the company under several employment contracts that were continuously renewed. His years of service certainly will take a toll on his body, and he could not have contracted his illness elsewhere except while working for the company.

In Oscar Paringit v. Global Gateway Crewing (GR 217123, March 28, 2019), the Court awarded disability benefits as it attributed to the seafarer’s diet the heart diseases he suffered. The fats and chemicals in frozen and preserved meats congested his arteries.

A 2007 study on seafarers on board German-flagged vessels (Oldenburg, Jensen, Latza, Baur) published in International Archives of

Occupational and Environmental Health site concluded that engine room officers and galley/operating staff working onboard with longer job duration at sea are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

A study by Sagaro, Anegloni et al, published in 2022 in Medical Sciences Forum site found that nonofficers (engine and deck crew) on board an Italian-flagged ship were more frequently diagnosed with cardiovascular disease than officers.

The study noted that out of the estimated 4,298 seafarers who requested medical advice from 2010 to 2021, Filipinos ranked third based on nationality at 21.1 percent, along with Italians (36.5 percent), Indians (35 percent), Chinese (3.4 percent), and Romanians (3.2 percent).

Out of 342 seafarers with cardiovascular disease, 40 percent were officers (deck officers and engine officers), while 60 percent were nonofficers. The mean age of seafarers with cardiovascular disease was 42.51 years.

Companies will no longer hire a seafarer  with medical conditions, especially the high risk of having heart failure or stroke in the future.

From the business point of view, re-employment will be risky since the harsh working environment might only aggravate his fragile condition and in the end expose the company to more serious insurance liabilities.

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

Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder

By Mehmet Guzel, Suzan Fraser & Sarah El Deeb

The Associated Press

ADIYAMAN, Turkey—The desperate search for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria entered its final hours Monday as rescuers using sniffer dogs and thermal cameras surveyed pulverized apartment blocks for any sign of life a week after the disaster.

Turkey alone was estimated at $84.1 billion, according to the Turkish Enterprise and Business Confederation, a non-governmental business organization. Calculated using a statistical comparison with a similarly devastating 1999 quake, the figure was considerably higher than any official estimates so far.

vaged refrigerators, washing machines and other goods from wrecked homes.

Not enough tents have arrived for the homeless, forcing families to share the tents that are available, survivor Zehra Kurukafa said.

“We sleep in the mud, all together with two, three, even four families,” Kurukafa said.

817-2807.

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Teams in southern Turkey’s Hatay province cheered and clapped when a 13-year-old boy identified only by his first name, Kaan, was pulled from the rubble. In Gaziantep province, rescue workers, including coal miners who secured tunnels with wooden supports, found a woman alive in the wreckage of a five-story building. Stories of such rescues have flooded the airwaves in recent days. But tens of thousands of dead have been found during the same period, and experts say the window for rescues has nearly closed, given the length of time that has passed, the fact that temperatures have fallen to minus 6 degrees Celsius (21 degrees Fahrenheit) and the severity of the building collapses. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake

and its aftershocks struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, reducing huge swaths of towns and cities to mountains of broken concrete and twisted metal. The death toll has surpassed 35,000.

In some areas, searchers placed signs that read “ses yok,” or “no sound,” in front of buildings they had inspected for any sign that someone was alive inside, HaberTurk television reported.

Associated Press journalists in Adiyaman saw a sign painted on a concrete slab in front of wreckage indicating that an expert had inspected it. In Antakya, people left signs displaying their phone numbers and asking crews to contact them if they found any bodies in the rubble. The quake’s financial damage in

In other developments, Syria’s president agreed to open two new crossing points from Turkey to the country’s rebel-held northwest to deliver desperately needed aid and equipment for millions of earthquake victims, the United Nations announced.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the decision by Syrian leader Bashar Assad to open crossing points at Bab Al-Salam and Al Raée for an initial period of three months. Currently, the UN has only been allowed to deliver aid to the northwest Idlib area through a single crossing at Bab Al-Hawa.

Some 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the epicenter, almost no houses were left standing in the Turkish village of Polat, where residents sal-

Turkish authorities said Monday that more than 150,000 survivors have been moved to shelters outside the affected provinces. In the city of Adiyaman, Musa Bozkurt waited for a vehicle to bring him and others to western Turkey.

“We’re going away, but we have no idea what will happen when we get there,” said the 25-year-old. “We have no goal. Even if there was (a plan), what good will it be after this hour? I no longer have my father or my uncle. What do I have left?”

Fuat Ekinci, a 55-year-old farmer, was reluctant to leave his home for western Turkey, saying he did not have the means to live elsewhere and that his fields need to be tended.

See “Search,” A13

Who should lead? Democrats, Republicans struggle to decide

By Hannah Fingerhut | The Associated Press

WASHingTOn While President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, are preparing for a possible rematch in 2024, a new poll finds a notable lack of enthusiasm within the parties for either man as his party’s leader and a clear opening for new standard-bearers.

About a third of both Democrats and Republicans are unsure of who they want leading their party, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

No single Democrat captivates significant support when asked who should be their party’s leader; instead, Democrats sprinkle their attention across more than a dozen politicians. Yet they also feel more hopeful than dejected about their party. Some Republicans, meanwhile, coalesce around a couple of individuals—Trump included. But a majority remains uncommitted to him despite his grip on the party, and Republicans have grown somewhat more pessimistic about the GOP’s future.

The findings reflect a deep sense of uncertainty about the future of the nation’s political parties and the challenges both face in tethering their frayed—and perhaps disenchanted—coalitions.

For Democrats, it’s another warning sign about the depth of Biden’s support amid concerns about nominating someone who would be 86 at the end of a second term.

“He’s certainly at an age where he’s not going to run for office, he’s gonna walk,” said David Townsend, a 58-year-old veteran services manager in Indianapolis who leans toward the Democratic Party.

Townsend said he would support Biden if he were the nominee, but he wants a new voice to lead with vigor and energy. He suggests Biden could have a role in shaping the future.

“He needs to be on the lookout for a standard-bearer, someone that could carry his message forward,” Townsend said.

Despite his status as an incumbent president who has accomplished many of the party’s longsought priorities, fewer than half of Democrats—41 percent—identify Biden as the current leader of the party in an open-ended question. Just 12 percent said they want Biden in the role.

But Democrats are far from rallying behind someone else. They lack consensus on one individual—or even two or three—to lead them. Instead, in the open-ended question, 15 people are each mentioned by between 1 percent and 5 percent of Democrats. Thirty-seven percent say they don’t know or don’t answer the question.

By contrast, among Republicans, 22 percent name Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and 20 percent name Trump as the individual they want to lead the party.

Republican Daniel Alvarez, 30, of Lakeland, Florida, likes both his governor, DeSantis, and Trump.

“I would preferably take either one of those guys,” said Alvarez, a lineman for a telephone company. But if it came down to it, he’d choose Trump in a primary.

“The country was better” when Trump was president, he said.

Still, there appears to be openness to a new face among Republicans, as there is among Democrats, even if there isn’t someone specific in mind.

A majority of Republicans don’t choose Trump or DeSantis, though no other individual comes close to their level of support. Eleven others—including former Vice President Mike Pence and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who on Wednesday is expected to launch her 2024 bid—are each named by just 1 percent of Republicans.

Angela Foster became emotional talking about how she feels the country is going in the wrong direction under Biden’s leadership. The 66-year-old Republican-leaning independent voted for Trump in 2020.

“I would love to see Trump back in the Oval Office to straighten things up. Followed by DeSantis. That’s what I want. I want an eight-year plan,” she said with a laugh.

But Foster, who lives in Gallipolis, Ohio, and works part-time as a cashier, said she wants to see the Republican Party get back to its traditional values and quit the infighting.

Only 38 percent of Republicans say they are optimistic about the future of the Republican Party, while 36 percent are pessimistic and 24 percent say they feel neither. Pessimism has grown since October, when 27 percent said they were.

By comparison, more Democrats look ahead with hope. Forty-four percent of Democrats say they are optimistic about the future of the Democratic Party, while 26 percent are pessimistic. An additional 30 percent say they are neither.

Republicans who are pessimistic are less likely than optimistic ones to name a chosen leader. Overall, 34 percent of Republicans—more than either Trump or DeSantis get individually—say they don’t know or didn’t respond to the question.

Hugh Lawing considers himself an independent that leans toward the Republican Party. He doesn’t want Trump to run and isn’t sure about DeSantis, who he said “wants to be “Trump Jr.” The 59-year-old retiree in Marietta, Georgia, hopes that more options will come forward. “It’s a long way away and it’s up in the air,” Lawing said.

For Democrats, there’s no shortage of options, including lawmakers and others unlikely to seek the nomination. Trailing Biden at 12 percent as the preferred leader, new House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez each earn 5 percent.

Greg Davis, 34, voted for Biden in the 2020 general election. But as a self-identified social Democrat, he was “not impressed” with Biden during the primary campaign and would prefer a progressive candidate.

“I would rather he not,” the Hilliard, Ohio resident said of Biden running for reelection. “But I don’t really have a specific candidate in mind.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and even former President Barack Obama are each named as the preferred party leader by 3% of Democrats.

“I can’t admire that man enough,” Darlene Zwolinski said of Obama.

Zwolinski, a 63-year-old acupuncturist in Lakewood, Colorado, said she’s happy with what Biden has done, but he was mainly the one “to get the win” against Trump and, for that reason, might have to be the one again.

“If there was somebody in the wings that was like (Obama) that could step in, I would love to see Biden bless that person and maybe graciously bow out,” she said. “However, I don’t see anybody right now.” The poll of 1,068 adults was conducted Jan. 26-30 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the US population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.

Let us heal the world, it’s the only one we have (When will we ever learn?)

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza

MAKE SENSE

Living life can come in two different ways. it can be a life filled with goodness in our heart, or it can be a life of an evil soul. For many nations and men, choosing to be good or evil is a daily struggle. A predicament that i luckily never encountered in my advocacy against all forms of illicit trade, as i get inspiration from the Bible’s Romans 12:21 that says “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

I have been fighting smuggling for over 40 years now in my desire to protect consumers from the evil deeds of smugglers. Although I have had milestones in my antismuggling advocacy, I find it even more challenging today as some of those involved in this evil activity are officials who are supposed to stop smuggling.

However, I was jolted out of my struggles fighting against the country’s unabated smuggling problem when I came across the following facebook post of my wife, Evelyn, which read:

“If the Chinese balloon material had not been detected by the advanced US radar system, then there is a possibility of their enemies’ making use of new or unknown materi-

All men have innate goodness in them, that’s why we naturally help each other. We saw this when the world came to help the Philippines after Supertyphoon Yolanda destroyed so many regions and claimed the lives of over 10,000 Filipinos.

reminded me of the tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria that has already claimed more than 33,000 lives— with the United Nations expecting casualties to reach 50,000.

All men have innate goodness in them, that’s why we naturally help each other. We saw this when the world came to help the Philippines after Supertyphoon Yolanda destroyed so many regions and claimed the lives of over 10,000 Filipinos. With all these natural disasters happening here and there, perhaps God is now calling us to humble ourselves and repent. As 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If My people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

als as a carrier of destructive elements. Before it is too late, why not try again diplomatic means to have amicable settlement of issues. Why continue man-made problems like war when there are other serious issues that should be confronted, like climate change, Covid-19 and other diseases, changing values, depletion of natural resources, fast population growth, pollution, racial differences, aid concerns for poor countries, etc. throughout the world. The US is a respected superpower and it must not jeopardize its image. LET US HEAL THE WORLD. IT IS THE ONLY ONE WE HAVE.”

Knowing that all things that happen in our lifetime have a reason, the last line of my wife’s facebook post particularly caught my attention. It

It also reminded me of the recent cyclone that hit the northern part of New Zealand, which left tens of thousands of people homeless; and the severe floods in Pakistan where 15 million people in flood-affected areas are still in need of emergency food assistance.

I know that it takes a lot of arguments, facts and logical conclusions to convince modern people that there is a Divine Design, which gives direction to human life through natural events. Here are the questions in my mind: Are these events Divine manifestations of God for all of humanity to work as one? Are these natural calamities and disasters God’s wake up call for us to set aside our differences—be it racial, political, and social among others—so we can work together and help each other?

My wife could be right. Why continue with man-made problems like power and pride-triggered wars when there are other serious issues that the world should confront together, like climate change, Covid-19 and other diseases, changing values, depletion of natural resources, fast population growth, pollution, racial differences, aid concerns for poor countries, among others.

Now is the time for us to heed the call of God and save the world before it’s too late. “Let us heal the world. It is the only one we have.”

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.

China’s economic bonanza from record trade surplus is

CHinA may lose a key support for economic growth and the yuan this year as residents flock overseas again and exports continue to plummet because of a global slowdown.

After hitting a 14-year high of almost $420 billion last year, the surplus on the current account—the broadest measure of trade in goods and services—is expected to narrow sharply this year. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg predict it will weaken to 1.4% of gross domestic product this year, down from 2.3 percent in 2022.

The slump will not only affect economic growth, it will also put pressure on the currency to depreciate. Fewer exports mean less foreign income for the country, while a surge in outbound tourism means more Chinese people will be swapping their yuan for foreign currency, resulting in more outflows.

The strength of China’s exports during the pandemic was one of the key supports for the economy and the current account. Record exports of goods and an all-time high trade balance last year helped to offset the housing slump and the impact from Covid Zero restrictions.

With the export sector providing more than 180 million jobs, the slow-

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continued from A12

“Those who have the means are leaving, but we’re poor,” he said. “The government says, go and live there a month or two. How do I leave my home? My fields are here, this is my home, how do I leave it behind?”

Volunteers from across Turkey have mobilized to help millions of survivors, including a group of chefs and restaurant owners who served traditional food such as beans and rice and lentil soup to survivors who lined up in the streets of downtown Adiyaman.

The widespread damage included heritage sites in places such as Antakya, on the southern coast of Turkey, an important ancient port and early center of Christianity historically known as Antioch. Greek Orthodox churches in the region have started charity drives to assist the relief effort and raise funds to rebuild or repair churches.

In Syria, authorities said a newborn whose mother gave birth while

down in trade this year will dampen business and household income and add to the challenges China faces in expanding domestic demand.

“It’s highly likely that China will see a trade deficit in 2023, dragging down GDP growth and depressing profits and employment in the manufacturing sector,” said Dan Wang, chief economist of Hang Seng Bank China. A reversal in the trade balance will also affect expectations for the Chinese currency, increasing the volatility of yuan-denominated assets, she said.

Growth drag

TR ADE in goods and services added 0.5 percentage points to GDP growth last year, taking the total expansion in the economy for the year to 3 percent. Trade hasn’t been a drag on growth since 2018 when the trade war with the US broke out, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Wang Tao, chief China economist at UBS Group AG, predicts net exports of goods and services could subtract about half of a percentage point from

trapped under the rubble of their home was doing well. The baby, Aya, was found hours after the quake, still connected by the umbilical cord to her mother, who was dead. She is being breastfed by the wife of the director of the hospital where she is being treated.

Such accounts have given many hope, but Eduardo Reinoso Angulo, a professor at the Institute of Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said the likelihood of finding people alive was “very, very small now.”

David Alexander, a professor of emergency planning and management at University College London, agreed. He said the odds were not very good to begin with.

Many of the buildings were so poorly constructed that they collapsed into very small pieces, leaving very few spaces large enough for people to survive in, Alexander said.

“If a frame building of some kind goes over, generally speaking we do find open spaces in a heap of rubble where we can tunnel in,” Alexander said. “Looking at some

fading

outlook remains uncertain.

GDP growth this year, compared with her estimated addition of 1 percentage point last year. Wang said she calculates the contribution differently to the government.

The trade picture had already started to weaken since late last year, with the goods surplus down 10 percent in October-December from a year ago. That was the first decline in four quarters, according to Bloomberg calculations based on data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

On the services side, the trade deficit surged 89 percent in the final quarter of 2022 from a year ago, the first time it’s widened since the end of 2018. Even though the size of the deficit is still less than half of pre-pandemic levels, a further deterioration is likely as Chinese people travel overseas. Purchases of foreign-currency for services trade jumped in December to the highest level since March 2020.

Yuan pressure

A STRONG economic rebound would also boost imports, putting pressure on the current account surplus and the yuan as more foreign currency flows out of the country. Even though financial markets have rallied on optimism about China’s recovery, the

of these photographs from Turkey and from Syria, there just aren’t the spaces.”

Winter conditions further reduced the window for survival. In the cold, the body shivers to keep warm, but that burns a lot of calories, meaning that people also deprived of food will die more quickly, said Dr. Stephanie Lareau, a professor of emergency medicine at Virginia Tech in the US.

Many in Turkey blame faulty construction for the vast devastation, and authorities have begun targeting contractors allegedly linked with buildings that collapsed. Turkey has introduced construction codes that meet earthquake-engineering standards, but experts say the codes are rarely enforced.

As the scale of the disaster has come into view, sorrow and disbelief have turned to rage over the sense that the emergency response was ineffective. That anger could be a political problem for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who faces a tough reelection battle in May.

Turkey’s death toll has exceeded

“If China’s recovery falls short of people’s expectations or some financial risks escalate, overseas investors will shy away from yuan assets,” said Le Xia, chief Asia economist at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA. Investors will also become more reluctant to diversify their portfolio toward emerging markets including China if the Federal Reserve continues to hike rates, he added. Officials have sought to downplay growth concerns and instead highlighted improving confidence in the economy. Guo Shuqing, Communist Party secretary of the People’s Bank of China, said last month that economic growth will return to its normal path “rather quickly” and the yuan will continue appreciating in the mid to long term.

“I do not think a smaller surplus would be a worry for the government if that reflects stronger domestic demand,” said Ding Shuang, chief economist for Greater China and North Asia at Standard Chartered Plc. “That said, the government may continue to encourage inbound foreign investment, including FDI and portfolio investment, partly to prevent decoupling from western economies.” Bloomberg Opinion

31,000, and the health minister said more than 19,000 survivors were being treated in hospitals. Deaths in Syria, split between rebel-held areas and government-held areas, have risen beyond 3,500, although those reported by the government haven’t been updated in days.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths met Monday with Syria’s President Bashar Assad and foreign minister after visiting Aleppo and seeing the devastating damage there.

He stressed that the United Nations doesn’t have heavy equipment for excavations or search-and-rescue efforts “so the international community as a whole needs to step up to get that aid where it’s needed.”

In addition, the U.N.’s humanitarian partners need ambulances, medicine, shelters, heaters and emergency food, water and sanitation and hygiene items, Dujarric said. Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey, and El Deeb from Adana, Turkey. Bernat Armangue in Antakya, Tanya Titova in Malatya, Turkey, and Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, contributed

A14 Wednesday, February 15 , 2023

PBBM, senators, US weigh in on China’s laser attack

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM, Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie & Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Tuesday summoned Chinese Ambassador

T his, as Philippine senators slammed the Chinese act, which Washington described as a “provocative” and “unsafe” act. Washington said it stood by its defense treaty ally Manila in the latest ratcheting of tension between the Asian neighbors.

T he Presidential Communications Office (PCO), in a statement, said President Marcos has expressed “serious concern” on the incident.

“

The President summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian this

[Tuesday] afternoon to express his serious concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of actions by China against the Philippine Coast Guard and our Filipino fishermen in their bancas, the latest of which was the deployment of a military grade laser against our Coast Guard vessels,” said the Palace statement.

“The Chinese ship illuminated the green laser light twice toward the BRP Malapascua, causing temporary blindness to her crew at the

bridge. The Chinese vessel also made dangerous maneuvers by approaching about 150 yards from the vessel’s starboard quarter,” the PCG report had said.

“The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) conduct was provocative and unsafe, resulting in the temporary blindness of the crewmembers of the BRP Malapascua and interfering with the Philippines’ lawful operations in and around Second Thomas Shoal,” US Department of State spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

“

More broadly, the PRC’s dangerous operational behavior directly threatens regional peace and stability, infringes upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law, and undermines the rules-based international order,” Price added.

A mid China’s latest harassment, the US affirmed its support to its ally and again declared that Beijing has no legal claims over the Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) as reflected in the July 2016 ruling of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The United States reiterates, pursuant to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally bind -

GOOD START FOR WATER SECURITY

TRANSITION

ing on the PRC and the Philippines, and we call upon the PRC to abide by the ruling,” Price said.

“The United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order and reaffirms an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those of the Coast Guard in the South China Sea, would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 US Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty,” Price said.

B eijing had defended the acts of the Chinese crew, saying the Chinese Coast Guard ship acted in accordance with international law, because the Filipino vessel was illegally sailing in its waters.

DFA protest

THE Department of National Defense (DND) released to reporters the statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, which filed a diplomatic protest condemning the “shadowing, harassment, dangerous maneuvers, directing of military-grade laser, and illegal radio challenges” by the CCG vessel against Malapascua.

Continued on A5

THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said it welcomes the creation of the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) as a transitory body pending the creation of a Water Resource Department.

In line with our longstanding advocacy of attaining water security in the Philippines, the Chamber has long called for the creation of an apex body to lead the crafting and implementation of policies and initiatives for the Philippine water sector, as well as streamline institutions to further facilitate ease of doing business in the said sector,” ECCP said in a statement on Tuesday.

A ccording to the business group, the creation of the WRMO is a “welcomed first step in fully realizing this as it aims to strengthen collaboration among various agencies in implementing water management programs in accordance with the Integrated Water Management Plan,” which it said will be crafted by the new agency.  E CCP also stressed the

need to approach water resource planning using Integrated Water Resource Management (IWFM), which it described as an “Internationally recognized” framework that is used to guide countries in their journey to water security.

T his is based on the idea that water issues should not be approached in “isolation,” but rather in a “more holistic” manner due to the interdependence of the uses of finite water resources, the business chamber explained.

W ith this, ECCP said it remains committed to working with the government and other stakeholders in resolving the current water-related issues in the country.

The ECCP, together with its Environment and Water Committee, strongly advocates for regular multistakeholder engagements to be institutionalized in order to allow exchange of insights, facilitate coordination and come up with effective solutions on water-related issues,” the business group stated.

Continued on A5

on

Huang Xilian following the laser attack of China’s coast guard against the crew of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel supporting a resupply mission of the Philippine Navy in Ayungin Shoal.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

B1

Class action lawsuit filed vs execs–PLDT

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

PLDT Inc. said Tuesday it has “learned” that a class action lawsuit was filed against its executives in relation to the P48billion “budget overrun” it incurred.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, PLDT said the lawsuit was started by “Sophia Olsson, a purported holder of PLDT securities, in the United States federal district court in the Central District of California.”

Cemex incurs ₧1-B net loss on forex woes, weak sales

By VG Cabuag @villygc

cement volume fell by 10 percent in 2022 and 5 percent in the fourth quarter alone. The decline in volume was mainly due to lower cement demand.

For the fourth quarter alone, the company said its net loss widened to P172 million, from the previous year’s P195 million.

Foreign exchange losses reached P934 million for the full year, but the company said majority of its foreign exchange losses are unrealized.

Consolidated net sales for 2022 fell 2 percent to P20.57 billion, from last year’s P20.88 billion. For the fourth quarter, net sales rose 4 percent to P4.76 billion from the previous P4.57 billion, mainly due to higher prices.

“2022 was a challenging year, as economic and political uncertainty translated to unprecedented cost increases, while industry demand

softened. We expect 2023 to be a year of transition for our company. We anticipate that market conditions and cost inflation will remain challenging through the first half of the year,” Luis Franco, the company’s president and CEO, said.

“Nevertheless, we expect to start to see the benefit of our efforts to reduce cost as the year progresses. I strongly believe that, by executing our strategies and working as one team, we will be able to build a stronger Cemex Holdings Philippines in 2023.”

For this year, the company said it growth of domestic cement sales volume may be flat or could even decline slightly.

The company said its domestic

Cemex said its domestic cement price was up by 9 percent yearover-year for the full year and in the fourth quarter, reflecting the company’s pricing strategy to offset input cost inflation, such as in fuel, electricity and transport.

Cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, was at 67 percent for the year, an increase of 5 percentage points year-over-year mainly due to higher fuel costs. The company said its fuel cost, as a percentage of net sales, was at 22 percent, an increase of 10 percentage points from the previous year driven by elevated energy prices. The company said it will spend some P4.1 billion in capital expenditures this year, a huge chunk of which will be for the P3.8-billion new cement plant line for Solid Cement.

Referencing a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, PLDT said the complaint named “PLDT and nine of its current or former employees” as defendants. The telco did not reveal the names of the nine employees.

“The company has not been served with a copy of the complaint, as required under US law, and does not have any further information regarding the lawsuit at this time,” the disclosure read.

To recall, PLDT announced in late December that it incurred a budget overrun of P48 billion, which “involves the procurement of network equipment necessary to provide stronger connectivity

to subscribers, specifically 5G cell sites for our mobile network and fiber rollout.”

The amount represents 12.7 percent of PLDT’s total capex spend of P379 billion over the last four years. PLDT has since launched internal forensics that have “thus far uncovered no fraud, no anomalies, no evidence of overpricing, and no unrecorded transactions in relation to the overrun.”

Shares in PLDT remained unchanged at P1,326 apiece on Tuesday.

The company said its net income in January to September 2022 reached P27.4 billion, up 45 percent year-on-year. This includes P22.3 billion in pre-tax gains from the towers sale up to the third closing. Core income, excluding the impact of asset sales and Voyager Innovations, grew to P25.4 billion in the same period.

Consolidated service revenues increased by 4.5 percent to a ninemonth all-time high of P141.9 billion, as consumers thrived on their digital lifestyles in the new normal. In the same period, consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose by 6 percent to P75.4 billion, also an all-time high.

Cemex Holdings Philippines

Inc., a unit of mexican giant Cemex, said it incurred a net loss of P1.01 billion last year, a reversal of the P726-million net income it posted in 2021, mainly due to weak sales and foreign exchange losses.

PHILEXPORT WITH TRADE CHIEF AND EDC Trade Secretary and Export Development Council (EDC) Chairman Alfredo Pascual led the first EDC meeting last January 27 where it was highlighted that the Council will sustain its efforts to foster industry development that will support the export integration of innovation centers. Discussions also included pressing export issues and how the EDC can help facilitate policy interventions. Photo shows Pascual (seated, center) with EDC Vice Chairman and PHILEXPORT President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. (seated, 3rd from left), and other members of the council and executive committee, EDC Networking Committee Chairmen, and the secretariat.

SEC launches investment roadshow for SMEs in Davao

By VG Cabuag @villygc

THE Securities and Exchange Commission will launch today, Wednesday, a nationwide roadshow in Davao, an activity that aims to highlight easy and accessible funding options for small and medium enterprises (SME) in the capital market.

The SEC said its roadshow on capital market formation for SMEs and start-ups will begin at the Pinnacle Hotel in Davao City. The roadshow will emphasize also how micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and SMEs can tap the capital market, including crowdfunding platforms, to raise funds for business expansion.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many financial problems for a lot of MSMEs around the country. We at the SEC hope to stem their financial woes by providing possible solutions to these enterprises, particularly through the capital market and crowdfunding,” SEC chairman Emilio B. Aquino said.

Aquino will be leading the Davao City roadshow, together with speakers from the Philippine Stock Exchange, Investment and Capital Corp. of the Philippines, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Investree Philippines, SeedIn Technology and Round One.

The roadshow is an initiative led by the newly created SEC Office for the Advancement of Strategic Investments in small and medium enterprises (SME), which aims to encourage these firms to explore the capital market as a means to acquire external financing.

The new office seeks to promote the interests of SMEs by setting up viable alternatives in raising capital by simplifying the capital-raising products, streamlining the registration process, and encouraging investment houses and other financial institutions to implement SME-friendly underwriting and advisory programs, among others.

Crowdfunding is a fundraising activity typically conducted by start-ups and SMEs, where the public can support or fund a business idea through an online platform. The SEC regulates crowdfunding activities in the country.

Under the crowdfunding rules, SMEs no longer have to register securities with or secure approval directly from the SEC before they can solicit investments from the public. SMEs need only conduct their fundraising activity with a crowdfunding intermediary, funding portal or crowdfunding platform registered with the SEC.

Within a 12-month period, an SME may raise as much as P10 million when its securities are offered and sold to any investor, and up to P50 million when offered and sold to qualified investors.

There are currently three crowdfunding intermediaries registered with the SEC. These are Investree Philippines, SeedIn Technology Inc. and Eastern Securities Development Corp. (Round One).The initiative is also part of the SEC’s 888@88 goal, which means that there should have been at least 888 companies that tapped the capital market by the time the SEC celebrates its 88th anniversary in 2024.

After Davao City, the SEC will have its roadshow to other areas in the country, including Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Bacolod, Legazpi, Iloilo, Tarlac, Baguio, Calabarzon Region, and Metro Manila.

Seller’s Hub CEO, President BK Rivera: From gamer to e-comm game-changer

By Roderick L. Abad @rodrik_28 Contributor

Due to government-imposed lockdowns and strict health protocols, the pandemic disrupted economic activities and restricted mobility. This, in turn, has resulted to digitalization of businesses in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world.

E-commerce, in particular, has grown tremendously, since the peoples’ movement has been limited. With some stuck at their abodes or resort to work from home, their remote conditions have compelled them to go online for most, if not all, of their daily needs.

To no avail of the brick-andmortar as physical stores were either closed or operational in shorter times, consumers have no choice but to “go digital or transition to clickand-mortar,” according to Seller’s Hub, Inc. (SH) CEO and President BK Rivera.

“Digitalization has bridged businesses to reach the customers they haven’t tapped before,” he told the BusinessMirror in an interview.

Even before the health crisis, Seller’s Hub has already enabled businesses, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to cater to the demands and aspirations of consumers virtually.

Humble beginnings

BK came from a family that’s not well off. Growing like a typical teenager, he was also hooked to computer games. But unlike those who usually spend their school allowances or ask money from their parents, he was responsible enough to cover it on his own.

“At the age of 13, I sold ice drop and ice candy to pay for the games I

played in computer shops. I also sold Vigan longganisa in our street or lent it to my friends’ families. I tried to create my own tocino to sell to my neighbors and in our school. I also sold T-shirts,” he recalled.

Inspired by his licensed civil engineer mother, BK had wanted to follow in her footsteps. But the twist of fate played a big part why he did not fulfill his childhood dream. When his father died, he stood up for his family at a tender age of 17. He said: “I need to become the man of the house. Because of that, I need to become a great example for my two younger sisters.”

BK went into the network marketing in 2014, which he offered to student-participants of his free seminars on self-development. After he graduated from college in 2015, he tried his luck to the field of business process outsourcing for six months, and came back again to network marketing.

Armed with his vast experience and lessons from her civil engineerturned-businesswoman mom, it did not take long for the young businessminded native of Trece Martirez in Cavite to become his own boss.

“In February 28, 2017, I started my own company, the Seller’s Hub, with my out-of-pocket P10,000 capital. Working in a very small room, almost like a computer shop, in General Trias, Cavite where we only have four staff, right now we’re approaching almost a hundred manpower within the Sellers’ Hub and SH partners or people who sell online using our products,” the CEO and president noted.

In six years, the firm has further made its presence felt online—Laza-

da, Shopee, and Facebook Marketplace—thus, making it a one-stop shop for fellow business owners who are looking for channels to promote and sell their products. Apart from carrying beauty, health and wellness, and home interior items of their merchant-partners the Sellers’ Hub has served the other segments by also developing its very own products that are deemed essential to Filipino lives paving the way to its success in the online business.

“So from Dota player, a typical teenager to someone who penetrated the networking world, I now have my own company,” he said.

Building his own empire

TAKING a cue from the “Hierarchy of Needs” theory of Abraham Maslow, BK was motivated to establish his own firm with five basic categories of needs: physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization.

“When we were starting, that’s just merely a physical need. We need money for our expenditures, so we put up the Seller’s Hub. Then, we sought security on how to sustain our profitability. Third was relationship, or how do we increase and make our people happy. Later on, self-esteem guided us on how we will be appreciated by the people and considered a pillar in this industry. And now is we selfactualize, or how we can help others. We earn and, at the same time, enable other businesses. We will still do it to create an impact, to create a name for our company,” he explained.

Doing so, he admitted, is difficult. Making credibility to become a good employer, for him, has many challenges along the way. One of which is the return to sender (RTS) that comes with a cost. This adds up to expenses they incur from order ac-

ceptance, fulfillment, and shipping.

“So when the customer rejects the order, there’s an RTS fee for that, not to mention that the item may be in bad condition already. That’s No. 1 obstacle of e-commerce, and mostly it’s the courier’s fault,” he said of the current state of the logistics infrastructure in the country being the main problem of the online trade.

“There are two ways in solving this problem: correction and prevention.”

While the Seller’s Hub still hasn’t perfected its system, the owner boasted that they somehow controlled it. In fact, he cited that from having 30 percent to 35 percent RTS rate, they have managed to bring it down between 15 percent to 22 percent.

“We aim to bring it down further in a way that it could be tolerable. RTS means money that comes in to our pocket yet pulled out by the customer. But we have controlled it,” BK said, while referring to their initiative of methodically monitoring all the orders and their delivery updates to guarantee the quality of their service or product offerings.

“Hopefully, one day, there could be a House Bill that creates a law to help e-commpreneurs or e-commerce players so they won’t be cheated on such shipping fee.”

People development, constant partnerships

APPRECIATIVE of the people who helped him grow the business to where it is right now, the 28-year old entrepreneur bared his plan to constantly increase the firm’s manpower by hiring young professionals from the regions who show great interest in the e-commerce and Philippine markets.

“For me, those who are younger

than me have many ideas when it comes to technology that we have right now, and are knowledgeable about the current market trends. So we employ great young talent, then, we learn from them. We help them teach us what to do,” he said of their employees, who are mostly young adults. “But right now, any age we have onboard. This is because when the workplace is full of young people, there could be not enough professionalism, stability, and structure given the ‘peer’ kind of spirit internally. If mostly old enough, on the other hand, there could be not enough innovation and joy. The workplace becomes dry. So it’s a balance of both.” As the company grows, so do its people and community partners. Hence, the Sellers’ Hub continuously evolves its business strategy with them in mind.

Per BK, they have launched several learning programs internally to further enhance their capacity and strength that will be beneficial in the firm’s growth. Embodying the catchphrase “walk the talk,” he leads by example to his employees and makes sure that he tries himself the products of his merchant-partners to make sure that it’s beneficial to their customers.

Known as “IDOL” among his peers, he also ingrained such core values of IDOL, which stands for Integrity, Driven, Ownership, and Learner, to all the employees and partners. Also, the company is hosting various learning events for them to further understand the market and remain driven as time goes by. These include the Core Culture program to inculcate Company’s DNA; Technical Competency to continuously study and master the changing behavior of their customers; and Leadership Education to equip its people with unique talent and strength that could further drive the organization to new heights. With its business acumen and techniques developed over time, the Seller’s Hub indeed has become one of the country’s fastest-growing e-commerce enablers today, whose purpose is rooted in transforming lives through life-changing products.

“Growth is only a result. So a company must never aim for growth. A company must aim for operational excellence. Profitability may guarantee growth, but excellence, it will sustain the company,” he stressed.

Women-led start-ups pitch for bigger slice of funding

AS the global economy reopens with the easing pandemic situation, homegrown WenDeli Meat House has started to distribute its own version of Filipino favorites tocino, longganisa, tapa and burger patty that come either in frozen or ready-to-eat meals to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and migrants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and soon in Japan and Portugal.

Being a former OFW herself, Krizzia Ann Loyang Tanabe started her own company, the iFranchise Business Services Corp., in 2017 upon her return to the Philippines for good. That was the time when she established the company with more than a thousand of food outlets.

“[Unfortunately] almost three years ago, the world stopped. Covid-19 dominated our lives and the rest is history. We are aware of the challenges and the impact of the aftermath of the pandemic and the effects of the trauma it left us,” she said during the WenDeli International Franchise launch that was held recently in Parañaque City. “As the president and CEO of iFranchise, it was and is my responsibility to keep the business going not just for myself but for everyone working for me. They are my family.”

Confronted by the health crisis, she did not think twice to close down all the stores inside the malls since food and beverage (F&B) is one of the most affected businesses during the crisis. Thinking of other ways to turn around the business,

she then conceptualized WenDeli to go full blast for national distribution, with commissaries in Quezon City and Antipolo. Eventually, its products became a hit during the lockdown periods. The success of this venture then resulted for iFranchise to specialize in developing, marketing, and managing multiple other F&B brands, such as BBQ Break, Food Caravan, and Coffee Spot.

It also diversified into other businesses, such as iPharma Mart (pharmacy convenience store), iFuel (gasoline station), Faces&Curves (beauty and wellness), and iFarm (hotel and resort).

“We were able to survive from the impact of the pandemic and sustain our livelihood,” Tanabe said. “So here we are presenting WenDeli, a product made from grief and of survival, borne out of love and our passion to inspire and uplift every Filipino around the world.”

It was only last December 2022 when the owner started to bring the food brand to UAE, catering to OFWs in Dubai through the New Era Supermarket. Apart from this Middle Eastern country, iFranchise has also put up representative offices in the United States, Singapore, India, Portugal and Japan to open doors of opportunity to every Filipino living and working there.

“Next week, we’re flying to Japan to set up the [WenDeli] kitchen there, with our business partners,” she told the BusinessMirror in a sideline interview

during their global franchise kick off. “So the [opening] target will be in the second quarter of this year and, hopefully, the same with Portugal. We don’t want to rush. We wanted to make sure that the permits and licenses, and the food distribution will be completely done as we move forward to our international expansion.”

The company is, likewise, set to open soon the iFuel in Zimbabwe this year. Other entities under the iFranchise will be opened for franchising abroad to bring local brands closer to the international market, especially where most OFWs are located. “The 1.83 million data of overseas Filipino workers in 2021 is nothing compared to the more than 12 million Filipinos overseas, in diaspora. The Filipino diaspora refers to people who trace back their ancestry to the Philippines but living or residing outside the country, and it applies to both people of Filipino ancestry and citizens abroad. It is one of the largest and most spread out in the world. And so, we are on the look out to be serving all of our more than 12 million ‘kababayans’ around the world,” Tanabe said.

“Lastly, to support the Prosperity Program of the Marcos administration, we would like to assure you that we are ready to connect the gap between providing you livelihood opportunities thru iFranchise Business Corp., WenDeli and our other brands, and pave the way to making your dreams a reality,” she stressed. Roderick L. Abad

ADAORA OR AMAH has been looking forward to this moment for years, as she adjusts her blazer and prepares to pitch in front of international investors.

The 26-year-old has already secured around $700,000 for her start-up Amaka Studio, a digital media venture that seeks to connect women globally through PanAfrican stories. She is now looking to raise $1.6 million to help creators make money through the platform, including in local currencies, and to accelerate advertising capabilities.

But in this economy, fundraising is a challenge. “I know that’s particularly harder for women; typically harder for black woman as well,” the London-based founder says.

Oramah’s Amaka Studio is one of 10 tech-related enterprises that made it to Morgan Stanley’s demo day for start-ups at its Canary Wharf offices in east London last week, an even that followed five months of coaching. Five firms from Europe, the Middle East and Africa were selected from 1,200 submissions, in an expansion of a program that Morgan Stanley has run in the US since 2017.

One founder walks the room through slides with Tamagotchi-style pixel art, another uses golden tickets taped under

chairs offering lucky winners treats from her online artisanal food store, and one reveals her start-up secured an investment that gives it 30 months of runway. Pitches from the cohort in New York are fed through a livestream.

The entrepreneurs were told there would be investors from Atomico, Silicon Valley Bank, Google for Start Ups, Black Seed Ventures, Lakestar and Cornerstone Partners in the room. Rather than committing to funding on the spot, they’re given time to hold conversations after the presentations.

“It was exhilarating,” Oramah says as she stepped out of the auditorium.

“It’s been great being able to connect and learn more from the investor community as well as the start-up ecosystem as well.”

Dora Palfi says her company imagi, which teaches schoolgirls to code, had gone through a pivot during her time in the program to focus more on school partnerships. “It just felt like a big moment to also celebrate where we have gotten over the past few months.”

The past year was difficult for almost anyone looking to raise money, as rising inflation, recession fears and the crypto winter led investors of all sizes to press pause. But it was already almost impossible for small companies founded by women. Bloomberg News

AS an old adage says, it takes one to lead a community.

The emergence of digitalization in the past recent years has changed the way people live and enterprises do business. Such has, apparently, been more evident when the Covid-19 crisis happened worldwide in early 2020.

After Dubai, WenDeli foods will soon be available to OFWs in Japan, Portugal

RiveR a

Pace of contribution to savings pool slowed

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE level of contributions to the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) posted its slowest increase in the past five years, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

creased by only 16 percent to 5,100

in 2022 from 4,382 in 2021. This is the slowest increase since the central bank started collecting PERA data in 2017.

The fastest growth in the number of contributions to PERA, a pool that aims to supplement retirement funds, was recorded in 2020 when there was a 92.435 percent increase in contributions to 2,671 from 1,388 in 2019.

“It (PERA) is considered a superior retirement savings option mainly due to the tax benefits it offers to individual contributors,

such as tax exemptions on earnings from PERA investments; a five percent tax credit on the PERA contribution that can be used to pay for national income tax liabilities; and a tax-free distribution on qualified withdrawal of PERA investments,” the BSP explained.

In 2022, the bulk of the PERA contributors or 3,594 were employees while 785 were self-employed and 721 were overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The BSP said, however, that PERA contributions reached P329.55 million at end-2022, a 30-percent in-

crease from the P253.35 million recorded a year earlier.

The employed individuals contributed P223.71 million to the fund as of end-2022, followed by OFWs and self-employed individuals who invested P60.58 million and P45.25 million, respectively.

The BSP launched PERA in 2016 under Republic Act 9505. In endDecember 2017, PERA funds were recorded at P37.15 million with 583 contributors.

A potential contributor only needs a Tax Identification Number to invest in the PERA. By the time

the contributor reaches the age of 55 and an investment period of at least five years, he or she can redeem the PERA investment free of taxes. The BSP started the end-to-end digitalization of the PERA environment in September 2020. As an online marketplace, the digital PERA facilitates greater convenience and efficiency by enabling Filipinos to open PERA accounts, choose among different accredited PERA products, and settle PERA transactions electronically using mobile phones or other digital devices.

Unveiled sculpture symbolizes banks’ importance BPI rebrands asset mgt firm for client relations

By John Eiron R. Francisco Intern

THE unveiled last monumental sculpture of Abdulmari Imao by CBS China Bank Savings Inc. last Tuesday is being offered by the lender as a representation of banks’ support to Filipino entrepreneurs and economic development.

“The original intent of the sculpture was the images of people supporting each other: people shoring up other people,” Rizalee Ibarra-Imao, daughter-in-law of the first Moro National Artist for Visual Arts, told the BusinessMirror.

According to Ibarra-Imao, the artwork was originally commissioned by another lender to show “how banks and other economic institutions help our entrepreneurs and also be successful in their endeavors.”

According to a statement by Imao’s family, the artist of Tausug heritage sculpts images of the Sarimanok (a legendary bird that has become an ubiquitous symbol of Maranao art). His family, however, considers the hammered brass sculpture reinstalled at the CBS’s headquarters as exceptional. They said the artwork honors Filipinos who enter business and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Cultural heritage

CBS APDLG head Niel C. Jumawan said the installation of the sculpture titled “Mga Maninikap” (Hard-working Filipinos) is just the first of many exceptional artworks the bank plans

to share with the general public after the lender’s initiative was “wellaccepted” by the Makati City local government unit.

“Cultural heritage is essential to sustainable business practices, as stewards, especially as a bank with close ties to the public sector,” Jumawan said during the rededication ceremony on the 14 t h of February, considered “Art Month” in the Philippines. “We seek to maintain the physical and cultural assets. If you want an emotional and physically healthy world, we must care for the things that value, like the sculpture of Dr. Imao.”

He added that “if we value our heritage, we value our history; we now have that anchor.”

“If you have that memory of

where you come from, you’ll not be lost and that’s the essence of valuing the culture and the arts,” Jumawan added emphasizing the installation of Imao’s art work shows how CBS values public landscapes and its support of the arts.

Shared to public

CBS Officer-in-Charge of Marketing and Advertising Josephine F. Fernandez, meanwhile, believes that art works like Imao’s “are not supposed to be kept but shared.”

Fernandez added that CBS allows community access to important cultural property under the aegis of the lender’s “Build & Rise Initiative.” The latter is a nationwide advocacy and community engagement campaign of CBS.

“We have a lot of good material and very good art pieces. We’re about to start re-framing [some of them] and I think we’re going to share it to the public,” Fernandez said. “And we’re hoping with these artworks, [we could] start increasing the consciousness of people, especially young people, [on arts].”

She said after the reinstallation of Imao’s work, the CBS plans to feature and display artworks and masterpieces at the more than 200 branches of the bank located throughout the country. Fernandez said this initiative aims to raise public awareness and appreciation for the arts and to spark continuous efforts for conservation of the Filipino cultural heritage.

Oona Insurance to sell new products after SEC approval

OONA Insular Insurance Corp. (Oona Insurance) announced it will introduce new products such as new age lines, cyber risk and health insurance, as well as solutions that are emerging on the back of increasing adoption of internet, e-commerce and digital payments.

The firm said it would also continue to sell products that include motor, property, and group health insurance after it re-branded from Mapfre Insular Insurance Corp. (Mapfre Insurance).

These plans were announced after the firm said it secured approval of its amended articles of incorporation from the Securities and Exchange

➜ Fujitsu urges banks to embrace ESG

Commission (SEC).

The change from Mapfre Insurance to Oona Insurance came after Mapfre Internacional SA of Spain divested its business interests in Asia last October while The Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd. (InLife) increased its stake in its non-life insurance business to 40 percent. Warburg Pincus LLC set up Oona in Southeast Asia with a $350-million equity commitment.

Oona Insurance envisions to be “Southeast Asia’s most customerdriven and transformational insurer.”

It aims “to continue the growth of existing distribution channels, agency force, banking and broking partner-

Fujitsu Ltd. is urging local banks to strengthen EsG goals as clients are increasingly becoming socially-aware. in a statement, the technology firm said it sees many clients not looking at profits alone but also information on “Environment, society, and Governance” (EsG) initiatives. the company claims it has a “vast experience” in helping financial institutions ensure that they provide better banking experience. Fujitsu said this is achieved through the company’s expertise in leveraging financial service tools to create the ideal and versatile model for the client’s needs. Fujitsu said knowing customers and enhancing their experience are some of the ways to ensure a more purposeled banking experience. Rizal Raoul

S. Reyes

Lender cites recognition

➜ sEcurity Bank corp. announced recently it received three “Golden Arrows” from the institute of corporate Directors for its continued excellence in corporate Governance. the lender’s statement read that it received the recognition after scoring 103.32 at the “2021 Asean corporate Governance scorecard,” or “AcGs ” A 3-arrow recognition is given to publicly listed companies who achieve a score of 100 to 109 on the scorecard, the bank said. it explained that the AcGs is an assessment based on international best practices in corporate governance. the rigorous methodology was developed by experts across the region to assess the corporate governance standing and performance of publicly-listed companies in six participating Asean member countries.

ships through digitally enabled tools and processes, while also expanding its digital business portfolio.”

The de-novo (new) digital general insurance platform is led by its founder and Group CEO Abhishek Bhatia, a statement from InLife read.

Bhatia was quoted in the statement as saying that the SEC approval “helps us move forward as a new brand and marks the start of our transformational journey from a good company into one of the most formidable general insurers in the market.”

He added the firm is “all set to provide services to our customers, enabled by digital systems and pro-

➜ Insurer’s tech initiative honored

cesses on all fronts.”

For his part, Oona Insurance President and CEO Tirso C. Abad was quoted in the statement as saying that the approval by the regulator “marks a celebratory milestone for all of us and kickstarts our operations to break new ground and deliver on our promise for all our Filipino customers.”

InLife Executive Chairman Nina D. Aguas was quoted in the statement as saying that the firm “will provide stronger and better general insurance products delivered through current and future distribution channels using technology to scale up.”

EtiQA Life & General Assurance Philippines inc. announced it has been recognized at the 10th Annual international Finance Awards for its insurance plan for mobile phones and electronic devices. called “Gadget Protection,” it is the company’s first venture into embedded insurance with major e-commerce platforms that protects devices from unexpected repair costs due to unwanted incidents. the product, won the “Best insuretech initiative in the Philippines” for 2022. Etiqa Philippines President and cEO rico t Bautista said the product “is a result of the thrust to explore opportunities and solutions in insuretech.” Bautista added that the launch of their “Letter of Guarantee” portal helped streamline the firm’s insurance processes last year. Roderick L. Abad

➜ Fintech offers financial literacy to MSMEs uNOBank inc. announced it partnered with singapore-based Proxtera Pte. Ltd. to use financial literacy in capturing a share of the micro-scale, small-scale and medium-scale enterprises (MsMEs) market. uNOBank cEO Manish Bhai said the financial literacy penetration in the country “is very low because people haven’t really understood what it means to integrate into organized banking or have a relationship with financial institutions,” Bhai said. “We want to promote financial literacy as an entry point to the formal financial sector.” Proxtera cEO saurav Bhattacharyya said their program called “sME Financial Empowerment” “provides financial literacy credentials, which is the first step in providing an important indicator of intent to pay.” Roderick L. Abad

THE wealth management arm of the Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI) has changed its name to BPI Wealth–A Trust Corp.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ayala-led bank said it changed the name of BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp. “to better connect with various client segments.”

BPI also said the change in name will also help its wealth management arm to communicate its expertise as a leader in the asset-management and wealth-management space.

“At BPI Wealth, we will continue to be [a] trusted partner in navigating volatile financial markets, in guiding investment decisions, in constructing portfolios and in creating a legacy for future generations,” BPI Wealth President and CEO Maria Theresa D. Marcial was quoted in the statement as saying. “We will continue to offer the bestin-class asset and wealth management solutions.”

Marcial added that BPI Wealth’s new identity and positioning is anchored in its investment process, risk management framework, class investment professionals and wealth advisors and investment solutions.

The company said it also renewed its “commitment to deliver superior customer experience for its individual, corporate and institutional clients.”

The company also unveiled a new campaign that echoes its “commitment to empower customers to fulfill their highest aspirations with the help of BPI Wealth.”

“We recognize that our clients want a name they can trust to address their complex financial needs. They want a name they can trust to help grow their hard-earned money. They want a name they can trust so they worry less about their investments, so they can do more, explore more and live more. That is our brand promise,” Marcial said.

BPI Wealth is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of the Philippine Islands authorized to engage in trust and other fiduciary services.

Citing a “strong capital position and an independent trust governance structure,” BPI Wealth considers itself as the “largest standalone trust corporation” in the Philippines, with P875 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2022. Cai U. Ordinario

Remitter seeking slice of OF market from US

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

BROOKLYN, New York, United States-headquartered Tang

Group Inc. is seeking a slice of the overseas Filipino remittance market with the launch of its mobile transaction and payments application called “TANGapp,” or receipt in the local language.

According to Founder and CEO Maria Rebecca Antonina Kersch, the idea of another app catering to remittances arrived with the experience of her aunt, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), who regularly sends home money to her homeland.

Kersch said TANGapp is similar to the eponymous text messaging-based payments system of Venmo Inc. She said as a user of the Venmo system senders can remit as little as $5, making it an innovative and true international peer-to-peer mobile payment app.

Kersch said data shows Filipinos abroad send over $35 billion to the Philippines every year. Their recipients in the Philippines mainly rely on cash pick-ups which are costly and inconvenient, she added.

Kersch said her firm is working to make improvements in the industry by offering transparent low fees and a “live” most-favorable exchange rate.

“We started TANGapp so my tita [aunt], and millions of other OFWs, have an easier, more convenient and less expensive way to send money back home in an otherwise lengthy and expensive process. Sending money to the Philippines should be as easy as sending a text message regardless of your location, income level, or currency. We’re achieving that with TANGapp,” Kersch said during a news briefing that the company organized recently at the Makati commercial and business district.

Members from the US, Europe and India offices of Tang Group joined the

Philippine-based team last Monday as we met with current and prospective business partners, held community events and learned from and about the ways of life of the Filipino, Kersch said. All of this is in support of the company’s social mission, which is to help improve the lives of Filipinos both at home and abroad, she added.

“We believe that digital mobile payment services can improve for Filipinos. Whether they are one of the 4.5 million Filipinos working in the US or the tens of millions of unbanked in the Philippines, every Filipino deserves access to the ever-growing international digital economy,” Kersch said.

She added this is the reason “we’ve set out to create more than just a remittance app.”

“One day like today, sending money overseas, paying for groceries, and supporting a cause will be as easy as texting. All on the same easy-to-use mobile app,” Kersch said. She said they are currently offering a gift to families in the Philippines who receive remittances from the US. A receiver gets a bonus $20 gift if he or she uses the code “TANGappNOW” when the sender remits a minimum of $10.

Kersch said the Tang Groip will offer more services once the business gets bigger.

She said that last year, the app saw an average month-on-month growth rate of 35 percent, with over 40 percent of its users being repeat users. The app has thousands of downloads and has remitted hundreds of thousands of dollars and pesos. As such, it has saved Filipino senders and receivers tens of thousands of pesos in fees and hundreds of hours in time, according to Kersch.

TANGapp raised $1.5 million in preseed funding from 17 angel investors in 2021 and is currently raising its $2.5 million seed round from venture capital firms as well as angel investors.

Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

The number of contributions to the voluntary savings program in-

This Tuesday, February 14, 2023, photo shows executives and guests of CBs China Bank savings inc. after the unveiling of the artwork of National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari imao at the lender’s headquarters in Makati City. Photo by John Eiron r Francisco

AT the opening of the new Watsons store were top officials from Watsons, SM Investments and the Department

Global health and beauty chain opens 1,000th store in PHL

AS Asia’s No.1 health and beauty retailer, Watsons celebrated an important milestone recently as it opened its 1,000th store in Philippines, adding to a total of 8,000 Watsons stores across 15 markets in Asia and Eastern Europe. The new store opening coincides with Watsons’ 20th anniversary in the Philippines, one of its fastest-growing markets.

Spanning almost 1,000 square meters, the new flagship store is located in The Block, SM City North Edsa in Manila. As the biggest store in the country, it showcases the most comprehensive array of health and beauty products in an engaging way that will take the shopping experience to the next level.

Dominic Lai, group managing director of A.S. Watson Group, officiated the store-opening event. “This new flagship store is important in the nationwide expansion in this beautiful country as it’s a clear demonstration of Watsons’ determination to strengthen our connection with customers via seamless O+O platforms. The platform strategy is at the core of our business to create an integrated experience, to better serve customers anytime, anywhere.”

Besides celebrating the 1,000th store opening, (this) marks Watsons’ 20 years of commitment to serving our customers in the Philippines. Over the years, we’ve been working to deliver our purpose to help customers look good, do good, feel great.”

Toward that end, Watsons has its first state-ofthe-art clinic powered by The Medical City that features virtual consultation and remote physical examination. Vaccination services for flu, HPV and pneumonia will be available at the clinic soon.

The Watsons Supplement Finder is also available to support the pharmacy service and help customers get personalized recommendations on the best vitamins and supplements for them.

Teresita Sy-Coson, co-chairman of SM Investments, congratulated Watsons on the double celebrations: “Our long-term partnership with Watsons has realized our promise of bringing the best-in-class health and beauty products to all Filipinos. It’s our pleasure to celebrate this remarkable milestone with Watsons and we will continue to work closely to raise the standard in health and beauty in the Philippines.”

In conclusion, Lai said: “Looking ahead, we’re committed to continuing our expansion in the Philippines, as well as the rest of the world. Besides bringing a pleasurable shopping experience to our customers, we want to engage our customers to do good to the community and the planet with us through our sustainability programs.”

To inspire its customers to live a sustainable lifestyle, Watsons offers over 1,500 Sustainable Choices products under Clean beauty, refill packs, better packaging and better ingredients for customers so that they can contribute to create a better world.

Watsons has also mobilized customers to create a bigger impact with community programs such as sponsorship of free corrective surgeries for cleft children under Give-a-Smile, targeted to empower 3,300 families in the Philippines by 2030; and the Alagang Pangkalusugan community medical outreach program will likewise be supporting 20,000 people with free medicines in the coming years. The celebration activities will continue throughout the year as Watsons show appreciation to customers, partners and colleagues through the #WeLoveYou1000Ways campaign. There will be member-exclusive benefits and special offers, both offline and online to show the brand’s appreciation to loyal customers of Watsons Club.

Is your manager a red flag?

THEY say that the biggest factor in an employee’s decision to stay or quit is based on their leader. Hence the saying that people do not quit their jobs, they quit their bosses. Of course, there are other factors why people leave, like a life event, new economic conditions, or a global incident. But when it comes down to factors within the control of the employee, it will most often be their manager. When you are new to the team, how would you know if your manager is a good one?

The most obvious red flag is a manager who cannot control their emotions. There are managers who get easily angered, insult others, or even blame everyone else but themselves. If your manager is any of these, you need to be careful how you deal with them unless you want to be a target of their vitriol. I remember being interviewed by the head of a company when an assistant came in and gave her some documents. I was stunned when she started berating her in front of me to the point where the assistant was about to cry. Needless to say, I did not push through with my application.

Another obvious red flag is where the manager is an authoritarian who overworks their team and has no empathy at all. They drive their team to the ground regardless of their personal concerns. Some manifest their authoritarianism by micromanaging and constantly hovering over the shoulders of their team members waiting for them to make a mistake.

In terms of work ethics, bad managers are also disorganized and lose control of what the team should do. They do not like talking to their team and avoid their team when there are pressing concerns. But they would make themselves available to people they like, or to events where they know they will be praised. They present their team’s work as their own and talk to others about themselves all the time. They go to the office late and leave early, while leaving their team to handle the difficult issues and challenges.

The ones above are obvious red flags and indicate how bad the manager can get. However, there are subtle red flags that you need to watch out for in your manager because these could reveal their kind of leadership. These indicators could be caused by lack of training or insufficient experience, but could easily be remedied by talking to them or putting in measures to help them. These are little things that need to be addressed before they become problematic. The most common subtle red flags are their communication skills.

One is not setting clear expectations in terms of deliverables and behavior. There are some things that are not covered by the job description or contract which managers expect from their team members. When a manager assumes you already know these things, point them out because they might also expect it from other team members. Managers are the culture builders of their team,

and they need to communicate the kind of work environment they want for their group. When everything is assumed, it creates a barrier to creating a work environment conducive to innovation and critical thinking.

Another is the lack of foresight when it comes to delegating work. While positions have similar tasks and deliverables, people do not always fit into neat little boxes. Team members will operate on different competency levels and managers need to understand where their team members are good in and assign them to tasks where they would excel. When managers do not take this into consideration, team members get assigned to projects where they consistently fail, making it difficult for them to progress in their career development.

On the other hand, there are also managers who do all the work and deliberately do not assign anything to their team members. This prevents people from learning new skills which could lead to a dearth of qualified personnel who can replace them in the event that they part ways with the team. When a manager assigns tasks incompatible with a person’s skills, or when they hog all the work, this is an indication that the manager does not understand the work required or does not trust their team to deliver.

One of the significant red flags for managers is when they do not know how to say “no” to their direct supervisor. Part of the work of a people manager is understanding what their team is capable of, and what their team is supposed to be doing so that they have a firm grasp of their team’s scope and output. This

will help them negotiate with management better. When a manager constantly says “yes” to their direct supervisor, they are opening their team to work that might not even be within their scope. People managers need to understand that they are their team’s first line of defense from extraneous pressures. When the manager does not protect their team, it is bound to implode.

Another red flag is the lack of feedback about their team’s work. While it is true that lack of feedback means work is being done correctly, it does not provide areas where their team can improve on. Managers still need to provide feedback in terms of what their team did well and what their team can improve. Otherwise, their team will do their work mechanically and might lose interest and start looking for challenges outside the team.

One red flag I am especially averse to is when a manager dwells on what went wrong rather than finding solutions and asking what could be done better should it happen again. Your role as a people manager is to push your team forward. How can you do so when you are stuck in the past?

Your manager will always be limited by their training, experience, and understanding of how people behave. The red flags above only indicate that they need to work on some areas of how they should manage people. Depending on how they relate with you, there are times when an honest and open discussion can help them get back on track. But if they continue to have no professional development, you may have to look for good leadership somewhere else.

3 steps to prioritize a never-ending to-do list

family and friends, and regular sleep—not only boosts your mental efficiency but might also help you live longer,” she added.

Byers, who is the founder of the Rocky Mountain Neurosciences and the host of The Bold Life Podcast, is also a self-confessed “recovering perfectionist.”

Here’s a secret that’s taken me a lot of time (and frustration) to learn: As a high-achieving professional with big career goals (and who still wants to make time for family game nights, soccer practices, and the occasional trip to the gym), that to-do list is never going to be totally checked off,” she shared.

“The key to feeling in control of it, without rushing all day and feeling constantly behind, is becoming an expert at prioritizing,” she advised.

Echoing Byers, Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde shared the top three steps to manage to-do lists and prioritize productive work over busy work:

STEP 1: DECIDE WHAT’S TRULY URGENT

We all fall into the productivity trap and think that everything is urgent. That is not true. The first step in prioritizing is getting crystal clear on what’s really crucial. Look at that to-do list and ask yourself: Is anything really urgent? If the answer is yes, then it probably needs to go on today’s priority list.

STEP 2: ELIMINATE THE “SHOULDS”

SOME achievers and more so perfectionists love to keep an extensive to-do list. It assists them to remain focused on their targets, on top of the normal day-today responsibilities and calendar of upcoming events and activities.

While ticking these off provides a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, registered psychologist Nicole Byers, Ph.D, who specializes in clinical psychology and neuropsychology, explains that these checklists may likewise become an “overwhelming monster.”

If you want to achieve your goals faster, the solution isn’t to be working 24/7 trying to squeeze it all in,” she noted.

We know from research that working all the time actually makes us less productive and making time for a life outside of work—like hobbies, time with

These are the things that are on the list because our inner perfectionist or inner people-pleaser makes us feel like we “should” be doing them. These will only result to a lot of busy work that is draining our time, energy and focus. Cross off these “shoulds.”

STEP 3: IDENTIFY WHICH TASKS MOVE THE NEEDLE THE MOST TOWARD YOUR CURRENT GOAL

These should be the highest priority on your to-do list. If you’re not sure which will move you closest to your goals, they are probably the ones that feel a bit scary—the ones where you are not quite sure where to start. Our brains like to stay comfortable. Find the tasks you might try and resist, the ones that feel a bit daunting. Those are probably the key tasks to make priorities.

PHOTO

VIKI HERRERA-ENCARNACION , Watsons PR and sustainability director

of Health.

Veterans Bank WWII Exhibit at Manila City Hall now open to the public for free

of the Filipino men and women who fought and died for freedom as well as those who survived one of the darkest chapters of our nation’s history.

In time for the anniversary of the Battle for Manila, the War of Our Fathers exhibit features eight panels depicting World War II in the City of Manila, including scenes and narratives during the month-long Battle for Manila from February to March of 1945.

The Exhibit was formally opened to the public last February 3, 2023 by Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah H. Lacuna along with PVB Chairman Roberto De Ocampo, OBE, and PVB President Renato A. Claravall, along with other city & PVB officials, heads of the Diplomatic Corps, and other guests.

Atarashii Technologies International joins i-MTAP 2023 back-to-back with PSMEX 2023 in Pasay City

PHILIPPINE Veterans Bank continues to honor the legacy of our Filipino World War II veterans with the display of its multi-awarded traveling exhibit at the Manila City Hall as part of the City of Manila’s commemoration activities for the 78th Anniversary of the Battle for Manila during World War II. The Exhibit is located at the 2nd Floor of

the Bulwagang Rodriguez of the Manila City Hall, and is open to the public free-of-charge until February 15, 2023. Entitled “War of Our Fathers: A Brotherhood of Heroes”, the PVB Traveling Exhibit features photos, images, memorabilia, and brief narratives about World War II in the Philippines, it also serves as a tribute to the bravery, patriotism, and resolve

Additionally, the exhibit features new panels introducing PVB’s new charter, Republic Act 11597, as well as a tribute to our modern-day Filipino heroes that include post-World War II retirees of Armed forces of the Philippines. The panel, A Brotherhood of Heroes, advocates that our modern veterans – men and women who have fought in other wars both here and abroad, who have helped citizens of other countries, and who have fought local enemies of freedom share common values with our WWII Veterans.

Unleashing Creativity: The Biggest Art Festival in Laguna to be held next week at Solenad 3 Activity Center, Sta. Rosa

CALLING all art lovers! Life ‘n Arts, a community-based art learning center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, is gearing up for the biggest art festival in town! The Laguna Art Festival is a threeday event taking place from February 24 to 26, 2023 at Solenad 3 Activity Center, Santa Rosa Laguna. This free and open-tothe-public festival is set to bring together a diverse group of influential artists, art mentors, celebrities, institutions, and schools for art exhibits and booths.

In coordination with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Art Association of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Los Baños, and Sta. Rosa Laguna Local Government Unit, The Laguna Art Festival is a great opportunity for art lovers to support local artists and promote the art scene in the community.

Life ‘n Arts, the organizer of the event, is expecting a large turnout of art enthusiasts as the festival will showcase a wide selection of masterpieces made by renowned Filipino artists. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from these experts and gain valuable insight into the world of art.

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate national arts month, then the Laguna Art Festival is shaping up to be the perfect event to do so.

The upcoming art festival will have a full lineup of diverse art pieces and media — from traditional paintings to abstract sculptures and everything in between. Whether you’re an enthusiast of the classics or a fan of the modern, this

festival is sure to have something for everyone.

It will also include interactive activities such as on-the-spot painting sessions, informative art talks, cultural performances, and more.

Visitors will be able to learn about different art techniques and styles, savor an array of art memorabilia and paintings, participate in fun-yet-educational workshops, and purchase original works!

Life ‘n Arts and other vendors will also offer amazing deals and big discounts on selected items, as well as give away premium art materials, art freebies and more!

Life ‘n Arts is no stranger to big art events. They have made a name for themselves by

hosting and participating in numerous art gatherings in the past, including the Pastel Palette Exhibit with Masining Muntinlupa and several art exhibits with Matt Mason Art Gallery — all of which were successful events.

Lerma Julian, the founder of Life ‘n Arts, has also been involved in the development of the art scene in many cities and provinces. She has been a part of numerous initiatives to promote art education and provide support to artists. Her life goal is to revolutionize the next generation through art; creating impactful learning experiences and fostering a sustainable community by giving them the resources they need.

Life ‘n Arts is also known to provide most of the finest art products in the city. Their line of commerce includes selling art materials, frames, paintings, and sculptures. They also offer art, music, and dance workshops to cultivate the talents of aspiring artists.

As they continue to expand, they aspire to bring art to the forefront of the local community; hence, they’ve organized the Laguna Art Festival and teamed up with several notable artists in the country to give them a space to exhibit and sell their masterpieces.

With its unique roster and a wide variety of activities, the Laguna Art Festival 2023 will surely be an unforgettable experience. So, mark your calendars and join the event at Solenad 3 Activity Center from February 24 to 26, 2023 because it’s definitely an art fest you don’t want to miss!

ATARASHII Technologies International, one of the leading machine tool distributors in the Philippines, joins i-MTAP 2023 back-to-back with PSMEX 2023.

I-MTAP 2023 is the International Machinery Tools & Accessories Philippines (I-MTAP 2023), a biennial exhibition that will be held from April 26 to 29, 2023, Hall B & C of World Trade Center Metro Manila. The event will be held back-to-back with Philippine Subcon and Manufacturers Exhibition 2023 (PSMex 2023) themed as "Make it in the Philippines," an international biennial event that will cater to both local and international audience which covers whole business platform that will be beneficial to suppliers, distributors and end-users. It is an event that will showcase capability of the Philippine products and services to the world.

i-MTAP 2023 will incorporate the following events, such as: International Industrial Automation and Robotics Philippines (I-AUTOROBOTS Philippines), International Sheet Metal Philippines (I-SM Philippines), International Machine Tools & Accessories Philippines (I-MT Philippines), International Instrumentations & Metrology Philippines (I-IMET Philippines), International Plastics Philippines (I-Plas Philippines), International Welding Philippines (I-Weld Philippines),

International Hardware, Accessories, & Tools Philippines (I-HAT Philippines)

Atarashii Technologies International was founded last January 2013. It all started when the founder,Ryan Napoleon Gay-ya decided to put up his own company in his small apartment in Makati. With Ryan’s eight years of experience in the machine tool industry and his continuous efforts introducing quality products and services like laser marking, etching engraving machine, fiber laser cutting machines, 3D Printers, 3D Scanner, CNC and Conventional Machines, CNC router Vinyl Roll and Flatbed Cutter, among others.

Atarashii Technologies International works with the highest efficiency and in accordance with the latest technologies in conformity with international standards of quality, security and safety. We utilize trained and experienced staff for the implementation and delivery of projects with commitment to contract terms, conditions, and preservation to the environment.

“TOGETHER WE BUILD A BETTER

FUTURE” See them at i-MTAP 2023!

For more information about i-MTAP 2023, please contact MAI Events Management Philippines at 8985-3375 or email them at mai_mgt@compass.com.ph .

Power Mac Center treats music lovers, gift hunters to special Valentine's Day online and onsite deals

LOOKING for a special gift for your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Or a little something your music-loving heart has been wanting? Head on over to Power Mac Center stores and online to find “the one” you’re looking for.

The Apple Premium Reseller is holding a special Valentine’s Day promo, including up to P1,500 off on AirPods, 30 percent discount on AirPods premium cases, and up to 50 percent off on participating premium earphones from partner brands Defunc, Marley, Sudio, and Urbanista.

“Like love, music is a universal language. This month, Power Mac Center is celebrating Filipinos’ passion for music by extending big discounts on premium audio accessories that pair perfectly with your favorite Apple devices. Upgrade or make the switch to experience the best quality of sound, so you can sing your heart out whatever mood or situation you’re in,” said Joey Alvarez, Power Mac Center Director of Product Management and Marketing.

Get the AirPods (3rd gen) at P1,000 off when you pay via non-installment modes at any Power Mac Center or The Loop branch nationwide, or online via the Viber Store, Lazada, Shopee, and SM Malls Online app. Promo runs until February 19, 2023 only. Meanwhile, you can cop the AirPods (2nd gen) at P1,500 off in the same channels until February 28, 2023.

You can also snag 30 percent off on participating premium AirPods cases from Elago, Lab.C, and Laut when bought together with AirPods at any Power Mac Center, The Loop, and Mobile Care Service Centers nationwide and at

<powermaccenter.com> until February 19, 2023.

Moreover, a wide selection of in-ear, wireless, and noise-cancelling earphones and earbuds in a variety of colors are slashed up to 50 percent off retail price. These are available via non-installment modes at all Power Mac Center, The Loop, and Mobile Care Service Centers nationwide, Web Store, and The Loop by Power Mac Center on Lazada and Shopee from February 11 to 19, 2023.

Valid non-installment payment methods include cash, straight credit card, debit card, bank transfer, check, GCash, GrabPay, WeChat, AliPay, Maya, Hello Money, UnionPay, BDO Pay, ShopeePay, QRPH, Power Mac Center eGift Certificate, Home Credit with interest, UpTrade trade-in value/voucher, BillEase, 1 Infinite Access points, and Power Mac Center Gift Certificate.

Basecamp, Power Mac Center’s official training arm, is also joining the Valentine’s celebration. Customers can avail of any course at the regular price and bring a companion for FREE! That’s right, it’s two for the price of one, and you can choose from a wide range of creative and technical courses.

Select training courses are also discounted at 20 percent off. These include macOS Fundamentals, Technical Troubleshooting, Apple Device Support, Apple Deployment and Management, iOS/iPadOS Fundamentals and Troubleshooting, Mac and Windows Integration Basics, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, and App Development with Swift. Sessions are conducted by Apple Certified Trainers every Monday to Fridays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for declared holidays. These promos are available from February 11 to 19, 2023 only, but the training itself can be scheduled with a Basecamp authorized representative until March this year.

Meanwhile, Power Mac Center’s service arm, Mobile Care, is extending discounts on diagnosis and software fees if you bring with you someone who also needs a repair or software fix for their Apple device. The two devices are entitled to a discount of 14 percent from February 11 to 19, 2023.

Terms and conditions apply. Shop now at https://bit.ly/PMCValentinesDay2023. Find other ongoing promotions at Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

MANILA City Mayor Maria Sheilah H. Lacuna along with PVB Chairman Roberto De Ocampo, OBE view the PVB Exhibit “War of our Fathers” located at the 2nd Floor of the Bulwagang Rodriguez of the Manila City Hall. The WWII Exhibit is open to the public free-of-charge until February 15, 2023.

BINGOPLUS SCREENING OF SCHOLAR APPLICANTS. BingoPlus Foundation and iACADEMY recently conducted the selection process for the P6 Million FutureSmart Scholarship Program. The chosen scholars who will get to study tech engineering at iACADEMY starting next school term will be announced very soon. Present during the candidate selection were (from left) BingoPlus Vice President for Brand Marketing and BingoPlus Foundation Representative Felbin Peter Soto, iACADEMY Senior Manager for the Office of Student Affairs and Services Anna Fernandez, iACADEMY Chairperson of Web Development and OIC Dean of Software Engineering Bennett Tanyag, and iACADEMY Scholarship Officer Richen de Castro.

Editor: Tet Andolong

Bay Area, E-Com centers prime for higher growth

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

Claro Cordero, director and head of research, consulting and advisory services at Cushman and Wakefield said positive rental will possibly emerge in 2023 as deferred projects are expected to get the green light, “giving confidence to developers and landlords to test resistance levels on the pre-pandemic published rates, while overall market vacancy tapers down.”

Meanwhile, Colliers Philippines associate director for research Joey Roi Bondoc recently pointed out in the company’s latest property outlook report that the Bay Area has a lot of potential in the office sector and poised to overtake Fort Bonifacio in the fourth spot in two years. This year, Bondoc noted the Bay Area will open 786 new business units, 22 percent of the total share. In 2025, the Bay Area will have 27percent share of the total pie of the office market Return-to-office is back Alex I s OR TIg A , B usiness Unit Head for Commercial Properties g r oup, s M Prime Holdings Inc. disclosed that the company is gearing up for the returnto-office (RTO) environment to enable tenants to achieve higher productivity.

“While hybrid work setup has gained traction, a majority of our tenant-partners have returned to the office and expect safe and secure environments that are meticulously designed for the convenience and welfare of their employees and operations,” Ortiga said.

He also pointed out that s M O ffices of the Commercial Properties g rou p, the commercial property development and management arm of s M Prime Holdings Inc. (s M Prime), has emphasized this facet as one of their top priorities as it offers functional workspaces that enable its tenant-partners and their employees to thrive in the postpandemic era.

s M Offices operates 34 office spaces in 23 strategic locations across the country. Over the

years, it has focused on building an environment-friendly and socially conscious office portfolio.

Among these are the e - Com Centers in the Bay Area, Pasay City.

Ortiga said the e - Com buildings provide a green environment for its tenants with its unique and expansive outdoor landscaped spaces. Moreover, workers are given to rejuvenate or recharge their mind through the greenery in the area.

Major business process outsourcing firm Alorica Philippines Inc. is one of the tenants of the e - Com building. s a rah Marie s a lva, Facilities Director of Alorica Philippines, recalled that the e - Com building played a big role in promoting the health and wellness of its employees especially during the pandemic. s h e said the e - Com

Homegrown builders bring pride to PHL

Center was the perfect venue for the company’s health and wellness initiatives, including activities it plans to host that will promote work-life balance.

“Additionally, the site is close to a mall, which gives our teams many options for entertainment, food, and rest. These are the things we consider when selecting a site and how we remain committed to being a certified g r eat Place to Work,” she said.

“Three e - Com Center building’s floor plan and configuration are well aligned to meet our business needs and allow us to integrate our branding and design so the space feels like an Alorica home. To top it all off, the location is easily accessible to public transportation, which gives our employees convenient and safe ways of getting to our

site,” s a lva added.

Ortiga said more tenants and employees will be able to enjoy a similar experience as s M Offices recently completed Four e - Com Center, the latest pre-certified l e adership in e n ergy and e n vironmental Design ( l ee D) g o ld office building in Pasay City.

Foure - Com Center has 89,100 square meters of leasable area, with 15 floors and 42 elevator units, designed to provide its tenant-partners and their employees convenience and accessibility to their workspaces.

The e - Com buildings achieved the lee D c ertification by complying with several rigid criteria to ensure businesses will be operating while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Meanwhile, the 50-storey Mega Tower has a core workspace

of 84,000 sq m and is located in the s M Megamall Complex—the gateway to the bustling Ortigas Central Business District. It has an array of integrated green advancements, offering a holistic work experience and unparalleled connectivity for its tenant-partners and business community.

Furthermore, other innovative and sustainable office spaces managed by s M Offices include the Cyber Buildings in Makati, West Avenue, and Baguio, Fairview Towers and North Towers in Quezon City, s o uth Towers in l a s Piñas City, s k yline and Tech Hub in Clark, The Core at s t a. Rosa, l a guna, s M s t rata in Iloilo City, CDO Downtown Tower in Cagayan de Oro City, and various in-mall office spaces across the country.

Manila

As T e P i nside the newest hotel in block, Hotel O kura Manila, immediately transports visitors from the b ustle of highly urban and sophisticated Newport World Resorts C omplex hotels to the charm and calm of old Japan. This magical experience is hugely the oeuvre of the imagination, creativity, and talents of the interior design teams of HBA s i ngapore and HBA Manila.

By Roderick L. Abad

TH e main builder of housing projects in the Philippines has just b een named the top winner during the recent Dot Property s o utheast Asia Awards held at the Four s e asons Bangkok in Thailand.

s M D evelopment Corp. (s M DC), the residential unit of s y f amily, won the Developer of The Year s o utheast Asia 2022, the event’s main honor. l i kewise, it collected four more accolades, including the s p ecial Recognition Award for Corporate s o cial Responsibility, a proof of its constant commitment to build sustainable and inclusive communities. Three of i ts projects also gained recognitions during the biggest night in s o utheast Asia’s real-estate industry.

s M DC’s s a il Residences claimed the Best Condominium Architectural Design. Inspired by world-class seaside r esorts and luxurious cruise ships, the property boasts of its opulent design and relaxed atmosphere perfect for individuals, couples, and families who are lo oking for a peaceful condo living amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

g o ld City, on the other hand, was the Best Mixed Used Development. This 11.6-hectare master-planned community integrates residential, commercial

and residential-office developments on prime land right across t he Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The Best l a ndscape Architectural Design was bestowed to Vine R esidences—thanks to its impressive outdoor spaces and amenities, s uch as the s u nken g a rden and the Vine Nature Park. s t rategically located within the s M C ity Novaliches mall complex, it is a stone thrown away from restaurants, retail stores and cinemas.

O ther homegrown developers also brought honors to the country during the event. R l C R esidences was presented with the Best s u stainable Development for its s ierra Valley g a rdens project. gr and l a nd brought home the Best l i festyle Condominium Development award for its project, The Piazza at The g r and Citygate Davao.

“The success for s M DC, R l C Residences and g r and l a nd at the Dot Property s o utheast Asia Awards 2022 is amazing,” said Tanya Peralta-Yu, Dot Property g rou p country manager for the Philippines. “It shows developers and projects in the Philippines can compete with the

r egion’s best. This is a remarkable achievement for the entire P hilippine real-estate industry.”

The event celebrated a diverse collection of real-estate d evelopers, projects and agents with more than 45 winners from across the region honored. This was the first time since 2019 that it was held fully in person with nearly 300 property leaders in attendance hailing the winners from seven different countries.

“Competition both domestically and regionally has seen the q uality of s o utheast Asia real estate improve greatly over the past few years. From urban condominiums to beachfront villas, p roperty seekers expect the best and the Dot Property s o utheast Asia Awards 2022 winners deliver in that regard,” said Adam s utcliffe, director for events and international markets of Dot Property g rou p.

“However, the Dot Property s o utheast Asia Awards 2022 was much more than a celebration of winners. It was an opportunity for us all to finally be together in one place, share stories and reconnect after three long years,” he added.

For its first venture in the country, the famous Japanese hotel group Okura Hotels and Resorts chose to work with the s i ngapore group of world-renowned h ospitality interior design company HBA, under HBA g a ming Principal, Joseph Cruz, who had been with the design teams behind the world’s most illustrious c asinos on the l a s Vegas strip, including the sls Hotel & Resort Casino, Bellagio Hotel Resort and Casino; Mirage Hotel Resort and Casino and Monte Carlo Hotel Resort and Casino, and the casino interiors of Nustar in Cebu, t o name a few.

The vision was not just to bring the signature brand of service of the hotel here, but to capture and re-create astorybook experience of Japan that is rarely touted in today’s modern digital world. This hotel is the first of a continuing work team-up of HBA and Okura Hotels and Resorts groups, with HBA Manila under Principal Norman Agleron as the team that p rovided on-site support during the entire challenging period of almost-complete pandemic lockdown that the hotel was being c onstructed and bedecked.

Cruz shares, “The request from both the owners NWR group and

operators Hotel Okura, is that we capture the essence of Japanese architecture and culture and t ransport their guests during their stay in the property. HBA did an in-depth study of both criteria and tailored our design to reflect the best examples we found not only in the big design gesture but also in the small details that can be found all over the hotel.”

Proof is definitely in the details as much as the overall impact, which is evident immediately upon entering the premises, w here guests are greeted with the enchantment of the incredibly diverse Japanese countryside where t ime seems to have stopped. Dramatic mountain ranges, flat rice f ields, and green forests studded here and there with charming small towns with narrow streets dotted with wooden houses and temples from e d o period, come alive in one’s mind amidst the ingenious design application of modern glass and steel.

HBA engaged skilled craftsmen to create a see-through glass r oof tiles that allow guests’ field of vision to expand even beyond.

“The Flight Chandelier,’ the art installation creating the dramatic lighting is, according to C ruz, “like the first few days of ‘Tsuyu’—Japan’s rainy season, or Manila’s summer rain, flickering soft lights of fiber optics r eminiscent of those warm balmy nights under the moonlight after a rain shower.” A creation of w orld-renowned British designer and artist s h aron Marston, the installation helps set the mood— the season—immediately, with its organic yet ethereal and poetic drama.

“ HBA Manila is integral part of HBA g lob al and we rely on the local team to provide on-site support whenever the overseas team needed eyes and ears on the ground. More than any other time, this was extremely important during regional lockdown,” C ruz attests.

Not only did the HBA teams deliver, but this working relationship between HBA and Okura on t his project is based on mutual respect and continuous to be very strong and through the succeeding ongoing and future projects.

After experiencing a lethargic phase during the pandemic period, the office sector is poised for a huge rebound.

Work tandems among HBA international groups produce the essence of Japan in the Hotel Okura

landscaped gardens F O u Re- CO M Center is the latest pre-certified LeeD gold building in the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) complex

FROM left, Dot Property Director of events and International Markets Adam Sutcliffe, SM Development Corp. (SMDC)

Assistant Vice President for Marketing Rosita Jimenez, SMDC Vice President for Marketing Clarina Luna-Magtulis, Dot

Property Philippines Country Manager Tanya Peralta-Yu and Dot Property General Manager James Claassen.

National Palanca

taekwondo meet up at Ayala Malls

THE country’s best and toughest jins battle it out in the Smart/ MVP Sports FoundationNational Carlos Palanca Jr. (CPJ) Taekwondo Championships on Saturday and Sunday at the Ayala Malls-Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

Tokyo Olympics campaigner Kurt Bryan Barbosa heads the list of grizzled veterans in the tournament organized by the Philippine Taekwondo Association and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Milo.

The fighters to watch include Mexico world championships quarterfinalist Dave Cea and Joseph Chua, along with Laila Delo, Baby Jessica Canabal and Southeast Asian Games multi-medalist Elaine Alora. More than 1,000 jins were confirmed for two events—kyorugi (freee sparring) and poomsae (form).

The kyorugi competitions feature senior, junior, cadet and grade school jins for male and female, while the poomsae events will be in individual, team and mixed pairs and freestyle for individual and mixed teams.

The competition serves as a tune-up event for the members of the national team to the Asian Taekwondo Federation Championships scheduled March 11 and 12 also at the Ayala Malls.

It also part of a series of qualifying tournaments for slots on the national teams to the world championships, Asian Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, world cadet championships and the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

Sports

B8 Wednesday, FeBruary 15, 2023

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

SUPER BOWL LVII: WATCHED BY 113M

FOX was hoping the matchup of two top teams in the Super Bowl and a close game would lead to a record night.

Even though Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles came down to a field goal with eight seconds remaining, Fox fell just short of its goal.

The Chiefs’ rally to defeat the Eagles, 38-35, is on pace to become the third most-watched television show in history, with an estimated 113 million people watching, according to preliminary numbers released Monday.

Marcial catches Haymon’s attention–Gibbons

EUMIR FELIX MARCIAL’S secondround technical knockout victory over veteran Argentinian Ricardo Ruben Villalba last Sunday at the Alamodome in Texas was so impressive he made heads turn toward him—including that of renowned boxing manager and promoter Al Haymon.

Al Haymon was really thrilled by what he saw last and that’s what he expects from Eumir for a very long time,” International matchmaker and MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons told BusinessMirror on Tuesday. “And now with Eumir progressing as a professional fighter, he will be given a good fight.”

H aymon is a reclusive but influential boxing figure who has handled the careers of world champions, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., Luis Ortiz, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Amir Khan, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and even eighth-division champion former Senator Manny Pacquiao. He has had more than 70 top boxers in his stable and was named Boxing Writers of America Manager of the Year Award five times.

Marcial, 27, was so dominant in his fourth professional fight that he floored Villalba in the first round and forced the referee to stop their eight-round middleweight duel in the second round.

V illabla, 33, climb the ring opposite the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist with a 28-fight experience is now tainted by an eighth loss on 20 wins and one draw.

Gibbons couldn’t still say who the Southeast Asian Games four-time gold medalist would face next but assured it could be a 10-rounder for a regional title in either May or June this year.

That could depend on Jorge Capetillo’s recommendation,” Gibbons said.

Hidilyn immerses into heavier 59-kg weight division

HIDILYN DIAZ-NARANJO has started to ease her entire system into the 59-kg class— the weightlifting weight class she intends to qualify for in the Paris 2024 Olympics. It won’s be easy to shift to a heavier weight class as she found her comfort zone in 55 kgs, the division where she won the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2021.

“I finally recovered and continue to push my mindset of returning to my usual elements,” Diaz-Naranjo told BusinessMirror on Tuesday, adding that first up for her at 59 kgs will be at the Asian Weightlifting Championships from May 3 to 13 in Jinju, South Korea.

Coaches come and go

C apetillo has been Marcial’s trainer in all his fights.

Gibbons said what Marcial displayed at Alomo dome was the result of hard work and ring IQ from his team.

That’s the result of Marcial concen trating full time on profes sional,” Gibbons said. “We’re happy to see those crisp punches, the timing, the speed and the power.”

M who has been in the US since October last year, plans to return home with his wife Princess for a 15-day vacation.

H is camp declared that he could be skipping the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia in May, but would be available for this September’s Huangzhou 19th Asian Games, a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Josef Ramos

rookies undergo initiation rites.

Fox said the audience estimate includes the broadcasts on Fox and Fox Deportes as well as streaming on Fox and the National Football League’s (NFL) digital sites. The figures are via Nielsen’s Fast National data and Adobe Analytics.

The 2015 game between New England and Seattle on NBC holds the record at 114,442,000 viewers (not including streaming), followed by Super Bowl 51 in 2017 on Fox between Atlanta and New England (113,668,000).

Th is was Fox’s 10th Super Bowl since it began airing NFL games in 1994 and the second most-watched program in Fox Sports history.

It would also be a slight increase over the 112.3 million average for last

year’s Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Rams’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals was broadcast by NBC and Telemundo and streamed on Peacock and NFL digital sites.

A ccording to Adobe Analytics, this year’s digital feed averaged a Super Bowl-record 7 million streams, an 18% increase over last year (6 million) and more than double Fox’s last Super Bowl in 2020 (3.4 million).

It was the third straight year the streaming average has surpassed 5 million. The first Super Bowl to be streamed, in 2012, averaged 346,000.

R ihanna’s halftime show averaged 118.7 million viewers, making it the second-most watched in Super Bowl history. Katy Perry’s 2015 performance holds the top mark at 121 million.

The Spanish-language audience average for the game was 951,000, a record for the most-watched Super Bowl game in Spanish-language cable television history. It was also the most watched non-soccer event in Spanish-language cable history.

The Spanish-language number is down from last year’s record of 1.9 million on Telemundo, which unlike Fox Deportes has broadcast affiliates in 90 markets.

The Super Bowl has been televised in Spanish in the United States since 2014.

Final Nielsen data will be available on Tuesday, including the Englishlanguage television-only figures. After Super Bowls averaged over 100 million viewers from 2010-18, four of the five games before this year had fallen short of that number because of cord-cutting. That included 95.2 million for the 2021 Super Bowl between Tampa Bay and Kansas City, which was the game’s lowest TV-only average since 2007. AP

Diaz-Naranjo debuted as an unassuming 17-year-old wild card in the 58kg class at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. She stayed in that division in London 2012, but shed pounds for the 53-kg division and bagged a silver medal at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games.

Unfortunately, the world weightlifting federation scrapped the women’s 55 kgs from the Paris program. “Be stronger, build more muscles than ever, and my body is becoming more solid than ever. I also got my technique,” she said. “I am really thankful to Team HD for providing everything for transforming me to my competitive self.”

Team HD is composed of her husband strength and conditioning trainer and coach Julius Naranjo, psychologist Dr. Karen Katrina Trinidad and nutritionist Jeneath Aro.

Diaz-Naranjo has won all the possible titles in weightlifting—that Tokyo and an Asian Games gold medal in Jakarta 2018, two Southeast Asian Games crowns and most recently, a world championships sweep in Bogota last December.

“L ast January, it was quite hard to build strength again, but I just went back to my strength and my daily routine after dropping my original weight of 55 kgs,” she said. “But my confidence level now is at 80 percent… I’m starting to regain my strength and I’m on the right track.” Josef Ramos

Malaysian sets pace with 69 in PGT Q-School at Splendido

MALAYSIAN U Minn Woon marked his first foray in the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) Q-School in style with an impressive three-under 69 to lead Nilo Salahog by two at the start of the 72-hole eliminations at the Splendido Taal Golf Club in Tagaytay City on Tuesday.

Woon, who moved to Florida at 16, played college golf at Fairleigh Dickinson University and won the St. Augustine Amateur title at St. Johns in 2018, banked on his superb allaround game to dominate the rolling and challenging layout he hardly had knowledge of.

He birdied two of the first three holes at the back where he teed off and gained more strokes on Nos. 2 and 3 before holing out with a bogey on the par-five No. 9.

WHILE we were sleeping, coaches were shuffled like a deck of cards.

First off, Chot Reyes was lifted from TNT Tropang Giga to Gilas Pilipinas. Just right.

W hy it took some time before that was done boggles the mind. As coach of both TNT and Gilas, the teams suffered, with TNT taking the brunt from the flawed setup. Chot took a rap, too.  His divided attention had cost TNT a possible Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup trophy.

J ojo “Jolas” Lastimosa took Chot’s TNT post. Jolas has been struggling as he’s still learning the ropes. All

AMERICAN referee Mark Calooy directs Eumir Felix Marcial to the neutral corner to give Ricardo Ruben Villalba the eight count in the first round.

COURTESY JHAY OH OTAMIAS

A s tunner was Topex Robinson’s departure from Phoenix, moving to De La Salle. Topex was not exactly a failure as the Fuel Masters coach. He couldn’t resist La Salle’s juicy offer? Or, as some pundits say, Topex didn’t get what he had bargained for at Phoenix? Whatever, Jamike Jarin had taken over and, like Jolas, he’s been grappling with novice jitters.

Ne xt was Pido Jarencio, who finally said goodbye to NorthPort after such a long, albeit fruitless, stint as Batang Pier coach. Like Topex, Pido went back to school coaching after accepting the offer of University of Santo Tomas (UST). Pido had piloted UST to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines championship in 2006, beating Ateneo no less in the Season 69 Finals.

B onnie Tan replaced Pido at Northport, bringing with him three straight National Collegiate Athletic Association titles as Letran coach in 2019, 2021 and 2022. But, like the rest of the PBA newbies, Bonnie is also adjusting to the vagaries of big time coaching: No walk in the park.

B ut Jorge Gallent seems to be the exception. In his first five games as San Miguel Beer’s brand-new coach, Jorge brought his foes to their knees like he was never the new kid in town.

The son of the former pelotari star George, Jorge’s initial display of genius caught everybody by surprise—but not Ramon S. Ang.  Ang, who owns SMB as the flagship squad in

WORLD SLASHER CHAMP

Jonjon Alegre (Jonah), one of five champions in the World Slasher Cup 1 9-Cock Invitational Derby at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, pose with Bb. Pilipinas during the official awarding ceremony at the Novotel Manila Araneta City recently. Jonah booked an 8-1 win-loss record. NONOY LACZA

the three-team San Miguel Corp. troika to include Magnolia and recent Governors’ Cup champion Ginebra, did not think twice when Gallent was tapped to take over the reins from Leo Austria.

I n Austria’s exit comes the harsh truth again that coaching is as unstable a job as a boat getting incessantly tossed by waves amid a storm. The only thing certain about the work is the certainty of its constancy: It comes and goes like the wind.

T HAT’S IT It’s been practically a week since LeBron James made himself the all-time scoring leader in the National Basketball Association (NBA), breaking fellow Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 39-year total of 38,387 points.  James sank a fall away shot from 21 feet near the key with ticks left in the third quarter in the LakersThunder game on February 8, amassing the required 36 points for a 38,388-point total that surpassed the mark held since April 1984 by Jabbar, who watched the game seated behind the Lakers’ bench at Los Angeles’ Crypto. com Arena.   Jabbar would next join NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and a clearly emotional James on the court after the game was stopped following LeBron’s historic basket.  Jabbar and James would hug each other after which James said, “To be able to be in the presence of such a legend and as great as Kareem, it’s very humbling.  I never talked about being the all-time scorer in NBA history.”

Still, his 35-34 card proved enough to net him the early lead over Salahog, who birdied the first two holes at the front but scrambled with three bogeys against two more birdies in hot conditions for a 71.

C arlos Packing, a veteran interclub campaigner, bounced back from a flawed backside 38 with birdies on Nos. 1 and 8 as he rescued a 72 for solo third, while Russell Bautista missed gaining solo second as he blew a two-under card on birdies on Nos. 2 and 3 with three bogeys in the last five holes at the front.

But the Cebuano bet still emerged the top amateur with a 73 despite dropping to joint fourth with Korean Kim Seong Guk, Japanese Toru Nakajima and Rene Menor.

Menor, who posted his first and only career victory here in PGT Asia in 2017, beating Thai Pasavee Lertvilai and American John Michael O’Toole in sudden death, also fumbled in a backside finish, bogeying Nos. 15 and 17 for a 35-38.

Nakajima, bidding to regain his PGT card after winning the Wack Wack leg in 2013, had a quiet onebirdie, double-bogey round, while Kim also squandered a one-under effort with bogeys on Nos. 6 and 9.

3 AGAINST 1 Magnolia import Anton Hester (right), Calvin Abueva (left) and Rome de la Rosa (rear) gang up on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Christian Standhardinger during their Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup game at the MOA Arena on Sunday night. The Hotshots won, 118-88. COURTESY RUDY ESPERAS