BusinessMirror February 15, 2024 by BusinessMirror

Formal notice of award on Naia deal delayed By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE San Miguel Corp.-led consortium that offered the winningest bid for the multibillion-peso deal to privatize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) will have to wait for at least a day more before it receives the official notice of award. This, as the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) Board has yet to convene to approve SMC-SAP & Co. Consortium’s offer to provide the government a share of 82.16 percent

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SOUTH AFRICA APPEALS TO UN COURT TO INVESTIGATE ISRAEL’S TARGETING OF RAFAH IN GENOCIDE LAWSUIT

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of future gross revenues. “The Department of TransportationpBids and Awards Committee met this morning. [The] bidding report [is] to be submitted to Miaa, whose board meeting is scheduled for tomorrow [Thursday] night,” the DOTr said in a media advisory. The agency earlier said that it aims to issue the notice of award by Thursday, February 15. SMC-SAP emerged as the frontrunner for the auction for the P170.6-billion Naia Privatization Public-Private Partnership (PPP). It is composed of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics

Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp. GMR Airports Consortium, meanwhile, offered a bid amount of 33.30-percent government share, while the Manila International Airport Consortium submitted a bid amount of 25.9-percent government share. The Naia Privatization Project is a Rehabilitate-Operate-ExpandTransfer (ROET) deal led by the DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa). Under the terms of reference for the deal, the winning consortium shall provide an upfront

payment of P30 billion to the government as premium and another P2 billion in annuity payments. It is also required to remit a certain percentage of the revenues to the government. This will be the main bid parameter for the auction—the higher the proposed share of the government in the Naia’s revenues are, the better. The concession was initially set for 15 years, with an option to extend by 10 years as long as the concessionaire is “not in flagrant violation of the concession agreement.”

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TWEAKS ON PACKAGE 4 OF CTRP TO YIELD P12B w

Thursday, February 15, 2024 Vol. 19 No. 123

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 28 pages |

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

HE national government will stand to gain P12.2 billion by frontloading the implementation of the revenueincreasing provisions in 2024 under the refined proposal on Package 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

DOF’s proposal on Package 4 of the CTRP or the proposed Passive Income Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (Pifita) seeks to frontload the implementation of the provisions in 2024 and backload some of the administration of revenue-eroding provisions in 2028 when the country is in a better fiscal position, the DOF said. The refined proposal of DOF will enable the government to generate P12.2 billion in revenues from the third quarter of 2024 until 2028. In DOF’s older proposal in October 2023, the government could lose P83 billion in revenues while P19.3 billion in revenue loss from the House Bill 4339 version. See “Tweaks,” A2

LOVE AND SACRIFICE The Catholic faithful worldwide observed Ash Wednesday on February 14, on a date interestingly coinciding with Valentine’s Day celebrations. These photos capture the solemn rituals of Ash Wednesday at Our Lady of Light Parish in Cainta, Rizal. Meanwhile, nearby, Valentine’s Day balloons are seen for sale along Parola Street in the same area. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a period of solemn reflection, repentance, and preparation leading up to Easter Sunday. BERNARD TESTA

PANTHEON IN HISTORY: PBBM FETES JPE ON HIS 100TH BDAY By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

N icon in the pantheon of Philippine history. This was how President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called Presidential chief legal adviser Juan Valentin P. Ponce Enrile, who celebrated his 100th birthday, in Malacañang on Wednesday. Among those who attended the party were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and

Joseph Ejercito Estrada, as well as incumbent senators. In his speech at the event, the chief executive shared how he fondly called Enrile Tito (uncle) Johnny, who is known for his ties with the Marcos family. “He is a remarkable person and I’m just so happy to have known him. First through my father and now as we have found work together—I must admit to have him in my corner, gives me—allows me to sleep better at night than if he were not there,” Marcos said. See “Pantheon,” A2

PHL equity curbs tightest in Asean–ex-DOF chief Teves By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE Philippines holds the highest foreign equity ownership restrictions among Asean countries, former finance secretary Gary Teves said on Wednesday. Speaking at a House-organized roundtable forum on regulatory barriers’ impact on foreign direct investments, Teves said that the Philippines is the most restrictive in Asean, ranking globally at number three. The roundtable discussion was organized by the House of Representatives Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) Deputy Secretary General Dr. Romulo Emmanuel Miral Jr. and moderated

by Markina City Rep. Stella Quimbo, senior vice chairperson of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “We are the most restrictive in Asean, and Vietnam, which has made substantial liberalization, is the least restrictive. We are No. 3 globally,” Teves told the forum. He highlighted constitutional restrictions in various sectors, such as agriculture, mining, construction, transport, media, and telecommunications. Teves, representing the Foundation for Economic Freedom, expressed support for amending the Constitution’s “restrictive” economic provisions and emphasized the need for broader regulatory changes beyond constitutional amendments to attract foreign investments. See “PHL,” A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 55.9690 n JAPAN 0.3712 n UK 70.5041 n HK 7.1579 n CHINA 7.7767 n SINGAPORE 41.4340 n AUSTRALIA 36.1112 n EU 59.9428 n KOREA 0.0418 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.9247 Source: BSP (February 14, 2024)

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A2 Thursday, February 15, 2024

DSWD: ‘Akap’ is for ‘near poor,’ not Cha-cha campaign T

HE House of Representatives and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday clarified that the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) was not intended to finance the signing campaign for a revision to the Charter but was rather meant for those who fall into the category of “near poor” minimum wage earners.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the primary objective of Akap is to prevent individuals from slipping below the poverty line, especially the “near poor” segment, which comprises vulnerable minimum wage earners. The DSWD and the House issued separate statements in response to allegations by Senator Imee Marcos regarding the alleged misuse of funds allocated by Congress for Akap beneficiaries, which include construction workers, factor y workers, grab drivers, food service crews, and the like. The DSWD chief said this “near poor” segment includes minimum wage earners who are vulnerable to economic shocks such as runaway inflation that can easily send them

Tweaks... Continued from A1

In a presentation at a public hearing of the House Committee on Ways

back to poverty. Households that have already exited the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are also part of the “near poor” category, which needs a safety net like the Akap program to prevent them from slipping below the poverty line. “This segment of our society feels excluded from our DSWD programs. An economic shock such as runaway inflation can easily send the ‘near poor’ back to poverty,” explained Gatchalian. Gatchalian reiterated respect for the legislative branch’s power of the purse, emphasizing the presumption of regularity enjoyed by the General Appropriations Act due to its thorough scrutiny. He said it is the DSWD’s duty to and Means last Monday, Finance Assistant Secretary Karlo Fermin S. Adriano said the refined DOF proposal includes changes on the passive income, financial intermediaries, and documentary stamp tax. The DOF proposed to adjust the

implement what is outlined in the budget. Noting that none of the Akap monies for 2024 has been spent, Gatchalian assured the public that the DSWD is currently crafting guidelines to ensure the program’s efficient fulfillment of the agency’s mandate.

Not for Cha-cha

HOUSE appropriations committee chairman Elizaldy Co strongly refuted allegations that funds intended for the Akap Program were diverted for a Charter change signature drive. As outlined in the 2024 budget, Akap allocates P50 billion for direct support to families earning less than P23,000 monthly, ensuring aid for those not covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) due to their income bracket. Co said Senator Marcos’ allegations are baseless and that the Akap funds will be distributed in strict accordance with the provisions of the 2024 General Appropriations Act. “Congress stands by its committax rates on interest income to 20 percent from the 15-percent gradual decrease, which could generate P30.8 billion in revenues from 2024 to 2028. “The DOF is copying the proposal of the House Bill for interest

ment to enhance government support for Filipinos, particularly those impacted by the economic challenges posed by global inflation and ongoing geopolitical tensions,” he added. Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. reminded the Senate that it had approved the new P26.7-billion Akap program. “Akap is part of the 2024 national budget. The Senate gave its stamp of approval to AKAP when it passed the then proposed P5.768 trillion outlay for this year in plenary last November 28,” Gonzales said. He said questioning the 2024 budget now “would also mean questioning the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign the then-budget bill into law.” Gonzales also said Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez or any House member has no hand in the release and spending of funds for Akap or any program specified in the budget that extends assistance to the poor, jobless, underemployed, and other individuals needing government help. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

income,” Adriano noted. Adriano, in his presentation, said that instead of raising the income tax rate for dividends at 15 percent, it proposes to retain it and decrease it in 2028 by 10 percent. “The idea here is that dividends are already subjected to corporate income tax, basically having it 15 percent will make us not competitive because when you compare it to our neighbors, 10 percent is the average,” Adriano explained. The removal of the exemption on pickup trucks from excise tax is also under Package 4, which will generate P33 billion in revenues and cover the negative impact of Pifita in revenues. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/02/12/ excise-tax-on-pickup-trucksmay-raise-p33b-in-revenues/). The revenue implication of the reduction of income tax rates in dividends is a revenue loss of P6.6 billion by 2028. Adriano said Package 4 was initially proposed before the pandemic when the debt-to-GDP ratio was around 39 to 40 percent. “The government had some fiscal space to actually accommodate some of the losses but given that we’re already beyond after Covid-19, debt-to-GDP ratio is around 60 percent,” he said. “We need to be mindful of the impacts of having revenue-eroding measures,” Adriano added. The DOF has submitted the initial list of its refined proposals to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and is already coordinating to analyze the economic impact of Package 4. The Pifita bill seeks to “harmonize” the taxation of passive income and financial intermediaries by reducing and “simplifying” the complicated tax rates on financial transactions.

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The Naia Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project seeks to rehabilitate and expand the current three-terminal gateway in Manila. Once completed, its capacity shall be expanded from 35 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 62 MMPA. After issuing the notice of award, which the DOTr said should be announced “tentatively” on February 16, the agency will then evaluate the compliance of the post-award requirements. It targets to sign the concession agreement on March 15.

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PHL...

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“Remove those from the Constitution. We are the only country in Asean and perhaps in the entire world with those restrictions in the Constitution,” he said. He added that if the power to regulate investment inflow belonged to Congress, the legislature could easily change the limitations. Teves also argued that dismantling these barriers is necessary but not a sufficient condition for enhancing foreign investments. He also cited other “restrictions” that are not in the Constitution and which hinder the flow of capital —issues related to ease of doing business, red tape, corruption, infrastructure, logistics and the cost of electricity, he said. Teves said that one “serious constraint” on investment is local government interference and regulation. He said businessmen and investors did not expect to encounter such a problem in local governance. National Scientist Raul Fabella also underscored the Philippines’ “anti-investment ecology” and the need to address various factors affecting investments beyond constitutional restrictions. “The task before this generation and this administration is to reverse this decadal march to the bottom of the investment ladder,” he said. He added that the recent law reducing corporate income tax has failed to entice foreign investors and has only benefited the shareholders of corporations that used the tax bonanza for dividends. Like Teves, Fabella pointed out that factors other than constitutional restrictions, including those related to the high cost of electricity, bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption, the rule of law and infrastructure, affect investments. Some 172 signatures are required for certain projects, he said. He cited the controversial construction of Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport during the Ramos administration as an example of the cost of foreign ownership limitation. The project drew interest from foreign investments, among them Germany’s airport operator Fraport. “But the restriction on foreign ownership means that foreign interests cannot wholly own and run the facility. It [Fraport] needed a local partner to pose as the majority owner [some say dummy]. It found one, but the partner was embroiled in corruption cases leading to lawsuits that caused

Pantheon...

the completed Terminal 3 to be mothballed for a decade since delivery in 2002,” Fabella said. He noted that in 2016, the Supreme Court, confirming an arbitral ruling, ordered the government to pay Piatco, Fraport’s local partner, P25 billion. “Had the ownership restriction not been there, Terminal 3 would have been running and earning since 2002, and the P25 billion indemnity would have been avoided. P25 billion was the cost of the foreign ownership restriction in just this one case,” Fabella said. The government eventually took over Terminal 3, which started to operate at full capacity in August 2014. Meanwhile, Rutcher Lacaza, supervising legislative staff of the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD), presented a paper on investment barriers and their impact on foreign direct investments. One of the significant contributions of FDI is its role in job creation, offering employment opportunities that not only enhance the employment rate but also elevate the overall quality of life, Lacaza said. He added that the influx of foreign investments brings with it new businesses, leading to increased employment opportunities and economic stability. He said FDI significantly contributes to capital accumulation, injecting much-needed resources into the host country’s economy. He added that foreign investors, equipped with advanced technology and expertise, introduce a wider range of high-quality products and services at more affordable prices, benefiting local consumers. However, he said the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted global economic growth, prompting a closer look at how FDI can aid in the recovery of ASEAN countries. Citing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), he said FDI reached $10.5 billion in 2021, marking a 54-percent increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, the Philippines lags behind its Asean neighbors. He said World Bank data reveals that FDI inflows in the Philippines grew by an average of 3.9 percent between 2010 and 2019, prior to the pandemic. “So despite the efforts to attract foreign investments, the Philippines’ FDI net inflows have not been at the same level as those of Vietnam and Indonesia,” he said.

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Public service career

ENRILE became a part of the Cabinet of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. until he joined the plot to oust the former chief executive in what later became the Edsa People Power Revolt of 1986. He later reconciled with the Marcos family. He started his career in public service as Finance undersecretary in 1966. He later held other positions including Acting Finance Secretary and concurrent Acting Insurance Commissioner, Commissioner of Customs, and Acting Chairman of the Momentary Board of the Central Bank of the Philippines. During the administration of Marcos, Sr., he served as Justice Secretary and Minister of National Defense. He also served as senator at the same time as Marcos and acted as the latter’s mentor, giving “sage advice” based on his wealth of experience. Marcos Jr. said one of his favorite memories of Enrile was when he caught the former Senate president reading a book on poetry despite not being fond of this form of literature. “I said, ‘why are you walking around with a book of poetry?’

[Enrile replied] ‘Because I want to use parts of my brain that I do not normally use,’” President Marcos Jr. recalled.

Longevity secret

IN 2022, Enrile joined the current Cabinet as Presidential Legal Counsel at the age of 98. Enrile thanked Marcos for the recognition he received and allowing him to return to public service. “The happiest moment of my life was when I served the first presidency of a Marcos President and the second time is now that I’m serving the son of that president, our President Bongbong Marcos,” Enrile said. Marcos Jr. joked about the memes on Enrile’s long life span, including the one which portrayed him as part of the Malolos Republic, which was established in 1896. He noted that when he asked Enrile about the secret to his longevity, the latter simply said he does not feel like he is 100 years old. “So, I guess that’s the secret, that you don’t think about it very much,” Marcos concluded. He said he continues to value Enrile’s advice until now, noting it is based on a life full of achievement, purpose, service, and duty.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

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

Senate bill imposes higher compensation for unjust arrest due to ‘mistaken identity’ By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

enator Robin Padilla is pushing passage of a law for higher compensation from the government for victims of unjust arrest and detention due to “mistaken identity.” In filing Senate Bill 2547, to be known as the proposed Mohammad Said Act, Padilla cited the case of Mohammad Maca-antal Said, 62, who was wrongfully arrested in 2023 due to mistaken identity and was freed only last February 7. “This representation proposes to ensure that any person unjustly detained or deprived of liberty due to mistaken identity shall be compensated based on the period of imprisonment or detention,” Padilla pointed out in his bill. He noted that the bill, which revisits Republic Act 7309 (An Act Creating a Board of Claims under the Department of Justice of Victims of Unjust Imprisonment or Detention and Victims of Violent Crimes and for Other Purposes), recommends an increase in the monetary compensation to be awarded by the Board of Claims. The senator pointed out that while the State does its best to uphold Section 1, Article III of the 1987 Constitution clearly stating that no person shall be deprived of live, liberty or property without due process; or denied equal protection of the laws, “there remains the fact that errors in making an arrest or detention of a suspected

offender, whether knowingly or not, are committed by our law enforcers.” The senator cited, for instance, the investigative report in 2015 that noted at least 51 recorded wrongful arrests made by law enforcers. Moreover, he noted the Supreme Court had earlier held that a person deprived of liberty due to mistaken identity is “not under any lawful process and is continuously being illegally detained.” Under the bill, the senator sought to amend Section 3 of RA 7309, to include “any person unjustly detained or deprived of liberty due to mistaken identity” as among those who can file for claims. In addition, the senator cited Section 4 of RA 7309 to increase the compensation for victims of unjust imprisonment or detention to not less than P10,000 per month of detention. Moreover, the bill provides for the annual funding for such claims shall partly come from 3 percent of the net income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), and 3 percent of the proceeds and sales and other disposition of military camps in Metro Manila by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. In addition, P50 shall be set aside from each filing fee in every civil case filed with the court as part of the Victim Compensation Fund to be administered by the Department of Justice.

DILG chief vows crackdown vs. extortion gang preying on truckers, delivery drivers By Rex Anthony Naval

epartment of the Inter ior a nd L oca l Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. vowed Tuesday to go after groups and individuals behind extortion activities victimizing truckers and delivery drivers in Metro Manila and other parts of the country. He made the assurance following a meeting with the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) who complained that the extortionists were deliberately disregarding Executive Order (EO) No. 41,

which lifts collection of passthrough fees for trucks and other vehicles transporting goods. T hose who attended t he closed-door meeting were CTAP president Maria Zapata, Metro Manila Development Authorit y (MMDA) c h a i r m a n At t y. Romando Artes, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan, and representatives from the local government units of the City of Manila and Quezon City. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through EO 41 issued last September 25, ordered local government units (LGU) to

@lorenzmarasigan

he Department of Transportation (DOTr) plans to pilot the use of biometrics to speed up airport processing and ensure efficient movement of passengers. Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Sector Roberto Lim said the integration of biometrics into airport operations would help drive efficiencies and enhance security, resulting in better passenger experience.

“The future is now… biometrics passenger processing will significantly make the Philippine airport experience more pleasant, more efficient,” Lim said. One of the key advantages highlighted by Lim is the seamless and expedited airport processing. The integration of biometric facial scans, boarding passes, and embedded IDs into a single token empowers passengers to effortlessly navigate various checkpoints— from entrance to boarding. This innovation not only reduces processing time but also

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended the filing of criminal charges against the owners of oil tanker M/T Princess Empress, which sank off the waters of Oriental Mindoro a year ago, causing an oil spill that reached the waters of Batangas and several other provinces. The DOJ said its panel of prosecutors found basis to indict the corporate officers of M/T Princess Empress, a personnel

of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), and a private individual for multiple counts of falsification of public documents by a private individual, multiple use of falsified documents, and multiple counts of falsification of public or official documents. The prosecutors also found that RDC Reield Marine Services Inc., the shipping company that ow ns and operates M/T Pr incess Empress, submitted falsified documents, including a Construction Certificate and Affidavit of Ownership.

eliminates the need for multiple document verifications, providing a hassle-free experience. Passengers, he sa id, ca n also expect enhanced security throughout their journey. The biometric system ensures a robust and reliable identification process, mitigating the risk of identity-related issues. Moreover, the system promises a more pleasant and comfortable airport experience. Lim explained that the streamlined processes and reduced waiting times contribute to a stress-free journey

for passengers. By minimizing manual checks and paperwork, biometrics paves the way for a paperless and eco-friendly travel environment. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA) are now looking “into a pilot operation as local stakeholders await the implementation of the process and technology in action, while preparing to further improve passenger comfort, accessibility and security through departure process.”

BRP Davao Del Sur, MBLT-9 to help in Davao relief efforts

anding platform dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), carrying some 40,000 boxes of food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, was deployed to Davao City to help in the ongoing relief operations for communities in the region hit by floods caused by heavy rainfall triggered by low pressure system. In its Facebook post, the Western Command (Wescom) where the ship is currently attached, said the BRP Davao Del Sur left

Pier 15, Manila South Harbor early Tuesday. The provincial government of Davao de Oro, meanwhile, reported Tuesday it has formed a team to rescue animals trapped or untended in the landslide area at Barangay Masara in the municipality of Maco following concerns raised by evacuated residents about their pets and livestock animals. The new team would join the 204 rescue personnel in t he landslide area in Zone 1.

Aside from the 40,000 food packs, BRP Davao Del Sur also carried troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 9 who will help in the humanitarian mission. “After completion of the said mission, the two units will return to Wescom’s joint operational area in Palawan to continue their mandated tasks in support of external defense operations in the West Philippine Sea,” it added. Also involved in the said relief

operation are other government agencies, such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Coast Guard. “LD-602’s deployment underscores the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ ability to respond quickly and provide crucial aid to communities in times of need, demonstrating their commitment to both defense and humanitarian efforts,” Wescom said.

Rex Anthony Naval and Manuel T. Cayon

CDO Rep. Rodriguez: Secession call unlikely to gain ground in Mindanao

ag aya n de O ro C it y Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday said the people of Mindanao are unlikely to support any secession or independence call, stressing that the island continues to rely on the national government. Rodriguez affirmed Mindanaoans are unified in their rejection of ex-president Rodrigo R. Duterte’s call for secession. “ Upon con su lt at ion s w it h our barangay officials, business leaders, and socio-civ ic leaders in Cagayan de Oro, they are against Mindanao secession from the Republic of the Philippines,” Rodriguez said. He questioned the rationale

behind supporting secession, emphasizing that it would lead to regression rather than the continued progress the region has been experiencing. “It’s like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. It’s suicidal. Sane people like us Mindanaonons and the rest of us Filipinos will not do that, even at the prodding of our former leaders,” Rodriguez said. The lawmaker pointed out that Mindanao’s development would suffer if the island were to separate from the country. “Where will we get the funds to sustain our infrastructure, agricultural, and economic development that is going on now under

suspend the collection of “passthrough fees” to ensure the efficient movement of goods across regions aligned with the strategies to revitalize local industries under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. EO 41 also aims to lessen the expenses of truckers and hasten travel time that would result in lower prices of goods in the market, especially food and agricultural products. Abalos said daily operations would be initiated by the police to arrest and put behind bars individuals and groups that are involved in extortion activities victimizing truck drivers.

The DILG chief said that among the agreements reached during the meeting was the assurance that the MMDA and City of Manila will not impose any truck ban. He added that the DILG would also examine city routes of trucks, which are within the jurisdiction of the LGUs. Also being studied is nationwide truck routes, which will be done in consultation with other national government agencies. Abalos also mentioned that the measures initiated to address the issues laid down by CTAP will strictly be monitored after one month to ensure progress and compliance from all parties involved.

DOJ okays filing of cases vs M/T Princess Empress owners, others

DOTr eyes to tap biometrics to enhance airport efficiency By Lorenz S. Marasigan

the administration of President BBM? Our island will certainly face an uncertain future. That’s not what we want for Mindanao,” the lawmaker said. He added that it is the Mindanaonons who would suffer if secession prospers. What are needed are more infrastructure projects and social programs for the people of Mindanao. Rodriguez noted the recent statement of National Economic and Development Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon that Mindanao continues to rely on the national government for assistance to improve the well being of its residents. Secession advocates should

not lead Mindanao and its people to more hardships, Rodriguez pointed out. “What we want for our people is a better, improved life, not a situation worse than it is now, which is what will happen if this talk of separation prospers,” he said. Earlier, he urged Duterte and former speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to stop any talk about separating Mindanao from the rest of the country. Rodr ig uez took this stand after President Ferdinand R . Marcos Jr. made it clear in a speech last Thursday that he would not allow any group to dismember the countr y. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

“Following a comprehensive evaluation of affidavits and evidence, the panel of DOJ prosecutors uncovered irregularities in certain documents related to the construction and certificate of public convenience of M/T Princess Empress,” the DOJ said. However, the charges against the other respondents, including 19 Philippine Coast Guard personnel, have been recommended for dismissal due to lack of probable cause. Just ice Secret a r y Jesus Crispin Remulla assured that

those responsible for the oil spill would be held accountable. “Negligence cannot be used as an excuse to destroy the environment and livelihood of people,” the justice chief said. “It is important to be diligent on land and on our waters,” he stressed. The charges stemmed from the complaint filed by the National Bureau of InvestigationEnvironmental Crime Division (NBI-ECD) and Mayor Jennifer Cruz of Palo, Oriental Mindoro before the DOJ.

Group backs PBBM’s cybersecurity plan By Rizal Raoul Reyes @brownindio

onsu mer advoc ac y g roup C it i z e nWat c h Philippines on Tuesday said it fully supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approval of the five-year Nat ion a l C y b erse c u r it y Pl a n 2024-2029 to address the rising incidence of cyberattacks targeting the government and private sector. “We strongly support the President’s approval of the National Cybersecurity Plan as it is critical to the development of a thriving digital economy that will be a key driver of sustained growth and inclusive prosperity,” said CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor Christopher Belmonte in a news release. Department of Infor mat ion a nd Com mu n ic at ion s Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan Uy recently announced the approval of the comprehensive five-year plan to operationalize the strengthening of the country’s defense against cyber attacks. Belmonte, a former legislator, pointed out that the recent cyberattack attempts on Ph i l ippi ne gover n ment websites that were successfully thwarted by the DICT and allegedly traced to Chinese hackers amplifies the urgency to equip all sectors with cybersecurity skills and technology—from the institution to individual level. “ The landscape of cybercr ime and nation-state attacks is constantly evolving with creatively deceiving tactics, posing an ever-increasing threat. This calls for nothing less than a vigilant and strategic approach in fortifying our cybersecurity defenses,”

Belmonte said. Belmonte stressed that all government agencies must implement robust security measures to safeguard not only the organization but also its stakeholders that need to interact with their systems to avail themselves of public services. He also urged the private enterprises to protect both their businesses and their customers from hackers using their brands for scams. “For all consumers and net users, our obligation in addressing cybersecurity risks is to exercise secure online behaviors, consisting of the use of sturdy passwords, often updating software, being cautious of suspicious emails and links, and be very protective of personal information to help maintain the security of our devices, data, and e-banking accounts.” Moreover, Belmonte urged private enterprises to protect both their businesses and their customers from hackers using their brands for scams. Belmonte underscored the importance of having a robust and seamless anti-cybercrime strateg y. “ T he report from Globe Telecom revealed that 1.1 billion scam and spam messages that were blocked in the first quarter of 2023 showed a staggering increase of about five times compared to the same period in 2022, which emphasizes the alarming intensification of cyberattacks we are facing,” Belmonte said. “ The government should deepen its collaboration with private tech firms to appropriately integrate these scambloc k i ng tec hnolog ies a nd also incentivize investments in cybersecurity initiatives,” he added.

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

Thursday, February 15, 2024

4Ps implementation gets 100K complaints yearly–PIDS study By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE national government (NG) receives an average of 100,000 complaints related to the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) annually, according to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). The study, titled “From Complaints to Opportunities: Analyzing Grievance Trends and Responsiveness in the 4Ps” by PIDS Supervising Research Specialist Kris Ann M. Melad, showed that nearly half or 46 percent of the grievances are payment-related issues. Me l ad sa id t h i s i nd ic ated

“substantial challenge” in the distribution of cash transfers. Majority or 64 percent of these payment complaints, she added, are related to underpayments. “Melad underscores the crucial role of the GRS [grievance redress system] in addressing concerns like fraud, corruption, and leakages,” PIDS said in a statement.

Melad said various complaint channels exist such as grievance forms, walk-ins, phone calls/ texts, social media, email/website, snail mail, and traditional media. However, she said that most beneficiaries prefer direct interaction. This, she said, have highlighted the need for skilled program staff. “Investing in capacity building with enhanced communication and conf lict resolution skills is imperative to ensure the program’s responsiveness in handling of grievances,” Melad suggested. “The high demand for direct communication highlights the need for a more qualified workforce equipped to handle grievances effectively,” she added. The study also revealed significant variations in resolution times across regions, suggesting that some areas struggle with efficiency or are facing unique challenges. She also pointed out the need

DHSUD presents optimistic update on 4PH projects as agency celebrates 5th anniversary

HE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said there are around 36 Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) projects that are already in pre-production and production stages. In a statement Wednesday, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said this is expected to increase as more local government units (LGU) and private entities expressed interest in partnering for this initiative. Among these projects is the construction of the Palayan City Township Housing Project, which

received financing of a P350 million loan from the Pag-IBIG Fund. The LGU project aims to benefit over 1,000 families. “We have taken significant steps toward fulfilling our goal to provide Filipinos, especially the poorest of the poor, with decent shelters and improved quality of living,” Acuzar said in a statement issued on the DHSUD’s 5th anniversary. The DHSUD said this year’s celebration featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on a potential joint undertaking.

T he event a lso showcased various DHSUD initiatives related to its core functions and on institutional development, including the presentation of the commemorative stamps and cover with PhilPost, the awarding of ISO 9001:2015 Certification with Certification International Philippines Inc., launching of the KSA Dashboard and signing of Codified Rules of DHSUD. In addition, DHSUD regional offices across the country have also prepared their respective activities to celebrate the anniversary, further reaching out to the sector stakeholders at both

for more data to delve deeper into the differences on how local program management offices handle grievances, allowing for further improvement. Another major issue is the increasing number of grievances following natural disasters and procedural updates. This surge, while partly positive due to increased awareness, also revealed limitations in handling volume and addressing root causes. Malfunctioning Management Information Systems (MMIS), where a l l g r ievances are encoded, further hampered data analysis and masked potential problems. The study emphasized the need for better beneficiary awareness of filing grievances and understanding of program procedures. The program should actively educate beneficiaries, especially new participants, on available grievance channels and equip them with the knowledge to address common issues independently. national and local levels. “Let me once again assure you of the DHSUD and its partner agencies’ commitment to improve the lives of every Filipino family through safe, resilient and affordable human settlements in well-planned communities,” Acuzar said. The DHSUD celebrated its 5th anniversary on Wednesday spotlighting its milestones in providing decent and affordable homes while ensuring safety and resilience of Filipino home dwellers, especially the underprivileged. This year’s theme “LIgtas at MAtibay na masisilungan para sa bawat Pilipino” reflects DHSUD’s vision of building safe and resilient homes that are financially accessible to the intended beneficiaries. Cai U. Ordinario

Foreign ownership of mineral-rich lands may be detrimental to sustainable devt, group says

NTI-MINING group Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) opposed the plan to rewrite the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, saying allowing full foreign ownership of land and natural resources is highly detrimental to the country’s sustainable development. According to ATM, foreign ownership of

vast tracts of land renders the whole nation vulnerable to destructive exploitation by foreign firms, whose primary motivation is profit over environmental protection and people’s welfare. The group added that lifting the restrictions on foreign investments is tantamount to giving up our sovereignty and being a colony of

foreign corporations, adding that it may even potentially result in a highly-skewed wealth distribution, where foreign firms who own land and natural resources reap more profits, while the government only gets measly taxes in return. “Particular to the mining industry, the Charter change would further expand the

extractives industry. The likely result would be flattened mountains, razed forests, choked rivers, ghost towns, and exacerbated impacts of climate change. Added to these are: the loss of people’s livelihoods, ill health, worsening human rights violations, and more burdens to women and indigenous groups,” the ATM statement read. Jonathan L. Mayuga

IPOPHL: Copyright registration nearly doubled to 6,522 in 2023 By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

OPYRIGHT registrations at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) nearly doubled in 2023, with the writings category, such as books, articles, novels, among others accounting for over half of the copyright registrations. Data from IPOPHL showed that copyright registrations reached 6,522, 76 percent up from the 3,706 registrations in 2022. In a statement Wednesday, IPOPHL said the top three categories for the copyright registrations in 2023 were writings, audiovisual and cinematographic works, and software, games and applications. The agency noted that books, pamphlets, articles, e-books, audio books, comics, novels and other writings category accounted for over half of 52.6 percent of the copyright registrations. This was followed by audiovisual works and cinematographic works, taking up 18.1 percent of the pie; and computer programs, software, games and applications, occupying 8.8 percent share of the copyright registrations for 2023. Other categories were musical compositions, with or without lyrics (6.1 percent); Drawings, paintings, architectural works, sculpture, engraving, prints, lithography, or other works of art, models or designs for works of art (4.9 percent); Ornamental designs or models for articles of manufacture and industrial objects and other works of applied art (3.2 percent).

For his part, Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR) Director Emerson G. Cuyo said the bureau would be “further intensifying” its efforts to bridge copyright learning in the Philippines through various roadshows and extending the reach of its Copyright Plus Program, which he said supports projects that empower “underrepresented” artists. As copyright registration can be “easily done” online, Cuyo encouraged creatives to utilize the IP system. “In just a few clicks and just a few days, you can safeguard your works and navigate the future with greater confidence over the ownership of your works. Make the wise decision of registering today rather than regretting not having given your works enough protection,” the BCRR official said. IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said the “historic” registration for copyright shows results of the agency’s efforts to “increase awareness and help people understand the importance of safeguarding their IP [intellectual property].” “Although copyright protection is provided automatically upon creation, registration certificates provide an added layer of protection to copyrighted works,” the IPOPHL chief said. IPOPHL said a registrant underscored the importance of copyright registration, noting that the official recognition from a certificate “signifies not only a legal acknowledgement but also a celebration of [one’s] dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to his art.”

PBBM thanks US for extending aid to Mindanao calamity victims

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. discussed disaster aid, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during his Tuesday meeting with US Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Loss Carlson. In their meeting, the Chief Executive thanked the US government for extending $1.25 million (P70 million) worth of emergency support to victims of the recent flooding and landslides in Mindanao. This was on top of the two C-130 aircraft deployed by the US military to help in the delivery of 15,000 food packs and the construction of emergency shelters for 5,000 affected people. Marcos urged the US government to “make full use” of the EDCA sites for its disaster relief and response operations. Under EDCA, the US will build and operate facilities within Philippine military

bases, which can be used by Philippine and American troops. As of last year, the country has 9 EDCA sites. The President stressed the importance of strengthening the country’s cooperation with the US to address territorial disputes in the West WPS. For her part, Carlson lauded how the government is defending the country’s sovereign rights in the WPS and its aid for the people, who were affected by the by shear line and low-pressure area in Mindanao between January 28 and February 2. She also discussed other areas of cooperation and collaboration between the US and the Philippine government. “There’s so much that can be done more efficiently through the mechanism that exists...but sometimes you just need an extra push and it is also a good demonstration of how good the alliance can deliver,” Carlson said. Samuel P. Medenilla

Go calls out DSWD over reported ‘delays’ in indigent aid distribution

URING a Senate hearing conducted on Tuesday, February 13, chaired by Senator Imee Marcos, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his dismay regarding “delays” in the distribution of government assistance intended for indigents and crisis affected communities. He stressed this amid allegations

made that the same programs are being used to push for the People’s Initiative (PI). Go warned against the possible exploitation of such government programs intended to uplift the lives of the poor just to push ulterior motives of some entities by using it in exchange for signatures for the PI petition.

Go condemned such practices, emphasizing “Walang kapalit dapat ang tulong mula gobyerno.” He added that if such allegations are true, it is disheartening that assistance intended for qualified beneficiaries are being delayed or diverted. Go also cited a commitment made by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during

a budget hearing on September last year, assuring prompt payouts for validated lists of qualified beneficiaries. Go then pressed the DSWD on the status of aid distribution that were still pending, especially those for calamityhit communities, where beneficiaries had been validated but had yet to receive aid until now.

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Philippines, Brazil eye T stronger defense ties

HE Philippines and Brazil highlighted their commitment to enhance their defense relations following a meeting of ranking defense and diplomatic officials early this week. This was after Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” C.Teodoro Jr. met with Ambassador of Brazil to the Philippines Gilberto Fonseca Guimaraes de

Moura during the envoy’s introductory call last February 12. “The officials agreed that the Philippines and Brazil will continue to enhance their defense relations in accordance with the 2022 Philippines-Brazil Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Tuesday.

Thursday, February 15, 2024 Brazil is the first country in South America that the Philippines has formalized a defense cooperation agreement with. “Highlighting the shared values between the two countries, Secretary Teodoro underscored the need to work together to address common security challenges,” Andolong noted.

Among the areas of cooperation in the field of defense include logistics and defense industry collaboration, information sharing, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, among others. The Brazilian diplomat also reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to work with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as within the ambit of the Asean. Rex Anthony Naval

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Bills promoting local coffee, cacao advance in House By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

@joveemarie

HE House Committee on Ways and Means has approved measures aimed at institutionalizing the Philippine Cacao Development Program and establishing a comprehensive national initiative for the advancement of the coffee industry. House Committee on Agriculture and Food member Keith Micah Tan of Quezon, sponsor of the bill, announced the approval of the measures last Tuesday. Tan underscored the untapped potential of cacao and coffee in creating livelihood opportunities and enhancing global competitiveness. He said there is a need for legislation to elevate cacao’s status within Philippine agriculture. The assistant Majority leader noted the importance of institutionalizing and strengthening current programs, integrating efforts between the government and the private sector to further propel the cacao industry’s development and promotion. Key components of the bill include the adoption of the Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap, which offers guidance for the optimal realization of targets to ensure a sustainable and globally competitive Philippine Cacao Industry. The bill also introduces the creation of the Philippine Cacao Industry Council, administratively attached to the Department of Agriculture, to lead in the promotion and development of a robust cacao industry. Moreover, the bill establ i shes t he C ac ao P rog ra m Management Office, headed

by a n E xec ut ive D i rec tor, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap and recommending strategic programs, projects, and interventions for prioritized implementation. To support these efforts, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is directed to establish and maintain Cacao Centers of Excellence in major cacao-producing regions and areas suitable for cacao production. It encourages local establishments, including chocolate shops, franchises, restaurants, and hotels, to serve and include in their menus locally g row n, produced, sourced, and manufactured cacao or chocolate. The bill also mandates local government units (LGUs) in areas suitable for cacao production to align their projects with the roadmap and provide counterpart funding and services to boost cacao production in their jurisdiction. House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Joey Salceda has announced that the committee has recommended and endorsed an amendment to the tax provision of the bill. The revised language now stipulates that “all grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and contributions made

A CUP of coffee beans sits on a table. BLOOMBERG

to the Philippine Cacao Industry Council for its actual, direct, and exclusive use in the development and promotion of the Philippine Cacao Industry shall be exempt from donor’s tax. Additionally, such contributions shall be considered as allowable deductions from gross income for the purpose of computing the taxable income of the donor, following the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.”

Coffee program

IN tandem with cacao, the committee also aims to empower the Philippine coffee industry through the establishment of a national program. According to Tan, the bill adopts the Philippine Coffee Industr y Roadmap, crafted in consultation with the coffee industry stakeholders and approved by the Secretaries of the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry. He said the roadmap will serve as a guide for the coffee industry stakeholders for the optimal realization of the targets towards a sustainable and globally competitive Philippine coffee industry. The bill establishes “coffee centers of excellence” in major coffee-producing regions and in areas suitable for coffee production. “The establishment of centers in existing facilities of the

FDA awaits application of makers of vaccines against avian flu, ASF By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE government’s bid to secure jabs against avian influenza (AI) and African swine fever (ASF) is stuck in limbo as it has yet to receive applications for product registration from vaccine makers, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “In our current database, we are not evaluating avian f lu or ASF [vaccines], that’s why we are encouraging them [manufacturers] to [apply],” FDA Director Jesusa Joyce N. Cirunay told reporters in a press briefing in Malacañang last Tuesday. FDA Director General Samuel A. Zacate said the agency is expecting at least one ASF vaccine manufacturing firm from Vietnam and three avian f lu jab makers abroad to apply for registration based on their coordination with regulators abroad. The FDA officials, however,

declined to identify the “potential applicants” until they have submitted their paperwork. “To clarify, we cannot proactively tell them to apply in our country because we have the zero-contact policy,” Zacate said. In preparation for the application of manufacturers, Zacate said he created two separate task forces composed of different experts to fasttrack the evaluation of their applications. He also said the FDA will sign a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to make veterinary vaccines more accessible to Filipinos and agriculture stakeholders and stop the spread of diseases, such as ASF and avian flu. Last July, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the completion of the initial phase of safety and efficacy trials for the ASF jab, which has an 80-percent efficacy rate. He did not mention the brand name of the vaccine.

Marcos said his administration will prioritize the procurement of the ASF and avian flu vaccines, which he said will be crucial for the country’s food security. The Philippines continues to grapple with transboundary animal diseases that have caused spikes in meat prices in recent years. Expensive food, particularly pork products, caused the country’s inflation rate to post a two-year high in January 2021, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Pork posted an inflation rate of 17.1 percent in January 2021, from 10 percent in December 2020 as the disease caused the deaths of hogs. Surging meat prices have prompted the government to put in place anti-inflation measures, such as lower tariff rates on pork. As for fighting bird f lu, the Department of Agriculture (DA) permits the use of inact ivated, vectored, a nd

Department of Agriculture and of state universities and colleges shall be prioritized,” said Tan. To oversee the industry’s development, the bill creates the Philippine Coffee Council, administratively attached to the DA, with regional coffee councils established in coffeeproducing regions. The bill encourages LGUs to serve locally grown and locally produced coffee at public activities and events. It also urges local coffee shops, including franchises, restaurants, and hotels, to feature loca l ly-g row n, produced, and sourced Philippine coffee var ieties. Similar to the cacao init i at ive, t he com m it tee on ways and means proposed an amendment to the tax provision for the Philippine coffee industry. The proposal states that “all grants, bequest, endowments, donations and contributions made to the Philippine Coffee Council for its actual, direct and exclusive use in developing and promoting the Philippine Coffee Industr y shall be exempt from donor’s ta x, and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from gross income for the pur poses of computing the taxable income of the donor in accordance with the prov isions of the National Internal Revenue of 1997, as amended.” combination vaccines for the control of AI. Under the DA guidelines, the use of the bird flu vaccines is not mandatory and left to the discretion of poultry raisers, according to the Foreign Agricultural Ser vice of the United States Department of Agriculture. The DA has identified priority groups for the use of AI vaccines depending on their risk to the virus. The department also determined two types of vaccination: protective emergency vaccination for areas with signif icant highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) and the preventive vaccination for areas t hat face significant risk of HPAI outbreak. Under the guidelines, only the following avian types are eligible for vaccination: commercial layer chicken, layer breeder, broiler breeder, colored/freerange breeder, grandparent broiler breeder, small-hold layer/native chicken, duck, game fowl, turkey, and goose. T he follow ing are ineligible to be vaccinated: commercial broiler chicken, smallhold broiler, quail, pigeon, and exotic birds.

Mindanao processors, planters get assistance

HE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) trained cacao processors in Camiguin on Food Safety and current Good Manufacturing Practices. The two-day training was conducted last January 24 and 25, at Maslog, Balbagon, Mambajao. DOST said Mama Jita’s Food Processing enrolled 18 of its employees in the training, 11 of whom are females. Mama Jita’s Food Products are known for its cacao-based products, such as tablea (chocolate tablet) and choco drinks. It prioritizes yearly training to ensure top-notch food safety standards. Troy Anthony A. Omol, Science Research Specialist I and member of the DOST-10 Food Safety Team served as a resource speaker on basic food hygiene, food safety hazards and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Included in the topics shared were basic food hygiene, food safety hazards and cGMP. “As food handlers, you must strictly adhere to the food safety standards to ensure your consumer’s safety. Remember that your consumers are the lifeblood of the business,” he said. Company owner Julieta Dela Cerna expressed her gratitude during the training where she highlighted the relevance of the training in the continuous improvement of her production operation. She guaranteed the DOST that what her employees have learned will be strictly applied in their business. “I am grateful to DOST Camiguin for the opportunity they provided in lending their time to conduct Food Safety Training in my business. This highlighted the significance of improving the production process in my production area and in emphasizing the importance of food safety in the production of chocolate tablets,” she said. DOST Camiguin Director Joanne Katherine R. Banaag also shared a reminder to all the participants of the training. “Food safety is everybody’s responsibility. All of us should be responsible for preventing food-borne illnesses across the supply chain. This will then assure the safety of the food supply, as a whole.” The firm is also a beneficiary of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of DOST. Aside from the technology upgrading, DOST has also provided experts to help improve the productivity and efficiency of the firm through the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program of the Consultancy and Training Unit of the agency. Mama Jita’s Food Products has also recently partnered with the DOST Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) for the Venture Financing Program, where they have secured funding for the required raw and packaging materials relative to the surge of purchase orders they had received. Through these science and technology interventions, the firm has recorded a 22-percent increase in sales and a 20-percent hike in productivity. Through innovation, they have also produced Ice Sikwate (Choco drink) as their new product variant.

Coffee partnership

THE DOST, in partnership with the local government of Valencia City and the Manggayahay Tribal Association Incorporated (Mantala Inc.) are set to improve coffee processing through various science, technology, and innovation interventions. The parties sealed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last January 16 at Sitio Migtulod, Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon. The signed MOA states the commitment of DOST and LGU Valencia to support the coffee production of Mantala, an organized group of Talaandig coffee farmers in Valencia City. Through this partnership, DOST will provide coffee processing equipment including coffee pulper, dehydrator, coffee bean grinder machine, and more. DOST will also conduct a training on food safety and good manufacturing process to the beneficiaries. With the technical assistance, 137 Talaandig farmers are expected to gain additional income. During the signing, LGU Valencia, represented by Mayor Azucena P. Huervas, pledged P2 million as a counterpart for the construction of Mantala’s coffee processing facility. The DOST said the initiative is aligned with the first Sustainable Development Goal, aiming to eradicate poverty, as well as the eighth goal, focused on promoting decent work and fostering economic growth, as outlined by the United Nations.

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

South Africa appeals to UN court to investigate Israel’s targeting of Rafah in genocide lawsuit By Gerald Imray

The Associated Press

APE TOWN, South Africa—South Africa’s government said Tuesday it had

lodged an “urgent request” with the UN’s International Court of Justice to consider whether Israel’s military operations targeting the southern Gaza city of Rafah are a breach of provisional orders the

court handed down last month in a case alleging genocide. South Africa said it asked the court to weigh whether Israel’s strikes on Rafah, and its intention to launch a ground offensive on the

city where 1.4 million Palestinians have sought shelter, breaches both the UN Genocide Convention and preliminary orders handed down by the court last month in a case accusing Israel of genocide.

Rafah is on the border with Egypt, which has warned that an offensive on the city now holding more than half of Gaza’s population would bring disaster. South Africa’s government said

in a statement that Rafah was “the last refuge for surviving people in Gaza.” It asked the top UN court to consider using its powers to isContinued on A12

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Airstrike from Israeli hostage rescue wipes out entire Palestinian family in Gaza border town

AFAH, Gaza Strip—Ibrahim Hasouna trudged over the rubble of the destroyed house, pointing out where family moments had taken place—where his mother and sister-in-law used to sleep, where he played with his 5-year-old nieces, where he helped his 1-year-old nephew take his first steps. Hi s ent i re fa m i ly w a s now dead—his parents, his two brothers, and the wife and three children of one of those brothers. The house was reduced to rubble on top of them in the barrage of airstrikes that Israeli warplanes inf licted across Rafah before dawn Monday as cover for troops rescuing two hostages elsewhere in the city on the southern Gaza border. At least 74 Palestinians were killed in the bombardment, which flattened large swaths of buildings and tents sheltering families who had fled to Rafah from across Gaza. Among the dead were 27 children and 22 women, according to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, whose researchers compiled the list from Rafah hospitals. The Israeli offensive has taken a heavy toll on women and children, with more than 12,300 Palestinian children and young teens killed in the conflict, the Gaza Health Ministry said Monday. The 30-year-old Ibrahim, his parents and his brothers arrived in Rafah a month earlier, the latest of their multiple moves to escape fighting after fleeing their homes in northern Gaza. They rented a small, one-story house on the east side of Rafah. “I was close to them,” Ibrahim said of his older brother Karam’s children. In the house, he would play cards or hide-and-seek with them to distract them from the war, he said. The twin girls, Suzan and

Sedra, often asked if they would go to kindergarten and if their teacher from kindergarten back home was alive or dead, he said. The strikes came at a moment of joy. The families had just obtained three chickens—the first they would have to eat since the war started more than four months ago. “The children were thrilled,” Ibrahim said. The family was sick of canned food, which was the main thing they were able to get under an Israeli siege that has allowed only a trickle of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They planned to eat the chicken Sunday night. But during the day, Ibrahim went to visit a friend on the other side of Rafah, who convinced him to stay the night. Ibrahim called home, and they decided to put off the treasured meal so he wouldn’t miss it. Ibrahim’s mother, Suzan, put the chickens in the neighbor’s fridge. Just after 2 a.m. Monday, Ibrahim began getting calls from friends telling him strikes had hit in the neighborhood where his family was staying. Unable to reach them by phone, he walked and hitched a motorcycle ride back home. He found massive destruction, he said. The first thing he saw was a woman’s arm that had been hurled across the street to the door of a neighboring mosque. It was his mot her’s. He dug through the rubble, pulling out body parts. Later he went to the Youssef Najjar Hospital and identified the bodies of his mother and his father, Fawzi, an engineer. The body of his younger brother Mohammed had no head, but he recognized the clothes. In a bag that staff brought him were parts of his brother Karam and his family. He recognized pieces of his niece Suzan from her earrings

Israel, Hamas making progress in cease-fire and hostage-release negotiations–officials By Samy Magdy, Najib Jobain & Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press

AIRO—Israel and Hamas are making progress toward another cease-fire and hostage-release deal, officials said Tuesday, as negotiations went on and Israel threatened to expand its offensive to Gaza’s southern edge, where some 1.4 million Palestinians have sought refuge. The talks continued in Egypt a day after Israeli forces rescued two captives in Rafah, the packed southern town along the Egyptian border, in a raid that killed at least 74 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and caused heavy destruction. The operation offered a glimpse of what a full-blown ground advance might look like. A cease-fire deal, on the other hand, would give people in Gaza a desperately needed respite from the war, now in its fifth month, and offer freedom for at least some of the estimated 100 people still held captive in Gaza. Qatar, the United States and Egypt have sought to broker a deal in the face of starkly disparate positions expressed publicly by both Israel and Hamas. Israel has made destroying Hamas’ governing and military capabilities and freeing the hostages the main goals of its war, which was launched after thousands of Hamas-led militants rampaged through southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking roughly 250 people captive. Tens of thousands of Israelis were displaced from destroyed communities. The war has brought unprecedented destruction to the Gaza Strip, with more than 28,000 people killed, more than 70 percentof them women and minors, according to local health officials. Vast swaths of the territory have been flattened by Israel’s offensive, around 80

percentof the population has been displaced and a humanitarian catastrophe has pushed more than a quarter of the population toward starvation. In other developments, South Africa, which has lodged genocide allegations against Israel at the International Court of Justice, said Tuesday that it filed an “urgent request” with the court to consider whether Israel’s military operations in Rafah constitute a breach of provisional orders handed down by the justices last month. Those orders called on Israel to take greater measures to spare civilians. Israel has adamantly denied the genocide allegations and says it is carrying out operations in accordance with international law. It blames Hamas for the high death toll because the militants operate in dense residential areas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press on until “total victory,” and has insisted that military pressure will help free the hostages. But the rescued hostages, 60-year-old Fernando Marman and 70-year-old Louis Har, were just the second and third captives to be freed by the military since the war erupted. Other Israeli officials have said only a deal can bring about the release of large numbers of hostages. Over 100 were freed in exchange for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel during a weeklong truce last year. Three hostages were killed erroneously by Israeli forces in December and one female Israeli soldier was freed in a rescue mission in the early weeks of the war. Israeli officials say around 30 hostages taken on October 7 have died, either during the initial attack or in captivity.

Bridging the gaps

A SENIOR Egyptian official said mediators have achieved “relatively significant” progress ahead of a meeting Tuesday in Cairo of representatives from Qatar, the US and Israel. The official said the meeting

and a bracelet, one she used to fight over all the time with her sister, Ibrahim said. He spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday as he walked around the rubble of the home. He recalled how the children’s noise in the morning would wake him up, but “their noises were comforting for me.” He pointed to part of the wreckage. There, he said he would sit with his nephew Malek “to bask in the sun and to walk him for a little bit. To walk a little bit and have a sense of life.” Israel said the bombardment was to cover its troops as they extracted two Israeli hostages from an apartment and made their way back out of Gaza. The military has not commented on why specific sites across Rafah were targeted in the barrage, but Israeli officials have blamed Hamas for causing civilian casualties by operating in the heart of residential areas. The extent of the bloodshed from the raid has increased fears of what could happen if Israel follows through with vows to attack Rafah in its campaign to destroy Hamas. The city and its surroundings now shelter more than half of the Gaza Strip’s entire population of 2.3 million after hundreds of thousands took refuge there. A l re a d y, I s r a e l ’s c a mp a i g n in Ga za has k i l led more t han 28,000 Pa lestinians, more than 70 percent of them women and children, according to the Gaza Hea lth Ministr y. T he count does not disting uish bet ween civ ilians and combatants. Israel has vowed to uproot Hamas from Gaza and w in the return of more than 100 hostages still in the group’s hands after the October 7 attacks in which militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. AP

would focus on “crafting a final draft” of a six-week cease-fire deal, with guarantees that the parties would continue negotiations toward a permanent cease-fire. CIA chief William Burns and David Barnea, head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, attended the Cairo talks. Both men played a key role in brokering the previous cease-fire. A Western diplomat in the Egyptian capital also said a six-week deal was on the table but cautioned that more work is still needed to reach an agreement. The diplomat said the meeting Tuesday would be crucial in bridging the remaining gaps. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive talks with the media. While the officials did not disclose the precise details of the emerging deal, the sides have been discussing varying proposals for weeks. Israel has proposed a two-month cease-fire in which hostages would be freed in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, and top Hamas leaders in Gaza would be allowed to relocate to other countries. Hamas rejected those terms. It laid out a three-phase plan of 45 days each in which the hostages would be released in stages, Israel would free hundreds of imprisoned Palestinians, including senior militants, and the war would wind down, with Israel withdrawing its troops. That was viewed as a non-starter for Israel, which wants to topple Hamas before ending the war. But President Joe Biden signaled Monday that a deal might be within reach. “The key elements of the deal are on the table,” Biden said alongside visiting Jordanian King Abdullah II, adding, “there are gaps that remain.” He said the US would do “everything possible” to make an agreement happen. Jobain reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip, and Goldenberg from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writer Gerald Imray in Cape Town, South Africa, contributed to this report.

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Defense Minister Subianto leads in early count of Indonesia’s presidential election By Niniek Karmini & Edna Tarigan The Associated Press

AKARTA, Indonesia—Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto took an early lead as Indonesia began counting votes in its presidential election Wednesday, with a 60 percent share among the nearly 40 percent of ballots counted so far in an unofficial tally. Indonesians voted for a new president Wednesday, as the world’s third-largest democracy aspires to become a global economic powerhouse a quarter-century after shaking off a brutal dictatorship. Voting ended Wednesday afternoon with no major problems reported across the archipelago. Unofficial results were expected within the day via preliminary quick counts based on samples. Official final results will come in about a month. The front-runner in pre-election polls, Subianto was the only candidate with ties to the Suharto era. He was a Special Forces commander at the time and has been accused of human rights atrocities, which he vehemently denied. Two former provincial governors, Anies

Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, were also vying to succeed the immensely popular President Joko Widodo, who is serving the final of his two terms in office. Widodo’s rise from a riverside slum to the presidency has shown the vibrancy of Indonesia’s democracy in a region rife with authoritarian regimes. Widodo’s successor will inherit an economy with impressive growth and ambitious infrastructure projects, including the ongoing transfer of the nation’s capital from congested Jakarta to the frontier island of Borneo at a staggering cost exceeding $30 billion. The election also has high stakes for the United States and China, since Indonesia has a huge domestic market, natural resources like nickel and palm oil, and diplomatic influence with its Southeast Asian neighbors. The logistics of the vote across the tropical nation’s 17,000 islands inhabited by 270 million people were daunting: Ballot boxes and ballots were transported by boats, motorcycles, horses and on foot in some of the more far-flung locations. A fierce thunderstorm flooded several streets of Jakarta at dawn Wednesday. Last week, damage from heavy rains in Central

Java’s Demak regency prompted the postponement of the election in 10 villages. Aside from the presidency, some 20,000 national, provincial and district parliamentary posts were contested by tens of thousands of candidates in one of the world’s largest elections, which authorities said concluded with no major problems. About 10,000 aspirants from 18 political parties eyed the national parliament’s 580 seats alone. Voters interviewed by The Associated Press expressed hope their next leader would help them achieve greater prosperity in a country where nearly a tenth of the population still lives in poverty. “I hope Indonesia can progress better and that I did not vote for the wrong person,” said Indra Nurohim, a 17-yearold high school student and first-time voter. “I hope we will have a better government.” The official vote tally is a laborious process that could take about a month, but early results based on sampling from registered private polling and survey groups are considered a reliable indicator of the final results. The presidential race will go to a runoff on June 26 if no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the votes. Subianto, the oldest presidential candidate at 72, lost in two previous runs to Widodo but was the front-runner in independent surveys. He picked Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his vice-presidential running mate in a move that could shore up his chances given the outgoing president’s popularity. Raka, 36, was allowed to run when the Constitutional Court made an exception to the minimum age requirement of 40. The court was then headed by Widodo’s brother-in-law, who was removed by an

ethics panel for not recusing himself, and Widodo was accused of favoritism and nepotism. Critics have accused Widodo of trying to build a political dynasty despite his being the first president to emerge outside the political and military elite since the 1998 end of the dictatorial rule of Suharto, characterized by widespread human rights violations, plunder and political unrest. Subianto, a former lieutenant general who married one of Suharto’s daughters, was a longtime commander in the army special forces, called Kopassus. He was dishonorably discharged in 1998 after Kopassus forces kidnapped and tortured political opponents of Suharto. Of at least 22 activists kidnapped that year, 13 remain missing to this day, and their families protest weekly outside the presidential palace demanding the activists be accounted for. Subianto never faced a trial and vehemently denied any involvement, although several of his men were tried and convicted. During the campaign period that concluded last weekend, Subianto and his strategists used AI and social media platforms like TikTok to soften his image by portraying him as a cuddly grandfather to his youthful running mate. Rejected by human rights activists, he danced on the campaign stage and promised to generate nearly 20 million jobs in his first term if elected. Baswedan, the former head of an Islamic university, served as governor of Jakarta until last year. A former Fulbright scholar, Baswedan was education and culture minister from 2014 to 2016, when Widodo removed him from the Cabinet after accusing him of failing to address problems by thousands of students affected by forest fires.

Baswedan opposes Widodo’s plan to move the Indonesian capital from Jakarta to Nusantara on Borneo Island, which involves constructing government buildings and residential enclaves by clearing lush tropical rainforests. In an interview with the AP last month, he said democracy in Indonesia is under threat, given Subianto’s choice of the president’s son as running mate. “This means that there is a decline in trust, it means that our democracy is experiencing a decline in quality, it means that many legal rules are being bent,” he said. Pranowo is the ruling party candidate but does not have Widodo’s support. He was a national legislator for the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle for 10 years before being elected in 2013 for the first of two terms as governor of vote-rich Central Java region. While governor, Pranowo refused to allow Israel to participate in the Under-20 FIFA World Cup to be held in his province. FIFA subsequently dropped Indonesia as host of the games, angering Indonesian soccer fans and Widodo. Israel and Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, do not have diplomatic ties. Under Widodo, Indonesia saw a period of remarkable growth averaging 5 percent annually, except in 2020, when the economy contracted due to the coronavirus pandemic. His economic roadmap, called “Golden Indonesia 2045,” projects Indonesia becoming one of the world’s top five economies with GDP of up to $9 trillion, exactly a century after it won independence from Dutch colonizers. The Associated Press journalist Jim Gomez in Jakarta, Indonesia contributed to this report.

South Africa appeals to UN court to investigate Israel’s targeting of Rafah in genocide lawsuit Continued from A10

sue additional preliminary orders telling Israel to halt the deaths and destruction there. South Africa already alleged Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people in its war against the Hamas militant group in Gaza and filed a case with the world court in December. A ruling on the genocide allegation could take years. South Africa also asked the court to order a cease-fire by Israel, but the justices stopped short of that. In its new filing, South Africa’s government said it was “gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large scale killing, harm and destruction.” South Africa said it was asking that the matter be dealt with urgently “in light of the daily death toll in Gaza.” On Tuesday night, the court confirmed in a message on X, formerly Twitter, that it had received South Africa’s new request. It did not comment further. If the court decides to hold another hearing on the request for further provisional measures, it would likely then rule within weeks. Israel strongly denies committing genocide in Gaza and says it does all it can to spare civilians and is only targeting Hamas militants. It says Hamas’ tactic of embedding in civilian areas makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties. Israel’s assault has wrought destruction in Gaza, with more than 28,000 people killed, over 70 percent of them women and minors, according to local health officials in the Hamas-controlled enclave. Around 80 percent of the population has been displaced and the UN says a humanitarian catastrophe has pushed

PALESTINIANS inspect the damage to residential buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip on Monday, February 12, 2024. The Israeli military said early Monday that it had rescued the two hostages from captivity in the Gaza Strip. The operation, which was accompanied by airstrikes, killed dozens of Palestinians, according to local health officials. AP/FATIMA SHBAIR

more than a quarter of Palestinians in Gaza toward starvation. Israel says it has killed thousands of militants in its aim of crushing Hamas in retaliation for the October 7 attacks on southern Israel. About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and 250 were taken hostage. South Africa has accused Israel of ignoring the court’s preliminary ruling in the days after it was issued by continuing to kill civilians. “Israel believes it has license to do as it wishes,” Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said. South Africa’s legal efforts are rooted in issues central to its identity: Its

governing party, the African National Congress, has long compared Israel ’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank to its own history under the apartheid regime of white minority rule, which restricted most Blacks to “homelands.” Apartheid ended in 1994. Israel’s military assault in Gaza was described last week as “over the top” by US President Joe Biden, a strong criticism from a close ally. The White House said Biden has also warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel should not conduct a military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a “credible and executable” plan to protect civilians.

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Biden warns opposing Ukraine funding plays ‘into Putin’s hands,’ but faces House resistance By Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves & Aamer Madhani The Associated Press

ASHINGTON—President Joe Biden on Tuesday called for House Republicans to urgently bring a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to a vote, warning that refusal to take up the bill, passed by the Senate in the morning, would be “playing into Putin’s hands.” “Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin,” Biden said, raising his voice in strong comments from the White House as he referred to the Russian leader. “We can’t walk away now. That’s what Putin is betting on.” But the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump— the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine—oppose the legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson has cast new doubt on the package and made clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to Biden’s desk—if at all. The potential impasse comes at a crucial point in the nearly two-year-old war, and supporters warn that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and threaten national security across the globe. Yet the monthslong push to approve the $60 billion in aid for Kyiv that is included in the package has exposed growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad. Biden also lashed at Trump, who on Saturday said during a campaign appearance that he once warned he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to NATO member nations that are “delinquent” in devoting 2% of their gross domestic product to defense. “When America gives its word it means something,” Biden said. “Donald Trump looks at this as if it’s a burden.” The Senate vote came early Tuesday after a small group of Republicans opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through the night, using the final hours of debate to argue that the US should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. Yet 22 Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to pass the package 70-29. “With this bill, the Senate declares that American leadership will not waver, will not falter, will not fail,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation. The bill’s passage through the Senate with a flourish of GOP support was a welcome sign for Ukraine amid critical shortages on the battlefield. “Ukrainian soldiers out of artillery shells, Ukrainian units rationing rounds of ammunition to defend themselves, Ukrainian families worried that the next Russian strike will permanently plunge them into darkness, or worse,” Biden said. The president appealed to House members in stark terms and called on Johnson to let the matter come to a vote. Ukraine supporters were also hoping that the showing of bipartisan support in the Senate would pressure Johnson to advance the bill. McConnell has made the issue his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of considerable pushback from his own GOP conference. Speaking directly to his detractors, the longtime Republican leader said in a statement, “History settles every account. And today, on the value of American leadership and strength, history will record that the Senate did not blink.” Dollars provided by the legislation would purchase US-made defense equipment, including munitions and air defense systems that authorities say are desperately needed as Russia batters the country. It also includes $8 billion for the government in Kyiv and other assistance. “Putin’s ambitions have never been limited to Ukraine. His goals are far broader. This means that our defense solidarity must be even broader,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on social media. The Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.

Thursday, February 15, 2024 A13

UN chief warns climate disasters and food crises threaten global peace: ‘Empty bellies fuel unrest’ By Edith M. Lederer Thr Associated Press

N I T ED N AT IONS —T he United Nat ions c hief warned Tuesday that climate chaos and food crises are increasing threats to global peace, telling a high-level UN meeting that climate disasters imperil food production and “empty bellies fuel unrest.” S e c re t a r y - G e ne r a l A nton io Guterres urged the UN Security Council to address the impact of food shortages and rising temperatures on international peace and security—a view echoed by many countries but not Russia. “Climate and conflict are two leading drivers of (our) global food crisis,” the secretary-general said. “ Where wars rage, hunger reigns— whether due to displacement of people, destruction of agriculture, damage to infrastructure, or deliberate policies of denial.” “Meanwhile, climate chaos is imperiling food production the world over,” he said. Guterres said the world is teeming with examples of “the devastating relationship between hunger and conflict.” In war-torn Gaza, he said, no one has enough to eat and the tiny strip accounts for 80 percent of the 700,000 hungriest people in the world. After more than a decade of war in Syria, he said, 13 million Syrians go to bed hungry every night. And in Myanmar, prospects of ending hunger have gone into reverse because of conflict and instability, he said. Simon Stiell, the United Nations climate chief, told the council that climate change is contributing to food insecurity and to conflict. He said one in 10 people on the planet today already suffers from chronic hunger and if climate change accelerates, “it will become worse.”

“Rapid, sustained action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to increase resilience is needed now to help stop both from spiraling out of control,” Stiell said. The executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change said the Security Council “must acknowledge more can be done rather than hoping the problem will go away—which it won’t.” The UN’s most powerful body should be requesting regular updates on climate security risks, he said. Beth Bechdol, deputy director of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, said scientific evidence is clear: “Climate change is compromising food security, and its impacts are a growing threat to international peace and security.” She reiterated a longtime FAO warning: “There is no food security without peace, and no peace without food security.” Bechdol said 258 million people in 58 countries are facing high levels of food insecurity and over two-thirds of them—174 million people—are at high hunger levels because of climate and conflict. “While there may not be a direct causality between the two, there is clear evidence that climate change increases risks and drivers of conflict and instability, such as disputes over land and water,” Bechdol said. “And conflict contributes to climate change vulnerability, especially for people who are forced to leave their homes and migrate.” As an example of the complex relationship between climate change and conflict, she pointed to West and Central Africa herders who had peacefully crossed borders with their livestock in search of water and pasture for years. But climate change, environmental and security pressures have led to increased tensions and competition between

The head of UN’s nuclear watchdog warns Iran ‘not entirely transparent’ on its atomic program By Jon Gambrell

The Associated Press

UBAI, United Arab Emirates—The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog warned Tuesday that Iran is “not entirely transparent” regarding its atomic program, particularly after an official who once led Tehran’s program announced the Islamic Republic has all the pieces for a weapon “in our hands.” Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, just across the Persian Gulf, Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, alluded to remarks made this weekend by Ali Akbar Salehi. Grossi noted “an accumulation of complexities” in the wider Middle East amid Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Iran, after the collapse of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, has pursued nuclear enrichment just below weapons-grade levels. Tehran has accumulated enough enriched uranium to build several weapons if it chooses. However, US intelligence agencies and others assess that Iran has yet to begin a weapons program. Israel long has been believed to have its own nuclear weapons program. Iran is “presenting a face which is not entirely transparent when it comes to its nuclear activities. Of course this increases dangers,” Grossi said. “There’s loose talk about nuclear weapons more and more, including in Iran recently. A very high official said, in fact, we have everything, it’s disassembled. Well, please let me know what you have.” Iran, as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, has pledged to allow the IAEA to visit its atomic sites to ensure its program is peaceful. Tehran also agreed to additional oversight from the IAEA as part of the 2015 nuclear deal. Grossi did not identify the Iranian official who made the comment. However, in an Iranian state television show late Sunday, Salehi said that the country had all it needed

to build a weapon. “We have all the (pieces) of nuclear science and technology. Let me give an example,” Salehi said. “What does a car need? It needs a chassis, it needs an engine, it needs a steering wheel, it needs a gearbox. Have you made a gearbox? I say yes. An engine? But each one is for its own purpose.” Salehi made a similar comment Saturday. “We have it in our hands,” he said then. Since 2022, Iranian officials have spoken openly about something long denied by Tehran as it enriches uranium at its closestever levels to weapons-grade material: the Islamic Republic is ready to build an atomic weapon at will. That includes Kamal Kharrazi, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who told Al Jazeera that Tehran has the ability to build nuclear weapons but does not intend to do so. Salehi’s comments represent an escalation. He served as the head of the civilian Atomic Energy Organization of Iran under thenPresident Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate within Iran’s theocracy who reached the 2015 deal with world powers. The hardening of Iran’s position comes as militias it arms in the region—Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels—have launched attacks targeting Israel. The Houthis continue to attack commercial shipping in the region, sparking repeated airstrikes from the US and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile Tuesday, Iran released footage of a ballistic missile being fired off the Shahid Mahdavi, a container ship transformed by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard into a floating base. The footage showed a Fateh missile fired from a launcher disguised as a shipping container, potentially meaning Iran could hide the launcher on other vessels. The Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.

herders and farmers for scarce resources including water and land, she said. Bechdol stressed that climate change and conflict affect not only livestock but crop production, fishing and forestry “which are intimately and inextricably linked to climate change.” She urged the UN and others to focus on agriculture “as a key solution to the growing threats from climate change, conflict and their impacts on food security.” Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, whose country holds the council presidency this month and chaired the meeting, said the impact of climate change and food insecurity on international peace and security was chosen as

the topic for the meeting because of the increasing links. About 90 countries were expected to speak over two days. “Conflict is the primary driver of acute food insecurity in Africa, and the same can be said about Haiti,” Ali told the meeting, adding the war in Gaza is putting tons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. “The Security Council must take into account the consequential effects on food security and climate in addressing the issues of conflict and war,” the president said, stressing that “these issues are intricately linked to the rule of law, democracy and governance.” But Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, whose country holds veto power in the Security

Council, reiterated Moscow’s longstanding position that there is no “direct link” between social and economic issues like climate and food supplies and the council’s mandate to ensure international peace and security—and therefore these issues should be discussed in other specialized UN bodies. Instead, Nebenzia blamed former Western colonial powers and the United States as “the real root causes” of the problems facing developing countries in Africa and elsewhere today. He said “they continue to siphon resources” from former colonies and take military action “against problematic sovereign countries to destroy their statehood” pointing to former Yugoslavia, Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. “Neo-colonialist practices are the real reason for socio-economic difficulties which the developing world is encountering,” the Russian ambassador said.

A14 Thursday, February 15, 2024 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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Cutting through the noise around SMC consortium’s Naia rehab proposal

he bidding competition for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) rehabilitation has veered into a contentious phase. The consortium, SMC SAP and Co., comprising San Miguel Corp., RMM Asian Logistics, RLW Aviation Development, and the Incheon International Airport Corporation, presented a bold proposal that entails an 82 percent revenue share for the government. This move has sparked significant controversy among its critics.

Rather than seeing a fair competition, what we are witnessing is a deliberate attempt by competitors to sow seeds of doubt regarding the consortium’s bid. They insinuate that it is too good to be true and advocate for postponing the declaration of the official winner. Among their concerns is the financial viability of the bid and whether SMC SAP and Co. can fulfill their commitments. These purported concerns fail to acknowledge the consortium’s capability to capitalize on economies of scale and synergies within its varied enterprises. These factors enable them to present a highly competitive and sustainable bid, as San Miguel Corporation has already demonstrated in previous endeavors. This approach signifies a dedication to maximizing value not only for the company itself but also for the government and, consequently, the Filipino people. Furthermore, the bid parameters set by the government permit the successful bidder to retain revenues generated from the passenger service charge, constituting 33 percent of the overall revenue. In essence, SMC’s bid offer of 82 percent is applicable solely to the remaining 67 percent of revenues, rendering it a more equitable proposition. In contrast, the Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC), the lowest bidder, is proposing a meager 25.91 percent government share. Notably, this consortium holds significant stakes in property development, highlighting its diverse interests beyond the airport project. This bid has also raised eyebrows, not due to its magnanimity, but rather for the striking disparity in the value it offers to the government and the public. The disparity begs the question of what really constitutes a fair share for the government and what criteria are being used to evaluate these bids. Once again, the multitude of purported issues raised against the exceptional bid put forth by the SMC-allied consortium appears to be less rooted in genuine concern and more focused on undermining a robust proposal that distinguishes itself through its potential advantages for Naia and the nation as a whole. The critics are vociferous, attempting to create confusion and influence public opinion against the consortium, potentially in an effort to introduce less favorable terms for the public but more advantageous for their own interests. Nevertheless, the clamor cannot overshadow the undeniable fact that the consortium’s proposal is robust. It is founded on a profound comprehension of Naia’s requirements and the means to accomplish them, offering not only a larger portion of the pie to the government but also a commitment to elevate NAIA into a world-class airport. The criticism emanating from the competition actually underscores the strength and gravity of SMC’s plan. The fervor with which they attempt to discredit it signifies that they perceive it as a genuine threat to their own interests. Their concerted efforts to undermine SMC’s proposal reveal its potential impact and viability. Amidst this unfolding drama, it is imperative that we prioritize what truly counts: selecting the optimal path for Naia’s future and, consequently, for the Philippines as a whole. The discourse should revolve around the factual information and the potential of each bid to bring about positive transformation for Naia, rather than engaging in misleading attacks. Despite facing scrutiny from certain quarters, the proposal put forth by the SMC consortium presents a vision of progress and excellence that should not be hastily dismissed. It deserves to be given fair consideration and thoughtful evaluation. The Naia rehabilitation project provides an opportunity to showcase the potential of public-private partnerships in driving collective benefits. It allows us to align the outcomes with the aspirations of a nation eager to ascend to new heights, symbolizing a collective leap towards progress.

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Supreme Court ‘hugot’ lines on Love Dennis Gorecho

Kuwentong Peyups

‘H

eart has reasons of its own which reason does not know,” a classic line from the Supreme Court about love that suits the script of a movie or telenovela.

The line was lifted from ChuaQua v. Tay Tung High School case (GR 49549 August 30, 1990) involving a 30-year-old teacher who was fired for marrying her 16-year-old student. The Court said: “If the two eventually fell in love, despite the disparity in their ages and academic levels, this only lends substance to the truism that the heart has reasons of its own which reason does not know.” Surfing the Internet for Supreme Court hugot lines on love is fun. Love is useless unless it is shared with another. Indeed, no man is an island. It is an expressive interest in each other’s feelings at a time it is needed by the other can go a long way in deepening the relationship (Chi Ming Tsoi v. Lao- Tsoi, GR 119190, 16 January 1997). I first read the Chi Ming Tsoi case as a law student at the University of the Philippines. One of the ironic verities of life is that sorrow is sometimes a touchstone of love (Libi v. IAC, GR 70890, 18 September 1992). There can be no love where respect is gone (People v. Rivera November 17, 1999). If he really loved her, then the no-

blest thing he could have done was to walk away (Cojuanco, v. Palma, A.M. Case No. 2474, 15 September 2004). Marriage, in legal contemplation, is more than the legitimatization of a desire of people in love to live together (Antonio v. Reyes, GR 155800, 10 March 2006). Love happens to everyone. It is dubbed to be boundless as it goes beyond the expectations people tagged with it. In love, “age does matter.” People love in order to be secure that one will share his/her life with another and that he/she will not die alone. Individuals who are in love had the power to let love grow or let love die—it is a choice one had to face when love is not the love one expected (Padilla-Rumbaua v. Rumbaua, GR 166738, August 14, 2009). Love cannot endure indifference. It needs to be wanted. Like a lamp it needs to be fed out of the oil of another’s heart or its flames burn low (Republic v. Cantor, GR 184621, December 10, 2013, Justice Leonen Dissenting Opinion). Parties should not be forced to stay in unhappy or otherwise broken marriages in the guise of protecting the family. This avoids the reality

The sweetheart defense, even if true, does not necessarily negate rape. Definitely, a man cannot demand sexual gratification from a fiancée and worse, employ violence upon her on the pretext of love. Love is not a license for lust. that people fall out of love. There is always the possibility that human love is not forever (Matudan v. People, GR 203284, November 14, 2016, J. Leonen dissenting opinion). Being in love can be carried on the wings of poetry, announced publicly through each other’s gazes. It is made real and felt with every act of unconditional care and comfort that the lover provides. Love can be beyond labels (Tan-Andal v. Andal GR 196359. May 11, 2021). The Court added: “Marriage is not compulsory when in love; neither does it create love. Nonetheless, it remains an institution designed to provide legal and public recognition that may be well deserved not only for the couple, but also for their families existing or yet to come.” The Supreme Court said in Falcis III v. Civil Registrar General (GR 217910. September 03, 2019) that it “understands the desire of samesex couples to seek, not moral judgment based on discrimination from any of our laws, but rather, a balanced recognition of their true, authentic, and responsive choices.” Litigation to the sorrows caused by a broken heart and a broken promise must be discouraged (Guevarra v. Banach, GR 214016, November 24, 2021). The family home is a sacred symbol of family love and is the repository

China taking on US fuels $147 billion rally in Japanese chip stocks By Takashi Mochizuki & Yuki Furukawa

apanese producers of chipmaking equipment are capitalizing on surging demand from China, catapulting their shares to new heights while helping build out a tech supply chain the US has warned may be a threat to global security. In the 16 months since the US and its allies began curbing exports of advanced chip technology, China has amped up the purchase of legacy equipment to make older-generation semiconductors. Its effort toward some self-sufficiency has been a boon for the likes of Tokyo Electron Ltd., which added $12 billion to its market value Tuesday after hiking its

outlook citing a record proportion of sales going to China. Revenue has soared at Japanese suppliers that compete with the likes of Applied Materials Inc., Lam Research Corp. and Teradyne Inc. China has become the single largest destination for a growing number of Japanese companies that make equipment used to wash, clean, pat-

China has become the single largest destination for a growing number of Japanese companies that make equipment used to wash, clean, pattern and cut silicon. That reliance is likely to grow further, executives said on recent earnings calls, pointing to strong demand from Chinese makers of logic and power semiconductors.

tern and cut silicon. That reliance is likely to grow further, executives said on recent earnings calls, pointing to strong demand from Chinese makers of logic and power semiconductors.

of cherished memories that last during one’s lifetime. It is the sanctuary of that union which the law declares and protects as a sacred institution; and likewise a shelter for the fruits of that union. It is where both can seek refuge and strengthen the tie that binds them together and which ultimately forms the moral fabric of our nation (Sia v. Tan, GR 220695, January 5, 2022). To be sure, the time-honored spiel “until death do us part” is not a blind vow of eternal condemnation for worse but a simple pledge of faithful observance by the spouses of their utter commitment of mutual love, respect, support, and fidelity (Dedicatoria v. Dedicatoria, GR 250618, July 20, 2022). Love will always flow through our lives in this inconsistent, unknowable way, and we cannot press pause on the joyful bits, nor fast-forward the suffering. Yet, in marriage, the reality is that a person may be truly psychologically incapable for the other and it is best to sever the relationship as there is no point in trying to restore what is broken to begin with (Quiogue Jr. v. Quiogue, GR 203992, August 22, 2022). Oft-raised, the sweetheart defense, even if true, does not necessarily negate rape. Definitely, a man cannot demand sexual gratification from a fiancée and worse, employ violence upon her on the pretext of love. Love is not a license for lust (People v. Jabon, GR 250651, March 13, 2023). Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786.

The MSCI Japan Semiconductor and Semiconductor Equipment Index has more than doubled, with its companies gaining $147 billion in value since the Biden administration heightened restrictions on China’s access to US chip technology in October 2022. “We expect strong demand from China to continue or grow stronger still,” Tokyo Electron Deputy General Manager Hiroshi Kawamoto said last week. The company’s shares reached a new high in Tokyo on Tuesday, the first trading day after its earnings report, with a 12 percent rise that was their biggest jump in almost See “China,” A15

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US inflation tops forecasts in blow to Fed rate-cut hopes By Augusta Saraiva

S consumer prices jumped at the start of the year, stalling recent disinflation progress and likely delaying any Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts.

The consumer price index rose by more than forecast across the board in January—on a monthly and annual basis—as did the core measures, which strip out food and energy costs. A key subset of services prices advanced by the most in nearly two years, and shelter costs heated up, government data showed Tuesday. The figures further reduced already-slim chances that Fed officials will start lowering interest rates soon, and any additional reacceleration risks reigniting talks that they will resume hikes. Some policymakers have said they want to see a broader easing of price pressures before cutting rates. The S&P 500 fell and Treasury yields jumped after the release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Traders pushed out bets of when the Fed will start cutting rates and marked down March odds to almost zero. Economists have long contended that the path to 2 percent inflation— which the Fed targets, based on a separate index—would be arduous, and the CPI release suggests it may be longer and bumpier. Many forecasters still maintain that inflation is broadly on a downward trend, and that the January inflation surprise likely won’t translate to the Fed’s preferred measure, known as the personal consumption expenditures price index. “The Fed will view this as another reason to wait until May or June, but the direction of trend is still lower,” said Kathy Jones, Charles Schwab’s chief fixed-income strategist. “With much of the increase due to housing, it’s a waiting game to see when those costs will come down.” The figures reflected increases in the price of food, car insurance and medical care, while shelter costs contributed to more than two-thirds of the overall increase. Outpatient hospital services and pet services both posted record monthly advances. There was, however, some favorable news for American consumers. Prices of used cars dropped on a monthly basis by the most since 1969 after the methodology was updated. Broader goods prices and energy also continued to fall, underscoring policymakers’ concerns that the recent disinflation has been concentrated in a few categories. Last week, the BLS’s annual revisions confirmed inflation receded as fast as initially reported at the end of 2023. But new weightings—which are effective as of the latest figures—will place a greater emphasis on services and less on goods, which economists say will slightly boost the outlook for the CPI this year. Shelter price, which is the largest category within services, advanced 0.6 percent, matching the steepest gain since early 2023. Economists see a sustained moderation in this area as key to bringing core inflation down to the Fed’s target. “The January CPI report shows it won’t be a smooth road to get inflation back to 2 percent... Our base case is for the Fed to begin cutting rates in

China . . .

continued from A14

four years. China only makes about 20 percent of the chips it needs, and Kawamoto expects it will keep investing aggressively in legacy silicon to lower its reliance on imported semiconductors. “Many changes are occurring in the Chinese economy as a whole, but as far as our sector is concerned, we feel no impact.”

May—though if the troubling signs in this report persist, the risk of a later cut rises,” said Bloomberg economists Anna Wong and Stuart Paul. Excluding housing and energy, services prices climbed 0.8 percent from December, the most since April 2022, according to Bloomberg calculations of the measure known as supercore. While policymakers have stressed the importance of looking at such a metric when assessing the nation’s inflation trajectory, they compute it based on the PCE index. The PCE doesn’t put as much weight on shelter as the CPI does. That’s one reason why it’s trending much closer to the Fed’s 2 percent target. Friday’s release of the producer price index will provide more clues, as several categories within that report feed directly into the PCE price calculation. The PCE figures will be released later this month. Unlike services, a sustained decline in the price of goods over most of the past year has been providing some relief to consumers. So-called core goods prices, which exclude food and energy commodities, fell by the most since July. Recent comments from large consumer companies suggest price pressures will ease this year. Coca-Cola Co. said Tuesday that it raised prices 9 percent in the fourth quarter, more than analysts expected. Much of the increase was driven by what Chief Executive Officer James Quincey called “hyperinflation” in certain regions of the world. He expects prices to moderate this year in most countries. In North America, lower-income shoppers are starting to push back on price hikes and are buying fewer of the company’s products. Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International Inc. also said it expects “a pretty decent step back in the level of pricing across the industry.” At the same time, cereal maker WK Kellogg Co. is betting that some Americans will continue to shell out for some higher-end products. The company recently launched several new premium brands. In an interview Tuesday, CEO Gary Pilnick said the premium cereal category is performing well because “it’s incredibly affordable” as far as meals go. Fed officials will have access to multiple inflation reports—including one more CPI print—before their next policy meeting on March 19-20. Though Wall Street has been pushing for the central bank to start easing rates, policymakers have indicated they’re likely to stay on hold for a fifth straight meeting. That’s in part due to the strength of the US jobs market. A separate report Tuesday showed real earnings advanced by the most since July on an annual basis, extending a months-long streak in which wage growth has modestly outpaced inflation. With assistance from Kristy Scheu-

Opinion BusinessMirror

Thursday, February 15, 2024 A15

Indonesia election to shape reform agenda in post-Jokowi era By Faris Mokhtar and Chandra Asmara

oting is underway in Indonesia’s election that has turned outgoing President Joko Widodo into a polarizing figure amid mounting backlash over moves to get his preferred successor in power to continue his policies. The world’s biggest single-day polls taking place over a six-hour period will also elect on Wednesday thousands of lawmakers to local and national legislatures. The new leadership to take over from Jokowi in October will help shape the policies that will chart investment and growth in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Running for president are Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and former regional governors Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan in the first three-way race in 15 years. If no candidate secures the required threshold of 50 percent to win outright, Indonesia will head to a runoff election in June. A second-round voting last happened in 2004. Polls are scheduled to open at 7 a.m. Wednesday in the archipelago of more than 17,000 islands— stretching a distance similar to New York to Alaska. Voting ends by 1 p.m. local time, according to the election commission, with West Indonesia, including Jakarta, closing voting booths two hours after it ends in Papua. The world’s fourth-most populous nation with 205 million eligible voters has three time zones.

Heavy rains on Wednesday morning caused flooding and disrupted voting in areas across Jakarta and Central Java, according to local media reports. In the capital city, more than 1,500 voting stations are prone to flooding, based on Jakarta’s election agency data. The main Election Commission has not yet responded on whether or not voting will be extended. Unofficial quick count by private pollsters are expected to trickle in about two hours after voting closes in the west, while official results will take several weeks. The privately run quick count will be based on snapshots of actual votes from more than 800,000 polling stations across the country. The margin of error depends on the sample size, though these polls have proven accurate in the past. Indonesia’s next president inherits a $1-trillion economy that has fast risen in the global resource supply chain, thanks to Jokowi’s focus on overseas sale of refined rather than raw commodities. That move has boosted exports, narrowed the fiscal deficit and steadied the currency, making Indonesia an emerging-market favorite.

The popular Jokowi, however, has courted criticism throughout the campaign period. The older of his two sons became Prabowo’s running mate following a controversial constitutional court ruling presided by Jokowi’s brotherin-law. The incumbent leader’s attempt to extend his influence has also fractured his cabinet, with several ministers including his finance chief said to be mulling resignations. The popular Jokowi, however, has courted criticism throughout the campaign period. The older of his two sons became Prabowo’s running mate following a controversial constitutional court ruling presided by Jokowi’s brother-in-law. The incumbent leader’s attempt to extend his influence has also fractured his cabinet, with several ministers including his finance chief said to be mulling resignations. A successor who will build on his reforms can attain 6 percent to 7 percent growth, the fastest in three decades, Jokowi said last year. The goal to spur Indonesia’s gross domestic product beyond 5 percent was one that he failed to achieve during his 10-year rule. The new president will lead a country that must create jobs for a large youth population while managing supply chain disruptions and the

A ‘clerical error’ in Lyft’s outlook triggered 67% stock run-up By Antonia Mufarech

T was, without a doubt, a strong earnings report. Lyft Inc. projected adjusted earnings as much as 11 percent higher than analysts’ estimates, and reported bookings ahead of expectations. And then there was the outlook for profitability: Margins, the ride-hailing provider said in an initial press release, were set to expand this year by an eye-watering 500 basis points. Shares surged 67 percent in after-hours trading, a move that could’ve nearly doubled Lyft’s market value if it had held up.

The mistake overshadowed what was otherwise a solid beat on profit and bookings projections that signaled a years-long effort to boost ridership and challenge Uber Technologies Inc. may be paying off.

a nationwide plunge during the pandemic. The two have spent fiercely to recruit and retain enough drivers to meet the rise in orders. Lyft Chief Executive Officer David Risher, who took the helm less than a year ago, has focused the operations on customer satisfaction and has emphasized a return to the basics in an effort to close the gap with Uber. Lyft has spent millions of dollars to lure drivers but has had a hard time boosting its rider base. “Lyft clearly did one thing right —it corrected the error quickly and decisively,” said Brad Foster, a partner specializing in securities litigation at corporate law firm Haynes Boone. “The reality is that people make mistakes, and mistakes are not securities fraud.”

ble, Matthew Boesler, Steve Matthews, Brett Pulley, Deena Shanker and Daniela SirtoriCortina / Bloomberg

But the projection was off. Way off. Less than an hour after issuing the statement, Lyft Chief Financial Officer Erin Brewer joined a call with analysts and said the company is actually expecting margins to expand by 50 basis points—not 500—acknowledging, when asked by an analyst, that the press release was incorrect. A company spokesperson later attributed the mistake to a “clerical error” and noted the figure would be corrected in filings. It was unclear when the revisions would be filed, but shares almost immediately began giving up gains. By 8 p.m. New York time, they were largely unchanged, raising the potential for market complaints. It’s a “black-eye moment” for Lyft, said Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, “a debacle of epic proportions.” He said by email that he’d “never seen an error like this in my almost 25 years on the Street.” The mistake overshadowed what was otherwise a solid beat on profit and bookings projections that signaled a years-long effort to boost ridership and challenge Uber Technologies Inc. may be paying off. In fact, both Lyft and Uber delivered strong earnings reports this quarter, suggesting continued growth in overall rider demand since

IN the fourth quarter, Lyft said gross bookings jumped 17 percent from a year earlier to $3.72 billion, ahead of estimates for $3.67 billion. Revenue was $1.22 billion, up 4 percent from a year earlier and in line with projections. And it projected adjusted earnings of as much as $55 million in the first three months of the year, topping analysts’ estimates of $49.5 million. Lyft said the number of active riders on its platform increased 10

percent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier to 22.4 million. Last year, Lyft had more than 40 million riders, the highest annual ridership in its history. “We’ve entered 2024 with a lot of momentum and a clear focus on operational excellence,” CFO Brewer said, positioning the company to “drive meaningful margin expansion and our first full-year of positive free cash flow.” But Lyft still lags behind Uber. According to market research firm YipitData, the company has held around 30 percent of the US rideshare market compared with 70 percent for Uber since the second quarter of 2022. Last week, Uber reported its full year of profit as a public company and said trips rose 24 percent in the quarter to 2.6 billion. Stabilizing its market share is a critical first step for Lyft in building investors’ confidence “in the longterm story,” analysts at Jeffries Capital Management LLC wrote before the company’s results were released. Lyft said adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization were $66.6 million in the fourth quarter, beating the $56 million estimated by analysts. It reported a net loss of $26.3 million. Lyft has been making efforts to recruit more drivers and riders to its

More than half of Kyoto-based Screen Holdings Co.’s chip equipment sales are expected to come from China in the current quarter, CEO Toshio Hiroe said, lifting the wafer cleaning systems maker’s reliance on China to 44 percent in the year to March, up from 19 percent the previous year. Screen rose as much as 7.1 percent on Tuesday. Canon Inc. expects China to make up about 40 percent of its chip gear sales in 2024, double what it was five years ago. Kokusai Electric Corp. is

hiring staff in China to meet demand in a market that it expects will make up close to half of its revenue, while Disco Corp. expects China to make up close to 40 percent of sales this fiscal year. Behind US chip export restrictions is concern about China gaining access to the machines, components and spare parts it needs to produce advanced semiconductors, especially AI chips, according to Gregory C. Allen, director of the CSIS Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies.

“Nothing that Japan sells today is going to dissuade China from its goal of producing all of these machines domestically as soon as possible,” he said. “However, if Japan exports machines, components, and critical knowledge, it can significantly speed up China’s advanced node production in the short term and its indigenization goals in the medium and long term.” The US Commerce Department is gathering information on Chinese production of legacy chips and US companies’ reliance on Chinese

suppliers. While based on technology developed a decade or more ago, shortages of older-generation semiconductors idled production lines for cars, air conditioners and PCs during the pandemic. Not only could the US and its allies expand curbs on chip gear shipments, there remains uncertainty about nascent Chinese chipmakers’ ability to attain mass production. Demand in China may be plateauing for some front-end processes— in which integrated circuitry is fab-

Gross bookings

green transition that curbs reliance on locally abundant coal. He must also navigate regional security concerns amid the heightening rivalry between the US and China. The presidential contenders have mostly focused on themes of job creation, anti-corruption and economic growth. Prabowo and Ganjar—the latter backed by the ruling party— have largely pledged to continue Jokowi’s policies, such as accelerating infrastructure development, including the $34-billion new capital. Anies has positioned himself as an opposition candidate, seeking a review of Jokowi’s downstreaming push and the relocation of the new capital. According to Alessandro Gazzini, who heads the Indonesia unit of consultancy Alvarez & Marsal, investors can be relatively assured of policy continuity as all three candidates have participated under Jokowi’s government, until recently. Even Anies will unlikely make any “revolutionary changes” to the national agenda, based on his track record, Gazzini told Bloomberg Television. Markets are relatively calm ahead of the election, Commerzbank AG analysts including Charlie Lay wrote in a note to clients on Wednesday. “They are not pricing in any surprises and expect a smooth outcome and transition of power. It may not come as early as today, but should be done and dusted by June,” it said. With assistance from Claire Jiao and Matthew Burgess /Bloomberg

platform. One project that’s gained traction is the Women+ Connect program, which matches women and non-binary drivers and riders. Since the initiative’s launch in September, 67 percent of eligible drivers have opted in and kept the feature on 99 percent of the time, Lyft said. The company launched in-app video ads in the fourth quarter, and its media revenue in that period exceeded the level achieved in all of 2022, it said, without giving an exact amount. And, like many areas of the US economy, Lyft also saw a Taylor Swift bump. High-attendance stadium events such as concerts by Swift and Beyonce, the US Open and football games helped boost rides by 35 percent, Lyft said. As part of efforts to retain drivers and promote pay transparency, Lyft earlier this month said drivers will earn at least 70 percent of the amount that riders pay each week, excluding external fees. But workers say it doesn’t go far enough. Drivers for Uber and Lyft are preparing to strike on Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, to call attention to low pay and what they claim is poor treatment by the app companies, according to a coalition representing drivers. Both Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors rather than employees, which has driven criticism from states such as New York, Massachusetts and California. Last November, both companies agreed to pay New York drivers a total of $328 million to prevent further litigation over whether drivers should be classified as employees with traditional legal protections. With assistance from Natalie Lung /Bloomberg

ricated onto silicon wafers, before they are cut into individual chips— according to Ryuichiro Koba, Disco’s investor relations head. “We don’t know which direction things will go,” he said. “Things are good now, but there’s a risk that business could shrivel up suddenly in the future, posing a risk for companies if they invest on capacity to meet demand from China,” Omdia analyst Akira Minamikawa said. With assistance from Peter Elstrom, Grace Huang and Kurt Schussler /Bloomberg

A16 Thursday, February 15, 2024

TEEN PREGNANCIES SEEN PART OF PHL’S POOR PISA RESULTS By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

O curb the rising number of student dropouts due to teenage pregnancy, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to revisit its comprehensive sexuality education program. “If they are not aware of sex education, not aware of their bodies, not aware of the perils if they get pregnant early, they would drop out. The problem with that is they will never go back to school. The way forward is to prevent,” said Gatchalian, who is presiding over the Committee on Basic Education hearings on the analysis of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 Results for the Philippines. Gatchalian lamented that the bright future of female students getting pregnant is taken away from them as they opt to drop out and become full-time mothers. Meanwhile, Sen. Nancy Binay asked the DepEd if it has mechanisms for monitoring cases of teenage pregnancy where the child is a victim of sexual abuse. Binay noted that the law

GATCHALIAN

raising the age for determining statutory rape from 12 to below 16 years old is already implemented, and she inquired whether the department had corresponding measures to address teenage pregnancy arising from such abuse. DepEd Assistant Secretary Alma Ruby Torio admitted that the department lacks a specific mechanism for monitoring such cases but is addressing the issue by reaching out to affected learners and their parents. Earlier, Education Secretary Sara Duterte said that the number of dropouts due to teenage pregnancy and early marriage decreased to 88.85 percent in 2022 due to the “promotion of Alternative Delivery Modes” of learning.

Oil, cars, farm products top BOC tracking vs smuggling

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

goods are stored, Maronilla said.

February revenue target

ETROLEUM, cars, agricultural products, and counterfeit goods remain high on the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) surveillance in its bid to curb illicit trade in the country. Customs spokesperson Vincent Maronilla told reporters late Tuesday afternoon that petroleum products are at the top of the list of commodities that BOC is guarding against smuggling. “We’ve always looked at oil petroleum products in the advent use of other alternative sources of energy,” Maronilla said. Petroleum remains to be one of the top revenue generators in terms of import duties and taxes, he added. The government has collected over P800 billion in taxes and duties from over 70 billion liters of fuel since it started its fuel marking program in September 2019 to curb

the smuggling of petroleum products. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/12/12/govtcollects-over-Pts800b-via-fuelmarking-program/). The BOC is also looking into cars, agricultural products such as rice, and counterfeit products that are frequently smuggled into the country. In 2023, the BOC apprehended P43.3 billion worth of smuggled commodities with counterfeit goods accounting for more than half of the amount at P25.4 billion. Maronilla said the BOC is conducting a series of anti-smuggling activities both in the stores where these goods are sold and

MARONILLA

in warehouses. The BOC official said they are “cutting the sources” by locating the warehouses and apprehending the goods so that they won’t go to the stores. As for the stores, Maronilla said they are educating the sellers and tenants on the implications of selling counterfeit goods. “Not only is it illegal but there are a lot of economic implications that surround such an activity,” he said. The BOC is guarding against the importation of counterfeit goods at the port level as well as conducting raids in warehouses where the

Baja’s jokes broke UN impasse on Iraq, Sudan By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

IPLOMATS and retired ambassadors paid their last tribute to former Philippine Ambassador Lauro L. Baja Jr., who died Friday of a heart attack. During the necrological service at the DFA headquarters in Pasay City, his colleagues shared fond memories from working with him, including his antics at the United Nations when he sat as then ambassador of the Philippines, the country being then a non-permanent member of the influential UN Security Council. One memorable instance when he injected humor in the UN was when he explained why the Philippines voted in favor of a UN Resolution that referred Sudanese President Bashir to the International Criminal Court. Patrick Chuasoto, DFA assistant secretary of the Office of Policy Planning and Coordination, was one of his deputies at the Philippine Permanent Mission in the UN. He read part of Baja’s remarks during the eulogy: “There was a middle-aged couple who had two stunningly beautiful teenage daughters, but who decided to try one last time for the son they had always wanted. “After months of trying, the wife became pregnant, and, sure enough, delivered a healthy baby boy nine months later. The happy father rushed to the nursery to see his new son. “He took one look at him, but was horrified to find that he was the ugliest child he had ever seen. He went to his wife and said that there was no way that he could have fathered the child. ‘Look at the two beautiful daughters I fathered,’” he cried. “Then he gave her a stern look, and asked,” “Have you been fooling around? The wife smiled sweetly and said, “Not this time.” Ambassador Baja used the joke to liken the infant to the UNSC whose “legitimacy” was questioned if it would not address for the third time the war crimes committed against the people of Sudan. Chuasoto said he saw Baja write the speech himself on the spot dur-

ing the formal meeting of UNSC that began 10:30pm and ended in the wee hours the following day. “As I saw him use it in the Security Council, humor sold ideas, reduced tensions, masked criticism and bonded personalities,” Chuasoto said. “The statement he delivered showed his intellectual savvy, conveying profound messages covering several themes in a manner that combined humor and eloquence.” DFA Undersecretary Antonio Morales also recalled that in one of the tense moments of the negotiations for the UN Security Council Resolution 1546 on rebuilding the state of Iraq, Baja “caught everyone off-guard” with these lines: “A man who gives in when he is wrong is an honest man. “A man who gives in when he is not sure he is wrong is a wise man. “But a man who gives in, even when he knows he is right, is a married man,” Morales quoted Baja as saying. Also present during the negotiations that led to UN Security Council Resolution 1546 was then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. “That well-timed strike at the UNSC’s funny bone reportedly eased tensions and allowed participants to talk, eventually leading to Resolution 1546,” Morales said. In their Facebook posts, former diplomatic reporters who covered Baja when he was the DFA Undersecretary for Policy also recalled funny anecdotes from him. “I remember during the Brunei Asean leaders’ meeting, Usec Baja thought he could get consensus on the code of conduct with China because there was assurance from almost everyone—or so he thought. When it didn’t happen, I asked him, why not? He was annoyed and replied, “nag secondtot! [second thought],” Theresa Martelino-Reyes, formerly from Japanese business daily Nikkei Shimbun said. “Asked why was there no meeting of the minds during a bilateral meeting? In a straight face he replied: Bacause it’s only tête-à-tête [pronounced the Tagalog way]. We broke into laughter,” wrote Arthur Bariuad who used to cover for the Manila Times.

MARONILLA said the BOC is targeting to reach P70 billion in revenues this February, raising P3.5 billion a day. “We’re confident that we can meet that target on an average and provide a little bit of surplus,” he said. The Bureau raked in a total of P883.6 billion in revenues in 2023, surpassing its target of P874 billion by P9.5 billion on the back of digitalization efforts and antismuggling drive. This year, the government aims to collect P4.3 trillion in revenues, P1 trillion of which will come from the BOC. “As the second biggest revenue agency, almost 24 centavos of every revenue peso that will be raised this year will be collected by the BOC. And for every budget peso that the government will spend this year, 20 centavos will be generated by the BOC,” Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said on Tuesday during the BOC’s founding anniversary. Recto, in his speech, called for the implementation of an integrated system for preborder verification and cross-border electronic invoicing to curb smuggling, misdeclaration, and undervaluation.

Korea-bound seasonal workers face tight vetting

ILIPINO seasonal workers who are being processed for deployment to South Korea by local government units (LGU) now face stricter regulations under a new issuance of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). In his two-page advisory No. 01, series of 2024, DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans J. Cacdac said the updated rules for facilitating the pipeline processing of qualified seasonal workers aims to protect them against abusive employers in South Korea. Last year, DMW reported it has received several reports of LGU-deployed seasonal workers, who suffered poor working and living conditions in South Korea. The new advisory will hire seasonal workers prescreened by LGUs, whose visas were issued by the Korean government prior to February 1, 2024, and who completed their predeparture training and orientation seminar provided by LGUs. “Without prejudice to the implementation of the DMW Advisory No. 1 Series of 2024 on the moratorium and review of the SWP, the pipeline processing shall remain in effect until those with visas issued prior to 01 February 2024 are fully processed,” Cacdac said. The new issuance requires concerned LGUs to ensure their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for their seasonal worker program (SWP) with South Korea include provisions for fair and equal treatment of Filipino workers, fair wages, decent working conditions and access to medical care. The MOA should also have the following provisions: monitoring and submission of status reports including grievances and complaints; execution of an undertaking that no illegal fees are collected from the SWP constituents; and ensuring the SWP constituents can appear at the nearest DMW Region Office when needed. In case no MOA was signed by the LGU, they will submit an undertaking to DMW where they commit to carry out the said responsibilities. The affected LGUs must coordinate with the DMW Pre-employment Government Placement Bureau through email (pegp@dmw.gov,ph) at least 10 days prior to the dates of the departure of their seasonal workers. They will be required to submit the list of their seasonal workers to be deployed and the date of their deployment with contact numbers/addresses and scanned copies of the signed employment contract of the SWPs included in the submitted list. Samuel P. Medenilla

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

ARJARJA, MANAS Bilingual Customer Care Officer Brief Job Description: Handle customer concerns.

AGUSTINUS Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 2.

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information. ANDY PROLAMIR Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information. ARIF RAHMAT HAKIM Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns. DARYL SONDHI Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns. DENNIS CHANDRA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns. HARTANTO WIJAYA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns. KRISTIN JODI SIMATUPANG Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns. LEONALDO CHANDRA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns. MOCHAMAD FARID RIZKY ARYADI Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

10.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, and handle customer concerns. RIA RAFENIA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

11.

Brief Job Description: Prepares product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information. SANDRA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer

12.

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

STEVANUS YANSEN SAPUTRA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 13.

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

STEVEN CHANDRA Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 14.

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

STEVEN HARTONO FOE Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 15.

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

SUSANTO Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 16.

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

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

No.

WINNY MEGAWATI SIHOMBING Indonesian Speaking Customer Service Officer 17.

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

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

KWAK, YOUNGSAM Senior Manager - QRE Manufacturing 18.

Brief Job Description: Handle the group’s QRE Manufacturing section. Develop procedures and methodologies to sustain and continuously improve processes to meet expected output goals on productivity, cycle time, yield and quality.

19.

Brief Job Description: Guides and manages the overall provision of Human Resources services, policies, and programs for the entire company. Manage the development and maintenance of the Human Resources sections of both the internet, particularly recruiting, culture and company information and intranet sites.

CHENG, XUZHONG Bilingual Dredger Navigation Controller 20.

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

SHEN, AISHU Bilingual Dredger Navigation Controller 21.

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

ZHANG, ZHENGWEN Bilingual Dredger Navigation Controller 22.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the inventory and maintenance of survey and assigned equipment.

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

HU, CHANGSUO Bilingual Dredging And Reclamation Quality Inspector 23.

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

24.

Brief Job Description: Manage and update project documentation on site and provide works manager with accurate and up to data information.

LI, SHENG Bilingual Dredging And Reclamation Quality Inspector

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

Brief Job Description: Visually check the inspection and verify actual condition.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

SHEN, HAIPING Bilingual Dredging And Reclamation Quality Inspector

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

25.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in a foreign language.

Brief Job Description: The bilingual dredging and reclamation quality inspector will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and longterm goals.

YANG, XIAO Bilingual Dredging And Reclamation Quality Inspector

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in a foreign language.

26.

Brief Job Description: Reject all products and materials that fail to meet quality expectations. Read blueprints, plans and specifications to understand the requirements of products and services.

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

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

28.

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

WU, SHUANGBING Bilingual Dredging Pump Mechanic Specialist 27.

Brief Job Description: The bilingual dredging pump mechanic specialist will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long-term goals.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION YAN, XUETANG Bilingual Dredging Pump Mechanic Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintains engine room equipment.

ZHANG, BINGFEI Bilingual Dredging Pump Mechanic Specialist Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of managerial experience in a related/semi-con industry.

29.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 ZHANG, QINGSONG Bilingual Dredging Pump Mechanic Specialist

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 8 years of proven work experience in handling different facets of Human Resources. Fluent and proficient in Spanish language.

30.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as bilingual dredger navigation controller, familiarity and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company.

Brief Job Description: Operates main propulsion engines, stopping, starting and controlling speeds. Inspects and adjusts engines and cleans engine room.

BAO, XIANSHUN Bilingual Quality Inspector 32.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as bilingual dredger navigation controller, familiarity and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company.

ZHOU, DINGBO Bilingual Dredging Pump Mechanic Specialist 31.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in a foreign language.

No.

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Section E Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Blvd., 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ARMORED TRANSPORT PLUS, INCORPORATED 502 A, Armal Plaza Bldg., C. Raymundo Ave., Maybunga, City Of Pasig GUIBERNAU, ALEJANDRO RUBEN HR Manager

A17

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

AMKOR TECHNOLOGY PHILIPPINES, INC. Km 22, East Service Rd Ssh, Cupang, City Of Muntinlupa

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Brief Job Description: Conduct inspections required by domestic statutes and the international conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

OUYANG HUI Bilingual Quality Inspector 33.

Brief Job Description: Visually check the inspection and verify actual condition.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 1 year experience in the related field. With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin & English languages.

YING, LINHUO Bilingual Quality Inspector 34.

Brief Job Description: Conduct inspections and audits on board vessels to assess, monitor and report in their condition and that of the products they carry.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Bilingual Dredging Pump Mechanic Specialist. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Bilingual dredging pump mechanic specialist, familiarity and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Bilingual dredging pump mechanic specialist, familiarity and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 1 year experience in the related field. With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin & English languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 1 year experience in the related field. With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin & English languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Bilingual Quality Inspector. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 1 year experience in the related field. With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin & English languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 1 year experience in the related field. With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin & English languages.

ZHANG, RONGRONG Bilingual Quality Inspector 35.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Bilingual Dredging and Reclamation Quality Inspector.

Brief Job Description: Visually check the inspection and verify the actual condition.

GAO, JIWEI Bilingual Reclamation Dredger Operator 36.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as bilingual dredging and reclamation quality inspector, familiarity and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company.

WEI, HONGREN Bilingual Reclamation Dredger Operator 37.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 1 year experience in the related field. With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin & English languages.

YANG, FAGANG Bilingual Reclamation Dredger Operator 38.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as bilingual dredging pump mechanic specialist, familiarity and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

REN, YAPENG Bilingual Reclamation Quality Controller 39.

Brief Job Description: Management of reclamation and marine construction works.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Bilingual Quality Inspector. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as bilingual reclamation dredger operator, familiarity and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as bilingual reclamation dredger operator, familiarity and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as bilingual reclamation dredger operator, familiarity and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Bilingual Reclamation Quality Controller. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A18 A6 Thursday, February 15, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

YANG, AN Bilingual Reclamation Quality Controller 40.

Brief Job Description: Manage and update project documentation on site and provide works manager with accurate and up to data information.

ZHANG, YANG Bilingual Reclamation Quality Controller 41.

Brief Job Description: Management of reclamation and marine construction works.

ZHENG, CANRONG Bilingual Reclamation Quality Controller 42.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Management of reclamation and marine construction works.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 1 year experience in the related field. With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin & English languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Bilingual Reclamation Quality Controller. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

VO, VAN VIET Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative 53.

54.

55.

CHINA INTERNATIONAL WATER AND ELECTRIC CORP. (BRANCH OFFICE) 5/f, Two E-com Mall Of Asia Complex Bldg., Harbor Drive St., District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City XIAO, YONGYING Mandarin HSE Consultant 43.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in conducting risk assessment to minimize workplace accidents and long-term hazards. DENG, HUI Mandarin Project Controller Specialist

44.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in monitoring, coordinating and controls project throughout its life cycle. ZHANG, ZHAOPING Mandarin Project Infrastructure Specialist

45.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in monitoring project activities to ensure that there is a compliance with infrastructure project plans. CHEN, WEITING Mandarin Project Materials & Procurement Specialist

46.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in recording and assessing all materials quality movement and expenditure.

Basic Qualification: Extensive fluency in Mandarin language and characters.

47.

Brief Job Description: Support and guide direct reports on performance and project development in line with clients’ goals and objectives. Design, develop, and create all French response templates. Quality reviews for French agents, project findings, updates, and proposed advancement and improvements in agents’ guidelines to have a better user experience.

57.

58.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Extensive fluency in Mandarin language and characters.

59.

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

Basic Qualification: The candidate already had work experience in an accounts receivable/ payable team providing French multilingual. The candidate should have good background in accounts receivable tasks or any relevant experience and should be able to fluently speak and write in French and English languages (Professional/ Business).

60.

61.

CHATTERJEE, TUSHAR SUBHRA Service Delivery Manager 48.

Brief Job Description: Lead and scale up the process, manage initiatives and resources across the project to facilitate seamless transformation, and create and provide high-quality presentations, reports, and client deliverables.

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

Brief Job Description: Customer service.

BERY FEBRICO Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

CHEN, RUI Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

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

DIANA Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

HENDRA Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

HSIEH, CHIA-CHUN Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

JIMMY Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

LE QUOC ANH Call Center Agent 62.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: 11 years of operations experience along with 3 years of cloud experience and advanced management program certified by Premier B-School, Iim-Kozhikode.

ALVIN Call Center Agent

DAI, JIANWEI Call Center Agent

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

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

KOUASSI, YAO KOUMAN Process Specialist

56.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Extensive fluency in Mandarin language and characters.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Vietnamese language.

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

SHI, QIUFENG Call Center Agent 63.

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

TANG, KEBO Call Center Agent 64.

CORE-X DESIGN INC. 3/f Iacademy Plaza, 324 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

No.

70.

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

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Bilingual Reclamation Quality Controller. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

71.

72.

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Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration f the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance & support to customers. Assist with the preparation of reports. Escalating complex issues to management.

STEPHEN WARTONO Indonesian Language - Support Supervisor 50.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language and can work under pressure.

51.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video phone, and social media channels.

NGUYEN, THI THU TRANG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative 52.

Brief Job Description: Responsible to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels.

Brief Job Description: Customer service.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language and can work under pressure.

66.

TRINH THI VIET Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

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

EASYTECH SUPPORT INC. 9-11/f, 14/f Capella Bldg., Asean Drive Filinvest, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

MAI NGOC TUAN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

65.

TANG, SHIHONG Call Center Agent

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

67.

U LAI SAM Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service.

VI THI HANH Call Center Agent 68.

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

WANG, KANG Call Center Agent 69.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing all HR activities for APAC AND MIDDLE EAST. Team management. Stake holder management. MENGHAL, PUSHKAR PUNDALIK Service Desk Operation Manager

74.

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

Brief Job Description: Ensure that processes and procedures used by the service desk are documented, regularly audited and continually improved.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. 5 plus years of experience in HR domain. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and influencing. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

HELLOCONNECT, INC. 7/f Inoza Tower, 40th St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

AKOMA, ADON ROLAND Customer Care Specialist - French Speaker 75.

Brief Job Description: Being the first point of contract for customers, sharing our passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences at all opportunities.

Basic Qualification: Must be a fluent French language speaker. Above average English language communication skills. Able to communicate to potential and existing customers in a highly positive manner.

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

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin/basic English language.

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

KONI, JUDE NEDI Customer Care Specialist - French Speaker 76.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin/basic English language.

Brief Job Description: Being the first point of contract for customers, sharing our passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences at all opportunities.

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

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

MAMA MAMA, ZENON TONY Customer Care Specialist - French Speaker 77.

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

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

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

78.

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

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

80.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin/basic English language. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

81.

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

Brief Job Description: Being the first point of contract for customers, sharing our passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences at all opportunities.

79. ANITA INDRAYANI Indonesian Language - Support Manager

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

HUSSAIN, SYED MOHAMMAD Executive

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

HCL TECHNOLOGIES PHILIPPINES, INC. 10th Floor, Six/neo 5th Avenue Corner 26th Street E-square Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Brief Job Description: Customer service.

ZHANG, YI Call Center Agent

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

XIE, DESHENG Call Center Agent

YANG, LIBO Call Center Agent

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

82.

83.

84.

BUI VAN TAM Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion. BUI, VAN TRANG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion. DO, TUAN SU Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion. NGUYEN THI HOANG ANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion. NGUYEN THI HONG PHUONG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Provide customer care when necessary. Keep updated knowledge of accounts policies and product.

NGUYEN VU HOANG QUAN Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Administering and receiving customer surveys on occasion.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year course degree. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year course degree. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in a field like communication or marketing and several years of work experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year course degree. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

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92.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NGUYEN, THI THU HUONG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking in Vietnamese language.

Brief Job Description: Deferring to management in instances of uncertainty.

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

NGUYEN, XUAN LOC Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year course degree.

Brief Job Description: Deferring to management in instances of uncertainty.

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

PHAM, VAN TUYEN Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking in Vietnamese language.

Brief Job Description: Deferring to management in instances of uncertainty.

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

TO NGOC TRANG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

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

Brief Job Description: Provide customer care when necessary. Keep updated knowledge of accounts policies and products. TRAN DIEU THUY Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

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

TRAN DINH HOANG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year course degree.

Brief Job Description: Deferring to management in instances of uncertainty.

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

TRUONG, VAN TA Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year course degree.

Brief Job Description: Deferring to management in instances of uncertainty.

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

Brief Job Description: Deferring to management in instances of uncertainty.

102.

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

CHRISTIAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 103.

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

DANDY Indonesian Customer Service Representative 104.

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

DEFIN SIXSIANO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 105.

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

DWI ANNISA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 106.

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

EKA NURHASANAH Indonesian Customer Service Representative 107.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year course degree. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION BONG WIWIN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

Y, NA KHIEN Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

No.

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

ELPARIKA NUARI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 108.

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

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

AARON KIM LAMBERT Indonesian Customer Service Representative 93.

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

ABBYGAIL JEANETTE TAMBUWUN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 94.

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

AHMAD FAUZI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 95.

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

ANGEL KAREN LIM Indonesian Customer Service Representative 96.

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

ANGELA WIJAYA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 97.

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

ANGGA ADITYA TOMUKA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 98.

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

AUREL PRICILLA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 99.

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

AYU PRADITA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 100.

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

BASKARA ARYWIBISONO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 101.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

ERI SANTOSO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 109.

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

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

ERWIN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 110.

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

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

ERWIN KURNIA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 111.

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

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

ERWIN SATRIA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 112.

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

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

FELIX FERNANDO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 113.

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

FERNANDO ANTONIOLI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 114.

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

115.

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

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

FOE POULA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 116.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

FILINA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

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

FRANSHEN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 117.

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

Thursday, February 15, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

No.

GILBERT HAPPYPARENTS KUSUMA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 118.

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

119.

120.

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122.

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124.

125.

126.

127.

128.

129.

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131.

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

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

OWEN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 132.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

OKTAVIANUS AHURU MARVRIYANO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

LEO WILLIEM FERNANDO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

KEZIA SHERYL SANTOSO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

KEVIN ADAM ALPHONSO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

KASIM Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

JOSHUA DELVIN KURNIAWAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

JOHAN OBI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

JENNYCA AGUNG Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

JENNY HALIM Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

IRA HALIM Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

HANDY JUMAWAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

HALIM TAN SIL Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

GLENFIANO SUNDAH SAPUTRA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

OZSA AL KHAFFIE Indonesian Customer Service Representative 133.

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

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

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

A19

BusinessMirror

A20 A6 Thursday, February 15, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION REXY ANANDA DWIMURY Indonesian Customer Service Representative

134.

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

SUWANDY Indonesian Customer Service Representative 135.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

No.

150.

136.

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

YOLANDA WULANDIKA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 137.

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

YONIVIANTY SANINDA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 138.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

151.

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

139.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

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

153.

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

140.

141.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. VERA Indonesian Language - Support Supervisor Brief Job Description: Identifies issues and gaps in current process.

MEIRANY DEWI PAAT Indonesian Language-Support Officer 142.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

PUTUT DWI HANDOYO Indonesian Language-Support Officer 143.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

I PUTU GEDE EKA PRASETYA Indonesian Language-Support Supervisor 144.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

LIEM VANIA PRANCA WINATA Indonesian Language-Support Supervisor 145.

146.

147.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

POTHIPONGSA, RAWEEPAPA Thai Language - Marketing Officer Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

SAE-HENG, SIRORAT Thai Language - Marketing Officer Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

JAIKUM, KITTIYAPORN Thai Language-Support Officer 148.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

SORNPANU, PHANTHASITH Thai Language-Support Officer 149.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

LUAN THI HUONG GIANG Vietnamese Language-Support Officer 154.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure.

VO LE NHUT THIEN Vietnamese Language - Marketing Officer

DAO THI KIM THANH Vietnamese Language-Support Officer

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

TRAN NGOC LAN ANH Vietnamese Language-Support Officer 155.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. Providing information, assistance and support to customers.

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

LYU, QIANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Indonesian language.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of incoming calls.

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

S-W TRADING CORP. Unit 101, #393 Mindanao Ave. 6, Talipapa, Quezon City

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Indonesian language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

HARIANSYAH PUTRA Indonesian Marketing Associate 157.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure.

Brief Job Description: Helps to create proposals and presentations in Bahasa Indonesia language, and conducts market research to identify new opportunities.

CHEN, CHAOMING Mandarin Document Controller 158.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Vietnamese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Perform regular audit on corporate documents in order to ensure that all documents are properly submitted to other department.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure.

HARRIS, DANIEL TERENCE Process Improvement Analyst 159.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote quality culture, communicate standards and provide feedback to address issues and ensure compliance, while also increasing awareness and accountability.

KANEV, ALEKS KANCHEV Process Improvement Analyst Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote quality culture, communicate standards and provide feedback to address issues and ensure compliance, while also increasing awareness and accountability.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure.

LIU, XUEJUN Operations Manager 161.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for ensuring all operations are carried out in an appropriate and cost-effective way. Improve operational management systems, processes and best practices. Formulate strategic and operational objectives.

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

Basic Qualification: Any nationality with excellent verbal communication skills, especially in Bahasa Indonesia & English languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With excellent verbal communication skills, specifically Mandarin and English languages.

CHEN, ZHENHONG Customer Service Representative 162.

Brief Job Description: Help customers with complaints and questions, give customer information about products and services, take orders and process returns.

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

167.

163.

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

DUAN, WANYI Chinese Language Research Analyst 168.

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

HUANG, JINWU Chinese Language Research Analyst 169.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: BSC Marketing graduate. With at least 2 years of relevant work experience and excellent communication skills.

170.

171.

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

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

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

LI, HAIFENG Chinese Language Research Analyst 172.

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

173.

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

174.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. OWI JEE HAO Chinese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified. WANG, ZHONGHUI Chinese Language Research Analyst

176.

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

177.

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

178.

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

179.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 1 year work experience in a related field. Fluent in English and Chinese-Mandarin languages.

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

LENG, XI Chinese Language Research Analyst

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a related industry. Fluent in ChineseMandarin language.

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

LAN, JIAGUO Chinese Language Research Analyst

Basic Qualification: BSC Marketing graduate. With at least 2 years of relevant work experience and excellent communication skills.

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

CAO, JING Chinese Language Research Analyst

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

CHENG, SHA Chinese Language Research Analyst

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

TYCHE HOLDINGS INC. 7/f Rrr Building, Block 2 Lot 16 Aseana Enclave Street, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure.

166.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

TNY CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Unit 10b East Tower, 8912 Asean Avenue, Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure.

CHEN, YAJUAN Chinese Language Research Analyst

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Thai language.

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

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

160.

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

165.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure.

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

CHEN, TIANFU Chinese Language Research Analyst

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Vietnamese language.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Thai language.

164.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Vietnamese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHEN, LUNHAI Chinese Language Research Analyst

175.

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

No.

TDH INTERNATIONAL INC. 5/f Cambridge Center Bldg., 108 Tordesillas Cor. Gallardo Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. Must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesia language. Can work under pressure.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

156. MARTIN FEBRIANTO Indonesian Language - Support Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

NGUYEN HOANG CHAU KHA Vietnamese Language - Support Officer

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

PHOENIXFIELD, INC. 7/f Iacademy Plaza, 324 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave, Bel-air, City Of Makati

SHARMA DUTTA, DEEPIKA Indian Language-Support Officer

PHAM, BAO YEN Vietnamese Language - Marketing Officer

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

152. VIA VIRENSIA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

180.

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

181.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Feb 14, 2024

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Exec: Meralco to issue refund

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

he Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Wednesday it will likely start processing refunds next month after it was called out by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for passing on to consumers the cost of procuring power from plants fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, the refund amount has yet to be finalized, according to Meralco Spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga. “There is no available figure yet for the refund as we are still computing

it, but most likely the refund will happen in March." Meralco had included in the February electricity bills the impact of the use of LNG cost imposed by power

generation companies when Meralco has yet to validate this. The ERC, in a letter to Meralco dated February 12, urged the distribution utility (DU) firm to complete the validation to justify the rate adjustment. The agency said it will not allow Meralco to recover such costs if the company itself has not completed its validation or provided the results of such validation. “Pending Meralco’s validation of the basis of such charges, passing on of such costs to the consumers may be premature,” ERC Chairperson Monaliza Dimalanta said. Meralco is awaiting the gas supply contract entered into by First Gen Corp. and its gas supplier before it can thoroughly evaluate the LNG cost. “We are still waiting for it but we already asked for a copy

of the contract.” Prior to the ERC letter, Meralco said it sought guidance from the ERC on how it should proceed. “We wrote them about it,” said Meralco First Vice President and Regulatory Management head Ronald Valles. However, Meralco proceeded to incorporate the LNG cost into the power generation component prior to the issuance of the ERC letter. Nonetheless, Meralco vowed to comply with the directive of the ERC. “We are ready to implement a refund in generation charges corresponding to the increase in the gas price of First Gas plants for the January supply month. As these are pass thru costs, we will also not be in a position to pay the equivalent cost to First Gas,” said Valles.

Globe activates segment of subsea cable

lobe Telecom Inc. on Wednesday said it has activated a segment of the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), resulting in onground connections spanning from Luzon to Mindanao. The activated segment, known as the PDSCN Express Route, covers key points across the archipelago.

These include Lucena City, Quezon; Boac, Marinduque; Calatrava, Tablas Island, Romblon; Roxas City, Capiz; Placer, Masbate; Palompon, Leyte; Mactan, Cebu; Talisay City, Cebu; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. “The activation of the PDSCN Express Route marks another milestone in our journey towards

providing inclusive connectivity across the archipelago, especially in underserved and unserved areas. It will also enhance the reliability and resilience of our network given the country’s vulnerability to disasters and calamities,” said Joel Agustin, Globe SVP and Head of Network Planning and Engineering.

Agustin highlighted the added reliability and resilience the network brings, addressing the country's vulnerability to disasters and calamities. He also mentioned that 90 percent of cable landing stations, crucial points for undersea fiberoptic cables, have been completed under the $150-million subsea cable project. Lorenz S. Marasigan

SEC tells investors to avoid 2 local entities By VG Cabuag @villygc

he Sec u r it ies a nd E xchange Commission (SEC) is urging the public not to invest in Robinson Co. and America Mall-Ph, two entities that employ the tasking and recharging scheme to entice investors. In its advisory, the SEC said the tasking and recharging scheme is akin to selling investment contracts, which requires a permit from the agency. In the said scheme, an investor is offered online jobs by performing certain tasks with a promise of receiving monetary rewards, or commissions. Once a task is completed, the investor will be given another task to perform for the same promise of receiving higher commissions where additional funding or recharging from the victim is necessary to withdraw their earnings, the agency said. “An investment contract exists in tasking and recharging

scheme as there is an investment or placement of money in a common enterprise with a reasonable expectation of profits to be derived from the efforts of others." The SEC said scheme also has the characteristics of a Ponzi scam, where monies from new investors are used in paying fake profits to prior investors and is designed mainly to favor its top recruiters and prior risk takers. “It is detrimental to subsequent members in case of scarcity of new investors.” The agency said the two companies operate via their online platforms. Robinson and America Mall-Ph also used fake incorporation papers to make it appear they were legitimate business operators. The said offense carries a maximum fine of P5 million and imprisonment of up 21 years. “Furthermore, the names of all those involved will be reported to the Bureau of Internal Revenue so that the appropriate penalties and/or taxes be correspondingly assessed,” the SEC said.

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Figaro income rises by 6% despite global headwinds

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

he Figaro Coffee Group Inc. (FCG), an operator of restaurants and cafes, said its income in the first half of its current fiscal year went up by 6 percent to P282.93 million from the previous year’s P265.11 million. Revenues for the period climbed 35 percent to P2.76 billion from the previous year’s P2.04 billion. System-wide sales grew at almost the same pace at 36 percent, brought about by the opening of 38 stores from July 1, which brought the total number of stores to 203 by December. As of the end of 2023, there were

64 Figaro Coffee stores, 124 Angel’s Pizza stores, 10 Tien Ma’s Taiwanese cuisine stores, one Koobideh Kebabs store and four Cafe Portofino stores. In 2023, the company opened a total of 68 new stores. During the October to December quarter, the company’s income rose 7 percent to P194.74 million from the previous year's P181.69 million.

Revenues, meanwhile, were up 42 percent to P1.45 billion from the previous year’s P1.02 billion. “Amid the challenges of an inflation-laden year, 2023 emerged as a banner year for the company,” Figaro said. From January to December, the company had revenues of P5 billion, 55 percent higher than P3.2 billion recorded in the same period in 2022. The company said it had net profit margin of 10 percent or P480.4 million, 84 percent higher compared to the same period in 2022. “Despite global inflation challenges, FCG navigated 2023 successfully. The company optimized key expenses, reducing cost of goods sold to 32 percent from the previous year's 38 percent,” Jose Petronio Vicente Español III, the company’s CFO, said. “The strategic management of fi-

nancing costs, improving efficiencies and utilizing economies of scale was instrumental in softening negative effects posed by inflationary pressures. The company is positioned to continue growth of its stores and brands nationwide to further expand its presence in the Philippines.” Cashflow from operations during the period yielded a net outflow of P6.4 million, while the investing provided a net outflow of P401 million resulting from capital expenditure for store network and commissary and warehouse capacity expansion. “However, financing activities provided a net inflow during the period of P230 million from loan availments to take advantage of the prompt payment discounts from supplier to cushion the inflationary pressures of increasing raw material costs,” the company said.

First Gen launches climate competition

lean energy provider First Gen Corp. recently launched a P1-million campus competition for climate solutions. Students from 29 universities and colleges have joined the competition to develop the best and most innovative ideas and solutions to cut their school’s carbon footprint. The Lopez-led First Gen opened the tilt, dubbed “Code Green for Campuses,” as a way of encouraging students to contribute to the campaign against adverse climate change—a problem being aggravated by the continued buildup in the atmosphere of carbon dioxide and other heattrapping greenhouse gases. The competition challenges the students to submit solutions and ideas in response to the following problem statement: “Given climate change, schools and universities are encouraged to look for ways to limit their carbon footprint. With this in mind, what innovative solutions and programs can you develop to manage, if not limit, your school’s current carbon footprint?” In a statement, Ricky Carandang, First Gen vice president and head of corporate communications, said the school whose team submits the best solution or idea of decarbonization will win a P1-million prize in the form of an innovation fund for use as seed capital to bring to life the winning proposal. Carandang said at least 52 teams from 29 schools, including the country’s top universities and colleges, registered as participants in the Code Green for Campuses competition during its recent virtual launch. The launch was supported by officials from the Department of Envi-

ronment and Natural Resources, as well as event partners Edukasyon. ph, One Cainta Food Program, SustainaRumble, and Nomura Research Institute-Manila Branch. Carandang added that, of the registered teams, 51 submitted their respective concept papers before the dead line for such submissions lapsed last February 9. Of the submitted entries, 43 passed the initial screening and will undergo an elimination round on Feb. 19 to determine the top 15 entries for the semifinal round. At the semifinal stage, he said the 15 teams will get their respective mentors who will help the teams prepare or pitch their proposals for potential programs to be implemented in their schools. Later, the 15 contestants will compete on March 4 for one of five spots in the final round of the Code Green for Campuses tilt. During the final round, the five remaining participants will present their respective entries before a panel of judges to be led by Dr. Rodel Lasco, the executive director of the Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation Inc. The final presentation will be held on March 16, at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City. Aside from the P1-million innovation fund for the winning school, the student team that tops the competition also gets a P100,000 prize; the first runnerup receives P75,000; the second runner-up, P50,000; third runnerup, P30,000; and fourth runner-up, P20,000. Jonathan L. Mayuga

MUTUAL FUNDS NAV

One Year Three Year

per share

Five Year

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds 3.27%

-0.42%

-3.51%

-0.08%

1.5109

4.11%

4.77%

-0.59%

1.98%

2.59%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0854

222.03

2.7%

-0.21%

-5.65%

-1.88%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.712

0.32%

-3.21%

-5.4% n.a

First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a

-2.39%

-5.28% n.a

5.58%

-0.15%

-2.52%

4.98%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

0.6605

-6.03%

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.86080.88%

5.35%

0.1%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.72920.26%

-0.01% n.a n.a

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

83.12

2.63%

-5.86%

-7.22% n.a

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 45.3597

1.04%

-0.75%

-2.71% n.a

471.43

3.08%

-0.86%

-2.77%

-0.06%

5.38%

1.2347

2.24%

1.98%

-1.19%

2.31%

2.44%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

1.78%

0.74%

-1.8%

1.69%

4.78%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9119 3.5%

0.37%

-2.46% n.a

5.19%

Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a

4.7629

1.82%

0.12%

-1.95%

1.6%

5.6%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

792.6

1.76%

-0.07%

-2.02%

1.58%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.718

2.87%

0.21%

-4.48% n.a

4.71%

3.57

1.67%

-0.15%

-3.56%

0.14%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8991 1.55%

-0.36%

-2.31% n.a

United Fund, Inc. -a

3.2451

0.76%

-0.57%

-2.52%

5.3%

-2.2%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a

1.9%

5.7%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 35.2412

4.75%

5.61% 6.11% 5.65%

4.98%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 1.11321.59% n.a n.a n.a

5.46%

COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,2 1.0219 n.a n.a n.a n.a 1.71% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.0431

-6.41%

-0.93% n.a n.a

2.37%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

962.41

1.73% n.a n.a n.a

5.63%

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 107.7642.4%

0.37%

-1.7%

2.28%

5.72%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM -15.68%

-4.15%

-1.46%

-2.26%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.7364

AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.8034

-11.32%

15.48%

-0.85%

7.31% n.a

4.49%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.2566

4.85%

-0.15%

-0.36%

0.69%

ATRAM Unicapital Diversified Growth Fund, Inc. -a,41.553

4.38%

-2.36%

-2.03%

1.94% -1.12%

2.81%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.5748

0.07%

-0.37%

-0.51%

-0.47%

3.13%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1974

-2.18%

0.15% n.a n.a

3.68% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9883

-0.48%

0.36%

0.83%

1.7%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6547

3.27%

-0.99%

0.18%

0.86%

2.78%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.0168

3.21%

-1.66%

-0.48%

0.55%

2.92%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.083

2.44%

-0.03%

-0.59%

1.37%

2.71%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5138

2.4%

-0.41%

-1.59%

0.44%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.9304

1.64%

-0.66% n.a

2.89%

1.97%

2.86%

3.11%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.95241.45%

-2.11%

-0.77% n.a

1.29%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.87990.98%

-2.21%

-2.23% n.a

3.87%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.86150.58%

-2.33%

-2.62% n.a

4.35%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03274

-0.18%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.8808

-1.71%

0.05%

-9.65%

-2%

-1.06%

-3.75%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.3973

9.92%

-2.42%

4.35%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.0433

4.33%

-4.27%

0.78% n.a

-7.9%

-5.51%

-1.42% 3.21%

2.46% 0.22%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 391.78

3.17%

1.77%

2.55%

2.36%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9175

1.43%

0.23%

0.6%

0.33% 0.18%

0.45%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.336

2.38%

1.2%

2.23%

3.74%

0.32%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.2806

2.97%

-0.23%

1.23%

1.57%

-0.24%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.4537

1.54%

0.08%

1.95%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.92%

1.14%

0.24%

4.3081

2.8%

-2.4%

1.31%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3842

3.9%

1.51%

3.14%

1.86%

0.8%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.0397

2.67%

0.46%

2.45%

1.86%

0.13%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

2.48%

0.43%

2.95% n.a

0.24%

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

3.3075

3.34%

1.06%

3.16%

2.35%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

2.57%

0.31%

2.33%

1.68%

-0.24%

1.0522

1.7652

-0.15%

-0.16%

Corporate Debt Vehicle (units) ATRAM Unitized Corporate Debt Vehicle, Inc. -a,3

1.0166 n.a n.a n.a n.a

0.89%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM $496.85

2.8%

0.8%

1.96%

2.49%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є214.3

Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.6%

-0.8%

0.79%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0323-0.38%

0.33% 0.14%

-6.6%

-2.06%

0.07%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0248 2.48%

-2.06%

-0.16% n.a

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc. -b $0.8499

-3.18%

-0.87%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

-7.95%

$2.2891

3.28%

-3.26%

0.62%

1.8%

1.45%

-0.75%

1.29%

1.58%

0.44%

0.64%

-5.06%

-1.23%

0.38%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.0611815

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.7483

-4.09%

-1.01%

-1.11%

-0.4%

-1.32% -3.01%

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 137.38

2.47%

2.07%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.1132 3.35%

2.88%

1.85%

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.38092.88%

2.07%

2.43%

0.37% 2.13% n.a 2.06%

0.43%

0.38%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 105.15

4.23% n.a n.a n.a

0.55%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.1031

2.81%

1.54%

1.6% n.a

0.51%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 42.9983-1.41% n.a n.a n.a Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.5289

18.71%

-0.26%

8.95% n.a n.a

4.06% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1

1.0091 n.a n.a n.a n.a

0.94%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.7926-3.41%

-7.14% n.a n.a

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. 1 - Launch date is August 22, 2023.

2 - Launch date is October 6, 2023.

-1.26%

c - Listed in the PSE.

3 - Launch date is May 25, 2023.

4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last May 21, 2020 (formerly, ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc.) “While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa. com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU.”

February 14, 2024

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

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

4,284,210 451,106,900 108,400 191,075,797 9,895,400 1,604,363 117,284,617 129,160 2,920,716 3,300 2,019,810 5,786,343.50 6,529,570 84,940 2,540 281,000 11,550 5,680 256,450 7,800

21,210 29,836,369.00 41,619,698 1,240,175 1,340,290.00 37,731,878.50 70,000 154,720 -402,750 -14,141 -3,279,165 269,500 -1,890 117,000 -

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 4.26 4.27 4.23 4.27 4.18 4.26 7,205,000 30,559,420 ALSONS CONS 0.51 0.53 0.51 0.53 0.51 0.53 93,000 48,450 0.78 0.79 0.78 0.79 0.76 0.79 745,000 571,800 ALTERNERGY HLDG ABOITIZ POWER 38 38.1 37.95 38.2 37.5 38 896,100 34,038,225 1.18 1.22 1.18 1.22 1.18 1.22 34,000 40,340 RASLAG BASIC ENERGY 0.214 0.216 0.215 0.22 0.212 0.216 2,890,000 622,140 18.7 18.72 18.36 18.72 18.36 18.7 629,200 11,667,100 FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG 65.05 65.4 65.2 65.4 65 65.05 28,530 1,864,194 361 361.8 355.8 363.8 355.8 361.8 168,120 60,753,266 MERALCO MANILA WATER 18.6 18.62 18.64 18.64 18.54 18.6 1,181,000 21,954,220 3.25 3.27 3.26 3.27 3.22 3.25 726,000 2,353,920 PETRON PETROENERGY 4.48 4.68 4.4 4.69 4.39 4.68 52,000 230,130 4.04 4.2 4.04 4.2 4.04 4.2 10,000 41,680 PHX PETROLEUM REPOWER ENERGY 7.29 7.4 7.26 7.45 7.26 7.4 90,400 658,984 32.55 32.6 32.6 32.65 32.4 32.55 676,000 22,023,875 SEMIRARA MINING SYNERGY GRID 8.12 8.14 7.85 8.2 7.6 8.12 1,963,300 15,571,437 10.56 10.72 10.78 10.78 10.52 10.56 148,900 1,575,428 SHELL PILIPINAS SPC POWER 8.51 8.55 8.58 8.6 8.5 8.51 90,100 769,954 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.26 1.21 1.22 72,889,000 89,596,800 SP NEW ENERGY 0.53 0.54 0.56 0.56 0.53 0.54 6,030,000 3,234,250 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 2.24 2.3 2.24 2.25 2.24 2.24 151,000 338,250 18.9 19.1 19 19.3 18.4 18.9 94,200 1,779,768 CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD 35.55 36 35.4 36 35.4 35.55 1,274,900 45,320,670 5.89 5.93 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 9,000 53,100 DEL MONTE DNL INDUS 6.61 6.64 6.68 6.7 6.61 6.61 886,700 5,906,530 20.45 20.55 20.5 20.65 20.4 20.45 784,800 16,068,120 EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV 49.7 50 49.5 50 49.5 50 37,050 1,850,710 0.7 0.71 0.69 0.71 0.69 0.7 4,848,000 3,392,980 FIGARO COFFEE FRUITAS HLDG 0.84 0.85 0.83 0.85 0.83 0.84 108,000 90,520 159.5 160 161 163.9 160 160 12,690 2,043,747 GINEBRA JOLLIBEE 255 255.4 257 257 252.4 255 860,820 219,719,684 1.41 1.42 1.42 1.43 1.41 1.42 1,243,000 1,756,840 KEEPERS HLDG LIBERTY FLOUR 13.56 15.26 14 14 14 14 700 9,800 3.34 3.4 3.34 3.45 3.27 3.4 277,000 921,520 MAXS GROUP MONDE NISSIN 10.34 10.36 10.36 10.42 10.2 10.36 19,259,500 199,776,046 10.62 10.7 10.6 10.72 10.6 10.72 1,700 18,032 SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO 0.57 0.58 0.59 0.6 0.57 0.57 4,361,000 2,527,560 2.92 2.96 2.97 2.97 2.95 2.96 28,000 82,710 RFM CORP UNIV ROBINA 115.8 115.9 112 116.4 111.2 115.9 2,149,770 247,075,277 VITARICH 0.5 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.5 0.51 41,000 20,610 2.6 2.85 2.79 2.79 2.6 2.6 46,000 120,360 VICTORIAS CEMEX HLDG 1.85 1.86 1.76 1.86 1.73 1.86 17,601,000 32,099,070 0.64 0.65 0.66 0.66 0.64 0.65 60,000 38,430 EC VULCAN CORP EEI CORP 5.41 5.49 5.5 5.5 5.41 5.49 223,000 1,214,113 3.22 3.24 3.24 3.27 3.22 3.22 558,000 1,810,510 MEGAWIDE CROWN ASIA 1.71 1.73 1.71 1.75 1.71 1.74 38,000 65,350 0.75 0.79 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.77 1,000 770 EUROMED MABUHAY VINYL 5.6 5.75 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 13,000 74,100 5.2 5.25 5.2 5.3 5.2 5.25 13,100 68,290 PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION 13.08 13.18 13.2 13.2 13.08 13.08 1,500 19,710 0.221 0.223 0.223 0.223 0.22 0.221 430,000 95,210 GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR 2.44 2.48 2.48 2.49 2.42 2.44 425,000 1,039,750 1.15 1.17 1.19 1.19 1.15 1.15 3,326,000 3,854,790 IONICS PANASONIC 4.9 5.12 5.07 5.12 5.07 5.12 2,000 10,190 2.45 2.49 2.45 2.49 2.45 2.49 420,000 1,042,470 SFA SEMICON CIRTEK HLDG 1.89 1.9 1.88 1.91 1.88 1.9 183,000 347,170

10,552,730 62,960 -4,849,765 30,680 -213,130 -527,448 397,637.50 -13,914,650 -13,980,148.00 -1,124,500.00 397,840.00 -3,316,068 -185,540 15,124,130 -141,600 6,720 -2,745,750 -369,329 -14,888,090 -444,992 503,410 228,222 -73,328,140 -172,850 -5,009,622 15,888 50,835,101 1,790,710 19,130 -71,380 74,100 -9,156 -744,940 -18,660

HOLDING & FRIMS

Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS

February 14, 2024

www.businessmirror.com.ph

35 152.6 6.69 114.5 33.85 8.8 59.5 8.7 19.28 54 23.8 72.8 44.9 1.02 2.4 1,100 0.4 187 2,550 0.77

1.1 708 46.05 11.6 11.92 0.4 0.36 5.04 11.22 5.51 1.74 701.5 39.5 5.04 0.38 4.3 9.61 2.49 0.98 910 108.2 96 0.265

35.45 152.8 6.7 114.7 34 8.82 59.55 8.75 19.36 55 24.05 72.95 45 1.05 2.54 1,199 0.45 188.9 2,600 0.78

1.11 713 46.3 11.62 11.96 0.43 0.365 5.13 11.24 5.59 2.24 709 39.55 7.38 0.415 4.39 9.63 2.55 1 915 108.8 99 0.285

35.4 151.8 6.69 113.5 33.75 8.74 59 8.7 19.2 55 23.75 73 44.95 1.05 2.54 1,100 0.385 189.5 2,600 0.78

1.09 716 46.5 11.66 11.94 0.4 0.365 5.1 11.24 5.5 2 699 38.8 7.46 0.4 4.3 9.63 2.38 0.97 900 109.5 96 0.265

35.4 153.1 6.7 114.8 34 8.82 59.6 8.75 19.5 55 24 73.05 45 1.05 2.54 1,200 0.385 189.5 2,650 0.78

1.11 716.5 46.6 11.66 11.98 0.4 0.365 5.13 11.3 5.6 2 709 39.5 7.46 0.41 4.3 9.69 2.55 0.98 917 109.5 96 0.265

35 150.7 6.69 113 33.05 8.74 59 8.7 19.2 55 23.75 72.7 44.65 1.01 2.54 1,100 0.385 189 2,510 0.78

1.09 702 46 11.46 11.9 0.4 0.365 5.04 11.18 5.5 2 695.5 38.8 7.42 0.4 4.29 9.58 2.38 0.96 900 107.2 96 0.265

35 152.6 6.7 114.5 34 8.8 59.5 8.75 19.36 55 23.8 72.8 44.9 1.05 2.54 1,200 0.385 189 2,510 0.78

1.11 708 46.05 11.6 11.94 0.4 0.365 5.04 11.22 5.6 2 709 39.5 7.42 0.41 4.29 9.63 2.55 0.98 915 108.8 96 0.265

122,400 2,968,140 16,200 1,676,390 293,000 182,300 1,975,210 14,800 150,700 60 84,800 79,410 145,300 82,000 1,000 255 30,000 30 100 10,000

37,326,000 330,690 562,700 1,292,000 18,500 10,000 100,000 883,000 3,738,900 66,600 25,000 144,610 557,200 700 50,000 37,000 1,451,700 29,000 13,000 148,320 145,220 4,010 10,000

41,393,540 234,876,040 25,933,175 14,949,436 220,826 4,000 36,500 4,500,943 41,988,160 366,320 50,000 101,640,260 21,943,575 5,203 20,100 159,030 13,947,913 72,500 12,600 135,370,410 15,723,462 384,960 2,650

PROPERTY AYALA LAND 34.75 34.9 34.45 34.9 34.1 34.9 6,015,800 208,700,185 AYALA LAND LOG 1.96 1.99 1.98 1.99 1.93 1.99 1,202,000 2,363,660 1.03 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.02 1.04 575,000 589,000 ARANETA PROP AREIT RT 33.95 34 34 34.2 33.85 34 490,600 16,714,565 0.65 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.64 0.66 51,000 33,270 A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT 0.7 0.71 0.72 0.72 0.71 0.71 40,000 28,600 0.061 0.062 0.063 0.063 0.062 0.062 120,000 7,460 CROWN EQUITIES CEB LANDMASTERS 2.62 2.64 2.65 2.65 2.62 2.62 349,000 919,880 0.265 0.275 0.27 0.275 0.265 0.265 1,570,000 416,950 CENTURY PROP CITICORE RT 2.68 2.69 2.69 2.7 2.68 2.69 2,224,000 5,984,820 8.27 8.3 8.33 8.33 8.19 8.3 247,100 2,043,711 DOUBLEDRAGON DDMP RT 1.22 1.23 1.21 1.23 1.21 1.23 366,000 444,610 5.8 5.95 5.95 5.95 5.95 5.95 6,000 35,700 DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST 0.127 0.129 0.128 0.129 0.127 0.129 170,000 21,770 0.275 0.285 0.285 0.285 0.285 0.285 150,000 42,750 EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST RT 3.12 3.15 3.15 3.15 3.1 3.12 1,260,000 3,934,020 0.68 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.68 0.68 462,000 315,410 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 0.79 0.83 0.79 0.84 0.79 0.84 2,000 1,630 8.71 9.04 8.7 9.05 8.7 9.04 6,400 57,756 8990 HLDG PHIL INFRADEV 0.52 0.55 0.55 0.56 0.51 0.52 609,000 333,960 CITY AND LAND 0.82 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 6,000 4,980 1.95 1.96 1.97 1.98 1.96 1.96 20,927,000 41,089,260 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 1.24 1.26 1.26 1.26 1.22 1.26 233,000 287,620 13.24 13.26 13.42 13.5 13.2 13.26 1,885,300 25,075,336 MREIT RT PHIL ESTATES 0.355 0.39 0.38 0.39 0.38 0.39 50,000 19,100 1.58 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.58 1.6 342,000 544,290 PREMIERE RT PRIMEX CORP 2.25 2.54 2.21 2.53 2.21 2.53 3,000 6,950 5.56 5.58 5.51 5.59 5.5 5.58 2,217,900 12,321,367 RL COMM RT ROBINSONS LAND 16.3 16.32 16.18 16.32 16.1 16.3 1,256,800 20,466,528 1.36 1.42 1.44 1.44 1.34 1.42 120,000 163,750 ROCKWELL SHANG PROP 3.77 3.78 3.8 3.82 3.78 3.78 252,000 959,140 3.12 3.45 3.45 3.45 3.45 3.45 100,000 345,000 STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG 34.05 34.2 33.8 34.4 33.7 34.2 4,294,100 146,844,320 2.29 2.37 2.37 2.37 2.37 2.37 1,000 2,370 VISTAMALLS VISTA LAND 1.66 1.68 1.7 1.7 1.66 1.68 1,617,000 2,701,530 1.7 1.72 1.72 1.74 1.7 1.7 717,000 1,225,890 VISTAREIT RT SERVICES ABS CBN 4.35 4.38 4.4 4.4 4.35 4.35 63,000 274,930 GMA NETWORK 8.86 8.87 8.93 8.95 8.87 8.87 605,100 5,382,148 0.183 0.22 0.219 0.219 0.219 0.219 40,000 8,760 MANILA BULLETIN MLA BRDCASTING 6.05 8.47 8.47 8.49 8.4 8.47 1,200 10,167 1,757 1,758 1,739 1,758 1,737 1,757 16,365 28,653,330 GLOBE TELECOM PLDT 1,295 1,296 1,294 1,298 1,289 1,296 33,505 43,337,785 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.013 34,000,000 441,900 APOLLO GLOBAL CONVERGE 10.12 10.18 9.98 10.2 9.96 10.18 6,287,800 63,601,283 2.94 2.95 2.94 2.99 2.93 2.95 234,000 692,680 DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG 2.46 2.48 2.45 2.48 2.44 2.48 1,812,000 4,474,680 1.11 1.12 1.11 1.12 1.11 1.11 258,000 286,660 NOW CORP TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.123 0.131 0.13 0.131 0.13 0.131 30,000 3,910 16.48 16.88 16.94 16.94 16.48 16.48 7,500 123,798 ASIAN TERMINALS CHELSEA 1.5 1.52 1.53 1.53 1.47 1.51 89,000 133,310 33.75 33.95 34.15 34.15 33.7 33.95 73,500 2,484,550 CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER 267.6 270 272 272 261.4 270 2,006,220 533,833,222 3.96 3.97 3.96 3.98 3.94 3.97 401,000 1,586,210 MACROASIA METROALLIANCE A 0.43 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 10,000 6,000 5.35 5.5 5.3 5.5 5.3 5.5 5,700 30,655 PAL HLDG HARBOR STAR 0.76 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.76 0.78 221,000 169,780 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.061 0.062 0.062 0.063 0.061 0.061 6,670,000 412,970 1.16 1.2 1.16 1.2 1.16 1.2 7,000 8,200 DISCOVERY WORLD CENTRO ESCOLAR 8.06 8.81 8.4 8.81 8.4 8.81 500 4,364 0.63 0.64 0.62 0.64 0.62 0.64 2,086,000 1,317,510 STI HLDG BELLE CORP 1.2 1.21 1.21 1.21 1.2 1.2 91,000 109,210 11.4 11.46 11.68 11.68 11.32 11.4 7,125,100 81,206,880 BLOOMBERRY PACIFIC ONLINE 4.08 4.1 4.1 4.14 4.06 4.08 302,000 1,239,120 0.84 0.85 0.83 0.85 0.83 0.85 491,000 412,880 PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.69 0.69 6,923,000 4,818,050 7.68 7.69 7.45 7.75 7.44 7.69 2,877,800 21,951,563 DIGIPLUS PHILWEB 1.73 1.75 1.75 1.76 1.73 1.75 120,000 207,990 0.159 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.157 0.16 2,020,000 320,110 ALLDAY BERJAYA 7.46 7.84 7.84 7.84 7.84 7.84 100 784 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.13 1.13 450,000 510,260 ALLHOME METRO RETAIL 1.32 1.34 1.31 1.35 1.31 1.35 188,000 250,010 28.1 28.3 27.5 28.35 27.5 28.3 1,535,600 43,238,345 PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL 36.3 36.4 37.1 37.35 36.25 36.3 457,800 16,685,315 79.85 80 78.15 80 78.15 80 744,170 59,516,002 PHIL SEVEN CORP 3.15 3.18 3.13 3.27 3.1 3.15 3,631,000 11,590,990 SSI GROUP UPSON INTL CORP 1.23 1.27 1.27 1.34 1.23 1.27 62,000 77,360 22.55 22.8 22.55 22.8 22.5 22.8 122,900 2,790,495 WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP 0.235 0.24 0.23 0.24 0.23 0.24 120,000 27,800 0.305 0.315 0.31 0.32 0.305 0.305 680,000 211,000 MEDILINES PRMIERE HORIZON 0.17 0.172 0.17 0.172 0.17 0.172 800,000 136,770 4.36 4.6 4.35 4.6 4.35 4.6 5,000 22,500 SBS PHIL CORP MINING & OIL ATOK 4.65 4.99 4.6 4.65 4.6 4.65 49,000 225,600 2.47 2.48 2.56 2.59 2.46 2.47 16,059,000 40,418,050 APEX MINING BENGUET A 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 10,000 46,000 4.4 4.47 4.41 4.48 4.41 4.47 16,000 70,930 BENGUET B COAL ASIA HLDG 0.127 0.149 0.149 0.149 0.149 0.149 30,000 4,470 3.01 3.05 3.01 3.01 3.01 3.01 13,000 39,130 CENTURY PEAK FERRONICKEL 1.94 1.97 1.95 1.97 1.93 1.97 318,000 620,240 0.042 0.045 0.041 0.041 0.041 0.041 600,000 24,600 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.069 0.07 0.067 0.069 0.067 0.069 5,650,000 383,570 0.068 0.069 0.067 0.074 0.067 0.069 1,640,000 113,440 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.0037 0.004 0.0038 0.0039 0.0036 0.0039 24,000,000 90,000 0.81 0.84 0.82 0.84 0.82 0.84 170,000 141,600 MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA 4.65 4.7 4.69 4.74 4.63 4.65 7,494,000 34,862,240 0.64 0.65 0.65 0.66 0.64 0.66 111,000 71,720 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 3.05 3.06 3.09 3.09 3.04 3.06 620,000 1,889,410 0.004 0.0046 0.0047 0.0047 0.0047 0.0047 1,000,000 4,700 UNITED PARAGON ENEX ENERGY 4.7 4.99 4.7 5.07 4.7 4.7 9,000 42,980 0.0079 0.0081 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.008 5,000,000 40,000 ORNTL PETROL A PHILODRILL 0.0074 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 0.0075 29,000,000 217,500 PXP ENERGY 3.8 3.84 3.85 3.85 3.8 3.8 9,000 34,300 PREFFERED ACEN PREF B 1,079 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,079 1,079 510 550,390 AC PREF AR 2,490 2,500 2,490 2,490 2,488 2,490 170 423,080 455.2 485 455 455 455 455 2,200 1,001,000 ALCO PREF D BRN PREF A 97.55 98 98 99 97.55 97.55 45,740 4,500,739.50 95 95.05 95.05 95.65 95.05 95.1 7,120 677,833.50 DD PREF EEI PREF B 97 98.3 97 97 97 97 4,930 478,210 965 978 978 978 965 965 850 820,900 GTCAP PREF B JFC PREF B 945 950 940 940 940 940 70 65,800 93 95.95 93 93.5 93 93.5 20,980 1,956,630 MWIDE PREF 2B MWIDE PREF 4 93 93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 93.5 950 88,825 100.3 101.5 101.5 101.5 100.3 100.3 500 50,630 MWIDE PREF 5 PCOR PREF 3A 990 995 995 995 995 995 500 497,500 72.9 72.95 72.9 72.9 72.9 72.9 3,510 255,879 SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2K 70.55 71 71 71 71 71 15,880 1,127,480 78.5 78.6 78.5 78.5 78.5 78.5 7,030 551,855 SMC PREF 2N SMC PREF 2O 78.85 79 78.85 79.6 78.85 78.85 6,260 494,474 48.75 49.3 49 49.3 49 49.3 8,200 401,860 TECH PREF B2D

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

38,898,000 7,472,700 -3,478,725 9,419,972 23,880 2,209,244 -22,609,816 -1,110 65,621,440 2,295,255 -1,223,450 28,675,390 -4,600,176 192,960 22,362,970 -34,670 4,881,940 206,600 -398,250 -3,776,500 143,545 -2,676,780 -14,960 -88,420 -22,529,890 12,300 -6,949,346 -15,200 1,161,829 19,496,456 11,430,010 -490,310 -1,103,090 4,131,005 13,671,495 -9,100 -4,878,818 -8,850 1,336,730 7,350 -27,325 -59,094,344 3,970 121,890 2,400 -20,290 -18,213,814 -16,320 524,990 7,862,138 57,060 189,200.00 4,661,475 453,560.00 -548,029.50 5,853,370 -34,920 589,400 -11,335,930 30,100.00 -262,730 -7,100.00 -29,175,480 -2,560 -107,950 -640 -323,700 -323,480 -70,820.50 -

ABS HLDG PDR 4.1 4.12 4.1 4.12 4.1 4.1 41,000 168,180 GMA HLDG PDR 8.52 9

TECH WARRANT

WARRANTS

0.181

0.199

0.19

0.2

0.185

0.2

720,000

134,300

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

0.425 0.425 0.425 0.425 10,000 4,250 1.01 1.02 1.01 1.02 1,231,000 1,250,410 0.73 0.73 0.72 0.73 41,000 29,710 1.02 1.02 1 1.01 386,000 391,880 38,380 0.255 0.27 0.25 0.255 1,580,000 406,400 -163,800

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

108 108.2 107.5 108.2 16,360 1,765,275 286,998

BALAI FRUITAS HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

FIRST METRO ETF

0.405 1.01 0.67 1.01 0.255 107.8

0.425 1.02 0.69 1.02 0.27

108.2

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Banking&Finance

Philhealth-package hike to be across-the-board By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

OP executives of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) told members of the House of Representatives they will review the Philhealth charter to expand patient benefits and provide more comprehensive healthcare coverage. During the hearing of the House Committee on Health last Wednesday, PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. stressed the necessity of aggressively increasing the case packages of PhilHealth across the board. The less out of pocket, the better for the country and the better for the health system of the country, he added. Ledesma said that while PhilHealth has increased the coverage rate of most benefit packages by up to 30 percent, additional increases are warranted. He highlighted recent enhancements in benefit packages, including those for breast cancer, high-risk pneumonia, acute stroke ischemia, acute stroke hemorrhagic, and colon and rectal cancers. Ledesma said that after 13 years without changes, PhilHealth recently enhanced several patient benefit packages, such as the following: highrisk pneumonia, from P32,000 to P90,100, or a 182-percent increase; acute stroke ischemia, from P28,000 to P76,000, a 171-percent increase; and, acute stroke hemorrhagic, from P30,0000 to P80,000, a 111-percent increase. He said the benefits package for colon and rectal cancers was also recently enhanced, allowing patients with metachronous colorectal tumors to re-avail of the package for colon and rectal cancer. Ledesma said PhilHealth also revised the policy on select orthopedic implants, which allowed beneficiaries to avail of a maximum of two Z benefit packages, regardless of laterality, for procedures that were done on different dates or on the same day within

the same confinement period by patients with single or multiple injuries that require more than one implant.

Solo parents

LAST Tuesday, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez directed the House Committee on Health to conduct a comprehensive review of the PhilHealthCharter. Romualdez emphasized the need for PhilHealth to operate similarly to a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), channeling its resources towards safeguarding the health of the population rather than investing in commercial banks and bonds. “With substantial annual allocations from Congress and regular contributions from private employees, there is no excuse for PhilHealth to scrimp on coverage,” the Speaker said. “The effectiveness of the Universal Health Care system depends on our ability to provide for our citizens, ensuring they receive the medical attention and preventive care they deserve.” Romualdez explained that the review seeks to address and eliminate any barriers to quality healthcare, ensuring that PhilHealth’s operations align with the best interests of the people it serves. The Speaker noted that his call for a review is not just about increasing coverage but also about reevaluating PhilHealth’s investment strategies to ensure that funds are utilized in ways that directly benefit the health and well-being of the Filipino people. Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. Lray F. Villafuerte said PhilHealth is now working on the guidelines for the implementation of free health services for single parents, in accordance with the legislation expanding economic benefits for single fathers and mothers. Citing a report from the National Council for Solo Parents Inc., Villafuerte that the PhilHealth coverage is automatic and applies to both working and non-working solo parents.

PHL e-gaming industry growth nearly doubled last yr–Pagcor

BusinessMirror

HE Philippine electronic gaming (e-Gaming) sector had a banner year in 2023 with revenues nearly doubling year on year due to policy reforms, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said at a conference in London, England, on February 6. A statement issued last Monday by the Pagcor quoted Tengco as saying “there was a phenomenal rise” of over 90 percent in online gaming activities in 2023 compared to 2022. This was revealed by Tengco in a panel interview at the International Casinos Exhibition (ICE) 2024 Conference in London, England. The e-Gaming sector–which includes e-games, e-bingo, specialty games and sports betting–contributed P58.16 billion to the country’s gross gaming revenues (GGR) in 2023, or 92.32-percent higher than its earnings of P30.24 billion the year before, the Pagcor statement read. According to the regulator-cumcasino operator, the e-Games contribution to 2023 GGR is also a new record, surpassing the previous high of P32.24 billion posted in 2019 before the pandemic outbreak. More policy tweaks–including

further lowering licensing rates–and the growing integration of technology in gaming should allow the e-Games sector to continue fueling the growth of the local gaming industry with its projected P61.75 billion in revenues in 2024, the Pagcor statement read. The ICE London 2024 Conference is regarded as the global gaming hub for all B2B (business-to-business) industry experts “that provides an ideal platform for gaming industry leaders to share their achievements, initiatives and vision for the future.” The ICE serves as “the premier destination for industry innovation, collaboration and networking,” according to Pagcor. Earlier, Tengco said Pagcor reached another milestone in 2023 with more than 1,000 licensed e-Gaming sites– with more applications in the pipeline. “Because of the policy changes implemented by the current management, there was a considerable increase in gaming sites. We also approved reductions in (licensing) rates that contributed to the spike in approved sites,” he said during the interview at the ICE confab. “The eGames sector’s notable performance positively impacted not only the local gaming industry but also Pagcor’s revenue generation efforts.”

Govt to tweak guidelines in privatization of assets

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

O surpass last year’s gains from selling state assets, the Privatization and Management Office (PMO) is seeking to amend the guidelines of the Privatization Councils (PrC). Finance Undersecretary for Privatization and Corporate Affairs Catherine L. Fong told reporters last Tuesday the PMO targets to raise more than the P1.2 billion it collected in 2023 from the sale of government assets. “We have an estimated deficit from revenue collections; so we have a hefty target for this year,” Fong said. She added that the PMO, an attached agency of the Department of

Finance (DOF), is amending the PrC guidelines on disposition to “make this position easier; because we need to raise a lot of funds.” The PrC, the policy-making body mandated to oversee the state’s privatization tack, approves all proposed privatization plans prepared by the PMO. It provides final approval for the proposed price and buyer for the assets. Fong added the PMO is looking

into the model used by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that allows for paying broker’s fees. “Why not use the real estate companies or anybody who are able to sell; give them some fee?” she mused before reporters. Fong said the PrC guidelines currently prohibits selling state properties lower than the base price, which is set by two independent appraisals. She also lamented that getting an appraiser is taking too long. A lot of assets that have been auctioned resulted in failed bidding, she added. Nonetheless, Fong said the PMO is trying to address these hurdles. The DOF official also noted that a lot of government idle properties have been occupied by informal settlers. It then “makes sense to just sell them to the local government units (LGUs); but the LGUs are only willing to buy them at zonal value,” Fong said. She said the PMO expects the

PMO expects to finish amending the PrC guidelines before March. Last year, the DOF said the PMO had remitted P1.21 billion to the national treasury in 2023, “exceeding its target 84.6 percent and surpassing performance from 2018 to 2021 in just one year.” In 2022, the PMO was able to raise P1.5 billion from the sale of various government assets, which were mostly real estate properties. The DOF earlier announced the government expects to dispose this year the Mile Long Complex in Makati City and the Basay Mining Corp. in Negros Oriental province. The proceeds from the sale of the properties were identified by former Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno as possible sources for the Maharlika Investment Fund. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2023/12/18/sale-of-govt-assets-hits-%e2%82%b11-21bviastrong-privatization-push/)

SSS revenue surpasses target by 9.5%, hits ₧362.2B

HE Social Security System (SSS) today announced last Wednesday that its revenue for 2023 jumped to P362.20 billion, surpassing its P330.80-billion revenue target by 9.5 percent, fueled by beefed-up collection efforts and substantial income from its investments. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando L. Macasaet said the P362.20 billion revenue was the highest revenue so far attained by SSS. “Our 2023 financial performance is indicative of the efforts of the SSS management and employees in intensifying its collection activities and the prudent management of our investments. The P309.12-billion contribution collection exceeds our 2023 target of P294.49 by P14.62 billion. It is 18.2-percent higher than the P261.44 billion collected in 2022,” Macasaet was quoted in a statement as saying. In the 2023 unaudited financial statement, the SSS chief noted that the contribution collection remained the primary revenue source of the

SSS last year, which stood at P309.12 billion. “This is attributed to new paying members, improved collection from delinquent employers, and the 2023 contribution rate hike. Additionally, the remaining P53.08 billion came from revenue from investments,” Macasaet added.

New paying members

SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas said a total of P10.48 billion in contributions from new paying members was collected last year. “New initiatives were implemented to expand the SSS membership and to reach out to more workers. As a result, at least 1.4 million new members were added to SSS in 2023,” Agas said. He explained that the rise in contributions can also be attributed to the high collection of delinquencies from employers who are not remitting their employees’ contributions. In 2023, Agas added the SSS bol-

GSIS mobile app available to pensioners in US, SNG

This February 6, 2024, photo shows Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco (left) speaking during during a panel interview at the ICE 2024 Conference in London, England. CREDIT: Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor)

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday, February 15, 2024

HE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced last Monday that pensioners who are based in the United States and Singapore may now use the mobile app of the GSIS, in complying with the proof of life requirement dubbed “Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation” (Apir) and other transactions. GSIS pensioners in the US and Singapore comprise 78 percent of the 18,000 pensioners based abroad. Pensioners who are based in the US as indicated in their GSIS records may download, register, and utilize the GSIS Touch mobile app. The GSIS will send a onetime personal identification number (OTP) to their email listed in the GSIS database to register. In Singapore, GSIS Touch may be used by GSIS pensioners who have already downloaded the GSIS Touch and registered in the app. The GSIS Touch has a facial recognition feature for APIR, making it seamless and convenient for pensioners to update their status without physically going to the GSIS. They need to undergo APIR or report their status to ensure continuous receipt of their pension. “We call on our members and pensioners to use the GSIS Touch for their transactions. We made it available to pensioners abroad as our response to their clamor to allow them to experience its innovative and convenient service. This shows that we listen to our stakeholders and we value their insights and perspectives. Moreover, the enhance-

stered its efforts to pursue delinquent employers nationwide through the agency’s “Run After Contribution Evaders” (Race) campaign to collect more unremitted contributions from them. All SSS branch offices nationwide conducted Race campaigns last year, which aim to compel delinquent employers to comply with the law by issuing them Notices of Violation and instructing them to report to SSS within 15 days or face legal consequences, read the statement that the SSS issued.

Contribution rate hike

MEANWHILE, Macasaet said the SSS generated P27.84 billion in contributions due to the contribution rate hike. According to him, the SSS implemented in January last year a 1-percent rate hike, bringing its contribution rate to 14 percent from the previous 13 percent. Revenue from investment and other income in 2023 is at P53.08 billion, surpassing the year’s target

ments in the GSIS Touch underscores GSIS’s commitment to support the government’s digitalization initiatives, aiming for faster, broader and more convenient service,” GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso was quoted in the statement as saying. The online feature of the GSIS Touch was initially available to pensioners in the Philippines. After extending the app’s reach to pensioners in the US and Singapore, the GSIS is already working on rolling it out to pensioners residing in other parts of the world including Europe, Middle East, and Canada. At present, they may use alternative modes for their APIR such as via Skype, Messenger, and Viber. In the enhanced app, members can also view their updated amortization schedule for loans. Launched during the height of the pandemic in 2020 with an initial user base of 37,144 that grew to 1,095,452 at present, the GSIS Touch has proven to be a game-changer, allowing members and pensioners access to vital information from membership and pension records to insurance policies. The app also enables users to generate tentative computations, apply for loans and claims and keep track of their premium remittances and loan payments. The GSIS Touch also caters to modern security needs, offering biometric login options such as fingerprint or facial recognition for users with smartphones with biometrics feature.

of P36.31 billion by P16.77 billion. Total revenues from investment and other income last year were also higher than the P44.72 billion revenue generated in 2022, which indicates that the SSS investment portfolio “is being managed well and that we continue to perform well in our investment activities whatever the prevailing market conditions,” Macasaet said. Similarly, he said, the SSS’s expenditures in 2023, which included benefit payments and operating expenses, went up by P16.92 billion to P270.48 billion from P253.56 billion in 2022. The 2023 SSS operating expenses remained below the allowable limit under the SSS Charter. Of the total expenditures, P259.03 billion were released for benefit payments, which jumped by P16.22 billion from P242.81 billion in 2022,” Macasaet noted. The SSS grants benefits for maternity, sickness, disability, unemployment, retirement, funeral and death to qualified members, he added. Reine Juvierre Alberto

BPI eyes growing loan books on easing rates By Cai U. Ordinario dinario

@caior-

HE end of the tightening cycle is within sight and this has boosted the Bank of the Philippines Islands’ (BPI) hopes of growing its loan books this year and a better performance of the country’s economy. BPI President and CEO Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco said through a statement that signs that rates are coming down are giving consumers the confidence to borrow. In 2023, BPI’s credit card book grew 38 percent and its auto loan book, 24 percent. Their total loan book grew 10.5 percent, faster than their expectation of 8 percent. “People are talking about higher inflation in the second quarter, primarily because of base effects. But our forecast, internally, is that you’ll see a little bump in the second quarter, but that will again come down in the third quarter, which should give room for the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] to cut rates,” Limcaoco said through a statement the lender issued last Wednesday. “(Consumers are) comforted by the fact that, for the most part, the rise in interest rates has stopped and people are looking forward to falling interest rates by the second

half of the year, so that bodes well for the economy.” As the economy grows, the bank said its serious plan to move its customer base to mobile apps, as part of its ambitious goal of “significantly” growing its customer targets “by making a big push.” Limcauco said the bank current has about 11 million customers and over six million have registered in the BPI mobile app. He said about 4.5 million are using the application actively. “We plan to increase from 11 million to something quite significant, significantly higher than that by the end of this year,” Limcauco said. One way to achieve this, Limcauco said, is through the bank’s business unit launched last year, Agency Banking. This allows BPI to not be solely dependent on its own branches and digital platforms to grow its business. Limcauco said BPI products and services, through Agency banking, can be accessed from different partner merchants such as Robinsons retail store, Ayala mall, etc. Customers can also get assistance to open an account or onboard any of our services with the people there. Limcauco said they have over 5,000 doors that we call partners.

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

B4 Thursday, February 15, 2024

Any use of marijuana still punishable by law—DOH

ny use of marijuana is still punishable by law, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday. The DOH made this remark after the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs and on Health approved last week a bill that allows the use of medical mari-

juana. “ T he D OH re m i nd s t he general public that any use of marijuana at this point is still punishable by law, unless

granted a compassionate special permit signed by the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] Director General that would allow its use and importation in the country,” the DOH said in a statement. “We shall keep the public updated should there be developments in the use of medical cannabis,” it added. The DOH said it recognizes the efforts of certain groups to legalize “medical cannabis

use” which is different from recreational marijuana use.The agency said any initiatives should be based on the best available scientific evidence, weighed for cost-effectiveness and public health impact. “Legislation should also consider the regulatory capacity of all government agencies that will be involved should there be approval,” the DOH said. “However, the DOH does not support either the cultivation of

cannabis plants or the manufacture of the cannabis product,” it added. The Philippine Medical Association said the use of marijuana for unproven medical indications is harmful. It said the legalization of cannabis will send a wrong message, especially to our youth, that the government considers cannabis as a safe substance, exposing citizens to unnecessary harm. Ma. Teresa Montemayor, PNA

Smile Train Philippines puts a smile on every child’s face By Rory Visco Contributor

left lip and cleft palate are some of the most common congenital conditions in the world, where an estimated one in 700 babies is born with a cleft globally. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines cleft lip and cleft palate as “birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy,” and are commonly called “orofacial clefts.” Generally, people affected with a cleft condition may experience difficulty in eating, breathing, and speaking. However, from a psychological standpoint, many of them often experience bullying and other forms of torment, whether physical or emotional, which can negatively impact learning at school and ultimately employment as an adult.

A good smile for a better life SMILE Train is a global organization that helps empower local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. Here in the country, its local counterpart, Smile Train Philippines, has been one of the organizations that is at the forefront of creating awareness on the importance of early detection of cleft problems in babies, which should be done by three to four months for cleft lip, and nine to 12 months for cleft palate, and providing treatment for free. According to Smile Train Philippines Program Director Felix Grimares Jr., they dealt with about 5,000 surgeries of cleft each year and last year, Smile Train celebrated

“Every Day After” tells the story of the challenges and the enduring love of a sister determined to do everything she can to provide her brother with cleft condition all the love and care he needs. its 75,000th surgery. But despite these statistics, more babies still ask for care. Presently, he said what Smile Train offers is a comprehensive cleft surgery, where it will shoulder expenses not just for one but all surgeries if needed. It is an end-to-end package from pre-operation to postoperation, including medicines and laboratory tests during the course of the treatment. The number of surgeries may vary depending on the severity of the cleft. He said surgery for a basic cleft lip condition would normally take around 20 to 30 minutes; for palate, it would take about an hour because it’s more complicated.

Talking to government GRIMARES said admittedly, a lot of cleft patients have very minimal access to treatments, primarily due to

the high costs, and PhilHealth does not cover that much. The Universal Health Care (UHC) law is now in its early stages of implementation, although the implementing rules and regulations have yet to be finalized. Hopefully, the UHC law can cover or improve the coverage for cleft treatment, which can be quite expensive, around P80,000 to P100,000, and can go as high as P150,000 in some hospitals. Of course, not all of these can be covered by PhilHealth, he pointed out, but they remain hopeful that as UHC progresses, coverage can also be expanded. “We have not yet begun talks with the Department of Health (DOH) but any form of support to Smile Train would be of great help, including coming from the legislature, which is something that Smile Train will explore. We are hoping that the movie can help push our advocacy.” Grimares said they have volunteer doctors who offer their time and services for free. Aside from the surgery itself, the package also covers pre-operative and post-operative needs like medication and the laboratory tests that comes after for the duration of the treatment, including speech therapy and orthodontics, even the lip revisions. At present, Smile Train has 60 doctor-partners nationwide doing surgeries, who are available anytime. Fortunately, he said, some of Smile Train’s partners are doing partnerships with local government units (LGUs). Some of their partners are doing surgeries in remote areas, and patients come from all over the country. With these conditions, there is a need for continuing treatment like for speech. Sometimes, the treatment depends on the age, and that

Shoe brand introduces running shoes for ultimate performance, safety, health gains By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

UNNING is good for the health. Whether it’s just a habit of pulling on the sneakers when the mood strikes or lacing up to race, this physical activity helps improve the condition of one’s body, mind and even soul. “The pandemic taught us that ‘health is wealth.’ Definitely that’s very important like getting the right nutrition, getting fit, or staying active and healthy. But not all activities should be strenuous. Since we’re in Manila, the stress level here is high. So running is actually a good way to de-stress. It’s good to get your blood flow, sweat out, or take off your mind from the hustle and bustle of the city,” Hoka Philippines Marketing Manager Sharon Salvacion told the BusinessMirror during the first leg of the Hoka Cielo X1 Speed Test held

at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati last February 11, 2024. While running is simple, but there are few things to consider in doing it right and gainful. One of which is using proper equipment like the apt shoes. Because a lot of force is exerted on each stride, donning the right footwear that’s supportive and comfortable is very crucial. Otherwise, it could lead to strain or other injuries, not to mention, unwanted mishaps on the road or track. Amid a glut of running shoes out there in the market, Hoka is among the fastest growing brand in the Philippines today—thanks to its comfortability, performance and durability. “For most Filipinos, running is a personal thing for them. It’s an activity that helps them to get fit and keep healthy. Not everybody who runs here are competing. Some of them are running for their own personal goals or health. So

in terms of footwear, they gravitate more on everyday footwear collection of Hoka,” she said. According to her, the latest running shoes that the French footwear brand has launched locally for this year under the Spring Summer Collection of 2024 is the Hoka Cielo X1. She noted: “It’s almost the start of the race season already. So it’s very timely.”

Performance shoes HOKA is bringing its running shoes to another level with the newly-released Cielo variant. Designed with insights and feedback from its pool of elite athletes, Cielo X1 is an ultra-propulsive ultimate road-racing shoe for the most discerning triathletes and marathoners. Stepping into it already gives that comfort sought by every runner, with the softer layer directly underfoot and the usage of PEBA foam that provides

the chance for recovery is higher when patients are younger, and that includes the speech plus psychosocial support. “Cleft patients are usually the ones subject to constant bullying so that’s also part of the development. Right now, we have been affiliated with two psycho-social departments, one at the Adventist University of the Philippines in Silang, Cavite, and at the Cebu Doctors’ University in Mandaue City in Cebu in terms of psychosocial support.”

THE movie Grimares is referring to is “Every Day After,” a documentary helmed by Emmy-award winning director Elisa Gambino. It tells the story of the challenges and the enduring love of a sister determined to do everything she can to provide her brother with cleft condition all the love and care he needs. “Every Day After,” which held a private screening in Makati recently, provides a more nuanced look at the complexities of the healing process we don’t often see. More than showing health inequity around the world, the filmmakers wanted to show the real stories of cleft lip and palate patients, their families, and communities. More importantly, this film educates and raises awareness about this condition, dispelling myths and stereotypes, and promoting understanding and empathy towards those who live with it. The film was awarded Best Documentary in a number of international film festivals, including the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts in Los Angeles, California, USA. For Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Smile Train’s Global Ambassadress for four years already, said she fell in love with her work on Smile

Train. “I really believe in the system that they carry out. I’ve witnessed surgeries in over five countries around the world, including the Philippines. Being a spokesperson and ambassadress for the organization brings me a lot of fulfilment.” For kids and teenagers who were not immediately given treatment and have been subjected to psychological trauma, Gray said that when meeting with them, she always tries to find moments of joy like playing with them, for example. “As a child, being consoled in an adult way like saying ‘it will all be ok’ also has an impact but I believe that bringing children joy in simple ways allows them to be distracted. Most of them are nervous when they are about to undergo surgery, something which can be very daunting. I also converse with their family members or whoever their companion is, whether their parents or siblings. Although the child is the one receiving the surgery, a lot of the stress and the what ifs are on them. Giving them some form of strength is a wonderful thing that I could try to do, providing support to those who provide support since they are the ones who will be at the side of the patient while navigating through their cleft treatment journey.” Grimares also pointed to the financial impact on cleft patients, particularly with regard to employment. “Part of our program is we refer cleft patients to corporate partners to accept them for possible employment under their social responsibility efforts. A cleft surgery is really a lifechanging one. Once the cleft condition is changed, it will also redound to a change in the life of the patient and give them the opportunity to live a normal life and get back to society and improve their quality of life.”

less strain on the foot. An all-new engineered knit upper provides a flimsy, breathable foot-hugging fit. The Cielo X1 provides unmatched racing experience and performance as it features cutting-edge technologies and signature design elements that backs up stability and control while running at top speeds. It’s midsole applies an early stage MetaRocker meant to move people forward in stride, while the upgraded carbon fiber plate captures the foot at faster speeds via asymmetrical wings that wrap up medially and laterally. Presenting a ProFlyX midsole construction, the carbon plate is nestled between two layers of responsive PEBA foam that gives highest energy return. “It means that there’s no wasted effort in every step. The Hoka will help you return that energy, giving you a little bit of push to help you propel during the run faster,” Salvacion explained. The firmer bottom layer gives a strong source of power, with speedfocused geometries incorporated throughout. Strategic rubber coverage was incorporated on high-traction areas of the outsole for maximum durability

and control. Since runners are racing against time, the asymmetrical gusseted knit tongue allows easy entry and a raceready lockdown as they transition to the next pace of the event. It’s very lightweight such that it brings every racer the feeling of like running barefooted. For women’s shoes at size 8, it weighs only 7.4 ounce (oz); and for men’s size 10, it’s 9.3 oz, with a 40-millimeter (mm) stack height and 70-mm drop that provides additional safety, stability and advanced traction. “So for runners who are really competing, beating their own time and wanting to become the podium finisher, this is the perfect race-specific shoes for them,” she said. “The Cielo X1 is designed to help runners become their fastest selves with our shoes.” The Hoka Cielo X1 Speed Test will happen for two more Sundays (February 18 and 25) at the Ayala Triangle Gardens during Ayala Car-free Sundays at 6 a.m. The runner with the most improved time each of the event’s three legs, wins a Hoka Cielo X1. To join, visit www.flyhumanfly.ph.

A touching depiction of cleft

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Govt agency raises alarm over rise in teen pregnancies

he Commission on Population and Development (CPD) is closely monitoring the movement in recent numbers of pregnancies among very young adolescents nationwide, which saw a considerable increase between 2021 and 2022. CPD noted a hike in total live births by young girls under 15 years old. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s most recent release of Registered Live Births in the Philippines, live births from this age group rose to 3,135 in 2022 from 2,320 in 2021, or went up by 35.13 percent. “Although live births from adolescent girls, 14 years old and below, is just 0.22 percent of total live births recorded, CPD is still deeply concerned about the increase in adolescent pregnancy, especially among our very young girls,” expressed CPD Executive Director Lisa Grace S. Bersales. Given the situation, Bersales is reiterating CPD’s call to its governmental partners and stakeholders to strongly support the agency’s call for the legislative branch to prioritize the passage of the “Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill.” “We cannot overemphasize the significance of having the bill enacted. It is my strong belief, and that of the agency’s, that its enactment will be essential in addressing the lingering concern of early child-bearing and motherhood among a great number of our juvenile Filipino girls,” said the undersecretary for population and development, or POPDEV.

Passed on second reading IN September 2023, the House of Representatives approved on its second reading House Bill 8910, or the proposed “Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act,” which provides for a national policy to arrest the growing number of cases of childbearing and childbirths among adolescents. Bersales reinforced Congress’ stand on the situation’s adverse effects not only on the affected persons, but on Philippine society in general: “I underscore Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s statement that this issue’s social cost and its negative impact on the national budget could run into billions of pesos—in terms of the government having to take care of young mothers and their babies; not to mention the human-development aspect that we have to take into consideration.” The CPD official pointed out that the bill’s passage will be vital in the implementation of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action or PPD POA 2023, which was approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. via Memorandum Circular 40 on November 14, 2023. Under the action plan’s eight key strategies is the further advancement of Filipino teens’ health and development, where the phenomenon of early parenthood is specifically addressed. “PPD-POA covers bolstering of the implementation and promotion of Comprehensive Sexuality Education [CSE] in schools and communities, improved availability and access of adolescents to sexual and reproductive health and other social services, plus promoting and sustaining youth development and participation initiatives at the community level, with specific tactics to tackle adolescent pregnancies head-on at every level of society,” Bersales outlined. With regard to CSE and related measures, she insisted on the need to institute and support strategic interventions, such as those being implemented by the Department of Education that have effectively reduced dropouts due to teenage pregnancies. Recently, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte mentioned in her “2024 Basic Education Report” that DepEd’s promotion of “Alternative Delivery Modes” was able to notably bring down the number of dropouts caused by teenage pregnancies and early marriages. “Above and beyond these well-laid plans of the government, it is our stand in CPD that the lasting solution to the prevalent concern of early teen pregnancies should begin at the household level,” the CPD chief emphasized. “W hile we exhaust efforts through a whole-of-government and wholeof-nation approach, we remind the parents and guardians of our youth that their roles in their respective families cannot be simply downplayed, as they are responsible in molding their children as productive members of the larger Philippine society.”

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Thursday, February 15, 2024

A Mystical Chinese New Year with the 2024 Wood Dragon

AST February 9, we celebrated Chinese New Year’s Eve in a slightly different and quite unique way. Thanks to our gracious host, my uncle and his wife who are from Taipei. We started early with the kids being taught how to wrap dumplings. I joined in and I felt I was in Din Tai Fung. Toward the end, my uncle placed one coin each in two dumplings. I wondered what for. Our feast was a fusion mixed with Chinese sumptuous dishes and our traditional lechon and Filipino sweets. At the end of our meal, the platter of freshly boiled dumplings was being served one by one to each guest, all awaiting who will be the lucky one to bite into the ones with the hidden coins. It was fun anticipating each guest biting into one. The one who bites into it gets a red envelope or “angpao” as we call it. After dinner, we all moved to the living room for another game. We played a money scooping game for the kids, where each child was blindfolded and used a spatula to scoop up money into a dim sum bamboo steamer. They get to keep all the money they scoop. Of course, there were decoys of just plain white paper. Toward the end, I loved my uncle’s wife’s selfmade tradition of letting each child face the elder and give their good wishes individually before receiving their red envelope. Usually, we just directly receive red envelopes from the elders. Then it was off to our annual tradition of crossing the Lunar New Year with one of our closest family friends—Tito Rey, Tita Baby, and brothers Patrick and Richie Fernandez. They are the owners of The Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony at the New World Hotel. Patrick shared that 2024 is the Year of the Imperial Mystical Wood Dragon. According to him, 2024 is a very interesting year of transitions. Below are his reading for things we can look out for this 2024: The Dragon belongs to the Spring season of the zodiac, but it signifies a transition into the Summer season. It also is the beginning of a 20-year feng shui cycle called Period 9. The last time we experienced this was 160 years ago in the year 1863.

PHOTOS celebrating with great people who are more family than friends at the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony Chinese New Year Celebration last February 9 at the New World Hotel.

One commonality is the prominence of the Fire element. 2024 is a Yang Wood year, and the Dragon is an Earth animal. And Fire is the element that creates harmony and continuity for these two elements. Fire, as it happens, is also the main element for Period 9. So what are things we can do this year, and the next 20 years, to maximize the energies that are present? For this year of the Dragon, there are a couple of things. One is to maximize your strengths and areas of influence. The Dragon is the most majestic and powerful of all the zodiac animals, not just in Eastern but also in Western traditions. The good thing is that we are all strong at something, with some modern frameworks identifying as much as 34 different strengths and talents. So take inventory and get reacquainted with what you are good at, and make the most out of them this year. The other is to show empathy and generosity. According to the legend, the reason the Dragon only placed 5th in the great race of the Jade Emperor is because it stopped to help a village that was in need. It could have easily finished first, but it prioritized helping others over personal glory. So try to use your strengths and what you are good at to help others this year, and you may find this more rewarding. Industries that look to do well this year are the Wood element industries including the Knowledge Industry (Education, Training, Learning and Development), Consulting, Furniture,

Environmental, Nature, Design, Fashion, Garments, Accounting, Legal, Journalism, Research. For the next 20 years, these are some things to keep in mind. One is that there are certain industries tied to Fire that will be more prominent than others. These include enterprises that specialize in, or can smartly leverage Technology, including AI and virtual commerce. Others are communication, energy, entertainment, events, food industry, politics and aviation, even things related to space. Aligning with these business and industry trends will be beneficial for you and for your business or career. There is also a strong Yin energy tied to this period, which is tied to the Female energy. So we will see the continued rise and prominence of female energy in different areas. Lastly, there will be an evolving Sense of Self this period. People will become more independent, and would want to do things on their own. Additionally, one’s reputation or influence will become a more valuable asset, so cultivating and preserving this will take more importance. There also looks to be a rise in spirituality or looking inward, and seeking answers for purpose and meaning. So knowing, learning more about and preparing for these trends is something to pay attention to for the next couple of decades. Overall, there are quite a number of exciting energies for everyone to look forward to. Happy Year of the Imperial, Mystical Wood Dragon ahead.

Spotlight on world of plant-based delights at health expo FILIPINO plant-based expert Sekaya brought its unique brand of healthy living to Watsons Health Expo 2024, the Philippines’ biggest health and wellness expo at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall on February 1-4. As one of the featured brands at the event, Sekaya hosted a special segment on February 4, featuring a live cooking demo by Astig Vegan blog founder RG Enriquez-Diez. She is known for creating vegan-friendly alternatives to classic Filipino dishes like sisig and kare-kare. The author of the bestselling Filipino Vegan cookbook, Enriquez-Diez showed the audience how to prepare Vegan Chicken a la King using Sekaya Raw Actives Pea Protein during the session. With

ASTIG Vegan blog founder RG Enriquez-Diez on how to prepare Vegan Chicken a la King using Sekaya Raw Actives Pea Protein.

23 grams of clean plant-based protein per serving, Pea Protein is a versatile superfood powder that can be easily integrated into any recipe from smoothies and shakes, to baked goods and savory dishes. To further guide Filipinos in making better and more conscious decisions for their health and embrace a plant-based lifestyle, Sekaya also offered free refreshers of its Sekaya Raw Actives Daily Greens throughout the expo. Every scoop of Daily Greens serves as a potent multivitamin with vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and potassium from kale and spinach to support overall health. Sekaya is under Synnovate, the natural products division of Unilab.

Bringing premium membership shopping to Fairview

FROM left: Southeast Asia Retail, Inc. Chairman Atty. Lowell Yu, Quezon City Mayor Hon. Joy Belmonte and Landers President and CEO Greg Davis during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

LOCATED in the northernmost district of Quezon City, Fairview is rapidly emerging as one of the most highly sought-after addresses in Metro Manila. What started out as a small residential enclave in the outskirts of the city has transformed into a modern urban hotspot dotted with malls, offices and industrial zones. It also serves as a crucial access point for those going to and from Caloocan, Bulacan and Rizal. To complement this dynamic atmosphere, Landers Superstore, the fastest growing exclusive membership shopping store in the country, has opened its newest branch right in the heart of

Fairview’s commercial center. Landers Fairview, the 12th branch in the country and the third branch in Quezon City, is poised to bring world-class brands, huge savings and premium perks to Fairview residents and visitors from nearby areas. The store is highly accessible to other major shopping complexes in the area and future transport developments such as the highlyanticipated MRT Line 7, the Metro Manila Subway, and the Unified Grand Central Station. With a total lot area of 14,317sqm, Landers Fairview aims to be an icon of best-in-class membership shopping for local residents, starting

with its spacious floor area and well-designed interiors that were made for shopping, dining and meaningful bonding with loved ones. Members will be pampered with an expansive selection of the finest imported and local merchandise, ranging from everyday essentials and fresh produce to appliances and furniture. Adding to its allure are regular deals and promotions like Instant Savings, Super Crazy Sale, and Fresh & Produce Sale that help members save all year-round. Another highlight is the relaxing dining exp erience in Landers Fairview’s in-house restaurant and café, Landers Central and Doppio. Landers Central offers delicious New York-inspired dishes, such as the crowd favorite 18” Extra Large Real NY Style Pizza, crispy fried chicken, premium pasta, and Angus beef burger. Doppio, on the other hand, serves freshly brewed coffee made from a blend of imported Arabica and Robusta beans, milk teas, ice cream, and pastries. Completing the premium membership experience is a line-up of exclusive perks that include low-priced medicines from Capital Care Pharmacy, free haircuts at Federal Barbers, discounted fuel at Caltex, and reduced prices for Solane LPG. To enjoy access to Landers Fairview and its full range of perks, shoppers can apply for membership in-store or at www.landers.ph. Landers will be giving away a free 18” NY Cheese Deluxe Pizza for all those who sign up or renew today until February 29, 2024. Landers Fairview can be found at Belfast corner Quirino Highway, Brgy. Pasong Putik, Novaliches, Quezon City.

SCHOOLS ARE TRYING TO GET MORE STUDENTS THERAPY By Michael Elsen-Rooney Chalkbeat

NEW YORK—Derry Oliver was in fifth grade when she first talked to her mom about seeing a therapist. She was living in Georgia with her uncle and grandparents while her mom was in New York scoping out jobs and apartments ahead of moving the family. It was a rough year apart. Oliver, now 17, was feeling depressed. A school staffer raised the idea of a therapist. Oliver’s mom, also named Derry Oliver, questioned the school’s assessment and didn’t give consent for therapy. “You’re so young,” the mom recalled thinking. “There’s nothing wrong with you. These are growing pains.” The issue boiled over again during the Covid-19 pandemic when the younger Oliver, struggling with the isolation of remote learning, reached out to her Brooklyn high school for help. School-based mental health professionals like social workers can provide some counseling without parent permission. But in New York, referring a student to more intensive therapy almost always requires a parent’s agreement. In Oliver’s case, that led to more conflict. “It was very emotional for both of us because I understood her frustrations and fears,” the younger Oliver recalled. “But at the same time it’s sometimes best for your child to be able to access this rather than hold it away from them.” As schools across the country respond to a youth mental health crisis accelerated by the pandemic, many are confronting the thorny legal, ethical and practical challenges of getting parents on board with treatment. The issue has become politicized, with some states looking to streamline access as conservative politicians elsewhere propose further restrictions, accusing schools of trying to indoctrinate students and cut out parents. Differing perspectives on mental health aren’t new for parents and kids, but more conflicts are emerging as young people get more comfortable talking openly about mental health and treatment becomes more readily available. Schools have invested pandemic relief money in hiring more mental health specialists as well as telehealth and online counseling to reach as many students as possible. “It’s this disconnect,” said Chelsea Trout, a social work graduate student at NYU doing her training at a Brooklyn charter school. “The kids are all on TikTok or the internet and understand therapy speak and that this is something that could be helpful for their mental health and are interested in, but don’t have the explicit buy-in from their parents.” Access to therapy can be critical, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, who are significantly more likely than their peers to attempt suicide, and whose parents may not know about or approve of their sexual orientations or gender identities. Jessica Chock-Goldman, a social worker at Bard Early College High School in Manhattan, said she’s seen many cases where mental health issues turn severe in part because teens didn’t get earlier access to therapy. “A lot of kids would be hospitalized because of suicidal ideations or intent because the preventative work didn’t come into fruition,” she said. There’s also a huge obstacle outside the law: Therapy is rarely free, and paying for it or submitting insurance claims often requires parental support. For Oliver and her mom, years of conversations have yielded some progress, but not as much access to therapy as the younger Oliver wants. Several years ago, the Olivers agreed on a compromise. They found a Black female therapist, which was important to both of them as a Black family. The elder Oliver has felt the sting of being called “aggressive” for expressing normal emotions as a Black woman, and has had negative experiences with therapists and depression medication, which she said made her feel like a “zombie.” The elder Oliver agreed her daughter could start therapy—as long as she sat in on the sessions. But the therapist changed jobs after about a month, and Oliver hasn’t seen another therapist since. “It has to be someone trustworthy,” the elder Oliver said of a potential therapist for her daughter. Trout, the school social worker in training, said she’s encountered a number of parents who, like Oliver, don’t trust the school’s recommendations, and wonder why their child would need therapy if they’re succeeding academically and socially. “If we’re thinking about predominantly Black and brown communities, if your interactions with social workers or mental health services or anything in that realm thus far have not been positive,” she said, “how could you trust them with your kids?” Without access to therapy, the younger Oliver has sought advice about managing her emotions through friends, school social workers, and the internet. But she’s convinced she could do a lot more with consistent professional help. Oliver has already gotten into a number of colleges—to her mom’s enormous pride—and is weighing her options for next year. One thing she’s considering: how much access they offer to therapists. AP

Thursday, February 15, 2024

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PhilPlans aims to open 10 offices this year TRANSFORMING LOANS INTO LIFELINES THROUGH SB FINANCE’S RAFFLE PROMO

SB Finance eSalad Pasko-Rrific Treat promo winners Aliza Jane Mendozaand Albino Cariaga received their cash prizes earlier this January in Makati City.

WO hardworking employees found extraordinary fortune when they took out salary advance loans from SB Finance to pay for urgent needs, and life surprised them with a winning raffle ticket worth P300,000 and P100,000.

Aliza Jane Mendoza, a BPO employee in Manila, had initially taken a loan for an urgent cause—to fund a crucial medical surgery for her friend ’s mother, and pay for her own parents’ expenses. But, in a twist of fate, her kindness was repaid when she won the grand prize of P300,000 cash from SB Finance’s eSalad Grand Pasko-Rrific Treat. Her story is a compelling example of how financial choices made for immediate relief can unexpectedly transform into opportunities for greater financial freedom and security. She shared that when she learned about eSALAD from colleagues, she didn’t expect to win in the raffle when she availed of the loan. “To those who are afraid of taking out a loan, and afraid of taking a risk like me, it is recommended to loan from legitimate lending institutions like SB Finance. Their process is less hassle, and requires less interaction. You can apply for a loan via text message, and the crediting of your loan amount to your account is fast. It’s also less hassle since it already automatically

deducts your payment from your salary every month,” Mendoza shared. Meanwhile, runner-up raffle winner Albino Cariaga, a team leader at a janitorial services company, used his eSALAD loan as a partial payment for a property. After winning P100,000 from SB Finance’s eSalad Grand Pasko-Rrific Treat, he sees the cash prize as a much-needed financial boost to achieve his goals. His story exemplifies how financial tools like loans can lay the foundation for future stability and success when used thoughtfully. It shows how immediate financial solutions can turn into long-term achievements as he shares that he and his wife are starting to build a better future together. Like Aliza, he also encourages others to borrow money from legitimate institutions. “To employees looking for extra budget for their needs, you can apply for a loan at SB Finance. The process is fast and easy,” Cariaga said. Aliza and Albino are just two of eSALAD clients who were able to take advantage of

SAFC President and Managing Director, Joel C. Cruz, undergoes a pre-donation blood pressure check administered by Dr. Edmundo Marra of the Philippine Red Cross before making a life-saving blood donation.

SAFC Heroes Kickstart 2024 CSR Program with Pasig LGU, Philippine Red Cross

AFC, one of the leading and fastgrowing financial institutions in the Philippines, recently announced that it conducted a bloodletting activity initiated by its CSR arm, SAFC Heroes. A ligned with its Life Hero thrust of advocating health and wellness through the impactful #BeALifeHero campaign, the event took place last February 2,

2024 at the SAFC Head Office in Ortigas Center, Pasig C it y, in col l aborat ion with the Pasig City local government u n it (LGU ) a nd t he Ph i l ippi ne R ed Cross, with the participation of SAFC’s subsidiary company, Wisefund Finance Corporation. Building upon last year’s achieveme nt s w he re 4 52 l ive s we re s ave d

the the Grand Pasko-Rrific Treat campaign that ran in December last year as part of SB Finance’s ongoing efforts to engage and reward clients. Open to employees of accredited companies, the promo automatically entered eSALAD borrowers in an online raffle draw. Other consolation winners across the Philippines have been rewarded with hotel stays. The employee salary advance (eSALAD) loan from SB Finance is a financial product designed to provide quick and accessible loan services to employees of accredited companies. Serving as an added benefit for employees with Security Bank payroll accounts, it allows borrowers to advance their next salary through a digital and personalized process. It is likewise available to qualified employees of accredited, non-Security Bank payroll institutions—with payments facilitated via salary deduction—making it easier for more people to secure funds for various needs, including sudden and unexpected expenses. Offering loans of up to P2 million, this loan service emphasizes convenience and accessibility, being the first in the market to use SMS as a means to avail of a loan— on top of a dedicated web portal for applications and availment—so there is no need to visit any physical outlet. More than offering access to funds, eSALAD enables employees to build good credit history to support them in obtaining both short-term and long-term financial goals. But if they’re lucky enough, like Aliza and Albino, it may even come with much more benefits than expected.

through three bloodletting activities in 2023, this year’s initiative kicked off with an impressive 176 lives saved. This accomplishment is significant as it honors World Cancer Month this February, showcasing SAFC’s commitment to making a meaningful impact on the community’s well-being. Joel C. Cruz, President, and Managing Director of SAFC, expressed his appreciation and reflected on this accomplishment: “We are immensely proud of the success of the #BeALifeHero bloodletting activity, which reflects the collective dedication and empathy of our team and partners. Saving 176 lives exemplifies the transformative impact we can achieve when we unite for a common purpose. At SAFC, we are steadfast in our belief that our responsibilities extend beyond business, and this initiative underscores our commitment to corporate social responsibility.” The collaborative spirit exhibited by the partnerships with the Pasig LGU, Philippine Red Cross, and Wisefund Finance Corporation underscores the importance of collective action in addressing crucial healthcare needs. SAFC Heroes continues to lead initiatives that promote health and wellness, embodying the spirit of the #BeALifeHero campaign. This success marks the beginning of a year filled with impactful contributions to the community. Visit www.safc.com.ph for more information or follow us on social-media for real-time updates, tips, and community stories. Connect with us on https:// safcofficial.bio.link/.

HILPLANS, with its latest rebranding, is planning to open at least 10 offices and hopes to reach its pre-pandemic level of 6,000 sales agents this year.

“The pandemic has really created problems for many companies like us,” PhilPlans Vice Chairman Atty. Monico V. Jacob said during their Grand Recruitment Day held recently in Quezon City. “We had 52 branches before across the country. When the pandemic struck, we closed all of them. Otherwise, we would be gone today if we did not do that.” According to him, the company is “starting to do better” with a lean staff of around 80 so as not to “lose the momentum.” The areas that they intend to open anew are the ones that were “doing very well before,” including Batangas and Pampanga. “We’re just looking at [opening] 10 [branches] for this year because we’re watching what will happen. Certainly, they will cost us. But we’re hoping that there is an equivalent revenue that can be generated because we have put physical presence [across all of them]. Since these were the robust branches before, then maybe they will earn more than we will spend. In which case, we will be able to think about [opening] more branches,” he said. Around 520 participants of the PhilPlans Grand Recruitment Day were hired on-thespot, of which 120 were new applicants and

400 were former agents of the preneed firm. They represent almost 10 percent of the total sales team headcount target that the company aims to achieve in a year or two. After the recruitment activity was a sales rally to motivate the new recruits to commit to certain goals that PhilPlans has set together with them, including the continuous recruitment in their respective localities to help reach the goal of 6,000 sales agents. While PhilPlans is the only company that sells all three preneed plans at the moment, such as education, pension and memorial, Jacob shared that they are more focused now on the latter since the former, though “closeended” type, has been continuously hounded by the past issue on the 70 plus companies offering “open-ended” educational plans that collapsed when the financial cost of education in the country was deregulated many years ago. The company still faces stiff competition in pension plans, especially from the banks. “Our low hanging fruit preneed plan would be memorial, wherein we almost have no competition, except among ourselves. And it’s allied with our other businesses like Heritage Park and Nacional. So we are trying to perk up [our] memorial [portfolio]. Selling memorial plans for the future is something that we would want our people to do,” he said.

FIRST OVERSEAS OPERATION. Jiangsu Jingdong Cargo Airlines, a subsidiary of one of the biggest freighter and cargo operator, JDL Express of China, recently recognized its Ground Handling and Cargo Handling partner in Manila, PAGSS, for its successful launch and excellence in service. Manila was chosen as JG’s first ever overseas operations out of China. Jiangsu operates two times weekly freighter service from Shenzen to Manila.

Comm&Sense scores record-setting 4th consecutive AOY nod at the Quills

OR the fourth year in a row, Comm&Sense and its affiliate, Roar Agile Communications, emerged as a top winner in the recent Philippine Quill Awards, taking home 20 honors from the International Association of Business Communicators. The public relations firm was again up for Agency of the Year (AOY) in this year’s edition of the annual awards that recognize the best campaigns and projects in the local communication and public relations industry. The latest accolade made Comm&SenseRoar the only agency to go four-for-four in the AOY category this decade. It ended up with the trophy for 2nd Runner-Up. “We are honored and humbled with this distinction of being the only agency to have been nominated for the Quill’s highest award in the last four years,” said Comm&Sense-Roar President Jaeger Tanco. “It’s recognition like this that inspires us to continue being a leader in the industry.” It took home three trophies for Excellence—two for its Animated Storybook Videos for Save the Children Philippines and one for the HuliCam Videos for Tagaytay Medical City. The latter was also recognized with a nomination for the Top Prize for Communication Skills, one of the overall categories in the Quill Awards. “Consistency in excellence is something we value highly and constantly strive for in everything we do,” said Managing Director Charlotte Reyes. “These awards are a testament to the quality of our dynamic collaborations with our

brand partners and the spirit of innovation and creativity and hard work of everyone in Comm&Sense and Roar.” The Comm&Sense-Roar haul for 2024 includes 16 Merit awards for brand partners BDO, PhilCare, Conti’s, Unilab, and Sarangani Bay. The agency’s own online publication covering the country’s energy sector, Power Philippines, also won awards. “ We take pr ide in our brand of intelligent PR that helps our partners achieve and even exceed their goals and win awards to boot,” said Communications Director Toteng Tanglao. “In a field brimming over with good ideas and concepts and creative executions, insights from big data make for works that truly engage and resonate.” Now in its 18th year, Comm&SenseRoar has been deliver ing award-w inning public relations work w ith a long list of brand partners that include some of the countr y’s lead ing names in hea lt hcare, banking and financial ser v ices, insurance, food and beverage, education, travel and mar itime ser v ices, among others.

Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror

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Thursday, February 15, 2024

New Zealand marks ‘Waitangi Day:’ ‘Symbol of unity, cultural diversity’

HE New Zealand Embassy in Manila on February 6 commemorated “Waitangi Day,” which it considers a significant moment in its nation’s history. The day marks the signing of the “Treaty of Waitangi”—named after a place in the North Island on February 6, 1840. The agreement, signed between the indigenous Māori people and the British Crown, is deemed as New Zealand’s founding document. Ambassador Peter Kell, along with esteemed guests from several Philippine government agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners and community members, gathered at a well-attended reception to commemorate and honor the historic event. During the commemoration ceremony, Kell highlighted that “Aotearoa New Zealand” is committed to its relationship with the host country, and that this commitment was founded on the principles that Waitangi Day seeks to represent: unity, equality, and mutual respect among all peoples in the Oceanic nation. The event featured two Waiata (Māori song) performances: “Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi” (“Come Together as One”), presented by the New Zealand Embassy team led by Deputy Head of Mission Tim Given and supported by the ambassador on the guitar after his remarks. Following Māori protocol, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus “Gary” Domingo, who represented the Philippine government and guests, delivered a

Thailand joins PHL-initiated agricultureMSME devt plan

HE consensus among the Asean Business Advisor y Council (ABAC) is nearing completion, with Thailand being the latest signatory to the region-wide and private sector-led agriculture-MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) development plan initiated in the Philippines. The signing was held during the 99th Asean BAC Council Meeting last January 29 at Luang Prabang in Lao PDR. It was led by ABAC Philippines chairperson Joey Concepcion with ABAC Thailand chair Kobsak Duangdee, and witnessed by the ABAC Council chairs from Asean membercountries. “This is an absolute win for Asean, its MSMEs, [as well as] agriculture and food security in the region,” said Concepcion. “Successful ventures made possible by the region-wide partnerships can result in the agriculture sector’s development by involving more players across the value chain, especially farmers and fisherfolk.” ABAC Philippines spearheaded the project with each Asean member-state, starting with Malaysia, which signed its memorandum of understanding (MOU) last July. This was followed by the ABACs of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Singapore, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Indonesia, which all signed the following September during the Asean Business Investment Summit, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia as witnesses. Roderick L. Abad

response, and joined the team in singing “Pokarekare Ana” (“Stormy are the waters”).

‘Building bridges of friendship’

IN his address, Kell stated that the gathering was “a chance for all peoples in New Zealand to reflect on the journey that we have taken as a nation since that day 184 years ago: The challenges, opportunities, missteps, and the strides forward. In short, “the good, the bad, the ugly.” He furthered that it was also “an opportunity for us to reflect on relations between the Philippines and Aotearoa New Zealand: two partners that share not only a history of diplomatic relations, but also a commitment to building bridges of friendship and understanding. Our cooperation spans various sectors including trade, education, development, and defense.” The envoy shared that official figures suggest the Filipino community in New Zealand is around 100,000. He thanked “the Philippines for sharing your talent with us. Sa mga mamamayan ng Pilipinas, taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong kabutihang loob. [To Filipinos, I wholeheartedly thank you for your good nature.]” In his remarks, Domingo conveyed his happiness “that the… Filipino community in New Zealand continues to contribute significantly to the economic growth

AMBASSADOR Peter Kell (left) addresses guests during his country’s national day.

and progress of your country. We thank you for welcoming them and treating them as your own and considering them part of your whanau [family].” Kell also took the opportunity to refer to his departure in a month or so, as he thanked in Filipino the government of the Philippines and its people for their warm welcome, hospitality, and friendship extended to him and his family during his tour of duty: “I saved the last word in Filipino for the Filipinos: Sa mga mamamayan ng Pilipinas, nakatayo sa inyong harapan ang inyong abang lingkod upang lalo pang palakasin ang ugnayan ng New Zealand at Pilipinas. Sa nakalipas na apat na taon ko dito sa Pilipinas, naramdaman ko ang mainit na pagtanggap sa akin. Nakita ko ang kagandahan ng yamang lupa at dagat ng Pilipinas, kagandahan ng wikang pambansa, at ang kabutihang loob ng mga Pilipino—grabe, sagad to the bones! Sa tuwing tinatanong ako ng aking mga katrabaho: Para kanino ka bumabangon? Lagi kong sinasabi: Syempre, para sa inyong lahat, ah. Hiram lang ang buhay natin, dapat punuin na-

tin ito ng saya. Muli, umaasa akong magkikita-kita din tayo ulit. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Aotearoa New Zealand!” (To the Filipinos: Standing before you is your humble servant who seeks to boost the ties of our countries. For the past 4 years, I felt your warm welcome. I experienced the beauty of your treasures in land and seas, the national language, and your good-naturedness…Wow, I felt them in my bones! Every time I am asked by my colleagues: For whom do you wake up? I always say: ‘Of course, for all of you. We are living a borrowed life; we should fill it with joy. Again, I expect we will see each other again. Long live the Philippines! Long live Aotearoa New Zealand!”)

Common goals

THE embassy looks forward to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between New Zealand and the Philippines, building on the shared values and common goals that unite the two nations: Trade and economy: Both have a thriving relationship, which has only grown stronger in recent years.

Bilateral commerce has witnessed an upward trajectory and is committed to expanding economic collaboration. As of June 2023, New Zealand exported NZ$1 billion of total goods and services to the Philippines and imported NZ$ 0.36 billion. Dairy remains the former’s biggest export commodity, while travel is its biggest export service. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)-Philippines has experienced a surge in interest from homegrown companies in the information and technology, manufacturing, as well as food and beverage sectors, looking to set up local back offices. The two countries are continuously working to explore trade, investment, and joint ventures in sectors such as agriculture and renewable energy, highlighting mutual interest in sustainable development. People-to-people exchanges: The two nations have embraced a rich tradition of cultural exchanges, educational linkages, and various people-to-people initiatives. These have enriched their societies by fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s culture and values. Filipinos now comprise the third largest Asian diaspora in New Zealand, and “Kiwinoys (Filipino Kiwis)” account for more than 1.5 percent of the total population. Both are committed to continuing and boosting these exchanges, ensuring the two peoples benefit from varied experiences and perspectives. New Zealanders are grateful for the contributions Philippine companies and talents provide to their economy and society. Defense and security cooperation: New Zealand and the Philippines have collaborated extensively in defense and security. Both signed an updated defense cooperation arrangement in November 2017 which

provides for enhanced linkage in the areas of logistics and defense industry. Since 1989, more than 114 Filipino officers have undertaken training in New Zealand as annually, an officer from the Armed Forces of the Philippines attends the Staff College. The recent goodwill visit of HMNZS Aotearoa from October 31 to November 1, 2023 underscored the commitment to regional security and stability. Their governments are discussing ways to strengthen defense collaboration, including capacity-building programs. Ease of Doing Business: Leveraging on New Zealand’s leading position in the EODB Index, it has collaborated over the past few years with Philippine government agencies and aided them in enhancing and streamlining processes. In 2021, it signed a memorandum of arrangement with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to boost EODB and public-sector efficiency. That arrangement has provided the framework for ongoing discussions and ties with Philippine national government agencies. The embassy has also worked with the Valenzuela City and Quezon City local government units. Development cooperation: New Zealand has a long-standing development program in the country, with a focus on supporting sustainable development and enhancing the lives of Filipino communities. Development funding in the latter focuses on agriculture, knowledge and skills, as well as disasterrisk management. The embassy continues to work closely with the Philippine government to address critical development hurdles. New Zealand development cooperation actively supports the Bangsamoro Peace Process, working closely with former combatants, as well as indigenous and Muslim communities.

US to provide ₧70M, logistics aid for disaster response in Mindanao

HE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing nearly P70 million ($1.25 million) in humanitarian aid as a response to the needs of communities affected by severe flooding and landslides in Mindanao. The new funding will provide emergency food, shelter, water, sanitation, and essential hygiene items to support disaster-affected communities in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Davao City in Mindanao. USAID will partner with Catholic Relief Services and Action Against Hunger to ensure this life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable groups: single-parent households, persons with disabilities, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, lowincome families, as well as indigenous peoples. In addition, and as requested by the Philippine government, the US Department of Defense, through the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), activated two C-130s to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Office of Civil Defense, and USAID in shipping 15,000 food packs to affected families. Last week, USAID partnered with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, as well as the International Organization for Migration, to provide emergency shelter for more

Two Marcoses in Voltes V’s history

M UNITED States Marines and Philippine Air Force service members load family food packs into a C-130 on February 12.

than 5,000 affected persons. The aid agency also helped the World Food Programme transport DSWD food packs to 65,000 families. The US government issued a “Declaration of Humanitarian Need” on February 8 that will facilitate aid for the Philippine government’s response efforts in Mindanao. “We are proud to partner with the Philippine government to support the immediate needs of Mindanaoans in the areas hardest hit by the flooding and landslides,” said USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn. “Support to our allies, partners and their people in a time of need is nonnegotiable,” told US Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, who

is the III MEF commanding general. “We stand ready to support those who need urgent assistance.” Between January 28 and February 2, extensive rainfall in Mindanao caused significant flooding and landslides that impacted nearly 1.2 million people. About 795,000 people were displaced, as more than 97,600 people sought shelter in 380 evacuation centers across the island-region. USAID works year-round to help communities in the Philippines prepare for and be more resilient to natural disasters. Its embassy said the US will continue to partner with the Philippine government to respond to natural disasters and support Filipinos in their recovery efforts.

ANY Filipinos who belong to Generation X—those born between 1965 and 1979—and had access to television were able to experience Voltes V: the Japanese anime television series. It was one of my earliest memories, being glued to the black-andwhite box and patiently waiting for the next episode to air on GMA 7. When the TV station suddenly cut off Voltes V’s airing, everyone was pissed. Since that was the Martial Law period, I believe the media was silent about this. But many were incensed at President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. for the censorship, and that was when I realized I was not the only one affected. Fast forward to 2024: Last February 1, the Japanese Embassy in Manila honored Larry Chan who was the anime series’ franchise owner, and GMA Network for their contributions to Philippine-Japanese cultural ties through the Voltes V legacy. I spoke briefly with Chan after the awarding ceremony, and I asked him point-blank: “Sir, can you set the record straight? Why was Voltes V banned in the 70s?” The 76-year-old Telesuccess Productions Inc. CEO smiled and said: “You know, the story of Voltes V is about [a] ‘revolution.’”

Of course, he did not need to explain the context of the term. As an avid viewer, I know that the story is not just about the Boazanian Empire’s invasion of Planet Earth: It is about a struggle of defiance versus an oppressive regime’s cruel system. During the award ceremony, Chan— along with Vice President Cheryl ChingSy of GMA who was a fellow awardee— only spoke about the way the Japanese series connected the Filipino audience with the universal values of family tradition and love. So, I asked: “How do you feel now that under another Marcos administration, Voltes V was reborn [through a Philippine adaptation, and now, you are given an] award for Voltes V: Legacy?” “You know, we are just businessmen; we are not politicians,” he replied, then admitted though that he lost a lot of money because of the ban, as he still had to pay the Japanese production for the exclusive rights to air the anime series. Businesspeople like him may have set his sights only on the bottom line, but he has inspired me to take a stand and fight for my rights. Let’s hope that under the Marcos Jr. administration, he will promote, rather than suppress, the famous call of Steve, Big Bird, Little John, Jamie, and Mark: “Let’s volt in!”

OS ANGELES—Tiger Woods might still be donning his familiar red polo shirt, but the iconic golfer has taken a bold leap forward with a new logo and clothing line partnering alongside a different company that could elevate his fashion identity. Woods introduced his lifestyle brand Sun Day Red on Monday evening the day after the Super Bowl and during the middle of Hollywood›s awards season. He’s transitioning to the next phase of his career with TaylorMade Golf after he parted ways with Nike after 27 years. Some in the fashion community believe Woods can survive without sporting Nike’s popular swoosh on chest. He’ll now have logo of a tiger with 15 stripes, signifying his 15 championship titles, along with apparel that includes cashmere hoodies, sleek sweaters and footwear with his brand’s name etched on them. “I thought it was very refreshing to see him kick off this new chapter,” said Allen Onyia, co-founder of UpscaleHype, a social media account that chronicles stylish celebrity wardrobes. “The brand has a lot of potential, with Tiger being the face of it, and the machine pushing it. I have nothing but positive thoughts.” Onyia said Woods made a good move by branching out into a market beyond the golfing realm—especially after the golfer made his own imprint in the sport over the years with his signature cap, sleek red polo and trousers. “The key thing that they’re trying to do is separate it from just becoming a performance brand,” he said. “They’re tapping into the lifestyle market, adopting different fabrics, textures and showing how it can still be functional. They’re tapping into premium quality, but not losing the performance aspect as well. I’m excited to see the marriage of the two.” Woods, 48, felt now is the right time to make the transition during the twilight stage of his career because he’s no longer a “kid anymore.” He’s worn red on Sundays throughout his career after his Thai-born mother, Kultida, suggested that the color instilled power in him. “Releasing his new collection two days after the Chinese Lunar New Year speaks volumes to me about how Tiger and his team are embracing this new move positively post Nike,” said Angela Watts, the founder of Atlanta Fashion Week. Woods’ mother once referred to her

No swoosh, this time its... TaylorMade for Tiger T

PVL features 2 new teams in All-Filipino

Sports BusinessMirror

B8 | T

hursday, February 15, 2024 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

TIGER WOODS is transitioning to the next phase of his career with TaylorMade Golf after he parted ways with Nike after 27 years. AP

ancestry as Thai, Chinese and Dutch. Watts said the premium materials reflect a commitment to both style and functionality, catering to the demands of modern athletes and fashion enthusiasts. “His collection showcases thoughtful details such as subtle logo placement,” she said. “The bold hue exudes confidence and power, while the impeccable tailoring ensures a sharp, polished look.”

TaylorMade plans to first launch online the apparel line for men on May 1 in the United States and Canada. The website has already gone live with the hopes of expanding into other markets across the globe. The company wants to add lines for women and children. Woods already had a deal with TaylorMade for clubs and with Bridgestone for the golf ball. “The biggest challenge we have

Gaballo puts away Thai in 30 seconds

By Josef Ramos

EYMART “ASSASSIN” GABALLO needed only three punches 30 seconds into the first round to dispose of Thailand’s Phai Pharob via technical knockout and retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) oriental bantamweight title on Wednesday night at the Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City. Gaballo, 26, wasted no time from the opening bell and unleashed a left hook to the head followed by a right straight to the body and another left hook to the right side of Pharob’s stomach just outside his liver, forcing him to kneel and grimace in pain. Referee Danrex Tapdasan immediately stopped the fight only 30 seconds into the fight as the 40-year-old Thai

failed to beat the count. “I knew he was hurt, his eyes showed it,” Gaballo told BusinessMirror after the fight. “That’s why I attacked him.” “Everything was according to the plan of my coach, Nonito Donaire Sr.,” Gaballo said. “I’m very thankful to him for giving me a good strategy.” The warrior from General Santos City, who improved to 27-1 wonlost with 22 knockouts, hopes to secure a world title fight with reigning WBO bantamweight champion Jason Maloney (27-2 record with 19 knockouts) of Australia. “See you Jason [Moloney],” he said. “I believe Reymart [Gaballo] is

ORIENTAL bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo with Sean Gibbons.

Fuertes, Cua rule Gov. Jubahib Cup in Davao del Norte

TEPHEN FUERTES and Dhea Cua defied the odds and top seeded foes to rule the premier division of the Governor Edwin Jubahib Cup national tennis championships in Davao del Norte Sunday. The third ranked Fuertes stunned No. 1 Jason Battad in the semifinals, 6-3, 6-4, then thwarted fourth seed Bench Neri, 7-6(3), 6-2, as the Digos City native claimed the boys’ trophy in the 18-and-under category of the first of two Group 2 tournaments presented by Dunlop at the DavNor

Tourism Sports Complex courts. Cua produced the more impressive result as the unranked player from Kidapawan City repulsed No. 6 Jasmen Kadalum, 5-4(4), 4-1, in the second round, turned back fourth ranked Sanschena Francisco in the next, 6-3, 7-6(5), and trounced No. 4 Faith Lazaro, 6-4, 6-2, in the semifinals. In the final, she defeated top seed Chelsea Bernaldez, 6-2, 6-4. Fuertes also won the 16-andunder title with a masterful 6-3, 6-2 victory over Battad.

Fly Boys and Home Boys THE hottest sound in collegiate basketball these days is the seeming endless flurry of bird wings flying the coop as prized birds find new or more familiar nesting places within the college hoop universe. Ever since the official end of the collegiate basketball season in December with San Beda’s recapture of the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines (NCAA) crown, the rigodon de honor of blue chip college players began.

is being able to build enough of this incredible product to service the amount of demand we anticipate with this,” said TaylorMade CEO David Abeles. “But we’re going to do that. And like anything we’ve done historically, we’ll continue to ensure quality is priority No. 1, design is cutting edge and ultimately this meets the playing needs of Tiger and the lifestyle needs of everybody that wears the brand.” AP ready for that fight with Moloney. We will just wait for the final date from management,” Donaire Sr. said.” International matchmaker and Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons flew from Las Vegas to watch the fight from ringside. After losing to Donaire Sr.’s son Nonito Jr. for the World Boxing Council bantamweight belt via a fourth round technical knockout in 2021, Gaballo won his comeback fight with compatriot Ricardo Sueno with a second-round stoppage in General Santos City in October 2022. He tapped the elder Donaire as his chief trainer and coach and the partnership resulted to his split decision triumph over Michael Bravo last June 17 for the vacant WBO regional belt in Parañaque City.

MADAYAG

MARAÑO

COBB

Cignal, Iloilo, VNS make PNVF Champions League semifinals

IGNAL HD, Iloilo and VNS Asereht are living up to expectations by advancing to the semifinals fromm their respective pools in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League. The fancied HD Spikers secured the No. 1 seed in Pool A at 2-0 won-lost with a game left in their schedule while the D’Navigators went 3-0 in Pool B followed by the Griffins (2-1) following their big wins Tuesday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Joshua Umandal starred anew with 19 points on 15 hits, three blocks and an ace as Cignal drubbed PGJC-Philippine Navy, 25-15, 25-21, 27-25, to follow up on its opening-day win over College of Saint Benilde entering its last duel against the

Fuertes and Cua shared the MVP honors in the tournament that is part of the country’s extensive talent-search organized by Palawan Pawnshop and headed by president and CEO Bobby Castro. The other winners in the fiveday tournament, sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association and Universal Tennis Rating were Digos’s Aika Salahudin, Davao de Oro’s Arriana Maglana, Matt Docena and Francis Dimzon, Cotabato’s Aljaven Lumambas and Sultan Kudarat Justine Gumbao.

The immediate guessing game after December 17 was whether phenomenal Red Lion Jacob Cortez, son of the iconic Green Archer of the 90s Mike Cortez, would stay in Mendiola or transfer the following season to Taft. For some the second option was the expected outcome. Even as the residents of the Benedictine abbey prayed for the opposite result. Well, we now know how that panned out. The former La Salle Greenhills Greenie turned University of Santo Tomas (UST) high school star turned Red Lion would ultimately choose the Green and White. The lechon sauce for the celebratory lechons in the San Beda championship party had also barely dried up when Bulldog Kean Baclaan, a former De La Salle Zobel high schooler, made known his intentions to transfer to La Salle. Right after the Holidays there were major fireworks. Jared Bahay, best high school player of the National Basketball Training Center, announced he would not go to the University of the Philippines for college, although he had committed to play for the Fighting Maroons in a full blown press conference in March 2023. In late January, Rey Remogat, the University of the East Red Warrior expected to lead the team in Season 87, made a surprise announcement that he was transferring to the University of the Philippines.

VALDEZ

HE Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference kicks off Tuesday promising intense competition among 12 formidable teams. “The 12-team field for this season is as strong as ever, and we’re thrilled to witness the extraordinary talent and competition that each team brings to the court,” said PVL president Richard Palou during the tournament’s press launch on Wednesday at the Discovery Suites in Mandaluyong City. This season welcomes new additions Capital1 and Strong Group, which will join defending champion Creamline, Akari, Choco Mucho, Cignal, Farm Fresh, Galeries, Nxled, Petro Gazz and PLDT. Petro Gazz faces Strong Group at 4 p.m. and Chery Tiggo takes on Capital1 at 6 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Games are scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The matches will be broadcasted on free-to-air on One Sports, in HD on One Sports+ and streamed on the league’s official web site PVL.ph. The matches will be available live and on-demand on the Pilipinas Live app and also on the new free-to-air channel RPTV. “The PVL is not just a league, it’s a spectacle that will air for every Filipino all over the world,” said Sienna G. Olaso, First Vice President Channel and Content Management at Cignal Tv.

Savouge Spin Doctors. The HD Spikers’ victory left Savouge Spin Doctors (1-1), Saint Benilde (1-1) and even winless Navy (0-2) scrambling for the last semifinals ticket from Pool A pending the key results of the final elimination playdate. Iloilo and VNS Asereht bagged crucial victories to secure the two seats in Pool B of the PNVF men’s tournament backed by PLDT, Ayala Land, Nuvali, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports+, Mikasa, Senoh, Foton, Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission. “We’re harnessing for the semifinals and as I said before, if we stay consistent, we’ll sail all the way to the final,” said Iloilo coach Rizalito Delmoro after an easy 25, 18, 25-22, 25-19 victory over Army. John San Andres fired 17 points on 17 hits, Kyle Villamor had 11 and Jayvee Sumagsasay and Abdurasad Nursiddik added 10 each for the D’Navigators, who also swept Air Force and VNS for a perfect run without a single set lost so far. VNS, after a tough loss to Iloilo in the opener, strung two victories none bigger than an exciting 25-17, 28-30, 25-21, 31-29 conquest of Air Force to barge into the semifinals. “Making the semis is a gift,” said coach Ralph Ocampo as VNS is back in the semifinals after a bronze medal finish last edition. ARMY’S defense foils Iloilo’s Kyle Angelo Villamor. NONIE REYES

Collegiate players transferring in the off season to other teams was common even during the days of EJ Fiehl and Marlou Aquino who moved to Adamson University from UST in the late 80’s-early 90’s. Of late, it has become even more common though, especially after the pandemic shook up a lot of established practice set-ups, and the Growling Tigers lost major personnel like CJ Cansino, Mark Nonoy, Rhenz Abando, Bismark Lina and others to other teams. (Why is the impact of player transfers bigger these days and talked about more incessantly? One big factor is social media.) A de-commitment, however, is quite rare. So the Jared Bahay decision was a game changer. It has made it easier for other previously committed recruits to change direction midstream and leave everything behind. No stigma to worry about despite the seeming lack of palabra de honor. These are young people, after all, still searching for their best options. They are protected by law and moral considerations and have the last say in choice of school or pathway that they feel would help them reach their full potential. But over the weekend, another pasabog. Luis Pablo, the young, talented big man already lined up with the UP Fighting Maroons announced he was also heading west to Taft Avenue—a homecoming of sorts for the former La Salle Greenhills standout and Most Valuable Player of the NCAA

juniors basketball tournament in Season 98. A little bit earlier, former Red Cub Chris Hubilla—all set to don Maroon soon—also de-committed from UP to become a Knight of Colegio San Juan De Letran. Doy Dungo, a former Red Cub turned Tiger Cub turned Growling Tiger has also just announced he is now with the Green Archers. “Expect more transfers and active recruitment from teams both in the UAAP and the NCAA,” an informed source said. The off season is really the season for rigodon. Recruitments, said the informed source, isn’t done through the players themselves. The decision makers are really the parents. Team managers, scouts and important team personnel talk to the parents and help them make decisions. Contrary to expectations, education, the player’s role in the team and playing time are important considerations for transfers—not just perks and resources. Still there are Home Boys worthy of note. James Payosing, the MVP of San Beda’s championship in Season 99 is staying put in Mendiola despite offers to transfer. Kristoffer Porter will most likely stay Blue in the Eagle’s aerie. Jerom Lastimosa was the ultimate Home Boy who chose to stay with Adamson University despite offers to play abroad. Such decisions do not go unnoticed to be sure. They have a special shine of their own.