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AERIAL view of Iloilo City with the mouth of the Iloilo River and the island of Guimaras in the distance. MICHAEL EDWARDS | DREAMSTIME.COM

PANAY BLACKOUT: Why? How? What now?

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By Lenie Lectura

OVERNMENT officials and experts warned that the blackouts that crippled the islands of Panay and Guimaras could happen again unless the delayed power projects are immediately constructed, new protocols are put in place, and a more diversified mix of energy sources is embraced.

“It might happen again unless we finish all the projects on time,” said Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Sharon Garin, who was referring to the delayed CebuNegros-Panay (CNP) backbone stage 3 project of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which the system operator said would be completed by March.

“The next three months are crucial as we wait for CNP3 to be finished,” commented DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra.

The CNP3, which is crucial to the full operation of the P51.3-billion Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), is delayed because of a temporary restraining order (TRO) sought by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza).

It was supposed to be completed in October last year. However, the construction of the CebuMagdugo 230kilovolt (kV) line—a component of the CNP3—was put to a halt due to the TRO issued by the Supreme Court.

The power distributor in Iloilo also gave a similar warning. MORE Electric Power Corp. President Roel Castro said that even if CNP3 is completed, Iloilo would still plunge into darkness if the 3x100MVA substation of NGCP is not commissioned by end of this year.

“One of the delayed projects

for Iloilo is the 3x100mva new substation of NGCP that was supposedly commissioned last year.

“If this substation will not go online by end of this year, then for sure, Iloilo will be on rotating brownouts because there is not enough capacity from the grid connected to MORE Power’s substations in Iloilo.

“This is a small project in the scheme of all things, but if it won’t happen, we will have rotating brownouts,” said Castro.

It will take 450 days to finish the project, which indicates that it might still not be commissioned this year given that NGCP has yet to seal a deal with the land owner where the substation will be put up.

More suggestions from ICSC

THE Energy Policy Team of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), meanwhile, recommended advanced energy storage technologies, enhanced grid interconnections, and strategically integrating renewable energy (RE) sources to diversify the island’s energy portfolio as part of the longterm solutions to prevent a repeat of the four-day blackouts.

“Given the recent blackouts in Panay, a reevaluation of the island’s energy mix and grid resilience measures is imperative,” ICSC said.

RESIDENTS of Iloilo seek refuge from the ongoing blackout, leaving their homes for a more comfortable night at Molo Plaza during the humid conditions in Iloilo City. ARNOLD ALMACEN/ILOILO CITY MAYOR'S OFFICE

could have prevented the islandwide blackout.

In the DOE’s assessment, had NGCP implemented manual load dropping in the two-hour window, to which the red-alert status should have been declared on the whole island, rotating power outages could have significantly reduced the load demand requirements in Panay.

If this were the case, even with the subsequent tripping of PEDC 2 and PCPC, the remaining power sources would have been able to shoulder the reduced load demand requirements.

While the ERC conducts its probe, PEDC and NGCP are being blamed for the power mess.

ERC probe

ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta assured lawmakers during a hearing that its probe on the Western Visayas massive blackout would Continued on A2

Panay Island, the sixth largest island in the Philippines, suffered the same fate in April last year. Apparently, experts said the same problems were not addressed sooner.

It is still heavily reliant on power generation coming from coal, specifically the four major coal-fired power plants on the island: Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC) 1 providing 83.7MW, PEDC 2 with 83.7MW, PEDC 3 with 150MW, and Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC) with 135MW. Collectively, these coal plants contribute 454.4MW of power to the island’s total installed capacity. Demand, meanwhile, fluctuates between 300MW and 500MW. ICSC noted that the Panay sub-grid is situated at the tail-end of the transmission grid in the Visayas, connected only through a submarine cable from Negros.

PEDC 3 was on maintenance shutdown when PEDC 1 conked out, resulting in only 309MW of capacity,

which fell below Panay’s demand requirement. The DOE said this should have triggered the red-alert status, and any further disturbance could further push the system to the brink of its operation.

“At this point, a smart move should have been to conduct manual load dropping (MLD), as even though the system can still meet the demand requirements and the voltage and power quality were still normal as stated by NGCP, the reserves were already depleted,” said ICSC. At 2:19 pm, another system disturbance occurred when PEDC 2 and PCPC tripped. Since the transmission link between Panay and Negros was limited, and Negros might not have had excess power to transport to Panay at the time, there was a significant lack of power generation triggering an island-wide blackout.

While the incident was mainly a power-generation problem, more issues came up that, if addressed,

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 56.1160 n JAPAN 0.3862 n UK 71.6209 n HK 7.1782 n CHINA 7.8298 n SINGAPORE 42.1703 n AUSTRALIA 37.5248 n EU 61.5817 n KOREA 0.0427 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.9639 Source: BSP (January 12, 2024)

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Taiwanese voters head to polls with ties to US, China in balance

By Cindy Wang

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Bloomberg

HEN Taiwanese voters pick a new president today, Saturday, their ballot will represent another choice of global significance: Forging closer ties with China or defending the island’s autonomy with Washington’s backing.

The closely fought, three-way contest to succeed President Tsai Ing-wen, who is stepping down due to term limits, marks the world’s first major test of democracy in 2024. This year will see the governments of more than 3 billion face some 40 elections.

Tsai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), reviled by China but friendly with the US, faces the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the more recently formed Taiwan People’s Party (TPP). Both of the latter favor closer ties with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.

Here’s a rundown of what you need to know about the election:

1. The candidates

Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te, 64, a trained doctor and former premier, wants to extend the ruling DPP’s eight-year grip on the presidency.

Once a self-described “worker for Taiwanese independence,” he now argues there’s no need to cross

Beijing’s red line and declare independence, saying Taiwan is already a de facto sovereign country.

The DPP government is open to cross-strait talks on an equal footing, but Beijing demands Taiwan effectively concede it’s part of China.

The DPP has a solid electoral base that trusts it to stand up against China, and Lai’s rivals have split the China-friendly vote.

But many people want a change at the top.

The KMT’s Hou Yu-ih, 66, mayor of New Taipei City and the island’s former top cop, has vowed to rebuild cross-strait relations by returning to a tacit agreement that both sides are part of China.

Hou is respected as a relatively down-to-earth administrator, and his party has a strong base, especially among older voters.

But many mistrust the KMT for both the brutality of its decades-long dictatorship and its quest for closer ties with China.

Hou says that while he opposes

independence, he also rejects Beijing’s “one country, two systems” formula for bringing the island under its control. Only through deterrence and dialogue can the risk of conflict be reduced and democracy be safeguarded, he says.

The TPP’s Ko Wen-je, 64, a former trauma surgeon, offers himself as an alternative to the two traditional parties, though he flirted with an alliance with the KMT. He says exchanges with China can be achieved through mutual understanding, respect and cooperation. Many remember remarks he made years ago that both sides of the strait belong to one family—symbolism often evoked by unification advocates.

Ko was twice elected as Taipei City mayor as an independent before he founded the TPP, and has been especially popular among young and well-educated urban voters. He’s also campaigned strongly on issues such as low wages and housing affordability.

2. What’s at stake?

A PEACEFUL, uncontested election would bode well for Taiwan, which—since the end of martial law in the 1980s—has blossomed into a progressive democracy that earned plaudits for its handling of the pandemic.

A close or contested result is a risk, with the 2004 election having seen months of protests after the KMT lost narrowly. If the DPP wins the presidency but loses control of the legislature, the next four years may see tough battles over key issues.

While the US has repeatedly

PROTESTERS against the Chinese Communist Party dress up to depict authoritarian China and Winnie the Pooh representing Chinese President Xi Jinping, dressed as an emperor, and holding a Taiwan island cardboard cutout colored with the Taiwan flag in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, January 7, 2024. AP

said it has no preferred candidate, a DPP victory would see Taiwan continue its pro-Western foreign policy and decoupling from China. But it may also lead to more pressure from Beijing, which favors the KMT. Chinese President Xi Jinping again insisted on December 31 that unification is inevitable, and there are concerns about Beijing’s influence on the polls. One candidate was detained on suspicion of receiving campaign funding from Beijing, and there is increasing online disinformation, according to reports from Taiwan’s official Central News Agency. Taiwan has condemned Beijing for repeatedly sending balloons across the Strait.

est since the 2009 global financial crisis. It costs 16 years of annual income to afford a home in Taipei—one of the highest such ratios globally.

All three candidates have pledged more social housing, plus subsidies to boost the birth rate— Taiwan’s population fell for three straight years through 2022. All three candidates pledge steps to boost incomes.

There are divisions over energy policy on an island with a fragile electricity grid and occasional power cuts. The DPP is against nuclear power, which opposition parties say is needed.

3. It’s not just China

TAIWAN’S tech-heavy stock market is trading near an all-time high amid an artificial intelligence boom. A result that boosts ties with China may help sentiment, but could also put the island’s key semiconductor industry under US scrutiny.

RELATIONS with China have dominated election debates, but many voters are upset by stubborn inflation, high house prices and slowerthan-expected wage growth.

The government has estimated 2023 growth would be the slow-

4. How will markets react?

Taiwan voters are accustomed to changes in power and in relations with China, but foreign investors tend to be more wary. The Taiwan dollar, which rose 5 percent in the last quarter of 2023, started the new year with its first weekly decline in eight.

5. When is the election?

Polling stations open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and history shows the result may be clear by around 8 p.m.

Whoever wins the most votes, even if they fall short of an outright majority, is elected. Challenges are possible if the margin is narrow, as happened in 2004.

First-time voters, those aged 20-24, account for just 5 percent of the voting-age population. Voters also have ballots to choose a lawmaker in their local constituencies and a political party, which will help determine who wins the 113-seat legislature. Currently, the ruling DPP has 62 seats, the KMT has 37 and the TPP has five.

PANAY BLACKOUT Continued from A1

be concluded in a few weeks. “It is imperative that we gather all technical details,” said the ERC chief.

Senate Committee on Energy Vice Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian said ERC should pursue a deeper investigation on this and include in its probe the NGCP people who were there when all of this happened.

“We have to remember this happened last January 2. So this is pretty much after the New Year.

So we have to look at all of those details in order to find out what really happened, who was involved, not only NGCP, but who in NGCP should be accountable. Is it the supervisor? Is it the operator who calls the shots at that particular time? Is that person well trained?

Is that person well versed with the Grid Code? Is that person well versed with the protocols? That is something that we need to go deeper into,” Gatchalian said.

The senator reiterated that when PEDC went on an unplanned shutdown, this should have been a prompt to NGCP to reduce demand to maintain the integrity of the grid.

NGCP insisted, however, it should not be held liable for not imposing MLD, saying it simply followed protocols set by the ERC. Citing its own records and system data, NGCP saw no abnormality in system voltage from the time between the shutdown of PEDC1 and the subsequent shutdown of PCPC. “There was no system indication justifying a manual load drop or disconnecting end-users—households, businesses, industries—from the system to regulate voltage during the two-hour period. Had we disengaged loads without any trigger

from the system, we may have also been questioned for doing so, as this clearly violates the PGC. Our actions at the time of the incident were undertaken within protocols and in compliance with established rules,” explained NGCP. Gatchalian strongly refuted this.

“The Grid Code is very detailed. In one of those definitions, when one plant comes out, it goes into an emergency state and it goes into several protocols on what to do. One of which is to do a manual load drop, because the theory here is, since the supply is not ready but your demand is still high, you have to lower down demand,” said Gatchalian.

“But that didn’t happen so it was maintained, the demand maintained on a higher level, and that tripped other plants to go down and that created a widespread blackout. So in other words, there are protocols to follow in different states of the grid. And from the hearing yesterday, it seems to me that NGCP failed to follow those protocols that led to a widespread blackout on Panay Island,” added the senator.

Split the mandates?

LAWMAKERS now want to separate and transfer the systems operations function from the NGCP to another qualified entity.

“There is a compelling need for Congress to conduct an investigation with the end in view of revisiting and reviewing the franchise of the NGCP,” House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, the son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., commented.

Gatchalian said there should

be a constant performance review of NGCP, whether it’s through the legislative route or whether through the ERC route, because the ERC only steps in when something happens.

“Maybe this is something that we need to look at, instead of reacting to every constant review of the responses of NGCP by the regulator, because the assumption here is that the system operator or NGCP knows very well what to do. But obviously, we’re seeing some deficiencies in that and there should be a proactive approach in terms of reviewing the protocols,” he said.

He cautioned legislators to be very careful in their recommendation, saying Congress cannot just abruptly terminate and appoint a new entity to take over NGCP’s functions.

“There’s a contract between NGCP and the government, and of course the contract also protects the interests of NGCP. So while we can revoke the franchise, we also need to be mindful that NGCP can file cases against the government and trigger an arbitration that will create a lot of problems,” Gatchalian pointed out.

“The contract contemplated a unified model, meaning you have the system operator and the transmission network operator in one and that’s what we are paying NGCP. But if we separate them that’s in effect touching the contract.

“My view here is that government should have some presence in terms of how this system is being operated. So we need to distinguish between where the private sector can invest and where the government should maintain its role to protect public interest,” he said.

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

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Marcos to Recto, Go: Help PHL face headwinds

By Samuel P. Medenilla & Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

W

ARY of the possible market headwinds from El Niño and escalating global geopolitical tensions this year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered the newly appointed Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (Sapiea) Frederick D. Go and Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto to face these challenges with sound investment and economic policies as well as financial discipline, respectively.

The chief executive gave the marching orders during a press conference after the oath-taking ceremony of Go and Recto in Malacañang.

“While the future looks bright, dark clouds still gather on the horizon unleashing headwinds that will temper and even may dampen or trample our optimistic [economic] outlook,” Marcos said.

He said they are now closely monitoring the potential “food or fuel shocks” from international developments and the impact of droughts caused by El Niño, which can also swell food prices.

“So whatever harm it may cause, we have to cushion the impact with timely and targeted interventions so that food prices will not surge as a result of farm outputs falling short. The challenge for us then is not just to grow the economy but to make sure that growth is felt by all parts of society,” the President said.

Recto’s priority

IN an interview with reporters on Friday,

Recto said achieving the government's P4.3-trillion revenue target this year will be the DOF’s priority under his watch.

The bulk or P3 trillion of the fund is expected to come from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and P1 trillion will be sourced from the Bureau of Treasury.

The initiative, he said, will helpensure all of the government programs this year will be funded.

“So it’s all about fiscal sustainability, and like I said, you have a national development plan to fund,” Recto said.

Marcos believes Go can use his experience in the private sector—notably, former president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Robinsons Land Corp.—to bring in vital investments, especially with the rollout of the Maharlika Investment Fund, the country’s first sovereign wealth fund.

Recto, a former chief of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), can ensure his administration meets its medium-term fiscal target and achieves its developmental target, he added.

“He will continue to help devise strategies that will tame inflation through a basket of responses ranging from plugging supply gaps to injecting non-monetary measures so that prices will be stable,” the President said.

“He will be a major player in how we stay on the path of growth, meet and even surpass our medium-term fiscal target, and achieve our developmental targets. He will promote not just ease in paying taxes but also in efficiently and effectively spending those collections. Because a citizen’s reward for tax compliance should be better and

more responsive public services. He will continue to help devise strategies that will tame inflation through a bastion of responses ranging from plugging supply gaps to injecting nonmonetary measures so that prices will be stable,” said Marcos.

He instructed Recto to intensify the anti-smuggling drive of the government.

The former House Deputy Speaker and representative of Batangas will replace Benjamin E. Diokno as head of the Department of Finance (DOF).

Diokno was offered the position to become Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) liaison with the private sector, but he declined the offer in order to join the Monetary Board.

“He felt it was time for him to return to his natural habitat in the Bangko Sentral—in the Monetary Board,” Marcos said.

The President thanked Diokno for serving in his Cabinet and attributed the former Bangko Sental ng Pilipinas governor for the country’s economic achievements last year, including a 5.9-percent economic growth in the third quarter, as well as low inflation and joblessness.

The government anticipates a revenue influx of approximately P4.24 trillion next year, relying on the execution of the administration’s prioritized tax measures.

According to the projections by the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), the expected revenue collection for 2024 is set at P4.235 trillion.

Recto appointment hailed

RECTO’S designation drew wide praise from sectors within and outside government.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said Recto’s exemplary tenure at Neda reflects his competence and commitment to formulating strategies for sustainable growth and progress.

The Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) also weighed in.

DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman vowed DBM’s full support for the new DOF chief.

In a separate statement, BAP President Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco said the country’s economic challenges needs an “experienced economist” and Recto is ideal for the job.

“While the Philippine economy continues to grow due to its strong fundamentals, it is currently facing local and global economic headwinds such as inflation. The country needs an experienced economist who can navigate the ongoing challenges of this operating environment, and Secretary Recto is an ideal fit for this job,” Limcaoco said.

BAP said as head of the Marcos administration’s economic team, Recto will play a critical role in the reformation of fiscal and economic policies, together with balancing political realities.

Meanwhile, Pangandaman said Recto can expect the full support of the DBM while expressed its gratitude to outgoing Secretary Diokno.

She said it was Diokno’s vision to craft the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, on which the Administration anchored the Agenda for Prosperity, and which was historically adopted for the first time by both the House of Representatives and

A3

the Senate.

“We defer to the wisdom of the President on these matters so as the latest appointee of PBBM to the Economic Team, Secretary Recto can expect our full support,” Pangandaman said in a statement.

The Philippines emerged from the pandemic with 7.6-percent GDP growth in 2022, with Diokno as head of the Cabinet’s Economic Development Group.

This is historically the fastest growth since 1976, putting the Philippines back on the world map as the fastest emerging economy in the Asia Pacific region.

Meanwhile, the BAP also thanked Diokno for his years of service in government—having served as Finance Secretary, Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.

The Makati Business Club (MBC) said in a statement: “We pledge Mr. Recto our assistance and wish him success in his new, important role, including continuous improvement of laws and policies to attract job-creating investment and expansion. We look forward to working with him, other recent appointees such as Presidential Special Assistant Frederick Go and Agriculture Secretary Francis Laurel, and the rest of the economic team.”

Lawmakers’ support

SEN. Jinggoy Estrada said “traditional parliamentary courtesy” will be accorded to Recto, as a former colleague in Congress when he is subjected to confirmation process.

Though he cannot speak for his peers in the Commission on Appointments, Estrada said, partly in Filipino, “I don’t see any reason for not approving the designation of Cong. Recto as finance secretary. As a former Neda chief and Senate ways and means

committee chairperson, he is qualified for the post and knows the ropes of the job.”

For her part, Sen. Grace Poe said, “We don’t only have an assertive and bold Batangueño at the helm of the DOF, but a seasoned lawmaker and economist who can steer our financial state to a progressive path. “I am certain Sec. Recto will use his competence, compassion, hard work and brilliance to better the lives of the people.”

Sen. Nancy Binay described Recto as the “perfect choice as finance chief ” because of his wide experience as an economist, and his stint as Neda chief and lawmaker.

As “our go-to and numbers-genius guy in the Senate when it comes to budget, taxation and finance,” such exposure will be of immense value in laying down the government’s fiscal policy, Binay added.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said it is ready to partner with the incoming DOF Secretary “on the imperative of bringing down skyrocketing prices of basic goods and services, attracting more and better foreign direct investments, and realizing the investment pledges made that should translate to better quality of life and new, permanent, and decent jobs for Filipino workers and their families.”

The labor alliance suggested that Recto adopt as his “flagship fiscal reform program the amending of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises” (CREATE) Act “so that fiscal incentives are tied to compliance with core labor standards. Investment incentives and tax breaks should only be given to enterprises that uphold their workers’ right to security of tenure, to organize, and to collectively bargain, among others. This is a win-win for both workers and employers as it will both ensure decent work and business viability.” With reports from Cai Ordinario, Butch Fernandez and Andrea San Juan

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Canada eyes Philippine critical minerals sector amid global ‘green’ energy push

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By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

ANADA is interested in helping the Philippines build its capacity to extract critical minerals “responsibly, ethically and sustainably” to help the global economy transition to clean energy, Canadian Ambassador to Manila David Hartman said.

This developed as Canada’s minister for international development, Ahmed Hussen, visited the Philippines Thursday and announced Canada’s aid worth C$15 million (P626 million) to help the Philippines adapt to climate change and for local officials to implement the Universal Health Care program.

Help PHL extract critical minerals THE Philippines is the fifth most mineralized country in the world with untapped reserves of copper, gold, nickel, zinc and silver worth $1 trillion.

One of those “critical minerals,” such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, graphite, copper and aluminum are essential components to build battery storage for solar power as well as for wind turbines and other electricity networks to electric vehicles.

“We cannot have clean energy without these critical minerals. The candid reality is [that] the global community needs the Philippines.

“What Canada wants to do is to be able to help the Philippines extract its critical mineral resources responsibly, ethically, and environmentally sustainable in sound way,” Hartman

told reporters.

The Canadian diplomat revealed that Canadian companies have the expertise and the technology to harness these kinds of critical mineral resources, being the largest foreign investor in the mining sector in the world.

“We are sordidly conscious of the fact that the extraction of minerals here in the country has a storied past…

A lot of sensitivities among the indigenous communities and other populations and so I think we can provide the capacity building to the government of the Philippines with the support of the people of the Philippines to help create the social license for the Philippines to be able to capitalize on the mineral wealth that exists in this country,” Hartman said.

He said they pitched this during the meeting of Minister Hussen with Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga.

Canada ODA in PHL for reforestation CANADA’S emphasis on responsible mining forms part of its overall IndoPacific engagement, including the Philippines.

This is the reason Canada has committed to grant C$8 million (P334 million) over the next five years to the Forest Foundation Philippines to finance nature-based solutions that would build resilience among vulnerable communities from climate change.

Among the projects Canada has in mind are reforestation, coastal wetlands restoration and watershed restoration.

These initiatives aim to target six regions across the country representing key biodiversity or protected areas.

Canada ODA in PHL for health services OTTAWA has also allocated C$7 million (P292 million) to the Philippines for a spread of six years to finance projects that would improve the capacity of local governments in helping Filipinos access the universal health care program.

The Canadian grant for health services target vulnerable population, such as women and girls, and indigenous people, in four geographically isolated and disaster-prone provinces.

MOU on Canadian ODA to PHL MINISTER Hussen also met with

his counterpart, National Economic and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

During his meeting with Balisacan and Yulo-Loyzaga, they discussed how Canada could work with the Philippines on issues such as fisheries management, biodiversity, sustainable infrastructure, food security, agricultural modernization, energy transition, energy supply and climate finance.

“Canadian overseas development assistance is meant to be deployed in the Philippines in a manner that compliments, supplements, and supports Philippine national priorities,” Minister Hussen said.

He said the Philippines and Canada are negotiating for a memorandum of understanding so that Canada’s ODA will be “aligned deliberately” with the priorities of the Philippine government and the private sector in the Philippines.

Hussen’s v isit marks the first high-level v isit of Canadian officials to the countr y as Manila and Ottawa w ill mark the 75th year of diplomatic relations by December this year.

BSP data: M3 slows in Nov. ’23 by 7% to ₧16.8 trillion

By Cai U. Ordinario

D

OMESTIC liquidity in the country slowed to 7 percent year-on-year (YoY) in November 2023, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Based on preliminary data, the M3 or domestic liquidity, reached P16.8 trillion. The growth in November 2023 was slower than the 8.1 percent

posted in the previous month.

“On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 decreased by about 0.3 percent,” BSP said.

Data showed that domestic claims slowed to 9.6 percent YoY in November 2023 from 10.2 percent in the previous month.

However, the claims on the private sector grew 8.2 percent in November 2023, faster than the 7.6 percent in

October. “[This was due to] the sustained expansion in bank lending to nonfinancial private corporations and households,” BSP said.

The data also showed that net claims on the central government rose 17.2 percent in November 2023.

However, this was slower than the 19.1 percent in October “due mainly to the decrease in deposits by the

National Government with the BSP.” The data also showed net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms increased by 3.2 percent YoY in November from 2.1 percent in October.

The BSP’s NFA grew by 5.1 percent in November after expanding by 4.7 percent in the previous month.

Meanwhile, the NFA of banks contracted on account of higher bills payable.

Motor vehicle and credit card loans sustain growth in Nov. ’23

C

REDIT card and motor vehicle loans boosted consumer loans in November 2023, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Preliminary data showed consumer loans to residents increased by 23.6 percent in November 2023 from 22.8 percent in October 2033. “[This was] driven by the faster increase in credit card loans, motor vehicle loans, and salary-based general purpose consumption loans,” BSP said.

The data showed consumer loans reached P1.249 trillion. Of this amount, P707.162 billion was accounted for by

credit card loans, while P376.832 billion was the share of motor vehicle loans.

Credit card loans grew 31 percent in November 2023, faster than 30.4 percent in October 2023. The data showed motor vehicle loans grew 15.6 percent in November 2023 from 14.4 percent in October 2023.

The BSP also said salary-based general pur pose consumer loans reached P134.747 billion, while other loans amounted to P30.351 billion.

Salary loans increased 8.5 percent in November 2023, faster than the 6.5 percent posted in October 2023.

Other loans grew 46.1 percent in November 2023 but slower than the 67.8 percent posted in October 2023.

Meanwhile, preliminary data indicated that outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks (U/ KBs), net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP increased by 7 percent year-on-year in November from 7.1 percent in October.

On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, outstanding universal and commercial bank loans, net of RRPs, rose by 0.6 percent.

Further, outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, rose at a slightly

slower pace of 7.4 percent in November from 7.5 percent in October, while outstanding loans to non-residents declined by 5 percent in October from a 5. percent decrease in October.

Outstanding loans for production activities went up by 5.7 percent in November from 5.9 percent in the previous month, mainly due to the growth in loans to major sectors including real estate activities (11.9 percent); electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply (12.8 percent); and wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (9.6 percent). Cai U. Ordinario

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Remembrance of trains past

By Nick Tayag

my sixty-zen’S WORTH

J

ust before Christmas day, there was a news item about the reopening of the Naga City to Legaspi City train route in Bicol, a 101-kilometer railway line that stopped operations about six years ago.

It brought me back to my childhood days when I was still in elementary school. I grew up in a neighborhood located near a railroad track that ran from Tutuban in Manila to Dagupan, Pangasinan.

I must note here that this was in the province. It was a world apart from the setting depicted in the popular sitcom “Home Along The Riles” starring Dolphy and Nida Blanca, which was inspired by the urban phenomenon in which homeless migrants illegally built makeshift dwellings close to railroad tracks.

In my case, the street where we lived was perpendicular to a busy railway line.

All kinds of trains passed daily by our street: passenger trains, cargo trains, and trains carrying freshly harvested sugar cane to azucarera mills somewhere. From our house, we could feel the vibration every time a train would roll by. The piercing whistle of a train was part of the everyday cacophony.

Some of them were so regular in their schedules, we could tell the time of day by their passing. We could even sense the coming of a train from miles away by putting our ears or hands on the rails to feel the vibrations.

My street pals and I also used the heavy passing trains to flatten down soft drink tin caps which we turned into sharp rotating toy guillotines.

We particularly looked forward to the passing of open-sided freight trains called “bagons,” which were fully loaded and heavy with freshly cut sugarcane stalks. As the freight wagons languidly rumbled by, one or two of our bigger buddies would run along them to pull out canes from the bunch. It was a reckless and dangerous stunt but it was a bragging point for a gang mate who could do it.

I played it safe because even if I was adventurous, I wasn’t that reckless. But during summer vacation, there were four of us who would wander off to sugarcane fields far outside the town by walking over the rails, much like the adolescent characters in the movie “Stand by Me.” Each of us would be coming back with two sugar cane stalks that we’ve just cut from the fields.

What I cherish most are the memories of us sinking our teeth into the fibers of the skinned sugar cane stalks as we relished the sweet juices, which sometimes ran down from our mouths, staining our dirty sandos (undershirts).

Those were safe and peaceful days for trains back then. There were no terrible happenings involving trains such as derailing or colliding.

There was just one incident that I still vividly recall. One afternoon, a passenger train suddenly stopped on its tracks. Our neighborhood became abuzz. I later learned that “Budam” was hit by the train and died instantly. I felt dizzy and nauseous when I heard what happened. She was our harmless “village idiot,” our version of “Kuala” the character played memorably by Lolita Rodriguez in the movie “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.” Many times she would be seen walking through our street, begging for food, always looking jolly with her ever-present smile.

I rode in one of the passenger trains once or twice as a boy and the last time as a family man in my late 20s. Through

the train window, I caught glimpses of the plains of Central Luzon, from green rice paddies to chocolate brown rivers to bucolic scenes of farmers on carabaos, dusty barrio streets and little nipa huts here and there.

I never outgrew my fascination with trains and train travel. One of my treasured toys was a toy train bought by my Tatang, which I have lost long ago to my eternal regret. My favorite folk song is the poignant “500 Miles Away From Home” as sang by Peter Paul and Mary.

Of course, I also liked train movies. The classic train movie for me is “Emperor of the North” featuring Lee Marvin as a hobo hopping on to freight trains and Ernest Borgnine, the sadistic train conductor who guards his train, the No. 19, against those trying to hitch a ride for free. Their climatic mano-amano duel staged thrillingly on top of a moving freight train remains for me the mother of all movie fight scenes.

For other action thrillers involving trains, I can easily recall “Runaway Train” starring Jon Voight, “Unstoppable,” starring Denzel Washington as a railway employee trying to stop a runaway train, and many more. I’ve seen the Korean horror action thriller “Train to Busan” at least three times.

With plenty of idle time in my hands as a senior retiree, I now watch a lot of documentaries and travel vlogs about, what else, trains!

But what I love watching most are travel vlogs on board trains in Japan.

I envy Japan’s extensive and ubiquitous railways. They have all types: commuter trains, leisure trains, slow trains, and supersonic trains. Japan opened its first railway in1872, built

by British engineers who also built the first railway in India in 1853.

We built our first railroad in 1892 just 20 years after Japan. But the big difference is while we were slow to extend it and even stopped building railroads altogether, Japanese engineers began building railroads at a rapid rate, even while Japan was being bombed incessantly during the last years of World War II. Railway expansion was part of their national policy. This is why you can now go to the remotest place in Japan via trains.

The British invaders in the 1700s should have stayed in the Philippines.

They were compulsive railway builders and under them, we probably would have had an extensive railroad network throughout the country, just like in India, their former colony.

I dream of an extensive railway going from the Ilocos or Cagayan Valley’s Aparri down to the last town in Mindanao island. But that won’t happen in my lifetime. For now, I’m impatiently waiting for the completion of the much-vaunted North–South Railway.

The 147-kilometer, 35-station railway will supposedly run from Laguna in the South to Metro Manila, Bulacan and Clark in Pampanga. The latest update is that the said project will be completed by 2028. I tell myself, “habaan pa ang pasensya, sing-haba ng riles ng tren.”

I just have to content myself with experiencing the joy of train travel vicariously, thanks to my favorite channels on a streaming platform.

So excuse me, folks, while I hop on the train of my imagination. Yes, I can hear the whistle blow 500 miles. And as the old song “Freight Train” says: “Please don’t tell ‘em what train I’m on/ They won’t know what route I’ve gone.”

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, January 13, 2024

A5

Solon: Tap LGUs to enforce discount for senior citizens

A

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

party-list lawmaker on Tuesday said all local government units (LGUs) should be tapped to ensure the even implementation of the 20-percent discount for senior citizens.

Senior Citizens Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes Jr. said the role of the local Office of Senior Citizen Affairs is larger than that of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regarding the application and enforcement of purchase discounts.

“The problem with depending on the OSCAs for enforcement of the 20 percent seniors discount is that the implementation is uneven. Some local governments can do a good job but most cannot because of lack of personnel and resources,” he said.

He said the best way to ensure proper enforcement is for the election of city and municipal officials “who can do the job right on seniors’ welfare.”

Ordanes said DTI’s role is limited to 5 percent special discount for basic necessities and prime commodities (BPNC), if senior citizens are buying from supermarkets and groceries.

“As the law is currently written, the recent DTI statement on its role is correct and the 5 percent discount

Senior citizens are being briefed on their discount privileges. PNA photo

on purchases of basic necessities and prime commodities can overcome some of the impact of elevated inflation,” Ordanes said.

“This 5 percent discount does not cover everything that can be purchased at supermarkets and groceries. It covers only the basic necessities and prime commodities. There is also a purchase limit of P1,300. That is

the status quo,” he added.

He said there are existing proposals in the House of Representatives seeking to expand the 20-percent seniors discount to other expense items, but these are not yet laws and none of them involve grocery items.

Most of the bills are proposed discounts for utilities expenses, he said. PNA

New weight loss drugs out of reach for millions of older Americans because Medicare won’t pay

By Amanda Seitz | The Associated Press

W

ASHINGTON—New obesity drugs are showing promising results in helping some people, including the elderly, shed pounds but the injections will remain out of reach for millions of older Americans because Medicare is forbidden to cover such medications.

Drugmakers and a wide-ranging and growing bipartisan coalition of lawmakers are gearing up to push for that to change next year.

As obesity rates rise among older adults, some lawmakers say the United States cannot afford to keep a decades-old law that prohibits Medicare from paying for new weight loss drugs, including Wegovy and Zepbound. But research shows the initial price tag of covering those drugs is so steep it could drain Medicare’s already shaky bank account.

A look at the debate around if— and how—Medicare should cover obesity drugs: What drugs are on the market and how do they work?

The Food and Drug Administration has in recent years approved a new class of weekly injectables, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, to treat obesity.

People can lose as much as 15 percent to 25 percent of their body weight on the drugs, which imitate the hormones that regulate appetites by communicating fullness between the gut and brain when people eat.

The cost of the drugs, beloved by celebrities, has largely limited them to the wealthy. A monthly supply of Wegovy rings up at $1,300 and Zepbound will put you out $1,000. Shortages for the drugs have also limited the supplies. Private insurers often do not cover the medications or place strict restrictions on who can access them.

Last month, a large, international study found a 20 percent reduced risk of serious heart problems such as heart attacks in patients who took Wegovy.

Why doesn’t Medicare cover the drugs?

Long before Oprah Winfrey and TikTok influencers alike gushed about the benefits of these weight loss drugs, Congress made a rule: Medicare Part D, the health insurance plan for older Americans to get prescriptions, could not cover medications used to help gain or lose weight. Medicare will cover obesity screening and behavioral treatment if a person has a

body mass index over 30. People with BMIs over 30 are considered obese.

The rule was tacked onto legislation passed by Congress in 2003 that overhauled Medicare’s prescription drug benefits.

Lawmakers balked at paying high costs for drugs to treat a condition that was historically regarded as cosmetic. Safety problems in the 1990s with the anti-obesity treatment known as fen-phen, which had to be withdrawn from the market, were also fresh in their minds.

Medicaid, the state and federal partnership program for low-income people, does cover the drugs in some areas, but access is fragmented.

The conversation is shifting New studies are showing the drugs do more than help patients slim down.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, introduced legislation with Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-California, this year that would allow Medicare to cover the now-forbidden anti-obesity drugs, therapy, nutritionists and dietitians.

“For years there was a stigma against these people, then there was a stigma about talking about obesity,” Wenstrup said in an interview with The Associated Press. “Now we’re in a place where we’re saying this is a health problem we need to deal with this.” He believes the intervention could alleviate all sorts of ailments associated with obesity that cost the system money.

“The problem is so prevalent,” Wenstrup said. “People are starting to realize you have to take into consideration the savings that comes with better health.”

Last year, about 40 percent of the nearly 66 million people enrolled in Medicare had obesity. That roughly mirrors the larger US population, where 42 percent of adults struggle with obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Notably, Medicare does cover certain surgical procedures to treat medical complications of obesity in people with a BMI of 35 and at least one related condition. Congress approved the exception in 2006, noted Mark McClellan, a former head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the FDA. The 17-year-old law may provide a blueprint for expanding coverage of the new drugs, which mirror the results of bariatric surgery in some cases, McClellan said. Evidence showed that the surgery reduced

the risks of death and serious illness from conditions related to obesity.

“And that’s been the basis for coverage all this time,” McClellan said.

Cost is now the issue Still, the upfront price tag for lifting the rule remains a challenge.

Some research shows offering weight loss drugs would assure Medicare’s impending bankruptcy.

A Vanderbilt University analysis this year put an annual price of about $26 billion on anti-obesity drugs for Medicare if just 10 percent of the system’s enrollees were prescribed the medication.

Other research, however, shows it could also save the government billions, even trillions over many years, because it would reduce some of the chronic conditions and problems that stem from obesity.

An analysis this year from the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center estimated the government could save as much as $245 billion in a decade, with the majority of savings coming from reducing hospitalizations and other care.

“What we did is we looked at the long-term health consequences of treating obesity in the Medicare population,” said the study’s co-author, Darius Lakdawalla, the director of research at the center. The Schaeffer Center receives funding from pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly.

Lakdawalla said it’s nearly impossible to put a cost on covering the drugs because no one knows how many people will end up taking them or what the drugs will be priced at.

The Congressional Budget Office, which is tasked with pricing out legislative proposals, acknowledged this difficulty in an October blog post, with the director calling for more research on the topic.

Overall, the agency “expects that the drug’s net cost to the Medicare program would be significant over the next 10 years.” The cost of the legislation is the biggest hang up in getting support, Ruiz said.

“When we talk about the initial cost, I often have to educate the members that the CBO does not take into account cost savings in their cost benefit analysis,” Ruiz told the AP. “Taking that number in isolation, one does not get the full picture of the full economies of reducing obesity and all of its comorbidities in our patients.”

Who wants Medicare to cover the drugs?

Doctors say weight loss drugs are

only a part of the most effective strategies to treat a patient with obesity.

When Dr. Andrew Kraftson develops a plan with his patients at the University of Michigan’s Weight Navigator program, it involves a “perfect marriage” of behavioral intervention, health and diet education, and possibly anti-obesity medication.

But with Medicare patients, he is limited in what he can prescribe.

“A blanket prohibition for use of anti-obesity medication is an antiquated way of thinking and does not recognize obesity as a disease and is perpetuating health disparities,” Kraftson said. “I’m not so ignorant to think that Medicare should just start covering expensive treatments for everyone. But there is something between all or nothing.”

Lawmakers have introduced some variation of legislation that would permit Medicare coverage of weight loss drugs over the last decade. But this year’s bill has garnered interest from more than 60 lawmakers, from self-proclaimed budget hawk Rep. David Schweikert, R-Arizona, to progressive Rep. Judy Chu, D-California.

Passage is a top priority for two lawmakers, Wenstrup and Sen. Tom Carper, D-Delaware, before they retire next year. Pharmaceutical companies also are readying for a lobbying blitz next year with the drugs getting the OK from the FDA to be used for weight loss.

“Americans should have access to the medicines that their doctors believe they should have,” Stephen Ubl, the president of the lobbying group, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, said on a call with reporters last week. “We would call on Medicare to cover these medicines.”

Already, Novo Nordisk has employed eight separate firms and spent nearly $20 million on lobbying the federal government on issues, including the Treat & Reduce Obesity Act, since 2020, disclosures show. Eli Lilly has spent roughly $2.4 million lobbying since 2021.

Advocates for groups such as the Obesity Society have been pushing for Medicare coverage of the medications for years. But the momentum may be shifting, thanks to the growing evidence that the obesity drugs can prevent strokes, heart attacks, even death, said Ted Kyle, a policy advisor. Associated Press writers JoNel Aleccia in Temecula, California, and Brian Slodysko contributed to this report.

Education BusinessMirror

A6 Saturday, January 13, 2024

PDLs graduate from senior HS courtesy of La Salle Green Hills

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Editor: Mike Policarpio

Filipino Stanford alumni aspire to place PHL on global tech map

ERSONS deprived of liberty (PDLs) have embraced a La Sallian education, as one batch recently graduated with a senior high-school (SHS) diploma.

Among them, 14 still remain in detention. Two have obtained their freedom and attended the face-to-face rites, while one received her certificate at the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW).

Way back in 2018, La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) embarked on Values Formation classes with Mandaluyong City’s Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel for the PDLs. Entitled the “Liwanag Program,” the initiative aimed to provide basic education and technical-vocational courses.

This partnership blossomed in 2019, with full-f ledged recollections which gathered over 700 inmates per session. At the onset of the pandemic, when mobility was restricted, the PDLs requested and expressed interest to further their education. Thus, LSGH’s Alternative Education Unit began to provide full online classes for adult learners.

To them, Br. Vincent Fernandez FSC presented the institution with the following rhetorical question: “You don’t pay for tuition. Why? First, [we put our lives and name at stake for you. What will you give in return?]”

In Filipino, he motivated the new enrollees: “[We will ask for payment in what form? It is for you to have a better life…] for something good for yourselves, your family, and country. [That is your payment.]”

Under this setup, LSGH provides elementary, and junior high school education over the course of a 10-month program for PDLs who aim for self-improvement.

“When they complete and pass their

revalida, they will receive a diploma from the Department of Education. They will also obtain a certificate from LSGH, which makes them Lasallians as well. They’re family,” Br. Fernandez declared.

Moving up UPON completion, the PDL students may move on to the senior high school curriculum under the Adult Night High School, which offers the online-feasible Accountancy, Business and Management strand.

This academic year, there are 37 PDLs under this arrangement.

Part of their training not only involved core subjects, but also career and life skills, and even understanding self and society.

Br. Fernandez shared that “we asked and helped them obtain their own Philippine Statistics Authority birth certificates.

Now they understand the value of all these documents.”

SHS adviser Catherine Laguitan said that “furthermore, we even taught them how to fill out government forms, such as those for the Bureau of the Internal Revenue and the Social Security System on their own.”

Expanding onwards WHILE there are success stories, there were also some heartbreaks. Br. Fernandez confided that “unfortunately, we lose some of our learners when they are transferred or released. They cannot do anything under the new circumstances. But we assured them that [LSGH] will send whatever credentials they have.”

PIONEER Filipino Stanford Law graduate and president of Astro Robotics Atty.

Juan Paolo Villonco (third from left), as well as Telexistence CEO and co-founder Jin Tomioka (second from left) with their team.

BUREAU of Jail Management and Penology-Mandaluyong City graduates However, there is a silver lining: Whenever PDLs are transferred to a new facility, they express to LSGH their intention to continue learning. Thus, the institution finds a way to link up with the center to make this possible.

“We have actually partnered up with the CIW due to our lady learner. The result?

There were…more who wished to enroll,” testified Laguitan.

“The transferees bring us to other possible avenues to reach out. They take the initiative. We are led,” added Br. Fernandez.

At the end of the academic year, their experience-filled journeys are all compiled in a yearbook.

Humbling encounters “MIND you, they are not perfect ladies and gentlemen...We have all these wonderful stories,” expressed the Christian brother. “[There] were also nightmares working with them. But it’s in these nightmares that we are humbled by it. They are the ones who teach us how far we can go. And the rest is God’s work.”

“They are no saints…But we can see so much goodness–we just don’t want to waste it, because it is overwhelmed by the darkness that surrounds them,” the prelate professed.

“For the PDLs [who] get released, it’s

heartbreaking to see some of them go back to their old ways. We visit their homes to find out [and] understand how best we can help: To widen our perspectives [and] to discover the contexts, so that the way we teach can be relevant to them,” he continued. “My vocation as a brother, I owe to them. It is where I find the genuine and grounding meaning of why I joined the Lasallian Brothers.”

Looking forward In 2020, this LSGH initiative expanded to the San Juan City Jail and Valenzuela City Jail. This year, the school will also serve the Makati City Jail and CIW. For the last academic year, there were over 300 PDLs enrolled with LSGH. “We are also hoping other institutions could engage similarly. I am certain they could be most helpful as well,” encouraged Br. Fernandez. “One day, we hope there are no more jails. Only development centers and schools. No more punishments.”

Other than PDLs, the LSGH Alternative Education Unit conducts diverse programs for community learners, such as out-of-school youth and adults, workers and domestic helpers, as well as students with special needs. For more information about its advocacy, visit https://www.facebook.com/ALS.LSGH/.

TOP MUNTINLUPA STUDENTS FETED The City Government of Muntinlupa, through the Muntinlupa Scholarship Division (MSD), recently honored one board topnotcher and 32 students with Latin honors. Mayor Ruffy Biazon (back row, center) congratulated them for setting a good example to younger students. The city government gave each a medal, certificate and cash incentives. Foremost among them is Maureen Grace C. Usacdin, who finished on top of the Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination in September of last year. She received P100,000 for her accomplishment. The MSD likewise feted 10 cum laude who brought home P10,000; 21 magna cum laude who took home P20,000; and one summa cum laude who was awarded P30,000. The division’s monetary reward forms part of Muntinlupa’s initiative to spur academic excellence in all levels, in accordance with the mayor’s education agenda. RODERICK L. ABAD

MMDC, 7-Eleven, GCash endow working students with scholarships, employment opportunities

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ELPING current and future learners, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) has partnered with 7-Eleven—the largest convenience store chain in the world and GCash—the country’s top finance super app. Both partnerships aim to create greater educational and career development opportunities for working students in the country.

The partnership between MMDC and 7-Eleven will lead to the creation of a scholarship program for the latter’s nongraduate employees. A number of the convenience store employees will be granted the college’s continuing-education scholarships. Each covers full tuition fees, and is valid for 45 units to be completed in two years.

Alongside the establishment of the scholarship program for working students, MMDC students can also explore internship and career opportunities at 7-Eleven.

“We believe that our people are the most important resource in our business.

This partnership with MMDC is the latest milestone in our commitment to supporting the ambitions of our working studentemployees,” said Violeta B. Apolinario, who heads 7-Eleven’s Human Resources and Administration Division. “As [the college offers learners convenience and flexibility, we encourage all our] working

THE learning institution and digital finance app’s officials formalize their collaboration. student-employees to enjoy the benefits of higher education for their long-term career development.”

MMDC’s Business Administration majors will use their expertise in operations management, marketing management, and human-resource management to equip 7-Eleven employees with modern skills that are essential for career growth.

Future fintech work force AS a financial technology (fintech) institution, GCash continues to play a large role in advancing greater financial inclusion across the country. To encourage more young innovators to contribute toward nation-building, the linkage between

MMDC and GCash opens up internship and employment opportunities for MMDC students.

Through the “GCash Early Career Program,” students can apply their knowledge in a real tech company as interns, with possible avenues for employment available upon graduation. GCash will also explore faculty-training sessions on new technologies and practices for MMDC instructors to apply in their classes.

“Partnerships with academic institutions are crucial to nurturing and developing young talent in tech. With digitalization continually impacting many industries around the world, we are delighted to join forces with MMDC to equip learners

with the knowledge and skills needed to become competitive and build careers in fintech,” said Chief People Officer Robert Conrad Gonzales of GCash. “This collaborative effort helps ensure that students are firmly at the forefront of industry developments and ready for the challenges and opportunities within the evolving fintech landscape.”

MMDC’s information technology majors empower students to apply their expertise in software development, network and cyber security, as well as data analytics, offering significant benefits to various organizations.

“Since its inception, MMDC has always been enthusiastic about creating opportunities for personal development and career success through education, along with our PPC model [or projects, problems and cases], which prepares our students to face real-world challenges,” said MMDC vice president of marketing Jenny Chua. “We… are very excited to work together with both 7-Eleven and GCash to support all types of learners in their pursuit of higher education and career longevity.”

For more details on the MMDC Continuing Education Scholarship, visit https:// www.mmdc.mcl.edu.ph/continuing-education-scholarship/. To apply, head on to www. mmdc.mcl.edu.ph.

By Roderick L. Abad

E

DUCATION not only molds the foundational knowledge and skills, but also the dreams of a learner.

It’s just like Atty. Juan Paolo Villonco—the first Filipino Stanford Law graduate and president of Astro Robotics—whose mission is to put the Philippines on the global technology map. He collaborates with Jin Tomioka, chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Telexistence—a global leader in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual-reality (VR) technology.

Both Asian graduates of Stanford University, they share a common vision: to leverage on their education and expertise to impact the Philippines and Japan positively. What inspired them are experiences from their alma mater, where innovation and collaboration were nurtured. As such, they have joined forces to translate their vision into a meaningful partnership.

Recalled Villonco: “We share in the belief that to build a better world, we must embrace technology and inclusive growth.”

Stanford forever, excellence together BOTH alumni of “Stanford U” possess innovativeness and leadership.

For Villonco, studying there was his goal ever since: “I admire [its interdisciplinary approach to learning, problem-solving, and life in general. Its] open-mindedness and pursuit of excellence through innovation and acceptance of disruption as a natural part of evolution greatly influenced my thinking and attitude toward work and life.”

Tomioka had a decade working in Mitsubishi Corp. and decided to enter into early-stage businesses. He shared: “I wanted to get myself involved more in the process of building businesses by commercializing game-changing unproven technologies.

Stanford and communities around it, as known by the world, is the center of tech business and startups. Thus, it would be the best choice for my needs.”

Known for promoting a culture of innovation and thinking out-of-the-box, the university shaped Villonco’s perspectives on challenges and overcoming the stigma of “failure.” He learned “that difficulty is part of the path to success,” and the school encouraged him to go against the grain.

Tomioka, on the other hand, learned beyond the corners of the lecture halls. What shaped more of his perspectives, he said, were “the tech start-up communities around the university, especially from entrepreneurs and VCs [venture capitalists] I met. These experiences made me think that there is no big difference between those entrepreneurs and myself.”

Partnership beyond borders THE tie-up between Astro Robotics and Telexistence, for them, was catalyzed by their friendship and same ambition.

“Our shared vision helps achieve a common goal of employment mobility in a new and exciting way,” said Villonco. “Our collaboration helps in providing jobs but more important, upskilling Filipino workers for the digital economy. At the same time, we complement Japan’s immediate need for a younger work force.”

“What we want to achieve is to provide opportunities for remote work even to physical workers [by leveraging on] robots and VR,” Tomioka noted. “In other words, we want essential workers like [those in offline retail stores to function] without actually being there.”

This became reality in Japan by Telexistence in 2022. Featured in Bloomberg as a global leader in the AI and robotics sector, the firm launched a fleet of robots capable of replenishing shelves in convenience stores.

“When we apply this vision to the Philippines and Japan, it seems it is a perfect combination,” said the Telexistence CEO. “One big innovation is that people in the Philippines do not have to move to Japan. They can work remotely from their home country through our technologies including robots.”

Empowering Pinoys ASTRO Robotics and Telexistence collaborate not only for technology, but also to unleash the full potential of the Philippines, according to Villonco: “There is an opportunity for Filipinos to be global leaders in tech, but we need to upskill our work force on a massive scale and provide technology jobs for [them].

Through this partnership, we hope to expand more technology job opportunities locally, and bring the global technology ecosystem to the Filipino work force.”

The exclusive partnership between the two companies aims to commercialize robotics, AI, AR, and VR technology services. Dedicated to inclusive growth, Astro Robotics seeks to encourage young Filipinos’ participation in the global shift toward Industry 4.0.

“We continue to explore opportunities with various institutions to help determine how our technology can develop the robotics/AI/VR industry further, and help educate and upskill Filipinos through internship programs in the emerging tech industry,” the Astro Robotics president said.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday, January 13, 2024 A7

THE SEOUL OF KOREA

More than just K-Pop and K-dramas Lotte World Aquarium

Interior of the National Museum of Korea

The Han River and three of the bridges that span it

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The Sky Deck of Seoul Sky

Lotte World Tower and Mall

By Benjamin Locsin Layug

his would be my first visit to South Korea (not counting a layover in Incheon International Airport on my way to New York City), and we were looking forward to clear, cool and crisp weather and the beautiful autumn foliage of Seoul, the capital city.

Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, we were picked up

by Korean nationals Mr. Imjun Kim and Mr. Frank Kong, both from the Cebu Blue Ocean Academy, an English language school in Mactan. During our visit, they were to be our host and guides. From here, it was still an hour’s drive to Seoul, the nation’s capital. Along the way, we traversed Incheon Bridge, South Korea’s longest spanning cable-stayed bridge and, in comparison, the world’s tenth longest cable-stayed bridge, as of January 2019.

Upon arrival in Seoul, we checked in at the 5-star, fairly new (just opened last September 30, 2021) Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Apartments, the first French luxury hotel brand in South Korea. This graceful tower of shimmering glass is located along the shores of beautiful Seokchon Lake in the heart of the affluent Jamsil residential neighborhood in vibrant Gangnam District.

Our suite (one of 563), with its chic

Parisian décor, had a stunning and panoramic Seoul skyline view including that of 123-storey, 555 meter (1,821 foot) high Lotte World Tower, which we will get to know better during our stay. Breakfast at Fait Maison was a delight with its refined yet rustic French cuisine, prepared by a French chef, using Korean ingredients.

The next day, after breakfast, we walked to the nearby, mega popular, 26,000 square meter (with a total floor area of 244,000 square meters) Lotte World Mall, the largest multiplex in Asia. Opened in October 2014, it includes the aforementioned Lotte World Tower (connected by an underground plaza), the Lotte World Mall Building, and the Avenue L Building.

The mall houses Lotte Mart (a hypermarket), a concert hall and Lotte Hi-Mart, a home appliance and electronics store.

Here, we explored the familyfriendly Lotte World Aquarium, the longest public aquarium in South Korea and home to the world’s largest

The Incheon Bridge, South Korea’s longest ocean ecology tank. Opened in 2015, it contains thirteen diverse “theme zones” meant to represent different ecosystems, allowing us to experience the five oceans of the world. From river to coast and coast to ocean, we followed the flow of the ecosystem and had a phenomenal experience with nature. The aquarium is home to over 55,000 marine animals from 650 different species, ranging from freshwater fish in the Hangang (or Han) River to a lone, shy but playful beluga whale (a visitor favorite) from the Arctic, all living in harmony.

After lunch at Korea House Restaurant at Lotte Tower Mall, we all boarded a chartered van for the 10.6-kilometer (20-minute) drive to the National Museum of Korea, the 295,551 square meter (3,180,000 square foot) flagship museum of Korean histor y and art in South Korea. The largest museum in the country and the sixth largest museum in the world in terms of floor space, the museum contains over 310,000 pieces in its collection with about 15,000 pieces on display at one time. On display are relics and

National Museum of Korea artifacts throughout six permanent exhibition galleries such as Prehistory and Ancient History Gallery, Medieval and Early Modern History Gallery, Donation Gallery, Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, Asian Art Gallery, and Sculpture and Crafts Gallery.

On the morning of our last day in Seoul, we walked towards the nearby Lotte World Tower, the nation’s tallest and world’s sixth tallest (surpassing the One World Trade Center in New York City) building.

Here, we were to visit the extremely popular Seoul Sky Observatory, one of the world’s best observation decks, located on floors 117-123, where, from its pale-colored glass, we were to get a gorgeous and sweeping, 360-degree view of the capital city, including the Han River (and the bridges that span it), Namsan Mountain, COEX, Yeouido and Bukhansan Mountain to the north and west, and Olympic Park to the east.

Before getting there, we passed through a digital corridor and the Exhibition Zone Gallery. The former

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel and Serviced Residences features a ceiling that reinterpreted the beauty of Korean traditional architecture through the modern lens of Bon-Chang Ku, a world-renowned Korean photographer. The ten photos on the ceiling depict the close up images of roof tiles, symbols, patterns and colors.

Exhibition Zone Gallery displays some of the technology used during the construction of the tower (steel reinforcing bars and couplers, the outer covering glass and the GPS displacement gauge system as well as a sample of the excavated lithified rock) as well several pieces of artwork displaying the history, culture, and pride of Korea’s foundation and success over the centuries, plus mesmerizing screens and light displays on your way to the Space Shuttle, the elevator that would take us to the Sky Deck at the 118th floor. The Sky Shuttle is a double-deck (the world’s first and, at 496 m. tall, also the world’s tallest), extremely fast elevator that reaches a speed of 600 m. per minute (10 m. per second, the world’s fastest).

During our quite short one-minute

ride to the Sky Deck, we watched an amazing Korean-themed animated experience, playing on the ceiling and each of the three walls, showing a time-lapse construction of the tower. Before entering the Sky Deck, we first watched a short video (“Seoul Sky, the New World in the Sky”) at the small Sky Theater which includes important history clips of Seoul. The Sky Deck, located at 478 meters, holds the Korea Record Institute and Guinness World Record as the highest glass-floored observatory in the world. Standing or sitting above the 45 millimeter thick glass floor, we can clearly see how high we are above ground.

The 120th floor holds the famous Sky Terrace, a stunning outdoor viewing platform which is open to the elements. Here, we had the opportunity to step outside the tower and feel the breeze 486 meters above the city. The Sky Tower, a cozy and spacious, dimly lit premium lounge (the highest lounge in Seoul) on the 123rd floor, has a classy restaurant and bar overlooking the city.

WANDERING IN SLOVENIA

A few days at the small but charming European nation Story & photos

by Joshua Berida

I

was still sleepy when our bus stopped at the Ljubljana station. I took my bags out of the storage area and looked for my accommodation. It was then I realized I was finally in Slovenia. The first time I went, I was just passing through en route to Croatia. This time around I made sure I got to see a bit of the country. After I found the exact location of my accommodation, I left my bags and began exploring the Slovenian capital.

Ljubljana in a Nutshell

Whenever someone mentions Slovenia, the first thing that comes to my mind is Luka Doncic, the basketball phenom who’ll likely be in the Hall of Fame when his young career is over. Extra tidbit, Luka was born in Ljubljana.

Basketball tidbits aside, the Slovenian capital is one of the smallest capitals on the European continent. However, what it lacks in size makes up for with charm.

Like other European cities, the Old Town is where many visitors and locals go while in Ljubljana. Centuries old buildings, cafes,

shops, and restaurants line the street, as the travel cliché goes, mixing the old and new. You’ll cross the Triple Bridge when you explore the Old Town on your way to the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. The latter dates to the mid-1600s and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city with its pinkish exterior and Baroque design. This spot is also one of the best places to take photographs with many architectural gems in the area. Presernov Trg got its name from the country’s national poet, France Preseren (you’ll find a statue of him here). It’s the city’s main square where many events take place.

The Dragon Bridge is the most wellknown of the city’s bridges. As you may have already derived from its name, the bridge has life-like statues of dragons on both ends. From here, you can walk up to Ljubljana Castle or take the funicular to cut your travel time. My friend and I decided to walk up instead. The castle is of historical and cultural significance to Slovenia. It dates to the 11th century and has undergone reconstruction and expansion over the centuries. It’s now home to museums that display the country’s history.

The tower provides visitors with beautiful

overlooking views of the city.

Chilling in Lake Bled

I took the bus to Lake Bled to get out of the city even just for a while. The rave reviews about the lake were true. The air was fresh, trees were everywhere, and the views beautiful. It’s easy to get around even on foot, but you can rent a bike or a boat to get around and explore different parts of the lake. The lake is a popular summer and winter destination for Slovenians.

This comes as no surprise because of its scenic landscape. I could only imagine how fetching the surroundings would be during the colorful autumn season.

The town has two prominent historic landmarks: the Church of Assumption and Bled Castle. The castle has towered over the lake for several centuries with its first written mention dating to 1011.

It also provides visitors with a vantage point that has some of the best views of Bled. The other landmark of note, the Church of the Assumption sits on a small island on the lake. It used to be a pagan shrine but is now a Christian church.

The consecration of the first church took place in the 1140s. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt in the Gothic and Ba-

Overlooking view of Ljubljana from the castle

View of the Triple Bridge

LAKE Bled

Wandering in Ljubljana’s Old Town

roque style. The best views of the church are from the castle and when you walk around the lake.

I took my time walking around the lake. It was a slow day just soaking in the views and thinking about the rest

of my itinerary as I journeyed through some of the countries in the Balkans.

After my long walk, I headed back to the bus station and was on my way back to Ljubljana.

The country has more to offer than the

few days I stayed in it. I would love to return to see more such as the quaint town of Piran along the coast or go hiking in one of the country’s national parks. These just give me reasons to plan a return trip in the future.

A8

Saturday, January 13, 2024 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PRESIDENT MAGSAYSAY GRANDSON EMPOWERING SMES

THE Durex Philippines team with host Baus Rufo and the performers.

IMAGE FROM DUREX PHILIPPINES

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES

How drag has evolved from entertainment to the political

T

HANKS to RuPaul’s Drag Race, drag queens are having a moment and hopefully they are not just a trend. I am thankful that drag queens are taking a stand and using their platforms to spread acceptance. Let’s be honest, if a drag queen walked down a street anywhere in Metro Manila, they would still be catcalled but things are getting slightly better, in my opinion.

Opinions about drag are polarizing but this is mine: Drag is a form of entertainment that’s powerful.

Yes, it is political.

The term “drag” is believed to have originated from the theater. The exaggerated makeup, the outlandish costumes, and over-the-top performances are forms of rebellion against fixed gender roles.

I remember growing up and seeing drag almost normalized. The only drag queen I remember was Boots Babushka but there were others.

As drag become linked to LGBTQ+, it no longer was mainstream. Please note that I am talking about this as someone older, as a person who was alive long before RuPaul’s Drag Race came to be.

This is what I think: Many people are okay with drag as entertainment but the moment it is embroiled with LGBTQ+, people get angry.

Well, I am glad that drag is almost mainstream again and not just for entertainment. Drag is political.

We must accept that. Every time I watch a drag performance, I always think of the struggles that queens have gone through to get to where they are now.

I attended the naughty-or-nice 2023 yearend party hosted by Durex Philippines as part of the brand’s commitment to celebrate uniqueness, exploration and pleasure.

Chriselda Segunda from Team Durex set the vibe for a night loaded with unity, freedom and fun as she welcomed everyone to #ComeTogether for a thrilling evening ahead. When I saw Baus Rufo, the host, I knew we were in for a great night.

The stage was then taken over by the captivating performances of known personalities in the drag scene, such as Myx Chanel, Matilduh, Jade So, Bernie, Arizona Brandy, and Marina Summers.

By letting drag queens take the stage, Durex hoped to embrace and celebrate diversity, reinforcing its commitment to creating an event where everyone, regardless of gender, feels welcomed and empowered.

During the event, the brand unveiled 12 Days of Durex-mas, a product showcase that allowed guests to experience maximum pleasure with the Durex product range such as condoms, lubricants, and toys.

These included Durex Invisible, Durex Performa 12, and Play Classic and Saucy Strawberry lubricants.

EMMYS AND CRITICS CHOICE ON LIONSGATE

LIONSGATE Play will exclusively stream the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and 29th Critics Choice Awards on the platform.

“At Lionsgate Play, we are committed to providing the best entertainment experience to Filipino audiences, and what better way to do that than by broadcasting these highly anticipated awards shows,” said Cecile Marino, Lionsgate Philippines general manager.

The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards will be hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, who is best known for his role in the hit series black-ish.

The Emmys was initially scheduled for September 2023 but it was delayed due to Hollywood strikes. The event will take place on January 16 at 9 am (PHT), live and exclusive on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Chelsea Handler will host the 29th annual Critics Choice Awards. The 29th Critics Choice Awards will take place on January 15 at 8am (PHT), and will be live and exclusive on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home in the Philippines. ■

Microsoft’s OpenAI investment could trigger EU merger review OPENAI CEO Sam Altman (left) appears onstage with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at OpenAI’s first developer conference, on November 6, 2023, in San Francisco. AP

LONDON—Microsoft’s multibilliondollar investment in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI could trigger a European Union merger investigation, the bloc’s executive branch said on Tuesday.

The European Commission said it’s “checking whether Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI might be reviewable” under regulations covering mergers and acquisitions that would harm competition in the 27-nation EU. The review could lead to a formal investigation into whether the deal should be unconditionally cleared, allowed with concessions from the companies or blocked. Britain’s antitrust watchdog opened a similar review last month.

Antitrust enforcers in the US also have signaled concerns about competition in the AI industry.

The Federal Trade Commission in

November approved new measures enabling it to easily investigate AI products and services, noting that “AI can raise competition issues in a variety of ways, including if one or just a few companies control the essential inputs or technologies that underpin AI.” OpenAI has received several

rounds of funding from Microsoft, including an initial $1 billion in 2019 and a multibillion-dollar investment last year.

OpenAI’s generative AI chatbot ChatGPT has captured world attention with its advanced capabilities, catapulting the San Francisco-

based startup to the top ranks of AI companies. Generative AI systems like ChatGPT can spit out new text, images, videos or audio recordings based on prompts from users.

The European Commission, the bloc’s top antitrust enforcer, is asking businesses and experts for input on any competition issues that they see in generative AI and has asked “several large digital players”—which it didn’t identify—for information.

The commission is “also closely monitoring AI partnerships to ensure they do not unduly distort market dynamics,” the EU’s antitrust enforcer, Margrethe Vestager, said in a press release.

Vestager is due to meet with OpenAI executives on a trip this week to the US, as well as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. AP

DRAWING from his experience as an entrepreneur, Asian Vision president and CEO Francisco “Paco” Magsaysay aims to empower small and medium enterprises with technologies such as internet cable and connectivity with managed services, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, professional IT services, and structured cabling, especially businesses in areas outside Metro Manila.

“We have a local presence. We have people on the ground who provide good customer service. A lot of our staff are locals in the areas we currently service, so they know what’s going on there. You need to give your customers the attention and importance they deserve, and that’s what Asian Vision provides,” said Magsaysay, the grandson of the former president Ramon Magsaysay Sr. A leading internet service provider in Zambales, Batangas, and Quezon, Asian Vision started as a cable television company in 1973. It has since evolved to offer an ecosystem centered on internet cable and connectivity complemented by managed services.

Through its partnerships with industry leaders, Asian Vision aims to build an ecosystem whereby its clients can benefit from various services that will help grow their businesses. Among Asian Vision’s current partners are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Cisco, Google, GreatnessLab, Huawei, Kyrios, Packetworx, Sprout Solutions, and more.

Asian Vision was founded by Paco’s father, the former Sen. Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr., who is the son of the country’s 7th president.

After successfully building the Carmen’s Best Premium Ice Cream brand, Paco is now venturing into the technology world and has proven that he is up to the task. Moreover, he has also received industry awards and the recognition of his peers. He has received the 2018 Agora Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, the 2022 Emerging Entrepreneur Award from the Italian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the 2022 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Small Business Category, and the 2022 Mansmith Award for Enterprise Innovator for Product Innovation.

Most recently, he was named one of the Philippines’ Top 30 Leaders on LinkedIn and was given the Leadership Catalyst-Top Business Leader for Innovation Award.

NOW, THERE’S AN ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION FOR SEAMLESS REAL ESTATE BUYING EXPERIENCE

ALL set to go house-hunting but worried about the long and winding process of tripping, buying and searching for the best home loan rates? Fret no more—there’s now a groundbreaking online solution that will dramatically simplify the process so you can make your dream home a reality faster and easier.

The new MatchHome (www.matchhome.ph) is a comprehensive real estate service that guides people through every step of the home-buying process. From matching the best property to securing a mortgage loan, MatchHome offers an all-in-one solution for a seamless and hassle-free experience.

MatchHome is an “all-in-one” real estate platform that empowers every Filipino to achieve their dream of home ownership, regardless of their financial circumstances.

“Owning a home is the ultimate dream of many Filipino families. In the past, the journey to realizing this dream begins with finding a property they like and shelling out the initial downpayment. After this, they are often left to their own devices—sometimes they end up paying the reservation fee for a property they really cannot afford, or going from bank to bank to find viable financing options,” says MatchHome President and CEO Kevin Carreon. “With MatchHome, they can find all the resources they need—from searching the property, to assessing if it’s a good fit for them and finding the financing service to help them complete the purchase. This portal was developed to help fulfill their dream home from start to finish.”

MatchHome, the first platform of its kind in the country, offers users a live inventory of properties that is constantly updated. These include real estate projects from top developers such as Alveo, Amaia, Avida, Filinvest, Megaworld, Phinma Properties, Robinsons Land, SMDC, Vista Land, and many more. This feature gives customers extensive reach for viewing or searching properties with ease.

Home buyers can also benefit from MatchHome‘s free assessment feature, which can help them make informed decisions on their property purchase. Not only that, the platform offers loan assistance to simplify the whole financing process.

Users can also settle their financial transactions with ease as MatchHome has an extensive list of partner banks such as AUB, BPI, BDO, Chinabank, East West Bank, and Metrobank, to name a few, as well as home loan companies including HC Mutual, and PNB OPHL (Own a Philippine Home Loan).

To know more, visit www.matchhome.ph or download the MatchHome Partner Central app for free on Google Play and the Appstore.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, January 13, 2024

A9

TikTok restricts tool used by researchers—and its critics— to assess content on its platform

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BY HALELUYA HADERO The Associated Press

EW YORK—TikTok has restricted one tool researchers use to analyze popular videos, a move that follows a barrage of criticism directed at the social-media platform about content related to the Israel-Hamas war and a study that questioned whether the company was suppressing topics that don’t align with the interests of the Chinese government.

TikTok’s Creative Center—which is available for anyone to use but is geared towards helping brands and advertisers see what’s trending on the app—no longer allows users to search for specific hashtags, including innocuous ones.

The social media company, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has also removed certain hashtags from the Creative Center that some online researchers had stored for analysis.

They include topics that would be seen as controversial to the Chinese government—such as “UyghurGenocide” and “TiananmenSquare”—as well as hashtags about US politics and the war in Gaza and Ukraine. The Center will now only allow searches for the top 100 hashtags by industry, the company said.

“Unfortunately, some individuals and organizations have misused the Center’s search function to draw inaccurate conclusions, so we are changing some of the features to ensure it is used for its intended purpose,” TikTok spokesman Alex Haurek said in a prepared statement.

The New York Times first reported on the changes, which came to light last week in an addendum to a study published in December by the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University.

In the study, researchers with the nonprofit had compared hashtags for certain geopolitical topics on Instagram and TikTok and concluded there was a “strong possibility” TikTok content was being

Exclusive new accessory for OPPO flip launched

amplified or underrepresented based on how it aligns with the Chinese government’s interests.

Haurek, the TikTok spokesperson, has disputed the report’s findings, saying it uses flawed methodology and fails to take into account that hashtags are created by users, not the company. The study was also criticized in a blog posted earlier this month by the Cato Institute, a libertarian-leaning think tank based in Washington. Overall, TikTok has said blunt comparisons of hashtags is a flawed way to analyze

activity on the platform. But at the same time, the company has used hashtag comparisons to defend itself against accusations that content on the app was overwhelmingly biased against Israel during its war in Gaza. TikTok says it enables academic researchers to study content through Research API, which allows third-parties to gather data about information on the platform.

Researchers seeking that data need to submit an application to TikTok and get its approval. ■

CES 2024 updates: The most interesting news and gadgets from tech’s big show LAS VEGAS—Welcome to opening day of CES 2024. This multi-day trade event put on by the Consumer Technology Association is expected to bring in some 130,000 attendees and more than 4,000 exhibitors to Las Vegas.

Swaths of the latest advances and gadgets across personal tech, transportation, health care, sustainability and more—with burgeoning uses of artificial intelligence almost everywhere you look—will be on display.

The Associated Press will be keeping a running report of everything we find interesting from the floor of CES, from the latest announcements to most quirky smart gadgets.

MERCEDES-BENZ MAKES TALKING TO YOUR CAR AN EXPERIENCE

MERCEDES-BENZ unveiled several in-car tech upgrades at CES 2024 today, including an AI-powered virtual assistant that will be rolling out to its vehicles soon.

The German automaker’s boasts their new cloud-connected AIassistant is “natural, predictive, empathetic and personal” as it works to personalize interactions between drivers and their cars. The update will pair AI with added functions for infotainment, automated driving, seating comfort and charging.

Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer also announced a partnership with Google to pre-install and integrate certain apps into their vehicles.

More automakers are also partnering with Google to offer vehicles with pre-install apps such as Google Maps and Assistant. The apps will come to select models from Ford, Nissan and Lincoln this year, with Porsche following suit in 2025.

INTEL UNVEILS UPDATED 14TH GEN PROCESSOR LINEUP

INTEL may be leaning into supporting AI with its Core Ultra chips, but the company decided to announce an expansion of its 14th Gen processor family for gamers and media creators who need raw power and performance from their PCs. AP

PEOPLE wait to enter the show floor before the start of the CES tech show on January 9, 2024, in Las Vegas. AP

HONDA DEBUTS ITS ZERO SERIES EV CONCEPT CARS

HONDA premiered two concept vehicles, dubbed the “Saloon” and “Space-Hub,” for a new global electric vehicle series on Tuesday.

The Japanese automaker says the Zero Series approach for EV development focuses on models that are “thin, light and wise,” with specific goals to minimize battery size.

The first models of the Zero Series are aimed at making their way to the North American market in 2026, the company said, with plans to introduce those vehicles in Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and South America afterward.

Honda also unveiled a new “H mark” logo set to be used for its next

generation of EVs.

GOOGLE TALKS CHROMECAST, CAR APPS

GOOGLE on Tuesday showcased various ways the tech giant is integrating generative AI features into Android devices—including previously-announced customizable, AI-generated wallpapers and suggested text messages responses, written in styles ranging from casual to “Shakespearean.”

The California-based company also took the opportunity to unveil some new features.

Chromecast is being expanded to more apps and devices, with TikTok content now able to be cast directly to TVs.

OPPO, a leading smart device brand, has announced a collaboration with fashion house Ambush featuring a unique, stylish Flipped Padlock smartphone case designed exclusively for the OPPO Find N3 Flip by Ambush Creative Director YOON. As OPPO’s latest collaboration in the world of fashion, the new campaign extends OPPO’s commitment to exploring the frontiers of fashion through its compact yet powerful Find N Flip series phones.

Through the collaboration, OPPO and Ambush seek to reimagine the intersection of style and functionality with the new OPPO X Ambush Flipped Padlock, inspired by the Heart Padlock Bag designed

by YOON. Perfectly embodying OPPO’s brand mission, “Inspiration Ahead,” the Flipped Padlock stays true to YOON’s signature heart-shaped design, enveloping the compact OPPO Find N3 Flip in a trendy, eye-catching pink shade for a chic look.

The OPPO X Ambush collaboration goes beyond what meets the eye. The two brands have intertwined their unique styles to present a dynamic fusion of cutting-edge technology and pioneering fashion that resonates with today’s tech-savvy style icons. By bringing together the powerful yet compact OPPO Find N3 Flip with YOON and Ambush’s forwardlooking designs, the partnership showcases how technology and fashion can be flawlessly blended.

“I’ve been a sci-fi fan since I was a kid, and technology development has always inspired my designs. The return of the Flip phone trend has brought me back to the late 1990s, a pivotal time in fashion when futuristic styles were on the rise, and people started using style as a status symbol.

This collaboration explores how the smartphone, our most-used technology product, can become an extension of who we are,” said YOON. Like Ambush, the OPPO Find N3 Flip fuses vintage and modern inspiration with its retro flip design and cutting-edge technology. In its design of the Flipped Padlock, Ambush has taken cues from the sleek body and powerful performance of the Find N3 Flip to create a one-of-a-kind accessory that collides Y2K style with contemporary trends.

The OPPO X Ambush Flipped Padlock case for the OPPO Find N3 Flip is available through the My OPPO App until supplies last.

More information about the OPPO X Ambush Flipped Padlock is available at tinyurl.com/4s4u3apy.

UNWRAP THE JOY OF SHARING AS SMAC SUPPORTS HAPAG MOVEMENT YOU can help the hungry this holiday season.

Globe and SMAC, SM’s customer loyalty program, are back with Ibalik ang Sarap ng Pasko sa Hapag, a campaign that turns your holiday shopping into a beacon of hope for those suffering from involuntary hunger. For every SMAC card purchased on or before January 31, 2024, SMAC donates P50 to Globe’s Hapag Movement.

Every swipe of your SMAC card does more than just tally up your purchases. With each transaction, you also have the opportunity to help someone in need.

“When you choose to avail of a SMAC card, you’re embracing that holiday spirit beyond the usual. You’re joining a movement that feeds hope

and joy to countless Filipino families affected by hunger. Each card is a pledge to make the season brighter for someone in need,” said Yoly Crisanto, chief sustainability and corporate communications officer at Globe Group.

“In the second year of our partnership with Globe, our goal is to bring even more support to the Hapag Movement to make a greater impact and help more Filipinos in need.

We believe there is no better way to celebrate the holidays than by sharing, and like last year we are assured that our members will join forces with us in making this campaign a success,” said Jay Beltran, head of sales and marketing, Digital Advantage Corp.

(DAC).

The Hapag Movement aims to

help 500,000 Filipinos experiencing involuntary hunger. Every point you donate through your SMAC card becomes a lifeline.

You may also contribute through various platforms, including GCash, credit card donations, or Rewards points via the GlobeOne app. This inclusivity means that anyone can join in this cause, amplifying the impact of the campaign.

In this season of joy and giving, your shopping choices have the power to transform lives. The SMAC card is more than just a shopping companion.

Every card purchase and every swipe counts towards a future where no table is empty, and no heart is hungry.

More information is available at tinyurl.com/y94kt3j8 or www.globe. com.ph/globeofgood.

Sports BusinessMirror

A10 Saturday, January 13, 2024

Malixi bags nail-biting triumph Down Under

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

Go anchors PSC’s P1.2B 2024 budget SENATOR Christopher “Bong” G again shows his unwavering commitment to promoting sports.

S

RIANNE MALIXI (fourth from left) and men’s titlist Phoenix Campbell (third from left) share the stage during the awarding ceremony.

COCO GAUFF has s shift in mindset. AP

Gauff goes after second major title as teenager at 19

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ELBOURNE, Australia— Now that the pressure to win a Grand Slam singles title as a teenager is over, Coco Gauff feels liberated enough to discuss her next target: a career tally in double digits.

Could be 10, 11 or more...no limits.

Plus, an Olympic medal in Paris this year. Preferably gold, but silver or bronze would do—in singles, doubles or mixed.

She’s entering the Australian Open as a reigning Grand Slam champion, new territory for the 19-yearold American. Had she not fulfilled those expectations at last year’s US Open, this would have been her last shot at being a teenage major winner.

Gauff, who turns 20 in March, believes she can play with more freedom now in pursuit of a second major title as the No. 4 seeded player at Melbourne Park.

The tournament starts Sunday, a day earlier than usual.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic, aiming for a recordingextending 11th Australian title and 25th overall, announced ahead of the schedule’s release that he’d be playing Sunday night. Djokovic opens against 18-year-old qualifier Dino Prizmic of Croatia.

Gauff’s first-round match is against Anna Karolina Schmeiedlova, a 29-year-old from Slovakia who has only been past the third round once in 35 majors.

Having rebounded from a shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon to winning a breakthrough major title at the very next major in New York has helped with a shift in mindset.

“I think I put too much pressure on winning a Slam. I think I was feeling like I have to do it,” Gauff said. “When I went on the scene at 15, I felt like I had to win a Slam as a teenager because that’s what everybody thought.

“Honestly, going into US Open, I didn’t expect it. I felt like I was having a bad season, and my focus was just get through the season and focus on the Australian Open this year.”

It was the loss at Wimbledon that helped her take pause, relax and think about all those rounds before the final, one-by-one. She’d thought losing in the first round would have been the worst thing to happen to her.

Turns out, “wasn’t even that bad,” she said. “The world didn’t end. The sun still shines. I still have my friends and family.

“I realized that losing isn’t all that bad, and that I should just focus on the battle and the process and enjoy it.

I found myself being able to play freer and trust myself more.”

Gauff is in the same quarter of the draw as four-time major winner Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki, both past Australian Open champions who are returning to Melbourne Park as mothers for the first time.

Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open runner-up, and No. 8 Maria Sakkari are also there. Defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka is in the same half of the draw and could be a semifinal rival. AP

R

IANNE MALIXI bounced back from a winless overseas campaign last year by kicking off the new season with a victory in Melbourne as she repelled India’s Avani Prashanth in the stretch to secure the Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship crown by one stroke with a closing 69 at the Southern Golf Club in Braeside on Friday.

In a nerve-wracking finish, Malixi showed her mettle by breaking off a tie with Japanese Nika Ito, who played in a flight ahead, with a clutch birdie on the par-three 16th then capitalized on the latter’s costly mishap on the 17th to pull ahead.

She then matched Prashanth’s pars in the last two holes to escape with the victory that was more of a triumph of the spirit for a young talent overcoming a season marked with “near-misses.”

This time, the 16-year-old International Container Terminal Services Inc.-backed star didn’t fail, spiking her incredible comeback from four strokes down off local ace Lion Higo after 54 holes with a

J

By Josef Ramos

ERWIN ANCAJAS is the underdog when he fights World Boxing Association bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue on February 24 at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

But the tag doesn’t bother him.

“I’m already used to it [underdog], nothing new about it,” the 32-year-old former International Boxing Federation super flyweight world titleholder told BusinessMirror on Friday.

“It’s only natural that Inoue is favored in the fight by the fans because he’s the champion and we’ll be fighting in his hometown,” he added.

Takuma, 28 with an 18-1 win-loss record with four knockouts, is the odds on favorite—a $200 bet wins $100, while a $100 bet on Ancajas nets a $200 win.

But Ancajas, known by the monicker “Pretty Boy” because of his looks and tactical approach, doesn’t mind the bets.

“I don’t know about sports bets before, I only learned about the odds in bets a few years ago,” he said. “All I do is prioritize my training, how I fight, be the best boxer possible, and that’s it.”

brilliant frontside 32 then flashing unwavering fighting spirit in the clutch to pull through with one of the highlights of her flourishing career.

Wearing the symbolic Green Jacket of victory, Malixi, visibly emotional, tried to hold back tears as she shared the podium with men’s champion Phoenix Campbell.

She thanked her team, including coach-caddie Rick Gibson, her family and supporters for her triumphant campaign in her first stint Down Under.

“I feel very happy. It’s such an honor to be here,” Malixi said. “I’m grateful for the experience.”

Acknowledging her mother Michelle, who celebrated her birthday on Thursday, Malixi, who blew a couple of title cracks in various international tournaments last year, including a runner-up finish in the US Girls’ Junior in Colorado, posted six top 10 finishes in 14 ranking tournaments worldwide in 2023.

With a four-day total of seven-under 285 that included rounds of 70, 72 and 74, Malixi’s victory sets the stage for upcoming challenges, including the Australian Amateur in Victoria next

Underdog against Japan’s Inoue?

Doesn’t bother me at all–Ancajas “I remember I was an underdog, too, when I fought McJoe Arroyo, who was the champion in 2016,” he said. “I didn’t give attention on who’s favored or not, I just did my job as boxer. Now, I’m still doing the same thing.”

Ancajas snatched the Puerto Rican Arroyo’s belt via unanimous decision in their fight at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City in September 2016. He defended the 115-pound title nine times.

He yielded the championship to Rio 2016 Olympian Fernando Daniel Martinez of Argentina on February 26, 2022, and lost in their rematch in October 2022 both by unanimous decision.

It was then that Ancajas decided to move up to the 118-lb class.

Ancajas crushed Colombia’s Wilmer Soto via a fifth-round technical knockout win last June in Minnesota in his bantamweight debut.

Perpetual Help tabs Racela as Altas coach

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NIVERSIRTY of Perpetual Help System Dalta recently tapped former Philippine Basketball Association star Olsen Racela as coach of its seniors team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

“It’s official, there’s a new head [coach] in town—welcome Coach Olsen Racela to Perpetual,” the team announced on social media on Friday.

“We are psyched to see you on the hard court.”

Racela officially signed his contracts Thursday night at Perpetual Help’s Las Piñas campus in the presence of team manager Anton Tamayo, former ace player Scottie Thompson, athletic director Frank Gusi and Myk Saguiguit, the team’s former coach

week, and the Women’s Amateur AsiaPacific Championship set February 1 to 4 in Thailand next month.

As the seventh winner of the event, Malixi also earned a spot in the Webex Players Series Hunter Valley, a fully-sanctioned Challenger Professional Golfers Association Tour of Australasia and Women’s PGA Tour of Australasia at the Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort in New South Wales from February 15 to 18.

Prashanth, who beat Malixi and a slew of Korean aces to win the individual crown in the Queen Sirikit Cup at the Manila Southwoods last year, finished with a 70 and a 286 for second while Ito settled for a 71 and solo third at 287.

Tied for second spot with Prashanth after 54 holes, Malixi and Ito engaged in a gripping battle for control, both posting solid four-under cards after nine holes.

Higo, who initially held what had seemed to be a huge four-shot cushion, faltered with bogeys in the first three holes of the par-73 layout, tumbled to fourth with a 39 and never recovered. She limped with a 76 and wound up fourth at 288.

who will remain part of the staff.

Racela is expected to hold his first practice session Monday.

Under Saguiguit, the Altas were a win short of making the Final Four berth in Season 99 and wound up tied for fifth with host Jose Rizal University on a 10-8 win-loss record.

With Racela coming in, Perpetual Help has high hopes of finally cracking the magic four and eventually earning a shot at a historic NCAA crown when the grand old league holds its 100th season.

Racela will have an abundance of talent that he inherits from Saguiguit with 15 players remaining with the team including Jun Roque, Cyrus Nitura, Johnb Abis, Mark Omega and Christian Pagaran.

ENATOR Christopher “Bong” G reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to promoting sports and enhancing the country’s competitive edge in a resolute move to bolster the sports landscape in the Philippines.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), through the support of Go, has seen its 2024 budget substantially funded from an initial proposal of P174 million in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to P1.156 billion as approved in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

As the sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, Go underscored that the allocation is designed to cover a broad spectrum of sports-related activities, including grassroots programs, international competitions and the rehabilitation of sports facilities.

Go earlier stressed the need for substantial investments in sports infrastructure, with a notable allocation of P275 million for the repair and enhancement of two vital facilities—PhilSports Complex in Pasig City and Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila City.

These facilities are integral to the nation’s sports development which are set to undergo rehabilitation to provide athletes with world-class training and competition venues.

“Sports play a crucial role in nation-building, fostering unity, discipline and excellence among our youth,” said Go, chair of the Committee on Sports and Vice Chair of the Finance Committee. “By investing in the rehabilitation of key sports facilities, we aim to create a conducive environment for our athletes to hone their skills and bring honor to the country.”

Other key highlights of the 2024 budget include preparation, training and participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics with an allocation of P52 million, Winter Youth Olympics with P15 million and Paris Paralympics 2024 also with P15 million.

Notable allocations also include P40 million for Batang Pinoy, P50 million for the Philippine National Games, P10 million for the Philippine

National Para Games and P174 million for financial assistance to athletes, community sports development, sports festivals and other activities.

Moreover, P10 million is earmarked for the digitization of the PSC, another P10 million for Laro’t Saya sa Parke, which encourages sports and recreation in public spaces and P10 million for the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization.

The budget also includes P20 million for regional training coordination and program development, P30 million for the BIMP-EAGA Games and P10 million for the Indigenous Peoples Games, all contributing to the comprehensive sports landscape in the country.

Go, who is also chairperson of the Committee on Health and Demography, linked sports development to his broader advocacy towards promoting a fit and healthy lifestyle.

He also believes that sports can be a powerful tool to steer Filipino youth away from the dangers of illegal drug use.

According to the senator, by providing young people with constructive and engaging activities, sports can offer a positive pathway that diverts them from harmful influences.

Go has also been pushing for Senate Bill No. 2514 that he sponsored in the plenary last month, which aims to institutionalize the Philippine National Games.

This proposed legislation, also authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Majority Floor Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, seeks to establish a more structured and sustainable framework for sports development in the Philippines.

This bill envisions an integrated and inclusive sports program, highlighting the inclusion of paraathletes, and the commitment to hold biennial games for wide-ranging participation.

Go also expressed plans to institutionalize and legislate the Batang Pinoy program to further strengthen grassroots sports development.

PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann (seated, second from left) and Private Schools Athletic Association national president Edgar Balasta (seated, third from left) with (seated, from left) PSC commissioner Edward Hayco and PRISAA national vice chairman Rev. Fr. Jessie Pasquin with other officials.

PSC, PRISAA seal MOA on Legazpi games

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HE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will strengthen the agency’s grassroots initiative on Friday at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) campus in Legazpi City.

PSC chairman Richard Bachmann and PRISAA national chairman Rev. Fr. Vicente Uy signed the MOA along with PSC commissioner Edward Hayco and executive director Paulo Tatad and other PRISAA officials.

UST-Legazpi will host the PRISAA nationals in July.

“We recognize the pivotal role

that organizations like PRISAA play in shaping the landscape of Philippine sports,” Bachmann said. “Their commitment to providing a platform for young talents to compete, learn, and grow, through the PRISAA National Games, is commendable.”

Under the agreement, PRISAA, in collaboration with the PSC, would initiate the conduct of training courses and lectures for technical officials and coaches under the PRISAA system with the help of national sports associations.

Among these programs are Talent Identification, Adopt an Athlete Initiative and Certification Courses for PRISAA coaches and technical officials.

PBA women’s 3x3 back after 7-yr hiatus

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HE Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) 3x3 tournament for women is up for relaunch after a seven-year absence.

Six teams, including two national squads, are taking part in the Invitational Women’s PBA 3x3 set to kick off on January 22.

The single round eliminations will

be played during game days of the men’s PBA 3x3 Season 3 Third Conference held every Monday and Tuesday.

“We will include the women’s eliminations in the remaining Legs of the PBA 3x3 Season 3 Third Conference,” said PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro.

Castro said the top four teams at

The PSC would also create a technical working group for the implementation of grassroots sports initiatives and take necessary steps to ensure the sustainability of projects.

“This partnership is significant for PRISAA. This will pave the way for us to closely collaborate with PSC in empowering our grassroots program of different regions nationwide,” PRISAA national vice chairman Rev. Fr. Jessie Pasquin said.

“As we begin this partnership, we aspire to build a comprehensive and inclusive sports ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots level upward,” Bachmann said. “The PSC needs platforms like this to help us find the next athlete, to grow sports, and to help fix training facilities.”

the end of the 15-game eliminations will advance to the crossover, knockout semifinals.

The finalists will dispute the championship in a winner-take-all game.

Completing the six-team field are Uratex Dream, Angeli’s Resort, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force.

The league first launched the women’s half-court game in 2016 during the term of commissioner Chito Narvasa. It lasted for one season.

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

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Saturday, January 13, 2024 A11

US, British militaries launch massive retaliatory strike against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen

By Lolita C. Baldor & Tara Copp

W

The Associated Press

ASHINGTON—The US and British militaries bombed more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, US officials said.

The US Air Force’s Mideast command said it struck over 60 targets at 16 sites in Yemen, including “command-and-control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities and air defense radar systems.”

President Joe Biden said the strikes were meant to demonstrate that the US and its allies “will not tolerate” the militant group’s ceaseless attacks on the Red Sea. And he said they only made the move after attempts at diplomatic negotiations and careful deliberation.

“These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea— including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history,” Biden said in a statement.

He noted the attacks endangered US personnel and civilian mariners and jeopardized trade, and he added, “I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.”

Associated Press journalists in

Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, heard four explosions early Friday local time.

Two residents of Hodieda, Amin Ali Saleh and Hani Ahmed, said they heard five strong explosions hitting the western port area of the city, which lies on the Red Sea and is the largest port city controlled by the Houthis. Eyewitnesses who spoke with the AP also said they saw strikes in Taiz and Dhamar, cities south of Sanaa.

The strikes marked the first US military response to what has been a persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. And the coordinated military assault comes just a week after the White House and a host of partner nations issued a final warning to the Houthis to cease the attacks or face potential military action. The officials described the strikes on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Members of Congress were briefed earlier Thursday on the strike plans.

The warning appeared to have had at least some short-lived impact,

as attacks stopped for several days.

On Tuesday, however, the Houthi rebels fired their largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles targeting shipping in the Red Sea, with US and British ships and American fighter jets responding by shooting down 18 drones, two cruise missiles and an anti-ship missile. And on Thursday, the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden, which was seen by a commercial ship but did not hit the ship.

In a call with reporters, senior administration and military officials said that after the Tuesday attacks, Biden convened his national security team and was presented with military options for a response.

He then directed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who remains hospitalized with complications from prostate cancer surgery, to carry out the retaliatory strikes.

In a separate statement, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Royal Air Force carried out targeted strikes against military facilities used by the Houthis. The Defense Ministry said four fighter jets based in Cyprus took part in the strikes.

Noting the militants have carried out a series of dangerous attacks on shipping, he added, “This cannot stand.” He said the UK took “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defense, alongside the United States with non-operational support from the Netherlands, Canada and Bahrain against targets tied to these attacks, to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping.”

The governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand and South Korea joined the US and UK in issuing a statement saying that while the aim is to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the

Red Sea, the allies won’t hesitate to defend lives and protect commerce in the critical waterway.

Russia, however, requested an emergency meeting of the UNSecurity Council on the strikes. France, the current council president, said it will take place Friday afternoon.

The rebels, who have carried out 27 attacks involving dozens of drones and missiles just since Nov. 19, had warned that any attack by American forces on its sites in Yemen will spark a fierce military response.

A high-ranking Houthi official, Ali al-Qahoum, vowed there would be retaliation. “The battle will be bigger...and beyond the imagination and expectation of the Americans and the British,” he said in a post on X. Al-Masirah, a Houthi-run satellite news channel, described strikes hitting the Al-Dailami Air Base north of Sanaa, the airport in the port city of the Hodeida, a camp east of Saada, the airport in the city of Taiz and an airport near Hajjah.

The Houthis did not immediately offer any damage or casualty information.

A senior administration official said that while the US expects the strikes will degrade the Houthis’ capabilities, “we would not be surprised to see some sort of response,” although they haven’t seen anything yet. Officials said the US used warplanes based on the Navy aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and Air Force fighter jets, while the Tomahawk missiles were fired from Navy destroyers and a submarine.

The Houthis say their assaults are aimed at stopping Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But their targets increasingly have little or no connection to Israel and imperil a crucial trade route linking Asia and

the Middle East with Europe.

Meanwhile, the UNSecurity Council passed a resolution Wednesday that demanded the Houthis immediately cease the attacks and implicitly condemned their weapons supplier, Iran. It was approved by a vote of 11-0 with four abstentions—by Russia, China, Algeria and Mozambique.

Britain’s participation in the strikes underscored the Biden administration’s effort to use a broad international coalition to battle the Houthis, rather than appear to be going it alone. More than 20 nations are already participating in a US-led maritime mission to increase ship protection in the Red Sea. US officials for weeks had declined to signal when international patience would run out and they would strike back at the Houthis, even as multiple commercial vessels were struck by missiles and drones, prompting companies to look at rerouting their ships.

On Wednesday, however, US officials again warned of consequences.

“I’m not going to telegraph or preview anything that might happen,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters during a stop in Bahrain. He said the US had made clear “that if this continues as it did yesterday, there will be consequences.

And I’m going to leave it at that.”

The Biden administration’s reluctance over the past several months to retaliate reflected political sensitivities and stemmed largely from broader worries about upending the shaky truce in Yemen and triggering a wider conflict in the region. The White House wants to preserve the truce and has been wary of taking action in Yemen that could open up another war front.

The impact on international shipping and the escalating attacks,

however, triggered the coalition warning, which was signed by the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

Transit through the Red Sea, from the Suez Canal to the Bab elMandeb Strait, is a crucial shipping lane for global commerce. About 12 percent of the world’s trade typically passes through the waterway that separates Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including oil, natural gas, grain and everything from toys to electronics.

In response to the attacks, the US created a new maritime security mission, dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian, to increase security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, with about 22 countries participating. US warships, and those from other nations, have been routinely sailing back and forth through the narrow strait to provide protection for ships and to deter attacks. The coalition has also ramped up airborne surveillance.

The decision to set up the expanded patrol operation came after three commercial vessels were struck by missiles fired by Houthis in Yemen on December 3.

The Pentagon increased its military presence in the region after the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel to deter Iran from widening the war into a regional conflict, including by the Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.

The Associated Press writers Ahmed al-Haj in Sanaa, Yemen; Jack Jeffery in London; Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations; and Zeke Miller, Aamer Madhani and Seung Min Kim in Washington contributed to this report.

Iran’s navy seizes oil tanker in Gulf of Oman that was at the center of major US-Iran crisis

By Jon Gambrell The Associated Press

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UBAI, United Arab Emirates—Iran’s nav y captured an oil tanker Thursday in the Gulf of Oman that only months earlier had seen its cargo of Iranian oil seized by the United States over sanctions linked to Tehran’s nuclear program, further escalating the tensions gripping the Mideast’s waterways.

T he vessel was prev iously known as the Suez Rajan when it was involved in a yearlong dispute beginning in 2021 that ultimately saw the US Justice Department take the 1 million barrels of Iranian crude oil on it.

The seizure also comes after weeks of attacks by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on shipping in the Red Sea, including their largest barrage ever of drones and missiles launched late Tuesday.

US-led forces launched retaliatory strikes early Friday.

Iran’s state-r un telev ision acknowledged the seizure late Thursday afternoon, hours after armed men boarded it, linking it to the earlier oil seizure.

It said Iran’s navy, rather than its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, conducted the seizure.

Past tense incidents at sea have largely involved the Guard.

The Iranian navy’s “seizure of the oil tanker does not constitute hijacking; rather, it is a lawful undertaking sanctioned by a court order and corresponds to the theft of Iran’s very own oil,” Iran’s mission to the United Nations told The Associated Press in a state-

ment. “Adhering to the established legal procedures is the most prudent approach for the resolution of this matter.”

The St. Nikolas was earlier named the Suez Rajan, associated with the Greek shipping company Empire Navigation. In a statement to the AP, Athens-based Empire Navigation acknowledged losing contact with the vessel, which has a crew of 18 Filipinos and one Greek national.

“Empire have no such knowledge of a court order or the Iranian navy having seized their vessel, and have still not been contacted by anyone,” the company said.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East, said Thursday’s seizure began early in the morning in the waters between Oman and Iran in an area transited by ships coming in and out of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all traded oil passes.

The UK military-run group described receiving a report from the ship’s security manager of hearing “unknown voices over the phone” alongside with the ship’s captain.

It said further efforts to contact the ship had failed and that the men who boarded the vessel wore “ black military-style uniforms with black masks.”

The private security firm Ambrey said that “four to five armed persons” boarded the ship, which it identified as the oil tanker St. Nikolas. It said the men covered the surveillance cameras as they

boarded.

The tanker had been off the city of Basra, Iraq, loading crude oil bound for Aliaga, Turkey, for the Turkish refinery firm Tupras.

Satellite-tracking data analyzed by the AP last showed the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker had turned and headed toward the port of Bandar-e Jask in Iran.

Attention began focusing on the Suez Rajan in February 2022, when the group United Against Nuclear Iran said it suspected the tanker carried oil from Iran’s Khargh Island, its main oil distribution terminal in the Persian Gulf. Satellite photos and shipping data analyzed at the time by the AP supported the allegation.

For months, the ship sat in the South China Sea off the northeast coast of Singapore before suddenly sailing for the Texas coast without explanation. The vessel discharged its cargo to another tanker in August, which released its oil in Houston as part of a Justice Department order.

In September, Empire Navigation pleaded guilty to smuggling sanctioned Iranian crude oil and agreed to pay a $2.4 million fine over a case involving the tanker.

From Washington, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel condemned Iran’s seizure of the vessel.

“The Iranian government must immediately release the ship and its crew,” Patel said. “This unlawful seizure of a commercial vessel is just the latest behavior by Iran – or enabled by Iran – aimed at disrupting international commerce.”

After the vessel, then-Suez

R aj a n , he a d e d for A me r ic a , Iran seized two tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, including one with cargo for major US oil company Chevron Cor p. In July, the top commander of the Revolut iona r y Gu a rd ’s nava l arm threatened further action against anyone off loading the Suez R ajan, with state media linking the recent seizures to the cargo’s fate.

Since the collapse of Iran’s nuclear deal, waters around the strait have seen a series of ship seizures by Iran, as well as assaults targeting shipping that the US Navy has blamed on Tehran. Iran and the Navy also have had a series of tense encounters in the waterway, though recent attention has been focused on the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The US and its allies also have been seizing Iranian oil cargoes since 2019 to enforce sanctions over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. That has led to a series of attacks in the Mideast attributed to the Islamic Republic, as well as ship seizures by Iranian military and paramilitary forces that threaten global shipping.

The Houthis say their attacks are aimed at halting the suffering of Palestinians in Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, the rebels have increasingly targeted ships with tenuous or no ties to Israel.

Meanwhile, satellite tracking data analyzed by the AP on Thursday showed that an Iranian cargo vessel suspected of being a spying

platform in the Red Sea had left the waterway. The data showed the Behshad had transited through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into the Gulf of Aden.

The Behshad has been in the Red Sea since 2021 off Eritrea’s Dahlak archipelago. It arrived there after Iran removed the Saviz,

another suspected spy base in the Red Sea that had suffered damage in an attack that analysts attributed to Israel amid a wider shadow war of ship attacks in the region.

The Associated Press journalist Amir Vahdat in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.

News BusinessMirror

A12 Saturday, January 13, 2024

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PBBM declares PHL back on its feet after pandemic

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

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RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared Thursday that the Philippines has recovered from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, shocks from the Russia-Ukraine war, and the conflict in the Middle East.

The President made the statement as he urged the diplomatic corps to collaborate with his administration to reach new heights.

“These, we hope to address in support of various partners and stakeholders. I continue to enjoin the diplomatic corps to work closely with us in identifying areas

where we can pursue joint and collective endeavors and initiatives,” President Marcos said late Thursday during the annual Vin D’ Honneur in Malacañang, even as he stressed his readiness to tackle concerns on poverty, food security, peace and order, health, jobs, and livelihood.

“It is with confidence that I announce that the Philippines has… I could say [has] gotten back [on] its feet from the reeling effect of the pandemic and the subsequent shocks that we have suffered from the Ukraine war and now from the conflict in the Middle East,” he said.

According to Marcos, the Philippines’ going back in business is evidenced by the

improving economic condition, and with the government’s catch-up spending, a growth target of 6 to 7 percent for 2023 could be seen.

The administration has also continued to manage overall inflation at 3.9 percent in December, which could bring the year’s overall inflation to 6 percent, which, while still a little high, hopefully moves in the correct direction, the President added.

Also, the unemployment rate in November last year declined to 3.6 percent, lower than the unemployment rate of 4.3 percent in October 2023 and November of 2022, he pointed out, adding underemployment likewise dropped to 11.7

percent in November from 14.4 in the same period a year prior.

“The Philippines is touted to become one of the fastest-growing economies among major Asian countries in 2023 as forecasted by multilateral organizations such as the ADB [Asian Development Bank], the Asean + 3 Macroeconomic Research Office, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund,” said the President.

Still, amid geopolitical difficulties, Marcos earnestly noted that countries find “sincere motivation to work together and tap the power of the collective in finding ways to solve political conflict to achieve peace and prosperity for all.”

New SBMA chief Aliño brings biz savvy to Subic Freeport

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UBIC BAY FREEPORT—Newly appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño is expected to use his business acumen to spur further growth and drive operational efficiency in the Subic Bay Freeport, the preferred location for close to 1,500 foreign and local companies and business establishments.

Aliño, who replaced former Pandan, Antique mayor Jonathan D. Tan as SBMA chief, took his oath of office before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Friday.

He was former chairman and president of the S.T.A.R. Group of Companies, a major player in integrated supply chain services and port operations, before he was tapped by the President for the Subic job.

This bodes well for Subic, a former base for the United States Navy whose core business asset is its seaport, observers here noted.

Aliño’s vast experience in providing strategic leadership and direction to various enterprises and bringing about successful collaborations with industry partners and stakeholders is also seen to be a plus factor

for his new role as head of the Subic agency.

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) earlier pointed out that there is a need for the SBMA to “focus more on streamlining its operations [and] promoting growth, increased economic activity, and trade.”

The Subic agency also has to prioritize its most important mandate—that of generating investments and employment opportunities, the SBFCC said in a statement after the Covid 19 pandemic curtailed some business activities here.

Aliño, a devout Catholic, graduated

PHL to ask Iran to free 18 Filipino seafarers

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

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HE Department of Foreign Affairs instructed the Philippine Embassy in Tehran to speak with Iranian authorities on the condition of 18 Filipino seafarers taken at the Gulf of Oman Thursday.

On Thursday, Iran’s Navy seized oil tanker St. Nikolas while en route to Aliaga, Turkey when armed masked men boarded and seized control of the vessel. Later, the Iranian Navy confirmed their forces boarded the St. Nikolas, carrying 145,000 tons of oil from Basra, Iraq.

Of the 19 crew on board the Marshall Islands-flagged and Greek-owned ship, 18

are Filipinos and one is Greek.

This brings to 35 the number of Filipino seafarers being held against their will at the height of the renewed conflict in the Middle East.

Last November, 17 Filipino seafarers on board the MV Galaxy Leader were also taken

by Houthi naval forces when their vehicle carrier passed through the Red Sea. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo De Vega said the Philippine Embassy in Iran has been tasked to “coordinate” with the Iranian authorities to negotiate for the early release of 18 Filipinos.

Iran’s state-owned media, Fars News

Agency (FNA), quoted the Iranian Navy as saying that a court order was issued against the vessel “in retaliation for the theft of Iran’s oil by the US.” St. Nikolas, erstwhile named Suez Rajan, had been involved in the US-Iran tussle in April 2023. The US seized the vessel for allegedly bringing Iran’s oil, a violation for the ongoing oil embargo sanction that Washington has imposed on Tehran.

Iran accused the US Navy of unloading the Iranian oil worth $56 million off to the Texas port.

“Acts of trespassing on tankers carrying Iranian oil are ‘clear examples of piracy,’”

‘Reds’ told: Surrender or face terror charges

By Rex Anthony Naval

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ITHER surrender now or face the risk of being charged with committing terroristic acts, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) told New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents on Thursday.

The body issued this warning after the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that “99.9 percent” of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 or Republic Act 11479” is constitutional and will take effect on January 15.

Only two provisions of the contested law were declared unconstitutional: protests being equated to terrorism and the designation of individuals or groups as terrorists upon the request of local or foreign groups.

“You [remaining NPA rebels] better surrender now before you get charged in court,” NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Joel Sy Egco said in Filipino.

Early this week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the filing of charges against 11 suspected

members of the NPA who ambushed state forces in May 2023 in Occidental Mindoro, the first litmus test for the anti-terrorism law.

The DOJ’s case identified the accused as Jovito Marquez, Antonio Baculo, Sonny Rogelio, Veginia Terrobias, Lena Gumpad, Job Abednego David, Jessie M. Almoguera, Reina Grace, Bethro Erardo Zapra Jr., Daisylyn Castillo Malucon, and Yvaan Corpuz Zuniga. If convicted, this would be the first historic case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against the Maoist-inspired NPA, the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

This was preceded by reports about the SC ruling that rested the case of at least 37 petitions that questioned the constitutionality of the law, except for one petition filed pending resolution before a regional trial court.

Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV and Associate Solicitor James Clifford Santos from the DOJ and Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), respectively, hailed the SC ruling as a “powerful tool” of the government to combat any form of terrorism in the country.

“This is a very welcome development to the government and we assure the public and our friends in the media that this will be done in a balanced way where we acknowledge that this is a powerful tool, but at the same time, as a powerful tool, it must be used to its full advantage of the government and to its people,” Clavano, who is also DOJ spokesperson, said.

He underscored though that while the ultimate goal of the law is to quell terrorism and its ill effects, its primary intent is the preservation

of life, peace, and security of people and that the government has to play a balancing act with the right people, right direction, and right leadership.

For his part, Santos, also a spokesperson for NTF-ELCAC’s Legal Cooperation Cluster, pointed out that terrorism is not an ordinary crime and assured the public that government law enforcement agencies will abide by the rules of the anti-terror law in prosecuting terrorism by taking a balanced approach.

“We’re positive on this welcome development when it comes to our legal landscape on quelling terrorism and we’ll remain committed to helping to ensure lasting peace through the lawfully sanctioned remedies and tools that we have in the legal landscape,” he added.

Clavano and Santos gave snapshots and their agencies’ legal interpretations of the SC ruling, particularly on the rules of designation and proscription, most particularly in the context of the decades-old problem of communist insurgency.

In simple terms, the rules on designation will trigger the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze assets like bank accounts and properties of identified individuals or groups suspected as terrorists.

On proscription, it involves judicial determination upon the declaration of outlawed individuals or groups.

Clavano explained that the designation is purely an “executive act” without intervention by the judiciary, while proscription is a “punitive” or “penalized” which involves judicial determination like

from De La Salle University, BS Mechanical Engineering, and a self-made industrialist, could address these concerns with his vast experience in leadership and management.

Starting his career as a sales engineer for Far East Wires and Cables Corp. in 1972, he soon rose to a senior position in the Filinvest Manufacturing Group before joining the Bulk Indenting Services Corp. in 1983 as director for vessel operation. From there transitioning to senior positions in various firms involved in trading, cargo handling, and manufacturing. Henry Empeño the FNA reported.

The US Naval Forces Central Command (NavCen) accused the Iranian Navy of “unlawful” seizure of the vessel. It said the crew were transiting the international waters and “were forced to change course toward the Iranian territorial waters.”

Iran is presently holding five ships and over 90 crew members “hostage” from vessels they seized nearly a year ago. Prior to this incident, Iran also allegedly attacked M/V Pacific Gold in the Indian Ocean, the US NavCen added.

“Iran’s actions are contrary to international law and threaten maritime security and stability,” Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of US NavCen Forces Central Command and Commander US 5th Fleet, said in a statement. the issuance of a written order against identified terrorists or groups.

Meanwhile, asked if an NPA rebel can be exonerated of a heinous crime filed before the court after his or her surrender to the government owing to the question if the anti-terrorism law could affect the amnesty program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Santos said that the anti-terrorism law and amnesty are “two different animals.”

“When we talk about amnesty, we talk about the obliteration of the crimes kasi under our jurisprudence it says there that amnesty looks backward and obliterates political offense, the recent proclamations by the President do not cover heinous crimes, kasama dun ‘yung terrorism,” he said.

But Santos said that both the law and amnesty can go simultaneously and handin-hand without any legal problem.

Clavano agreed with Santos saying that the “two [law and amnesty] are mutually exclusive” but can “go on simultaneously.”

Regarding the law’s implication vis-avis the amnesty to the ongoing exploratory talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), the negotiating panel of the CPP-NPA, Clavano said, “The current talks, which had been opened up by the administration, have nothing to do also with the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, especially now that it has been fully operationalized by the operative fact that the Supreme Court issued the guideline…In my opinion, it may affect the status of a certain group that is going to be granted amnesty if ever. However, the acts of terrorism, if still done during the talks can still be prosecuted by the law.”

“I guess it’s a matter of good faith that if these groups are willing to come forward and talk and agree to a cease-fire then there’s no need for any prosecution under the terrorism act. But if they come forward and present themselves in good faith and yet still continue activities that will fall under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, then they can also be prosecuted,” he added.

He expressed hope that the members of the diplomatic corps will continue to serve as abled agents of their respective governments and countries in furthering the breadth and depth of the bilateral ties, as well as in exploring collaboration in regional and multi-lateral fronts.

The President described the New Year not only as a fresh start in so many respects and levels but also the symbolic renewal of everyone’s social contract to their people, and commitment and obligation as a responsible member of the international community.

The Vin d’Honneur (pronounced van duh nyur) is a yearly traditional reception

that takes place in Malacañang Palace to herald the New Year.

It is the annual New Year’s Reception hosted by the President of the Philippines as head of state, and by tradition, after the President plays host to Philippine officialdom and the diplomatic corps, other departments in turn host their own New Years’ receptions for their own officials and staff.

The term comes from the French practice, which means “wine of honor.”

It traditionally takes place at the end of inaugurations, speeches, and ceremonies that marks the social life of the French provinces.

PBBM reminds DSWD to continue to serve with ‘care and compassion’

P

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide public service with care and compassion.

Emphasizing its role in responding to distress calls during the agency’s 73rd anniversary celebration, he urged the DSWD to treat the poor and vulnerable with kindness and understanding, highlighting the importance of empathy in public service.

“You are the country’s social welfare forces, always on red alert, in a country where distress calls from disaster victims and disadvantaged sectors never end,” Marcos said.

“As you put our people out of harm’s way, and on to the road to recovery and a better life, always serve your clientele with care and compassion as you have been doing,” the Chief Executive added.

The President also called on the DSWD to treat the poor and the vulnerable with kindness, understanding, and compassion “because that care is a hallmark of public service as well, empathy goes a long way.”

President Marcos noted that DSWD has clearly demonstrated empathy in the past year.

And with the DSWD being at the forefront of the government welfare services, Marcos said Congress increased its 2024 budget to P245 billion, from last year’s P196.5 billion.

As a result, in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Senior Pension alone, the agency will be running a payroll operation bigger than that of the

government.

The 4Ps has received an allocation of P106 billion for the benefit of more than 4 million Filipinos families.

The money is in addition to P49.8 billion for the social pension of 4.085 million seniors, including the incentives for superseniors, and centenarians.

DSWD’s food catering operations, which will serve tens of millions of hot meals to 2.027 million preschool children in different communities has P4.1 billion allocation.

And to address hunger, the agency is carrying out a food stamp program providing P3,000 each month to 50,000 families.

The increasing needs of poor families and the vulnerable sector also mean expanded mandate of the DSWD, which prompted Congress to give more resources to the agency.

“Ngayong taon, dinagdagan pang muli ng Kongreso ang AKAP ng dalawampu’t pitong bilyong piso upang lalong makinabang ang mga manggagawang maliliit na ang kini-kita at higit na apektado ng mataas na presyo ng bilihin,” Marcos said in referring to the Abot Kamay Ang Pagtulong program. “ Suma-tutal, malaking bahagi ng populasyon ng mga nangangailangan sa ating bansa ay nada-daupan ng tulong ng DSWD, which helps them tide over, to help them get back on their feet, and not consigning them to a life of dependency, because aid that emancipates a human being is the kind of dignified giving that government should practice, and that this government is practicing,” he added.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

DILG chief: BFP to push ahead with modernization program

T

HE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will push through with its modernization program in a bid to reduce fire incidents in the country, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said.

“To further improve our capability to ensure public safety, the BFP must levelup its modernization effort to reduce the number of fire incidents and meet the target of ensuring functional firetrucks for the remaining 101 local government units that do not have them, so we can achieve our 100 percent target nationwide,” he added during the agency’s New Year’s Call last Wednesday, January 10.

Abalos also reported that the DILG has constructed 36 new fire stations in different parts of the country, bringing the total number of active BFP fire stations to 1,484.

“We will also upscale the BFP’s capabilities for rescue operations, medical emergencies, and containment of hazardous materials or HAZMAT, as well as chemical biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive materials,” the DILG chief stressed.

Aside from this, Abalos said the DILG would mainstream the use of the 911 Hotline for emergencies and ensure its interoperability with all concerned agencies for swift response to emergency calls.

Rex Anthony Naval

50,000 devotees expected to flock Davao’s Sto. Nino shrine on Monday

By Manuel T. Cayon

D

AVAO CITY—Some 50,000 Catholic devotees and faithful are expected to fill the uphill Holy Infant Jesus of Prague on Shrine Hills in Matina on Monday, January 15, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said, as it announced deployment of more personnel to secure the area and manage the traffic.

DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon said the deployment would complement the police security by another 80 personnel from the DCPO. “Our PNP personnel to be deployed are now ready. We have 80 personnel from the DCPO, not including the personnel from the police

station whose area of responsibility covers the chapel. This also does not include the force multipliers and volunteers,”Tuazon said.

She said the shrine area would implement a one-entrance, one-exit policy, or those attending the feast would take Matina road to reach the chapel and exit through the Diversion Road.

“We are asking the cooperation of everyone, cooperation of those who will attend the activity to follow the do’s and don’ts to be enforced during the event to avoid problems, and ensure that everything goes smoothly,” she said.

Prohibited items would include sharp objects, non-transparent water bottle, backpacks, and the wearing of jackets.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

CHOPRA, GITANJALIE Function Delivery Associate Director

1.

Brief Job Description: Manage team resources to ensure deliverables are produced according to service level agreements.

Manage recruiting, staffing, people engagement, pyramid, mix, utilization, cost to serve and capacity of service delivery staff to optimize balance between cost and deliver targets.

Basic Qualification: Excels in the following: operations management, cost accounting, SLA management, customer interaction management, estimation and planning, Accenture delivery methods (ADM) and supply chain - demand management.

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

ALEXANDER MANN BPO LIMITED (ALEXANDER MANN BPO PHILIPPINE BRANCH) Office 4b 10/f One Ayala East Tower, Ayala Ave. Cor. Edsa Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

NG, HANNAH LOUISE EMEA Service Delivery Manager 2.

Brief Job Description: Managing the CSM and a team of 35 heads based on Poland and Manila.

3.

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

CHENG, HONG Pricing Analyst (Freight Forwarding)

4.

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

8.

JASPERS, MICHAEL S2P Process Invoice Sr. Manager

9.

Basic Qualification: In-depth knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis.

Ability to keep abreast of industry trends and develop dynamic pricing tools. Advanced ability to present pricing analysis reports to relevant stakeholders.

Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Basic Qualification: In-depth knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis.

Ability to keep abreast of industry trends and develop dynamic pricing tools. Advanced ability to present pricing analysis reports to relevant stakeholders.

Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Managing team members that is composed of Team Leaders and Individual Contributors locally and/or globally. Proactively identify challenges/ process gaps within the different PA’s related to all workstreams and address them to relevant stakeholders within Procurement. Support the business through changes & transformation, drive business acumen and understanding of PA strategy. Challenging the status quo and bringing up innovative methods to improve the process/ process Transformation through Digitalization, Automation & other transformation initiatives.

5.

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

16.

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

Basic Qualification: University degree or equivalent education in business administration, economics, certified public accountant or comparable professional education, several years on management positions, experience in shared service center processes as beneficial, leading leaders experience and/ or strategic positions as beneficial and/or multiple process experience, proficiency in MS office, virtual communication tools, and sound sap understanding.

10.

Brief Job Description: Resolve financial disputed raised by the customer service and sales teams.

JIA, XIAO Bilingual Marketing Officer 11.

Brief Job Description: Contribute in the implementation of marketing strategies.

12.

13.

Brief Job Description: Opens customer records by updating account information.

AMINOV, AMINJON Mandarin HR Officer Brief Job Description: Managing employee development and trainings.

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

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

18.

QIAN, XIAORU Pricing Analyst (Freight Forwarding)

6.

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

WANG, DINGWEI General Trade Marketing Specialist Consultant 14.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing and executing commercial strategies.

20.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin language.

21.

7.

Brief Job Description: A procurement specialist facilitates purchases from outside suppliers to keep a business running.

Their primary responsibilities include researching key suppliers, negotiating purchase agreements, and ensuring all products and materials meet company standards.

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

15.

Brief Job Description: Support financial consultants in providing excellent customer service to clients.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a college graduate, can prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information, can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed and can manage large amount of incoming calls.

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

Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Chinese documentation.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Chinese documentation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ZHOU, FENG Marketing And Sales Agent Basic Qualification: Can work as an independent consultant to provide marketing expertise to clients.

Can research industries, markets, demographics, trends, sales results, and other data related to the client’s products or services.

22.

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

YUE, XIAOLU Client Care Associate Mandarin Speaking

HUANG, XUETING Chinese Cargo Office Agent

YANG, TAOTAO Marketing And Sales Agent

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin language.

C&I MARKETING CORPORATION 4/f 6780 Bldg., 6780 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: Strong verbal and written communication skills.

The ability to plan, delegate and evaluate progress toward goals is necessary for managing these projects. Must have strong problem-solving skills.

Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation.

WANG, KE Marketing And Sales Agent

23.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language.

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

CLICKPLAY SOLUTIONS CORP. 11 Ab Cyberzone Plaza Bldg., Eastwood Ave., Bagumbayan, Quezon City

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

CHEN, JINXIU Senior Marketing Specialist

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

CAI, LONGJUN Procurement Specialist

CAI, WENBANG Chinese Cargo Office Agent

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

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

Basic Qualification: Must be a college graduate, can prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information, can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed and can manage large amount of incoming calls.

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

C’EST LA VIE EVENT MANAGEMENT INC. 230, Narra Street, Marikina Heights, City Of Marikina

Basic Qualification: In-depth knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis. ability to keep abreast of industry trends and develop dynamic pricing tools. advanced ability to present pricing analysis reports to relevant stakeholders excellent analytical and communications skills.

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information answering questions, and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products services and features.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information answering questions, and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products services and features.

ZENG, YUYANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

BLUE NIGHT LIVING SERVICES INC. Block 1 Lot 2-a, 3rd Floor Afpovai, Western Bicutan, City Of Taguig

FU, MING TAT Bilingual Finance Manager

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CHEN, HANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

19.

HOANG THI LIEN Mandarin Customer Service Officer

GUO, JUNXIN Pricing Analyst (Freight Forwarding)

Basic Qualification: Strong verbal and written communication skills.

The ability to plan, delegate and evaluate progress toward goals is necessary for managing these projects. Must have strong problem-solving skills.

No.

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

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

Basic Qualification: In-depth knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis.

Ability to keep abreast of industry trends and develop dynamic pricing tools. Advanced ability to present pricing analysis reports to relevant stakeholders.

Excellent analytical and communication skills.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

17.

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

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

Brief Job Description: A procurement specialist facilitates purchases from outside suppliers to keep a business running.

Their primary responsibilities include researching key suppliers, negotiating purchase agreements, and ensuring all products and materials meet company standards.

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

BAYER BUSINESS SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 6th Floor Science Hub Tower 1, Campus Avenue Corner Turin Street, Mckinleyhill Cyberpark, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a similar role.

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

CAO, YONG Pricing Analyst (Freight Forwarding)

HONG, DONGDONG Procurement Specialist

Saturday, January 13, 2024

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Can work harmoniously with executive team such as the marketing director or managing director to set the marketing strategy for the business, must be willing to hire and manage junior marketing team that includes PR and creative staff and able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language is an advantage.

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

EMERALD WIRELESS TECH INC. 28th/f Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, E-square Information Technology Park, 25th St. Cor 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

BusinessMirror

A14 A6 Saturday, January 13, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LI, ZHENZHEN Chinese Customer Sales Finance Manager

24.

Brief Job Description: After-sales operating expense supervision. Write off and report after-sales operating expenses (with the factory headquarters). After-sales operating expense budget management, statistics, and profit and loss analysis of operating conditions. Manage after-sales daily income and outlet reserves.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Applicants with financerelated majors or financial work experience will be given priority, with more than 2 years of experience in the financial field. Be able to communicate proficiently in both Chinese and English languages, have good data analysis skills, and be proficient in using office tools.

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CHEN, YU Chinese Marketing And Sales Consultant 35.

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

FH INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING CO. INC. U-ug 1, Gf Cityland Herrera Tower, 98 Va. Rufino Cor. Valero Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati

25.

Brief Job Description: Accomplishes marketing and sales human resource objectives by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training and assigning potential employees.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin and English languages.

CHENG, SHOUTAO Chinese Marketing And Sales Consultant 36.

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

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

26.

Brief Job Description: To establish a daily connection with carrier customers. To understand customers’ business, network, and operation requirements.

Basic Qualification: Has at least 3-year work experience for network product pre-sales activities. Knowledgeable in various network products and solutions.

DUAN, YONGTAO Chinese Marketing And Sales Consultant 37.

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

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

27.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing all spectrum of finance function.

Basic Qualification: Good time management skills and ability to work under pressure.

YANG, BING Chinese Marketing And Sales Consultant 38.

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

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

28.

Brief Job Description: Performs function duly defined by the CEO or the Board of Directors.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a similar role.

JIN, XIN General Automotive Mechanic 39.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

MORSE TELECOMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 29 M Pioneer Woodlands, Tower 4 Edsa Cor. Pioneer, Barangka Ilaya, City Of Mandaluyong XU, MINGXIA Marketing Manager 29.

Brief Job Description: Deploy successful marketing campaigns and own their implementation from ideation execute.

Basic Qualification: Solid knowledge of website analytic tools.

MA, XIAOCHEN General Automotive Mechanic

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

SEEKTOP SERVICE MANAGEMENT INC. 25/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

30.

Brief Job Description: Handle services support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through Mandarin to English language translation.

HARCHADI, NILESHKUMAR BHIKHU Fuel, Lube And Water Management Supervisor 31.

Brief Job Description: Handling of critical situations like leakage of chemicals, water, tripping of any equipment, blackout and situations like restart and testing.

PATEL, RAJESHKUMAR NIRANJANBHAI Shift In-charge, Operation Controller 32.

Brief Job Description: Ensure all safety norms and procedures are followed and check all the running equipment in the plant, operating and controlling boiler/heater equipment either on DCS, panel or through filed instruments.

SINTU KUMAR Station Manager 33.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all safety norms are followed at the sites and ensure that the manpower at the said sites follow safety norms and protocols. Prepare various MIS reports as required by the customer/ HO.

KANCHERLA, GAJENDRA NAIDU Turbine Maintenance In-charge 34.

Brief Job Description: Ensure all safety norms and procedures are followed, assist in failure analysis and implement recommendations to avoid repetitive failure.

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

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

MEI, JIE General Automotive Mechanic 41.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of BSC in Chemistry. With at least 8 years of work experience in the Power Plant Operation and Maintenance Industry.

WANG, SHENGJIE General Automotive Mechanic 42.

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

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of work experience in the Power Plant Operations and Maintenance/ Management industry.

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

46.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Must develop skills in areas like problemsolving, communication, and attention to detail.

Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities. Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

Basic Qualification: Must develop skills in areas like problemsolving, communication, and attention to detail.

Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities. Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

Basic Qualification: Must develop skills in areas like problemsolving, communication, and attention to detail.

Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities. Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

Basic Qualification: Must develop skills in areas like problemsolving, communication, and attention to detail.

Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities. Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

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

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate.

With at least 5 years of work experience in Power Plant Operations and Maintenance/ Management industry.

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

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

SHANTY Recruitment Specialist (Indonesian Speaking) Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

SIAN SWEE SXIN Recruitment Specialist (Malaysian Speaking) 47.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

SIEW XUE YI Recruitment Specialist (Malaysian Speaking) 48.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

TAN CHUN CHIEH Recruitment Specialist (Malaysian Speaking) 49.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

AYE AYE AUNG Recruitment Specialist (Myanmari Speaking) 50.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

THANDAR AUNG Recruitment Specialist (Myanmari Speaking) 51.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

DANG HOAI THUONG Recruitment Specialist (Vietnamese Speaking) 52.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

NGUYEN LAN ANH Recruitment Specialist (Vietnamese Speaking) 53.

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

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate.

With at least 5 years of work experience in Power Plant Operations and Maintenance/ Management industry.

45.

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

Basic Qualification: Thorough, extensive & fluency in Mandarin language and characters.

THERMAX INSTRUMENTATION LIMITED U-3 9/f Galleria Corp., Ctr. Edsa, Ugong Norte, Quezon City

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

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

40.

VONG NGOC TUONG NGHI Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHANG, JIACHEN Recruitment Specialist (Chinese Speaking)

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

MIRAMED PHILIPPINES GROUP LLC - PHILIPPINE BRANCH Unit 1501b One Corporate Centre Condominium, Doña Julia Vargas Ave. Cor. Meralco Ave. Ortigas, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

KOCHHAR, VIKRAM VP/Country Lead Operation

No.

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

LEONG HUP (PHILIPPINES), INCORPORATED Penthouse 6 Landsdale Tower, #86 Mother Ignacia Ave., Paligsahan, Quezon City

KOW KHAAN YANG Assistant Finance Manager

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

CHEN, BOWEN Account Manager For Globe Wireless Project

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

LI, SHA Marketing And Sales Manager - Chinese

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

NGUYEN, NHU VINH Recruitment Specialist (Vietnamese Speaking) 54.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

TRAN CHI OAI Recruitment Specialist (Vietnamese Speaking) 55.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

VISSIONARIES INC. 20/f Salcedo Towers, 169 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati 15/f Salcedo Towers, 169 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

LI, LIN Recruitment Specialist (Chinese Speaking) 43.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

LUO, BIN Recruitment Specialist (Chinese Speaking) 44.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course and preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course and preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

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

VAN SIU YEN Recruitment Specialist (Vietnamese Speaking) 56.

Brief Job Description: Connecting with potential candidates online and offline, screening applications.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course and preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course. Preferably 6 months to 1 year experience with the recruitment.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course and preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course and preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course. Preferably 6 months to 1 year experience with the recruitment.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course. Preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course and preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course and preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course and preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course. Preferably 6 months to 1 year experience with the recruitment.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course and preferably 6 months to 1 year experience in the same industry.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of any college course. Preferably 6 months to 1 year experience with the recruitment.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Jan 12, 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.