BusinessMirror January 25, 2024 by BusinessMirror

Go vows to help biz cut through red tape, clarify unclear rules B A E. S J @andreasanjuan

T COLLABORATING FOR PROGRESS

Frederick Go, the Secretary of the Office of the Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs, and Director General Ernesto V. Perez of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) inaugurated the Anti-Red Tape campaign at the Economic & Ease of Doing Business briefing held at Manila Hotel on Wednesday, January 24. With the theme “Charting Progress through Strategic Investment and Boosting Economic Opportunities,” the EODB Briefing was another avenue for collaboration between the government and private sectors, facilitating the promotion of government programs aimed at stimulating economic growth and boosting both local and foreign investments in the country. NONIE REYES

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HE Investment and Economic Affairs unit under the Office of the President said it aims to work with Congress in addressing bureaucratic issues within investment promotion agencies (IPAs) on the processing of incentive applications and VAT-related rules, among others. During the Economic and Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Briefing organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) on Wednesday, Frederick Go, Secretary for Office of the Special Assistant to the President

for Investment and Economic Affairs (Osapiea) emphasized that while the country “has made significant strides in creating a conducive environment for investments, there is much work to be done for the country to be globally competitive.” With this, he said his office is working with Congress to “bring back certainty in our laws” so as to provide confidence to investors of “predictability” in the implementation of policies that aim to protect their investments. “We want to restore the powers of the IPAs such as Peza, BOI, CLARK CDC, SBMA, etc. We want to give the IPAs back their power over the

locators in their respective economic zones,” Go said. Go said this will “enable IPAs to protect companies from regulatory inconsistencies and ambiguities as well as excessive bureaucracy, adding that this will reduce the processing time for incentive applications.” Go also noted that his office is hoping “to clarify and simplify [value-added tax] VAT-related rules.” “We are working with Congress to address ambiguity on the coverage of VAT zero-rating incentives ensuring that the law is clearly worded to avoid room for conflicting interpre-

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A broader look at today’s business

DOF NOT RUSHING NEW TAXES AMID P4.3T GOAL www.businessmirror.com.ph

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 Vol. 19 No. 102

P.  |     | 7 DAYS A WEEK

B R J S. A @reine_alberto  J E Y. A @jearcalas

HE Department of Finance (DOF) is banking on a more efficient and streamlined tax system and better inflation to hit the state’s goal of collecting a record-high of P4.3 trillion in revenues this year, as it is tepid in pushing for new taxes this year.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto stressed on Wednesday that the DOF will not push for new taxes this year as the Bureaus of Customs and Internal Revenue would depend on better performance to generate funds for the state. Recto confirmed that earlier proposals to impose taxes on junk food and higher sweetened beverage tax and other consumption-based taxes are now off the table. Recto pointed out that passing new taxes might be burdensome to the Filipinos amid the current inflation climate of the country. Given this situation, Recto said the BIR and BOC would optimize their performances through “creativity, transparency, and efficiency” in tax and customs administration. “In the immediate term, infla-

tion has to be tamed decisively and kept at bay. Ensuring that prices of goods remain stable and affordable is crucial to further grow the economy, consequently enabling us to boost revenue collection,” he said in a joint press conference with BIR and BOC on Wednesday. “I strongly urge the BIR and BOC to work together as a team in ensuring the ease of paying taxes and eliminating trade barriers that severely impact our supply chains,” he added. This year, the BIR is tasked to collect about P3.05 trillion in revenues while the BOC aims for P1 trillion in earnings. He advised the BIR, the state’s internal revenue collector, to expedite the implementation of the Ease of Paying Taxes Act to ensure S “DOF,” A

DIGITALIZATION BOOSTS LGU 2024 REVENUE BOOST PLAN TAX TAKE DESPITE PANDEMIC

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, along with Bureau of Internal Revenue Philippines (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., and Bureau of Customs PH (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, jointly addressed the media on Wednesday, unveiling strategic initiatives aimed at achieving the P4.3-trillion revenue target for 2024. Recto emphasized a multifaceted approach, saying government’s focus extends beyond imposing new taxes. Instead, the emphasis lies on maximizing efficiency, transparency, and creativity in tax and customs administration to optimize the performance of the two top revenue agencies. FACEBOOK.COM/DOFPH

B S P. M @sam_medenilla

ESPITE the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic, local government unit (LGU) revenue collection rose by 400 percent due to their adoption of ease of doing business (EODB) reforms, including digitalization, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. disclosed LGU collections from taxes, fees and charges reached P208 billion in 2022 from just P50 billion in 2018. “So this really has a big impact—the simplifying of the [payment] process [when] you’re into digital [systems],” Abalos said. LGUs registered the collec-

tion increase even if many establishments have permanently or temporarily shut down their operations starting in 2020 with the onset of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis. The lockdown persisted until 2022. Abalos said the EODB also helped raise the number of registered businesses from 1.3 million to 4.7 million.

Efficient collection and monitoring

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) expects revenue collection to further soar once more LGUs adopt digital payments. Currently, of the 921 cities and municipalities with digital or automated systems, only 15 percent or 222 accept online payment features. S “LGU,” A

Despite a talent crunch, IT-BPM to sustain growth B L S. M @lorenzmarasigan

HE IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry is expected to sustain its growth momentum throughout 2024 on the back of a “seemingly unlimited demand” from clients despite a “severe” shortage in talent supply. In a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, IT-BPM Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President Jack Madrid told reporters that the group expects the industry to grow at a similar pace in 2023. He explained that the year 2023 concluded on a high note for the ITBPM sector, surpassing its targets

with 1.7 million jobs and exceeding $35 billion in revenues. This performance, he said, reflects an 8-percent growth in both employment and revenue figures. The strong momentum is set to continue into 2024, with the industry aiming to hit 1.8 million jobs and garner $39 billion in revenues. “[The year] 2024 is off to a promising start on the back of a very strong momentum,” he said. According to Madrid, the most anticipated milestone for the industry is the crossing of the 2-million job mark by 2025. This goal is significant, he explained, considering that it took S “IT-BPM,” A

PESO EXCHANGE RATES US 56.3010 ■ JAPAN 0.3795 ■ UK 71.4460 ■ HK 7.1979 ■ SINGAPORE 41.9875 ■ AUSTRALIA 37.0348 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 15.0124 ■ EU 61.1147 ■ KOREA 0.0421 ■ CHINA 7.8512 Source: BSP (January 24, 2024)

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Thursday, January 25, 2024

LGU...

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DICT Undersecretary David L. Almirol Jr. explained the online payment systems not only makes it convenient for clients to settle their dues, but also allow LGUs to keep track of delinquent establishments. He said online payments can help increase the revenue collection of LGUs by 20 to 30 percent. “So we will be having a partnership with the Department of Finance [DOF] so they can help in spreading online payment to LGUs,” Almirol said.

eLGU

News

ABALOS said their push to mainstream digitalization is the last phase of the national government’s three-part EODB efforts to make LGUs more business-friendly. The first part of the initiative is for LGUs to streamline their business processes and then establish a business one-stop shop. He noted 85 percent or 1,284 of the cities and municipalities nationwide have streamlined their business processing. The compliance rate for creating one-stop shop is much higher at 92 percent. Adoption of a digital system currently has the lowest compliance rate at just 60 percent. DILG, DICT and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) are trying to address the matter with their electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) system Caravan, a capacity building initiative to help LGUs, which face difficulties in establishing a digital system. The eLGU is complemented by DICT’s free wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) program, which aims to improve internet access nationwide. There are now 25,000 sites covered by the program.

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Israeli soldier of PHL descent dies in Jan. 22 Hamas attack

B M T-B

@maloutalosig

YOUNG Israeli army reservist of Filipino descent was among the 21 soldiers killed in the latest missile attack by the Hamas militants on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza Strip.

The Israel Embassy in Manila identified the fallen soldier as Sgt. First Class (Reserves) Cydrick Garin, 23 years old. “My condolences and sympathy to the family of the first Fallen Israeli-Filipino Hero IDF soldier Cedric Garin...So sad,” Israel Ambassador to Manila Ilan Fluss said. On January 22, Palestinian militants fired rockets on a building where Israeli forces laid explosives. The strike caused the building and another one to collapse, killing 21 IDF soldiers, including Garin. This is the deadliest single attack on Israeli

forces in Gaza since the October 7 war. Ambassador Fluss said Garin was born in the Philippines and migrated to Israel with his mother, Imelda, at the age of 2. Imelda, who hailed from Isabela, worked in Tel Aviv as a cleaner. Two years ago, the Israel Defense Force published Garin’s story. “In Israel he dropped out of school, and began to deteriorate and engage in illegal activities. Five cases were opened against him by the police,” the Israeli envoy said. Then one night, the Israeli police knocked on their door to arrest him

DOF...

ance in a fair manner that favors no one,” Recto said.

C  A

that taxpayers receive value for their contributions by fulfilling its “promise of prompt, efficient, and excellent taxpayer service.” He added that the BIR must run after tax cheats and bring action against them in the court. “This administration will intensify its campaign for tax compli-

Taxpayer education

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the bureau will intensify taxpayers’ education to improve “tax compliance” by the Filipinos. The BOC, meanwhile, must channel all efforts towards significantly enhancing trade facilitation and strengthening border control to curb smuggling, Recto said. Recto said the BOC is working

for violence. His mother opened the door. This became the turning point of Garin’s life. “I asked her not to see how I was handcuffed. She started crying. Suddenly I saw how hard I was making it difficult for her, and how alone she felt. After that, he enlisted in the IDF,” Fluss quoted the young Garin as saying. Before Garin ended his military service in 2021, he received an award “for his outstanding role as a soldier in the Givati Brigade.” When the Hamas attacked last October 7, Garin was one of thousands of reservists who were called to service. His mother wrote in November: “I ask the Father for nothing but

your security. He will guide you, protect you and watch over you in the war.” Upon hearing the bad news Tuesday night, Imelda posted on her Facebook: “Nak paano kakayanin ang lahat ngayon wala ka na? Nak i’m gonna missed you so much...I Love you nak...di kita makakalimutan.... The Israel Embassy in Manila, as well as the Philippine Embassy in TelAviv, are facilitating the travel of Garin’s father from General Santos to Israel. “Israel shares the profound grief of Sgt. Garin’s family and the Filipino community. Our commitment is strong to support his loved ones during this challenging time,” the Embassy said. Photo courtesy of IDF

to implement an integrated system for pre-border verification and invoicing to reduce smuggling and misdeclaration. “The BOC should do everything in its power to shore up our defenses from the infiltration of illegal drugs, substandard products and other harmful commodities,” he said. BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the bureau will enhance its Enhanced Value Reference Information System (eVRIS), which determines whether the declared value made by the importer represents the transaction value when sold for export to the Philippines, to improve its collection efficiency. Rubio added that the BOC will strengthen its border control by engaging and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to protect the goods passing through the ports as well as streamlining its processes through digitalization.

erate their digital transformation programs and embrace constant innovation. By continuously improving the way we do things, we will better serve our nations,” he added.

Digitalization

RECTO, who was appointed as Finance secretary last January 15, added that digitalization would remain a priority of both the BOC and BIR in improving their collection efforts. “To ensure the utmost efficiency in revenue generation, both the BIR and the BOC must safeguard the integrity of their operations by putting an end to corruption,” he said. “In addition, digitalization is key to achieving a truly modern and more effective governance. I urge the BIR and the BOC to accel-

IT-BPM...

C  A

over a decade to reach the first million jobs, and the industry is now set to double that figure in nearly half the time. “The industry is alive and kicking, and I am happy to say and I am confident in saying that we are an indispensable pillar of the economy,” he said. By 2028, Madrid said, the industry should have generated 2.5 million jobs in the Philippines. The industry has been recognized as a key contributor to job generation, revenue, and foreign exchange by the administration of President Marcos Jr. Relative to the economy, the industry, according to Madrid, has the “highest” contribution to the gross national product “And that only highlights how major an economic pillar we are. If we achieved all our goals, we will increase our present 8-percent contribution to 9 percent—by far the highest contrition to GNP to our country,” Madrid said. He noted that the industry has

No new taxes this year

RECTO reiterated that he will not push for new taxes this year that would be burdensome to the public and cause inflationary pressures. “As to imposing new taxes, frankly speaking, there are no plans of imposing additional new taxes. I think our first job is to collect what is on the table,” he said. “And that is why we are planning with the BIR and the BOC to improve [their] efficiency. How do we collect more from the current taxes imposed in the tax code?” he added. Nonetheless, Recto pointed out that he would continue to pursue and “refine” the tax proposals started already by the DOF. “We are tweaking them because I think now that the inflationary environment is a bit high, [and] sometimes [if] you impose additional taxes, it is inflationary as well. So, the fine-tuning will be on what is fairer, what is easy to collect and what is practical,” Recto said. Recto also disclosed that one of the tax proposals they are tweaking is the proposed road users tax to make it less burdensome to motor vehicle users since they already face multiple taxes such as excise and value-added tax. now embraced the new future of work—hybrid set ups—and is now gearing up to leverage new technologies such as generative AI to beef up the workforce. The industry is also focused on sustaining its growth prioritizing talent development, including upskilling the existing workforce and aligning educational curricula with the evolving job market. This is also related to the number one challenge that the industry faces today: Talent acquisition. “I view it as an opportunity cost of maximizing our marketshare. When we speak to members, the most common challenge that they describe is being able to hire the talent that they need. So talent supply is really a severe issue. But the effect, it’s hard to quantify the opportunity cost and certainly not a loss of revenue—the opportunity cost of not being able to maximize the number of jobs and revenue,” Madrid explained. This, he noted, was the same challenge that the industry faced in 2023. “We grew 8 percent last year. Maybe we could have grown more than that if we had the talent,” he lamented.

Go...

C  A

tations by the implementing agencies,” Go added. The president’s economic czar explained that this “must streamline the VAT-refund process by limiting required documents and reasons for denial to those specified by law, and allowing claimants the opportunity to request for reconsideration before a final decision is made.” Meanwhile, Go said his office is also working with Congress to specifically state that “non-income tax based incentives particularly VATzero rating, VAT exemption and duty exemption are not subject to the sunset period and that registered business enterprises may enjoy them for as long as they are registered in good standing with an IPA.” To protect “pre-CREATE” enterprises from the effects of changing laws and tax incentives, Go said they are considering pushing for a sunset period of 12 years to enjoy pre-CREATE incentives. On top of these reforms, Go said his office aims to prioritize “potential” reforms aimed at addressing “long-standing” issues in Customs administration to curb smuggling, reduce misdeclarations and to prevent substandard goods. “Through the proposed implementation of green border inspection and digitalized invoicing, we hope to institute a proper and efficient oversight of tradable goods coming into the country,” Go noted. This, he said, will signal the country’s commitment to “openness, efficiency and transparency,” encouraging local and foreign investors alike to bet on the Philippines.

Priority sectors

APART from these reforms, Go also listed the priority sectors of his office. These include mining, particularly nickel and copper, semiconductors, agriculture, steel, and the pharmaceutical industry. For mining, he said, “we have to shorten the processing time to get exploration projects rolling. And in a simplistic way, follow the roadmap that Indonesia has taken for downstream nickel processing.” In the area of semiconductors and microelectronics, he said, “We are targeting to boost what we are already good at—more assembly, more testing and more packaging and growing the higher value product which is design and perhaps a prototype.” On agriculture, the president’s economic czar said, “We are looking at the obvious which is boosting production of every possible commodity that we can.” He added that there is a need to increase postharvest facilities and improve the logistical chain to bring agriculture products to the market. Calling it “basic and necessary” to grow, Go recognized the need to boost the steel industry. In developing the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, the president’s economic czar said his office aims “to bring down the costs of medicine and healthcare for everybody in the Philippines.” The Osapiea is engaging with key national government agencies as well as foreign embassies and chambers to realize the investments in these priority industries. In December 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. created a new office, to serve as the government “troubleshooter” for its investment and economic priorities and initiatives. In his three-page Executive Order (EO) No. 49, Marcos created the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (Osapiea) under the Office of the President (OP). Marcos said he created this office to “further strengthen the existing mechanisms for formulation, coordination and implementation of the Government’s economic initiatives, plans, policies and programs, as well as to establish a robust monitoring system to ensure a holistic and cohesive approach to addressing the diverse economic challenges currently confronting the nation.” (Full story here: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/12/18/pbbm-appointsfrederick-go-as-special-assistant-forinvestment-and-economic-affairs/)

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 A3

EXPANDING TO ILOILO? TAKE A LOOK AT THIS OFFICE ADDRESS IN ILOILO BUSINESS PARK The 19-story International Corporate Plaza inside Megaworld’s 72-hectaere Iloilo Business Park gives businesses the edge of being in a prime location to establish or expand their presence in Western Visayas

By Ray Ignacio

LOILO City has become an attractive destination for businesses and enterprises wanting to strengthen their presence in the Visayas. Serving as an entry point to various provinces in the region, Iloilo boasts one of the most competitive economies in the entire Western Visayas. At the heart of Iloilo’s economic emergence is Iloilo Business Park, property giant Megaworld’s 72-hectare integrated township development that features one of the most diverse landscapes in the entire province. The township hosts a variety of themed residential condominiums, a full-scale lifestyle mall—Festive Walk Iloilo, which was named the “Mall of the Year” across the region during last year’s Retail Asia Awards in Singapore—museums, and several state-of-the-art office developments that top local and multinational firms call their home in Iloilo. One of the latest office developments launched inside Iloilo Business Park that offers prime units for sale is the 19-story International Corporate Plaza. Dubbed as the most modern and state-of-the-art office tower in the entire Western Visayas, International Corporate Plaza (ICP) features office spaces ranging from 25 square

meters to 64 square meters where companies, including entrepreneurs, can establish and strengthen a strategic presence in the region. With an average price of Php 205,000 per square meter, the tower will house ‘managed facilities’ at the 6th level, which include two Boardrooms, three meeting rooms, co-working and breakout areas, an Executive Lounge, and a Skygarden. “ICP gives businesses a prime presence in Iloilo City as it is located along Megaworld Boulevard and inside the ninehectare Commercial and Boutique Hotel District in the township. This office tower will be just a short walk away from worldclass hotels, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, and soon Belmont Hotel Iloilo, as well as the awardwinning Festive Walk Iloilo,” says Jennifer Palmares-Fong, first vice president for sales and marketing, Megaworld Visayas. Featuring amenities that answer the demands of modern businesses today, the new office tower will be fiber optic-ready and will come equipped with its own seismic detection and monitoring system, building management system (BMS), 24hour Security and Fire Command Center, fire security system, and a 100% back-up power facility. ICP also features a four-level parking podium, as well as retail spaces

Having a space at International Corporate Plaza puts businesses at a strategic advantage as part of the thriving landscape of Iloilo Business Park.

Employees, particularly those from creative companies, can enjoy a more casual work setup from the co-working space at the sixth floor of ICP.

Iloilo Business Park hosts an array of business and investment opportunities for those wanting to bring or expand their businesses in Western Visayas.

Get a quick look at the exciting surrounding landscape from the Executive Lounge of International Corporate Plaza.

and an arcade area on the ground floor. Keycard-enabled turnstiles will provide enhanced security for the building’s main lobby, and RFID cards will be used to secure the parking areas. Aside from the skygardens, the International Corporate Plaza will also be highlighted by other green and sustainability features that include the use of LED lighting in the tower’s common areas such as hallways, lobby, and amenity floor; use of dual flushtype water closets in common toilets, and a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) for proper waste segregation and recycling. ICP is just among the latest developments to rise inside Iloilo Business Park, one of the 31 township developments across the country from Megaworld. Megaworld Corporation is the only Philippine real estate development company to earn a ‘Hall of Fame’ distinction as ‘Best Developer’ after winning the Outstanding Developer Award at the Property and Real Estate Excellence Award by FIABCI Philippines for three straight years (2015, 2016, and 2017). The company was also named the ‘Best Developer’ at the prestigious Philippines Property Awards by PropertyGuru for three consecutive years (2016, 2017, and 2018).

Thursday, January 25, 2024

The Nation

PBBM extends PUV franchise consolidation till April 30, ‘24 By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz , @joveemarie

Butch Fernandez, @butchfBM

& Samuel Medenilla @sam_medenilla

R ESIDEN T Ferd ina nd R . Ma rcos Jr. on Wed nesd ay approved t he three-month e x tension for t he consol id at ion of f ra nc h i ses for publ ic ut i l it y vehic les. In a statement, Presidential Communication Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy V. Garafil said the President made the decision based on the recommendation of Transportion Secretary Jaime J. Bautista. “This extension is to give an opportunity to those who expressed intention to consolidate but did not make the previous cut-off,” Garafil said. She said the new deadline for the franchise consolidation is now on April 30, 2024. The President made the announcement after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on its website that more than 300 jeepney routes in Metro Manila alone still have not consolidated entities.

The House Committee on Transportation also on Wednesday endorsed a resolution urging President to reconsider the expired deadline of December 31, 2023 for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUV). The resolution, proposed by Santa Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez and approved during the panel’s recent inquiry, called for an extension of the consolidation period “until the government formulates a concrete plan to address major issues” within the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP). “While the intention of the PUVMP is beyond question and considering that the modernization of public transportation is long overdue, the needed reforms must be done in accordance with law and due process to ensure the protection of the affected stakeholders and the riding public in general,” the resolution read. The panel also recommended that the government conduct an information campaign to facilitate the smooth implementation of the program, but cautioned against prematurely implementing directives with irreversible consequences. Lawmakers emphasized the urgency of passing the resolution, as unconsolidated PUVs will be deemed

colorum, or illegal, starting February 1. The PUVMP seeks to replace old PUVs, including jeepneys, with modern ones beginning January 2024. TheLTFRB has revealed that 38,000 out of 150,867 PUVs opted not to participate in the consolidation process. During the panel hearing investigating the PUV Modernization Program, Kabataan Rep. Manuel pointed out the “misleading” government data on the ownership and production of modern jeepneys. “While there are nearly 5,000 PUV units classified as locally manufactured or assembled, many of their mother companies are from other countries. In reality, 93 percent of all modern PUV units are from foreign companies,” said Manuel. Meanwhile, he said local auto manufacturers present at the hearing, like Sarao and Francisco Motors, vouched that jeepney units can be produced cheaply by local companies without relying primarily on imports. “It turns out that Filipino companies are capable of producing more cost-effectively. W hy aren’t they prioritized? It seems they were intentionally overlooked to allow entry to foreign auto manufacturers. This serves as evidence that this program

Defense program to procure new radars, planes, submarines OKed By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the multibillion-peso Armed Forces modernization program to buy additional radars, fighter jets and possibly submarines to improve the country’s capability to deter threats from foreign aggressors. Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” C. Teodoro Jr. said the third phase of the 15-year AFP Modernization Program called ReHorizoned 3 would focus on “area denial”—a key defense strategy to limit foreign intrusion into the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Rise and the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. “We are embarking into what we call the ReHorizoned 3—capability enhancement and modernization program, which the President recently approved an array of capabilities which will range from our domain awareness, our connectivity, our

[Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Information/Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance] or C4iSTAR, to our area denial and deterrence capabilities on both the maritime and the aerial domains,” Teodoro said during the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Defense Night. Teodoro did not say how much President Marcos Jr. has approved from their proposed Rehorizoned 3 program, which will run from the years 2023 to 2027. Earlier reports said the AFP projected ReHorizoned 3 budget to be $4 billion (P225 billion) to purchase multi-role aircraft, ships, unmanned vehicles, intelligence and surveillance systems, communications, personal protective equipment, and weapon systems. With the acquisition of more defense materiel, Teodoro warned proponents against treating the DND and AFP as merely

“vendee.” “The Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will not be a vendor’s paradise. We will not consider ourselves a vendee, but a client. We will demand performance from all our proponents. We will be intolerant of any delays. We will bring out our requirements and not shop for a product and let operators tailor their products to our requirements, which needs a long-term relationship with a proponent,” he said. However, he lamented the AFP Modernization law is “flawed,” which requires “very tedious and cumbersome process” in acquiring modern weaponry. “When the time comes that it [equipment] is funded, then the technology is more often than not obsolete,” Teodoro said. But he said the DND has also asked Congress and the Department of Budget and Management for additional funding for

DFA ready to provide legal assistance to 2 Pinoy murder suspects in Japan

HE Department of Foreign Affairs is ready to provide legal assistance to the two Filipinos who are being held in Japan in connection with the murder of a Japanese couple near Tokyo. Quoting Japanese police, Japanese media identified the Filipino suspects as Hazel Ann Baguisa Morales and Bryan Jefferson Lising dela Cruz. However, the DFA refused to identify the Filipino suspects and provide more details

about the case, citing strict data privacy laws in Japan. According to Kyodo News, a Japanese couple was found dead inside their residence in Tokyo’s Adachi Ward last week. They were found on the bathroom floor in their home with multiple stab wounds. Japanese investigators said the injuries of the 55-year old victim Norihiro Takahashi indicated that he struggled before he died. The wife, identified as Kimie, also died from

stab wounds. Tokyo police first arrested the 30-year old Filipina after being sighted in the CCTV camera in the vicinity of the house of the Japanese couple last January 16. Morales is reportedly the girlfriend of the son of the slain Japanese couple. “Morales denies the allegations, investigators said,” Kyodo reported. Then the police arrested Dela Cruz, apparently an “acquaintance of Morales.”

CLARIFICATION

A NEWS item published on this page on January 22, 2024 entitled “Closure of ‘polluting’ firms in Pampanga town pushed,” mentioned that polluting lead smelting operations are operating in “warehouses that are part of an industrial park that operate under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).”

leans towards foreign interests and corporations. Such modernization programs should be discarded. What we aim for is a people-centered transportation system based on national industrialization,” added Manuel. Earlier, Teofilo Guadiz III, the chairperson of the LTFRB, said two local manufacturers—Francisco Motors and Sarao—sell updated jeepneys for P980,000. Modernized jeepneys can cost anywhere between P1.6 million and P2.8 million.

‘Full report’ BEYOND its repeated assurances that it has everything under control, the LTFRB was prodded to publish a complete list of routes that are expected to experience a shortage of jeepneys starting February 1, when so-called “unconsolidated jeepneys” will be banned from plying their routes. Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, proposed, “instead of just training its sights on the crackdown of unconsolidated jeepneys, concerned agencies must prioritize contingency measures to ensure that the mobility of our commuting public will not be hampered.” In a statement Wednesday, Poe pointed out that “every day, we hear commuters express their anxiety about the possibility of the lack of PUVs or spending more for alternative modes of transportation, which many would find painful on the pocket.”

“maintenance and operations” in order to use, to train, and to have greater exposure and mobility in the West Philippine Sea “where we cannot tolerate violations of our territorial integrity and sovereignty by anyone.” ReHorizoned 3, he said, is anchored on the new mission that the DND has formulated called “Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.” “The Armed Forces will transition initially to enable itself to guarantee, as much as possible, Philippine nationals, Philippine corporations, and those authorized by the Philippine government, the unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources within our exclusive economic zone and other areas where we have jurisdiction. “So rather than an inward-looking defense concept, we are evolving into a defense concept which projects our power into our areas where we must, by constitutional fiat and duty, protect and preserve our resources,” Teodoro explained. The Filipino is a technical trainee from Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo. Japanese media reported that the two Filipinos might face charges of “corpse abandonment.” The Penal Code of Japan criminalizes the act of abandoning a corpse, with at least three years of prison terms. “The Department of Foreign Affairs assures the public that all efforts will be made so that the rights of our nationals will be protected,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza told reporters. Malou Talosig-Bartolome This should be clarified. The Global Aseana Business Park, a location cited in a related BusinessMirror article published on November 10, 2023 (“Environment groups to probe reported lead pollution in Pampanga, other areas”), is not a PEZA economic zone. No warehouses or industrial parks are operating under PEZA in San Simon, Pampanga.

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

Marcos: 1987 Constitution not written for a globalized world

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday announced he is open to amending the 1987 Constitution to open up more businesses to foreign ownership. But he was quick to add he is against any Charter change covering land ownership and political term limits, at least for now. In an exclusive interview with GMA News last Tuesday, the Chief Executive disclosed he would support initiatives in Congress to update the economic provisions of the Constitution. “The 1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world. And that is where we are now. So we have to adjust so that we can increase the economic activity within the Philippines,” the President pointed out. He said a good way to encourage investments in the country is to allow foreign entities to own firms, except in critical areas, such as power generation, media, and other strategic areas. “That [critical sector] is what we have to decide. Where we’ll draw the line and how much,” Marcos said. Th e P re s i d e n t d i d n o t m e n t i o n which sectors that may be affected by the amendment but under the Public Service Act and its implementing rules and regulation, 100 percent foreign ownership is allowed for public services, such as railways, airports, expressways and telecommunications. Some public utilities like electricity distribution and transmission, seaports, water pipeline distribution and sewerage, still have 40 percent foreign ownership restriction.

Mass displacement

THE President said he is against allowing foreigners to own land since it will cause mass displacements. “The rich foreigners will come in. They will pay big money to buy that land and the value of the land will go up and the old residents cannot pay for the real-estate tax because it is already beyond their market so they will be evicted. I don’t think I agree with that,” Marcos said.

He also has the same sentiment with term extension for politicians since he noted it could make the issue of Charter change, which is already facing stiff opposition from the Senate and other groups, more convoluted. “I do not want to jeopardize the success of the amendments of the economic provisions by putting in other issues. Let us keep the issue clear. That is the way to do it,” Marcos said. The term limits, he said, can be considered after the changes in the economic provisions of the Constitution.

ULAP backs Cha-cha proposal

T H E Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the umbrella organization of all leagues of local government units (LGU) and locally elected government officials in the country, threw it support behind the proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution. In a recent resolution, ULAP cited the need for more responsive, accountable, and updated governmental frameworks that would enable LGUs to fully harness their potential in fostering local development and contributing to national progress. ULAP added that amending the Constitution is necessary to help the country “align and address current realities,” particularly on issues brought about by the evolving economic landscape, rapid technological advancements, and heightened global interconnectedness after the 1987 Constitution was ratified. “We in ULAP believe that the country could benefit from Charter change as it would make both the national government and LGUs more flexible and dynamic, which are necessary amid the rapidly changing environment,” ULAP president and Quirino governor Dax Cua said. ULAP also said that through the enactment of a new Constitution, it endeavors to improve local bureaucracy, empower LGUs in resource mobilization and infrastructure development, foster better intergovernmental cooperation, and bolster futureproof local development. Samuel P. Medenilla

DSWD and LGUs told to ensure prompt, scam-free distribution of ‘ayuda’ for poor

MID the alleged “ayuda scam” in Davao Region discussed during a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Order on Tuesday, January 23, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the need for equitable and transparent distribution of government aid to poor and indigent Filipinos. Go, vice chairperson of the said committee, opened his address by reaffirming his support for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) programs that provide assistance to the underprivileged. He however appealed to DSWD to ensure immediate, fair, clean and politics-free aid distributions to achieve its mandate of uplifting the lives of the poor. His statement is in response to claims that beneficiaries only get a percentage of the allocated amount of educational assistance due them from DSWD. Furthermore, the aid was allegedly distributed during the period when such programs were put on hold due to the conduct of the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. In his questioning, Go sought clarity on the DSWD’s actions to safeguard public funds intended to aid the poor. He asked them to ensure the rightful beneficiaries receive assistance without any deductions or political interference. Go also highlighted the need for thorough

coordination between agencies mandated to implement programs to aid the poor such as DSWD’s Assistance to Indigents in Crisis Situations (AICS), and local government units when it comes to validating target beneficiaries and ensuring seamless implementation on the ground. The senator explained the distinction between the national-level DSWD and local entities like the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO or MSWDO), which operate under local government units (LGUs) and are appointed by mayors or governors. He emphasized the need to prevent selective distribution and favoritism to ensure that the impoverished are not exploited. Go also addressed the role of LGUs in the selection and distribution process, emphasizing the difference in cases where the DSWD directly pays out aid versus when LGUs handle the payments. “I’m saying this, mayor, alam ko naman na gusto ninyo din po tulungan ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan, unahin po natin , tell your CSWD, MSWD or PSWD ninyo na unahin yung mga mahihirap at wag maging selective sa pagpili,” he advised. Go then made a heartfelt plea to the DSWD and concerned authorities to prioritize the needs of the less fortunate, especially those affected by calamities, disasters and other crises such as fires. He asked the DSWD to act swiftly and without political bias.

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

FFCCCII lauds PBBM’s move declaring February 9 special non-working holiday By Rizal Raoul Reyes @brownindio

HE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) led by its chairman Dr. Cecilio Pedro, on Tuesday night thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the issuance of Proclamation No. 453, declaring February 9, 2024, Friday, as a special non-working holiday, marking the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year. The President’s move, he said, would bring multifaceted benefits for the Philippines, encompassing economic, diplomatic, tourism, and cultural dimensions. “The FFCCCII recognizes the potential positive economic impact of this decision, as it opens avenues to attract Chinese and Asian tourists to the country, capitalizing on China and East Asia’s robust tourism markets. This aligns with the national interest of promoting the Philippines as a prime tourist destination,” Dr. Pedro said in a news statement. “Diplomatically, this gesture serves as a tangible expression of goodwill towards our traditional ally and largest trade partner, China. It reaffirms the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Chinese nation, rooted in a history spanning over a millennium. The declaration also resonates positively with other Asian nations like Korea,

Vietnam and others, which also celebrate this festival as their most important holiday, thus fostering regional harmony and cooperation,” Dr. Pedro added. He said the country’s tourism, with vast potentials for economic growth, stands to gain significantly. By positioning the Philippines as a destination for celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year, the country can become a preferred choice for Chinese and Asian tourists, as this will contribute to an increase in tourist arrivals, job creation, investments promotions and economic prosperity. Dr. Pedro said the recognition of the Chinese Lunar New Year as an official national holiday symbolizes the Philippines’ commitment to cultural diversity. By celebrating and acknowledging the importance of this festival for the Filipino Chinese community, he said it signifies the acceptance of the country’s Chinese cultural heritage, further enriching the Filipino nation’s multicultural fabric and democracy. The FFCCCII also complimented the President for his foresight in declaring this special non-working holiday. “This visionary move not only enhances economic prospects but also strengthens diplomatic ties, the country’s international reputation, promotes tourism, and fosters cultural inclusivity,” Dr. Pedro pointed out.

Sen. Villar honors great solid waste management advocate

ENATOR Cynthia Villar expressed hope that people will see the vision of “Linis Ganda” of the late Leonarda Nava-

to Camacho or simply “Narda,” a great environmentalist. She said Linis Ganda is a vision where every sector of our society

Economy

Thursday, January 25, 2024

DTI approves price hike for 9 SKUs in SRP bulletin By Andrea E. San Juan

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved price increase requests from manufacturers of 9 stock-keeping units (SKUs), which include canned sardines, powdered milk and toilet soap. On Wednesday, DTI-Consumer Protection Group Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said the agency has approved another round of price increase requests, which include some manufacturers of canned sardines, powdered milk, and toilet soap. In a Viber message sent to reporters, Nograles said that four out of 15 SKUs of canned sardines in the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin posted an average of 14 to 15 percent increase or an increase of P2.69 to P2.73. For powdered milk, one out of five SKUs in the SRP bulletin posted an average of 9 percent increase or a P6 increase. For toilet soap, four out of 10 items in the price list of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs), posted a 10-percent price

increase or by P1.50. Nograles said these requests have been approved by the DTI last January 17.With this, the agency has so far approved price adjustments of 18 SKUs out of the 63 items that have pending price adjustments with DTI. Meanwhile, the remaining 45 notices of price adjustments include milk, bread, instant noodles, bottled water, processed canned meat, canned beef, condiments, candles, and batteries. For products with pending notices of price adjustments, Nograles also bared the price range increase requests of manufacturers. She noted that milk manufacturers are asking for a range of as low as P3.50 to as high as P6. For bread, manufacturers seek around P2 to P2.50 of price increase. However, Nograles said that for bread, the DTI is yet to approve the requests of manufacturers because they have not yet submitted supporting documents. Other pending price increase requests are the following: For instant noodles, P0.30 to P1.75; bottled water, P1.00 to P6.00;

candles, P6.00 to P30. In implementing the price increases of basic goods, Nograles explained that the updated prices on the DTI website are based on the manufacturers’ feedback. She explained that upon issuance of letters of concurrence or approval to manufacturers, they will be given around one month to implement the price increases to give them time to update their respective price lists, and ample time to notify supermarkets of the updated prices. Meanwhile, with “shrinkflation” as the trend in consumer products nowadays, Nograles said governments of other countries are requiring signages to highlight the grammage change if there would be no price increase in a commodity. Nograles said the DTI is currently studying this practice as the agency plans to replicate this in the country. “Pinagaaralan natin kung pwede tayo magkaroon ng regulation sa pag lalagay ng signage para mabilis maalerto ang consumer kung meron pagbabago sa timbang na walang pagbabago sa pres yo,” Nograles said.

Shrinkflation means there is a reduction in the size, weight or grammage of the product while its price remains the same. The DTI has so far approved pr ice adju st ment s of m a nufacturers of coffee, salt, toilet soap, canned sardines, and powdered m i l k . (Related stor y: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/01/18/dti-oks-firstwa ve- of-p r ice- cha nge s-forskus-of-goods/) The agency said it is aiming to release an updated SRP by March 2024. The last time it updated the price list for basic goods was in February 2023. Meanwhile, at the same briefing, Nograles emphasized that the agency is studying whether to change its price monitoring system to balance the interests of consumers and businesses. “Ang sinasabi namin sa DTI whether kailangan ba ganun na regular sya [SRP bulletin] ilalabas or ilalabas lang sya sa panahon ng kalamidad kung may price freeze? Ano yung magiging effective way to protect consumers and for businesses to have fair trade and competition?”

lives out the values of waste segregation, composting, and recycling, reaping the benefits of a clean and healthy environment. “Narda’s lasting legacy is measured not just by the policies she helped shape, such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and the Philippine Clean Air Act,

or the accolades she earned, like the United Nations Merit Award, the Most Inspiring Woman from the Philippine Commission on Women, the Ilaw ng Tahanan Award from Meralco, the Woman of Global Distinction Award, and the Rotary International Service Award,” said Villar.

“Her foresight and drive for sustainable living have inspired a movement that drives forward environmental stewardship,” she added. The chairperson of the Senate environment committee noted t hat Ca mac ho’s e xcept iona l work, particularly in efficient solid waste management, has

influenced and set a benchmark in the field. She likewise acknowledged Camacho for having been a significant influence in shaping her own environmental programs, which have been providing livelihood opportunities to many of our marginalized communities nationwide.

@andreasanjuan

BusinessMirror

Thursday, January 25, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

21TH CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Ground Floor, No.28 Lot 12 Blk 94, R. Papa Ave. Cor. P. Garcia St. Phase 6, Afpovai, Western Bicutan, City Of Taguig

LI, MEILIU Project Supervisor Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. LIU, MINGHE Project Supervisor Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. WANG, CHUNHUANG Project Supervisor Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. JIANG, LULU Site Inspector Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. LIU, ZHENYU Site Inspector Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

Basic Qualification: Can fluently speak Chinese Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Improving system efficiency by consulting with endusers and providing innovative solutions.

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

Brief Job Description: Improving system efficiency by consulting with endusers and providing innovative solutions.

16.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese / Mandarin fluently.

17.

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

18.

Brief Job Description: Preserves order and may act to enforce regulations and directives for the site pertaining to personnel visitors and premises.

SIEW PEI JU Mandarin Speaking Financial Supervisor 9.

Brief Job Description: Supervise financial and accounting processes and ensure adherence to company policy.

19.

10.

Brief Job Description: Create, communicate and implement the organization’s overall direction.

SHARMA, NISHA Country Commercial Lead Philippines

20.

11.

Brief Job Description: Specializes in video verifications, investigations and risk management. Responsible for fraud investigations, identify verification and authenticates fraudulent documents and invoices.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder with at least 10 years of senior management experience in a related industry.

BEH XIN WEI Host, Premium Services

12.

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

LIM KEM LEANG Malaysian Customer Service Representative 13.

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

CUNG VAN LOI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 14.

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

Brief Job Description: Providing high quality services to our gaming customers as front runners of Solaire resort and casino project a good image and goodwill of the company.

CHU THANH LOI Customer Service Representative 22.

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from end-users via both telephone and work orders. HOANG THI DIEP Customer Service Representative

23.

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from end-users via both telephone and work orders. NGUYEN VAN THUY Customer Service Representative

24.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a related field, proficient in Chinese-Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from end-users via both telephone and work orders. TAO, YU Customer Service Representative

25.

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from end-users via both telephone and work orders.

26.

FAKOWICZ, LUKASZ ADAM Multilingual Service Desk Member Brief Job Description: Provide technical support in Finnish language.

27.

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

HANSEN, MORTEN ALEXANDER CABALLA Multilingual Service Desk Member Brief Job Description: Provide technical support in Norwegian language.

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

29.

28.

JONSSON, RICKARD STIG JOHAN Multilingual Service Desk Member Brief Job Description: Provide technical support in Swedish language.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LÖGDBERG, WILLIAM GUSTAV Multilingual Service Desk Member Brief Job Description: Provide technical support in Swedish language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language.

30.

NILSSON, ULF GOERAN EINAR Multilingual Service Desk Member Brief Job Description: Provide technical support in Swedish language.

31.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of senior managerial experience in a related industry.

ØSTBYE, BJØRN HENRIK Multilingual Service Desk Member Brief Job Description: Provide technical support in Norwegian language.

WANG, ZHILI Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 32.

Brief Job Description: Monitor network performance and troubleshoots problem areas as required.

WANG, YANG Administrative Manager 33.

Brief Job Description: Preparing & Reviewing operational Report (Mandarin & English) Leading the Hiring & Training. LIU ZEWEN Project Development Officer

34.

35.

36.

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

Brief Job Description: Review and Analyze project bids and budgets for accuracy, quality control and compliance. BAI, HUBING TBM Operator/TBM Mechanic Brief Job Description: Maintain and clean the TBM injection system.

37.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage all on site installation repair maintenance & test task of tunnel boring machine (TBM). JIA, SHOUZHEN TBM Specialist

38.

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

Brief Job Description: Skilled operator of the machine adjusting the torque of the rotating cutting wheel & screw conveyor. CAO, HONGQI TBM Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Manage all on site installation repair maintenance & test tasks of tunnel boring machine (TBM). WANG, HENG Technical Manager

39.

Brief Job Description: Managing, organizing, planning & coordination the operations of the project.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in written and verbal communication in English language and excellent knowledge of Norwegian language; Proficient in computer and technical skills.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in written and verbal communication in English language and excellent knowledge of Swedish language; Proficient in computer and technical skills. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or related field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, or related field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Technical experience in TBM and tunnel construction experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Technical experience in TBM and tunnel construction experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Technical experience in TBM and tunnel construction experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Technical experience in TBM and tunnel construction experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Construction Management. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CRONYX INC. 6-12, 15-19/f Royal Peak Tower A, 485 Quirino Avenue, Tambo, City Of Parañaque WANG, LIN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

Basic Qualification: Proficient in written and verbal communication in English language and excellent knowledge of Polish language; Proficient in computer and technical skills.

Basic Qualification: Degree in any related field 1-2 years of experience.

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

GAO, HAIPING TBM Operator/TBM Mechanic

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, both oral and written.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in written and verbal communication in English language and excellent knowledge of Norwegian language; Proficient in computer and technical skills.

CHINA COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 21st Floor Menarco Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Proven professional experience.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, both oral and written.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in written and verbal communication in English language and excellent knowledge of Swedish language; Proficient in computer and technical skills.

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in written and verbal communication in English language and excellent knowledge of Swedish language; Proficient in computer and technical skills.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

40.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/she will be assigned to Chinese team. CHEN, LINGFENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

41.

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

CHOAH JUN KEET Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 42.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No.

CGI (PHILIPPINES) INC. 2/f One World Square, Mckinley Hill, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

BLUE-CHIP CENTRAL INC. Units 1-4 11/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D., Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street, Tambo, City Of Parañaque WILIYANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Responsible for achieving economic and social goals for CS in the country, by the right management of the totality of financial resources and the development of the human aspects. Build high performing organization through effective internal communication, identification and development of local talent and appropriate human resources management.

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

Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in Mandarin, at least 6 months of related experience in this field.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

BAYER CROPSCIENCE, INC. 8th Floor Science Hub Tower 1, Campus Avenue Corner Turin Street, Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

21.

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

SUN, YUE Risk Specialist - Mandarin

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

Basic Qualification: High school graduate, at least 18 years old and can speak Mandarin language.

ALLHOME CORP. Lgf Bldg. B Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Rd., Almanza Dos, City Of Las Piñas

POSTHUMUS, DOLF Senior Vp Operations

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. VU, QUI HONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

ACSTREAM MANAGEMENT INC. 9/f Sterling Centre, 131 Dela Rosa Cor. Ormaza Sts., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati NEUPANE, CHANDRA PRASAD Bilingual Security Officer

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

TRAN NGOC GIAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Analyzing and improving the performance of webbased portals. Ensuring that computer hardware remains compatible with software updates. Implementing the latest technological advancements and solutions.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. NGUYEN, VAN SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese / Mandarin fluently. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

NGUYEN THI LAN DUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Can fluently speak Chinese Mandarin.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 WANG, FAJUN Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant

15.

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

ACE VELOCITY CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 406 4/f Vicente Madrigal Bldg., 6793 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

SU, HAOLIN Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant

DAU, TUAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. DENG, ZHISHENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

43.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. DENG, ZHIWEN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

44.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience / Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience and good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience and good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months experience / Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

DONG, XUE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 45.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: End to end partner management from opening to closing sales. Conducting market research and identifying potential clients. Collating and maintaining client information. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HO PHAT MINH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 46.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. HOANG THI HA PHUONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

47.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. HUANG, RONGMO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

48.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. JING, HUIYANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

49.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. PHAN CONG KHANH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

50.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. SAI THEIN HAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

51.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. SUN, MEIJING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

52.

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

TAN, MENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 53.

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

WINSON Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 54.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. WU, ZHIYONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

55.

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

XIAO, TAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 56.

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

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

57.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. YANG, HAOTIAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

58.

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

ZHAO, RUIZHONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 59.

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

ZHOU, YUJUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 60.

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

APRILIA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 61.

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

DENG, CHENGFANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 62.

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

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

LIOW KONG PING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 68.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. TRAN THI LAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

69.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. WANG, MENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

70.

Brief Job Description: Scanning through information to identify pertinent information. WANG, XIAOTIAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

71.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. YIN, ZIXIANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

72.

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

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

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

DUONG THI VAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 73.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Scanning through information to identify pertinent information. Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

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

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: End to end partner management from opening to closing sales. Conducting market research and identifying potential clients. Collating and maintaining client information. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience. Good in oral communication and written.

74.

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

Brief Job Description: Perform retouching and manipulation of images. NGUYEN THI HONG Chinese Speaking HR Associate

75.

Brief Job Description: Communicating with potential job candidates. Contacting candidate references and verifying education listings. ZHANG, CHANGPING Chinese Speaking HR Associate

76.

Brief Job Description: Communicating with potential job candidates. Contacting candidate references and verifying education listings. CHAN, WING FAI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

77.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers; create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team. CHAW HUI YING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

78.

79.

80.

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

84.

85.

Basic Qualification: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials. keeping up to date with design and software trends. Perform retouching and manipulation of images.

86.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspect of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. DEWIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

81.

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

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

87.

88.

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

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

LIN, ZHANYE Chinese Speaking Program Designer 89.

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

LIU, GENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 90.

Brief Job Description: Documents all aspect of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. LIU, HANGJIANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

91.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. LU, SHIXIONG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

92.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspect of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. LY, VAN QUYET Chinese Speaking Program Designer

93.

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

MA, YONGFANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 94.

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

NGUYEN, THI TU UYEN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 95.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience, good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience and good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions. LE, XUAN DAT Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience and good in oral communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software for ongoing maintenance and revisions. JIANG, RUOYUN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience and good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

HUANG, WEIFU Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verify and deploy programs and systems.

HE, PEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written

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

83.

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

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions. GONG, WANJUN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods / Good in oral and written communication.

Basic Qualification: End to end partner management from opening to closing sales. Conducting market research and identifying potential clients. Collating and maintaining client information.

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

82.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION FAN, ZHIFEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months experience / Good in oral communication and written.

No.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 NGUYEN VAN HOANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

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

LI, QING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. With experience in working in human resources.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. KOH JIE FENG a.k.a. XU JIEFENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

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

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. HUANG, HAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. HOI KIAN HOW Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HOANG, THI NGOC LY Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 XIE, ZHAOCAI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

No.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Brief Job Description: Document all aspect of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. QU, HUANHUAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

96.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions. RAHMAD AL WAFI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

97.

98.

99.

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

WU, WENGUI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 100.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience and good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience computer aided design / Good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Review requirement and design changes, determine what parts of software are affected, and direct programming to meet requirements; determine specific components. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer design. With good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer design. With good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Review requirement and design changes, determine what parts of software are affected, and direct programming to meet requirements; determine specific components. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience/Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Review requirement and design changes, determine what parts of software are affected, and direct programming to meet requirements; determine specific components. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience/Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience and good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

A6 A8

BusinessMirror

Thursday, January 25, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION XIAO, QI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

101.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. YANG, SHAOPING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

102.

103.

104.

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

YUAN, XIAOYU Chinese Speaking Program Designer 105.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions.

REN, CHUANG Cihnese Speaking Program Designer 106.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

No.

JIAN, WEILIN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 119.

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

120.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Review requirement and design changes, determine what parts of software are affected, and direct programming to meet requirements; determine specific components.

121.

122.

107.

Brief Job Description: Processing the payments and withdrawals of customers. Using computerized systems to access the details of customers.

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

123.

LU, ZENIAN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 108.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/ she will be assigned to. DO THI NGUYET Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

124.

109.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. KYI KYI KHAING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

110.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. LI, XUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

111.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. LIU, WENGUANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

112.

113.

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

WU, QUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 114.

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

ZHOU, PENGFEI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 115.

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

CHEN, RUI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 116.

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

CHENG, YAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 117.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

FENG, HUIPING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 118.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

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

125.

126.

127.

128.

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

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget. LIU, CHANGGENG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

129.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget. XIE, JINGFANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

130.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials. XU, HAIBIN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

131.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials. YU, JICHUAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

132.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget. YUAN, YIN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

133.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials. MA, LEI Chinese Speaking HR Associate

134.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms. WANG, SANDONG Chinese Speaking HR Associate

135.

Brief Job Description: Managing hr records including, resume, applicant logs, and employee forms. XU, ZHEN Chinese Speaking HR Associate

136.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, resumes, applicant logs, and employee forms. ZHANG, CHUAN Chinese Speaking HR Associate

137.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms. ZHANG, RENHUI Chinese Speaking HR Associate

138.

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

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials LI, PIAO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget. CAO, TUAN ANH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases. AGNES TIONG WAN JUN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients. SHAO, HAONAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases. PENG, LIBO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 8th/f & 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases. NONG, LIHUA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

DA PROSPERITAS HOLDING INC. 2/f National Life Insurances Bldg., 6762 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati FU, XIANGDONG Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients. NGUYEN THI THANH HUYEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services and products. Excellent in Mandarin verbal communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases. LU, HUAKUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases. LI, CHEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms. DANG, THI TRANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

139.

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

No.

DENG, JINZHU Chinese Speaking Program Designer 140.

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

141.

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

142.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions. SONG, LEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

143.

144.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software for ongoing maintenance and revisions. YANG, YUPENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

145.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions. ZENG, CHAO Chinese Speaking Program Designer

146.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, etc., to deliver software solutions. ZHANG, YUSI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

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

147.

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

GAMMA INTERACTIVE INC. 21/f Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

HU, XING Learning & Development Chinese Speaking 148.

Brief Job Description: Identify the current and future skills requirements of an organization.

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

Basic Qualification: With strong skills in the training administration. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

UMANA DE SANCHEZ, ANA GLADYS Senior Collector - Spanish

Basic Qualification: Has a mindset for Continuous improvements.

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

149.

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

MELCO RESORTS LEISURE (PHP) CORPORATION City Of Dreams Manila, Aseana Ave. Cor. Roxas Blvd., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

KANG YEONG YE Senior Host, Resorts & Loyalty Marketing 150.

BUI MANH HUNG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 151.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in verbal and written communication. 152.

153.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 154.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/she will be assigned to chinese team.

PHAM DANH BAO Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 155.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/ she will be assigned to Chinese team.

NGUYEN THI PHUONG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/ she will be assigned to the Chinese team.

NGUYEN THI HONG VAN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/ she will be assigned to Chinese team.

LAM TRUNG HIEU Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

Brief Job Description: Accountable for the recruitment of players to the loyalty program through on floor recruitment and assists with performing membership related transaction at Melco Club.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 1 year of work experience in the customer service industry or any related industry. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

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

Brief Job Description: Executes according to service level agreements.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/she will be assigned to chinese team.

SIAN HUI LOON Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 156.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/she will be assigned to Chinese team.

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

AUNG KO LATT Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 157.

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

No.

LIU, BIXUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 173.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CHEN, XIANSHENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 158.

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

CHENG, ZIXI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 159.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: End to end partner management from opening to closing sales. Conducting market research and identifying potential clients. Collating and maintaining client information.

160.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. DOAN TRONG KY Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

161.

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

DONG, SHAOGUO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 162.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

LUONG VAN HAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 174.

175.

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

DUONG SAM MUI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 163.

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

176.

Basic Qualification: End to end partner management from opening to closing sales. Conducting market research and identifying potential clients. Collating and maintaining client information.

177.

164.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. HAU LY LONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

165.

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

HOANG THI CHINH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 166.

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

LAU LENH KIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 167.

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

LE THI MINH THANH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 168.

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

LE THI NHUNG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 169.

170.

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

LE VAN THUONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information.

LI, PENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 171.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

NGUYEN THI THAO NHU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information.

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

NGUYEN XUAN HOAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 178.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. NGUYEN, VAN DAT Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

179.

Brief Job Description: Assist with drafting business plans, sales pitches, presentations, reference material and other documents as requires. PHAM DUC MINH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

180.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 HA THI HUE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

NGUYEN VAN HOANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. LY THE AN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

181.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners. PHAM THI KIM THU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information

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

PHAN, TRONG BANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 182.

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

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

PHAN, VAN NHAT Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 183.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

SURAINI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

184.

185.

186.

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

VONG THI MY LE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 187.

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

TRAN QUOC TIEN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

TRAN NHAT LINH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

ZHOU, LIXUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 188.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CHEN, GUOFU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk LIEU CHI CUONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 172.

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

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

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CHU THI THU HUONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 190.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

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

DANG VAN KHAI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 191.

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

192.

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

189.

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

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. DO LE QUYNH GIANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

LE THI HANH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 193.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent oral and written communications skills and be able to organize their work using tools.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Scanning through information to identify pertinent information. Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

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

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

LY VAN DAI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 194.

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

Basic Qualification: End to end partner management from opening to closing sales. Conducting market research and identifying potential clients. Collating and maintaining client information.

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

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

MAO, NING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 195.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases. NGUYEN DINH DUAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

196.

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

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. NGUYEN QUANG CUONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

197.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. NGUYEN THI THANH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

198.

Brief Job Description: Scanning through information to identify pertinent information

NHU THI HUONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 199.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

PHAN THI THANH THUY Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 200.

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

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

PHAN XUAN TIEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 201.

202.

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

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

TRAN PHUONG NAM Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 203.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/she will be assigned to Chinese team.

SU, GUOYI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Basic Qualification: Scanning through information to identify pertinent information. Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Scanning through information to identify pertinent information. Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

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

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for length periods. Good in oral and written communication.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 DANG THI PHUONG HANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday, January 25, 2024

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

TRAN VAN HOA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 204.

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

VONG LY DUONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 205.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for length periods. Good in oral and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Thursday, January 25, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WANG, ZHIQIANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

206.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

XU, ZHENCHEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 207.

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

YE WIN THAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 208.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. YONG JIA WEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

209.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing. DOAN TRUNG HIEU Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

210.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on Requirements DOAN VAN TOAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

211.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials. LANG THI SOI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

212.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and president ideas and Conceptualize visuals bases on requirements. TANG, PU Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

213.

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

WANG, XINXIN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 214.

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

ZHANG, FUHAI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 215.

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

BUI THI HUYEN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 216.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of the software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. CAO XUAN PHUONG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

217.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verify and deploy programs and systems. CHOW JING YEE Chinese Speaking Program Designer

218.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. HO PHAT THANH Chinese Speaking Program Designer

219.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verify and deploy programs and systems. HO THI DIEU HUYEN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

220.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verify and deploy programs and systems.

HY CONG DIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 221.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verify and deploy programs and systems. KHUAT VAN PHUOC Chinese Speaking Program Designer

222.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. LI, YAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

223.

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

NGUYEN THI MINH HOA Chinese Speaking Program Designer 224.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verify and deploy programs and systems.

NGUYEN VAN HUNG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 225.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With experience in computer design. With good in oral and written communication.

No.

NGUYEN, THI NGOC HIEN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 226.

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

227.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verify and deploy programs and systems. THAN VAN LUONG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

228.

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

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software for ongoing maintenance and revisions. PHAM VAN THUONG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. TONE SHI SHEIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

229.

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

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems, verify and deploy programs and systems. YAN YI HUA Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in oral and written communication.

230.

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

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months’ experience. Good in oral communication and written.

231.

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

232.

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

233.

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

234.

235.

236.

237.

238.

Basic Qualification: With experience computer aided design. Good in oral and written communication.

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

239.

240.

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. TJONG ROMY Indonesian Language-support Manager

241.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. DEWI CUTMIANNIE Indonesian Language-support Officer

242.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. HE, CAIQUAN Mandarin Language - Support Officer

243.

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

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

SYAIFUL GANI Indonesian Language-support Manager

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

Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

MARIA ELISABET SILITONGA Indonesian Language - Support Officer

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

IKA PERWITASARI SALEH Indonesian Language - Marketing Officer

KEVIN ISKANDAR Indonesian Language - Support Officer

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

Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

HARIPIN CHANDRA Indonesian Language - Support Officer

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

DWI MEIRNA INDRALIANI Indonesian Language - Marketing Officer

EBEN GUYSEP MATUNRI Indonesian Language - Support Officer

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

Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

CINDY LAURENSIA Indonesian Language - Support Officer

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

CHRISTIN SUSANTI Indonesian Language - Marketing Officer

ERICK KHOLES HOEI Indonesian Language - Support Manager

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

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

244.

245.

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With experience computer aided design. Good in oral and written communication.

No.

246.

247.

248.

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

249.

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

250.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Indonesian language.

251.

252.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree holder; Must be fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language; Can work under pressure.

253.

254.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must fluently speak and write Thai language to cater foreign markets.

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

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

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

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

TRAN, TRONG MY Vietnamese Language - Marketing Officer Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree holder; Must be fluently speak and write Vietnamese language; Can work under pressure.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree holder; Must be fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language; Can work under pressure.

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

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

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

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

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

TANG MAN DINH Vietnamese Language-support Supervisor 255.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Vietnamese language.

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

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

S & L FINE FOODS INC. 135b, Yakal St., San Antonio, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: Establish and Develop Business model, sales strategies (Annual and Medium -Term Plans) Sales targets (volume, revenue, margin, and price) Budgetary and marketing plan for Domestic Business and International Business.

MUNAWAR, IMRAN International Business Development Manager

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

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

NGUYEN THI TAM Vietnamese Language-support Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree holder; Must be fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language; Can work under pressure.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Mandarin language.

DANG, THI THIEN THANH Vietnamese Language-support Officer

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

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

PHAM THANH HIEN Vietnamese Language - Support Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must fluently speak and write Indonesian language to cater foreign markets.

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

DANG THI DIEM MY Vietnamese Language - Support Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must fluently speak and write Indonesian language to cater foreign markets.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Mandarin language.

CHEN, MENG Mandarin Language-support Officer

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

LEE, YU-HSUAN Mandarin Language-support Officer

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

256.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with related teams for smooth sales and international business transaction.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree holder; Must be fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language; Can work under pressure. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Degree holder; Must be fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language; Can work under pressure. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 STEFANINI PHILIPPINES, INC. 3f, 5f, 6f Imet Bpo Tower Metro Bldg., Metrobank Ave. Roxas Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City PLANTINGA, CORNELIS Multilingual Helpdesk Technician Support 257.

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

KOTA, KRISHNA Control Room and Records Superintendent

258.

Basic Qualification: Degree holder; Must be fluently speak and write mandarin language; Can work under pressure. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

GUAN, HUIHUI Mandarin Language-support Officer

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Mandarin language.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the operation of different plant sections from central control room. Coordination with field people from CCR for smooth operation of the plant. Perform any duties assigned by the Shift supervisor.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 8 years’ experience in the Power Plan Operation and Maintenance/ Management. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

UNILEVER PHILIPPINES, INC. 7/f Bonifacio Stopover Corporate Center, 31st St. Cor 2nd Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

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

THERMAX INSTRUMENTATION LIMITED U-3 9/f Galleria Corp., Ctr. Edsa, Ugong Norte, Quezon City

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

Brief Job Description: Provide professional end-user support via telephone, email or web using one or more languages other than Filipino and English, particularly the Dutch language. Provide restorative or maintenance actions to resolve end-user problems.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With basic hardware, software and networking troubleshooting knowledge. Fluent in Dutch and English languages.

RIVERO BORRELL ESCOBEDO, RODRIGO Beauty & Wellbeing Sea Finance Lead & Philippines 259.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the overall control and compliance within the country or country cluster. Responsible for review and sign-off of the Financial Statements and reporting for both concern and local statutory purposes.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in leading remote teams, with excellent stakeholder management, business partnering and team management skills. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above *Date Generated: Jan 24, 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.

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

News BusinessMirror

Thursday, January 25, 2024 A11

‘Gibo’ cancels outsourced janitorial services, calls for training of AFP against cyber threats By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

@maloutalosig

EFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has ordered the cancellation of the contract for the department’s janitorial services as the defense establishment conducts a thorough review of its security protocols, including him and all other contractors. “Our contractors...they are now being subjected to secure and strict vetting because how do we know what they’re doing in

there? Secondly, even our janitorial services: I’ve given the instruction to stop outsourcing these things already because you’re getting them

from manpower agencies. They’re not properly motivated, they are part of your security environment, and yet they are a possible target for espionage and other things,” Teodoro told media and businessmen in a forum by the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Tuesday night. The defense chief said the DND is undergoing a “full security review” that includes him, using unsecured communication lines. “So there is a full security review ongoing, starting from me, down the line, which is why I perhaps have offended some people by not responding to texts or calls in unsecured devices,” he said. Teodoro said the “number one threat” to the country’s national security “is a threat we have not seen, that can surprise you.” When asked if he was referring

to cyber threats, he replied, “Could be. I came from the private sector. That was the nightmare scenario that everybody was dreaming of. A DNS [denial of service attack], a ransomware. And we were already victimized by it before in the famous Bangladesh incident.” This is why, Teodoro said, he is pushing military officers to have more training on “technical expertise” to address the “nontraditional” threats from state and non-state actors. “Before, our officers’ training was focused on leadership and unit command tactics from the smallest unit of the line. That is still necessary. Those are still basics. However, we need technical expertise and experience in various fields in order to adequately navigate the asymmetry and the volatility that the character of conflict

and the character of preparation entails at this time, particularly with the weaponization by states of non-traditional offensive weaponry, like the information highway, cyber sphere, human trafficking, actual subversion of internal economies, and the like. We have to have the sophistication and awareness to detect, to cooperate, and to neutralize these subversive elements in our society, and which we are starting on the right way,” he explained. Due to the sensitivity of its operations, the DND, he said, should be a “highly secure, operationally security and sensitive” agency. “This is not only for our own protection but also for our ability to interoperate freely through the free exchange of information and capabilities with partners and allied countries,” Teodoro said.

House OKs PHL self-reliant defense posture program bill By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) measure for the implementation of the Philippine Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program (PSRDP), which will serve as the government’s tool to develop the country’s national defense industry. Voting 194 against three and zero abstentions, the chamber approved on third reading House Bill (HB) 9713

last Tuesday, which aims to support the country’s defense force through military and civilian partnership and local production of materiel, which refers to military technology, materials and equipment, including arms and ammunition and combat clothing. “The bill provides that the concept of self-reliance shall be manifested in the continued preference on local production of materiel, when feasible, for the country’s defense forces through the partnership between the military and civilian establishments,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

“Recourse to importation will only be resorted to for requirements that cannot be locally produced. The bill essentially provides for government support to the technical and financial needs of civilian manufacturers materiel,” he added. “The aim is to develop the defense capability of the country and rationalize defense acquisition.” Section 6 of the proposed law a l l o w s i n - co u n t r y e n te r p r i s e s engaged or proposing to engage in the manufacture, servicing, and operation of materiel for the government to be registered with the Board of Investments

and avail of incentives under the National Internal Revenue Code. Section 14, meanwhile creates the Office of the Undersecretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development, which will manage a databank for analysis, research, and development for defense industry promotion. The bill also seeks to establish the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Trust Fund. This fund will come from the savings generated from the annual net income of the government arsenal, shares of the government revenues from proceeds of

reclamation projects determined by the President, grants and donations, and other sources as may be determined by the Department of National Defense (DND). The proposed PSRDP is the 54th LEDAC measure out of 57 bills passed by the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. The three remaining LEDAC measures awaiting final approval are: amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, which is under technical working group finalization; and Budget Modernization Bill, and National Defense Act, which are under committee consideration.

Organizer of digital tech event corners P149M in DOT marketing projects By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) has been awarding more major contracts under its branding and marketing communications division in the last two months of 2023. Among the winning bidders include a publicist, who recently reaped complaints over her alleged overpriced digital technology event last November. As per the DOT website, GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications Inc. won three contracts worth some P149 million as a Traditional Media Planning, Buying, and Placements Agency for the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Europe. The three contracts were all awarded on December 1, 2023 and appear to be part of some P712 million in projects bidded out last year mostly under the “Love the Philippines” campaign. As a traditional media placement agency, GeiserMaclang is expected

to help the DOT secure advertising space and coverage for its campaigns on television, radio, newspapers, and magazines. Its contracts with the DOT are for six months. Last year, the DOT received an allocation of P1.27 billion for branding projects. (See, “P1.83B allotted for PHL tourism promotions in 2024,” in the BusinessMirror, January 11, 2024.)

Complainant refunded

AMOR MACL ANG, founder of GeiserMaclang, organized the Digital Pilipinas Festival last November, of which a participant described as “the saddest and overpriced event of the year,” after he and companions shelled out P17,500 each. He said on Facebook and Reddit, the itinerary for the five-day event was squeezed to two days for what the event organizer billed as “a platform for engaging discussions and collaborations vital in laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, sustainable, prosperous, and technologically-empowered nation.”

“We were there to learn. But actually we didn’t learn anything,” said the participant, who said they were promised a masterclass from digital leaders. Maclang denied the allegations but the participant later updated his post that he and his companions were refunded the amounts they paid for the event, held last November at the SMX Aura, after his complaints trended on social media. In response to the initial complaint, several commenters, including former company employees, event sponsors, and speakers posted their respective negative experiences with Maclang. (https://shorturl.at/hPTUW) Also awarded DOT branding and marketing communications contracts was David and Golyat Management Inc., which will be paid P159.91 million for three separate projects, for Digital Media Planning and Placements on Emerging Markets (P49.96 million, six months); Digital Media Planning and Placements on Key Markets (P49.96 million, six months); and the Production of Creative

Assets (P59.99 million, eight months). The projects were awarded on November 28, and December 15, respectively.

‘Medical supplier’ gets video contract

ANOTHER company, Universal Vision Solution Communications Inc., received two separate six-month contracts totaling P149.4 million as a video production agency (P74.9 million) and as consultant for the Promotions of Philippine Islands, Award-Winning Philippine Destinations, and Tourism Products (P74.5M). The projects were awarded last December. It also received a P29.71-million, six-month contract in joint venture with Mediablast Digital Corp. for Consulting Services for the Strategy, Research, and Overall Direction of the Integrated Marketing Communications Plan for “Love the Philippines,” which was awarded in November 2023. During the pandemic, Universal Vision sold medical supplies like latex gloves, alcohol, and

face shields to the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. This is the second project of Mediablast, which was contracted in September as a consultant for Social Media Management and Strategic Planning for some P40 million. For Traditional Media Planning, Buying, and Placements for Key Markets and Southeast Asia, IPG Mediabrands Philippines was contracted on December 6, 2023 for six months and will be paid P100 million in two separate contracts of P50 million each. IPG Mediabrands was the other shortlisted bidder in DOT’s P49-million bidding for Consulting Services of an Agency for Philippine Tourism Branding, which DDB Philippines had earlier won. The ensuing fiasco over DDB’s use of foreign scenes in an audiovisual presentation for the “Love the Philippines” slogan led to the cancellation of DDB’s contract. (See, “Despite fiasco, ad agency of DOT could still get paid,” in the BusinessMirror, July 4, 2023.)

Salceda touts ‘12.1% of voters’ for PI; Macalintal says ‘hold it!’ To date, no one has ever complied with these basic requirements, hence, no valid initiative has yet been properly initiated or filed with the Comelec. As it is, the only valid act that Comelec could undertake right now is to issue a “certification as to the number of registered voters in each legislative district which the petitioner/s shall attach to their petition” to conduct an initiative, according to Macalintal.

Salceda, Rodriguez gung-ho

SALCEDA emphasized the active participation of the population, stating that the Constitution is vibrant and that the collection of 12 percent of signatures was not as challenging as some may have perceived. In fact, he said 12.1 percent of voters have signed the petition for a direct constitutional amendment. “Well, the Constitution is alive. If they think gathering 12 percent is a formidable task, in certain districts, such as in my own district, we’ve achieved 20

percent, while in others, it’s even as high as 30 percent. The current issue revolves around determining what is beneficial for the future of the Philippines,” he said. He said the finalized petition, s e e k i n g to a l l o w C o n g re s s to jointly vote on proposed Charter amendments, is in the process of being prepared by PI organizers. Salceda highlighted the importance of validation by Comelec as the next necessary step. Responding to the Senate ’s manifesto, Salceda stressed the importance of the people’s voice over the opinions of 24 senators. He said the seven senators opposing PI should not override the support of the 12 percent of the population who signed the petition for constitutional change. Salceda dismissed criticisms from senators labeling PI as a “politicians’ initiative,” stating that such namecalling underestimates the significance of the 12.1 percent of the population supporting the Charter reform petition.

He discussed the historical context of failed attempts to reform economic provisions and highlighted the need to catch up with neighboring countries by addressing constitutional restrictions. “It’s most welcome. The first one, the RBH [Resolution of Both Houses] No. 2, which was approved in the House. There were 358 attempts on the part of the bills filed in the House, and all of them were dead on arrival in the Senate,” he said. He claimed that the Philippines has lagged behind its neighbors because of constitutional restrictions in several areas of the economy. Asked about effecting Charter reform via the legislative process, Salceda said it may not be possible “given the adamant and almost violent response of the Senate to the people’s initiative.” Meanwhile, Salceda underscored the imperative for Comelec to validate the collected signatures, particularly in light of the Senate’s rejection of what he noted is a constitutionally mandated process to amend the 1987 Constitution.

“There is no point of no return. Let the Comelec validate the signatures. That’s in the Constitution,” Salceda said. The people’s initiative, aiming for a constitutional amendment to enable Congress to “vote jointly” in future attempts to change the Constitution, has faced challenges, including allegations of bribery and other illicit activities. Salceda’s call for Comelec validation is seen as a crucial step to ensure the legitimacy of the initiative.

Finished by March

THE chief of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, said the lawmakers can finish charter reform before the Holy Week recess of Congress in March. He said it is important that the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution be tweaked in a manner that would attract foreign investments, which in turn would create more job and income opportunities for Filipinos. “Instead of wasting their time on

Modernization of security forces ongoing, Año assures

ATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año assured We dnes d ay th at the modernization of security forces is currently ongoing in a bid to achieve a credible defense posture for the Philippines. Año ’s statement came amid Filipinos’ growing awareness and desire for the Philippines to be more assertive in its approach to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue. “Consistent with the views of the people, we are prioritizing the modernization of the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard with the acquisition of the latest state-of-theart assets in order to achieve credible defense,” he pointed out. Año also said the government has also stepped up maritime and air patrols in the area as well as conducted maritime cooperation activities and exercises with the United States and with other countries. “We acknowledge the importance of understanding the public sentiment and values the democratic process that allows the Filipino people to express their views on matters of national significance. We note that the WPS issue is of great concern to the public, as evidenced by the respondents’ strong preference for a robust approach to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity,” he added. A Tugon ng Masa Fourth Quarter survey, conducted by OCTA Research last month among 1,200 adult respondents, showed that a significant majority of 72 percent believed that the Marcos administration should assert the country’s territorial rights in the WPS through military action, specifically through expanded naval patrols and troop presence in the area. “It is essential to recognize the diversity of opinions reflected in the survey, with 70 percent of respondents expressing the belief that the issue should also be addressed through diplomacy and other peaceful methods. We emphasize the importance of considering a comprehensive national strateg y that encompasses both military and diplomatic efforts to secure and protect the nation’s interests in the WPS,” Año said. He also reiterated the commitment of the Marcos administration to prioritize the welfare and security of the Filipino people. Año said the government would carefully evaluate the survey results, taking into account the multifaceted nature of the WPS issue in order to formulate policies that align with the collective aspirations of the nation. “ We e n c o u r a g e c o n t i n u e d engagement and discourse on matters related to national security, emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing challenges and securing a prosperous future for the Philippines.” Rex Anthony Naval

Continued from A16

seeing and fearing ghosts and no-el [no elections] scenarios where there are none in the ongoing people’s initiative, senators should work with us on changes in the economic provisions. That may ease the pressure from our people for them to act on charter reform,” he added. “We have to do it as early as possible, lest we miss the boat on enticing foreign investors, if we have not missed it yet. As it is, we are now No. 8 in foreign direct investments in the 10-member Asean. Alarmingly, we have already been overtaken by Vietnam and Cambodia. We are only ahead of Laos and Myanmar,” he said. He said his committee has voluminous records on constitutional amendment proposals presented since the 8th Congress. “We have the records, the institutional memory. So we are ready to tackle this matter of constitutional reform with the Senate as soon as possible,” he said. Rodriguez pointed out that the House, “recognizing the bicameral

nature of our legislature,” had sent to the Senate all Charter reform measures it had approved or adopted for the smaller chamber’s own consideration. “ We have always respected bicameralism. But our proposals and insistent appeals for them to consider Charter reform have invariably fallen on deaf ears until two weeks ago, when my beloved Senate president from Mindanao announced their change of heart because they are already feeling the heat from our people,” he said. He said the people have launched a campaign for a direct amendment of the Charter, which senators feel would erode bicameralism and render them irrelevant to Charter change. “Senators have put themselves in a problematic situation for which they have only themselves to blame. They have consistently ignored the people’s clamor for charter reform voiced through their elected district representatives until the people decided to take matters into their own hands,” he said.

A12 Thursday, January 25, 2024

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

Israel’s rejection of a two-state solution threatens global peace, UN chief warns By Edith M. Lederer

The Associated Press

NITED NATIONS—The United Nations chief warned Israel on Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of a two-state solution will indefinitely prolong a conflict that is threatening global peace and emboldening extremists everywhere. In his toughest language yet on the Israeli-Hamas war, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a ministerial meeting of the UN Security Council that “the right of the Palestinian people to build their own fully independent state must be recognized by all, and a refusal to accept the two-state solution by any party must be firmly rejected.” The alternative of a one-state solution “with such a large number of Palestinians inside without any real sense of freedom, rights and dignity…will be inconceivable,” he said. Guterres also warned that the risks of regional escalation of the conflict “are now becoming a reality,” pointing to Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Pakistan. He urged all parties “to step back from the brink and to consider the horrendous costs” of a wider war. Netanyahu’s rejection of a

Palestinian state in any postwar scenario opened a wide rift with Israel’s closest ally, the United States, which says the war must lead to negotiations for a twostate solution where Israel and the Palestinians can live side-by-side in peace. That goal is supported by countries around the world, as ministers and ambassadors reiterated Tuesday. Uzra Zeya, the State Department’s undersecretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights, told the council, “A key component of US diplomacy is to pursue a pathway both to a Palestinian state and normalization and integration between Israel and other regional states.” “The goal is a future where Gaza is never again used as a platform for terror, and a future where Palestinians have a state of their own,” she said, reiterating the Biden administration’s call on Is-

UNITED Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at United Nations Headquarters. AP/PETER K. AFRIYIE

rael to do more to protect Palestinian civilians. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov countered that American diplomacy “oscillates between vetoing resolutions about the ceasefire and at the same time calling for a reduction in the intensity of hostilities in Gaza.” “Without a doubt this serves as carte blanche for the ongoing collective punishment of Palestinians,” Lavrov told the council. Secretar y-genera l Guterres repeated his longstanding call for a humanitarian cease-fire— an appeal with overwhelming global support. But Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan again rejected a ceasefire, saying Hamas, which carried out a brutal attack on southern Israel on October 7, is committed to attacking again and destroying Israel, and a halt to fighting will only allow the militants “to

Turkey’s parliament approves Sweden’s NATO membership, lifting a key hurdle By Suzan Fraser

The Associated Press

NK AR A, Turkey—Turkish legislators on Tuesday endorsed Sweden’s membership in NATO, lifting a major hurdle on the previously nonaligned country’s entry into the military alliance. Lawmakers ratified Sweden’s accession protocol 287 to 55, with ruling party members saying the Nordic country’s tougher stance on Kurdish militants was key to winning approval. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also previously has linked the ratification to Turkey’s desire to buy fighter jets from the US. The ratification comes into effect after its publication in the Official Gazette, which was expected to be swift. Hungary then becomes the only NATO ally not to have ratified Sweden’s accession. “Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. In Washington, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan welcomed the news, saying having Sweden in the alliance will make it “safer and stronger.” NATO -member Turkey had been delaying Sweden’s membership for more than a year, accusing the country of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara regards

as security threats. It sought concessions from Stockholm, including moves to counter militants. Turkey also had been angered by a series of demonstrations by supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, in Sweden as well as Quran-burning protests that roiled Muslim countries. Sweden in the past was a “center in Europe” for the PKK, Fuat Oktay, a senior legislator in Erdogan’s governing party and the head of the foreign affairs committee, told parliament. But since then, Sweden has amended its anti-terrorism laws, curbed the PKK’s financial activities, convicted a terrorism suspect and extradited another, and lifted restrictions on arms sales to Turkey, Oktay said. “PKK-affiliated circles no longer find a comfortable room for maneuver in Sweden as they did in the past,” Oktay said, explaining why the ruling party was now supporting Stockholm’s bid. Sweden pledged deeper cooperation with Turkey on counterterrorism, as well as support for Turkey’s ambition to revive its EU membership bid. Last month, parliament’s foreign affairs committee gave its consent to Sweden’s bid in the first stage of the legislative process, after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent its accession protocol to lawmakers for approval. Turkey’s main opposition party also supported Sweden’s member-

ship in the alliance but a centerright party and the country’s proKurdish party were among parties that opposed it. “Sweden’s steps concerning its extradition of wanted criminals or the fight against terrorism have remained limited and insufficient,” Musavat Dervisoglu, a legislator from the Good Party told parliament. Erdogan has linked ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership to the US Congress’ approval of a Turkish request to purchase 40 new F-16 fighter jets and kits to modernize Turkey’s existing fleet. He has also urged Canada and other NATO allies to lift arms embargoes on Turkey. Koray Aydin, another Good Party legislator, had urged parliament to hold out on ratifying Sweden’s accession until the F-16 sales and the modernization kits were approved in Washington, saying Turkey would lose an important bargaining chip. US President Joe Biden’s administration never formally tied the sale of the F-16s to Turkey’s ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership. However, numerous influential members of Congress had said they would not support the sale unless and until Turkey signed off on Sweden’s accession to the alliance. US administration officials say they expect relatively quick action on the F-16 sale after the ratification.

regroup and rearm.” He urged the Security Council to “eliminate the root” of the conflict, which he said was Iran. Erdan strongly criticized the presence of Iran’s foreign minister at the council meeting, saying the country provides weapons to Hamas, to Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and Houthi militants in Yemen, “and soon these acts will be carried out under a nuclear umbrella” and “Iran’s terror will reach all of you.” Iran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons and insists its nuclear program is entirely for peaceful purposes. But the UN nuclear watchdog has warned that Iran has enough enriched uranium for nuclear bombs if it chose to build them. Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian didn’t mention its nuclear program, but he warned Israel that it would not destroy Hamas, its stated goal. Sullivan, the US national security advisor, said after Tuesday’s vote that Sweden’s accession to the alliance has been a priority for Biden. “Sweden is a strong, capable defense partner. Sweden joining NATO is in the national security interests of the United States, and will make the Alliance safer and stronger,” he said. Sweden and Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATO’s security umbrella, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Finland joined the alliance in April, becoming NATO’s 31st member, after Turkey’s parliament ratified the Nordic country’s bid. Hungary has also stalled Sweden’s bid, alleging that Swedish politicians have told “blatant lies” about the condition of Hungary’s democracy. Hungary has said it would not be the last to approve accession, although it was not clear when the Hungarian parliament intends to hold a vote. Hungar ian Pr ime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Tuesday that he sent a letter to his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, inviting him to Budapest to discuss Sweden’s entry into NATO. NATO requires the unanimous approval of all existing members to expand, and Turkey and Hungary were the only countries that have been holding out, frustrating other NATO allies who had been pressing for Sweden and Finland’s swift accession. The Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani and Matthew Lee contributed from Washington.

“The killing of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank cannot continue on to the so-called total destruction of Hamas, because that time will never come,” he said. “Stopping the genocide in Gaza is the main key to security in the region.” Riyad al-Maliki, the Palestinian foreign minister, said Israel is carrying out “the most savage bombing campaign” since World War II, which is leading to famine and the massive displacement of civilians. “This is an assault of atrocities,” which has destroyed countless innocent lives, he said. T he Hea lt h Ministr y in Hamas-ruled Gaza says more than 25,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, which has caused widespread destruction, displaced an estimated 85 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, and left onequarter facing starvation. Israel began its military campaign in response to the October 7 attacks in which militants from the enclave killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took about 250 hostages. Al-Maliki said Israel doesn’t see the Palestinians as a people and a “political reality to coexist with, but as a demographic threat to get rid of through death, displacement or subjugation.” He said those are the choices Israel has offered Palestinians, calling them tantamount to “genocide, ethnic cleansing or apartheid.” Al-Maliki said there are only two future paths: One starts with Palestinian freedom and leads to Mideast peace and security, and the other denies freedom and “dooms our region to further bloodshed and endless conflict.” France’s new foreign minister,

Stéphane Séjourné, whose country holds the council presidency this month, presided at the meeting and warned that “a regional conflagration is real.” He said the world should unite and deliver different messages to the warring parties. Israel must be told that “there must be a Palestinian state” and that violence against Palestinians, including by West Bank settlers, must end, Séjourné said. And the Palestinians must be told that “there can be no ambiguity regarding Israel’s right to live in peace and security, and to exercise its right to self-defense against terrorism.” But Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the argument that the war is about providing security for Israel “is far from being convincing.” He said supporters of this view never talk about the Palestinians’ right to security and self-defense. Jord a n’s Foreig n Minister Ayman Safadi said the “ideology of hate embraced openly by Israeli ministers is normalizing the mass murder of Palestinians” and urged the council to stop it with a binding resolution. Israel must be held accountable for war crimes and for blocking a Palestinian state, Safadi said. “The future of the region cannot be taken hostage to the political ambitions and the radical agendas of Israeli extremists who described the Palestinians as human animals, unworthy of life, who enable settler terrorism against Palestinian people.” The Associated Press writer Michael Weissenstein contributed to this report.

Japan exports up 10% in December on strong demand for autos, revived trade with China

ANGKOK—Japan’s exports surged almost 10 percent in December from a year earlier, helped by a revival in trade with China and strong demand for vehicles, machinery and computer chips. Imports fell almost 7 percent, leaving a trade surprise of 62 billion yen ($410 million), according to preliminary customs data released Wednesday. A weak Japanese yen has helped export manufacturers like Toyota, Honda and Sony, though it increases costs of imports of key commodities like oil and gas needed to fuel the world’s third-largest economy. A decline in oil prices helped reduce the burden of energy imports in December, which fell by 18 percent from a year earlier. A recovery in demand in China contributed to a 10 percent increase in exports, while imports from China were flat. Another boost came from a surge in tourist arrivals, which are counted as exports in trade statistics. The improvement late in the year “means that overall net exports should have made a significant contribution to GDP growth in the fourth quarter,” Gabriel

Ng of Capital Economics said in a report. But he added that “Looking ahead, we expect export growth will be sluggish this year.” Data from a preliminary survey of factory managers also released Wednesday likewise showed weakness in the export manufacturing sector, with “new export orders” falling to 46.0 from 46.4 on a scale up to 100 where 50 marks the cutoff between expansion and contraction. Expor ts to the US, Japan’s single largest export market, jumped 20 percent in December from the year before, while imports of US goods fell 7 percent. Shipments of cars rose 16 percent in unit terms, to 1.47 million vehicles, and more than 35 percent in dollar value. Power generation equipment, construc tion machines and semiconductors also showed strong growth. For the full year, Japan’s exports grew 3 percent, to 100.9 trillion yen ($680 billion) and imports fell 7 percent to 110.2 trillion yen ($740 billion). The trade deficit was 9.2 trillion yen ($62 billion), down sharply from a deficit of 20.3 trillion yen in 2022. AP

Thailand court says Pita Limjaroenrat didn’t violate law, remains a lawmaker

ANGKOK—Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday that popular politician Pita Limjaroenrat, who was blocked from becoming prime minister even though his party placed first in last year’s election, did not violate the election law and can retain his seat in Parliament. Pita had been suspended from Parliament pending the court ruling on whether he violated the law by owning shares in a

media company. He was the executor of his father’s estate, which includes stock in ITV, a company that is the inactive operator of a defunct independent television station. The court agreed with Pita’s contention that ITV was not an operator of a media business. By law, political candidates are prohibited from owning shares in any media company when they register to contest an election. AP

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 A13

Rifts within Israel resurface as war in Gaza drags on. Some citizens want elections now By Tia Goldenberg

The Associated Press

EL AVIV, Israel—Ever since Israel was attacked on October 7, a main Israeli highway has been flanked by billboards preaching national unity and a ubiquitous wartime slogan: “Together we will win.”

But lately those billboards have been replaced with a starkly different message: a call for immediate elections. The mood of the Israeli public is shifting after more than 100 days of war in Gaza—and the catalyst is a rift over the polarizing leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israelis stunned by the brutal Hamas attack initially put aside their differences and rallied behind the war effort. Now old divisions that could alter the course of the war are reemerging. As the death toll among Israeli soldiers keeps rising, and with dozens of hostages still in Gaza and Hamas still standing, more Israelis are vocally pushing back against Netanyahu and his government. The public is also increasingly divided over whether the military can simultaneously achieve Netanyahu’s stated goals of destroying Hamas and freeing all the hostages. “The Israeli public is rediscovering its political tribalism,” said Nadav Eyal, a commentator for the Yediot Ahronot newspaper. “It inherently limits the decisionmaking process when you don’t enjoy the public’s trust.” Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving leader, still heads a coalition that is clinging to power despite the criticism. But

opponents say he lacks a clear vision for how to get Israel out of Gaza. They believe political and personal motivations are clouding his decision-making. The prime minister’s opponents say he is beholden to ultranationalist supporters in Parliament, many of whom have called for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza or for Israel to resettle the area. And they point to corruption charges hanging over him as evidence that it is in his self-interest to drag out the war. Netanyahu says he has the country’s best interests in mind and that he will answer tough questions about October 7—when more than 1,200 were killed and some 250 were taken hostage— after the war ends. The blistering war has already killed more than 25,000 people in Gaza, most of them women and children, and it has sparked a humanitarian catastrophe because of widespread destruction and displacement, and limited supplies of food, water and medicines. International criticism has prompted a trial at the UN world court over claims that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a charge it vehemently denies. Netanyahu, who has so far sidestepped accountability for Israel’s military and intelligence

PROTESTERS attempt to block a street during a demonstration to demand the release of the hostages taken by Hamas militants into the Gaza Strip during the October 7th attack, in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, January 20, 2024. After the October 7 attack by Hamas, Israelis put aside their differences and rallied behind the war effort in Gaza. But as the war grinds on, the mood of the Israeli public is shifting and old divisions are reemerging. The catalyst is a rift over the polarizing leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a growing frustration with his management of the war. AP/LEO CORREA

failures on October 7, vowed once again on Tuesday to continue fighting “until absolute victory,” even after 24 soldiers were killed the previous day, the deadliest since the war began. He says fierce military pressure is what led to the first hostage release deal in late November and is key to bringing about another. However, several hostages have died or been killed in captivity, including three mistakenly shot by Israeli troops. The families of hostages in Gaza say time is running out and that another ceasefire deal is needed urgently. “When the prime minister says ‘absolute victory,’ ‘war until 2025,’ he knows that if that’s the case the hostages will die and return in coffins,” said Eyal Ben Reuven, a reserve Israeli general. “A long war in enemy territory is not a good thing.” While military experts say Israel has made gains in Gaza, these can be harder to grasp for a public

still reeling from Hamas’ attack. What the public sees most clearly are mounting soldier casualties, rockets being launched into Israel—although fewer than at the start of the war—and dozens of hostages still held in Gaza. The internal criticism gained a prominent voice last week. Gadi Eisenkot, a member of the influential War Cabinet and a former military chief whose son and nephew were killed in the war, told the prominent Israeli news show “Uvda” that only a negotiated deal could free the remaining hostages. That was a direct challenge to Netanyahu’s claim that sustained military force is the best way. Eisenkot also called for elections to be held soon to restore the public’s trust. Before the war, Netanyahu presided over a period of political turmoil that included five elections in less than four years. Each one was a referendum on Netanyahu’s fitness to serve while on trial for

corruption. The nation became even more fractured last year when Netanyahu and his religious-nationalist government launched a judicial overhaul plan that sparked unprecedented protests. Opponents said the plan, if enacted, would be a fatal blow to the country’s democratic fundamentals; scores of military reservists vowed not to serve, leading top defense officials to warn that Israel’s security was at risk. Netanyahu’s critics say Hamas’ attack and Israel’s failure to foresee or promptly contain it was a direct result of the divisions sowed by Netanyahu and his government. Polls show his coalition would not be reelected if elections were held today. For the growing chorus of voices who oppose the government, patience is wearing thin. A protest calling for elections last week drew thousands in Tel Aviv, the biggest anti-government rally since the war began. A group of 170 former commanders and other senior defense officials signed a letter earlier this month calling for elections now. Some of the same commanders were outspoken opponents of Netanyahu’s overhaul, an indication of how the divisions over the war have in many ways settled along the same fault lines as the disagreements over the legal changes. A recent poll of Jewish voters by the Israel Democracy Institute found that just 10 percent of respondents from Israel’s left wing believe Israel has had large success toward toppling Hamas. The number among the pro-Netanyahu right wing was 35 percent. The poll interviewed 756 people and had a margin of error of 3.6 percentage points. Those who oppose elections say they would tear open the old divisions. “The very discussion of elections will stop the military mo-

mentum, present every strategic decision as a political ploy and put the legitimacy of the fighting in question,” Eithan Orkibi, a professor at Ariel University in the occupied West Bank, wrote in the conservative newspaper Israel Hayom. But public anger, often embodied by the families of those killed or abducted on October 7, is growing. At a recent protest outside the Knesset, or parliament, one man who said his brother was killed in the Hamas attack was caught on video being dragged away by police as he yelled: “I won’t despair until this whole government gets the hell out of here.” He wore a black T-shirt bearing the word “Elections!” in yellow. The mother of a soldier who was taken hostage and then died in unclear circumstances while in captivity has waged a public battle against the government. She inscribed on his tombstone that her son was “kidnapped, abandoned and sacrificed in Gaza by the government of failure.” The families of hostages have also stepped up their campaigns to free their loved ones. They have held protests outside Net a ny a hu’s pr iv ate residence, barged in on a parliamentar y committee session and blocked a highway in recent days. “Right now, the most urgent thing—and there is nothing more urgent—is to return the hostages alive,” said Gil Dickmann, whose cousin is being held in Gaza. Yaacov Godo blames the government and Netanyahu for the death of his son, Tom, who was killed in his home in front of his family during Hamas’ attack. He has camped outside of the Knesset since early November in protest. “It’ll take time, but I believe the day is not far off where we w ill topple the gover nment,” said Godo.

Trump rides to New Hampshire win on strong support from GOP base, AP VoteCast shows By Josh Boak & Linley Sanders The Associated Press

A SHINGTON—Former President Donald Trump had rock-solid support from the party faithful in his primary victory Tuesday, with even most backers of rival Nikki Haley acknowledging the GOP belongs to him. Yet as Trump’s hold on securing the party’s nomination tightened, AP VoteCast found that some voters express concerns that he is too extreme to compete in the November general election. Some also worry about his legal peril in pending criminal trials. Haley, a former South Carolina governor and a UN ambassador under Trump, bested him among college graduates and moderates, a possible sign that Trump has yet to expand his political base. The survey found signs that primary voters on the Democratic side rallied around President Joe Biden. He won in New Hampshire with strong support on the economy, but many have concerns about his age—he is 81—and his handling of the situation in the Middle East. Only weeks into 2024, voters have already shown an awareness of Trump’s strengths and liabili-

ties. But even as the coronavirus, the major challenge during the 2020 election, has faded from public view, the cultural and social forces of that Biden-Trump matchup have hardened in ways that are testing the country’s sense of itself. The New Hampshire primaries are unique because undeclared voters—those not affiliated with either party—can choose to vote in either party’s primary. This draws in voters who are not necessarily party loyalists. Nearly half of GOP primary voters were not affiliated with a party, compared with about 2 in 10 in the Democratic primary. Among those affiliated with the Republican Party in the state, Trump won handily. AP VoteCast is a survey of 1,989 New Hampshire voters who took part in the Republican primary and 915 Democratic primary voters. The survey was conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

How Trump won in New Hampshire

NEW Hampshire’s demographics favored Trump. He won in the small towns and rural communities, where about 6 in 10 primary participants say

REPUBLICAN presidential candidate former President Donald Trump greets supporters at a primary election night party in Nashua, N.H., Tuesday, January 23, 2024. AP/MATT ROURKE

they live. Most GOP voters in the state lack a college degree; about two-thirds of them voted for Trump. He won about 7 in 10 Republican voters who identified as conservatives. Trump was backed by Republicans who prioritize immigration and held a slight advantage among those prioritizing the economy, the two top issues among GOP voters in New Hampshire and Iowa, where the former president won the leadoff caucuses last week. Among those in New Hampshire who named immigration as their top priority, about three-

quarters support Trump. New Hampshire’s pr imar y voters agreed with Trump on the need to limit immigration and build a wall on the US-Mexico border. About half of those who said the economy was the top issue backed Trump.

How Haley’s strengths fell short HALEY drew her support from groups that could be crucial in November. But those groups were minorities in the GOP electorate. She beat Trump among primary participants who were not formally affiliated with any party. About half of Haley’s supporters

graduated from college, just as about half of them identify as moderates. In many cases, her backers were simply uncomfortable with Trump. Haley performed well among those who said Trump did something illegal in at least one of the criminal cases against him. And in the 2020 presidential election, about half of Haley’s supporters voted for Biden, a Democrat. Iowa exposed suburban voters as a potential weakness for Trump. While Haley did her best in New Hampshire’s suburban communities, she only managed to pull even with Trump in those areas.

Potential weaknesses for Trump

COMPARED with Iowa caucus goers, New Hampshire Republican primary voters had more doubts about Trump. In New Hampshire, about half of GOP voters are very or somewhat concerned that Trump is too extreme to win the general election. Only about one-third say the same about Haley. Regarding Trump’s criminal indictments, about 4 in 10 GOP participants in New Hampshire said they believe he has done something illegal related to either his alleged attempt to interfere in

the vote count in the 2020 presidential election, his role in what happened at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, or the classified documents found at his Florida home after he left the White House.

Republican voters see Trump as GOP nominee

THE vast majority of Republican voters in New Hampshire, about 8 in 10, believe Trump will win the nomination, a finding that came after his dominant showing in Iowa. Only about 2 in 10 say Haley will be the nominee. In a blow to a candidate who has pitched herself as a Trump alternative, more than half of Haley’s own supporters think Trump will represent the party on the November ballot. About 8 in 10 say they decided before Iowa which candidate they would support. After the caucuses, three contenders ended their campaigns: biotech investor Vivek Ramaswamy, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. About 6 in 10 GOP voters say they had their minds made up more than a month ago, including about 4 in 10 saying they have known all along.

A14 Thursday, January 25, 2024 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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editorial

World Bank exposes PHL’s digital crisis

he World Bank’s recent Policy Note on the Philippines’ Internet connectivity paints a grim picture of our digital landscape. With low investment in telecom infrastructure, the country has become synonymous with expensive broadband services, sluggish speeds, and a shocking statistic: half of Asean’s population without mobile broadband services. It is a concerning revelation that demands immediate attention from policymakers and industry leaders. The World Bank said the country’s annual investment in telecom infrastructure has fallen below 1 percent of GDP, reaching a mere 0.44 percent in 2022. This has had a direct impact on the costs of broadband connections, which now account for 11 percent of the country’s Gross National Income per capita. This figure stands in stark contrast to the costs in other Asean members, where broadband services are far more affordable. Additionally, mobile broadband costs in the Philippines stand at 2 percent of GNI per capita, 1.5 times higher than regional counterparts. The report highlighted the loss of growth opportunities, the perpetuation of a digital divide, and a grim future job prospects for our workers. It is evident that the cost of inaction is simply too high for the Philippines to bear. To achieve inclusive growth through digitalization, urgent reforms are imperative. The first step is to update policies and regulations, placing a renewed emphasis on promoting competition, encouraging investment, and upgrading broadband infrastructure. By fostering a competitive environment, we can drive innovation, improve service quality, and reduce broadband costs. Increased investment in telecom infrastructure must become a national priority. To bridge the digital divide, the government should allocate a more substantial portion of the GDP towards improving Internet connectivity. This investment will not only enhance economic growth but also ensure that Filipinos are equipped with the digital skills necessary for the jobs of the future. The urgent attention required is underscored by the World Bank’s latest assessment indicating a substantial annual investment shortfall of $2 billion (P110 billion) in the nation’s broadband infrastructure. According to the report, the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s budget of P5 billion allocated for this year falls short in bridging these gaps. To effectively address this issue, alternative solutions must be explored. One potential solution proposed by the World Bank is the maximization of spectrum user fees (SUFs). These fees, which are paid by spectrum holders based on per frequency and base station, have shown promising growth in recent years. The National Telecommunications Commission witnessed a significant increase in SUF collection, nearly tripling from P2.4 billion in 2017 to over P6.7 billion in 2022, reflecting the industry’s growth. However, despite this substantial increase, the revenue generated from spectrum fees remains minuscule compared to other countries in the region. The report said the Philippines has the lowest spectrum revenue rate among its peers, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. To rectify this disparity, the government should consider implementing policies that align with international standards to ensure fair and adequate revenue collection. The report also highlighted several binding constraints that hinder the country’s progress in broadband infrastructure. Barriers to market entry and an “unlevel playing field” pose challenges, particularly for small Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Addressing these issues by promoting fair competition and eliminating discriminatory practices will create an environment conducive to investment and growth. Furthermore, the country’s outdated spectrum policy framework is a significant hindrance to progress. The report noted that existing laws governing radio spectrum management are based on analog-era legislation enacted almost a century ago. Modernizing the spectrum policy framework is crucial to ensure efficient spectrum allocation, prevent fragmentation, and enhance government revenue collection. The World Bank said the Philippines stands out from other nations by permitting assignees to possess spectrum indefinitely without any service obligations. However, the procedures for spectrum recall and reassignment lack clarity, and the assignment and usage of spectrum remain non-transparent. These factors contribute to spectrum fragmentation, scarcity, and a decrease in government revenue collection. The Philippines has immense potential, and unlocking it requires a concerted effort to bridge the digital divide. By taking swift action to update policies, increase investment, and promote competition in the broadband sector, we can ensure that all Filipinos have access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed Internet services. This will not only drive economic growth but also empower individuals, bridge social inequalities, and propel the country towards a prosperous digital future.

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Best guess, best hope 2024 John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

espite being less than a month into the new year, my optimism for the Philippines is steadily growing. The “Presidential Helicopter Ride” may go down in future books on politics as one of the worst optics ever and a textbook case of how not to handle damage control. Nonetheless, let’s hope that is as bad as the political scene gets. However, the ICC v. Duterte is definitely a great concern. Whatever happens over the next months will check the “Filipino Resiliency” that we hear so much about. Again, we can only hope that sober minds prevail no matter the outcome. This situation will serve as a critical examination for all political leaders in the Philippines, whether currently in office or not. The current headlines though are about Metro Manila having the worst traffic on the planet. Who was surprised by that? Of course, blame the government? Then again, we also “win” for Metro Manila having five of the top 10 most densely populated cities on earth including Manila/42,942 Per Square Kilometer, Mandaluyong/38,705, Pateros/32,614, Caloocan/32,614, and

Makati/28,619. Perhaps what is needed is a “Go Back to Your Province and Stay There” law. It will definitely work to reduce traffic as we see that happen every year during the “Undas” celebration pilgrimage. Speaking of laws, it is “Cha-Cha” time again. There is nothing sacred about a nation’s primary legal document. The Constitution of the Kingdom of the Netherlands dates back to around 1814 or 1815 and has been amended a few times. The current version of the Dutch Constitution dates to 1983. But perhaps the Philippines can learn from other countries. Article 69 of the Belgian Constitution sets forth qualifications for senators: Each senator must be at least 18 years old. The Philippines could potentially have a Senate

The Philippine Stock Exchange index is basically flat for the year. That is obviously better than “flatlined.” However, I see two scenarios. The low volume is “the calm before the storm” and we need to be ready. Or, “behind every dark cloud there is an ever-shining sun. Just wait. In time, the cloud will pass.” I see the clouds passing sooner rather than later. with a lolo, tatay, and anak all from the same family. Changing the Indian constitution requires only one member of parliament to propose a bill to amend and a simple majority vote of the parliament is all that is required. The Philippine Congress could change the constitution two or three times a year if they wanted to. I am betting “Cha-Cha” will wind up dead in a ditch by the side of the road. The issue is too emotional, too political, and too complicated. Economy wise, next Wednesday the results for Q4 2023 and for Full Year GDP Growth will be released. Economic forecasts are difficult and are tainted too often by political prejudice. In November on ANC’s “Market Edge” I made what is probably the worst “recommendation” I have ever made calling for a Buy on Fruitas (FRUIT) when the price was about P1.20. The trend and volume were favorable, but the price fell 30 percent. However, stock trading is a

process not “pick a number” economic forecasting. One source for economic forecasting that I see as unbiased is from AMRO—the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office. This group predicts that the Philippine economy grew by 5.6 percent during 2023. We will see how accurate that forecast is on January 31. For 2024, GDP growth is forecast—at this time—to be 6.3 percent. If we can come in above 5.2 percent for 2023, that will be a strong positive. The following Tuesday will be inflation data—year on year and monthly—and a great concern for all consumers. The Y-o-Y inflation rate in December was 3.9 percent. AMRO is expecting that will fall to 3.6 percent for January. If these forecasts are close to accurate, 2024 will be a better economic year than most expect. The Philippine Stock Exchange index is basically flat for the year. That is obviously better than “flatlined.” However, I see two scenarios. The low volume is “the calm before the storm” and we need to be ready. Or, “behind every dark cloud there is an ever-shining sun. Just wait. In time, the cloud will pass.” I see the clouds passing sooner rather than later. E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

Modi rides religious wave in bid to clinch third term in power By Dan Strumpf & Swati Gupta

rime Minister Narendra Modi’s opening of a controversial Hindu temple on Monday blurred the lines between religion and politics in a way that challenges India’s secular tradition. Yet it’s left few doubts of the leader’s unquestioned dominance just months before an election. At the consecration of the Ram temple—built on the ruins of a destroyed 16th century mosque in the northern city of Ayodhya—Modi performed a series of rituals in a religious ceremony whilst guided by a priest. He ended the rituals by prostrating himself in front of a 4-foot (1.2 meter) statue of the Hindu god Ram, beamed live to tens of millions of viewers across the country. In the weeks running up to the event, TV stations and newspapers ran footage of Modi praying at temples, taking ritual baths and fasting. “He’s not there as a congregant. He’s not there as a pilgrim,” Gilles Verniers, a senior fellow at the Delhi-based Centre for Policy Research, said by phone. “He’s there as a religious figure. And that, I think, is a departure.” Monday’s ceremony combined religion and politics in a fashion that breaks with much of Indian political tradition—yet has shown to be

wildly popular with sections of the electorate. There were celebrations across the country with neighborhood watch parties, impromptu fireworks and festivities as several states marked the event with a lastminute public holiday. Indians are also buoyed by an economy that is one of the world’s fastest growing and a stock market that just overtook Hong Kong as the world’s fourth largest. It’s another advantage that Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party enjoy ahead of national elections likely to kick off in April. The ruling party won decisive victories in key state elections in December and the political opposition is on the defensive. “The only way the current government will fall is if they do serious missteps,” Shumita Deveshwar, chief India economist at TS Lombard, said by phone. “The opposition is clearly lost for any strategy for how to combat this juggernaut.”

Critics of Modi say the temple project has exploited India’s divisions and marginalized Muslims and other minorities, while eroding India’s tradition of secularism and pluralism dating back to its independence in 1947. The Ram temple ceremony marked the completion of one of the most significant items on the todo list of the BJP, which for decades has promised to build a temple on a site that Hindu devotees believe to be the birthplace of the deity Ram, and where they say a Hindu temple once stood. Hindu activists destroyed the mosque in 1992, resulting in nationwide riots in which thousands, mainly Muslims, were killed. Construction on the temple began in 2020, a year after the Supreme Court handed a Hindu trust ownership of the land. Critics of Modi say the temple project has exploited India’s divisions and marginalized Muslims and other minorities, while eroding India’s tradition of secularism and pluralism dating back to its independence in 1947. According to the most recent census, Hindus comprise 80 percent of India’s population, while Muslims

account for around 14 percent. Yet a 2021 Pew Research Center study found that around two-thirds of both Hindus and Muslims see themselves as very different from each other, and the two groups don’t often mix. “What is the future of India as a pluralistic society?” Verniers asked. “There are very few voices today to openly speak in deference of the notion of pluralism in which citizens of different religious affiliations would share equal rights.” There was little in the way of meaningful pushback against Modi and his consecration of the temple this week. Foreign observers largely remained quiet during Monday’s event, while a handful offered words of congratulation. Modi’s political opposition, led by the Indian National Congress, didn’t release any official statement surrounding the ceremony, though many opposition leaders declined to attend the event. Mamata Banerjee, an opposition leader and chief minister of the state of West Bengal led a “harmony rally” across the city of Kolkata, criticizing the Ayodhya ceremony for ignoring the “tragic deaths across the country” sparked by the mosque’s destruction. Without a stronger opposition See “Modi,” A15

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 A15

Russia’s war fuels a wage China says EU’s ‘unfair’ EV subsidies probe risks damaging ties Trade tensions have been rising spiral that threatens since the EU opened its EV investigation and China this month announced an anti-dumping army recruitment C probe into brandy sales. EuropeBy Tom Hancock & Kevin Whitelaw

By Bloomberg News

ussia’s war in Ukraine is intensifying an acute deficit of workers that’s hitting businesses from metal refineries to posh Moscow restaurants and igniting a race to increase salaries that threatens the Kremlin’s ability to replenish the armed forces.

The competition for employees has pushed wages up at a double-digit pace and made once-relatively lucrative military service less appealing, even after a 10.5 percent increase in monthly pay to fight in the war last year. Specialists such as engineers, mechanics, machine operators, welders, drivers and couriers can now find jobs with salaries comparable to or greater than in roles with the army after compensation for such work rose by 8 percent to 20 percent last year, according to data from local recruitment service Superjob seen by Bloomberg. For a period after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a mobilization in 2022 for the war, companies lost employees to the army and defense plants, which offered much higher wages than even the most generous civilian factories. Then, private sector salaries began to rise in response, and many companies regained their competitiveness. Now, there’s competition within civilian sectors. Industrial facilities vie for workers as openings for couriers and security guards offer top salaries that match those in factories, but with far fewer job-related responsibilities, a top executive at one of the biggest metals and mining companies said, asking not to be identified because he’s not authorized to speak to the media. The result is that today’s labor shortage is unlike any seen before, he said. The Russian economy needs a record 2.3 million workers, Federal Statistics Service data published at the end of December show. At the same time, Russia’s unemployment has plunged to a historical low of 2.9 percent. Bloomberg economists said: “Russia’s strategy of recruiting armed forces volunteers with outsized signup bonuses and large pay was likely designed for a short conflict. As the war drags on, labor scarcity and low unemployment has meant private employers have few options but matching what the military offers.” “As market wages catch up to military pay, Russia will be pressed to choose between shifting an even larger share of its public spending toward the military, accepting a drop in volunteer inflows or leaning more heavily into targeted mobilization.” Alex Isakov, Russia economist, said the sectors that have the greatest need for new personnel—public administration and defense—had a deficit of 365,000 workers. The Kremlin still mostly relies on volunteers to fight its war in Ukraine, offering 210,000 rubles monthly. It’s eager to avoid any new mobilization ahead of presidential elections in March, where Putin is all but certain to win his fifth term in office, after the last one in September 2022 sparked a sharp increase in public anxiety about the war in opinion polls. Putin’s decision then to call up 300,000 reservists triggered an exodus of hundreds of thousands of Russians eager to avoid the war. Many were young professionals, whose departure further exacerbated strains in the labor market. In 2023, about 490,000 people were serving in the army under contract, according to Defense Minister

Modi . . .

continued from A14

movement coalescing in the coming months, the BJP was headed for a win comparable to the last two elections, each of which handed Modi victories by considerable margins,

For a period after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a mobilization in 2022 for the war, companies lost employees to the army and defense plants, which offered much higher wages than even the most generous civilian factories. Then, private sector salaries began to rise in response, and many companies regained their competitiveness. Sergei Shoigu. The military receives more than 1,500 applications to the service every week, he said. The labor shortage has become a major headache for the central bank, which doubled the key interest rate last year in part because of the inflation stemming from rising wages. Meanwhile, the scarcity of workers is acting as a limit on the Russian economy’s potential growth. In addition to the difficulty of filling positions, salaries are eating into firms’ profits. On top of wages, manufacturers now offer additional benefits to attract and retain employees. One Russian steel major, Severstal, is set to spend 9 billion rubles ($103 million) on salary increases in 2024 and 15 billion rubles for its employee support programs, which covers expenses for things like sports and mortgages, its press service said.

In demand

Restaurants and construction companies are also feeling the squeeze as migrant laborers from neighboring countries leave Russia because high inflation and the weak ruble have lowered their income in dollar terms. Chefs are “in great demand,” according to Igor Bukharov, head of the Federation of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers, who said their salaries had increased by 10 percent to 15 percent, to sometimes as much as 300,000 rubles. The labor shortage has forced Russia to seek workers from further afield. About 10,000 people are set to arrive from Kenya after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Nairobi in May for the first time in 13 years, the state-run Tass news service reported, citing the Kenyan president’s spokesman, Hussein Mohamed. Authorities in one Siberian region are counting on North Korea as a source of workers for their construction sites, which lack thousands of builders, while the head of the National Association of Developers Anton Glushkov wants to attract “excess” labor from Cuba. Still other firms are looking to mine less conventional domestic sources for labor. At the end of last year, Russian Railways JSC Deputy Managing Director Dmitry Shakhanov said the company is planning to hire convicts sentenced to forced labor and has already started negotiations with the Federal Penitentiary Service. According to Superjob’s research, the Russian labor market’s new reality is one where 85 percent of companies in Russia are experiencing staff shortages and 93 percent dare not reduce staff, and all while the number of job postings surged by 1.5 times in 2023. Bloomberg said Neelanjan Sircar, an author and also a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research. “If there are big changes or barring something certainly coming together for the opposition, I would say we are very much looking at numbers similar to 2014 and 2019,” Sircar said by phone. Bloomberg

hina’s ambassador to the European Union called the bloc’s probe into Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers over state subsidies “unfair,” delivering a veiled warning that more European products could face trade investigations. In an interview with Bloomberg, Fu Cong noted that the EU subsidizes many of its own companies and said that if China took the same approach as the bloc has done, “there are many things that could be subject to investigation.” China is cooperating with the EU’s probe “because we do want to avoid a situation that the two sides will have to resort to trade measures against each other,” he added. Trade tensions have been rising since the EU opened its EV investigation and China this month announced an anti-dumping probe into brandy sales. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last year laid out a strategy of “de-risking” but not “de-coupling” from China, a formulation that other countries, including the US, quickly echoed. On Wednesday, the EU will unveil a set of proposals aimed at defending itself against coercive economic steps by countries like China and Russia, including rules that would allow it to screen and potentially block foreign investment in sensitive industries. Those measures are “mostly targeted at China,” Fu said. China “fully understands” the desire of European countries to enhance economic security, but the EU’s recent steps amounted to overreaching, he added. “Everything seems to be harming the EU’s security,” Fu said. “But the question is, where do you draw the line and where are the boundaries and how do you strike a proper balance between economy and the security?” he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly called for such a “balance,” but many economists and business executives say a greater security

emphasis has crimped economic growth. Since taking up his latest role in Brussels in December 2022, Fu has published near-daily English language posts on social media platform X. He hasn’t typically been associated with a more assertive style of diplomacy linked to China’s so-called Wolf Warriors.

Taiwan warning

However, in the interview, he issued a stern warning against the EU pursuing any kind of trade or investment deal with Taiwan. Taiwanese officials have floated proposals to sign some kind of investment deal with Europe as the Democratic Progressive Party tries to build on momentum from its victory in the island’s presidential elections this month. The EU parliament last week passed a resolution reaffirming support for an investment treaty with the self-ruled island, a largely symbolic move because any such treaty would need approval from member states. Such steps would violate the EU’s one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as the sole legal government of China, Fu said. “We are firmly opposed to that and it’ll seriously harm our relations with you if that happens,” he added. “This is only an idea but I want to make our position clear upfront and that there should be no misunderstanding concerning China’s position.”

EV methodology

FU criticized how the EU is carrying out its EV probe, citing what he called

an Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last year laid out a strategy of “de-risking” but not “de-coupling” from China, a formulation that other countries, including the US, quickly echoed.

the “deliberate exclusion” of key companies from the investigation. The sample of firms only includes Chinese firms and not companies like Tesla or European brands that manufacture in China through joint ventures. The selected companies are more representative of the problem the EU is looking to tackle, people familiar with the decision have told Bloomberg. Some of the sampled firms are more likely to get hit by higher duties, while non-sampled companies would be subject to an average. Asked whether China would respond to any tariffs on EVs with counter-measures, Fu said: “Let’s wait and see, we hope that that will not happen.” China’s brandy probe was widely seen as retaliation for the bloc’s EV announcement, but Fu called it a response to concerns from Chinese companies. “I don’t want to say that this may proliferate into other European items,” he said when asked about the investigation. Despite all the tension, Fu said the EU and China have lots of scope for cooperation, particularly if Europe can build a stronger economy and develop its own foreign policy. Chinese officials have often pushed the EU to develop a foreign policy that is distinct from the US.

Strategic autonomy

“IF Europe wants to play a bigger role in the world, first they need to exercise more strategic autonomy, in

Trump races toward 2024 Biden rematch after New Hampshire win By Jordan Fabian

onald Trump put himself on the cusp of clinching the Republican presidential nomination after New Hampshire voters handed him a decisive victory in Tuesday’s primary.

Trump comfortably dispatched his only remaining challenger, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, a little more than a week after his romp in the Iowa caucuses forced his other main rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, out of the race. News organizations called the race for Trump almost immediately after polls closed at 8 p.m. Eastern time. The back-to-back wins put Trump on track to deliver a knockout blow to Haley next month in her home state of South Carolina and turn his attention to an all-butcertain rematch with President Joe Biden. Haley—who notched 43.5 percent of GOP primary votes, compared to Trump’s 55 percent, with 75 percent of ballots counted—now will face tough questions about the viability of her campaign, since there’s little evidence she has significant support in the next earlyvoting states. Haley vowed on Tuesday to stay in the race but her defeat likely marked the final stand of Never Trump Republican operatives, donors and elected officials who have sought to move the party away from its 77-year-old standard bearer and back toward its traditional conservative roots. There has been little appetite for that among Republican voters, who crave Trump’s politics of grievance and populist zeal. With Haley having virtually no path forward, Republicans effectively have passed up their chance to turn the page on the most polar-

izing figure in American politics, who is facing four criminal indictments and lost the last presidential contest. “No one would like to see the Republican Party shift back in another direction more than I do. But it’s not going to happen,” Jennifer Horn, the former New Hampshire GOP chairwoman, who has since left the party, told Bloomberg News on Monday.

2020 rematch

The New Hampshire outcome makes even more inevitable a scenario that many political and business elites have begrudged: Trump and Biden are due to face off for the presidency in November. The result will determine the shape of America’s democracy at home and its role in the world. Trump assailed Haley during a victory speech at his Nashua, New Hampshire, headquarters, appearing annoyed that she claimed a strong performance. Trump made fun of her dress and called her an “impostor” who is “not going to win.” He said would beat Biden in the general election, repeating his false claims he also defeated the president in 2020. “We are going to win this,” Trump said. “The reason we have support is because they are so bad at what they’re doing and so evil and they’re destroying our country.” Some Wall Street titans dismayed at the possibility of a second term for Trump or Biden have started to warm to the prospect of the Republican’s return. JPMorgan

Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon said last week Trump was “kind of right” about certain issues and accused Democrats of “scapegoating” his supporters. In remarks to her supporters, Haley repeated attacks on Trump’s age, mental acuity and ability to defeat Biden in November. “This race is far from over. There are dozens of states left to go. And the next one is my sweet state of South Carolina,” Haley said in Concord, New Hampshire. Americans for Prosperity Action, a group backed by billionaire Charles Koch, said after the New Hampshire race was called that it would continue to back Haley in South Carolina even as it acknowledged “an uphill battle.” In recent days, there were signs the GOP is coalescing around Trump. His closing rally in Monday night in Laconia, New Hampshire, featured defeated primary opponents Tim Scott, Doug Burgum and Vivek Ramaswamy. DeSantis endorsed Trump on Sunday after suspending his campaign. Trump also picked up endorsements from key South Carolina officials. “I say the general election begins tonight,” Ramaswamy said onstage at Trump’s victory celebration.

Biden contrast

Trump’s victory came from a broad

their own words, and be true to that strategy,” he said. “On our side, we are sincere in cooperating with the EU and we do hope that this sincerity could be reciprocated.” As an alternative to limits on trade and investment, China wants to set up a dialog mechanism that “makes sure that neither side will weaponize the others’ dependency,” Fu said. “China is willing even to take legally binding commitment,” he added, without providing specifics. The pace of meetings between Chinese and EU officials has picked up over the past two years, but they often have yielded little progress. In 2022, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described a summit meeting with China as a “dialog of the deaf.” Back in 2020, China and the EU agreed on an investment treaty that would have given EU companies in China more market access, but the European Parliament refused to ratify it after China sanctioned several lawmakers.

Chip limits

FU also criticized discussions about the EU imposing controls on technology, such as advanced semiconductor-manufacturing equipment made by companies like ASML Holding NV in the Netherlands. Under pressure from Washington, the Dutch government banned the company from selling certain high-end equipment to China. “I don’t know what kind of measure China will take in response to that, but of course we are still working,” Fu said on the chip restrictions, adding that the Netherlands and the EU should be careful about cutting off ASML’s sales to Chinese companies. “Without the Chinese market, I don’t know how long they will maintain their dominant place,” he said, “and don’t underestimate the ingenuity of the Chinese scientists and engineers.” With assistance from Alberto Nardelli, Lyubov Pronina and Rebecca Choong Wilkins/Bloomberg

coalition of Republicans, according to a poll of voters in the GOP primary conducted by AP VoteCast. He won in urban, suburban and rural areas. There was no discernible gender gap. And he won among every age group, with the highest support coming from the youngest and the oldest voters. Haley won only among liberals, moderates and White voters with a college degree. Trump’s emergence as the clear frontrunner gives Biden a chance to drive home his argument that the race is a choice between him and the Republican, rather than a referendum on his presidency. Biden will need voters who have not tuned in to the campaign to start paying attention for that approach to pay off. “He’s betting you’re going to stop caring,” Biden said of Trump Tuesday at a Virginia abortion-rights rally meant to serve as counterprogramming to the Republican race in New Hampshire. “I’m betting he’s wrong.” New Hampshire Democrats also held a primary race on Tuesday, but it was unsanctioned by the national party and Biden did not participate nor did he appear on the ballot. The president had decided to move Democrats’ first nominating contest to South Carolina. Without Biden, longshot candidates Representative Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson campaigned for a symbolic victory. Biden won the primary by large margins anyway thanks to a writein campaign, blunting Phillips’ calls on the 81-year-old president to pass the torch to a new generation. (With assistance from Nancy Cook, Skylar Woodhouse, Hadriana Lowenkron, Christian Hall and Gregory Korte / Bloomberg)

A16 Thursday, January 25, 2024

RECTO PERSONALLY FAVORS CHA-CHA TO GROW ECONOMY By Reine Juvierre S.Alberto

INANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto personally backs amending the 1987 Constitution to allow further liberalization of the economy to pave the way for better economic growth. This, the newly appointed DOF chief said, amid the initiatives to amend certain economic provisions in the Constitution in a bid to permit foreign investors in the country. “I’ve not gotten instructions from the President, but I think the President, to attract more investments, would be amenable to amend the charter to liberalize the economy,”Recto said in the joint press conference with the Bureaus of Internal Revenue and Customs on Wednesday. Although it is the prerogative of Congress and the Executive branch cannot intervene, Recto said he supports the initiatives to amend the Charter for economic growth. “Halimbawa [For example], opening up education for investments. I think we can agree to that. I think, why not allow foreign investments in education?” he said. As a former senator and an economist, Recto supported Charter change in 2017, but only to amend the economic provisions in the Constitution, particularly the Local Government Code, such as opening the economy to foreign investors to promote the country’s development. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. also said he supports the initiatives in Congress to update the economic provisions of the Constitution but

he opposes any changes in covering land ownership and political term limits. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/01/24/pbbm-backs-movesto-update-economic-provisions-ofthe-constitution-but-says-no-toforeign-ownership-of-land/) “The 1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world. And that is where we are now. So we have to adjust so that we can increase the economic activity within the Philippines,” Marcos said in an interview with GMA News. Local economists also proposed allowing 100 percent foreign ownership in terms of exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources; alienable lands of the public domain; and educational institutions, among others. The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) said in a statement, “If necessary, Congress can impose the appropriate restrictions, conditions for ownership, or safety nets based on the needs of the country to sustain economic and social development through legislation.” “The removal of economic restrictions from the Philippine Constitution will provide policymakers with greater flexibility to respond effectively to changing global and domestic economic conditions and the evolving needs of the economy,” it added. (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/01/05/economic-chacha-will-unlock-potential-in-phlmedia-re-fef/?fbclid=IwAR0ESHl7u Smc9i3PXI1XdrANmKeTinQetdaLK2TWJbzOqcaGzDGsxoHxrlI)

DND to sell military land to augment pension fund By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

@maloutalosig

HE Department of National Defense is now conducting an inventory of its properties nationwide as it plans to sell some of them to plug the projected shortfall the Philippine government would encounter from funding the pension of its soldiers in 30 years.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. bared the plans of the Marcos Jr. administration Tuesday night, three months after rumors of a destabilization plot surfaced. In November, retired military generals expressed their disappointment to former president Rodrigo Duterte on proposals to overhaul the pension system for Military and Uniformed personnel (MUP). This triggered rumors that President Duterte has been orchestrating a plot to oust the Marcos administration, which Duterte vehemently denied. Teodoro said that based on their latest count, the Armed Forces of

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. fields questions at the Defense Night forum of the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC), led by veteran journalist Tony Lopez (right), on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in Makati City. MALOU TALOSIG

the Philippines has 220 properties scattered all over the country. However, only six of the military land assets have “perfect titles” while the rest were only covered with presidential reservation proclamations, and cannot be immediately converted into “transferable titles.” “We are inventorying all AFP land assets so that we can transfer these assets, which are classified as non-strategic, into the AFP Retirement Trust Fund in order to augment, and in the future, be a source of the retirement benefit, which will not be diminished for our current and future retirees,” Teodoro said during the Manila Overseas

Press Club (MOPC) Defense Night. He estimated that the land assets, if sold in the future, will likely be worth more than P10 trillion. The defense chief said that in 30 years, it would likely reach P3.5 trillion, unlike earlier projections that the MUP pension would cripple the Philippine fiscal position for up to P11 trillion. The earlier computation, he said, included PNP uniformed personnel and other nonuniformed personnel of the AFP. Under the proposed MUP reform bill, a separate trust fund administrator will be named, which will most likely be the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). “So (GSIS) will have the ability to

vet any proposals in this land. They will have the ability to perform extensive due diligence on other proponents, which the Department of National Defense does not,” he added. Besides the sale of the military properties, the MUP reform law will also require the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) to put a maximum of P2 billion of its earnings to be added to the kitty of the MUP pension fund annually. He said he is also reviewing the arrangement with the banks on the AFP pension trust fund. “I will demand, if found right, I will demand the return of the trust fund balance,” Teodoro said.

Salceda touts ‘12.1% of voters’ for PI; Macalintal says ‘hold it!’ By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

& Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

DVOCATES for the people’s initiative (PI) have successfully gathered signatures from 12.1 percent of voters, surpassing the required threshold for a direct constitutional amendment, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda claimed on Wednesday. A day after all 24 senators endorsed a manifesto rejecting the ongoing alleged “people’s initiative” which they said destroys bicameralism and democracy, Salceda told reporters that PI supporters have secured support from at least 3 percent of voters in each congressional district and a minimum of 12 percent nationwide. Salceda’s confidence notwithstanding, senators continued their attacks on the apparent bid to railroad a “people’s initiative” while noted election lawyer Romulo Macalintal warned the Commission on elections against prematurely accepting signature sheets allegedly supporting a call for a “PI.” Comelec, he said, should stop receiving such signature sheets. “It is just a waste of time and paper because these signature sheets have no evidentiary value or cannot be the basis of an initiative. It gives

a wrong impression to the people that an initiative to amend the charter has already been properly or validly initiated.” Maca linta l ex plained why: the Comelec, through Chairman George Erwin Garcia, “admitted that there is no petition yet filed on the matter, hence, it cannot acquire jurisdiction over any move for charter change via initiative.” Macalintal noted that Section 2, Article XVII of the 1987 Constitution provides that any amendment of its provision by the people through initiative must be “upon a petition.” And, he added, “in the 2006 case of Lambino vs Comelec, the Supreme Court ruled that the people must first read the petition before they sign it,” the lawyer added. “With Chairman Garcia’s admission that no petition has yet been filed with the pollbody, it is as clear as the sunlight that there is legal basis for anyone to submit the said signature sheets to the Comelec. Without a formal petition having been filed, it is premature to submit these signature sheets to the Comelec and there is likewise no valid reason for the Comelec to receive them. In other words, the signatures cannot be filed ahead of the petition,” Macalintal stressed. In the Lambino case, the Supreme Court clarified that “the Constitution requires that an ini-

tiative must be directly proposed by the people in a petition – meaning that the people must sign on a petition that contains the full text of the proposed amendment.” Also, Section 12(b)(e), Article II of Comelec Resolution No. 10650 dated January 31, 2020, the rules that governs the conduct of an initiative, requires that the proponents must “ensure that petitioners have read and understood the petition and gave consent to the petition.” Thus, as stated, “the signature sheets containing the alleged signatures of voters cannot be the basis to start a valid initiative considering that, on its face, there was no existing petition yet when the said signatures were made and no petition yet to be read and understood and to give consent thereon.”

Verification fees unpaid

MEANWHILE, the Comelec cannot even start verifying the signatures thereon because the verification fees required under Comelec Resolution No. 10650 has not yet been paid, which amounts to some P100,000 depending on the number of signatures to be verified, said Macalintal. The same resolution provides that no petition for initiative could be started by the Comelec without the payment of a filing fee of P30,000. Continued on A11

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Meralco: SPPC ERC tells gencos to explain submits lowest unplanned power outages bid for 1,200MW T he Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued a total of

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

65 Notices of Non-Compliance with Order to Explain (NNCOE) to various generation companies with facilities or units that exceeded the allowable number of unplanned outages. In a statement, the ERC said the issuance of the notices is in direct response to the increased calls from government leaders, policymakers, and various sectors for “heightened accountability” within the power industry. This call for accountability has been particularly emphasized following a significant 4-day power outage

in Panay Island, with the ERC highlighting the need for consistent and uninterrupted electricity provision. The regulatory body said the basis for these notices is ERC Resolution No. 10, series of 2020, titled “A Resolution Adopting the Interim Reliability Performance Indices and Equivalent Outage Days Per Year of Generating Units.”

This resolution establishes maximum thresholds for both planned and unplanned outages annually, across different generating plant technologies. It is a directive that stems from the Philippine Grid Code, which mandates a systematic approach to recording and reporting grid reliability through a comprehensive set of indicators. Under the resolution, generation companies are required to report any planned or unplanned outage events to the ERC within 48 hours of their occurrence. Additionally, they must provide a weekly summary report ev-

ery Tuesday, detailing outage events of their facilities from the preceding week. The ERC has already imposed penalties amounting to approximately P60 million on various generation companies for breaching the Reliability Index. According to the ERC, should the companies served with the 65 NNCOEs be found non-compliant upon further investigation, the ERC is prepared to enforce appropriate sanctions and penalties in accordance with its established rules. ERC Chairperson and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta has renewed calls for amending Republic Act 9136, also known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001. She said the amendment will “allow the application of penalties imposed on erring power firms as refunds to consumers inconvenienced by the power outages.”

A Brown share sale secures nod By VG Cabuag @villygc

Brown Co. Inc. on Wednesday said it has received the green light from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its plan to offer and issue 15 million preferred shares. The shares, which are cumulative, non-voting, non-participating, non-convertible, peso-denominated, redeemable, and perpetual preferred shares, will be issued out of the 50 million preferred shares registration of the company. A Brown said this will be the second tranche of its preferred shares offering, which could yield as much

as P1.5 billion. The amount will be used for the development of pipeline residential projects. The company said the shares may be offered in two series—series B and C. It is targeted to be listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange this month. The proposed offering is composed of up to 10 million preferred shares within each series will be available for purchase at the price of P100 per share with an oversubscription option of up to 5 million preferred shares. Proceeds from the offer are aimed at supporting the development of pipeline real estate projects

in Mindanao and Luzon, land banking initiatives and other general corporate purposes. A Brown has assigned PNB Capital and Investment Corp. as its sole issue manager, lead underwriter and sole bookrunner for this transaction. “Among our high-priority developments are Coral Bay Suites and Alexandrite Columns, both of wh ic h a re condom i n iu m s with resort amenities and scenic views,” A Brown President and CEO Robertino E. Pizarro said. T he sa id projec t s m a rk A Brown’s first venture into vertical development. The company’s first preferred

shares offering was in 2021, when it raised a total of P1.33 billion. A Brown said its reservation sales have been increasing over the past 3 years. In 2022, it reached P2.62 billion. The company’s land banking also increased to 552 hectares from 293 hectares. A Brown’s E-Beam and Cold Storage Facility in Rizal, funded in part by the proceeds from the 2021 offering, is now 90 percent complete and will contribute significantly to earnings starting this year. A Brown has established itself as a premier real estate company with mixed-use, nature-themed developments in Mindanao and Luzon.

Siemens ACEN closes deal to acquire wind project Energy surges

iemens Energy AG gained the most in more than two months after reporting better-thanexpected quarterly results, a positive development following a series of debacles in the German manufacturer’s wind business. The shares rose as much as 12.9 percent on Wednesday after the company reported €7.65 billion ($8.3 billion) in sales for the first fiscal quarter, slightly ahead of analyst expectations. It credited positive momentum in, among other things, gas services and grid technology units. “We are looking at a good first quarter, and we believe that we are in line with expectations for the year as a whole,“ a Siemens Energy spokesperson said. “In the wind business, this means solving the quality problems in the onshore segment.” Siemens Energy is still trying to get under control issues related to faulty wind turbines, which have dogged the company for years. During fiscal 2023, losses stemming from its Gamesa unit prompted a €4.59 billion negative result. The Spanish business plans to cut €400 million in costs by 2026, when the parent expects it will break even. Bloomberg News

The 38 MW Chestnut Flats Wind Project located in Pennsylvania became operational in 2011. Photo from www.edf-re.com

CEN Corp. said on Wednesday UPC Power Solutions— its joint venture with PivotGen, and UPC Solar & Wind Investments—has successfully concluded the acquisition of a 38MW wind project from EDF Renewables North America. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), ACEN said the closing of this agreement involves the purchase of the lessee interests in the 38 MW Chestnut Flats operating wind project located near Altoona. EDF Renewables North America will continue to provide essential asset management and operations and maintenance services for the project. Established in April 2022, UPC Power Solutions is increasing its presence in the renewable energy (RE) sector in the United States through wind projects. “The addition of this high-quality renewable asset will support

our long-term strategy to build a diversified fleet of operating wind projects,” said Tim Rosenzweig, UPC Power Solutions CEO, said. “Our investment in Chestnut Flats will create economic opportunity and maintain jobs in the local community.” This acquisition marks UPC Power Solutions’ ninth project and its second merger and acquisition in 2023, bringing its total operating portfolio to over 170 MW of renewable power generation across various states in the US. ACEN has set an ambitious target of reaching 20 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 in line with its net-zero carbon emissions goal. So far, the company has around 4.3 GW of capacity from its facilities in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India, with a renewable energy share of 98 percent. Last November, the company

reported a net income of P6.6 billion at end-September 2023, up by 59 percent from the same period a year ago, boosted by gains from the sale of its stake in geothermal power plants in Indonesia. Revenues for January to September rose 13 percent year-onyear to P28.6 billion on the back of higher retail customer tariffs and the ramp-up of New England solar in Australia and Pagudpud wind in the Philippines. Core operating earnings, which represents ACEN’s attributable share of income from operating units, doubled with new operating capacity across the global portfolio and the shift to a net selling merchant position in 2023. This offset higher overhead and development expenses for the period as ACEN continues to ramp up its renewables expansion in the Philippines and in Australia. Lorenz S. Marasigan

he Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said on Wednesday it has successfully completed a critical step in enhancing its power supply capacity after securing the best bid for 1,200 megawatts (MW) through a competitive selection process (CSP). According to Meralco Bids and Awards Committee for Power Supply Agreements (BAC-PSA) Chairman Lawrence S. Fernandez, 3 bidders participated in the CSP, each submitting qualification documents, technical proposals, and bid prices. Following a thorough evaluation, South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC) emerged as the best bidder, offering the lowest rate for Meralco’s baseload requirement. SPPC’s bid stood at P7.0718 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the entire 1,200-MW requirement, “a rate that demonstrates both competitiveness and value for the consumers.” Meanwhile, the unincorporated joint venture of Limay Power Inc. and San Roque Hydropower Inc. offered a close second best, with a bid of P7.1006 per kWh for a 150-MW capacity. First Natgas Power Corp. (FNPC) proposed a rate of P8.4489 per kWh for 210 MW. Notably, except for FNPC, all other offers were below

the P7.1538 per kWh reserve price set for this CSP. The process encouraged the participation of suppliers with indigenous natural gas-fired power plants. In compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) Department Circular No. DC2023-06-0021 and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Resolution No. 16, Series of 2023, Meralco ensured an open and transparent bidding process, according to Fernandez. “Meralco, as a highly-regulated entity, has conducted its business in full compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the ERC and DOE. All contracts resulting from this CSP will be subject to the regulatory proceedings of the ERC.” The committee is set to undertake a post-qualification evaluation and recommend the best bid to Meralco’s Board of Directors, preceding the issuance of a Notice of Award. The upcoming 15-year power supply agreement (PSA) from this CSP is aligned with Meralco’s DOE-approved Power Supply Procurement Plan. This plan accounts for Meralco’s future capacit y needs, including the 1,000 MW (net) supply pending resolution under its PSAs with change in circumstance cases. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Netflix posts best customer gain since surge during pandemic

A Netflix Inc. office building in Los Angeles, California, United States on Monday, September 25, 2023. Photographer: Eric Thayer/Bloomberg

etflix Inc. signed up 13.1 million customers in the final three months of 2023, the streaming giant’s best quarter of growth since viewers were stuck at home in the early days of the pandemic. The strong tally exceeded Wall Street’s estimate of 8.91 million and beat projections in every region of the world, with Netflix adding more than 5 million customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa alone. Sales rose to $8.83 billion, the company said Tuesday, also topping forecasts. Shares of Netflix rose as much as 11 percent to $539 in premarket trading in New York on Wednesday. They are up 38 percent in the past year through the close on Tuesday. Netflix rebounded from a rocky 2022 by posting one of its strongest years of customer growth, buoyed by a crackdown on password sharing, the introduction of a cheaper advertising-supported option and a strong slate of programs. Hit shows of the latest quarter included the post-apocalyptic thriller Leave the World Behind and a documentary about soccer great David Beckham. Netflix’s strong performance

stands in sharp contrast to many of its competitors in Hollywood, which operate shrinking cable networks and unprofitable streaming services. Those companies are now merging and cutting jobs to try and keep up. Just a couple of years ago, it seemed as though Netflix had hit a ceiling on growth after the company lost customers in the first half of 2022. But the steps taken since then have paid off. “We believe we’ve successfully addressed account sharing, ensuring that when people enjoy Netflix they pay for the service too,” the company said in a letter to shareholders. While the ad-supported tier got off to a slow start, it has begun to gather momentum. The company said earlier this month it now has more than 23 million people using the tier. Netflix still has a lot of work to do in order to improve its advertising business, co-Chief Executive Officer Greg Peters said Tuesday. The company needs to add more customers, introduce new products and improve its technology. Management believes Netflix can capture billions of dollars from linear TV networks. Bloomberg News

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, January 25, 2024

AirAsia aims to restore fleet to pre-Covid levels this year

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

nounced in early January that it plans to make Manila its “hub to the United States” as it adopts a “multi-hub strategy” with the planned consolidation of its airline businesses across Southeast Asia. In a press conference, Capital A Bhd. CEO Tony Fernandes said the group will transform other key cities, such as Bangkok and Manila as “hubs,” similar to Kuala Lumpur, where it operates its largest route network. Manila will become AirAsia Group’s “hub to the US” and flights to America are expected to be launched by “2025.” Fernandes cited Los Angeles as one of the destinations that AirAsia will be launching for its US expansion via Manila. He added that the company will consolidate its airline businesses, creating a single entity owner for its regional operations. Fernandes called this initiative a “strategic disposal.”

@lorenzmarasigan

irAsia Philippines has set ambitious targets to restore its fleet to prepandemic levels by the end of this year, executives said in an interview.

Steve Dailisan, the spokesman for AirAsia Philippines, said the carrier is gunning to end 2024 with as much as 25 aircraft, one jet more than its pre-pandemic capacity of 24 airliners. “Our main goal for the first and second quarters is the reactivation of our fleet—returning to pre-pandemic levels,” he said. Dailisan noted however that the company is faced with challenges due to the backlogs at Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations.

“It’s a bit challenging because the queue at MROs has been piling up.” The airline is currently operating 16 aircraft and anticipates increasing this number to 17 by the first or second week of February. This figure, however, still falls short of the 24 aircraft they were operating in 2019. Dailisan highlighted AirAsia’s broader plans to expand capacity. “But our goal is also to introduce the Airbus 321 into our fleet by the fourth quarter. So, the additional A321 will allow us more capacity

on the routes we fly.” Two A321s will join AirAsia Philippines’ fleet by the second semester of 2024. AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla noted that the tail end of the second quarter towards the third quarter will be a “significant” period in terms of capacity restoration for the carrier. “That’s when we’ll really have the full complement, close to the 2019 levels,” he clarified. The AirAsia Group had an-

‘Ensure job security of Sky workers’ T he Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER), a labor nongover nment organization (NGO), voiced concerns over the welfare of the employees affected by the acquisition deal between PLDT Inc. and Sky Cable Corp. EILER Executive Director Rochelle Porras called on the two groups to ensure the rights of the workers are upheld, especially those whose employment will be affected once the transaction is closed. She noted the “uncertainty” that 22 employees in the Sky Cable TV department are facing. The NGO, she said, urges PLDT to absorb these employees, maintain their security of tenure, and to provide equivalent positions, as well as necessary reskilling and training. “We were informed that 22 employees at Sky Cable TV department are to be affected. We echo the call of Sky Cable’s employees union for the employees to be absorbed by PLDT. The buying company should respect the rights of the employees to security of tenure, and by reassigning them to positions of equivalent rank, and provide reskilling and training, if necessary,” Porras said. This month, the Philippine Competition Commission has approved the sale of Sky to PLDT, a transaction that is still subject to closing conditions. The Sky Cable Supervisors, Professionals/Technical Employees

Union, Porras said, demands the absorption of all employees, insisting on the recognition of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Sky. She warned against using the acquisition as a pretext to sidestep existing obligations under the CBA. “The companies should respect the employees’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. Further, the acquisition must not be used as a reason to circumvent existing obligations under the CBA between SKY and the union,” Porras said. To recall, PLDT attempted to buy SkyCable in 2022 when its subsidiary Cignal Cable Corp. proposed a P2.86-billion investment in the Lopez-led cable TV operator. In 2023, the Pangilinan-led telco entered into a share and purchase agreement with Sky Vision Corp., ABS-CBN, and Lopez Inc. to acquire their shares in SkyCable for P6.75 billion. The deals did not push through due to competition issues. PLDT had said the transaction is in line with its goal to “narrow the digital divide,” explaining that the transaction will “benefit the existing broadband subscribers of both PLDT and Sky.” By merging their operations, PLDT and Sky will be able to “strengthen and expand” the coverage of their services, reach remote areas, and upgrade customer experience. Lorenz S. Marasigan

MUTUAL FUNDS

January 24, 2024

NAV

One Year Three Year

per share

Five Year

Y-T-D

Return*

Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

215.45

-2.77%

-1.69%

1.4923

3.02%

4.65%

0.18%

1.84%

1.32%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.9992

-4.03%

-1.39%

-6.19%

-2.27%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7074 -0.31%

-3.66%

-5.73% n.a

First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a

-6.09% n.a

1.84%

-3.21%

1.72%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

0.6371

-4.18%

-10.23%

-4.44%

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.7098-5.52% -1.56%

-0.41%

2.23%

-0.33%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.7085-5.81% -2.04% n.a n.a MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

84.32

5.69%

-6.45%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 44.0208

-5.31%

-2.03%

-3.48% n.a

-7.25% n.a 2.58%

457.66

-2.88%

-2.12%

-3.46%

-0.47%

2.3%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2273

-0.49%

1.59%

-1.43% n.a

1.83%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

-3.09%

-0.34%

-2.39%

1.35%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8857-3.08%

-0.98%

-3.28% n.a

2.17%

4.6245

-4.33%

-1.16%

-2.71%

1.19%

2.53%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

769.67

-4.47%

-1.33%

-2.78%

1.17%

2.55%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6944

-4.29%

-1.07%

-5.21% n.a

1.27%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.4518

-0.32%

-4.57%

-1.64%

-4.26%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8728-4.74%

-1.64%

-3.07% n.a

United Fund, Inc. -a

0.52%

2.39%

-4.13%

-1.48%

-2.99%

2.31%

2.27%

Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a

3.1653

1.25%

-0.79%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 34.397

1.82%

2.6% 2.56%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 1.0817-4.67% n.a n.a n.a

2.47%

COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,2 1.0122 n.a n.a n.a n.a 0.75% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.0235

-9.42%

-1.99% n.a n.a

0.44%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

934.33

-4.47% n.a n.a n.a

2.55%

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 104.5669-3.91%-0.93%

-2.47%

1.85%

2.58%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.7661

-17.93%

-16.87%

-4.28%

-2.16%

-6.8%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a

$1.6769

13.34%

-0.91%

7.23% n.a

ATRAM 0.91%

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

0.45%

0.42%

ATRAM Unicapital Diversified Growth Fund, Inc. -a,41.5251

1.57%

-3.17%

-2.47%

-1.41%

0.96%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.5202

2.223

3.06%

-4.24%

-1.01%

-0.64% -1.36%

-0.95%

-0.75%

0.94%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1936

-5.1%

-0.81% n.a n.a

1.68% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9595

-3.36%

-0.16%

0.53%

1.42%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.5946

-0.28%

-1.76%

-0.14%

0.55%

1.09%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

15.7481

-0.55%

-2.43%

-0.82%

0.25%

1.19%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0535

-0.89%

-0.67%

-0.93%

1.2%

1.26%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.4466

-1.37%

-1.24%

-1.97%

0.14%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.9129

0.77%

-1.07% n.a

0.95%

-2.21%

1.37%

1.14%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.9454-0.31%

-2.65% n.a n.a

0.54%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.8611-3.82%

-3.19% n.a n.a

1.65%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.8426-4.45%

-3.32% n.a n.a

2.06%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03271

-1.58%

0.05%

-1.92%

-1.4%

-5.77%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.2941

-0.79%

-5.8%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.8623 -11.15%

-11.15%

7.85%

-2.38%

4.32%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.0323

2.79%

-4.26%

-1.51% 2.88%

0.9% n.a

0.05% -0.84%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 391.05

3.1%

1.72%

2.57%

2.31%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9143

1.4%

0.2%

0.59%

0.14% 0.11%

0.28%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.3343

2.43%

1.2%

2.27%

3.76%

0.27%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.277

2.79%

-0.35%

1.24%

1.51%

-0.4%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.45

1.31%

-0.04%

1.96%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

2.07%

1.09%

4.2978

1.82%

-2.6%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3815

3.86%

1.46%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.0315

2.8%

0.36%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

2.47%

0.29%

1.051

1.24%

3.17%

1.84%

0.6%

2.51%

1.76%

-0.07%

2.95% n.a

0.12%

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

3.3016

3.15%

0.94%

3.26%

2.33%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

2.41%

0.18%

2.42%

1.7%

-0.33%

1.7635

-0.3%

-0.34%

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

1.0125 n.a n.a n.a n.a

0.49%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$495.83

2.8%

0.76%

1.98%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є214.13

1.62%

-0.8%

2.52%

0.08%

0.82%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0329-0.61% -6.95%

-1.88%

0.07%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0248 3.33%

-2.19%

-0.08% n.a

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc. -b $0.8528 Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

0.07% -0.95%

-2.55%

-7.88%

-3.87%

-3.07%

-0.54%

$2.2854

2.48%

-3.37%

0.82%

1.81%

1.45%

-0.71%

1.33%

1.58%

0.2%

-1.77%

-5.17%

-1.01%

0.39%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.0610368

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.7518

ALFM

0.12%

-0.4%

-1.48% -2.89%

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 137.12

2.81%

1.81%

2.48%

2.06%

0.18%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.1109

3.3%

1.94% n.a n.a

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.37852.86%

2.03%

2.44%

2.05%

0.23%

0.2%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 104.9

4.19% n.a n.a n.a

0.31%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.1004

2.7%

1.48%

1.58% n.a

Sun

0.26%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 43.39190.06% n.a n.a n.a Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a

1.4876

17.98%

1.0073 n.a n.a n.a n.a

0.76%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.7967-2.73% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. 1 - Launch date is August 22, 2023.

-6.98% n.a n.a

b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

2 - Launch date is October 6, 2023.

-0.75%

c - Listed in the PSE.

3 - Launch date is May 25, 2023.

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

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

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

January 24, 2024

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

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

360,205 675,010,847 4,110 195,547,960 2,100,305 1,551,514 74,636,209.50 52,397 243,128 74,022 1,034,270 8,713,482.50 6,279,835 259,690 565,870 6,600 51,860 9,300 1,845,826 12,750 26,210

197,699,833 90,559,015 -226,545 535,780 21,089,134.50 8,897 3,333 -3,275,332 -665,435 -378,860 1,355,204 12,750 -

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 4.18 4.19 4.15 4.19 4.13 4.18 4,801,000 20,037,340 0.53 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.52 0.54 102,000 55,070 ALSONS CONS 0.76 0.77 0.76 0.77 0.76 0.76 230,000 175,280 ALTERNERGY HLDG 37.6 38 37.95 37.95 37.55 37.6 968,200 36,447,300 ABOITIZ POWER 1.22 1.23 1.22 1.23 1.22 1.23 194,000 236,830 RASLAG 0.188 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.188 0.188 650,000 122,820 BASIC ENERGY 18.3 18.32 18.3 18.6 18.16 18.32 243,800 4,478,056 FIRST GEN 64.5 65 64 64.5 63.8 64.5 49,280 3,168,599 FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO 383 384 383 384 381 383 247,090 94,602,076 MANILA WATER 18.28 18.3 18.6 18.6 18.18 18.28 1,672,800 30,632,936 PETRON 3.3 3.32 3.32 3.32 3.3 3.32 201,000 665,040 PETROENERGY 4.29 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.55 4.57 14,000 63,880 REPOWER ENERGY 7.4 7.45 7.4 7.45 7.4 7.45 37,100 274,865 32 32.1 32 32.05 31.8 32 927,300 29,641,775 SEMIRARA MINING SYNERGY GRID 7.76 7.78 7.66 7.92 7.66 7.78 513,100 4,003,080 10.78 10.82 10.8 10.82 10.8 10.8 33,800 365,084 SHELL PILIPINAS 7.1 7.18 7.1 7.1 7 7.1 21,600 153,000 SPC POWER 1.2 1.21 1.23 1.23 1.2 1.2 15,909,000 19,162,100 SP NEW ENERGY 0.64 0.65 0.66 0.67 0.64 0.65 2,234,000 1,460,620 AGRINURTURE 2.15 2.3 2.32 2.33 2.15 2.15 74,000 171,620 AXELUM 32.7 33 34.25 34.25 32.5 32.7 1,146,800 37,779,180 CENTURY FOOD 6.1 6.2 6.24 6.24 6.03 6.2 2,100 13,007 DEL MONTE DNL INDUS 6.74 6.75 6.59 6.82 6.55 6.75 3,828,800 25,721,826 EMPERADOR 20.9 21 20.9 21 20.85 20.9 544,900 11,390,250 SMC FOODANDBEV 48.5 48.7 48.5 48.7 48.45 48.7 19,400 943,265 FIGARO COFFEE 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.63 0.62 0.63 1,657,000 1,039,660 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.455 0.49 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 100,000 46,000 FRUITAS HLDG 0.83 0.85 0.82 0.85 0.82 0.85 985,000 832,460 GINEBRA 162.9 163 166 166 163 163 6,510 1,064,980 270 270.4 263 270.6 262 270 1,037,170 278,260,634 JOLLIBEE 1.43 1.44 1.42 1.44 1.42 1.44 265,000 379,050 KEEPERS HLDG 3.32 3.38 3.45 3.49 3.3 3.32 46,000 154,570 MAXS GROUP 0.096 0.1 0.096 0.096 0.096 0.096 100,000 9,600 MG HLDG 8.58 8.6 8.56 8.6 8.53 8.58 7,522,400 64,529,546 MONDE NISSIN 10.56 10.66 10.48 10.7 10.48 10.56 2,945,900 31,090,418 SHAKEYS PIZZA 0.43 0.435 0.43 0.435 0.42 0.43 390,000 168,150 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 2.89 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 1,898,000 5,504,200 ROXAS HLDG 0.6 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63 2,000 1,260 0.06 0.064 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 40,000 2,400 SWIFT FOODS 112.3 112.4 112.4 113.4 112.3 112.4 1,823,740 205,265,147 UNIV ROBINA VITARICH 0.5 0.51 0.49 0.5 0.49 0.5 210,000 104,900 2.6 2.88 3.09 3.09 2.1 2.88 186,000 460,630 VICTORIAS 45 50 45 45 45 45 200 9,000 CONCRETE B 0.9 0.92 0.93 0.93 0.9 0.92 187,000 169,130 CEMEX HLDG 0.67 0.68 0.68 0.72 0.66 0.68 874,000 601,570 EC VULCAN CORP 6 6.07 6.1 6.1 5.98 6.07 1,033,800 6,220,450 EEI CORP 3.42 3.43 3.35 3.43 3.35 3.42 1,149,000 3,903,880 MEGAWIDE 0.39 0.4 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.39 130,000 50,700 TKC METALS 1.54 1.57 1.55 1.55 1.55 1.55 5,000 7,750 CROWN ASIA 5.4 5.78 5.4 5.78 5.4 5.78 8,500 46,510 MABUHAY VINYL 5.19 5.2 5.2 5.29 5.2 5.2 53,700 280,279 PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION 13.36 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 143,500 1,951,600 GREENERGY 0.229 0.23 0.235 0.236 0.229 0.229 8,150,000 1,882,200 INTEGRATED MICR 2.54 2.55 2.68 2.68 2.53 2.55 150,000 383,750 IONICS 1.17 1.18 1.1 1.19 1.1 1.18 26,748,000 30,400,660 PANASONIC 4.88 5.64 4.88 5.64 4.88 5.64 3,000 16,150 2.4 2.44 2.44 2.44 2.41 2.44 367,000 892,610 SFA SEMICON 1.82 1.84 1.85 1.86 1.84 1.84 84,000 154,820 CIRTEK HLDG

-420,100 44,090 -6,544,900 -201,540 -3,916,494 -6,128,968 -13,200 -36,560 -5,083,690 -466,316 -175,004 -71,710 432,020 -617,590 -23,200 -18,102,350 -9,244,828 -4,775,345 -97,425 317,010 46,000 94,690 -395,420 108,884,446 -10,170 6,720 -3,264,963 29,354,518 -5,452,000 -143,344,186 -27,300 -294,730 -47,620 -477,360 4,600 -232,400 -6,266,970 -

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A KEPPEL HLDG B LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

292,140 17,403,645 -1,808,560 -11,024,232 -3,277,123 -10,257,146 77,248,265 -81,509,385 4,320 -92,576 191,645,555 -7,349,823 49,975 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

33.05 144.1 6.76 109.1 31.5 8.6 57.8 8.7 18.82 55.65 22.6 72.05 43.35 1.16 2.54 0.61 2.7 0.355 190.5 2,550 0.77

1.07 2.7 691.5 49.15 11.48 11.86 0.4 0.38 0.38 5 10.5 0.21 657 3.35 38.7 5.5 6.98 4.3 9.17 1.4 2.62 2.9 899 113 96.15 0.26 0.076

33.55 144.8 6.85 109.6 31.55 8.65 58 8.88 18.84 55.7 23.45 72.1 43.4 1.2 2.57 0.68 2.74 0.465 190.9 2,600 0.82

1.08 2.9 693 49.2 11.5 12 0.43 0.39 0.415 5.02 10.52 0.265 660 3.78 39 5.7 7 4.37 9.19 1.54 2.68 3.5 900 113.1 99.95 0.275 0.082

33.55 141.8 6.85 107 31.5 8.68 57.9 8.88 18.84 55.7 23.5 72 43.5 1.25 2.57 0.6 2.72 0.465 179.6 2,550 0.81

1.06 2.66 689.5 48.75 11.64 12 0.4 0.38 0.38 5 10.5 0.205 642 3.42 39.45 5.51 7 4.36 9.15 1.5 2.66 2.9 897 116 96.1 0.27 0.076

33.55 144.8 6.85 109.6 31.55 8.68 58.25 8.9 18.86 55.7 23.5 72.4 43.55 1.25 2.57 0.6 2.74 0.465 191.2 2,550 0.82

1.09 2.9 699 49.25 11.64 12 0.42 0.38 0.38 5.05 10.54 0.205 660 3.42 39.65 5.7 7 4.36 9.21 1.5 2.66 2.9 902 116 99.95 0.27 0.076

33 141.1 6.85 106.5 31.45 8.6 57.8 8.7 18.82 55.55 22.5 72 43.3 1.16 2.54 0.6 2.72 0.465 179.6 2,550 0.81

1.05 2.66 684 48.75 11.34 12 0.4 0.38 0.38 4.95 10.36 0.205 642 3.35 38.7 5.5 7 4.26 9.1 1.5 2.61 2.9 881.5 112.3 96.1 0.27 0.076

33.05 144.8 6.85 109.6 31.55 8.65 58 8.7 18.82 55.65 22.6 72.1 43.4 1.23 2.54 0.6 2.73 0.465 190.9 2,550 0.82

1.08 2.9 693 49.15 11.5 12 0.42 0.38 0.38 5 10.52 0.205 660 3.35 38.7 5.7 7 4.3 9.19 1.5 2.62 2.9 900 113 99.95 0.27 0.076

10,900 4,709,970 600 1,794,200 66,700 180,100 1,287,040 6,000 12,900 1,330 45,900 120,950 144,700 218,000 222,000 11,000 19,000 20,000 10,050 5 32,000

2,900,000 7,000 170,450 608,600 2,819,300 7,600 40,000 330,000 90,000 1,001,400 5,474,700 400,000 365,590 20,000 2,693,900 1,900 300 228,000 813,700 4,000 146,000 1,000 354,390 201,050 720 500,000 330,000

3,100,850 19,340 117,902,115 29,903,690 32,452,362 91,200 16,250 125,400 34,200 4,992,395 57,502,628 82,000 239,410,160 68,250 105,687,690 10,500 2,100 979,940 7,471,687 6,000 383,720 2,900 317,799,195 22,834,512 71,524 135,000 25,080

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.425 0.44 0.42 0.425 0.42 0.425 200,000 84,950 34.35 34.5 34.25 34.6 34 34.5 11,118,100 383,018,655 AYALA LAND 1.75 1.76 1.75 1.8 1.71 1.75 1,912,000 3,302,140 AYALA LAND LOG 1.16 1.18 1.2 1.2 1.17 1.18 506,000 597,420 ARANETA PROP 33.95 34 34 34 33.95 34 507,500 17,244,555 AREIT RT 0.64 0.66 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 30,000 19,200 A BROWN 0.7 0.72 0.72 0.72 0.72 0.72 1,000 720 CITYLAND DEVT 0.065 0.071 0.066 0.072 0.065 0.071 4,480,000 291,660 CROWN EQUITIES CEB LANDMASTERS 2.64 2.65 2.65 2.65 2.64 2.64 196,000 518,120 CENTURY PROP 0.27 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275 150,000 41,250 2.71 2.72 2.69 2.74 2.69 2.72 4,594,000 12,431,260 CITICORE RT DOUBLEDRAGON 7.9 7.96 7.99 7.99 7.77 7.96 190,000 1,503,290 DDMP RT 1.24 1.25 1.24 1.24 1.22 1.24 2,418,000 2,974,430 5.88 6 6 6 5.88 5.88 3,300 19,440 DM WENCESLAO 0.125 0.126 0.125 0.126 0.124 0.125 1,140,000 142,440 EMPIRE EAST 0.275 0.285 0.285 0.285 0.285 0.285 150,000 42,750 EVER GOTESCO 3.14 3.15 3.18 3.18 3.14 3.15 918,000 2,895,280 FILINVEST RT 0.67 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.67 0.68 141,000 95,710 FILINVEST LAND 8.75 8.98 8.99 8.99 8.99 8.99 200 1,798 8990 HLDG 0.5 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.5 0.53 80,000 41,010 PHIL INFRADEV 0.76 0.78 0.76 0.77 0.76 0.77 117,000 89,890 CITY AND LAND 1.97 1.98 1.97 2.01 1.97 1.97 15,298,000 30,304,640 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 1.44 1.49 1.52 1.52 1.44 1.49 144,000 209,080 14.14 14.16 14.16 14.16 14.14 14.14 434,800 6,149,510 MREIT RT OMICO CORP 0.245 0.28 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 10,000 2,400 1.53 1.55 1.52 1.55 1.52 1.55 64,000 98,360 PREMIERE RT 2.32 2.33 2.32 2.32 2.32 2.32 3,000 6,960 PRIMEX CORP 5.51 5.52 5.48 5.52 5.46 5.51 4,371,100 24,042,646 RL COMM RT ROBINSONS LAND 16.56 16.58 16.56 16.6 16.46 16.56 8,272,200 137,036,950 1.38 1.45 1.44 1.44 1.44 1.44 3,000 4,320 ROCKWELL 3.87 3.88 3.9 3.9 3.88 3.88 86,000 335,260 SHANG PROP 3.11 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 2,000 6,600 STA LUCIA LAND 33.5 33.55 33.15 33.65 33.15 33.5 6,838,900 229,076,595 SM PRIME HLDG 2.31 2.38 2.26 2.38 2.25 2.38 5,000 11,400 VISTAMALLS 0.79 0.83 0.81 0.83 0.81 0.83 120,000 99,240 SUNTRUST RESORT 1.75 1.76 1.76 1.76 1.74 1.75 2,752,000 4,808,230 VISTA LAND VISTAREIT RT 1.74 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.74 1.75 1,050,000 1,836,500 SERVICES ABS CBN 4.81 4.82 4.98 4.98 4.8 4.82 305,000 1,476,040 8.89 8.9 8.9 8.9 8.88 8.89 261,800 2,328,961 GMA NETWORK 7.01 8.49 8.53 8.53 8.52 8.52 200 1,705 MLA BRDCASTING 1,741 1,749 1,750 1,768 1,740 1,741 65,170 113,836,885 GLOBE TELECOM 1,282 1,290 1,294 1,294 1,282 1,282 34,640 44,532,370 PLDT 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.014 23,500,000 322,700 APOLLO GLOBAL 8.91 8.92 8.68 8.95 8.68 8.91 2,135,700 18,957,448 CONVERGE 2.99 3.08 3.05 3.1 3 3 114,000 351,100 DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG 2.4 2.41 2.42 2.42 2.38 2.4 2,060,000 4,950,090 JACKSTONES 0.81 1.09 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 1,000 750 1.15 1.16 1.19 1.19 1.16 1.16 241,000 279,760 NOW CORP 0.131 0.133 0.132 0.133 0.131 0.133 1,320,000 174,270 TRANSPACIFIC BR ASIAN TERMINALS 15.8 16 16 16 16 16 18,700 299,200 1.5 1.54 1.52 1.54 1.49 1.5 217,000 325,650 CHELSEA 32.75 32.95 32.65 32.95 32.65 32.75 76,000 2,484,925 CEBU AIR 245 246 242 246 241 246 1,201,250 293,216,306 INTL CONTAINER 15.64 17.86 15.6 17.9 15.6 17.86 600 10,500 LBC EXPRESS 4.06 4.08 4.08 4.1 4.06 4.08 321,000 1,309,960 MACROASIA 5.24 5.5 5.55 5.55 5.53 5.53 600 3,320 PAL HLDG 0.82 0.86 0.85 0.86 0.85 0.86 8,000 6,870 HARBOR STAR 1.8 1.89 1.81 1.81 1.81 1.81 16,000 28,960 ACESITE HOTEL 0.061 0.063 0.061 0.064 0.061 0.063 2,720,000 168,630 BOULEVARD HLDG WATERFRONT 0.4 0.41 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 200,000 80,000 8.5 8.7 8.7 8.7 8.7 8.7 1,300 11,310 CENTRO ESCOLAR STI HLDG 0.58 0.59 0.56 0.59 0.56 0.58 10,817,000 6,259,500 BELLE CORP 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.17 1.15 1.16 67,000 78,020 BLOOMBERRY 10.76 10.78 10.44 10.82 10.32 10.76 13,254,200 141,627,314 PACIFIC ONLINE 4.18 4.26 4.25 4.33 4.1 4.18 1,133,000 4,758,620 PH RESORTS GRP 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 302,000 250,660 0.66 0.67 0.66 0.67 0.66 0.67 1,336,000 883,290 PREMIUM LEISURE 7.85 7.86 7.99 8.05 7.69 7.86 1,100,300 8,673,367 DIGIPLUS 1.75 1.8 1.77 1.8 1.76 1.8 491,000 878,220 PHILWEB 0.158 0.16 0.159 0.161 0.158 0.158 3,190,000 506,740 ALLDAY 1.14 1.15 1.12 1.15 1.12 1.15 884,000 1,008,610 ALLHOME 1.29 1.3 1.29 1.29 1.29 1.29 119,000 153,510 METRO RETAIL 28.65 28.7 28.7 28.85 28.5 28.7 1,187,500 34,154,425 PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL 36.35 36.5 36.5 37 36.1 36.5 201,500 7,369,125 PHIL SEVEN CORP 77.3 78.15 78.1 78.15 78.1 78.15 21,800 1,702,580.50 SSI GROUP 2.69 2.71 2.72 2.72 2.68 2.71 467,000 1,265,340 1.36 1.42 1.47 1.47 1.39 1.42 59,000 82,720 UPSON INTL CORP WILCON DEPOT 21.8 22 22 22.4 21.8 21.8 168,600 3,733,845 APC GROUP 0.216 0.222 0.217 0.222 0.217 0.22 590,000 129,010 0.315 0.325 0.31 0.33 0.31 0.325 1,570,000 502,200 MEDILINES 0.169 0.17 0.172 0.175 0.169 0.169 770,000 131,070 PRMIERE HORIZON 4.3 4.57 4.45 4.55 4.45 4.55 38,000 172,600 SBS PHIL CORP MINING & OIL ATOK 4.64 5 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5,900 31,860 2.87 2.88 2.9 2.91 2.87 2.87 1,226,000 3,535,520 APEX MINING 3.35 3.44 3.33 3.35 3.33 3.35 81,000 270,330 ATLAS MINING 4.65 4.67 4.67 4.71 4.67 4.71 6,000 28,140 BENGUET A 4.66 4.68 4.65 4.67 4.65 4.67 14,000 65,180 BENGUET B 0.126 0.147 0.125 0.156 0.125 0.148 100,000 13,070 COAL ASIA HLDG 2.1 2.54 1.94 2.22 1.94 2.22 3,000 6,100 DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL 2.06 2.1 2.09 2.1 2.08 2.1 27,000 56,470 LEPANTO A 0.075 0.078 0.075 0.075 0.075 0.075 1,030,000 77,250 0.073 0.077 0.078 0.078 0.077 0.077 900,000 70,000 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.0044 0.0047 0.0044 0.0044 0.0044 0.0044 10,000,000 44,000 0.79 0.81 0.83 0.83 0.8 0.81 1,820,000 1,465,880 MARCVENTURES NIHAO 0.49 0.6 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 20,000 9,800 4.84 4.85 4.87 4.88 4.8 4.84 1,212,000 5,861,930 NICKEL ASIA 3.11 3.12 3.12 3.15 3.1 3.12 696,000 2,166,350 PX MINING 4.65 4.8 4.6 4.8 4.6 4.8 13,000 60,870 ENEX ENERGY 0.008 0.0081 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.008 12,000,000 96,000 ORNTL PETROL A 0.0079 0.0081 0.008 0.008 0.0079 0.008 7,000,000 55,900 PHILODRILL 3.89 3.9 3.85 3.9 3.85 3.9 336,000 1,294,950 PXP ENERGY PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 99 101 101 101 101 101 120 12,120 1,061 1,079 1,068 1,068 1,065 1,065 2,495 2,658,675 ACEN PREF B 97.5 98 98 98 98 98 100 9,800 BRN PREF A 33.95 34.7 34 34 34 34 800 27,200 CEB PREF 93.5 94.5 94.6 94.6 93.5 93.5 50,500 4,748,097 DD PREF 96 97 97 97 97 97 200 19,400 EEI PREF B 952.5 979.5 979 979.5 979 979.5 100 97,925 GTCAP PREF B 960.5 999.5 960.5 960.5 960.5 960.5 3,070 2,948,735 JFC PREF A JFC PREF B 922 925 925 925 925 925 2,200 2,035,000 MWIDE PREF 2B 96 98.95 98.95 98.95 96 98 11,370 1,111,769.50 MWIDE PREF 4 93.5 94 93.15 94 93.15 94 3,870 363,142.50 MWIDE PREF 5 100.5 101 101 101 101 101 550 55,550 PNX PREF 3B 25.55 31.95 25.65 33 25.65 32.25 1,100 32,330 PCOR PREF 3A 985 991.5 990 990 985 985 1,800 1,776,750 992 996.5 995 995 995 995 550 547,250 PCOR PREF 3B 975 1,010 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 300 300,000 PCOR PREF 4A 72.5 72.95 73 73 73 73 1,710 124,830 SMC PREF 2F 70.1 71.5 72.95 72.95 71.5 71.5 1,520 108,709 SMC PREF 2J 70 71 69.9 70 69.9 70 4,400 307,950 SMC PREF 2K 77.9 78.5 78 78 77.95 77.95 15,500 1,208,475 SMC PREF 2L 78.6 78.75 78.6 78.75 78.6 78.75 21,190 1,666,656.50 SMC PREF 2O 48 48.5 48.5 48.5 48.5 48.5 6,600 320,100 TECH PREF B2D

203,281,315 24,700 11,900 -1,961,230 19,200 182,160 -7,040,230 6,665 -42,750.00 -22,350 -25,110 10,200 80,660 254,504 -5,879,278 26,263,484.00 -54,600 -8,447,245 -628,370 2,362,790 -20,784,865 -1,728,761 -60,900 11,400 18,340 -631,050 -126,789,428 -49,050.00 -869.9999 5,073,680.00 -15,030 79,546,722 -12,420.00 26,400 -981,277 -6,400 -8,980 5,668,505 -5,331,195 1,258,971.50 -79,820 -1,907,355 -48,130 70,000 810 -411,860 124,540 -308,140

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

0.65%

8.42% n.a n.a

1.25% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1

www.businessmirror.com.ph

5,325 () 18,500 -989.5 () 5,050 3,200 () -

ABS HLDG PDR 4.64 4.85 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 2,000 9,800 8.8 8.88 8.33 8.88 8.33 8.88 2,200 18,382 GMA HLDG PDR

TECH WARRANT

WARRANTS

0.27

0.295

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

0.41 0.74 0.97 0.62 1 0.255

0.42 0.75 0.99 0.66 1.01 0.265

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

105.2

105.5

0.27

0.295

0.27

0.295

20,000

5,650

0.415 0.415 0.415 0.415 40,000 16,600 16,600 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 4,089,000 3,025,860 0.99 1 0.99 1 325,000 323,750 0.62 0.66 0.62 0.66 6,000 3,760 1.01 1.02 1 1.01 2,729,000 2,751,900 133,000 0.27 0.27 0.255 0.255 330,000 88,650 105 105.5 104.9 105.5 11,790 1,239,571

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Banking&Finance

‘Show, don’t tell,’ Marcos to Philhealth on rate hike By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HOW, don’t tell. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to provide the comprehensive details of the benefits its members will receive from its premium hike. “I told them, if you are going to increase it (premium), show the other side. What are the increase in services? What will you be able to cover?” Marcos said in an exclusive interview with GMA News. This after the President announced last Tuesday he is having a hard time deciding on the proposal of the Department of Health

(DOH) to defer the enforcement of the increase. “It is very hard to quantify health. How much it is worth to you? It is worth different things to different people,” Marcos said. Pending the decision of the Chief Executive on the suspension, PhilHealth said it will continue to enforce the scheduled 5-percent premium rate this year from the 4 percent in the previous year. The premium increase is in line with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 11223 or the Universal Healthcare Law. Last year, the Palace deferred the implementation of the scheduled 4.5 Philhealth premium due to the “socio economic challenges” faced by the public that time.

Rural bank renews deal with PLDT in digital push By VG Cabuag

@villygc

IGNABANK Rural Bank of Santa Ignacia (Signabank) in Tarlac has renewed its contract with PLDT Inc. for the latter’s enterprise broadband services, the telecommunications company (telco) announced on January 22. “Our collaboration with Signabank reflects our vision to empower the banking industry with transformative digital solutions,” PLDT Vice President Javier C. Lagdameo was quoted in the statement as saying. “We understand the challenges faced by financial institutions and we are dedicated to providing them with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.” Signabank President Roman L. Belmonte Jr. said also through the statement the bank’s partnership with the telco allowed the lender to “enjoy reliable Internet connectivity, enhanced email security and a more secure and efficient core banking infrastructure.” “We are well-prepared to serve our customers better and continue our growth journey,” Belmonte added. He said the bank’s “success story is emblematic of the broader trend in the banking industry in Region III.” “With the support of PLDT, finan-

cial institutions are actively embracing digital transformation to provide a seamless and digitally enabled customer experience,” Belmonte said. According to PLDT, its agreement with Signabank began in 2015. Established in 1963, Signabank has a network of 10 local branches. “Prior to embarking in its digital transformation journey, Signabank faced challenges from intermittent Internet connections, restoration delays, to inadequate network security,” the statement read. “Each branch operated its own server, incurring significant expenses and maintenance challenges. The bank also needed a secure and branded email solution.” The telco said Signabank upgraded its information technology and network infrastructure by bringing in PLDT’s “Fiber Biz Plans, ensuring reliable and stable internet connections.” They also implemented an “advance threat protection” to enhance email security and branding, also providing more advanced and innovative operations for the bank, the telco said. Furthermore, PLDT also introduced the “Azure Stack and MultiThreat Secure” feature “to centralize and fortify the bank’s core banking solutions and security.”

BusinessMirror

also eligible to apply for a loan of P20,000. Eligible applicants for the emergency loan are active members residing or working in places which have been declared as calamity areas, who are not on leave of absence without pay and have paid their premiums within the last six months prior to application. They should have no pending administrative or criminal case and a have a resulting net take-home pay of at least P5,000 after all the required monthly obligations have been deducted. Old-age and disability pensioners residing in the calamity areas may also avail of the loan as long as their resulting net monthly pension after loan availment is at least 25 percent of their basic monthly pension and they have no outstanding loan being

Recto drops ex-DOF chief’s stance on military pension

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

INANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto on Wednesday said he supports the position of the Senate that the proposed reforms on the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension reform must cover only new entrants.

In a news briefing, Recto revealed that his “personal stand” regarding the MUP pension reform is the “same as the position” of the Senate on the matter. “The government has a social contract with the MUP. And based on that, we promised them a certain pension. The government should respect that,” the Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF) said. “What we can do for the reform is all new entrants, for example, January 1, 2025, will have a different pension system similar to what the civilians have. That they will contribute now to, let’s say, the GSIS [Government Service Insurance System],” Recto added.

The DOF chief said there might be an “opportunity” in the future wherein government assets owned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could be used to pay for the pension of the MUP. He also floated the idea of developing idle government assets in order to generate income to fund the MUP pension. “At the same time, maybe those assets [that] are idle and the government, together with the private sector, can develop these assets. So you hit two birds with one stone there,” Recto said. “For example, use those assets to pay the pension at the same time. They are idle, we can create more value in these assets as well. So that is

This January 24, 2024, photo shows Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto (left) with Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio after the chief of the Department of Finance convened BOC officials at the BOC Headquarters in Port Area, Manila. Recto assured BOC officials of the DOF’s “strong support in its plans and programs to further modernize the customs process, ensure the protection of consumers and improve the overall ease of doing business in the country.” CREDIT: Office of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto

how I am looking at it,” he continued. Recto’s position on the MUP pension reform is different from his immediate predecessor, now Monetary Board member Benjamin E. Diokno, who has lobbied that the reforms must cover both active personnel and new entrants. Covering both types of personnel, according to Diokno, would create the necessary fiscal space for the national government.

Last year, the DOF posited it will take six decades before the MUP pension becomes sustainable if only the new entrants would be covered by the reforms. The MUP pension reform has been one of the priorities of the DOF under the administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The proposed reform has gained opposition from certain quarters, particularly from the MUP.

‘Sustainability, diversity, digitalization are interwoven’

USTAINABILITY, diversity and digitalization should not be undertaken separately by a company, as these three are interwoven threads shaping the fabric of a future-ready organization, newly-installed Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) President Augusto D. Bengzon said. “Sustainability guarantees our longevity and adaptability. Diversity brings depth to our perspectives, fostering innovation and resilience. Digitalization, the backbone of modern enterprises, allows us to efficiently deliver new products and services, find new ways to engage customers, and turn them into life-

long partners,” Bengzon said in his acceptance speech. Bengzon, the CFO of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), said the three components are key to achieving ALI’s aspiration to grow at twice the country’s economic growth rate. It plans to double its net income by 2028, translating to an annual compounded growth rate of 15 percent. “As finance executives, we are responsible for navigating our organizations through these challenging times. It is incumbent that we collectively harness the power of sustainability, diversity, and digitalization to chart a course toward a future marked by growth and collective prosperity,” he said.

GSIS to offer emergency loan to disaster-hit areas TATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso announced through a statement that the GSIS is prepared to extend emergency loan to members and pensioners in the provinces of Davao Del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental and Davao City, that have been affected by continuous rainfall, resulting in flash floods and landslides. Under the GSIS’s emergency loan program, qualified members who have no existing emergency loan may borrow up to P20,000. Those who have existing emergency loan balance may borrow up to P40,000 to pay off their outstanding emergency loan balance and will still receive a maximum net amount of P20,000. Pensioners are

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday, January 25, 2024

deducted from their monthly pension except pension loan. The loan has a low interest rate of 6 percent and three-year payment term. With a redemption insurance feature, the balance will be deemed fully paid in the event of the borrower’s death, as long as payments are updated. Members and pensioners may apply for the loan using the GSIS Touch mobile application. They may also apply through the GSIS “wireless automated processing system” (GWAPS) kiosks, found in all GSIS offices, selected shopping malls and government offices such as the Department of Education. Over-the-counter application will be allowed if the GWAPS kiosk is offline or if the borrower has no ecard, has a defective ecard, unreadable biometrics or temporary-issued eCard.

“This is the real challenge of our times—how we can achieve ‘transformational growth’ in what is perhaps the inflection point that will either see us rise to expected economic success or muddle along with the rest of the world,” Bengzon added. ALI Senior Vice President Mariana Beatriz Zobel de Ayala said transformation is a difficult job. “But I have always sought for purpose to guide and ground what I do. Purpose drives deeper meaning and serves as a north star, no matter how different or difficult the days can be. Purpose informs so much of how we live our values, how we make decisions, and how we choose to influ-

ence the changes we want to make,” Zobel de Ayala said. “One of the core values of Ayala is imagine it better—a reminder that true to our 190-year history is a legacy of envisioning a sustainable world and making it a reality,” she added. “Transformational growth must come from a sense of purpose. Adapting to change is a natural part of business, but true transformation is one that is rooted in one’s reason for being, paying homage to what’s been done before, while also imagining how growth can lead to a better world and enabling more people to thrive,” the ALI executive said. VG Cabuag

Traders riding long US Treasury positions starting to feel squeeze

HE standout bond-market position over recent months of long Treasuries is showing signs of cracking, as traders bail on futures positioning into the back-up in cash Treasury yields. Last week saw a drop in open interest, or the amount of new risk, in 10-year note futures by almost 110,000 futures. It’s dropped over three consecutive sessions from Wednesday to Friday, the equivalent of roughly $7 million per basis point risk. The positioning shift came amid a selloff in Treasuries in which 10year yields peaked at almost 4.20

percent on Friday. Strategists at Bank of America see Treasury long positions under a squeeze. “While longs appear to have been the dominant trade in recent months according to our futures positioning proxy and momentum signal, many of these positions are now under pressure,” strategist Meghan Swiber said, adding that CTA buying has also now “likely peaked.” Last week’s futures action included multiple block trades in 10-year note futures, including a large 10-year sale in connection with an apparent 2s10s steepener position.

Meanwhile in the cash market, JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s latest Treasury positioning survey showed clients continuing to shift out of longs and into neutral. There has been a notable shift in long-end skew to favor put options, as traders are paying a higher premium to hedge a selloff in the long-end of the curve over the past week. Some of the long-bond options put premium may be partly starting to reflect potential for a CTD shift in the long-bond futures contract and hedging around such a scenario. Bloomberg News

Bitcoin’s post-exchange traded fund-slump pauses as charts signal pivotal test

ITCOIN paused a retreat that began after US exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for the largest digital asset began trading on January 11 and now faces a pivotal test if key charts are right. The token rose as much as 2.6 percent on Wednesday before paring some of the gain to trade at $39,720 as of 6:05 a.m. in London. It’s down almost 20 percent from an intraday peak of $49,021 when the ETFs went live, as fanfare about the prod-

ucts gives way to uncertainty over the eventual scale of demand for them. The US spot Bitcoin ETF category as a whole has attracted about $1 billion in net inflows so far, compared with the digital asset’s $778 billion market value, data compiled by Bloomberg show. An outflow of almost $4 billion from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust—which converted into an ETF from a closed-ended format and is the largest portfolio for the token—has cooled

sentiment. “This latest Bitcoin correction reflects extended positioning and technical factors around the Grayscale ETF, which should all fade over the medium term,” Orbit Markets co-founder Caroline Mauron said. Technical analysis using chart patterns signals a possible base for Bitcoin at $36,000 to $38,000 and even a renewed climb if those levels hold. Bitcoin jumped 157 percent last year in anticipation of the

ETFs as well as looser monetary policy before sinking this month. That’s “classic buy the rumor, sell the fact” behavior but the funds, plus the prospect of interest-rate cuts, remain props for the token, said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG Australia Pty. The latest Bitcoin selloff is the fourth time over the past year or so when the token shed around 20 percent. “We’re seeing renewed interest from counterparties to put on bullish posi-

tions at these levels,” said Mauron, whose firm Orbit Markets is a provider of liquidity for digital-asset derivatives. An Ichimoku Cloud study— which uses mathematical formulas to help define areas of resistance and support—indicates a possible cushion for Bitcoin around $37,000. Nearterm stabilization would be a “natural” development at this stage, Katie Stockton, founder of Fairlead Strategies LLC, wrote in a note.

Elliott Wave studies posit that markets are prone to repeating wave patterns. Applying the technique to Bitcoin suggests a base for the token at $36,000 to $38,000 before a fifth wave reignites the rally that began last year. The prospect of rate cuts in 2024 will add “to the monetary liquidity forces that should drive funds into risk assets such as Bitcoin,” wrote Noelle Acheson, author of the Crypto Is Macro Now newsletter. Bloomberg News

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday, January 25, 2024

El Niño seen cutting sugar output to 24-yr low By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE Philippines’s raw sugar production in the current crop year could drop to 1.75 million metric tons (MMT), the lowest in 24 years, due to El Niño. Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Chief and CEO Pablo Luis S. Azcona said emerging estimates from the industry indicate that raw sugar production may miss the initial projection of 1.85 MMT. Azcona said initial assessment made by the SRA and industry stakeholders point to El Niño as the main culprit behind the projected drop in raw sugar output. However, he said the SRA is verifying the latest raw sugar production estimate. The projected 1.75 MMT raw sugar output in crop year 20232024 would even be lower than the 1.799 MMT produced in crop year 2022-2023. Historical SR A figures show that the latest production estimate could be the lowest in 24 years or

since crop year 1999-2000, when output fell to 1.619 MMT also due to El Niño. “In the first sugar order, we mentioned that there is a possibility of a 10 percent to 15 percent drop in production depending on the severity of the forecasted El Niño. We are doing a review and noted a drop in the estimate. Based on preliminary estimates [of SRA] and of millers [production], it dropped to about 1.75 MMT,” Azcona told reporters recently. The latest emerging production estimate of 1.75 MMT is about 5.4 percent lower than the SRA’s earlier projection of 1.85 MMT, well within its anticipated decline of 10 to 15 percent due to the dry spell. Azcona said the final estimated production figures would be released by the SRA soon. The SR A is checking on the remaining standing sugarcanes in individual milling districts to come up with the updated production estimate. Nonetheless, Azcona said local raw sugar output has already hit 1 MMT as of January 15.

MMT. So it is something like last year around 1.799 MMT. It would not be far from last year’s output,” Lobregat told the BusinessMirror. “El Niño is still ongoing, we are still in the middle of it. But a 10 percent drop [from 1.85 MMT earlier projection by the SRA] would be huge already.”

Procurement program

He said the hotter and drier weather caused the crop to mature faster, but this resulted in smaller canes with higher sugar content. However, Azcona said sugarcanes lose the tonnage weight in the process, which results in overall lower raw sugar output. “What’s alarming also is a lot of our farmers and our progressive farmers are complaining of a lower yield this year due to the weather patterns. If you look at the sugarcanes in Negros, they

weigh lighter,” he said, noting that around 60 percent of the countr y’s sugarcanes have already been harvested. Azcona said he expects the harvest to be completed in the next three to four months. Philippine Sugar Millers Association President Pablo Lobregat estimated that total raw sugar output in the current crop year would be close to 1.75 MMT. “It could be higher by 100,000 MT so it would be around 1.8

THE Sugar Council, which is composed of major industry federations nationwide, threw its support behind the national government’s plan to purchase P5 billion worth of raw sugar from sugarcane planters. The state’s plan is part of its efforts to lift the farmgate prices of sugarcane that have been declining in recent weeks. “We appreciate the action taken by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. in allocating funds for the direct purchase of sugar from local producers,” the group said in a recent statement. “We hope that with this timely government intervention, prices

can improve in the remaining months of the crop year.” The Sugar Council said there is a need to raise the prevailing prices of raw sugar, which currently averages P2,400 per 50-kilogram bag, to allow planters to “recover” costs and sustain production in the next crop year. T he g roup a l so c aut ioned aga i n st “ hoa rd i ng ” of suga r quedans in anticipation of the higher prices that the government would offer. “In discussions with industry stakeholders, it was stressed that this direct buying should only apply to newly-milled sugar covered by an SRA Sugar Order, and not to past weeks’ production,” the Sugar Council said. “This is consistent with the government’s intent to ensure fair treatment for all, especially the small sugar farmers who cannot afford to hold on to their quedans to wait for better prices. The program cannot allow the better-f inanced producers to benefit more than those with fewer resources.”

RFM ’23 net income rises on higher milk, pasta sales By VG Cabuag @Villygc

FM Corp., the food and beverage firm of the Concepcion Group, on Wednesday said its unaudited net income last year grew 14 percent to P1.2 billion from P1.07 billion in 2022. The company attributed this to the improvement in margins due to the decline in the cost of raw m ater i a l s l i ke wheat and milk. Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III, the company’s CEO, said company sales expanded 7 percent to P20.7 billion from the previous

year’s P19.38 billion supported by growth in the milk, pasta, flour, ice cream and bread segments. “The hefty raw material price increases seen in 2022 and early 2023 reversed thru the year and helped RFM margins to recover although inf lation dampened consumer demand to an extent,” Concepcion said. “Nonetheless, RFM Corp. continues to invest in its future growth as it completes this first quarter 2024 important capex [capital expenditure] projects in breadline and milk totaling P1.5 billion. This capex, alongside the regular payment of dividends,

were all funded by internallygenerated cash and RFM parent company has no bank loans.” RFM said it expects continued growth in topline and single-digit growth in income this year. “There is greater competition in the ice cream sector but improvement in margins is seen on most business segments with the softer prices of raw materials coming in 2024 compared to early 2023.” The company said its Selecta milk brand is also seeing sustained growth over the years and the company is supporting this with new capex and innovations, which is what it also is doing with its new

Icrisat names new deputy director general

HE International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) has announced the appointment of Dr. Stanford Blade as the new Deputy Director General-Research. Icrisat said Blade has an extensive background in agricultural research and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this critical leadership position. Prior to joining Icrisat, he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta, Canada. He has also

served as the Deputy Director General-Research for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and as ViceChair on the Board of Trustees of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, a Nairobi-based agency supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, Director General of Icrisat, officially welcomed the appointment. “We are pleased to have Dr. Stanford Blade join the organization as Deputy Director GeneralResearch. His substantial experi-

ence, both in academia and international research institutions, will undoubtedly strengthen Icrisat’s capacity to tackle the intricate challenges confronted by farmers in the semi-arid tropics. We look forward to his leadership in driving impactful and sustainable agricultural research,” Hughes said in a statement. Blade holds a Ph.D. from McGill University for plant breeding/ cropping systems research, conducted at IITA and supported by a Government of Canada Doctoral Scholarship. His global recogni-

Fiesta carbonara sauce. “Our flour business is relatively strong and stable, and continues to support the vertically integrated model of our bread and pasta businesses.” He said RFM’s strong balance sheet provides a ready war chest for any business opportunity that can add value to the company. RFM’s board also approved a cash dividend of P250 million or P0.07419 per share payable on March 5, with record date as of February 7. In 2023 and 2022, the company paid P850 million in dividends per year. tion in the field of agriculture was underscored in 2018 when he was named an International Fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry. “I am honored to join Icrisat and work alongside a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing agricultural research for the benefit of smallholder farmers. I look forward to contributing to the institute’s mission of enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and sustaining natural resources in the semi-arid tropics,” said Blade. He will officially assume his role as Deputy Director GeneralResearch at Icrisat on April 1.

Malaysia palm oil harvest gets boost from foreign worker move

ALM oil output in Malaysia, the No. 2 supplier, could rise 5 percent this year after the government allowed plantations to hire foreign workers, said Joseph Tek, chief executive of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association. Th e a d m i s s i o n o f n e w wo r ke r s potentially means that an additional 5.2 million tons of fresh fruit bunches can be harvested, the top growers’ group said in a statement. That translates into 1 million tons of crude palm oil, Tek said. The extra tonnage would also generate revenue of close to 4 billion ringgit ($845 million), bringing “significant relief ” to the industry, which is grappling with a substantial shortage of 40,000 workers, the group said. The news pressured benchmark palm oil futures in Kuala Lumpur trading. The government has been tr ying to reduce reliance on cheap foreign labor across many industries including manufac turing, construc tion and p l a nt at i o n s, a n d s e e k s to re g u l ate admission processes to prevent any issues

like forced labor, worker exploitation and human trafficking. In March last year, the countr y temporarily suspended the application and approval process for foreign workers under a quota system in order to speed up the entry of workers already approved. Malaysia’s palm oil industry is heavily reliant on foreign labor. A chronic shortage of workers resulted in revenue losses estimated at 20 billion ringgit in 2022 and continued to curb growth in output last year. Palm oil production in Malaysia totaled 18.55 million tons in 2023, and earlier this month the Palm Oil Board, which regulates the industry, predicted output of 18.75 million tons for this year. That’s less than half the supply from top producer Indonesia, where output has expanded steadily in recent years. The association represents over 40 percent of the oil palm area in Malaysia. Members include some of the top plantation companies such as Sime Darby Plantation Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, IOI Corp.

and FGV Holdings Bhd. Palm oil futures in Kuala Lumpur climbed as much as 0.9 percent to 3,985 ringgit a ton on Wednesday, before paring gains to 3,955 ringgit by midday. The higher output estimate is capping the rally, said Gnanasekar Thiagarajan, head of trading and hedging strategies at Kaleesuwari Intercontinental. The move to allow more foreign workers “adds to supply woes,” he said.

Tropical cyclone

A TROPICAL cyclone has formed off Australia and is expected to cross the coast later Thursday, weeks after a storm unleashed a deluge in Queensland state that damaged crops and inundated homes. Cyclone Kirrily has developed in the Coral Sea and is expected to strengthen as it tracks toward Queensland, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The storm, which is currently a Category 1 system, is forecast to make landfall between Cardwell and Bowen, the weather bureau said. Queensland is still counting the costs of

Cyclone Jasper, which the Insurance Council of Australia declared a “catastrophe,” after the storm dumped heavy rain across the far north that led to widespread flooding. It’s the first time that two systems have hit the state weeks apart since 2015. “ The cumulative effec t on farms and communities who are hit with consecutive weather events is incredibly difficult,” said Jo Sheppard, the chief executive officer of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation. Sugar cane, mango, pineapple, avocado, chicken and dairy farmers could be impacted, she added. Queensland accounts for 95 percent of Australia’s sugar output and any damage will affect the 2024 crop that will be harvested later this year. After Kirrily crosses the coast, the cyclone is expected to quickly weaken to a tropical low, moving further inland and then west southwest across central Queensland, according to the bureau. Heavy to intense rainfall is likely during Friday and into the weekend, the weather forecaster said. Bloomberg News

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

San Miguel expands urban farming initiative

AN Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) Backyard Bukid, initiated in 2021 to assist its service personnel during the pandemic, has grown into a vibrant urban farm at the company’s head office complex, now cultivating 39 varieties of flowering plants and vegetables. The urban farm, which now includes a plant nursery and 80 garden plots, also functions as a center for employee wellness, volunteerism, and training. Replicated in several SMC facilities by the San Miguel Foundation, the project has recently been expanded through a partnership with Urban Farmers PH, enhancing the farm’s diversity and variety of produce. Apart from farmyard staples such as tomatoes, okra, and ampalaya, the farm also produces kale, romaine lettuce and other salad greens. “I am proud to see the progress of our Backyard Bukid project. Apart from promoting urban agriculture, it has also become a space for our support staff to collaborate and learn life-long skills that will help them become more resilient and self-sufficient. I’m grateful to our partner, Urban Farmers PH, for helping us expand this project. Our goal is to extend this initiative to even more facilities, involve more employees, and encourage other companies to do the same,” said SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang. Louie Gutierrez, Urban Farmers PH founder and farmer-in-chief, said: “We’re really happy and excited to be connecting with companies like San Miguel. The pandemic showed us that we need to have growing vegetables in idle lands in the city. We hope this project inspires SMC employees and other companies to get into agriculture because this is the future of our food.” Urban Farmers PH was established in 2021 with the aim of converting underutilized public spaces into thriving urban farms. It has several ongoing projects, including urban farms in Taguig and Makati cities. It is also a grand prize winner of the Copenhagen Business School’s ImpaktWISE

Awards, which recognizes organizations that offer solutions to social, environmental, and economic challenges. Currently, SMC’s Backyard Bukid follows a harvest cycle of 20 to 35 days. Once the produce is harvested, it is distributed among members who then sell it to employees. Some of the harvest is also bought by SMC and donated to its Better World Tondo community center for its daily feeding program. The company also has plans to buy the vegetables for the office canteen. Support staff involved in the project dedicate an hour every morning and afternoon to tend to the farm. They also attend weekly plant care sessions with Urban Farmers PH. “Masayang masaya po ako sa Backyard Bukid. Maliban sa madami akong nakilalang bagong mga kaibigan , natuto po ako dito magtanim at mag-alaga ng mga halaman. Maraming, maraming salamat po kay Boss RSA at sa San Miguel at binigyan po kami ng project na ganito na napapakinabangan po namin,” shares Backyard Bukid member Je-An Layva. As one of the biggest and most diversified conglomerates in the country, SMC has launched various initiatives that aim to promote agriculture and assist local farmers. In July 2020, the company opened Better World Diliman, a community center that serves as a ready market for excess produce from all over Luzon. To date, Better World Diliman has rescued over 950,000 kilograms of produce and helped some 4,500 farmers—and in the process, has helped reduce food waste from local farms. Furthermore, the company’s food group recently launched an Agripreneurship Scholarship program in Davao and Bicol, which benefits scholars from SEED Philippines. The program’s ultimate goal is to employ graduates in the company’s farms in both provinces. Earlier, SEED Philippines also helped SMC’s packaging division to create urban farms in their facilities in Manila and Cavite.

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Parentlife BusinessMirror

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Thursday, January 25, 2024

MakatiMed broadens horizons through partnership with South Korea medical center

PHOTO BY TIM GOUW ON UNSPLASH

Protecting our children from 2024 cybersecurity threats L

AST week, I shared how to clear our digital clutter as a family. This week, I want to continue with protecting our children in their digital world. Especially now that children are entering the cyberspace at an even earlier age, it is crucial for parents to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats targeting kids to better protect them from potential harm. Security specialists from Kaspersky share cybersecurity trends that parents should be aware of: 1. Children will increasingly use AI tools that, so far, are not ready to provide the necessary level of cybersecurity and age-appropriate content. According to a UN research, about 80 percent of young people claimed they interact with AI multiple times a day. With the development of AI, numerous littleknown applications have emerged with seemingly harmless features, such as uploading a photo to receive a modified version. However, when children upload their images to such applications, they never know which databases their photos will ultimately remain, and whether they will be used any further. Moreover, AI apps, specifically chatbots, can easily provide ageinappropriate content when prompted. For instance, there is a multitude of AI chatbots that are specifically designed to provide an “erotic” experience. Even

though some require a form of age verification, this is dangerous since some children might opt to lie about their age and the prevention of such cases is insufficient. 2. The growth of malicious actors’ attacks on young gamers. According to the latest online statistics, 91 percent of children aged 3 to 15 play games on any device. For some games, unmoderated voice and text chat is a large part of the experience. With more young people online, criminals can virtually build trust in the same way they would in person. First, cybercriminals gain the trust of young players by luring them with gifts or promises of friendship. Once they have the confidence of a young gamer, they then obtain their personal information by suggesting that they click on a phishing link, which downloads a malicious file onto their device disguised as a game mode for Minecraft or Fortnite, or even grooming them. 3. The development of the fintech industry for kids marks the appearance of new threats. An increasing number of banks are providing specialized products and services tailored for children, including banking cards designed for kids as young as 12. Yet, with the introduction of banking cards for children, the latter also become susceptible to financially motivated threat actors and vulnerable to conventional scams, like promises of a free PlayStation 5 or other valuable assets after entering card details on a phishing site. 4. Children will demand their personal online space is to be respected. As children mature, they develop greater self-awareness, encompassing an understanding of their personal space, privacy, and sensitive data, both offline and in their online activities. Consequently, when a parent firmly communicates the intent to install a parenting digital app on a device, not all kids will take it calmly.

5. Children are eager to download apps that are unavailable in their country, but stumble upon malicious copies. If an app is unavailable in your region, young users will look for alternatives, which is often a malicious copy. Even if they turn to official app stores like Google Play, they still run the risk of falling prey to cybercriminals. From 2020 to 2022, Kaspersky researchers have found more than 190 apps infected with Harly Trojan on Google Play, which signed up users for paid services without their knowledge. Parents need to stay informed and actively monitor their children’s online activities. It is crucial for parents to have open communication with their children on potential risks, and to enforce guidelines for cyber safety. To help parents introduce their children to cybersecurity amid the evolving threat landscape, Kaspersky experts have developed the Kaspersky Cybersecurity Alphabet with key concepts from the cybersecurity industry. In this book, your child will get to know new technologies, learn the main cyber hygiene rules, find out how to avoid online threats, and recognize fraudsters’ tricks. After reading this book together, you’ll be sure that your kid knows how to distinguish phishing websites, how VPN and QR codes work, and even what honeypots and encryption are and what role they play in modern cybersecurity. You can download the PDF version of the book for free and go through the basics of cybersecurity with your child, building their cybersafe future. To secure your child from downloading any malicious files during their gaming experience, we advise to install a trusted security solution on their device. With the right tools such as Kaspersky’s digital parenting app Safe Kids, parents can effectively safeguard their children against cyber threats in the digital age. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com. n

MAKATI Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net. ph) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, in November of last year. This collaborative initiative involves an Observership Program tailored for MakatiMed’s esteemed hepatologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, anesthesiologists, critical care physicians, and nurses at the renowned Asan Medical Center. The primary objective of this program is to enhance the competencies of MakatiMed’s medical professionals in preparation for the institution’s upcoming liver transplantation program. Representing for Asan Medical Center is its president, Seung-Il Park, MD; and Saturnino P. Javier, MD, medical director and interim co-CEO/president for MakatiMed. MakatiMed was further represented by Arnold C. Ocampo, senior vice president for finance and interim co-CEO/ president; and Catherine S.C. Teh, MD, section chief of hepatobiliary surgery. The Observership and Mentoring Program established through this MOU symbolizes MakatiMed’s commitment to continuous learning, skills enhancement, and excellence in medical practice. This alliance is poised to foster a vibrant exchange of ideas and methodologies, ultimately benefiting patient care and medical advancements in the field of hepatology.

Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Chimichurri Roast

All-time favorite Chimichurri Roast is back

WHEN we think of Chimichurri Roast, the first brand that always comes to mind is Kenny Rogers Roasters. That’s because the chicken restaurant chain made it so popular back when it first introduced the Argentinian sauce into its menu last 2019. The demand for the flavor has not waned even to this day because of its delicious mix of tastes, complementing the smoky and peppery taste of Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Roasted Chicken with the striking flavors of Chimichurri—and that’s why many restaurants also tried to replicate it into their menu. And, as a brand that constantly strives to listen to its patrons, Kenny Rogers Roasters is once again treating customers to an extraordinary culinary experience with the comeback of its well-loved Chimichurri Roast. Now available at all Kenny Rogers Roasters, customers will once again be able to enjoy its signature roasted chicken with the bold and zesty flavors of the Chimichurri sauce. Enjoy it solo with the Chimichurri Roast Solo B (P305) that comes with quarter roast chicken poured over with the zesty Chimichurri sauce. It is also served with two side dishes including the new Grilled Pineapple, rice and their signature corn muffin. For meat lovers, there’s the new Chimichurri Grilled Pork Chop Solo B (P400), a marinated pork chop grilled to perfection and poured over with zesty Chimichurri sauce. The set is also served with two side dishes, including the new Grilled Pineapple, rice and the corn muffin. Enjoy Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Chimichurri available for dine-in, takeout, or delivery through www. kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph, hotline 8-555-9000, or via GrabFood or foodpanda.

How to stay healthy during cold, flu and Covid-19 season WINTER is here, inflicting its usual array of symptoms—coughs, nasal congestion, fatigue and fever—and, this year, a new Covid-19 variant is dominating the scoreboard. Covid-19 is leading hospital admissions among the respiratory viruses, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last week, 25 US states had high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses with fever, cough and other symptoms. That’s down from 37 states the week before, the CDC said. Since the beginning of October, there have been at least 16 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths from flu so far this season. The CDC said 47 children have died of flu. January can be the worst month for these illnesses. With vaccination rates low, what can you do to protect yourself from respiratory viruses, including influenza, Covid-19 and RSV?

spread of viral infections. Take your time at the sink. Twenty seconds is recommended. If you feel silly singing “Happy Birthday” twice while you scrub with soapy water, count to 20. Slowly. Use hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol when you don’t have access to soap and water. Also, wear a mask in crowded areas. Increase ventilation in your workplace and home.

BACK TO BASICS

WHEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN AT HOME

Hand-washing remains crucial to reducing the

NOT TOO LATE TO VACCINATE

IN the United States, only 17 percent of those eligible have received the updated Covid-19 vaccine, which provides good protection against the now-dominant JN.1 variant. It’s not too late to roll up your sleeve. While you’re at it, make sure you’ve had your annual flu shot. Those 60 and older may want to get the RSV vaccine, which also is recommended during pregnancy to prevent RSV in infants. YOUNG children seem to pick up every germ going

around. Can their parents avoid getting sick? This time of year, children are indoors in close quarters with other kids, touching the same toys and surfaces, said Jennifer Sonney of University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle. Some haven’t learned to cover their coughs and they simply haven’t been exposed to many illnesses, so their immune systems are still developing. It’s important to take care of yourself if you’re a parent or caregiver of young children, said Sonney who is immediate past president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. “We know if you are sleep deprived or dehydrated or experiencing a lot of stress, that can compromise your immune function,” Sonney said. Having young children is very demanding, “so all of this advice needs to be interpreted within the context of reality,” she said. “Despite doing everything right, kids are still going to get colds.” A special note if your baby is sick: It’s a good idea to have saline drops and a bulb syringe at home. They

can be used to clear mucus from tiny nostrils. “A couple drops of saline into one nostril and suction it and then do the other side,” Sonney said. “Doing that before eating and sleep is going to help a lot.” A home kit for children could also include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fevers, tissues for runny noses and water bottles of sippy cups for staying hydrated.

TEST TO TREAT

IF you do get sick, prompt testing can help determine whether you have Covid-19 or influenza. That’s important to see if you need one of the medicines that can help prevent severe illness: Paxlovid for Covid-19 and Tamiflu for flu. If you don’t have a test kit at home, look for a testto-treat site at a pharmacy clinic or health center near your. There is also a free home-based test-to-treat program for adults who are uninsured or rely on government health insurance. AP

Thursday, January 25, 2024

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CLEANFUEL STARTS THE NEW YEAR BY OPENING ANOTHER BRANCH IN BATANGAS

T’S a New Year, and Cleanfuel, the purveyor of Quality Fuel for Less, welcomed the year by opening its newest retail station along J.P. Laurel Highway in Barangay Soro-Soro Karsada, Batangas City. The new retail station in Soro-Soro Batangas will be the fuel hub for the community and growing commercial business of Batangas City, which serves as the “Industrial Port City of Calabarzon.” Like all its newly built stations, the 2,200-square-meter station exudes a modern architectural look intended to welcome and accommodate private trucks and large commercial vehicles. The Cleanfuel SoroSoro Batangas station will provide better access to travelers going to the Batangas Port area, Southern Tagalog Arterial Road,

and the South Luzon Expressway Calamba Interlink. Aside from clean, high-quality fuels and exceptional service, Cleanfuel has also constructed huge warehouse facilities at the back of the station to answer the shareholding needs of importers and commercial enterprises using the Batangas port. “We are proud to inaugurate our new station in Soro-Soro to accommodate our loyal patrons in the southernmost part of Batangas. Batangas City is a fast-growing market in the Calabarzon region; aside from being a highly urbanized city, it also now hosts logistic services, from shipping lines to logistic support services. This is an excellent opportunity for us to provide

Lucky winners get vivo V29e 5G, Y27 at 3rd draw of Christmas Make A Wish promo

HE most celebrated holiday in the Philippines is ongoing. vivo is going above and beyond to make the extension of Christmas in full swing by bringing its users’ wishes to life. vivo is committed to spreading the spirit of Christmas as they announced the third batch of Christmas Make A Wish raffle winners. Sharing is an act of kindness and this was shown through the stories of the winners of vivo’s latest Christmas promo as they deliver a sense of warmth to their families and loved ones. The prizes from the third draw include vivo V29e 5G (12GB + 256GB), vivo Y27 (6GB + 128GB), signed Wilson basketball, and 15 National Basketball Association (NBA) League passcodes. January 15th holds special significance for Joven Largo. In addition to celebrating his wedding anniversary with his wife, he also clinched a victory by winning a vivo V29e 5G. The 41-year-old tricycle driver eagerly engaged in an interview via phone call with a

representative to relay his gratitude for being the chosen one to bring home the vivo V29e 5G. He took a moment to acknowledge the store promoter in Sta. Mesa, who had assisted him in filling out the form to enter the Christmas Make A Wish raffle. When asked about his feelings regarding the prize, he recounted his initial plan to purchase a new phone for his wife through Home Credit, as his wife is only using a free phone from her work company. Learning about winning the phone through the raffle, he considered it a stroke of luck from above. In addition, Joven expressed profound gratitude to vivo for adding an extra layer of joy to the holidays and making January 15th exceptionally special for both him and his wife. Two individuals from Quirino and Caloocan secured their brand new vivo Y27 through Christmas Make A Wish raffle promo, adding a dose of joy to the new year.

the fuel requirements of these companies,” said Atty. Jesus “Bong” Suntay, President and CEO of Cleanfuel. Cleanfuel offered fuel discounts to its loyal patrons who filled their tanks during the opening day. They received P3 off per liter on diesel and P5 off per liter on gasoline plus added freebies merchandise items for those who exceed 15 and 30 liters. Meanwhile, Cleanfuel surprisesd customers as Brand Ambassador Dominic Roque was assigned to be the “Pump Attendant for the Day.” “It’s a challenging yet fulfilling task working as ‘Forecourt Champions’ for Cleanfuel. After working in the forecourt area, I have high respect and admiration for our front liners, especially in dealing with customers,” explained Roque. “As much as possible, we want to give all our customers ‘Quality Fuel’ in their vehicles and the ‘Quality Service’ they deserve. These all go hand-in-hand with the great facilities that Cleanfuel offers. I am honored and grateful that I was able to experience how our Forecourt Champions delivered its commitment to providing exceptional service,” adds Roque. Aside from the freebies and discounts, given to customers who download the Cleanfuel Rewards App, it also allows its members to access inclusive perks from loyalty rewards conveniently, earn points, redeem items from merchant partners, and stay updated on promos and discounts. The Rewards App can be downloaded from the Apple App store and Google Play store.

Maribeth Palma from Quirino expressed her excitement about being one of the winners of the vivo Y27 in an exclusive interview. Despite waiting for job offers from contractual companies, the 26-year-old is thrilled to share the holiday treat by passing down the vivo Y27 phone to her younger sister to replace a three-year-old hand-me-down device. Meanwhile, Rowiel Quizon Alday from Caloocan City was overjoyed with his vivo Y27 prize. He joined the raffle promo when he bought a vivo V29 5G for his wife in Pangasinan, where they celebrated Christmas with their relatives. The call center agent excitedly revealed during a phone interview that he jumped out of happiness as he has been a loyal user of vivo since 2019. He gladly accepted the chance to replace his five-year-old phone with vivo Y27 as he no longer needed to shell out money from his pocket to upgrade. It’s a slamdunk excitement! vivo handed out another basketball signed by NBA legendary Dominique Wilkins. The fortunate winner, Jonalyn Camua, will be taking home the autographed ball. Meanwhile, a month of fun-filled NBA activities awaits 15 winners of exclusive NBA League passcodes. The magic of turning wishes into reality does not end here! The last batch of winners will be announced on February 1, 2024. Meanwhile, vivo is accepting entries until January 31, 2024. The participants should be 18 years old and above. To join the raffle, buy any vivo smartphone unit. One smartphone counts as one entry. Enter your wishes by scanning the QR code below or by clicking this link. Do not let this chance slip away! It’s time to manifest your wishes by joining the raffle promo. Remember to follow vivo’s Facebook page to be updated on the announcement of the last batch of winners. Winners will be posted within 24 hours of the draw.

BingoPlus Swing Brings Fun, Entertainment to DVA Golf Tournament For A Cause

INGOPLUS, your comprehensive entertainment and amusement platform, serving as the first online Bingo app in the country, swung clubs to bring fun and entertainment in the recent “Dasmarinas Village Association (DVA) Golf Tournament For A Cause”, happened last January 17. 2024 at the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club. “DVA Golf Tournament For A Cause”aims to make a positive difference to their beneficiary communities. Hundreds of players and enthusiasts gathered in the tournament for its sole purpose to generate proceeds for the chosen charities, Daughters of St. Anne and The Soldiers of the West Philippine Sea. BingoPlus ensured that ever yone who participated in this charitable event had an

enjoyable experience. The brand installed booths with premium merchandise distributed to all golf enthusiasts in the event for free to add fun and entertainment. As the leading entertainment provider, the brand is fully dedicated to support all initiatives that would create pivotal impact in the communities, bringing fun and entertainment anytime and anywhere. BingoPlus and ArenaPlus proudly stand as flagship brands under Digiplus Interactive Corp, solidifying its position as a leading gaming and leisure provider in the country. For more updates, visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus. net or download the apps now via the App Store and Google Play.

NCL Miller Car Care Center-A Name You Can Trust Through All of Life’s Journeys

NY time you get behind the wheel of your car, you’ll want to be certain that it’s in good working condition. A well-maintained vehicle not only ensures a smooth drive, but also helps keep your loved ones safe and comfortable whenever you hit the road. Finding a reliable and trustworthy car care center is an important step towards maintaining your vehicle. For this, you will want to choose an expert that is known for great service and understands the needs of its customers. One name that has stood the test of time, remaining constant over years of change, is NCL Miller Car Care Center. Driven by his passion for automotive excellence, Nelson H. Miller founded NCL Miller Car Care Center with his wife, Carlota, nearly 40 years ago. Their journey began with a commitment to delivering toptier automotive solutions to their customers. Over the years, the family-owned business has cultivated a team of dedicated professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to every interaction. From its humble beginnings as a vulcanizing shop, NCL Miller has grown into a full-service car center with a solid reputation as a premier tire shop, and provider of high-quality auto parts and accessories.

No matter who you are or how much you know about cars, trust that you will receive the care you need and deserve each time you visit NCL Miller. Their offerings include a wide range of magwheels and tire brands at all price points, including heritage brand, Bridgestone. The partnership between NCL Miller and Bridgestone began during the early days of the business, and grew stronger during and after the pandemic. Since then, they have continued to provide durable yet accessible tires that can take valued customers anywhere, from daily travels to unforgettable off-road adventures. At NCL Miller, tire experts can help you select products and services best suited to your needs. You are also free to browse and wait in the comfortable shop while your car is being serviced. Beyond sales, NCL Miller also offers mechanical services, including wheel alignment, balancing, rotation, oil changes, and more. NCL Miller is located at 127 West Ave, Project 7, Quezon City. For inquiries or to book an appointment, you may contact 0995 964 9370 or send an email to contact@nclmillercarcarecenter.com. You may also visit https://nclmillercarcarecenter. com and follow NCL Miller’s Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more.

Revitalize your ride with these essential car maintenance tips for safe, superior performance

HETHER you’ve recently acquired a brand-new car or have been driving the same ride for an extended period, prioritizing regular checks is crucial to maintaining your vehicle’s performance. After all, your car is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s an extension of your life and a key factor in ensuring your safety. Delving into proper car maintenance can be a bit overwhelming; that is why Prestone, a proven and trusted quality brand of Auto Care fluids since 1927, shares some essential car care tips that you can take note of to ensure your ride is always in its tip-top shape. Regular fluid check-ups for a superior engine performance. Break the habit of only checking your car when it’s in poor condition. Even if your vehicle seems fine, routine engine inspections can reveal potential issues before they become major problems. Begin with basics like checking engine oil regularly. Monitor levels of transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, top up as needed for smooth system function. However, don’t solely rely on DIY checks; enlist a certified car mechanic for comprehensive examinations or car repair. If you are looking for the perfect brake fluid for your car, you can invest on a high-quality one like Prestone’s DOT 3 or DOT 4 Synthetic Hi-Temp Brake Fluid. It has superior braking power, a high boiling point, and is safe on rubber cups and seals. The brake fluid will maintain optimal braking performance and safety, keeping your car at its optimal performance. Check the tires and battery. Proper tire and battery maintenance are vital for optimal vehicle performance and safety. Regularly check and maintain tire pressure to enhance fuel efficiency and prevent uneven tire wear. Rotate tires at intervals for even wear, prolonging their lifespan and improving overall performance. When it comes to batteries, inspect for corrosion on terminals, which can hinder electricity flow. Clean terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water using a wire brush for optimal conductivity. Proactively replace old batteries, as their ability to hold a charge diminishes after three to five years. Don’t wait until you’re stranded with a dead battery—replace it promptly to keep your car running smoothly. Keep your car running optimally. Regularly check and top up the coolant following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations to help avoid costly repairs down the road. Choose our most advanced coolant Prestone Car-Specific Coolant with Cor-Guard anti-corrosion technology. Right color. Right formula. Compatible with your car. Best protection ever. Only Prestone provides this level of protection and technology. The Car-Specific Coolant 1L is available in RED, BLUE, and GREEN color variants.

RED COOLANT: For all Toyota®, Lexus®, and Scion® vehicles, all years BLUE COOLANT: For all Honda®, Nissan®, Subaru® vehicles, pre-2009 to 2011 & Newer GREEN COOLANT: For all Suzuki®, Hyundai®, KIA®, Mazda® Mitsubishi®, Isuzu® vehicles, pre-2009 to 2011 & Newer Use car care products that are high-quality and genuine. Subpar or counterfeit car care products may offer initial savings but can result in unforeseen complications, such as engine damage, cooling or braking system issues which can lead to accidents and/or costly repairs down the road. Prestone emphasizes the use of genuine products designed with precision to meet your vehicle’s specific needs, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance, whether it’s engine oil, coolant, or brake fluid. To avoid falling victim to fake products, follow the 3Ps for protection: Packaging: Be cautious about flimsy packaging with wrong foil text, cap logo, batch code and spelling. Price: Significantly cheaper products are likely fake compared to genuine Prestone products. Place: Purchase only from official Prestone partner stores and auto-supply shops nationwide, including Clorox Official Stores on Lazada and Shopee. These reminders not only save potential costs but also saves lives. Para sa totoong proteksyon, use genuine Prestone products only. Regular car maintenance is the key to keeping your ride in top-notch condition. By following these essential tips and incorporating genuine Prestone products into your routine, you’ll not only ensure your car’s optimal performance but also enhance your driving pleasure on the next coming years. To learn more about Prestone and its products, visit its website at https://www.prestone.com.ph/. To learn more on how to spot genuine Prestone products visit the official Prestone Facebook page.

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Thursday, January 25, 2024

exporters boost sales PHL, Australia boost aviation-security Mindanao as EU extends zero-tariff regime partnership through screener training HE Philippines and Australia D manifested their pledge to By Manuel T. Cayon

strengthen critical infrastructure security, including that for aviation, under their Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership. This, as the latter’s government provided five laptops installed with X-Ray Tutor 4 (XRT4) training software to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) on January 10. Ambassador HK Yu PSM, FCPA handed over the XRT4 laptops to Officer in Charge-Assistant Secretary Jose Briones Jr. of the OTS. Both participated in a demonstration of the training software that uses innovative technology to enhance aviation screeners’ ability to identify prohibited items in passengers’ baggage.

“Recognizing the complexity of our world today, it is important to work with partners like the Philippines to promote aviation security,” remarked the ambassador. “Successfully detecting threats to civil aviation in a simulated environment enhances the ability to detect threats in the event of a real attack.” For the OTS’ part, Briones replied that “we are delighted to collaborate with the Australian government toward a safer transportation system.” Both countries share a longstand-

AMBASSADOR HK Yu handed over XRT4-installed laptops to OTS OIC-Assistant Secretary Jose Briones Jr. to enhance mutual aviation security.

ing partnership on aviation security. Through the Department of Home Affairs’ Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre, Australia previously

provided four laptops installed with XRT for cargo screening, as well as training on ways to effectively use the software.

Navigating thru rough waters: Israel’s economic resilience in times of war By Tomer Heyvi

Head of Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines

VER the past years, the Israeli economy has proven its resilience in the light of conflicts and geopolitical challenges. Recently, I returned from a work trip to Israel following an annual conference of the Foreign Trade Administration—the overall head unit of Israel’s economic and trade missions abroad. As expected, the five-day gathering was very much focused on the ongoing war, vis-avis its effects on the Israeli economy and tech industry. As part of the program, I visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the peaceful communities next to the border with Gaza, which was severely hit by Hamas in the horrific terror attack of October 7. Out of the 400 residents, 79 were brutally murdered and 18 were kidnapped —among them women, children, and elderly. Today, the Kibbutz is a closed military zone, and very few visitors can come in. In comparison to other “famous” terror attacks worldwide, October 7 is the second largest, following the 9/11 2001 terror attack in the United States, in terms of number of casualties. In fact, comparing it to the size of the population (number of casualties per million people), the October 7 terror attack is probably the deadliest in modern human history. Other than the unimaginable number of Israeli civilians who were either murdered, kidnapped, or wounded, there is also an economic impact. Initially, the war impacted every sector of the Israeli economy; but with time, adjustments were made and the economy, although still facing many challenges, got back on its track. One of the most immediate effects was the shortage of labor in several sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and high technology. Following October 7, more than 360,000 reserve soldiers have been recruited to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Many of those are engineers, programmers, and

HEYVI

tech-entrepreneurs in the Israeli High-Tech Industry, which contributes around 25 percent of the tax revenue of Israel. Others were skilled workers in manufacturing that suffered from the lack of workers since the war started. Not only that: Due to evacuation of areas in the southern border with Gaza and in the northern border with Lebanon, several factories and industrial zones remained out of reach, and their operations were affected. As for agriculture, the terror attack affected production of an area known as Israel’s “Vegetable Basket,” which is responsible for the production of about one-third of the produce. Following the murder and kidnapping of dozens of workers from Thailand on October 7 by Hamas, thousands of Thai agriculture workers abandoned the fields during the peak of the harvest season and returned to their homeland. To fill this gap, thousands of Israeli volunteers flocked the fields to assist the farmers while demonstrating the spirit of the strong civil society. Luckily, Israel entered this war in a sound financial state with a low inflation rate of 4.2 percent, low unemployment at 3.1 percent, low fiscal deficit of 1 percent of the gross domestic product, and a reasonable 60 percent debt-to-GDP ratio. Moreover, my country’s foreign exchange reserve amounted to $204 billion prior to October 7. Yes, there are many challenges

ahead. In 2024, the sharp increase in defense expenditures is expected to widen the fiscal deficit, as well as affect Israel’s GDP growth. Furthermore, current uncertainties in the northern border prevents the IDF from releasing tens of thousands of reservists, causing a labor shortage in several industries mentioned above. Additionally, there are more than 100,000 Israeli citizens from southern and northern Israel which have been evacuated from their homes due to the war and have not returned until this day. In time perspective, even though Israel faced several armed conflicts and challenges in the past 20 years, the Israeli economy managed to maintain a steady GDP growth. The Second Lebanon War in 2006, “Operation Cast Lead” in 2008 and “Operation Protective Edge” in 2014 mostly affected the GDP growth of the same quarter that the war occurred in, while the correction came in the consecutive. All of those did not stop more than 400 multinationals from establishing their research and development centers in Israel and investing in them.

Quarterly GDP growth since ‘05

FOLLOWING October 7, the Israeli government issued several support programs to balance the foreign exchange market in support of the state’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as startups. To prevent a depreciation of the shekel, the Bank of Israel so far sold $30 billion worth of foreignexchange reserves. For MSMEs, the Ministry of Finance of Israel approved an $8-billion scheme to support businesses affected by the war, which is based on its earlier Covid-19 support program tested in 2020 and 2021. For the startup ecosystem, the Israel Innovation Authority issued a $100 million matching program aimed at supporting early-stage startups facing immediate financial challenges. Meanwhile, several economic indicators show positive signs of recovery. One of them is the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s 125 index,

which gathered 125 of the most capitalized companies in the country. On October 7, the index fell by about 15 percent and by January 4, 2024, returned to the same point as it was before the war. Another indication is the exchange rate of the shekel, that despite the ongoing war, is now being traded at its strongest against the US dollar since mid-August. Lastly, it is noteworthy to mention the elevated level of commitment demonstrated by Israeli companies and specifically, by the Israeli tech industry which is responsible for more than 50 percent of the exports from Israel. This commitment is reflected in the #NoMatterWhat campaign initiated by the leadership of the Israeli tech sector.

de Roxas corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, 1226 Metro Manila. The new modern premises will upgrade the quality of service to the public, as well as the working conditions of the embassy teams, the expansion of which over the last few months will continue

this summer with the opening of a full-fledged defense mission. With the inauguration of the new visa application-collection center whose opening ceremony was held in Manila last December 15, and the upcoming inauguration of a new visa collec-

Instituto Cervantes brings magic of Flamenco Jazz to Cebu and Manila

Ripple effects

WHAT about effects on IsraelPhilippines trade? According to our database, in the first six months of 2023, trade between both countries reached $257.3 million—like figures of the first half of 2022. Those from the third quarter of 2023, which ended in September, showed no signs of war, which meant that effects might be reflected only in the following three months. By looking at the level of commitment demonstrated by Israeli companies, I believe that these effects will be minimal, if there are any at all. Since mid-November 2023, I witnessed the return of CEOs and senior executives of Israeli companies to the Philippines, showing their dedication to their business partners and counterparts. In this regard, a very senior Philippine entrepreneur recently told me that their businesses in Israel continue “as if there is no war.” Going back on my recent trip to Israel, during my stay in Tel Aviv, I noticed that the streets were again busy and vibrant, people were out, restaurants and cafés were open, and businesses continued working as usual. Yet, I felt that every person I saw in the street shared the same prayer that all Israeli hostages kept by Hamas in Gaza will be released and safely return to their homes as soon as possible.

Embassy of France to PHL, Micronesia has new address

HE Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia moved to its new premises on January 15. It reopened to the public the following day in its new address at the 21st Floor of the Ayala Triangle Gardens-Tower 2, Paseo

AVAO CITY—Product exporters from Mindanao are expected to increase their market access and sales in Europe, following the decision of the European Parliament to extend its Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) until the end of 2027. “With this new development, our exporters will remain competitive in the European Union [EU] market in the next four years,” said Executive Director Rosanan Bernadette Contreras of the Soccsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc. “We trust that our government partners like the MinDA [Mindanao Development Authority] and DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] will continue to work and negotiate for the Philippines qualification to the EU's new successor regulation.” The MinDA said Mindanao exporters would continue to enjoy zero tariffs when exporting to European markets with the approved extension of the EU’s GSP+. “We welcome this new year with great news for our traders who have been lobbying for [GSP+’s extension] since last year,” said MinDA secretary Maria Belen Acosta. “This is a ‘win’—particularly for our tuna exporters and producers of other manufactured products.” The GSP+ is a special incentive arrangement that allows the country to export more than 6,200 products to any EU member-country tariff-free, explained MinDA. In November last year, the EU Parliament and Council voted to extend the current GSP scheme, “thereby extending the validity of...GSP+

privileges to four more years.” MinDA said that without GSP+, tariffs for tuna and other exports are around 20 percent. Last year, when it anticipated the expiration of the preferential tariff scheme by December, MinDA worked with the DTI’s Industry Development and Trade Promotion Group, Bureau of International Trade Relations, Export Marketing Bureau, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center based in Brussels, Belgium to conduct a series of stakeholders’ forums and consultations in the cities of General Santos, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Butuan. Participants, according to MinDA, discussed GSP+’s status, including ways beneficiaries can take full advantage of the scheme. “GSP+ paved the way for the exporters to increase their market access and sales opportunities to the EU market, which is one of the largest markets in the world, improving their competitiveness and allowing them to sell more products and contribute to the Philippines’s economic growth leading to more jobs creation,” Provincial Director Almer Masillones of DTI-Misamis Oriental said during one of the consultations. The Regional Development Councils IX (Western Mindanao) and XII (Soccsksargen) also passed resolutions supporting the country’s renewal to GSP+ as one of the results of the series of consultations. Among top Philippine products that can benefit from the GSP+ are canned tuna, sardines, crude coconut oil/coco-oil based products, processed/preserved pineapple, and furniture parts, the MinDA enumerated.

tion center in Cebu, the move of the French Embassy “illustrates France’s long-term commitment to the Philippines, and reflects the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two countries,” according to a statement from the deputation.

GUITARIST Melón Jiménez and flutist Lara Wong MARINA BORSCHENKO

NSTITUTO Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain and the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, invites the Filipino audiences to experience the fascinating new harmonies of Flamenco guitarist Melón Jiménez and flutist Lara Wong on their firstever concerts in the Philippines. The duo will present their latest project Confluencias on January 23, 7 p.m. at the Casino Español de Cebu; and on January 29 at the same time inside the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of the RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Flamenco has been the universal musical language that marked the dynamics of Wong and Jiménez as a duo. Their music ebbs and flows with elegance and emotive power, as they fuse the soul of the dance style with the harmonic brilliance of jazz and the rhythmic improvisations of Indian music. This is evident in Confluencias as they create a musical experience through the fusion of rhythms and melodies of jazz marked by flamenco. An award-winning flutist and bansuri player, Wong is a distinctive and promising musical voice who studied flamenco in Andalusia after completing her degree in classical and jazz performance at McGill

University in Canada. Over the years, she has become a respected figure in the flamenco scene, best known for playing flamenco music on the Indian bansuri flute. Wong was also awarded as “Best Flamenco Instrumentalist” of the Festival Cante de las Minas, making her the first foreigner to win in any category of the festival’s 60-year history. Her approach is a natural fit for guitarist Jiménez, who first extensively explored the intersections of flamenco and classical Indian music as a member of the Anoushka Shankar’s Traveller Band in 2013. He was born into a musically and culturally diverse family that encouraged him to learn the music of his Andalusian gypsy roots, and to use the flamenco guitar as a doorway to innovation. This groundbreaking duo first met on stage in 2018 in the flamenco-jazz capital of Madrid. There was an instant connection and an intuitive understanding that Wong and Jiménez shared compatible musical visions. The Manila concert will take place through a free RSVP arrangement, with the seating on a first-come, first-served basis. For updates on the concert, visit Instituto Cervantes de Manila web site or its Facebook and Instagram pages.

BY Samuel P. Medenilla

HE government awarded Filipino para athletes in the Fourth Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year a total of P33 million in cash incentives in recognition of their heroic deeds in Hangzhou, China. “As we hand these to you, remember that these are not merely monetary tokens, they are symbols of the love of your countrymen and their admiration for all the sacrifices that you have made for you country and for your countrymen,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said during the awarding ceremony in Malacañang last Wednesday. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) gifted the para athletes P19.5 million and the P13.45 million came from the Office of the President. Rewarded sere Jerold Mangliwan in athletics and Jean-Lee Nacita, Jasper Rom, Arman Subasta, Cheryl Angot, Bernardo, Henry Cheyzer Mendoza, Menandro Redor and Sander DE Severino in chess and Gary A. Bejino and Ernie Gawilan in swimming. They won 10 gold, four silver and five bronze medals for a ninth place finish in the overall medals race. Marcos likened the members of the Filipino contingent to Apolinario Mabini, one of the country’s heroes known for contributing to the country’s independence movement despite his disability. “Mabini, who after losing the use of his legs, used his brilliant mind to rally the people to rise up, to fight, and chase the freedom that we so well-deserved,” President Marcos told the athletes. “You are the same.” “You have projected that adversity can be overcome, impairment can harness inspiration, and barriers can be bridges to triumphs,” Marcos said. “You are the poster boys and girls for surmounting the odds.” The President also lauded the families, coaches and the PSC in supporting the para athletes.

PBBM salutes para athletes

Sports

celebrates after defeating the Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park Wednesday. AP

BusinessMirror

B8 | T

hursday, January 25, 2024 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

in all aspects of national life, then it begins by bringing into the fold those who are seen to be in the margins.” PSC chairman Richard Bachmann thanked the President for his unwavering assistance to the sports agency. “We are grateful for the support from the President and the national government which was key in reaching our success in 2023,” Bachmann said. “And we look forward to making a stronger thrust in grassroots sports development and serve as instruments of peace, through sports.” Philippine Paralympic Committee’s president Mike Barredo joined Bachmann and other sports officials in Malacañang. The PSC is celebrating its anniversary under the theme “Empowering Champions, Inspiring Generations.”

Rabe crashes out in Youth Olympics with knee injury PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo with the para athletes. He vowed to continue providing help to the para athletes through ample sports facilities nationwide.

PBBM gives PSC pat on back

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), celebrating its

34th founding anniversary, has been fulfilling its mandate and duty to promote inclusivity in sports and deliver the best services for the national athletes. “For nearly three and a half decades, the Commission has done and fulfilled its duty,” President Marcos said at the

Tabuena stays in control on wind-blown day IGUEL TABUENA tamed the windswept terrain of The Country Club (TCC) to stay in command despite a 76 halfway through the TCC Invitational in Santa

On target Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska

Rosa City on Wednesday. Following his impressive eight-under 64 Tuesday in hot but calm conditions Tuesday, Tabuena and the rest of the elite cast encountered a relentless

barrage of gusts throughout the day, leading to soaring scores. Despite the 12-shot turnaround, the two-time Philippine Open champion was in control at four-under 140, four

Heroes Hall in Malacañang. “The fruits of their labor should not be reflected on scoreboards and medals won alone.” “If your mandate is to promote sports that are inclusive, then it must include a sector that is fighting for inclusivity,” President Marcos said. “If your mission is to mainstream sports strokes clear of Tony Lascuña, who also struggled in the windy backside with a 38 for a 74 and a 144. “Today was tough for myself and I believe for everyone,” said Tabuena, who gunned down nine birdies against a birdie in setting a new course record in the first round. “But it’s also a regular day at TCC at this time of the year.” “I did get off to a shaky start. It wasn’t easy at all, I didn’t hit as many greens as I wanted to. But I’m pretty happy with the way I fought, pretty happy with my score. I’m in a good spot coming into the last 2 rounds,” added Tabuena, who had a birdie-less 39-37 card marred by six bogeys but marked by an eagle-blast on No. 10. “The conditions are just tough, but we’ll try to fight on,” said Lascuña, who is also seeking redemption after yielding the International Container Terminal Services Inc. TCC Match Play crown to Tabuena last November. Clyde Mondilla actually fought

IT wasn’t easy at all for Miguel Tabuena and the rest of the field on Wednesday. ROY DOMINGO back strong from an initial struggle of three bogeys after seven holes, birdying Nos. 8, 10 and 13 to draw level par and tie Lascuña at second even-par overall. But the 2019 Philippine Open champion bogeyed the par-3 17th but still posted one of the day’s two best 73s. He slipped to third at 145.

Balance of power IN international relations, balance of power means “the posture and policy of a nation or group of nations protecting itself against another nation or group of nations by matching its power against the power of the other side.” In sports, collegiate basketball most especially, balance of power means stacking up on ammunition, expanding the arsenal and picking up precious pieces here and there to come up with a formidable and winning war machine come official battle time. Specifically, it’s the preparatory war being waged during the pre-season, but not on the hard court. It is the deliberate, sometimes stealthy, often frenetic recruitment of new talents to add on to a team’s roster—whether that addition is fresh from high school or harvested from other teams or leagues. Right now is the season of this balancing of power. When it started, no one can really tell. It may begin right after the last day of a team’s run in an ongoing tournament. It may start a few weeks or months after that. It may even begin right in the middle of the ongoing season. To put it more succinctly, scouting and recruitment never stop. After the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 ended last December 6, the team rosters of the eight teams were destined to change with additions, subtractions or new equations. Although the 87th season is set to open some eight to nine months down the road, team equations are already being changed with tweaks, reformulations and the introduction of new ingredients. For me, personally, this pre-season rebuilding and finetuning is the most interesting process of the collegiate sports tournament. Perfectly timed for the season of winter as it happens in colder climes, the playing ground is metaphorically still blanketed in snow. But underneath the surface is where all the action is going on. “In the dead of winter, plants are already starting to prepare for spring—underground,” says science author Stephen

By Josef Ramos

ANGWON, South Korea— Laetaz Amihan Rabe suffered left knee injury while warming up at the Welli Hilli Ski Park Resort in Hoengseong-Gun and was ruled out of the women’s slopestyle of freestyle skiing in the Fourth Winter Youth Olympics in Hoengseong-Gun. She was brought to the Doctors at the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital with her dad by her side. Doctors have yet to release an official diagnosis of her injury and was doubtful for the free ski big air on Sunday. “I’m disappointed and devastated because the weather was also good. I wanted to compete, but they didn’t allow me,” Rabe, 14, said. “They don’t want me to move my leg, but I haven’t felt any pain for now.” Rabe was doing routine precompetition warmup in ideal -10 Celsius conditions when she landed badly after a jump. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino felt sorry for Rabe. “It feels so sad to hear the news that she got injured and was unable to compete,” Tolentino said. “But her safety is more important. Snow sports are risky and dangerous.” Rabe also crashed in training Monday and sustained a concussion in the jaw.

Schmidt in Science Friday (theworld.org). So it is with the eight teams of the UAAP. Sid Ventura first wrote of the impending new looks of the senior basketball teams of the UAAP in Season 87 right after Season 86 wrote finis in the game-oneomega.com. Almost two months later, the envisioned new rosters are basically the same. But what was true in December is no longer as true in January. And nothing can be said to be cast in stone—until the final rosters are submitted to the UAAP sometime in September and the eligibility committee gives each and every player its approval and imprimatur. But let’s see how each UAAP team will look like, more or less, come Season 87. The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers will debut Forthsky Padrigao and former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon Ashon Andrews. Sid mentions Chase Lane, Kyle Paranada, Geremy Robinson, Lleland Estacio and John Suba and FSA candidates Peter Osang and Mohamed Tounkara. The Far Eastern University Tamaraws are holding their cards close to their chest and playing the recruitment game underground for now. One thing’s sure, John Rey Pasaol will play a bigger role with longer playing time in Season 87, now that LJ Gonzales, James Tempra and Mo Fatty are gone. The University of the East Red Warriors will still be led by the blazing Rey Remogat, Precious Momowei and Jack Cruz Dumont. But Coach Jack Santiago will “intricately form the squad,” when they start their practices in February, per Sid. Adamson University will parade twin recruits, Cade and Austin Ronzone from Arizona State U when the Soaring Falcons fly out in September. Yves Dignadice’s nephew, Flever who’s been in talks since Season 85, could be in the roster, too. The National University Bulldogs lost Kean Baclaan to De La Salle, but its core of Steve Nash Enriquez, Jake Figueroa, Reinhard Jumamoy and Omar John will defend their school’s honor with new surprise additions. Ateneo de Manila lost Jared Brown and Jai Ballungay but two-way player Shean Jackson, who is said to play like Jamie Malonzo, will be there to fly high. And Jared Bahay’s continued presence in blue is being anticipated. The Fighting Maroons are still trying to better their already strong team, snagging Fil-Am Miguel Yniguez, a US-NCAA Division 2 player. Gani Stevens, Denzil Walker, Josh Coronel, Chris Hubilla and Dikachi Udodo (or maybe LA Andres and Jayveon Coleman) will be the new faces for UP. As for De La Salle, Matthew Rubico, Jake Gaspay, Ethan Alian and Vhoris Marasigan will play in Season 87, even as Kean Baclaan and Jacob Cortez beef up this roster in Season 88. Of course the phenomenal, “unkaboggable” hero of Season 86, Kevin “KQ” Quiambao, is still in the mix. And that could make all the difference.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

Health tech company develops portable molecular lab for educational, clinical tasks Manila Healthtek Founder and CEO Dr. Raul Destura and the LaboraTrolley

Growth seen in local pharmaceutical industry through private, public efforts By Rory Visco Contributor

The LaboraTrolley: A portable molecular laboratory with the potential to revolutionize healthcare, education, and disease surveillance

By Candy P. Dalizon | Contributor

Thursday, January 25, 2024 C1

n a groundbreaking move, leading healthcare technology innovator Manila Healthtek Inc. has unveiled the LaboraTrolley, a suitcase sized portable molecular laboratory that promises to revolutionize healthcare, education, and disease surveillance particularly in rural and resource-limited settings. Led by its founder and CEO, multiawarded clinician and scientist Dr. Raul Destura, Manila Healthtek develops low-cost, accurate, and portable diagnostic tools available to all Filipinos. Its latest offering the LaboraTrolley offers a wide range of applications, from educational tools to bio-surveillance and clinical testing capabilities, positioning it as a versatile and crucial asset in the fields of education and healthcare.

Portable Lab The first major application of the LaboraTrolley targets the education sector, offering high school students a unique and comprehensive science learning experience. Equipped with hands-on immersive features and a virtual learning module, the LaboraTrolley enables students to engage in practical experiments, thereby enhancing their understanding of molecular biology and related scientific concepts. “High school students would be able to experience PCR testing without spending too much,” said Dr. Destura, adding that the LaboraTrolley costs only a fraction of what it would cost to set up a complete molecular laboratory. The cost already includes training, supply chain management, troubleshooting, and after sales tech support all provided

by Filipino scientists. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests are a fast and highly accurate way to diagnose certain infectious diseases and genetic changes. Despite national efforts, reports highlight persistent challenges in equipping Filipino students with adequate science and technology knowledge. Dr. Destura said that this handson approach will equip students with practical skills and knowledge, fostering a deeper appreciation for the subject matter while preparing them for potential careers in biotechnology and medical research. Bridging the gap between the classroom and laboratory, this powerful combination of hands-on exploration and virtual guidance creates an effective and vibrant learning ecosystem that cultivates the next generation of science and healthcare professionals.

Bio-surveillance tool In addition to its educational applications, the LaboraTrolley serves as a potent bio-surveillance tool for the detection and monitoring of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. With its portable design and advanced molecular testing capabilities, the LaboraTrolley is well-suited for field and outbreak investigations, allowing

healthcare professionals and researchers to rapidly analyze biological samples and identify potential disease threats in real-time. This capacity to perform on-site molecular testing can significantly expedite response efforts during disease outbreaks, ultimately enabling more efficient containment and control measures. The ability of the LaboraTrolley to deliver rapid and accurate results makes it an invaluable asset in addressing public health challenges, particularly in regions prone to infectious disease outbreaks. Dr. Destura shared that by providing timely and precise data, this innovative technology empowers healthcare authorities to make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions, “thereby mitigating the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding public health.” Furthermore, the LaboraTrolley serves as a clinical tool, offering capability for social hygiene testing, such as for diseases including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), HPV Human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis / Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CTNG), and others. “This aspect of the technology highlights its potential to enhance healthcare accessibility and improve disease detection in underserved and remote communities, where access to traditional laboratory facilities may be limited,” said Dr. Destura. By delivering rapid and accurate diagnostic testing capabilities directly to the point of care, the LaboraTrolley™ has the potential to significantly enhance disease screening and early detection efforts, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing disease transmission rates. Notably, its clinical testing applications extend beyond traditional healthcare facilities, enabling healthcare providers to conduct comprehensive testing and screening in non-traditional settings such as community outreach pro-

grams, mobile clinics, and remote areas. This versatility empowers healthcare workers to reach underserved populations, leading to improved healthcare access and earlier interventions for infectious diseases.

Glimpse into the future Manila Healthtek’s introduction of the LaboraTrolley represents a significant advancement in portable molecular laboratory technology, offering a glimpse into the future of education, disease surveillance, and clinical testing. As this pioneering technology continues to evolve, its impact on science education, public health, and healthcare delivery is expected to be profound, paving the way for a more informed, proactive, and resilient approach to addressing the world’s most pressing health challenges. Dr. Destura shared that one of their goals at Manila Healthtek is for their biotech company to grow and be globally competitive. “We are also looking into potential partnerships with international biotechnology organizations. These organizations might start considering the Philippine landscape for partnership instead of Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia.” “This will further trigger the growth of the country’s biotechnology landscape that will provide opportunities for our science and technology graduates and give them reason to stay and not leave their families in pursuit of their dreams to become scientists,” said Dr. Destura. “It’s a long shot, but everything begins with people believing in an idea and supporting it. Some agencies in the country, both private and government, have the power and capacity to help us make this happen because obviously, it cannot be done by the biotech company alone,” added Dr. Destura. For inquiries about the LaboraTrolley, e-mail Manila Healthtek at talk2us@ manila-healthtek.com.

Intensify fight vs dengue as rise in cases seen this year By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

HE unsettling reality of dengue is imminent in the Philippines this 2024, posing a significant challenge to public health authorities and communities alike. Fewer storms may be experienced in the country, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration hinting that only 13 to 19 tropical cyclones could hit this year. This, however, is higher than the 11 storms that made landfall or came close in 2023. The onset of increased rainfall makes favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Hence, the likelihood of an increase in dengue transmission.

By the numbers AMID a record global dengue spike of 5 million cases and more than 5,000 deaths last year, the Philippines has seen a decline, with the Department

of Health’s (DOH) report of 125,975 dengue cases logged nationwide from January 1 to September 9. This so far is lower than the number of cases recorded five years ago on the back of the driest rainy season in recent history that is correlated to the decreased mosquitoborne diseases. The first quarter of 2023, though, saw a surge of 94 percent incidence to 27,670 compared to 14,278 during the same period in 2022, per the DOH data. This is very alarming as the initial three months are typically characterized by dry weather, which traditionally sees lower dengue cases compared to the peak of the rainy season. While this climatic pattern is seen to persist this year, with the peak of the El Niño phenomenon from February to April, per the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the DOH reminded the public to be aware and cautious of the possible growth of vector-borne diseases like dengue, particularly in areas that have a limited supply of water and

places that have stored water.

Preventive measures SINCE most dengue cases do not have warning signs but have common symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain, vomiting and rashes, the DOH urges the public to practice the 5S: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection measures, seek early consultation, support fogging and spraying in hot spot areas, and sustain hydration. This strategy has been proven effective like during the dengue outbreak last year. At the local level, for instance, the City of Tagum, through its public officials, including health officer Dr. Arnel Florendo underscored the importance of these measures in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds when the local government unit (LGU) was put under a state of calamity. He also reminded their constituents of the importance of preventive measures such as using repellents, mosquito nets, in-

stalling screens in homes, and conducting regular clean-up drives to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites. Another example is the Zamboanga Peninsula region, where state agencies and healthcare providers have been on top of the ongoing fight against dengue, following the DOH’s report of a total of 7,491 cases posted from January 1 to August 12 in Region 9.

Timely medical attention HOSPITALS and clinics there have strengthened their capacity to immediately diagnose and treat dengue cases, ensuring that patients get timely medical attention. At the same time, these institutions have actively embarked on comprehensive public education programs to raise awareness among residents about the telltale signs of dengue and the significance of seeking early medical intervention. See “Intensify,” C4

N association of local medicine manufacturers said that despite the challenges and headwinds, it sees a bright future for the local pharmaceutical industry. The Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) was established in 1950 and produces about 32 percent of the drug products in the country, the majority of which are generics. Higinio Porte, Jr., President of the PPMA, said the local pharmaceutical industry is now at P257 billion or US$4.5 billion and is continuously growing at an average pace of six to seven percent. It posted the second biggest growth and is the third largest pharma industry in the ASEAN region, next to Indonesia and Thailand. It is about the same size as Vietnam’s but the Philippines is a bit bigger though unfortunately, two thirds of the Philippine market is dominated by multinational pharmaceutical firms. In the past five years, the growth of importation was at an average of 11 percent, which is almost double of the market’s growth. According to Porte, the capabilities of Philippine pharmaceutical manufacturers include research and development for natural and synthetic drugs. They can manufacture solid, liquids, semi-solids, topical, dry powder, effervescent, eye/ear drops, parenterals/injectables but not vaccines since they are all imported. “The government is pushing to have local manufacturing capabilities for vaccines in the country. In fact, to be launched this year is the establishment of a Philippine Virology Institute to be located in Clark, Pampanga, and the PPMA will participate in the preparation for that,” Porte said. He said that the industry also has robust warehousing, logistics and distribution facilities in the country’s business centers in provinces and cities. “We also have clinical and bio-equivalence testing centers for products manufactured locally, which means that the products are of the same quality and efficacy that is at par with imported ones because we are testing that and it is required.” The association also has “strong partnerships with the government such as the Department of Health [DOH], the Food and Drug Administration [FDA], the Department of Science and Technology [DOST], and more importantly the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI], which helped in the establishment of an Integrated Roadmap of the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry [IRPPI] that we are starting to implement.”

Challenges and other risks AMONG these, Porte said, is the continuous increase in fuel prices due to global economic instability, geo-political conflicts (tension between China and Taiwan), further decline of the Chinese economy, which may affect the supply of pharmaceutical materials. “Source materials from China are more affordable since they are promoting exportation to help the economy. However, this may not be sustainable since a lot of factories are on the verge of closing,” he said. There is also the threat of another pandemic, he said, plus cyberterrorism, and outflow of technical talents to other countries.

Future opportunities HE sees opportunities for the

Philippine pharmaceutical market with the full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program, which will double the size of the local pharmaceutical industry in the next 10 years. This is good for many Filipinos, Porte said, since prior to the UHC, only a third of Filipinos have access to the right medicine because majority can’t afford to buy medicines. “The UHC will provide for that. In the next five years, the target is to provide the necessary health care services to at least 20 million really poor Filipinos which, in turn, may help drive the growth of the local pharma industry because it includes provision of medicines to them,” Porte said. Other opportunities include the decision of the government to prioritize locally produced medicines and other pharmaceutical products, focus on the R&D of herbal drug products, especially those equivalent to the synthetic ones, which is being driven at by the government, particularly the DOH and DOST, plus the government’s drive on automation, digitization, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve productivity. A mid t he implement at ion of the UHC will be the IRPPI, with the aim for the country to be self-sufficient with regard to medicines, and help establish by 2030 a Philippine pharmaceutical industry with a resilient and agile value chain to ensure pharmaceutical security for Filipinos and achieve better health results. It will also enable local manufacturers to produce 60 percent of the country’s registered medicines making them major producers, as well as make the local pharma industry become a global player in terms of innovation and access. Corollary to this, Porte said, is the Philippine Medical Policy 2022-2030. Under this policy Filipinos should have sustainable access to quality and affordable essential medicines six years from now and reduced out-of-pocket spending, which was pegged at 70 percent prior to the UHC’s enactment. He also mentioned the Private Sector Advisory Council – Health Care Sector, whose goal is to help in the full implementation of the UHC nationwide by 2028, achieve sufficient number of human resource and bed requirements also in 2028, and substantially reduce out-of-pocket health care spending to about 30 percent in the same year, and 100 percent for the poor. When it comes to opportunities for the local pharmaceutical industry, Porte said being part of the 4th International Processing and Packaging Trade Event for the Philippines (ProPak Philippines), the biggest processing and packaging trade show happening on January 31 up to February 2, 2024 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the local pharmaceutical industry will enjoy access to available cost-efficient packaging materials to help lower the cost of medicine. The industry can also gain access to AI-equipped packaging equipment to increase production efficiency, the chance to collaborate with suppliers for product and packaging development and help promote sustainability such as “green” packaging materials, plus the potential to tap new clients. “In cough syrups, over 60 percent of its cost is in packaging, from the bottle to the cover and box, which makes the packaging more expensive than the medicine itself. We need the help of ProPak to provide us with better technologies at much affordable costs.”

Health&

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C2 Thursday, January 25, 2024

Women play key role in community approach to health–Herbalife By Rory Visco Contributor

LMOST three years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened an ad hoc consultation meeting where it gathered researchers, practitioners, representatives of both government and multilateral agencies from across the globe to discuss community-centered approaches to health emergencies. Among the meeting’s objectives were to inspire new perspectives to tackling pandemic challenges through citizen engagement and participation. Many countries around the world have a lready adopted communit y participation as a major policy theme since the 1970s and is still considered an essential part in the crafting of health development policies. However, as years went by, it is slowly discovered that community participation in health development is really a complex process. According to a multi-country study, though community participation in health is largely considered a universal concept, its implementation varies per country depending on national and local situations from culture, political systems and decisionmaking processes. Here in the Philippines, Community-Managed Health Programs (CMHP), which is a form of Primary Health Care, were instituted to promote community self-determination and self-reliance in addressing health needs particularly in economically disadvantaged communities, but there is still a need to evaluate CHMPs and how they can help achieve better health outcomes.

Solon wants district hospital turned into DOH-run general hospital

lawmaker from Laguna said a major hurdle in the way of upgrading the Bay District Hospital in Bay, Laguna into a general hospital has been surmounted. Laguna 2nd District Representative Ruth Mariano-Hernandez made this statement after the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 1716, otherwise known as “An Act Converting the Bay District Hospital in the Municipality of Bay, Province of Laguna into a General Hospital.” Mariano-Hernandez, who authored the bill in the Lower House, said it is now up to the Senate and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ultimately enact the measure. “The nine district hospitals managed by the provincial government will have to cope with the medical needs of the growing population of more than 3 million based on the latest census. In the Calabarzon Region, Laguna is the only province where there is no DOHmanaged general hospital,” she said in a social media post recently. “We need to improve and upgrade the capacity of our health care system to meet the needs of our growing population,” she added. If the bill is eventually enacted, Bay town’s district hospital will be known as the “Laguna Regional Hospital.” As a general hospital, it will then be allocated more funds, allowing it to deliver better medical services to more patients in the province. Management of the hospital will also be transferred from the provincial government to the Department of Health. Zen Trinidad, PNA

Dr. Luigi Gratton, a US-based nutrition expert and vice president of product training for Herbalife, said the company believes in getting in touch with the community to promote overall health among all citizens, especially in the Philippines where the family-oriented concept remains very strong.

Valuing the community DR. Luigi Gratton, a US-based nutrition expert and Vice President of Product Training for Herbalife, a global nutrition company, said the company, for the past 40 years, believes in the importance of getting in touch with the community to promote overall health among all citizens, especially in the Philippines where the family-oriented concept remains very strong, and touched on the role of women in the community. He said that generally, the woman, who is not really the head of the household but the one who is “functionally” running the household, are the ones that create the community that pursues wellness goals, whether in their own household or the town or city. He added that the Herbalife business has always been dominated by mostly women, the mother or the leaders of the household, whether married or single, saying that direct selling has always been led by women, whether in cosmetic products,

nutrition products, houseware, apparel. “It’s the women who tend to start the community, and it’s a great way for them to keep their children close and start a home-based business. And we believe that this approach worked largely in the Latin countries, which is more familyoriented, and it also works very well in the Latin-influenced communities as well. Even in India, which is different and is very broken up in terms of culture, the nutrition club concept is picking up but again, the family is a big part of the culture. That is why we believe that direct or person-to-person selling works due to the trust factor, which makes it easier in building a community.” “We have a lot of trust factors in our products and that’s why a lot of people come to our community centers or what we call nutrition clubs and they enjoy our products because they trust our products and they know it’s top quality,” Gratton added. He realized as well that families in many communities, especially in the low-income ones, tend to prioritize putting food on the table rather than taking care of the health of the family, or the concept of being reactive rather than preventive. However, he noted that even though people in most communities tend to be reactionary in nature or are more of “in the moment” when it comes to health, they can simply take any of the Herbalife products like the Herbalife shakes, which has all the necessary nutrients, then they are already able to provide all the nutrition that the body needs, whether members of the community have a reactive or preventive concept to health.

Digital approach

WITH regards to Herbalife’s evolution down the line, Gratton said he did not understand at first the effects of the pandemic on young men and women, especially when a lot of applications or “apps” came out that dealt specifically with mental health during the pandemic. He noted that studies have shown that men are more prone to states of depression or anxiety and will not speak to other men about it for fear that they may be perceived as weak, compared to women who are more open to talk about it with other women, their relatives or the community. Realizing this, it has become a big part of their digital approach that they are building right now. For the last year, the company has been involved in a whole digital platform that is shifting. Admittedly, he said that Herbalife is more high touch but low tech for the past 40 years since their approach was more personal, but they realized that they can’t compete like that anymore so now they have a whole new digital platform and through this, they hope to address many of the health concerns of the younger people in the community. “We hope to reach out to these folks who are not too keen to attend personal meetings. We’ve done this in Singapore and a few other countries, and we hope to bring it to the Philippines soon, where the young distributors here can talk to the older set in the community on their phone and discuss good health and nutrition tips, all from the comforts of their homes. That’s the dream, and we hope that’s what this digital platform will provide.”

Earthquakes, other disasters can also lead to mental health issues–experts

HE very first day of year 2024 was rocked by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that shook central Japan, particularly the Ishikawa prefecture and destroyed buildings and left thousands homeless or have fled to higher ground. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning, its first since the March 2011 magnitude 9.0 tremor on Japan’s Tōhoku region, also known as the “Great East Japan Earthquake.” So far, for more than three weeks already, 233 people were reported killed in the Ishikawa Prefecture during the New Year’s Day tremor, with 15 disaster-related fatalities during the quake’s aftermath, and 22 people are still reported missing. Thousands are still living in temporary shelters, running water is still lacking in about 49,000 homes, and people desperately need aid, and will likely meet heavy snowfall within this week, according to a report by NHK World-Japan. Last year, February 2023, two major earthquakes hit Turkiye (formerly Turkey) and Syria, hitting the scales with magnitude of 7.8 and 7.6, causing severe infrastructure damage and severe loss of life in the two countries. The disaster brought a heavy impact on the countries’ health systems, causing problems in public health, including mental health. The Philippines is no stranger to earthquakes, being situated in the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a 40,000-kilometer stretch composed of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate movements, and the country is located in the western part, from New Zealand to Indonesia and up to Japan and the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. Given our prominent place in this geographic situation and risk profile in terms of disasters, the Philippines enacted Republic Act (RA) 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.” This law led to the government adopting a proactive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management or “DRRM” approach, or the “systematic process of using administrative directives, organizations, and operational skills and capacities to implement strategies, policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the adverse impacts

of hazards and the possibility of disaster.” The government also came up with a National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) for earthquakes and tsunamis, a strategic action plan that aims to provide response assistance for managing the consequences of earthquakes and tsunamis and its accompanying potential risks.

Surviving, coping with the trauma ACCORDING to Ben Beaglehole, a psychiatrist and senior lecturer in the department of psychological medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch, in New Zealand Research, natural hazards like major earthquakes “can lead to acute trauma and an increased risk for chronic conditions such as anxiety and depression in survivors.” Beaglehole was part of a group that studied the mental health impacts of New Zealand’s 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes as part of a 40-plus-year study where they measured the health and development of more than 1,200 people born in the late 1970s. Their study showed an “increase in anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and nicotine dependence one year after the earthquakes, and this increase was correlated with greater exposure to the events. In other words, the closer a person was to the quakes’ most severe effects, the more likely they were to have a mental health disorder.” The American Psychological Association (APA) said that natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, transportation accidents, or wildfires “are typically unexpected, sudden, and overwhelming. The group said that for many people, there may be no visible signs of physical injury, but an emotional impact can be present. However, the APA said those with strong emotional reactions can help them “cope effectively with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you along the path to recovery.”

Private sector help ON April 2019, a magnitude 6.1 temblor shook the town of Porac in Pampanga, even if the epicenter was located in Zambales. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Council (NDRRMC) confirmed that 18 fatalities, three missing, and reported more than 200 injured, while 29 building and structures were damaged, particularly a four-story building with a supermarket in Porac that collapsed in the quake’s aftermath. One group affected by the tremor was the Ayta community in Porac, where five fatalities came from the Ayta community. The disaster left a lasting effect on Pastor Benny Capuno, a tribal leader in Porac, Pampanga, who knows all too well the great distress his Ayta community went through during the devastating earthquake and reminded him and the community of the fragility of life, especially since the same town was devastated by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. It also reminded him of the mental well-being of those who survived. After surviving the physical damage and injuries to the Aytas, it was their mental health that needed to be attended to. This is the reason why Capuno, who serves as a “mamuun” or tribal leader of the Indigenous People’s Political Structures in CADT 123 or the ancestral domain of the Ayta MagIndi and Ayta MagAntsi in Porac, Pampanga, and his community partnered with telco firms PLDT and Smart. Together, they both developed a Psychological First Aid Program that catered to the mental health needs of the community. According to Capuno, the Psychological First Aid Training enhanced the awareness of the community to better address future psychological needs. “We are really grateful because we learned that we also have the capacity [to address the mental health needs of our community]. [Through the training] we learned how to listen. We learned that we can fight the difficult things that are happening to us. We learned to understand the meaning of what is happening around us and how we can overcome and strengthen these. We learned in those aspects, and now we know that we, ourselves, can overcome these situations,” he said. Promoting mental health strength as fundamental to digital wellness is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) No.3 that stands for good health and well-being. Rory Visco

Lawyer reminds scientists, inventors to patent their creations for their protection, benefit By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes Contributor

atenting inventions and creations is important for scientists and inventors because it protects them from unscrupulous elements who want to capitalize on their work for their selfish ends, according to a UP Diliman-based lawyer. If inventions and creations are not patented, “it belongs now to the public domain where anyone can reproduce or manufacture it,” Atty. Josephine R. Santiago of the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Law said at the 7th session of the iStories webinar, hosted by the University of the PhilippinesDiliman College of Science. Atty. Santiago is an award-winning intellectual property (IP) expert who served as the Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). According to Harvey L. Sapigao, research associate, Blue Marble Institute, Institute of Science, University of the Philippines, Baguio, patenting proved vital and beneficial to Filipino scientists in the long run for their research work.

Medicinal plants DR. Neila Cortes-Maramba of UP Manila led a team of scientists in the 1990s to investigate ten medicinal plants in the Philippines. Two of these plants exhibited promising results: one for cough and the other for urinary tract infections. The team patented Vitex negundo (Lagundi) and Blumea balsamifera (Sambong) in syrup and tablet forms, granting them exclusive rights to these medicines. “Today, Lagundi and Sambong are essential remedies for coughs and UTIs, proving lucrative for the pharmaceutical industry. Had they not applied for a patent, UP Manila and its partners would not have

earned more than P50 million in remittances through royalties and licensing fees. They would not be able to claim the invention as their own and would leave it vulnerable to theft,” said Sapigao in his essay. A patent, as a form of IP, provides the inventor exclusive rights to their creations. “The right of a patentee is only to prevent third persons from manufacturing, offering for sale, using, selling, or importing the invention,” Santiago explained. “It is not to make the invention, but to prevent others.” She added that, when multiple inventors unknowingly created the same invention, the first to file the patent secures the rights to it.

Patented inventions SAPIGAO pointed out that UP Diliman has successfully patented various inventions, such as CoaTiN, a coating technology that uses titanium nitride to extend the lifespan of metallic tools, developed by Dr. Henry Ramos of the National Institute of Physics (NIP), and an amebiasis detection kit that quickly identifies the disease using saliva, invented by Dr. Windell Rivera, Dr. Angeline Odelia Concepcion, and Dr. Alexander Edward Dy of the Institute of Biology (IB). Patents not only benefit inventors but also stimulate innovation and improve existing products. Applying for patents requires detailed explanations of how the invention works. This information becomes publicly available upon patent approval, allowing other inventors to draw inspiration from or enhance the patented work. In the forum, Santiago also discussed the other three types of IP: trademarks, which protect identifying symbols and expressions; copyright which grants rights from the moment of creation; and trade secrets, which safeguards valuable confidential information.

Caloocan barangay health center is 204th SMFI Wellness Center

few days before New Year’s Day, SM Foundation turned over to the City Government of Caloocan a transformed Barangay 118-120 Health Center, bringing the number of Wellness Centers to 204. The renovation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of SM Foundation, the Rotary Club of Caloocan, Caloocan City Health Office and the Caloocan local government unit. Brgy 118-120 Health Center, regarded by the health center staff and barangay health workers as their second home, is now a comfortable and well-lit clinic. Gone are the termite-infested ceilings, the faulty electrical wiring, and malfunctioning light bulbs. These have been replaced with new ones. Aside from the damaged structure, the health center lacked the necessary equipment and furniture. Health center workers had to make do with worn-out tables and plastic chairs in dispensing their work. Likewise, prior to the renovation, there was no designated examination room. Examinations were done in an area where there was no privacy for the patients, making them uncomfortable and wary of going to the health center. As with other Wellness Centers across the country, SM Foundation ensured that the Brgy 118-120 Health Center will be able to provide a conducive atmosphere for both patients and health workers. Walls

were repainted with cheerful colors, new furniture and appliances were provided. According to Dr. Arlyn E. Gonzales, Medical Officer IV and physician in charge in Brgy 118-120 Health Center, patients admired the newlyrefurbished health center. “Wow, the center looks very nice. It’s welllit.” “Am I in St. Luke’s?” were among the reactions of patients. The renovated health center has even encouraged barangay residents to make advance visits for followup checkups. There were other residents who just go to the center for a visit and not necessarily for a health concern. With the renovation, patients are now more conscious of their hygiene before going for a check-up or consultation. “It is now a comfortable place to work with good ambience. Health workers are excited to go report for work and happy to serve in the real sense of the word,” Gonzales said. As she expressed the Brgy Health Center’s appreciation to SM Foundation for the renovation, Gonzales said: “You showed a level of excellence that the City Government of Caloocan greatly appreciates.” The health center offers an array of services including medical consultation/check –up, pre-natal/ post-natal care, family planning, National Immunization Program, TB-DOTS facility, non-communicable diseases program, dental services, nutrition program, and cervical cancer screening, among others.

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Metro Pacific Health sheds light on juvenile diabetes

etro Pac i f ic He a lt h (MPH), the largest group of private hospitals in the Philippines and a part of the MVP group, recently presented #DECODE Episode 4 titled “The Not-So-Sweet Truth about Juvenile Diabetes,” a captivating and informative episode that explores the truth about “juvenile diabetes” or what is more commonly called today as Type 1 Diabetes. This episode features insights from renowned healthcare professionals, Dr. Ariel Ampil of Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center, and Dr. May Uyking-Naranjo of Davao Doctors Hospital, along with Wilson Limon, founder of NIñOFRANCO and a person living with Type 1 Diabetes. Juvenile diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, has long been shrouded in myths and misconceptions. In this latest episode of #DECODE, Dr. Ampil, Dr. Uyking-Naranjo, and Limon came together to dispel these myths and share their personal experiences. From tracing the origins of the term “diabetes mellitus” to clarifying the autoimmune nature of Type 1 diabetes, this episode redefined what we know about this often misunderstood disease. Viewers also learned about the symptoms of juvenile diabetes, the importance of early detection, and

the positive aspects of managing this condition. The episode aims to educate and empower individuals by providing valuable information and insights that can help them better understand and manage juvenile diabetes. With Type 1 diabetes, one cause of it can be a haywire autoimmune reaction, such as the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, leaving the body unable to properly produce insulin. While this can manifest in childhood, sometimes this process can take years to develop, leading to an onset of Type 1 diabetes even in young adulthood. As for symptoms, some of the common signs to watch out for include polyuria (increase in urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (frequent hunger pangs). Speaking about his experience in the episode, Limon shared how proper management and guided medical treatment (such as the daily self-administration of insulin) have helped him take charge of his life even after the diagnosis. Dr. Ampil and Dr. Uyking-Naranjo also shared blood tests and other diagnostic tests that can be ordered to identify if a patient may have diabetes. “We are excited to release #DECODE Episode 4 and shed light on

juvenile diabetes,” said Jessica Abaya, Chief Marketing and Chief Customer Experience Officer of Metro Pacific Health. “Our goal at MPH with these DECODE episodes is to strengthen our narrative that educates and empowers individuals, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes for those living with conditions such as juvenile diabetes. We look to continuing this meaningful tradition of communicating proactively this upcoming year to help Filipinos in their daily health journeys.” Through various initiatives like #DECODE, Metro Pacific Health remains committed to providing expertise and care with compassion, as it operates 23 hospitals across the country. These hospitals include prestigious institutions like Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Riverside Medical Center, and Davao Doctors Hospital, among others. In addition to the hospitals, MPH also manages 28 outpatient care centers, two allied health colleges, and a centralized laboratory known as Medi Linx Laboratory. For more information about Metro Pacific Health and to watch #DECODE Episode 4, visit our website at www. metropacifichealth.com. Join us in the journey to decode juvenile diabetes and spread awareness about this important health issue. Watc h a nd Sh a re #DECODE Episode 4 here: https://www.facebook.com/metropacif ichealth/videos/906561541106319

Thursday, January 25, 2024 C3

Le Meur redefines fresh, French skin science with a bang this 2024

he new year calls for new beginnings. These new beginnings could mean a new set of resolutions, a new take on life, or even a new career. Whatever the year has in store for you, take the time out to pamper yourself at Le Meur Aesthetic Clinic. With Le Meur’s expertise in French beauty standards, you will be fresh, glowing and ready to face 2024. Located in the heart of Quezon City, Le Meur Aesthetics Clinic’s European-style interiors showcase elegance and style, ref lective of the luxury treatments that the clinic offers. From their lavish waiting areas and treatment rooms to their state-of-the-art machines and latest innovations in skin care, Le Meur boasts of services that are designed to give the best results possible to their clients. Le Meur has started 2024 with a big bang as it recently acquired Ultherapy, the gold standard and United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) cleared non-invasive procedure that lifts the neck, chin and brow and improves lines and wrinkles in the upper chest. “Through the ultrasound imaging with Ultherapy, energy is delivered precisely to the place where it will benefit our client most for natural-looking results that improve over time.”

Ultherapy produces natural results with minimal to no downtime. It is a single procedure that is safe and helps build collagen. “Some clients see an initial effect right after their treatment. The real results, however, appear over two to three months as new collagen builds, gradually lifting and tightening the skin on the face and neck and smoothing the skin on the chest,” as mentioned by Le Meur team, Rosette Thea Santos-Villegas, MD, MBA, inhouse physician, Ma. Geraldine Lanzar, skin specialist, Maricar Villareal, senior skin specialist and Ghie Mae Faye Ongcal, clinic manager. For clients who are not ready to undergo Ultherapy, can go for facial care and try Le Meur Youth 360 and Curestem Exosomes, both Le Meur’s best-selling treatments that are designed to give clients optimum skin care at competitive prices. The clinic also offers services that target very specific needs for skin and body care and rejuvenation. Some of these popular procedures include Exilis Ultra, Emsculpt Neo and Refrax Laser Pore. If you are planning to make this a bonding experience with your partner or friend, Le Meur Aesthetics offers a couple room. Clients may choose to enjoy a full French skin care experience and a wide array of other Le Meur services. These include facials, drips, scrubs, injectables and other advanced treatments for the

Natural results IN addition to being non-invasive,

face and body.

Online consultations LE Meur also offers online clinic consultations with their in-house board-certified doctors. These reliable and efficient consultations help clients plan out a personalized program to address their concerns and goals. Since skin care is a commitment, Le Meur also has its own line of skin care products so clients can continue the Le Meur approach to skin care even when clients are not in the clinic. Their assortment of luxe acne gels, anti-aging sunscreens, face serums and facial cleansers are available in regular and travel sizes. To cater to more clients, Le Meur Aesthetics is expanding to San Juan City. Watch out for their new clinic which is scheduled to open sometime in February 2024 in Greenhills Mall located at Greenhills, San Juan. The new clinic will definitely bring the French skin care experience to more Filipinos with its promise to affordability. Ready for your French luxury beauty experience? Visit Le Meur Aesthetics at Steelworld Tower, NS Amoranto corner Biak Na Bato, Quezon City. For more information visit their Instagram account https://www.instagram. com/lemeur.aesthetics/?hl=en For appointments, you may call 0917-639-6963 or 0917-160-5523.

Asian Hospital and Medical Center

aims higher, together at 2024 kick-off celebration

ore patients and patrons are expected to avail of the services of Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) this year thanks to more strategic partnerships, more service flow enhancements and new equipment.

T h i s w a s re v e a l e d du r i n g AHMC’s New Year Kick-Off Celebration which had the theme “Accelerate 2024: Aim Higher, Together which was held at the hospital’s main lobby last January 15, 2024. In his speech, Dr. Beaver Tamesis, AHMC president and CEO, told the audience, which included Augusto P. Palisoc Jr., Metro Pacific Health president, that while 2023 was a challenging year, the hospital doctors and staff overcame all obstacles and managed to surpass their targets. “Let’s repeat what we did in 2023. We have 11 months to go and we will be able to achieve our goals because we have more ammunition now,” he said.

New machine He added that the hospital is in the process of acquiring another machine for the radiotherapy unit and the target is to make this happen before the end of the year so that AHMC will be able to service more patients. The number of beds at the Intensive Care Unit have also increased and the plan is to increase the number of ICU beds further. “We are not only for the well-off; we are also here to help those who are really in need of our services. We will do our best to help all of them. We are really expanding the services of Asian Hospital for almost everybody who needs our help. Our neighbors like Medical Center

Quennie Gabad of Quality Management and Asian Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jose Acuin performed an intermission number during the New Year Kick-off Celebration.

TV host and content creator Mikee Reyes

Actor Ian Veneracion was on hand for a musical performance.

Dr. Elise Ortega of Asian Hospital’s Emergency Room

The heads of the various medical departments, units and centers of Asian Hospital led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jose Acuin. Asian Hospital’s President and CEO Dr. Beaver Tamesis delivering his message.

Imus, Ospital ng Muntinlupa, we have entered into agreements with them so that we can help their patients. That is really our mission: to reach out to the community we reside in,” Dr. Tamesis said. According to Dr. Tamesis, the hospital will be converted into “a construction renovation zone” with the construction of hospital rooms on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors of Tower 2. “Ex pansion works w il l a lso be undertaken at the Emergency Room and the hospital lobby so that there will be better patient flow. The executives will also be moving out of their offices on the 5th floor so that there will be more patient rooms to serve more patients,” he said.

Reach for Jupiter He challenged the hospital staff to not only reach for the moon but

The leadership team of Asian Hospital Center is made up of, from left, Ronald Yacat, Director for IT and Innovation; Arvin Pascual, Associate Director for Quality Management; Atty. Joey Torres, Director for Human Resources; Augusto Palisoc Jr., Metro Pacific Health President; Dr. Beaver Tamesis, AHMC President and CEO; Dr. Jose Acuin, Chief Medical Officer; Robert Martinez, Chief Finance Officer; Hennesy Lou Miranda, Director for Marketing and Patient Experience; Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, Asian Cancer Institute Director; and Dr. Anna Peñalosa, Director for Commercial Operations Group.

“go beyond the moon and reach for Jupiter.” “We are going beyond the moon. Let’s target Jupiter this year. Looking forward to an acceleration of 2024,” Dr. Tamesis said. For her part, Hennesy Lou Elizon Miranda, AHMC’s Marketing and Patient Experience Director, made three commitments to AHMC’s patients and patrons. “The first one is to give our customers better access to our services. By saying this, we are really committing to make it even more

convenient for patients to access the health service that they deserve,” Miranda said, adding that the hospital will have its own digitalization efforts to centralize its appointment system. Miranda’s second commitment is to have more service flow enhancements, specifically a lot of enhancements in the hospital because of the scheduled renovations. She pointed out that the hospital is doing this “because we want to offer a better patient flow for all of our patients.”

Wellness Card upgrade Her third commitment is to upgrade AHMC’s Wellness Card which was launched last year. This upgrade includes tie-ups with establishments. “With that, we will aim higher together and we will do this together for our patients,” Miranda said. Atty. Joey Reyes, Human Resources Director, also spoke during the kick-off celebration and said that AHMC’s 2024 People Agenda “will be centered on shared leadership that values performance while

living out our corporate mission and vision.” “Our rewards and recognition will be anchored on performance. But rest assured that even as we drive performance and accountability, we will ensure that our employee engagement remains high. We shall keep our family-oriented culture that we treasure and are always proud of,” Reyes said. Dr. Jose Acuin, AHMC Chief Medical Officer, took the opportunity to introduce the new heads of the various medical departments, centers and units. Other highlights of the celebration include an opening dance number by the Elite Pioneers Dancers and an intermission number by Dr. Acuin and Quennie Gabad of Quality Management. The kick-off celebration was hosted by TV host and content creator Mikee Reyes and ended with a musical performance by actor Ian Veneracion.

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

C4 Thursday, January 25, 2024

St. Luke’s Medical Center opens state-of-the-art Center for Structural Heart and Vascular Interventions By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

n 2012, St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) introduced a new, less invasive valve replacement option called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) to the Philippines. This groundbreaking technique proved to be a big help for people with a narrowed heart valve, especially those who are older, frail, or already have other health problems that make surgery too risky. After 12 years of pioneering work and 252 lives positively impacted through TAVR, SLMC raises the bar in structural heart care by formally opening its Center for Structural Heart and Vascular Interventions (CSHVI) on January 16, 2024. “We are marking the milestone of a journey that started in 2012. It is a journey that has saved 252 lives and counting, a journey of expertise, journey of excellence, of pain for all the training, hard work, and hardships that our doctors have to go through to deliver this kind of service,” said Dr. Dennis P. Serrano, SLMC President and CEO. “At St. Luke’s Medical Center, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for patients with complex structural heart and vascular diseases. Our new Center for Structural Heart and Vascular Interventions is equipped with the latest technology and is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts who are passionate about delivering personalized, minimally invasive care to our patients,” said Dr. Fabio Enrique Posas, head of the CSHVI and an accomplished con-

sultant at SLMC widely known for his milestones in interventional cardiology. Dr. Posas is a pioneer in transcatheter valve replacement and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair procedures in the country. Also present during the launch of the CSHVI at SLMC Global City were patients of Dr. Posas and a team who have undergone TAVR and other minimally invasive interventions including 89-year-old Renato de Villa, a former Defense Secretary, and 63-year-old Renato Eusebio who talked about their patient journeys.

Cutting edge care THE CSHVI team led by Dr. Posas offers coordinated treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs through collaboration and a shared commitment to advance cardiovascular medicine. The new center’s cutting-edge facility is designed to pioneer the expansion of minimally invasive options of care for patients with complex heart and vascular diseases. It is also envisioned as a center for advanced training and research on structural heart and vascular

Present at the launch of St. Luke Medical Center’s Center for Structural Heart and Vascular Interventions were, from left. Dr. Dennis P. Serrano, St. Luke’s President and CEO; Lenora A. Cabili, St. Luke’s Board Member; Atty. Cirilo P. Noel, St. Luke’s 1st Vice Chairman; Amando M. Tetangco Jr., St. Luke’s Board Member; Dr. Fabio Enrique Posas, Head of St. Luke’s Center for Structural Heart and Vascular Interventions; Dr. Maria Adelaida M. Iboleon-Dy, Head of St. Luke’s Heart Institute; and Dr. Anthony R. Perez, St. Luke’s Global City Assistant Chief Medical Officer.

diseases, emphasizing the use of expanded multidisciplinary teams of care and quality-controlled environments to ensure exceptional outcomes of care. “As a center of excellence, we will be training physicians to expand options of care, not only in Metro Manila but throughout the country such as in Cebu, Davao, Tuguegarao, and Laguna,” said Dr. Posas. “The idea behind the center is to increase awareness that no Filipino dies unnecessarily because they could not recognize the disease or they could not be treated and that they do not have to fly abroad just to have the treatment because we can do them well here,” added Dr. Posas. The CSHVI combines advanced technology, hybrid operating theaters, and optimized imaging systems with pioneering and experienced teams of care. The center aims to expand minimally invasive options of care for patients with complex cardiovascular diseases who either are at high risk or who do not desire standard open-heart surgical interventions. All these

are done while prioritizing individual patient needs under qualitycontrolled and monitored environments of care designed to optimize procedural outcomes.

Innovative diagnostic modalities THE center offers a wide range of innovative diagnostic and minimally invasive treatment modalities. It is designed to address complex, lifethreatening cardiovascular diseases in patients who otherwise may have limited options of care or who face daunting open surgical procedures. Patients are expected to benefit from state-of-the-art imaging techniques and minimally invasive catheter and surgical interventions tailored to their specific conditions and risk profiles. Aside from TAVR, a revolutionary minimally invasive procedure for treating aortic valve stenosis that can be performed without general anesthesia or surgical cuts, the center also offers the use of transcatheter mitral valve repair (Mitra Clip) for leaking mitral valves, and it is expected to expand options

for trans-catheter mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve replacement as well as repairs. Other advanced catheter-based interventions involve endovascular repair for aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections and hybrid surgical and vascular repairs for patients at extreme risk for standard surgical repairs. Such strategies are associated with faster recovery times and lower procedural complications and mortality. With its quality-controlled environment of care and its comprehensive databases documenting outcomes of care and training programs, the CSHVI and its multidisciplinary teams of care are not only pioneering minimally invasive interventions in the country but are also considered one of the most advanced and pioneering centers for TAVR in Southeast Asia. The TAVR’s quality-controlled outcomes of care are at par with those reported by leading international institutions. Aortic valve stenosis or aortic stenosis is a type of heart valve disease. The valve between the lower left heart chamber and the body’s main artery (aorta) is narrowed and does not open fully. Symptoms of aortic valve stenosis may include fainting spells, chest pains or angina, shortness of breath, fatigue, and rapid, fluttering heartbeat. Aortic valve stenosis may lead to heart failure. TAVR was necessitated by the fact that many patients with aortic stenosis are not good candidates for open-heart surgery. TAVR offers a gentler option, giving them a chance to get the treatment they need without facing the risks of a big operation. To know more about this new center, patients may contact SLMC Product Information Hub at 0919057-7744 (call), 0919-160-7744 (text), or e-mail productinfo@stlukes. com.ph.

DOH, Heart Center lead conduct of cardiovascular mission in Cotabato DOH chief leads opening of new By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

ardiovascular diseases (CVDs), or diseases of the heart and blood vessels, are responsible for a third of the deaths in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistics Office (PSA), CVDs are part of the larger group of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 72 percent of deaths in the country in 2021. Committed to bring essential primary care services closer to Filipino families for the prevention and management of NCDs, the Department of Health (DOH), through its Regional Cardiovascular Center Program, and the Philippine Heart Center (PHC), conducted its milestone 3rd Cardio-

Intensify... Continued from C1

Such initiatives demonstrate that in a joint effort to curtail the spread of dengue, LGUs have intensified their commitment to controlling the mosquito population. Regular vector control activities, including targeted fogging operations in vulnerable areas, are being done with more vigilance. Beside the 5S strategy, there are more ways to address the dengue situation in the Philippines. Even if the country prevented a major outbreak compared to other nations in the record-setting year of 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a death toll of 575 as of October 19, making this island nation the third highest globally. The challenge is due to insufficient specific measures to directly avoid and cure

vascular Mission. It is a first of its kind, with simultaneous heart procedures: three open heart surgeries, pediatric interventions, and device closures were done at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC) from January 14 to 20, 2024.

Corrective open-heart surgeries SPECIALISTS of CRMC, PHC, Souther n Ph i l ippi nes Med ic a l Center (SPMC), and Amai Pakpak Medical Center joined hands to provide corrective open-heart surgeries to Filipino patients. This also marked the 42nd Heart Mission conducted in 16 Regional Heart Centers in 13 of 17 regions in the country since 2012. The DOH aims to build more health infrastructure with equipment this 2024, as it aims to insti-

dengue. While the 5S strategy focuses on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, it may not directly resolve the prevention and treatment of the illness itself. This requires comprehensive measures that espouse vector control, effective diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness campaigns.

Research and development investment So it is important to invest in research and development for new prevention methods like vaccines, and to strengthen healthcare systems to guarantee rapid and right treatment for dengue cases. A recent second-generation dengue vaccine that has been given the greenlight for use in over 30 countries but yet to be introduced in the Philippines. This dengue vaccine has shown higher efficacy in preventing the disease. Its introduction could be a crucial step forward in

tutionalize regional heart centers in all regions of the country. Currently, there are three regions with more than one established or developing heart center, namely, centers in Legazpi and Naga in the Bicol Region, centers in Iloilo and Bacolod in Western Visayas, and centers in Cagayan de Oro and Marawi in Northern Mindanao. “The Philippine Heart Center places the ‘heart’ in healthcare. It has facilitated generous donations from philanthropic organizations and individuals. The DOH is always ready to support and assist the hospitals to be sustainable. We would like the Regional Heart Centers to be independent from PHC, towards the betterment of our service delivery to every Filipino,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.

the national fight against dengue. In a recent interview with BioPHARMA Asia Pacific, Dr. Lulu Bravo, president of the Immunization Partners in Asia Pacific and current executive director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, said that the introduction of a dengue vaccine has reopened positive discussions on preventing the disease. She noted that the uptake of the vaccine is increasing among the public, and with ongoing education drives and effective communication, Filipinos are closer to hitting the goal of zero dengue deaths by 2030. The prevailing rise of dengue here and abroad calls for proactive measures to avert a potential health crisis in 2024. Today’s situation necessitates a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that entails not only vector control measures but also the integration of immunization as a key component of dengue control and management.

super health center opens in Imus

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa (third from right) and Imus City Mayor Alex Advincula (fourth from left) lead the opening of the new Super Health Center in Carsadang Bago 1 in Imus.

new super health center recently opened in Carsadang Bago 1, Imus in Cavite which offers different health services like X-ray, animal bite clinic, TB (Tuberculosis) DOTS, dental, laboratory, pharmacy, immunization, family planning, and reproductive and wellness. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, together with Assistant Secretary Ariel Valencia, Imus City Mayor Alex Advincula, and Vice Mayor Homer Saquilayan, headed the blessing and inauguration of the Imus Super Health Center on January 19, 2024. Herbosa said that the super health center offers services that are aligned with the Department’s commitment to providing urgent care centers nationwide towards the realization of Universal Health Care (UHC). “We look at Imus, Cavite, as one of our most advanced local government units [LGU] in terms of UHC

implementation and to take a more proactive role in implementing the department’s initiatives as we envision UHC. The DOH is always ready to extend our support and provide technical assistance to Imus, Cavite. This event also symbolizes a ‘TED’ to community health, as my nickname stands for Tamang pagkain, Ehersisyo, at Disiplina sa katawan,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. Herbosa disclosed that the DOH is working on establishing 28 National Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centers nationwide, to cater to the 28 million most vulnerable Filipinos including the poor, by the year 2028. Moreover, the Health chief also underscored that sports are an integral part of health. He committed to providing special medical procedures and medicines needed by patients, with support from PhilHealth and the local government. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

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Smile Train opens new cleft care center in Pampanga By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

s Smile Train marks its 25th anniversary this year, the launch of the Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) Center in the Philippines underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to support safe and quality cleft care for children and people with clefts here and around the world. Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, continues its CCC in the country with the opening of its latest CCC center in San Fernandino Hospital, San Fernando, Pampanga. Its ongoing success in continuously evolving the local response to cleft is also reflected in its ever-expanding partnership network of hospitals, doctors, and volunteers, with the San Fernandino Hospital a welcome and valued addition. “San Fernandino Hospital has been helping Smile Train deliver essential treatment and care to people with cleft in the northern provinces of the Philippines for over a decade,” said Felix Grimares Jr., Smile Train’s Program Director for the Philippines. He added: “Our achieving more than 80,000 supported cleft surgeries milestone would not have been possible without the valuable partnership of institutions such as San Fernandino Hospital, and the opening of this new CCC center signals our unified and renewed commitment toward reinforcing the growing comprehensive cleft care system in the country.”

100 percent free cleft surgeries THROUGH the collective efforts of Smile Train and its partners, indigent communities in Pampanga have access to 100 percent free cleft surgeries including pre- and post-operative care. Services such as orthodontic and dental treatment along with speech therapy following cleft surgery are just some of the essential treatments Pampangueños and families from nearby provinces will have access to all year at no cost. “The San Fernandino CCC center aims to support Smile Train’s overall mission of ensuring the long-term, successful rehabilitation of children affected with clefts, servicing the Northern Luzon region. This new center helps us save and change more lives the best way we know how—through smiles,” said Grimares. In 2023, Smile Train celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Cebu CCC center and launched its Marikina CCC center in partnership with Marikina St. Vincent Hospital. Additionally, it launched its very first Cleft Leadership Center (CLC) with Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines, Inc. (NCFPI) in Manila, leading the standard of multidisciplinary cleft care in the country. To date, Smile Train operates seven CCC centers through partner hospitals across the country–San Fernandino Hospital in Pampanga, the Philippine Band of Mercy, Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines, Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation in ARC Hospital in Cebu, Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao. For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, please visit smiletrain.org.