BusinessMirror January 28, 2021 by BusinessMirror

Farm output in 2020 dips on ASF, storms By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

ESPITE better crop harvest, the country’s farm output in 2020 declined by 1.2 percent—the lowest in four years—due to supply disruptions caused by African swine fever (ASF) and the series of typhoons that hit the agriculture sector. The reduction in output was a turnaround from the 0.3-percent full-year growth posted by the farm sector in 2019, based on the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Historical PSA data showed that the country’s farm output last year, valued

at 1.789 trillion at 2018 constant prices, was the lowest in four years since the 1.796 trillion recorded in 2017. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar earlier hoped for a “modest” 1-percent full-year 2020 farm output growth. Preliminary PSA data showed that only the crops subsector posted growth in output while the production of livestock, poultry and fisheries subsectors contracted last year. Crops production, which accounts for half of total agricultural output, grew by 1.5 percent on the back of record-high harvests of palay and corn. Unmilled rice output last year rose to an unprecedented 19.294 million metric

Thursday, January 28, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 109

tons volume, slightly eclipsing the previous record of 19.28 MMT volume in 2017. Likewise, domestic corn output rose to a record-high of 8.118 MMT, the first time that production levels breached the 8-MMT level, PSA data showed. PSA data showed that livestock output last year declined by 7.4 percent while production of poultry and fisheries subsectors contracted by 3.5 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively.

Resilient, silver lining

In a statement on Wednesday, Dar said “the agriculture and fishery sector showed its resilience as it contracted by only 1.2 percent” despite what he de-

scribed as a “perfect storm” that “ravaged” the country last year. “We believe that despite the Taal Volcano eruption, Covid-19 pandemic, continued incidence of the African swine fever, and a series of strong typhoons, the country’s agriculture and fishery sector has remained pliant and resilient, facing head-on and surmounting the huge challenges last year,” he said. “Serving as the silver lining and big consolation was that the crops subsector posted a positive 1.5-percent growth, despite a string of strong typhoons that ravaged Luzon and parts of the Visayas,” he added. Continued on A2

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 20 pages |

‘VAX ROLLOUT WILL HAVE BIGGER IMPACT ON TRADE’ n

BTr sets Feb local market borrowings at ₧140B By Bernadette D. Nicolas

Cyclists wearing superhero costumes and calling themselves “Filipino Avengers” are seen on Wednesday (January 27, 2021) along Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City. In their free time, the group bikes around the metropolis to give joy to children who see them, and to inspire their fellow cyclists. Bicycles have emerged as a key alternative mobility for many workers during the pandemic, when mass transportation was banned in a bid to stop Covid-19 transmission. NONIE REYES

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

RADE tensions between the United States and China could weigh on global trade, but the rollout of vaccines in developed economies will determine the recovery of the country’s trade performance this year, according to economists.

On Wednesday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said exports contracted 10.1 percent while imports declined 23.3 percent in 2020. Total trade contracted 18.2 percent while the country’s trade deficit declined 46.3 percent last year. Former Tariff Commissioner George Manzano told the BusinessMirror that the US-China trade tensions may not escalate unless there is “provocation.” Continued on A2

PSA REVISES Q3 GDP DATA; CONTRACTION NOT AS SHARP

HE Philippine economy’s contraction in the third quarter did not turn out as bad as earlier thought after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revised its GDP estimates for the July-to-September period last year.

PSA now estimates that third quarter GDP 2020 contracted 11.4 percent, 0.1 percentage point lower than the decline of 11.5 percent. Data showed the revision was due to improvements in the growth of Real Estate and Ownership of Dwell-

PESO exchange rates n US 48.0620

ings, Education, and Other Services. “The PSA revises the GDP estimates based on an approved revision policy, which is consistent with international standard practices on national accounts revisions,” PSA said. See “PSA,” A2

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of the Treasury is set to borrow P140 billion from the local debt market in February, the same volume it programmed to borrow in January. National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon told reporters on Wednesday they retained the volume of government securities that would be up for auction next month, but decided to offer Treasury bonds (T-bonds) with longer tenors. “[The shift to longer tenors was prompted by] very low yields and investors may have appetite for yield pick-up,” de Leon said. The Treasury will be auctioning off a total of P80 billion in Treasury bills on all Mondays of February and P60 billion in T-bonds on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, based on the schedule released by the Treasury. For each of the four auction days for T-bills, the Treasury will offer a total of P20 billion in 91-day, 182day and 364-day tenors. On the other hand, the Treasury scheduled to offer P30 billion in 10year T-bonds on February 2; and another P30 billion in 3-year T-bonds on February 16. In January, the Treasury offered 5-year and 7-year T-bonds. Finance Secretar y Carlos G. Dominguez III earlier this month said they expect the national government’s debt this year to hike to 57 percent of GDP as the country aims to borrow a total of P3.03 trillion, roughly the same amount it borrowed in 2020. Despite the upscaling of the government’s borrowing plan, Dominguez said the state will still be able to keep its debt ratio “within a sustainable threshold.” To recall, the government even ramped up its borrowing program to an all-time high—a nominal P3 trillion from P1.4 trillion originally, to cover the expected doubling of the budget deficit, as well as to fund spending requirements for its Covid-19 response. For 2020, Dominguez said they projected the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio to rise to 53.5 percent, significantly higher than their prepandemic target of 40.2 percent and the country’s actual debt-to-GDP ratio in 2019, which fell at a historic low at 39.6 percent. However, Dominguez said the projected debt-to-GDP ratio of the country for last year “kept us well within the prescribed bounds of fiscal viability.”

n japan 0.4639 n UK 66.0276 n HK 6.2000 n CHINA 7.4359 n singapore 36.2842 n australia 37.2144 n EU 58.4482 n SAUDI arabia 12.8141

Source: BSP (January 27, 2021)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Thursday, January 28, 2021

It’s the ‘worst time’ for Charter change, senators warned Continued from A12

“According to the World Bank, in 2019, the foreign investments received by Vietnam reached $16.12 billion. Only half of it, or $7.68 billion, was received by the Philippines,” she said. “China opened up its economy beginning in the early 1980s. In fact, the Chinese characters for China’s economic program are the words ‘reform’ and ‘opening up.’ China’s poverty incidence went from 97.5 percent in 1978 [when it was still closed] to 10 percent in 2012. By 2019, poverty incidence is down to 0.6 percent,” she added. Also citing another study conducted by the Asian Development Bank on Thailand, she said Bangkok showed that a high level of FDI in their manufacturing sector contributed to increased employment particularly in poorer provinces, thereby aiding in poverty reduction. “The global evidence on the gains of liberalization is overwhelmingly robust,” she added. Quoting Secretary Ramon Lopez, she also said the country lost about half of all expressions of interest by foreign investors because of the restrictiveness of the economy. “We currently have 90 serious expressions of interest by foreigners to invest in the Philippines. This implies that with fewer restrictions, we could have had about 180 investments. Sectors where we have foregone foreign investments include retail trade, construction, and agriculture, sectors that are labor intensive,” she said. “For instance from 2017 to 2018, decreases in FDI in our wholesale and retail trade and agricultural sectors were recorded at 121 percent and 96 percent, respectively. In 2018 and 2019, FDI to wholesale and retail trade was actually net negative,” she added. Butch Fernandez, Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

PSA...

Continued from A1

The data showed the improvement was due to the growth of the Real Estate and Ownership of Dwellings, to -19.4 percent from the initial estimate of -22.5 percent. The PSA also said the growth of Education improved to -17.8 percent from -21.4 percent while Other Services, to -49.9 percent from -53.4 percent. However, net primary income from the rest of the world worsened to a contraction of 29 percent from the initial estimate of a 28.2-percent decline. Despite this, PSA said Gross National Income (GNI) maintained its growth rate of -13 percent for the third quarter 2020. PSA Assistant National Statistician Vivian R. Ilarina earlier said that revisions done are based on data updates. These updates usually stem from additional responses from surveys and additional financial statements. The PSA collects data from institutions such as the Philippine Stock Exchange, the QSPBI, and individual firms that PSA communicates with directly. RA 10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013 provides that respondents are required to give truthful and complete answers to statistical inquiries or surveys of the PSA and other statistical offices of the PSS. However, the law provides that“individual data furnished by a respondent to statistical inquiries, surveys and censuses of the PSA shall be considered privileged communication and as such shall be inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding. The law provides that persons violating the confidentiality clause “shall be liable to fines as prescribed by the PSA Board which shall not be less than P5,000 nor more than P10,000 and/or imprisonment of three months but not to exceed one year, subject to the degree of breach of information.” Cai U. Ordinario

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BOC reverts to collecting 5% tariff on MDM imports

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it has started collecting lower tariffs on imports of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) of chicken and turkey at 5 percent on Tuesday.

The BOC on Wednesday issued Customs Memorandum Circular (CMC) 18-2021, stating that President Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 123 s. 2021 mandating the retention of the 5-percent tariff rate on imports of chicken and turkey MDM until end-2022 was only effective starting January 26. “With the effectivity of Executive Order No. 123 [Series of 2021] [Modifying the Rates of Import Duty on Certain Agricultural Products under Section 1611 of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act] on 26 January 2021, all concerned are informed that the articles specifically listed in Annex A thereof, as classified in compliance with Section 11 of RA No. 10863 shall be

subject to the Most Favoured Nation [MFN] rates and import duty in accordance with the schedule indicate opposite each article until 31 December 2022,” read the memorandum circular signed by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero. The effectivity date of Duterte’s EO came a week after the Official Gazette released its copy online on January 18. The EO was signed by Duterte on January 15. Prior to the effectivity date of the EO, the BOC has been collecting a 40-percent tariff on imports of chicken and turkey MDM since January 1 after Duterte’s EO 82 expired on December 31, 2020. Duterte issued EO 82 last June 2019 to reduce the tariff for MDM “a key component for hotdogs and

canned luncheon meat” to 5 percent to ease inflationary pressures. Moreover, Guerrero also said the BOC’s Electronic to Mobile (E2M) System shall be required to reflect the modified nomenclature and tariff rate in line with the EO. Sought to clarify BOC’s basis for stating that the effectivity date of the President’s EO was January 26, Customs Assistant Commissioner and spokesman Vincent Philip Maronilla said it “most likely” came from the certificate of publication it received from the Official Gazette. “Kasi nakalagay doon [na effectivity sa EO] upon publication e [sa Official Gazette],” Maronilla told the BusinessMirror in a phone interview. “Yung certificate of publication na nakuha ‘ata namin that date lang.” As stated under EO 123 s. 2021, the order “shall take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, and shall be applicable until 31 December 2022.” The Customs spokesman also said so far they have yet to receive any petition for refund for MDM shipments that were slapped a tariff of 40 percent. While Maronilla said it is up to

the BOC’s legal service department if it will grant the request for a refund by importers, he said the BOC may disallow the refund as the EO did not include a retroactive provision on the application of 5-percent tariff on MDM imports. To recall, the BOC also did not grant the meat processing industry’s request to refund about P100 million to P200 million in tariff differential in MDM shipments that arrived in 2019 because Duterte’s EO 82 also did not have a retroactive provision. Until now, the case has yet to be resolved. The President is allowed to increase, reduce or remove existing rates of import duty upon the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority if Congress is not in session. Congress was on recess until January 17. According to EO 23 issued in 2017, concessionary rates on certain agricultural products should go back to 2012 levels once the quantitative restriction (QR) on rice is removed and converted into ordinary customs duties. The rice trade liberalization law, which removed the QR on rice, took effect on March 5, 2019.

‘VAX ROLLOUT WILL HAVE BIGGER IMPACT ON TRADE’ Continued from A1

He said vaccination will have a larger impact on the country’s trade performance this year. “If they can vaccinate in the second half or vaccinate in the first half, there will be more opening up of their industries in which case they will start importing. I think the more important thing is the effect on trade is vaccination,” Manzano said in a phone interview. Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco agreed and said the country’s trade performance will depend on the recovery of the global economy and that vaccines will play a major role. “Trade performance will be heavily dependent on the state of the global economy. Supposedly, vaccines would be deployed in our major trading partners and will therefore see a rebound in demand. Therefore, our trade figures should improve in 2021 vis a vis 2020,” Chikiamco said.

Threats However, threats remain. Chikiamco said the passage of key reforms such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) will also constrain trade performance this year. Chikiamco added that efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the country will also prevent the Philippines from maximizing the gains of the vaccine deployment and recovery in the economies of the country’s trade partners. Manzano added that these threats include the country’s own policies, particularly the continuation of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ), which imposes

Locsin... Continued from A12

In a privilege speech late Tuesday, Senator Francis Tolentino recalled that the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China passed a law on January 22, called the Coast Guard Law of the People’s Republic of China. “The law, for the first time explicitly allows its coast guard, under certain circumstances, to fire on foreign vessels, fishing boats, coast guard boats, naval boats, or

mobility restrictions that prevent millions from going to work and firms from operating. “If we continue our lockdowns, if we restrict mobility of people and make it difficult for the LGUs [local government units] on the movement of products, especially agricultural products from the rural areas up to the ports, then it will constrain our ability to export,” Manzano said.

in the GVCs will be affected. This is particularly because the country is not as well-placed in the GVCs like Vietnam. Ofreneo said Vietnam is now the “favorite destination”of Japanese investors who are relocating in the region. In order to cushion any negative impact on the economy by movements in global trade, the best adjustment, Ofreneo said, “is to intensify domestic trade. We have a 110- million domestic market that can sustain industry development.” Another fail-safe factor for the country are the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) remittances. Dumlao expects the country’s trade deficit to worsen this year. The shortfall in the balance of trade, however, could be offset by the increase in OFW remittances. This has been observed in previous years and would likely continue in 2021.

However, the former dean of the School of Labor and Industrial Relations (Solair), Rene E. Ofreneo, told the BusinessMirror that there are even observations that the Biden administration intends to “outdo Trump” in the trade tensions. Should this happen, Ofreneo said global value chains (GVCs) will continue to fracture and that the Philippines’s role

PSA data showed that in 2020, the country’s exports amounted to $63.77 billion and imports, $85.61 billion. The country’s top 10 exports were led by electronics which amounted to $36.98 billion or 57.98 percent of total exports. However, this was a 7.6-percent contraction from the $40.02 billion posted in 2019. Other top exports were Other manufactured goods worth $3.63 billion; Machinery & Transport Equipment, $2.2 billion; Ignition Wiring Set and Other Wiring Sets Used in Vehicles, Aircrafts and Ships, $1.89 billion; and Cathodes & Sections Of Cathodes, Of Refined Copper, $1.43 billion. In terms of the top 10 imports, electronic products amounted to $25.96 billion or 30.32 percent of the total. This was a 9.1-percent contraction from the $28.55

billion posted in 2019. Other top imports included Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials worth $7.4 billion; Transport Equipment, $6.09 billion; Industrial Machinery and Equipment, $4.5 billion; and Iron and Steel, $3.53 billion. In December, total export sales reached $5.74 billion in 2020, a 0.2-percent contraction to the $5.75 billion posted in 2019. In November 2020, exports contracted 4 percent while exports grew 21.6 percent in December 2019. Total imported goods in December 2020, which amounted to $7.92 billion, remained at downtrend with a contraction of 9.1 percent. Imports amounted to $8.71 billion in December 2019. “The value of imports registered a negative annual growth rate for 20 consecutive months since May 2019. In November 2020, the annual decline was higher at -18.3 percent while in December 2019, imports decreased by -2.1 percent annually,” PSA said. In terms of export markets, Japan, US and China were the country’s top buyers amounting to $9.897 billion; $9.707 billion; and $9.59 billion, respectively in 2020. For December, the top export markets were Hong Kong, US, and China with earnings reaching $945.1 million; $915.54 million; and $810.31 million, respectively. The country’s top import sources, meanwhile, were China, Japan, and the US with receipts reaching $19.85 billion; $8.15 billion; and $6.6 billion. For December, these were the same top import sources, with China earning $1.92 billion from the Philippines; Japan, $804.38 million; and the US, $563.94 million.

any peace-seeking NGO boats to defend China’s maritime rights and interests,” Tolentino said, noting that “this law will take effect on February 1, six [6] days from now.” Tolentino said he brought up the issue in plenary “because a lot of our fishermen are out there. Some of our fishermen, including those from Zambales, Mindoro, Palawan, Batangas, and Cavite, will go fishing not knowing the existence of this newly passed law by the National People’s Congress of China, allowing its coast guard to take, and I quote, ‘all necessary mea-

sures including the use of weapons when national sovereignty rights and jurisdiction are being illegally infringed upon by foreign organizations or individuals at sea.’” He warned that China’s law is “very specific,” noting that “it specifies the circumstances under which the different kinds of weapons— handheld [I’m referring to pistols or rifles], shipborne missiles, or airborne coming from planes—can be used.” Tolentino reminded his peers that “the law as passed allows the Chinese coast guard personnel to

demolish other countries’ structures built on Chinese-claimed reefs and to board and inspect vessels in waters claimed by China.” Tolentino said: “Mr. President, I worry for our fishermen from Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro, and the rest of the eastern seaboard, who will venture out into that coast. The law further provides that the Chinese coast guard is empowered to set up temporary exclusion zones. These are lockdown zones as needed to stop other vessels and personnel from entering.”

Trade tensions Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development (Acerd) Senior Fellow and John Gokongwei School of Management Dean Luis F. Dumlao said the trade tensions between the US and China are expected to continue but will be toned down under the Biden administration. Dumlao also expects actions made by the US on the trade front to be more consistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) “norms” and in coordination with third-party partners such as the European Union and Japan. Chikiamco agreed by saying that the US may likely adopt a multilateral approach when it comes to trade. However, he said that the US still needs to invest in its domestic capabilities in order to“outrun China technologically.”

Outdoing Trump

Trade performance

Farm output in 2020 dips on ASF, storms Continued from A1

Dar attributed the contraction in livestock and poultry output to the adverse impact of ASF of the hog sector and low demand for chicken meat due to limited operations of the hotel, restaurant and institutional (HRI) sector, one of the hardest hit by the lockdowns forced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Dar added that they hope the fisheries output this year would “pick up steam” as the government “embarks on a massive aquaculture and mariculture development program.” This, he pointed out, would be coupled by an “enhanced partnership between commercial and municipal fishers for joint venture fishing operations.” For 2021, the DA is targeting a 2.5-percent growth in agriculture output.

Improve data

Both the leaders of the United Broiler Raisers Association (Ubra) and the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines Inc. (ProPork) said, meanwhile, that the latest PSA figures on full-year output of chicken meat and hogs are not realistic. Based on PSA data, hog output last year declined by only 154,000 MT to 2.142 MMT from 2019’s 2.296 MMT while chicken production fell by 6.12 percent to 1.809 MMT from a record-high 1.927 MMT in 2019. “The 100-million kilogram difference in output does not reflect what is happening on the ground. If the difference in output was only 100 million kilograms, farm-gate prices of broilers in late last year will not reach three digits,” Ubra President Elias Jose Inciong told the BusinessMirror. Inciong said the reduction in chicken output, 80 percent of which are broilers, is far greater than PSA’s figures. “The prices of day-old chicks spiked to 35 per head to 40 per head while farm-gate prices were at triple digits. In short, the number will not tally,” he added. ProPork President Edwin G. Chen said the reduction in hogs output is “higher” than what the PSA figures show. Chen noted that the PSA figures are “out of touch” and added that the hog industry and PSA have started harmonizing data on the sector. “If [the reduction was just] 150,000 MT, [then] we will not feel the short supply,” he told the BusinessMirror via SMS.

Health care... Continued from A12

Fitch Solutions particularly noted the breakdown of the 2021 national government budget, which was signed into law in endDecember of last year. Education, public works and local governments were the top 3 beneficiaries of the 2021 national budget. The Department of Health (DOH) has the fourth-largest budget by department at P210.2 billion. “The budget allocated towards its pandemic response is around 4.9 percent of the total budget and only 1.1 percent of GDP [gross domestic product],” Fitch Solutions said. “Given that the Philippines has experienced the second-highest fatality rate in the South East Asia region, after Indonesia, and the discovery of more contagious strains in the UK and South Africa, the Philippines remains vulnerable to another surge in Covid-19 cases .... We highlight the risk that the economy could face further Covid-19 outbreaks that divert funds towards the pandemic response and suppress revenue, thereby worsening the fiscal outlook and the budget’s ability to drive a recovery,” it added.

The Nation BusinessMirror

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DENR rushes to close 200 open dumpsites by end of March By Jonathan L. Mayuga

As protests mount, LTO urged to halt PMVIC program in private motor vehicle registration By Ashley Manabat

@jonlmayuga

N official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) admitted on Wednesday that complying with Secretary Roy A. Cimatu’s order to shut down at least 200 more open dumpsites may require a great amount of “political will.” “If there’s a will, there’s a way. If I have to go to the regions myself to close the open dumps, then I will do it,” Benny Antiporda, the DENR’s undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Unit (LGU) Concerns told reporters during a news briefing on Tuesday. “If we are able to close 38 open dumps in one day, I am sure, we can close down the remaining 200 within a month,” Antiporda said, confident that the DENR Regional Offices will not dilly-dally this time around in enforcing provisions of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001. In his keynote speech during an event highlighting the celebration of Zero Waste Month, Cimatu said the agency’s action against open dumpsites has been relentless and revealed that in one day, the DENR Regional Offices’ were able to close down a total of 38 open dumps. Commending Antiporda, his alternate chair in the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) in spearheading the closure of open dumpsites in Bataan, Pampanga and Tanza, Cavite, Cimatu said his decisive move is being followed by the agency’s Environmental Management Bureau regional directors nationwide. He reported that as of 7 p.m. Tuesday, reports reaching his office indicate that the DENR has closed down a total of 38 open dumpsites in the regions in one day. The report states that Region 4B closed down the most number of open dumps with a total of 17, Region 6 followed with five, while the majority of the DENR Regional Offices were able to close down 2 open dumpsites each. Cimatu said that the EMB will continuously to implement the closure of open dumpsites within their respective areas of jurisdiction with his directive to close all open dumpsites by the end of March. While pursuing the closure of open dumps, Cimatu also ordered Antiporda to take charge in coming up with a design for “low-cost” sanitary landfill that will replace the open dumps. Sought for reaction, Antiporda said such design is possible, for Category I Sanitary Landfill. DENR Administrative Order 10 issued in 2006 indicate that a Category I Sanitary Landfill is a final disposal facility applied to LGUs with net residual waste generated of less than or equal to 15 tons per day (TPD). It shall apply to a cluster of LGUs with a collective disposable residual waste of less than or equal to 15 TPD. Antiporda said the DENR will work with local government units to ensure proper solid waste management starting with segregation at the source to reduce the volume of garbage produce daily.

Correspondent

NGELES CIT Y—Protests against the Land Transportation Office-(LTO) accredited Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVIC) that started here has snowballed and appear to be gaining grounds in other parts of the country. Actor-turned politician Mayor Richard Gomez of Ormoc City said he foresaw the problem coming as early as 2019. He pointed out there are only four PMVICs in Region 8 comprising Catbalogan, Tacloban, Ormoc and Maasin. “But if you count the number of vehicles in the region, he said, there are more than a million vehicles including tricycles and motorcycles. So that means…traffic and chaos for Ormoc City,” he said. “Aside from that, it’s very expensive,” he pointed out. “People complain and think it’s our program. That is the program of the DOTr [Department of Transportation] and the LTO

and not the city,” he clarified. “Problema talaga ang PMVIC na ’yan. I brought it before the League of Cities [of the Philippines] but it was not taken up because of Covid. I’m sure the other mayors involved in PMVIC are also having problems now,” he said. In San Fernando City, La Union, a resolution suspending the operations of the PMVIC in the city was passed unanimously by its city council, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), during its regular session on Tuesday. The session was presided by San Fernando City Vice Mayor Alf Ortega and all the present members of the SP unanimously approved the passing of the resolution suspending the operation of the PMVIC. The SP Committee on Transportation and Traffic Management met on Monday together with a representative from the LTO to address concerns and issues concerning the PMVIC, resulting in a proposed resolution suspending the operations of the PMVIC on the following grounds:

The inspection and re-inspection fees for motor vehicles set by the PMVICs add to the heavy burden already being experienced by everyone on account of the prevailing health emergency. The PMVIC based in the city has violated Section 19 of the LTO Memorandum Circular 2018-2158, which provides that the complaints and feedback of customers should be monitored and analyzed, and the contents of the LTO’s Quality Management Procedure Manual should be observed in handling clients’ complaints related to the implementation of the motor vehicle inspection system (MVIS). The General Welfare clause of Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code) states that the concerned officials and personnel of the City Government need time to check and observe the facilities, operations and personnel of PMVIC to ensure that they are able and ready to efficiently deliver the service that owners of private vehicles deserve and pay for.

The preceding grounds served as basis for the unanimous decision of the legislative body to approve the said resolution. Physically present in the session were Vice Mayor Ortega, and Councilors Arnel Almazan, Antonio Jucar, Rizaldy Laudencia, Ram Ortega, Luzan Ortega-Valero, John Orros, and Ramon “Monetski” Ortega. Also present via Zoom were Councilors Ernesto Rafon, Quintin Balcita Jr., Mark Anthony Ducusin, Rudy Abat, and Janwell Pacio. In Oriental Mindoro, Gov. Humerilito A. Dolor who is also the Vice President for Luzon South, League of Provinces of the Philippines, wrote a letter to Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante of the LTO, complaining of the exodus of private motor vehicles who trooped to the Calapan City LTO just to register their vehicles. He said some traveled more than a hundred kilometers just to go to the agency to register their vehicles. This, he wrote, despite the presence of LTO extension offices in the

towns of Pamalayan and Roxas. “The exodus of private motor vehicle owners to LTO Calapan City has resulted to the drastic increase of the number of people and reduced social distancing in is vicinity,” he complained. He pointed out that for the entire province, three is only one accredited PMVIC. He said “the mandatory implementation of the PMVIC is improperly timed.” He added that, “Oriental Mindoro is still under serious threat from Covid-19.” The governor accused the LTO of increasing the risk of registrants to acquire Covid-19 by requiring all registrants to travel to one place to register their vehicles. The governor appealed to Galvante to suspend the implementation of the PMVIC at least within the duration of the pandemic. In October of 2020, the Land Transportation Office has started operations of PMVICs nationwide granted with authorization under Memorandum Circular 2020-2217 despite the raging pandemic.

Congress asked to empower FDA with emergency vaccine authority By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

DMINISTRATION Sen. Francis Tolentino prodded Congress to promptly pass remedial legislation empowering the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) to enable quick response to contain the deadly Covid-19 contagion and future pandemics seen to threaten public health. The lawmaker lamented Wednesday the lack of legislation that grants FDA such authority to act fast in times of emergency, such as the current Covid pandemic. “As of now, there is no enabling law that provides the authority to FDA,” Tolentino said, noting that “this was not provided in the law that created the FDA.” He asserted such provision was likewise not specified in the Bayanihan Law to Recover as One, also known as Bayanihan 2. Tolentino recalled that the FDA

was only empowered to issue EUAs for Covid vaccines following the issuance of Executive Order 121 issued by Malacañang last December 1, 2020. Based on EO 121, he added, the FDA eventually issued the authorization for Pfizer’s Covid vaccines, and applied EUAs covering other pharmaceutical companies that can promptly produce the anti-Covid vaccines. At the same time, the senator noted, however, that under the Administrative Code an Executive Order “cannot amend, add or change” an existing legislation, such as the FDA law. He said this was why he filed Senate Bill 2024 to institutionalize through an enabling law the authority of the FDA to issue EUAs to vaccine manufacturers to avert voiding EUAs. The senator aired his concern that legal entanglements could delay timely delivery of vaccines to intended communities and pressed Congress to front-load passage of the remedial legislation.

ADOPT-AN-ESTERO PROGRAM

Photo shows (from left) Manila Water President and CEO Jose Rene Almendras, joined by San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu, DENR Undersecretary for Environment and International Environmental Affairs, Atty. Jonas R. Leones, Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Deputy Administrator of Innovation and Technology Ronald Abrigo, together with MWSS-Regulatory Office Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester Ty at the recently concluded Adopt-an-Estero in Maytunas and Ermitanyo Creeks in Barangay Addition Hills, San Juan City. PHOTO COURTESY OF MANILA WATER

SC orders Nueva Ecija judge to justify order on poll dispute By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

TRIAL court judge is now in hot water after the Supreme Court ordered him to answer an administrative complaint lodged against him by Jaen, Nueva Ecija Mayor Sylvia Austria. Mayor Austria has accused Branch 27, Regional Trial Court of Cabanatuan City, and Nueva Ecija Presiding Judge Angelo Perez of gross misconduct, gross incompetence and gross ignorance of the law after he apparently issued an order declaring null and void Austria’s proclamation as mayor when he sat as acting judge in Branch 87 of Gapan, Nueva Ecija.

Judge Perez’s decision issued on December 7 was based on the election protest case filed by former Mayor Antonio Prospero Esquivel. Perez ruled that Esquivel won the mayoral election with 18,737 votes over Austria’s 14,000, citing a manual recount. However, the Comelec’s Second Division issued a 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) last January enjoining Perez to stop enforcing his previous order and the writ of execution, paving the way for Austria’s return. In a one-page order, SC Administrator Jose Midas Marquez, along with Deputy Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) Raul Bautista Villanueva and OCA Chief Legal James Navarette,

directed Perez “to comment on the attached verified-complaint dated November 11, 2020 of Sylvia C. Austria.” The OCA gave Judge Perez 10 days to submit his comment. Aside from this, the SC was also asked to investigate the whole Branch 87 of Gapan for conspiracy with the alleged irregularities of Perez to favor Esquivel. In a separate verified complaint, Austria filed administrative charges, particularly against Branch Clerk of Court lawyer Maureen R. GenetianoPabaira; Branch Sheriff Jorge L. Battung and prayed that they should also be penalized. Austria claimed that there was deceit in Judge Perez’s issuance of the writ of execution on December 7, 2020 as she

Metro Manila mayors now ready for Covid jab rollout–MMDA HE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has assured that all 17 mayors of Metro Manila are now ready for the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines by the end of February. “Secretary [Carlito] Galvez [Jr.] assured that the initial batch of Covid-19 vaccines will arrive before the end of February. I think they can finalize it in the next few days,”

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Thursday, January 28, 2021 A3

said MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia on Tuesday night after the Metro Manila mayors met virtually with the officials of Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), led by Galvez who is the chief implementer of the National Task Force against Covid-19 and vaccine czar. However, he did not disclose the brands of vaccines for the inocula-

tion program. “There are three brands of vaccine which are expected to arrive by the end of February,” Garcia added. Garcia underscored that the concentration of the vaccination program will be focused on the National Capital Region and large cities like Cebu and Davao to further boost the economy, as these areas host the country’s premier

business districts. Further, the MMDA official said, the National Task Force against Covid-19 will visit all LGUs in Metro Manila to check on their preparations and plans for the rollout of the vaccines. “We all know that these vaccines are sensitive and will require proper handling and storage,” Garcia stressed. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

did not receive a copy of the ruling, denying her the right to appeal the case. There are now two mayors in Jaen because of Perez’s ruling installing Es-

quivel, which was later on halted by the Commission on Elections after it issued a Status Quo Ante Order reinstating Austria dated January 12, 2021.

BusinessMirror

A4 Thursday, January 28, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 14/f Capella Bldg. L-3&4 B2,asian Drive Filinvest Alabang Muntinlupa City

NO.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

NO.

37.

PIAMSOOK, SUCHIRA Thai

THAI SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

75.

HUANG, HUMING Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Floor Six West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

CHEN, LIJUAN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

38.

SRITONGNUAN, SILPSARUT Thai

THAI SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

76.

LI, HONGLANG Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

107.

GUAN, CANBIN Chinese

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN

CHIN WENG HWA Malaysian

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

39.

WONGKUMPOO, NUTCHANON Thai

THAI SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

77.

LI, JINSHUN Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

108.

WANG, CHUANGYE Chinese

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN

THAI SPEAKING PRODUCT MARKETING SPECIALIST

78.

YAN, YI Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

WU, YONGBIN Chinese

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN

40.

CHAROEN, SUCHARAT Thai

109.

SUN, YUNLONG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

110.

WU, KEXIN Chinese

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN

79.

ZHONG, SHUNLONG Chinese

111.

XIA, TIANMING Chinese

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN

112.

XU, LEITING Chinese

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN

113.

YOU, SHAOJIE Chinese

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN

114.

ZHAO, FEI Chinese

I.T TECHNICAL MANDARIN

MUEANGMUN, MONTHANAT Thai

THAI SPEAKING QA/QI ANALYST

XIE, TAO Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

41.

YANG, TIANQING Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

42.

BUI KHAC BINH Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

43.

DANG THI QUYNH ANH Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

JUAN NATHANIELZ TRAN ANAYA Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

LE THAO NGAN Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

PAN THI BAO TRANG Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

3D ANALYZER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. 7-8/f Double Dragon Plaza 255 Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 6.

HE, DEXIONG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

44.

KONG, XUYANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

45.

LI, JIADA Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

46.

MAI, ZHENHAO Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

47.

PHAN THI TUONG AN Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

10.

WANG, BOJUN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

48.

PHUNG THI PHUONG THAO Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

11.

YAN, WENKUN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

49.

TRAN MINH THACH Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

12.

YANG, YI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

50.

VUONG NGUYEN HUYEN SONG Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

13.

ZHOU, LIANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5/f To 10/f, Tower 4 Pitx #01 Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D. Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street Tambo Parañaque City

DIRECTOR - BUSINESS ANALYTICS

CAPSLOCK INC. 7th & 8th Flr. Y Tower Bldg. Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Brgy. 076 Pasay City 81.

CHEN, JUNJIAO Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

82.

GUO, DEZHU Chinese

83. 84.

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

HU, JIAWEN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

116.

HUANG, YANMOU Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

YIN, DANDAN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

117.

SHI, DONG Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

ZHU, HUIFANG Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

118.

SUN, LINFENG Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

119.

WANG, CHANGLIANG Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

120.

YANG, RUI Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

121.

YUAN, YUHONGJUN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

122.

ZHA, JIANGPING Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

CHAN CHUN CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 4, 14th Flr. The One Executive Office Bldg. No. 5 West Ave. Cor. Col. Martinez St. Nayong Kanluran 1 Quezon City 85.

PI, CHI-CHENG a.k.a. DAVID PI Taiwanese

STEEL STRUCTURAL SUPERVISOR

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Rm 501 Ramon Magsaysay Center 1680 Roxas Blvd. 076, Bgy. 699 Malate Manila 86.

TANG, JIANWEI Chinese

DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER

87.

YANG, YANHUI Chinese

MANDARIN OPERATIONS MANAGER

QIU, JIBIN Chinese

MANDARIN PROJECT MANAGER

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

88.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHINESE GARDEN BEST FOOD INC. (ORIENTAL PALACE RESTAURANT) #148 Tomas Morato Ave. Cor. Sct. Gandia St. Laging Handa 4 Quezon City

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

52.

15.

CAO, LIN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

53.

JEFFRY WIJAYA SURYA Indonesian

DENG, YUELIAN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

54.

JIANG, YUANHONG Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

55.

KANG, LEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

KHINE THAZIN MYINT Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

LAN, XI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

89.

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. 9/f 100 West Building Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City 115.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CAI, ZHENPENG Chinese

GAO, DI Chinese

OHRI, VIKRANT Indian

51.

14.

17.

80.

HO KIEU NHI Vietnamese HONG KYEIN PAW Myanmari

16.

C3/CUSTOMERCONTACTCHANNELS PHILIPPINES LTD. 11/f, 17/f, 18/f, 19/f, 20/f Bonifacio One Technology Tower 3030 Rizal Drive Cor. 31st St. Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

HUANG, WANJU Chinese

JINSHENGLONG BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th Flr. Filinvest Bay City Brgy. 076 Pasay City 123.

NGUYEN VAN KHANH Vietnamese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

124.

XIAO, HAIMING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.- PHILIPPINE GLOBAL SERVICE CENTER 23/f Net Plaza 31st St. E-square Zone Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 125.

D SOUZA, ROHAN CLARENCE Indian

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

126.

DEVADIGA, CHETAN MAHABAL Indian

VICE PRESIDENT

HUANG, WANJU Chinese

FUXINGYING CAIYUN HENTONG, CORP. 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Floor Eton Ewestpod Chino Roces Avenue Cor. Yakal & Malugay Streets San Antonio Makati City

KONGANBUDDIES MARKETING INC. 12/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City

18.

HU, DONGBAO Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

56.

19.

LI, YANAN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

57.

20.

LI, YANG Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

58.

LE THI MINH TRANG Vietnamese

59.

LIU, YANG Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

60.

LUONG VINH NHI Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

61.

MAI NGOC HUYNH Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

GALAXIER INC. Unit 1 & 3 14/f Sshg Law Center Sycip Law Center 105 Paseo De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City

62.

PHAN VAN HON Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

94.

CHINESE SPEAKING HARDWARE TECHNICIAN

131.

ZHAN, MENG Chinese

MANDARIN ADMIN SUPPORT

132.

LUO, WEIJIU Chinese

MANDARIN HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER

21.

MENG, ZHIGUN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

22.

NICHOLAS LEE SHI YEE Malaysian

23.

NONG THI THANH HUYEN Vietnamese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

24.

XIANG, JINXIA Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

25.

YAO, YAN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

26.

ZENG, JIN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

27.

ZENG, ZI-XIN Taiwanese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

28.

ZHANG, HUIXIN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

29. 30.

ZHANG, KUI Chinese ZHENG, LU Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1 Pioneer St Mandaluyong City 31.

IRENE KUWEM MBAPE Cameroonian

TECH WRITING & TRANSLATION PROJECT EMPLOYEE

ALFANET GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC. Flr. No. 4th & 5th W Mall Bldg. Diosdado Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10. Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City 32.

CHUNG MUI JAN Malaysian

MANDARIN SPEAKING HR SENIOR SPECIALIST

33.

BORISUTH, SURAWUT Thai

THAI SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

34.

BUASALEEPONG, PANWIPHA Thai

THAI SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

35.

BURANAKUL, NUTCHAPON Thai

36.

CHANKOH, EKKAPON Thai

CHEOW PIK YOONG Malaysian

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

WANG, ZHILU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

92.

XIONG, CHUNMING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

93.

YU, MINGQUAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

90.

91.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHONG LI KUAN Malaysian

63.

TANG, SHENGZHI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor Silver City 4, Ortigas East Ugong Pasig City

64.

TRAN QUANG KHAI Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

95.

GUO, SHUJIAN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT MANDARIN SPEAKING

65.

WANG, LINGUO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

96.

WU, JIANWEI Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT MANDARIN SPEAKING

66.

YANG, XUHANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

97.

CHEN, XILIANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

67.

YU, YONGSHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

98.

GAO, JINGBO Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

99.

LI, YANWEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

100.

LI, WEIWEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

101.

LONG, YONGWEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

102.

LYU, SHIXIAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

103.

WEI, ZHONGREN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

104.

ZHENG, TIANWEN Chinese

105.

HUANG, YUSHAN Chinese

BAUER FOUNDATIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit A To K 12/f Cyberone Bldg. 11 Eastwood Ave., Eastwood City Cyberpark Bagumbayan 3 Quezon City

68.

MOHAMMED ELSAYED ELARABI ELHUSSIENY SAYED AHMED ELMELHAT Egyptian

PROJECT MANAGER

BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. 5f-13f, Jiaxing Tower Building Aseana Avenue, Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City 69. 70.

CEN, CHENG Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHEN, YAO Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

71.

LI, ZONGQIAN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

72.

YANG, CAN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

THAI SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

73.

CHEN, WEIMING Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

THAI SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

74.

CHENG, QIFENG Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

LIANG, JIAJIAN Chinese

FREDY Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

128.

LILIANA Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

129.

RATNASARI MAH Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

130.

TRI RATNA PUTRI Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

LUCKY BINTANG CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 816 8/f Cityland 10 Tower 2 H.v. Dela Costa Cor. Valero Sts. Bel-air Makati City

MARKETROLE ASIA PACIFIC SERVICES, INC. 26/f, 27/f, 28/f The Enterprise Center Tower 1 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City 133.

DAI, ZIHAO Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

134.

HAO, LE Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

135.

HU, CAN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

136.

HUANG, LANJING Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

137.

LI, FANBO Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

138.

LIANG, XIAODONG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

139.

LIN, GUANGLONG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

140.

LIU, BO Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

141.

LIU, SONGTAO Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

142.

WANG, XUYANG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

143.

XUE, MENGLIN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

144.

ZHANG, ZEWEN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

145.

ZHOU, DONGLEI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. U-5302, 53/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City 106.

127.

CONSUMER CLOUD SERVICE EXECUTIVE OPERATION MANAGER

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower C4 Rd. Edsa Ext. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

www.businessmirror.com.ph

News

BusinessMirror

Thursday, January 28, 2021 A5

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Thailand asks PHL to freeze plan to lift tariff concessions By Elijah Felice E. Rosales @alyasjah

HAI state officials and businessmen are begging the Philippine government to suspend its plan to lift concessions on Thailand-made imports as a retaliation to Bangkok’s noncompliance with the ruling on their cigarette dispute. In a public hearing before the Tariff Commission on Wednesday, Thai trade executives, as well as exporters, pleaded with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to terminate the proceedings for the suspension of concessions on Thai imports. They said the DTI must let the World Trade Organization (WTO) decide on the matter. In response, Angelo M. Benedictos, assistant director at the DTI’s Bureau of International Trade Relations, said the Thai stakeholders should also demand their leaders to implement the WTO decision on the cigarette dispute and comply with the provisions stated under it. He said the cigarette case between the Philippines and Thailand has been brewing since 2008. In spite of losing both in the proceedings and the appeals, Bangkok has yet to enforce the WTO ruling and left Manila with no option but to retaliate by way of increasing tariffs. “We would like the [Thai] stakeholders to convince their government to act, I suppose, as what we expect

from them given what has happened in the case,” Benedictos stated. Benedictos also vowed importers of Thai raw materials and immediate parts would suffer less of a damage from the suspension of concessions. Although he did not disclose how, he disclosed the DTI is drawing up a plan on how to minimize damage on the domestic front, and make sure the brunt of the retaliation will weigh on the side of the Thai importers. Kanitha Kungsawanich of Thailand’s Department of Trade Negotiations asked the DTI to call off its move to drag Thai imports in the cigarette dispute. She said Bangkok has a pending appeal before the Appellate Body, the supreme court of world trade, and that the Philippines must wait for the chamber to decide on that matter. Likewise, she advised DTI negotiators to wait for the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body to approve their petition to suspend concessions on Thai goods. In spite of years and years of failure to comply with the WTO decision, Thailand maintains it is important for the Philippines to adhere to multilateral trading rules, Kungsawanich said. The Thai Automobile Industry Association (Taia) also asked the DTI to step on the brakes in its drive to punish Bangkok. The group said it just took a hit from the safeguard duty slapped by the agency on the

import of passenger cars, at P70,000 per unit, and light commercial vehicles, at P110,000 a unit. According to Taia, completely built units imported by the Philippines from Thailand amounted to at least $2 billion yearly in 2018 and 2019, but dropped last year due to the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns. The Taia shared its business outlook for 2021 has been dimmed by the safeguard imposed on vehicle imports by the Philippine government, and any prospect of a recovery may soon vanish if the retaliatory measure pushes through. Further, the group asked why the DTI is targeting to impose tariff punishments on items outside of the tobacco subgroup. In February of last year, the Philippines filed a petition before the WTO to suspend concessions and obligations covering $594 million worth of Thai imports in response to Thailand’s failure to implement the WTO decision on their cigarette case. Manila won the cigarette dispute in 2011, but Bangkok has yet to enforce the provisions of the ruling. If approved, the retaliation will suspend preferential tariffs extended to Thai farm and industrial goods, including corn, milled rice, soya bean oil, mixed condiments and mixed seasoning and non-dairy creamers, as well as motor vehicles, agricultural tractors, fuel tanks, car accessories and motorcycle parts.

Exec: ‘Stable’ outlook boosts confidence in banking sector

year due to threats to asset quality, but affirmed their ratings of “BBB+” and “BBB-,” respectively. Security Bank, however, was able to secure a “stable” outlook from Moody’s last month.

If the perception [based on their metrics and evaluations] of global debt watchers on local banks is good, then that presents them well to the market.

Sentiments from local banks

UnionBank Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @TyronePiad

AINTAINING a “stable” outlook from global debt watchers bodes well for the country’s financial institutions in the midst of an economic crisis. UnionBank Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, in an e-mail to the BusinessMirror, explained that such assessments of the banks and other financial institutions is a key factor influencing market perception and sentiment. “If the perception [based on their metrics and evaluations] of global debt watchers on local banks is good, then that presents them well to the market,” he said. “In a crisis, having a ‘stable’ outlook adds premium to how market players view the industry and its players.” A “stable” outlook means that the credit rating given is likely to be maintained in the next 12 to 24 months. Apart from this, Asuncion stressed that having a “good” credit position from rating agencies can also go a long way. It shows that the bank can withstand a crisis and has a “very good” standing in the market, he explained, adding that a good credit position means the financial institution can continuously source financing from any market. “Although not directly associated with Philippine banks’ ability to provide much-needed credit, maintaining a stable outlook and avoiding

downgrades would signal to investors and depositors alike that banks would be able to dispense with their function without any possible problems or impediments,” ING Bank Manila Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said. Otherwise, Mapa explained that a credit downgrade, or a “negative” outlook would signal a distress on part of the banks. “It may simply be a reflection of the general operating environment or the rating of the Philippine sovereign itself,” he added. Some financial institutions, however, were not able to keep a “stable” outlook in the past year, given the economic slump amid the protracted lockdown measures due to the coronavirus pandemic. The slowdown in economic activities—which led to a surge in joblessness and decline in financial capacity of borrowers—have been hurting the bank’s asset quality as nonperforming loans (NPLs) pile up. These NPLs have prompted banks to increase their credit loss provision, which have adversely impacted the bottom-line figures. Last month, Moody’s Investor Service downgraded its outlook from “stable” to “negative” for Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. and Philippine National Bank (PNB), considering their loan exposure to high-risk segments. S&P Global Ratings, meanwhile, gave the same outlook for Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Security Bank Corp. in October last

BPI and PNB, in an interview with the BusinessMirror, agreed that their “negative” outlook stemmed from the adverse macroeconomic developments in the country. “The ‘negative’ outlook is tied to that of the rating agency’s view of our macroeconomy, given the challenges brought about by Covid-19,” outgoing BPI President Cezar P. Consing told the BusinessMirror. PNB President Jose Arnulfo Veloso, meanwhile, said that the “economic shock resulted in the deterioration in the banking industry’s asset quality,” affecting the outlook. For its part, the Tan-led bank said it has been taking initiatives to improve the quality of its assets. PNB, Veloso said, has been reaching out to customers so it can help them in risk management during this pandemic. PNB is also closely monitoring its borrowings portfolio amid potential surge of NPLs. “We have a team that is fully focused on new loan grants to essential sectors and industries critical to function during lockdowns as well as to those that will thrive in the new norm to ensure good asset quality,” Veloso said. As of writing, other banks have not yet responded.

Remaining resilient

DESPITE the ongoing economic slump, Asuncion said, that the banking sector has remained resilient, acknowledging the initiatives of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). “From previous crises, the BSP has been providing guidance and implementing important checks on the local banking industry,” he said. Asuncion, in addition, noted that the local financial system has a “strong standing.”

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A6 Thursday, January 28, 2021 | www.businessmirror.com.ph

Foreign funds for farms, fishponds fan By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas,

Reporter

Jeremaiah M. Opiniano, Contributor

OME Filipinos have been found with a blood type of “H”: Hero. Two groups of Filipinos don’t know they have it. But with hard work and a shared love for their families and the motherland, they’re able to carry the economy now clambering from a rut. The first group wires money from over-200 countries and territories, as migrant workers, permanent residents, naturalized citizens and many more. They had been hailed “heroic” by a former Philippine president. Decades after, and with more than $400 billion of cash sent home over a 45year period, these Filipinos push commerce, lift consumer spending and attract investment amid a recession. But the second group of heroes—agricultural workers—surprised mainstream development analysts. The agricultural sector became the Philippines’s saving grace during a pandemic. Agriculture and international migration are strange bedfellows for economic growth in previous decades. The former is associated with rural poverty, one of the causes for overseas employment. The latter forms the foundation of food security, one of the motivations for raising cash through work overseas. Migrant workers experience some affluence, one of the causes for luring the younger generation away from seasonallyearning farming and fishing.

Webinar, meet-up

OVERSEAS Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) want business ventures leading to immediate, more gainful profits— like their overseas earnings. But with an infectious disease stalling growth in the services and manufacturing sectors, agriculture became a bright spot of Philippine growth last year. The government remains steadfast that the agriculture sector last year was resilient despite a full-year 1.2 percent contraction in production due to supply disruptions caused by the African swine fever, the Taal volcano eruption and typhoons. No less than President Duterte lauded the efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in averting a possible “pila-pila” for food supply during the height of the pandemic. Policy makers now want overseas Filipinos and the more than 400,000 repatriated last year, to band with agriculture and harvest gainful incomes in aid of the green buck. Loan facilities have been rolled out. Encouragements to invest in agriculture have f looded cyberspace through webinars and online meet-ups with compatriots abroad. The pressures of reintegrating repatriated migrant workers pushed the agricultural sector to provide entrepreneurial opportunities. Rural areas house these farm and fishing harvests. And some economists think mobility restrictions may have turned into a blessing for agricultural entrepreneurs to collar their internal markets and provide them with food.

Expand markets

IN lands of green fertilized by

monetary harvests from across seas, agriculture and overseas remittances may provide a new normal for making Filipinos’ international migration work for rural development. Philippine agriculture may find migration a shot in the arm if farming and fishing families use foreign remittances to buy farm inputs, farming technologies and fisheries equipment. Thus, economist Alvin P. Ang of the Ateneo de Manila University thinks localized farm ventures within the rural origins of Filipinos abroad may reap dividends for them during this pandemic. Localized farm ventures may not require much capital and logistical expenses. These ventures will “solve local food requirements and contribute to local food security,” Ang added. That’s because neighbors and town-mates became the instant target markets. While restrictions have eased, previous lockdowns choked rural-to-urban agri-value chains. Surplus farming produce then got wasted. If local farming ventures want to dare expand markets to Covidstricken cities, for example, let excess produce from local production handle them, Ang said. This localized approach may help would-be-OFW and non-OFW farm entrepreneurs to collar rural hometown markets, Ang said. “And when there is excess produce from local production, then farmers can sell outside,” he added.

Laid off, suit

FILIPINO farmlands frequently get hit by typhoons. Damaged crops are staple fare. For Filipinos abroad and their families, the global contagion the coronavirus caused had swept years of bountiful harvests. Alternatives had to be made. Gina Pomida-Delgado had to make a choice: her husband is stuck in Italy. Her husband was laid off from the hotel where he worked for 21 years. A labor suit followed, but Delgado’s husband and fellow Filipino hotel workers must continue to make ends meet. Back in Borongan City, Eastern Samar province, Delgado was quick to the draw. This daughter of farmers had been running a palay farm since 2015. The venture then became the Delgados’ economic safety net as her husband was unable to wire euros home. Good thing our earnings from palay “are more than half of what we (are earning) in our other businesses,” Delgado said.

Chances of imports

AS early as 2015, when Gina decided to reunite with children Loanes and Diego and permanently settle in Borongan City, the Delgados spread their financial risks and diversified their income sources. Previous and current overseas earnings and savings (including

her husband’s) and profits from farming and non-farming businesses did the trick. Delgado’s husband, along with more than 165,000 Filipinos, remain in Italy, amid 2,475,372 confirmed cases of Covid-19 as of January 26, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data. The future of their source of income remains uncertain in the short term. T hat uncer taint y cou ld be dispelled by venturing into agricultural production, Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC) Director Maruja Asis has said in an online seminar. And if the Filipino abroad and the family in rural Philippines invested in farming and fishing prior to the pandemic, agriculture may well be their “best investment,” according to rural finance practitioner Marvi dela Cruz. “It is more profitable to engage in agricultural ventures now,” according to Dela Cruz, who heads the Tarlac Provincial Cooperat ives a nd Enter pr ise Development Office. “There are still limited chances of importing food from neighboring countries that are also experiencing this pandemic.”

Offering loans

YEARS of advocacy efforts—by the DA and by some migrant civil society groups—to link dollar remittances with agriculture suddenly became a major policy effort last year. In May last year, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar pronounced that the government would be offering interest-free loans to overseas Filipinos that would invest in the farm sector. Dar’s sales pitch? Filipinos abroad are “the new breed of ‘agri-preneurs’ who will help revive and reboot the countryside,” Dar said. “Now is the time to tap the overseas Filipinos sector as they start to reintegrate themselves back to their respective homes, communities, and provinces,” the DA chief said at a time when OFs lost jobs and their remittance expected to plummet significantly this year. Dar directed his agency’s rural finance arm, the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), to offer agricultural credit facilities for repatriated (and some current) overseas Filipinos. With the continued droves of repatriated migrant workers, the ACPC had to direct a specific credit window for them. ACPC Communications Head Emma ly n J. Gu into prodded OFWs to avail themselves of three loan facilities: the expanded “Sure Aid and Recovery” (Sure) for Covid-19 project; the “Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs” (Kaya) loan program; and, the “Agri-Negosyo” (Anyo) loan program. The ACPC acts as the wholesaler while partner rural banks, government financia l institutions (GFIs), non-GFIs and co-operatives retail these loans at “affordable” interest rates.

Micro, small

ACPC’s Anyo lending program is for micro-scale and small-scale agricultural enterprises and sole proprietors who are registered in the farmers’ databases of local agricultural offices at provincial, city and municipal levels. The Anyo is the loan facility that specifically prioritized repatriated overseas workers. The ACPC said its Anyo loans will be for activities in the food supply chain. These activities include production, processing and distribution, as well as purchase of farm and fishery equipment and acquiring fixed assets.

Micro-scale farm enterprises run by eligible repatriated OFWs can borrow up to P300,000. Smallscale farm ventures by these same clients can borrow a minimum of P300,000 and a maximum of P15 million. Both of these loans carry zero interest and are payable in five years. The ACPC said the Sure project provides “working capital loans”

for agri-fishery micro-scale and small-scale enterprises (MSEs) “to continue operations and ensure the availability of food supply amid the enhanced community quarantine” measures implemented last March to May and, to this day, under general community quarantine.

Emergency assistance

THE Sure project also provides

“emergency assistance” for individual small farmers and fishers “whose incomes were affected by the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine),” Guinto said during an online seminar organized by the SMC. MSEs can borrow up to P10 million, with a repayment period of up to five years, under the Sure project. Households of individual

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Editor: Dennis D. Estopace | Thursday, January 28, 2021

faith PHL can pull through pandemic for ACPC ’s loan programs, they or their far ming family members shou ld be reg istered w ith the Reg istr y System for Basic Sectors in Agr icu lture. Funds for ACPC’s loan programs come from the General Appropriations Act, which are then downloaded to its partner financial lending conduits and includes rural banks, non-GFIs, cooperatives, among others. Ducusin said Anyo is “very concessionary” and the partnerlending conduits would not charge interest rates but only a minimal fee of 3.5 percent to cover administrative costs. The loan program for OFWs does not entail collaterals as well, he explained.

Online portal

MEANWHILE, repatriated OFWs seeking to access ACPC’s loan programs are directed to an online sign-up portal in order to be facilitated by ACPC staff. The OFWs are then given a schedule for an orientation seminar about the loans and about their value as investors in agriculture. The ACPC helps the OFWs to capacitate and mentor them with basic knowledge on investments and how to create a business plan, a critical requirement for them to get their loans. However, Ducusin pointed out that finishing a seminar is not a guarantee that a loan would be approved. Loan availment then becomes the decision of ACPC’s partner financial institution. The decision is also contingent on its assessment of the OFWcum-agricultural entrepreneur’s business plan. Ducusin said other ACPC programs are available for current overseas Filipinos wishing to invest in agriculture but who still earn incomes abroad.

BM GRAPHICS: Job Ruzgal

Majority of proposals

small farmers and fishers, for their part, can get Sure’s non-collateralized loans of up to P25,000, payable up to ten years. The ACPC said the Kaya loan program aims to provide working capital to 18- to 30-year-old agri-entrepreneurs running farming and fishery ventures. With no collateral needed, borrowers can borrow up to P500,000 through

Kaya, also payable in five years. OFWs can lodge applications on l i ne t hrough ACPC ’s web site, with the ACPC serving as a wholesaler of these loans.

Helping OFWs

ACPC Operations Division Credit Programs Chief Allen Ducusin told the BusinessMirror this is the first time they engaging OFWs

in the agriculture sector. Hence, ACPC took time to mold the Anyo program to repatriated OFWs because of “legal constraints.” T his is because ACPC ’s mandate is to “purely” provide rural credit to far mers and fishermen, Ducusin ex plained. But for re pat r i ate d a nd c u r re nt overseas Filipinos to be eligible

BASED on data provided by ACPC, about 18 repatriated OFWs have been granted loans with a total amount of P8.9 million, out of 318 applications as of January 13 this year. Mayeth Samson, who oversees ACPC’s Anyo-OFW loan program, told the BusinessMirror about 62 applications are in the pipeline; 36 loans applications are already pending for approval, while lending conduits still review 26 loan applications. Samson said majority of the business proposals by OFW-farmers are in poultry industries like broiler and layer raising, as well as high-value crop production such as banana and mushrooms. “Perhaps, they see the demand in these commodities in their areas during this pandemic,” she told the BusinessMirror. “These are the commodities that are easily sold, like chicken eggs.” Samson said some OFWs who have availed themselves of the Anyo-OFW loan program have existing properties where they put up their agriculture venture. The others engage with land owners for lease contracts in their hometowns. “The age profile of the OFW applicants is very wide,” she said. “There are those in their late 20s until late 60s.” Samson told the BusinessMi r ror t h at at lea st 2,0 0 0 O F Ws h a v e i n q u i r e d a b o u t their loan program since it was launched last year.

Entrepreneurial credit

EVEN as lending conduits rolling out the ACPC programs offer affordable interest rates, ACPC’s messaging last year of offering “zero-interest loans” during this pandemic may backfire.

Dela Cruz thinks these zerointerest loans run the risk of becoming doleouts for borrowing farmers, fishermen and OFWs affected by the pandemic. She “disagrees” with interestfree loans “because people are used to the dole-out mentality” and this may lead to non-payment of loans. T hese zero -interest cred it programs may rekindle previous episodes of “bad” track records for loan collection by these agencies, says this 7-year manager of localized agricultural and entrepreneurial credit programs for Tarlac province. “Filipinos from all walks of life are politically-inclined, that’s why all loans from government are not given serious thought. They think these are their money anyway.” Ducusin admitted that delinquency is always a concern for any design of loan programs, especially for a zero-interest no-collateral portfolio. “We try to mitigate the delinquency. For example, we will blacklist every farmer who will not be able to pay. We explained to them that we will deliberately blacklist them,” he said. I would prefer loans with interest, Dela Cruz reiterates, “to give emphasis on the ‘loan’ side rather than the ‘dole-out’ side.” This is because majority of Filipinos “are not yet matured in terms of financial literacy, especially on the utilization of borrowings and their repayments.” If it insists on zero-interest loans “without stricter terms and conditions, and no collaterals at all,” Dela Cruz said the ACPC “may be simply repeating the same mistakes of previous administrations where borrowers just eluded payments, which resulted to failed government (credit) programs.”

Joint ventures

THE ACPC credit facilities directed at overseas Filipinos are not the DA’s first forays in the OF sector. Eight years ago, then Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz inked an interagency agreement to promote agri-business ventures for returning and current overseas Filipinos. A DA unit, the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (Amas), had been staging overseas road shows to promote farming ventures since this unit launched an “OFW Agriculture Business Investment Program” in 2017. That time, Amas prodded overseas Filipinos to invest in cacao production by parking money in a cacao farm. The Amas was even prodded by a migrant NGO, Atikha Overseas Workers and Communities Initiative, to roll out agricultural investment packages to overseas Filipinos. In 2016, former Agriculture Secretar y Emmanuel F. Piñol had connected OFWs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to the Don Bosco Multi-Purpose Cooperative in M’lang, North Cotabato, to finance a 156-hectare farm for organic rice. Per hectare, Dubai-based OFWs provided P20,000 loans to organic farmers in M’lang. But as early as the 1970s, rural Filipino families with breadwinners and loved ones abroad have been quietly bankrolling agricultural ventures in their home towns like planting high-value crops and starting fishing ventures. Even exmigrant workers formed farming cooperatives and registered agricultural corporations. Apart from the ACPC loan facilities, the Land Bank of the Philippines also has prevailing interestbearing loan programs for farmers

and for OFW entrepreneurs, the latter being also a similar program by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). In July last year, the Small Business Corp. launched a P100 million loan facility for repatriated OFWs, also interest bearing.

Multiple cropping

HOWEVER, as agricultural credit facilities flood the market, seasonal yields from agriculture do not easily attract risk appetites of Filipino dollar earners. While some repatriated OFWs together with non-migrant Filipinos launched online businesses last year, these were predominantly retail and non-agricultural ventures (even though ventures include prepared meals). Asis’s nonprofit research group did a survey of 285 repatriated seafarers. Only 3.6 percent of them want to try out farming in the next three months. And even during the prepandemic period, a study by the SMC and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that households of returned OFWs see agriculture as “subsistence living rather than a business and investment opportunity,” and they may “not likely invest in agriculture.” However, geography plays a role in making farm investment decisions. Surveys in Dingras town, the rice granary of Ilocos Norte province, showed that agricultural incomes make up 63.6 percent of OFW households’ earnings. Meanwhile, multiple cropping in Bansalan, Davao del Sur (to include rice, banana, corn, coconut, sugarcane and coffee) saw surveyed OFW households having 42 percent of incomes coming from agriculture. Overseas remittances by these OFW households comprise 23.6 percent and 28 percent, respectively for Dingras and Bansalan, according to a 2020 study covering Dingras and Bansalan by the Japan International Cooperation Agency-Ogata Research Institute.

OF’s behavior

THE limited attractiveness of agriculture for investment may be tied to OFs’ financial behavior. Immediate harvests and profits aren’t possible from agricultural ventures, Ang said in an online seminar. Immediately earning big from farming leads farmers to vie for outside markets that are now struggling to contain the spread of Covid-19. “Agriculture is not a simple business and earnings are not immediate (mabilisan agad),” Ang said. Delgado’s rice farming and trading venture took four years for Delgado to grow. Her husband is taking care of an elderly Italian who covers his board and lodging, and some pay. Delgado expressed gratitude for this development. OFs venturing into agriculture may mean good news to a country seeking to expand the economic benefits of dollar remittances, especially in the countryside. As repatriated, returning and current Filipino migrants become farmers and fishers or agricultural investors, they morph themselves into a new breed of heroes in this pandemic era. That is, if they’re ready and up to the challenge Thanks to farm equipment that Delgado’s maternal family had purchased years back, and that continue to bear fruit, she realizes that agriculture “is a good business to invest in” despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

The World BusinessMirror

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

Global cases top 100 million; UK surpasses 100,000 deaths

lobal coronavirus cases surpassed 100 million on Tuesday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, marking another grim milestone in the pandemic.

More than 100,000 people have died from coronavirus in the UK, the first country in Europe to surpass the threshold. Deaths in London, which is at the center of the current outbreak, are running at 84 percent above the five-year average amid concerns a new strain of the virus is more fatal. There are 37,561 patients hospitalized with Covid-19 across the country. The UK government will introduce a limited hotel quarantine system for passengers arriving from the highest-risk countries, according to a person familiar with the matter. The move is aimed at curbing the spread of new variants of coronavirus that could prove resistant to vaccines, but is expected to apply to arrivals from countries with new forms of the virus, such as South Africa and Brazil. Key developments:

Biden pushes for bigger vaccine supply

The Biden administration said it intends to order 100 million more doses each of Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc.’s coronavirus vaccines, and at least temporarily speed up shipments to states to about 10 million doses a week. The new purchases would increase total US orders for the two approved vaccines by 50 percent, to about 600 million shots, according to a senior administration official. Delivering 10 million doses to states would represent about a 16 percent increase from the current weekly pace, though the higher pace may only last three weeks.

Thailand set to relax more curbs

Th aila nd is set to further

rela x Covid-19 restrictions to allow parts of its economy to reopen after local infections in some regions eased. Schools in most provinces including the capital Bangkok may reopen from February 1 with some restrictions while restaurants will be allowed to serve patrons until 11 p.m., Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration spokesman Taweesilp Witsanuyotin said.

Singapore begins vaccines for elderly

Singapore began giving seniors Covid-19 vaccinations on Wednesday under a pilot scheme in certain areas that will eventually be expanded more broadly in the citystate, the Straits Times reported.

China has given 23 million vaccine doses

China has administered 23 million coronavirus vaccine doses, Zeng Yixin, vice head of the country’s National Health Commission, said at a briefing.

Peru locks down Lima, other regions

Peru locked down swathes of the country after an explosion in Covid-19 cases overwhelmed hospitals and pushed the death toll from the disease over 40,000. The government will impose a strict lockdown on 10 regions of the country including the Lima Metropolitan area for 15 days starting January 31, said President Francisco Sagasti in a televised address. Under the restrictions, people are allowed only to leave home to buy food and medicine. Banks and food stores must limit their capacity to 40 percent while restaurants can keep operating using delivery

services, according to a statement from the cabinet chief ’s office on Twitter.

South Korean cases rise

South Korea reported 559 new cases in the last 24 hours, according to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s website. That’s the biggest gain in almost two weeks. Health officials blamed the latest surge on cluster outbreaks at dormitory-style cram schools. Since Sunday, nearly 300 students and teachers at six schools operated by IM Mission have tested positive for the virus, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. A school official apologized on the organization’s website for dismissing symptoms as signs of a cold and not acting more quickly.

Japan likely to extend state of emergency, Kyodo says

Japan is likely to extend its state of emergency set to expire February 7, Kyodo reported, citing several unidentified people. An option being considered is to extend the emergency until the end of February. The country will probably know in the next few days whether its emergency declaration to contain the virus has been effective, the head of an advisory panel on the pandemic told a parliamentary committee Wednesday.

Netherlands quiet after days of unrest

Three straight days of riots in Dutch cities gave way to calm on Tuesday, as protests over Covidrelated lockdowns led to only minor incidents. In Maastricht in the south of the country, soccer fans marched in the streets just before curfew to show support for police.

Bulgaria easing restrictions

Bulga r ia is g radu a l ly eas ing measures after it went into partial lockdown at the end of November, when it reached the EU’s highest coronavirus death rate. All schools will reopen in

the next month, and movie theaters and gyms will reopen from February 1 with limited capacity, the health ministry said. Bars, restaurants and nightclubs will remain closed until March 1. All arrivals will need to present a negative PCR test result upon entering the country.

EMA chief sees Pfizer supply boost in April

European Medicines Agency Executive Director Emer Cooke signaled Pfizer Inc. is gearing up to increase deliveries to EU countries of its Covid-19 vaccine developed with BioNTech SE with production at more sites. “With respect to the Pfizer vaccine, they have already submitted a protocol to include additional sites and we expect those to come through during February-March and to have an impact on supply at the start of the second quarter,” Cooke told a European Parliament committee on Tuesday. The potential increase in supply will be welcomed by the EU amid a slower rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot as a result of the renovation of a factory in Belgium. The production disruption affected vaccine deliveries to all member countries last week, an EU official said at the time.

EU to shut door to travelers from Japan

European Union governments plan to remove Japan from their list of countries whose residents should be allowed to visit the bloc during the current phase of the coronavirus pandemic, according to an EU official familiar with the matter. An update to the EU’s recommended travel “white list” continues to exclude the US and all but seven other nations, the official said Tuesday, asking not to be identified because the deliberations were confidential. The removal of Japan as a result of increased virus cases in the country leaves just Australia, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand as approved places of departure. Bloomberg News

Eli Lilly, Regeneron studies extend hopes for drugs against Covid-19

ew results extend hopes for drugs that supply antibodies to fight Covid-19, suggesting they can help keep patients out of the hospital and possibly prevent illness in some uninfected people. Eli Lilly said Tuesday that a twoantibody combo reduced the risk of hospitalizations or death by 70 percent in newly diagnosed, nonhospitalized Covid-19 patients at high risk of serious illness because of age or other health conditions. All 10 deaths that occurred in the study were among those receiving placebo rather than the antibodies. Separately, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. said partial results from an ongoing study suggest its drug combo completely prevented symptomatic infections in housemates of someone with Covid-19. Importantly, the drug was given as multiple shots rather than through an IV. The need for an infusion has greatly limited the use of antibody drugs in the pandemic because of health care shortages. None of the new results have been published or reviewed by

This photo provided by Eli Lilly shows the drug bamlanivimab. On January 26, the company said that the two-antibody combo of bamlanivimab and etesevimab reduced the risk of hospitalizations or death by 70 percent in newly diagnosed, nonhospitalized Covid-19 patients at high risk of serious illness because of age or other health conditions. Eli Lilly via AP

other scientists, and the Regeneron ones were based on only one quarter of patients in its study and were not a planned early analysis. Antibodies are proteins that attach to a virus and block it from infecting cells, but it takes several weeks after infection or vaccination for the most effective ones to form. The drugs aim to help right away, by supplying concentrated doses of one or two antibodies that

worked best against the coronavirus in lab tests. US regulators have allowed emergency use of some Lilly and Regeneron antibodies for mild or moderate Covid-19 cases that do not require hospitalization while studies of them continued. The drugs are also being tested to prevent infection in those at high risk of it. That’s called “passive vaccination” because it

supplies antibodies rather than prompts the body to make them. Both companies are asking regulators to expand authorization of their drugs based on the new findings. Regeneron’s results were on the first 409 people in a study that has enrolled more than 2,000 so far. All tested negative for the virus but live with someone who has Covid-19. There were roughly half as many infections among those given the drug versus a placebo, and none on the drug developed any symptoms. Infections also were shorter and the amount of virus lower among those given the drug. Lilly’s new results were from a study of 1,035 non-hospitalized patients recently diagnosed with Covid-19. About 2 percent on the drug were later hospitalized or died versus 7 percent of the placebo group. Last week, Lilly said one of the two antibodies helped prevent illness among residents and staff of nursing homes in a different study. The four deaths that occurred in that study were all among those given placebo. AP

In this September 9, 1940 file photo, workmen crawl through the ruins of wrecked London flats to search for the dead after a Nazi bombing raid on London. The United Kingdom has suffered its worst civilian loss of life since World War II by a significant number. Some 70,000 non-combatants perished in the 1940s. 75 years later, it’s 100,000 taken by the coronavirus pandemic, an enemy no less relentless and fearsome and one whose defeat is still some time away. AP

Unwanted virus milestone: UK’s civilian dead now tops WWII’s

ONDON—There are no warning sirens, nor a rush for shelter. No neighborhoods of collapsed rubble with bodies buried inside from Nazi Germany bombardment. It is quieter than all that. But the United Kingdom has now suffered its worst civilian loss of life since World War II by a significant number. Some 70,000 non-combatants perished in the 1940s. Three quarters of a century later, it’s 100,000 taken by the coronavirus pandemic, an adversary no less relentless and fearsome and one whose defeat is still some time away. There are 100,000 dead—from a population of 67 million. In the US, the worst-hit nation by the virus, more than 420,000 have died from a population of 330 million. One hundred thousand dead. For perspective: That’s just over 3,000 more than witnessed England’s only World Cup triumph in 1966 at Wembley Stadium as “Sunny Afternoon” by The Kinks topped the pop charts. And it’s 30,000 more than the crowd that gathered two decades later at the same famous venue for the Live Aid concert. Here’s a look at some of Britain’s struggles with civilian deaths during World War II and since.

Summoning the ‘blitz spirit’?

In World War II, the threat to Britain was existential. During the German Blitz of 1940-1941, bombs rained on London and other strategic cities. The defiance, endurance and stoicism of the population during those months became known as the “Blitz spirit.” It has been called upon during a series of crises over the years by British governments and politicians of various stripes. The current crop, led by Winston Churchill aficionado Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has invoked it as a mindset to combat the coronavirus crisis. But the folklore of that spirit was built on a healthy dose of propaganda to keep Britons afloat in their darkest hours. There was no 24/7 rolling cable TV news detailing death, infection and deception, nor was there social media peddling conspiracy theories that the virus is all a hoax. There was, however, disproportionate suffering then, as there is now, of those less fortunate in life to begin with. The endurance has endured; what other choice is there? But the only defiance shown by anyone but front-line workers in 2021 appears to be mainly by those flouting lockdown guidelines, which they see as an infringement on their personal liberties—thus putting others’ health at risk.

World War II civilian deaths

From September 1940-May 1941, the UK. suffered an

intensive bombing campaign by Germany’s Luftwaffe that struck the biggest cities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. More than 40,000 were killed, half of those in London alone. “Far be it from me to paint a rosy picture of the future. Indeed, I do not think we should be justified in using any but the most somber tones and colors while our people... are passing through a dark and deadly valley,’’ wartime leader Churchill said at the time. Such imagery could resonate just as much on the British Isles now as it battles a virulent surge of coronavirus mutation, putting the hallowed National Health Service under its most severe pressure since its inception in 1948. In the last phase of the war from 1944-1945, the Nazi rocket campaign, primarily the V2, was deployed to chilling effect, with east and south London taking the brunt of the bombings and deaths as they had during the Blitz. Thousands of civilians in residential communities died from those V2 rocket attacks.

Attacks on british cities and civilians

There have been other times of recent British national trauma, notably from the 1970s to just before the pre-pandemic epoch. These were mainly based on attacks on civilians in major urban centers. There was the Irish Republican Army’s mainland campaign in response to the British Army’s military operations in Northern Ireland. That targeted people in pubs, parks and shopping areas as well government buildings and representatives. Deaths were in the dozens. The bombing of Pan Am 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie days before Christmas in 1988, blamed on Libyan agents, claimed more than 40 British lives in the air and on the ground, as well as 190 Americans and victims from many other nations. The second most deadly extremist attack came in the wake of Prime Minister Tony Blair’s ill-fated decision to join the US-led war and occupation in Iraq. Homegrown extremists inspired by al-Qaida struck London’s transport system on July, 7, 2005, killing 52 people. Islamic State group-inspired attacks in more recent years claimed dozens of lives in several London locations as well as at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in 2017. IS was vanquished in Iraq and Syria, and a spate of attacks abated in the UK Brexit, divisive and angry though mainly bloodless, then engulfed and divided the nation. Then came the pandemic. AP

India vaccinates 2 million health workers in 2 weeks

EW DELHI— India has vaccinated 2 million health workers in less than two weeks and recorded 12,689 new coronavirus positive cases in the past 24 hours, a sharp decline from a peak level of nearly 100,000 in mid-September. The health Ministry said the daily new cases had fallen below 10,000 on Tuesday with 9,102 cases. The daily new positive cases were 9,304 on June 4 last year. India’s fatalities dropped to 137 in the past 24 hours from a peak level of 1,089 daily deaths in September. India’s total positive cases since the start of the epidemic have reached 10.6 million, the second highest after the United States with 25.43 million cases. India started inoculating health workers on Jan. 16 in what is likely the world’s largest Covid-19 vaccination campaign. India is home to the world’s largest vaccine makers. Authorities hope to give shots to 300 million people. The recipients include 30 million doctors, nurses and other frontline workers. Meanwhile, South Korea has reported new 559

cases of the coronavirus, its highest daily increase in 10 days, as health workers scrambled to slow transmissions at religious facilities, which have been a major source of infections throughout the pandemic. The figures released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Wednesday brought the national caseload to 76,429, including 1,378 deaths. The agency said 112 of the new cases came from the southwestern city of Gwangju where more than 100 infections have so far been linked to a missionary training school. An affiliated facility in the central city of Daejeon has been linked to more 170 infections. Nearly 300 of the new cases came from the Seoul metropolitan area, home to half of the country’s 51 million people, where infections have been tied to various places, including churches, restaurants, schools and offices. The country throughout the pandemic has repeatedly seen huge infection clusters emerge from religious groups, including more than 5,000 infections tied to the secretive Shincheonji Church of Jesus that drove a major outbreak in the southeastern region in spring last year. AP

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Jokowi gets 2nd Sinovac shot as cases surge past one million

ndonesian President Joko Widodo received his second dosage of the Covid-19 vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech Ltd., one day after the country registered more than one million infections. Nearly 250,000 hea lthcare workers have been given the first shot since the program started two weeks ago. The government is targeting the number to increase to between 900,000 and 1 million daily, Widodo, known as Jokowi,

said in a statement on Wednesday. Southeast Asia’s largest economy added 13,094 new cases in the 24 hours through midday Tuesday, taking the total to 1,012,350, the worst in the region. Some 336 people died and 10,868 recovered from the disease over the same period, the government said. Jakarta has confirmed extension of movement restrictions to February 8 due to rising infections. Bloomberg News

Security tightened in New Delhi after demonstrators stormed city

ndia’s government increased security in the capital New Delhi after thousands of protesting farmers broke police barricades and stormed key landmarks in a serious escalation of monthslong demonstrations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new agriculture laws. By Wednesday most demonstrators had returned to protest sites on the outskirts of the city following calls from one of the largest farm unions, as protest leaders prepared to meet to decide the next steps in their campaign which they said would continue peacefully. The farmers, who have camped at various border points around New Delhi for two months, had permission to demonstrate after the completion of an annual military parade to mark Republic Day, a major public holiday in India. But many gathered early in the day and broke through barricades on the outskirts of the city, prompting police to deploy tear gas in some areas. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella organization of several dozen farm groups leading the protests, issued a statement late Tuesday calling off the remainder of the tractor parade in Delhi and criticizing the “anti-social elements” that “had infiltrated the otherwise peaceful movement.” The police also blamed the protesters for deviating from the agreed routes and attempting to enter the heart of the capital where parliament and other government buildings are located. The escalation of the farmers’ protest adds to Modi’s challenges amid efforts to reverse a contraction in Asia’s third-largest economy due to the coronavirus pandemic. It also comes days before a parliament session where the government will present its annual budget detailing plans to spur economic activity in the year starting April 1. Although the demonstrations have hurt the government, the scenes on Tuesday of unruly farmers may undermine their cause, according to Asim Ali, a New Delhi-based researcher at the Centre for Policy Research. “This was always the danger, and it seems that it has gone out of hand,” Ali said. “This is possibly what the ruling party would have liked to see.”

Television footage showed thousands of protesters clashing with police in central Delhi before reaching the iconic Red Fort, where Indian prime ministers typically address the nation on the country’s independence day in August. Farmer leaders had called on protesters to stay peaceful, warning that any violence could hurt their cause. “We also condemn and regret the undesirable and unacceptable events that have taken place today and dissociate ourselves from those indulging in such acts,” the statement from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha said. “We have always held that peace is our biggest strength, and that any violation would hurt the movement.” India’s federal Home Ministry suspended mobile Internet services in some parts of the city where the protests were most tense. Several metro stations were also shut down, although by Wednesday most stations had reopened. Leaders of the protests had rejected Modi’s offers to temporarily shelve the three laws passed in September that overhauled the way farm goods are sold in the country of more than 1.3 billion people, almost half of whom depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The government has defended the legislation, saying they would eliminate middlemen in state-run wholesale markets, increase earnings for farmers and make India more self-reliant. The farmers have continued to call on the government to repeal the legislation, which they say will hurt their incomes and leave them vulnerable to big corporations. While Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has a lock on parliament and doesn’t need to call a national vote until 2024, the protests risk hurting his appeal in state elections and could halt momentum for other reforms. The tractor rallies marked the first time the protesting farmers have marched into the capital. They are mostly from the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. But they have also found support in other Indian cities, including financial centers Mumbai and Bengaluru, where protest marches have also taken place. Bloomberg News

Thursday, January 28, 2021

First Biden-Putin call shows both cautious on big concerns

ASHINGTON—US President Joe Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held their first conversation as counterparts on Tuesday in a phone call that underscored troubled relations and the delicate balance between the former Cold War foes. According to the White House, Biden raised concerns about the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, Russia’s alleged involvement in a massive cyber espionage campaign and reports of Russian bounties on American troops in Afghanistan. The Kremlin, meanwhile, focused on Putin’s response to Biden’s proposal to extend the last remaining US-Russia arms control treaty. While the readouts from the two capitals emphasized different elements, they both suggested that US-Russia relations will be guided, at least at the beginning of the Biden administration, by a desire to do no harm but also no urgency to repair existing damage. The two presidents agreed to have their teams work urgently to complete a five-year extension of the New START nuclear weapons treaty that expires next month. Former President Donald Trump’s administration had withdrawn from two arms control treaties with Russia and had been prepared to let New START lapse. Unlike his immediate predecessors—including Trump, who was enamored of Putin and frequently undercut his own administration’s tough stance on Russia—Biden has not held out hope for a “reset” in relations. Instead he has indicated he wants to manage differences without necessarily resolving them or improving ties. And with a heavy domestic agenda and looming decisions needed on Iran and China, a direct confrontation with Russia is not likely something Biden seeks.

Although the leaders agreed to work together to extend New START before it expires Feb. 5 and to look at other areas of potential strategic cooperation, the White House said Biden was firm on US support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, while Russia is supporting separatists in the country’s east. Biden also raised the SolarWinds cyberhack, which has been attributed to Russia, reports of Russian bounties on American soldiers in Afghanistan, interference in the 2020 US election, the poisoning of Navalny and the weekend crackdown on Navalny’s supporters. “President Biden made clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies,” the White House said. Biden told Putin in the phone call, first reported by The Associated Press, that the US would defend itself and take action, which could include further sanctions, to ensure Moscow does not act with impunity, officials said. Moscow had reached out last week to request the call, according to US officials familiar with the matter but not authorized to discuss it publicly. Biden agreed, but he wanted first to prepare with his staff and speak with European allies, including the leaders of Britain, France and Germany, which he did. Before he spoke to Put in, Biden also called NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg to pledge US commitment to the decades-old

In this March 10, 2011 file photo, then-Vice President Joe Biden (left), shakes hands with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia. President Joe Biden has been thrown into a high-wire act with Russia as he seeks to toughen his administration’s stance against Putin while preserving room for diplomacy in a post-Donald Trump era. AP/Alexander Zemlianichenko

alliance founded as a bulwark against Russian aggression. The K remlin’s readout of the call did not address the most contentious issues between the countries, though it said the leaders a lso d isc ussed ot her “acute issues on the bilateral and international agenda.” It described the talk as “frank and businesslike”—often a diplomatic way of referring to tense discussions. It also said Putin congratulated Biden on becoming president and “noted that normalization of ties between Russia and the United States would serve the interests of both countries.” Among the issues the Kremlin said were discussed were the coronavirus pandemic, the Iran nuclear agreement, Ukraine and issues related to trade and the economy. The call came as Putin considers the aftermath of pro-Navalny protests that took place in more than 100 Russian cities over the weekend. Biden’s team has already reacted strongly to the crackdown on the protests, in which more than 3,700 people were arrested across Russia, including more than 1,400 in Moscow. More protests are planned for the coming weekend. Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner and Putin’s best-known critic, was arrested January 17 as

he returned to Russia from Germany, where he had spent nearly five months recovering from nerve-agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin. Biden has previously condemned the use of chemical weapons. Russian authorities deny the accusations. Just from the public accounts, Biden’s discussion with Putin appeared diametrically opposed to Trump’s relationship with the Russian president. Trump had seemed to seek Putin’s approval, frequently casting doubt on Russian interference in the 2016 elections, including when he stood next to Putin at their 2018 summit in Helsinki. He also downplayed Russia’s involvement in the hack of federal government agencies last year and the allegations that Russia offered the Taliban bounties. Still, despite that conciliatory approach, Trump’s administration toed a tough line against Moscow, imposing sanctions on the country, Russian companies and business leaders for issues including Ukraine, energy supplies and attacks on dissidents. Biden, in his call with Putin, broke sharply with Trump by declaring that he knew that Russia attempted to interfere with both the 2016 and 2020 US elections. AP

Relative of Covid-19 victim asks to meet W.H.O. experts in Wuhan Italian premier resigns, setting off scramble for new allies

UHAN, China—A relative of a coronavirus victim in China is demanding to meet a visiting World Health Organization expert team, saying it should speak with affected families who allege they are being muffled by the Chinese government. China approved the visit by researchers under the auspices of the UN agency only after months of negotiations. It has not indicated whether they will be allowed to gather evidence or talk to families, saying only that the team can exchange views with Chinese scientists. “I hope the WHO experts don’t become a tool to spread lies,” said Zhang Hai, whose father died of Covid-19 on February 1, 2020, after traveling to the Chinese city of Wuhan and getting infected. “We’ve been searching for the truth relentlessly. This was a criminal act, and I don’t want the WHO to be coming to China to cover up these crimes.” China’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The WHO team, which arrived in Wuhan on Jan. 14 to investigate the origins of the virus, is expected to begin field work later this week after a 14-day quarantine. Zhang, a Wuhan native now living in the southern city of Shenzhen, has been organizing relatives of coronavirus victims in China to demand accountability from officials. Many are angry that the state downplayed the virus at the beginning of the outbreak, and have attempted to file lawsuits against the Wuhan government. The relatives have faced immense pressure from authorities not to speak out. Officials have

Zhang Hai holds up a photo of his father taken in his youth during an interview in Shenzhen in southern China’s Guangdong province on October 16, 2020. Zhang is demanding to meet a visiting World Health Organization expert team, saying it should speak with affected families who allege they are being muffled by the Chinese government. AP/Ng Han Guan dismissed the lawsuits, interrogated Zhang and others repeatedly and threatened to fire relatives of those who speak to the foreign media, according to interviews with Zhang and other relatives. Zhang said chat groups of the relatives were shut down shortly after the WHO team’s arrival in Wuhan, and he accused the city government of trying to silence them. “Don’t pretend that we don’t exist, that we aren’t seeking accountability,” Zhang said. “You obliterated

all our platforms, but we still want to let everyone know through the media that we haven’t given up.” WHO says its visit to China is a scientific mission to investigate the origins of the virus, not an effort to assign blame, and that “in-depth interviews and reviews” of early cases are needed. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China initially rejected demands for an international investigation after the Trump administration blamed Beijing for the virus, but

bowed to global pressure in May for a probe into the origins. On Monday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease official in the United States, said at the World Economic Forum that the origins of the virus that has brought the world to its knees are still unknown, “a big black box, which is awful.” The mission was repeatedly delayed by negotiations and setbacks, one of which prompted an unusual public complaint by the WHO head. The arrival of the WHO mission has revived controversy over whether China allowed the virus to spread globally by reacting too slowly in the early days. From the beginning, WHO officials have been trying to get more cooperation from China, with limited success. Audio recordings of internal WHO meetings obtained by The Associated Press and aired for the first time Tuesday show that even while the WHO praised China in public, officials were complaining privately about not getting enough information. The UN agency has no enforcement powers, so it must rely on the goodwill of member countries. Keiji Fukuda, a public health expert at the University of Hong Kong, has said the visit is an “image building mission” in addition to a scientific one, with China eager to come off as being transparent and the WHO keen to show it’s taking action. “Both China and WHO hope to get some brownie points,” said Fukuda, a former WHO official. “But it all comes down to what will the team have access to. Will they really be able to ask the questions that they want to ask?” AP

OME—Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte resigned on Tuesday after a key coalition ally pulled his party’s support over Conte’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, setting the stage for consultations this week to determine if he can form a third government. Conte tendered his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella, who held off on any immediate decision other than to ask Conte to keep the government running in the near-term, Mattarella’s office said. The president will begin consulting with leaders of political parties on Wednesday. Conte hopes to get Mattarella’s support to try to form a new coalition government that can steer the country as it battles the pandemic and an economic recession and creates a spending plan for the 209 billion euros ($254 billion) Italy is getting in European Union recovery funds. The premier said in a message posted on Facebook that his resignation was aimed at achieving “a government that can save the nation” during the health, social and economic crisis provoked by the pandemic. “The widespread suffering of citizens, deep social hardship and economic difficulties require a clear perspective and a government that has a larger and more secure majority,” Conte wrote. Conte’s coalition government was thrown into turmoil earlier this month when a junior party headed by ex-Premier Matteo Renzi yanked its support. Conte won confidence votes in parliament last week, but fell short of an absolute majority in the Senate, forcing him to take the gamble of resignation.

Mattarella, Italy’s largely ceremonial head of state, can ask Conte to try to form a broader coalition government, mandate a new prime minister to try to form a government from the same parties, appoint a largely technical government to steer the country through the pandemic or dissolve parliament and call an election two years early. A technical government and early election are considered the least-likely outcomes. But Conte would need Renzi’s support to form a new governing coalition or the backing of independents and the center-right Forza Italia party. “The most likely outcomes in my opinion are two: one is another government with Conte and with Renzi, and the second most likely is a government without Conte and with Renzi,’’ Roberto D’Alimonte, a political science professor at Rome’s LUISS University, said. The partners in the current coalition—the 5-Star Movement, the Democratic Party and the smaller LeU (Free and Equal) party—are all hoping for a third Conte government. Conte’s first government starting in 2018 was a 5-Star alliance with the right-wing League party led by Matteo Salvini that lasted 15 months. His second lasted 17 months. Salvini and center-right opposition parties are clamoring for an early election, hoping to capitalize on polls prior to the government crisis that showed high approval ratings for the League and the rightwing Brothers of Italy party led by Giorgia Meloni. Salvini has blasted the “palace games and buying and selling of senators” of recent days as Conte has tried to find new coalition allies, claiming that Conte is incapable of leading Italy through the crisis. AP

A10 Thursday, January 28, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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editorial

Staying alive

ohns Hopkins University reported this sad news on January 26: Global coronavirus cases surpassed 100 million, and Britain became the first country in Europe to report 100,000 Covid deaths from a population of 67 million. This came about only weeks after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that early evidence suggests the variant of coronavirus that emerged in the UK may be more deadly. A news dispatch from the Associated Press shows how the new variant brings new dimension to Europe’s pandemic: In the first week of December, Portugal’s prime minister gave his pandemic-weary people an early Christmas gift: restrictions on gatherings and travel due to Covid-19 would be lifted from December 23 to 26 so they could spend the holiday season with family and friends. Soon after those visits, the pandemic quickly got out of hand. By January 6, Portugal’s number of new daily Covid-19 cases surged past 10,000 for the first time. In mid-January, with alarm bells ringing as each day brought new records of infections and deaths, the government ordered a lockdown for at least a month and a week later shut the country’s schools. But it was too little, too late. Portugal has for almost a week had the most daily cases and deaths per 100,000 people in the world, according to statistics compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Portugal’s experience illustrates the risk of letting down pandemic guards when a new, fastspreading variant is lurking unseen. The AP said in Denmark, the variant is threatening to spin the pandemic out of control, despite relative early success in containing the spread of the virus. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said this month “it is a race against time” to get people vaccinated and slow the variant’s progress because it is already too widespread to stop. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands last week reported rising cases of the variant and warned it will push higher the number of hospital admissions and deaths. “There are essentially two separate Covid-19 epidemics: one epidemic involving the ‘old’ variant, in which infections are decreasing, and another epidemic involving the new variant, in which infections are increasing,” it said. From the AP report: The British variant will probably become the dominant source of infection in the United States by March, experts say. It has so far been reported in more than 20 states. The US government’s top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, says scientists are readying an upgrade for Covid-19 vaccines that will address the British and South African variants. Moderna, the maker of one of the two vaccines being used in the US, says it is beginning to test a possible booster dose against the South African version—a variant Fauci said was “even more ominous” than the British one. Pfizer, which makes a similar Covid-19 vaccine, says its shot appears effective against the strain from Britain, although questions remain about the South Africa variant. Something to ponder: Pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly said on Tuesday that studies show that its antibody drug reduced the risk of hospitalizations or death by 70 percent in newly diagnosed, nonhospitalized Covid-19 patients at high risk of serious illness because of age or other health conditions. Separately, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. said partial results from an ongoing study suggest its drug combo completely prevented symptomatic infections in housemates of someone with Covid-19. Having lived with the pandemic for almost a year now, Filipinos are increasingly anxious. But these are encouraging developments. It may be too early to rejoice, but there’s reason to be optimistic. The vaccines are coming and, maybe, the Covid medicines are not so far behind. We take these as signs that the global battle against the virus is succeeding. No less than the Director General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said that the end of the pandemic is in sight, “but we must not let our guard down.” Since 2005

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John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

am increasingly convinced that the worst legacy of the American occupation of the Philippines was the apple—the fruit, not the phone. While I have no first-hand personal knowledge, I would assume that the inhabitants of the Philippines were previously content with native grown fruits like Mango, Rambutan, Lanzones, Mangosteen, and Saba banana.

Since the introduction of the apple, foreign apples are constantly compared to Philippine mangoes. And by Philippine mangoes, I mean Filipinos, the government, the land, the laws, eating with a spoon, telenovelas, the economy, and skin tone. Comparisons are good if they make you strive to be better and more accomplished. But then you should be sensible and realistic with your comparisons. The average Filipino man is 163.22cm (5 feet 4.25 inches) tall. The average National Basketball Association player is 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall. Broccoli has significantly less fat than a candy bar. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the Philippines was “the lone

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economy in Southeast Asia to avoid a contraction in foreign direct investments last year, as FDI inflows to the country went up 29 percent in spite of all the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. FDI flows to the Philippines, bucking the trend, rose by 29 percent to $6.4 billion.” That is nice, of course, but the Philippines was coming off a low base and we still lag way behind our neighbors. But maybe there is a reason for that. “Why can’t we be like Singapore? We need a parliament, a new Constitution, and a Lee Kuan Yew.” Sure. Why not. Buy maybe Singapore’s FDI had its foundation on a government official gazing out the window at The Istana and seeing a continuous stream of

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the Philippines was “the lone economy in Southeast Asia to avoid a contraction in foreign direct investments last year, as FDI inflows to the country went up 29 percent in spite of all the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. FDI flows to the Philippines, bucking the trend, rose by 29 percent to $6.4 billion.” Indonesian tankers filled with crude oil going past Singapore harbor. In the 1970s and 1980s, Indonesia was a significant oil exporter. But they primarily exported crude oil to be refined in Japan and Europe. So, the Singapore Refining Co. Pte. Ltd. was founded in 1979 to establish a robust value-adding industry around refining, storage, and oil exports. Another thing that has helped with Singapore’s FDI over the decades is that all the goods that are exported to Asia from Europe has to pass by Singapore harbor and can easily/cheaply be transshipped by land or sea to the rest of Asia and the Western Pacific. Vietnam is a large manufacturing hub. This “apple” has mighty rivers, and electricity costs eight US cents

per kWh. Hydroelectric power accounts for 30 percent of the energy mix. In the Philippines, power cost is 20 cents per kWh. The Philippines has volcanoes, not rivers, and “cheap” geothermal electricity is about 12 percent of the mix. But, unlike with cheaper hydro development, it costs up to $8 million for each geothermal well, with no guarantee of success. If you want to compare ripe mango with green mango, note this: Thailand is the 12th largest global auto manufacturer. For 30 years, Thailand has imposed an 80 percent import tariff on cars and 60 percent on motorcycles. And for manufacturers, an eight-year tax holiday and 50 percent income tax reduction forever. In the Philippines, passenger car imports increased by 35 percent from 2014 to 2018, with imports exceeding domestic production. More apples to mangoes: “Mining and quarrying” is 7.6 percent of Indonesia’s FDI and accounts for 7.3 percent of GDP. For the Philippines, it is 0.00 percent FDI and 0.6 percent contribution to GDP. Mangoes are yellow. Apples are red. If you can’t tell the difference, your brain might be...oh...never mind. 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.

Vaccine is now a weapon in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia By Daryna Krasnolutska & Kateryna Choursina

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror

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PHL: Mango not apple

Bloomberg Opinion

urope’s effort to ramp up vaccinations to combat Covid-19 has opened the door to another opportunity for Russia on the front line of its confrontation with the West.

Ukraine is the biggest of only a handful of countries on the continent not to begin injecting its people. The problem is simple: there’s nothing to give the population of 42 million, since the supplies the government has secured either haven’t been cleared for use or haven’t arrived. Failure to resolve the issue risks geopolitical consequences, as well as increasing domestic pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. After coming to power in 2019 with a promise to clean up corruption and stand up to Russia, he has come under attack for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and his popularity has fallen to a record low. He said on Monday that Ukraine will get vaccines next month, though he didn’t say from where. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has already scored

a propaganda win by rolling out his state-backed Sputnik shot in the Crimean peninsula he annexed in 2014. Deliveries are also due in eastern regions of Ukraine where a Kremlin-backed conflict with security forces grinds on. That’s as Moscow ally Serbia has requested Sputnik shots and Hungary last week became the first European Union member to authorize doses. A Ukrainian pharmaceutical company backed by Viktor Medvedchuk, a pro-Russian opponent of Zelenskiy, asked for permission to produce Russia’s vaccine locally, something the government is unlikely to allow. The party led by Medvedchuk, a friend of Putin who traveled to Crimea to be vaccinated, is now the most popular, according to a poll published on Tuesday. The authorities in Ukraine “don’t have a clear picture of what vaccines

will be available and when,” said Evgeny Komarovsky, a prominent doctor and a former adviser to Zelenskiy. “There’s been so little attention paid to promoting vaccination and the program is so underfunded that I’m very pessimistic about the prospects for inoculation here.” Ukraine is due to get shipments via the Covax program that aims to deploy vaccines equitably to every corner of the planet, though Zelenskiy has complained he didn’t get help from the western countries. Zelenskiy said that vaccinations will start in February after getting 1 million doses from a “leading international company.” The president, who recovered from coronavirus last year, had sought assistance from London-based Crown Agents, which helps governments source supplies. The only shot purchased independently so far is the CoronaVac made by China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Tuesday that Ukraine expects a first batch within four weeks. The problem is that it hasn’t yet been registered for use. Only the Russian maker of the Sputnik vaccine

has made such an application in the country. The slow start means that most of Ukraine could follow the advent of vaccinations in Donetsk and Luhansk. About 145,000 Sputnik doses will be supplied to the administrations in the breakaway regions this month, according to Russian staterun newswire RIA. In the capital Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said he’s using “all my international contacts” as a former heavyweight boxing champion to purchase 1 million vaccine doses for city residents. A separate contract to buy vaccine from India was canceled after the health minister opted for a Chinese one and then caused an uproar by using a middleman. Indeed, Ukraine had sufficient cash available and was ready to purchase vaccines, according to Inna Ivanenko, the executive director of the Patients of Ukraine organization. “Other countries who started talks with producers almost at the same time as Ukraine did those already have portfolio of several vaccines and have already started vaccination,” she said.

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Domestic nickel processing, Mighty Word the Dutch disease and the sovereign wealth fund Msgr. Sabino A. Vengco Jr.

Alálaong Bagá

By Engr. Graciano M. Calanog, Jr.

he House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations approved on January 22, 2020 an unnumbered substitute bill seeking to establish a fiscal regime for the mining industry. The bill, which was approved by the HOR Committee on Ways and Means on November 19, 2020, requires, among others, a royalty payment of 3 percent of the total gross output and the establishment of a National Resource Trust Fund from an additional 2 percent levy on total gross output. The bill, however, overlooks a very important mining policy issue: the establishment of nickel processing plants such as ferronickel smelters, leaching plants, converters and refineries. In 2018, the Philippines produced 26 million metric tons of raw nickel ore and exported all of them to China. In contrast, Indonesia processed 27 million metric tons of raw nickel ore into ferronickel in 11 domestic smelters before exporting them to China. By 2022, Indonesia would have 29 nickel smelters processing 70 million metric tons of raw ore. Ferro-nickel is priced at 90 percent of the official price of the London Metal Exchange while raw nickel ore is generally priced at only 10 percent (or even lower, depending on the grade) of the official LME nickel price. Ferronickel, which enjoys a price advantage of nine times the price of raw nickel, is obviously the way forward for our country, not the export of raw nickel ore. If a law can be passed requiring the domestic processing of nickel and banning the export of nickel ore, the Philippines can be a developed country in 10 years or less. Nickel can do for the Philippines what petroleum did for the Oil Exporting Countries. In the third quarter of 2018, nickel prices jumped by 27.8 percent due to the ban on raw nickel exports by Indonesia. This simply means that a law banning the ex-

port of nickel ore from the Philippines would further trigger higher nickel prices. While the Philippines would be enjoying a comparative advantage in nickel processing, such an advantage can be wiped out by the so-called Dutch Disease, a problem common among natural resourcerich countries. Beginning in 1959 after the discovery of a large natural gas deposit, the Dutch economy experienced a massive inflow of foreign exchange that caused its currency to appreciate significantly, adversely affecting its export-oriented industries. Dutch exports became more expensive and imports became cheaper, causing its manufacturing and agricultural sectors to lag behind. Moreover, mining, while being capital-intensive, is not labor-intensive, leading to higher unemployment rates. Generally, the “Dutch Disease” can be handled adequately by managing the large foreign exchange inflows through large sovereign wealth funds such as those in Australia, Canada, Russia and Norway. I hope that the bill can include, side by side with the establishment of the National Resource Trust Fund (or sovereign wealth find), a provision banning the export of raw nickel ore and requiring the establishment of nickel smelters in the Philippines. In so doing, Congress would have legislated the industrialization of the Philippines in just one law.

Attempt to stifle critical thinking is an attempt to muzzle democracy By Jejomar C. Binay

y claiming that the country’s top universities are active recruiting grounds for the New People’s Army, Lieutenant General Parlade is not only red-tagging personalities. He is now red-tagging institutions. The military is mounting an assault on critical thinking. They want our universities to produce citizens who are pliant, obedient, and unquestioning. They forget that critical thinking leads to advances in science, medicine, arts, and society. Stifle it and you choke progress. By attempting to stifle critical thinking, they are also stifling democracy itself, since democracy draws its strength from critical thinking and the process of renewal that it proffers. In a democracy, the role of education goes beyond providing a steady work force for enterprises. It is imbued with the noble purpose of providing citizens the tools to think independently and critically, to see themselves as contributors to the regeneration of society. Without critical thinking, democracy and its institutions will atrophy. Incessant assaults, especially from forces from within, could lead to its demise, unless it is confronted and defeated. Like the PNP’s war on drugs, the military’s war with the Left makes no distinction between hardcore leftists and liberal-minded advocates, activists, supporters, and civilians. Merely sharing the same advocacies as so-called leftist groups makes one

Like the PNP’s war on drugs, the military’s war with the Left makes no distinction between hardcore leftists and liberalminded advocates, activists, supporters, and civilians. Merely sharing the same advocacies as so-called leftist groups makes one a communist in their eyes. A student or graduate of UP is automatically branded as a communist and, therefore, a legitimate target, an “enemy of the State.” It’s a take-no-prisoners mindset. And that should give us reason to worry about its long-term repercussions. a communist in their eyes. A student or graduate of UP is automatically branded as a communist and, therefore, a legitimate target, an “enemy of the State.” It’s a take-no-prisoners mindset. And that should give us reason to worry about its long-term repercussions. Parlade and other military and police officials claim they are only protecting the youth from the Left. But with so many documented cases of illegal arrest, torture, and even killing of youth and students, can they really say that they are protectors of the youth? Let me give a short answer: Kian de los Santos. Former Vice President Binay is a founding member and adviser of human rights lawyers’ group “Artikulo Tres.”

he story of the man with an unclean spirit coming into Jesus’ presence and being liberated from the evil possession at his mighty word (Mark 1:21-28) reflects the situation each believer should hope to undergo. It tells us too of the conviction we as a people need, that God’s Word is a necessary, potent factor in our collective conversion and renewal.

Word obeyed even by demons The reign and power of God is all present and palpable in the person of Jesus. His words and deeds exude with the mystery that humankind neck-deep in suffering and oppression is not abandoned by God but rather invited to a new communion. Amid so much hunger for meaning and hope, Jesus as the Word Incarnate heralds on Earth the good news of salvation. His words are not just authoritative as in rhetorically riveting or compelling, but effective in bringing about what is proclaimed. Those who hear and accept his words are changed in their lives; he called out earlier for conversion and faith, and his first disciples left all to follow him. The reign of God Jesus announced, he made happen. His com-

We need God’s mighty Word to shape us in the divine image. Authentic conversion is only in consequence of listening and living according to Jesus’ gospel. But the Word is spoken to us by human persons and in human words, and so much is at times lost in the transmission. bative action against the forces of evil backed up his absolute claims. He is the one endowed with power in the Spirit of God; even the devil recognized him as God’s Holy One, the mighty one superior to it and bringing it destruction. The rebuke by Jesus was a formal command that tolerated no disobedience; with his word Jesus exorcized the unclean

Thursday, January 28, 2021 A11

spirit from the man. He supplanted with the reign of his loving Father the long reign of terror by the devil. To the people, Jesus reveals God’s love and invites to faith; to evil spirits, he asserts divine power and drives them away. And it was in the very synagogue of the Jews that the public acclaimed his authoritative teaching and the devil recognized and obeyed him.

Present in his words

Jesus would remain with his followers until the end of time, not leaving them orphans. Truly, in the sacrament of his words he is ever present in our midst and continues to bring about the reign of God he is proclaiming. He is making absolute claims upon us today if we are to share in his salvation into eternal life. Nobody else has the authority he possesses; nobody else has the power he manifests. His gospel is like the two-edge sword that shapes us and transfigures us in conformity with him. Putting on the mind of Jesus, living according to his gospel values is essential to true discipleship for every baptized and the sign of real faith, as it is the fruit of his mighty word. It is here that we have to diagnose ourselves, celebrating already the 500th anniversary of the Christianization of our people, as being merely nominal Christians for a great part. We carry the name of Jesus Christ but contradict his teaching; we call

upon him but we do not listen to him. With the majority of Filipino Catholics even under normal conditions not regularly going to church on Sundays where the Word of God is proclaimed and celebrated, it is no wonder that so many of us find it difficult to think and speak and behave in accord with Jesus’ gospel. We do need exorcism from the forces of evil, even as we wallow in interminable corruption and abused by pernicious vested interests. Our huge moral deficit is evident even among the preachers of the Word who do not practice what they preach or who are pushing their own gospels. Alálaong bagá, we need God’s mighty Word to shape us in the divine image. Authentic conversion is only in consequence of listening and living according to Jesus’ gospel. But the Word is spoken to us by human persons and in human words, and so much is at times lost in the transmission. To satisfy our people’s hunger and need for the Word, we also must pray and work to have preachers of the Word who are themselves shaped by God’s Word, so that they can with credibility be instrumental in the ongoing transformation of our people in God’s love and righteousness. Join me in meditating on the Word of God

every Sunday, from 5 to 6 a.m. on DWIZ 882, or by audio streaming on www.dwiz882.com.

Charm, not Cha-cha: Can we trust Velasco’s Congress? Val A. Villanueva

Businesswise

eeping the wheels of commerce humming is a tall order amid a worldwide pandemic. Many businesses have been closing shops, unable to sustain growth and prevent their respected bottom lines from sinking in the red. In the Philippines, Nissan Motor ceased the assembly operations of its Almera brand in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The car company has been struggling to keep its business afloat with total car sales in the country plunging by 40 percent to only 223,973 vehicles last year. Although the assembly plant’s work force numbers only 133, its decision is hard to swallow at a time when the government is hard put at expanding the car industry base to generate more employment. Nissan’s move came on the heels of Honda Motor ending its manufacturing operations last year that sacrificed more than 600 jobs, and that of Isuzu Motors’ the year before. The iconic Makati-Shang of the Shangri-La Group reported that it is “temporarily” closing its Makati hotel’s doors, due to what it calls “continued movement restrictions” due to Covid-19. By and large, the pandemic, which has been wreaking havoc on the world economy, has redirected each country’s business tack in rebuilding its own respective industries, which are steeply sliding southward. The pandemic has drastically jammed a number of industries globally, disrupting supply chains and raising unemployment to record-high rates. Worse, the public health crisis has spiraled in many countries, most notably in the US, even with the implementation of extraordinary stimulus packages and the drop in interest rates to near zero. With the pandemic not showing signs of slowing down and health restrictions returning to choke-like mode with the emergence of new variants, the question is: are these countries willing to take risks in shipping their monies overseas? As it is, it appears that only China— with its abundant cash flow and its dream of world dominance—could be the only country with the money to move around the globe. Perhaps this question should be directed to lawmakers itching to tinker with the economic provision in the Constitution, which they claimed to be the world’s most restrictive. For

the past three decades, we saw numerous failed attempts to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution, mainly due to suspicions that lawmakers will use the move as an excuse to extend their respective terms. Now, doubts also persist that the attempt is meant to pave the investment road to more Chinese intrusion. Of course, lawmakers can always argue that their proposed charter change is meant to benefit the country in the long run—long after the world has curtailed the spread of the pandemic. Still, I cannot blame the public from mistrusting these politicians. A case in point: the Constitution explicitly prohibits the establishment of political dynasties in recognition of the fact that it breeds patronage politics and corruption. Through the years, no substantial steps have been undertaken to tackle the issue, precisely because of the inability or, if I dare say, refusal by Congress to effectively pass an enabling law to once and for all end political dynasties. To many, this just shows how politicians can go to great lengths to protect their vested interest. Also, this administration’s infatuation with anything Chinese is something that President Duterte himself is not shy about. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, committee chair on constitutional amendments, said on Monday that the Senate will start its inquiry into the recent move to modify the Constitution. “It must first resolve the basic question on whether the current pandemic is a good time to change the Charter, and would consult sectors most affected by the coronavirus pandemic,” Pangilinan explained. Dominated by Duterte allies, the House of Representatives under Speaker Lord Allan Velasco

would rather call the move “Charter Amendments” (“Charm,” for short) in its desire to distance it from the much-maligned “Charter change” (“Cha-cha”). Lawmakers supporting Charm are claiming that the categorical stipulation that only economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution—and nothing else— will be touched by Congress has the backing of the business sector. They say that it was simply a matter of Congress rising up to the challenge of a global pandemic, finding solutions to address business economic decline, and ultimately help ordinary Filipinos to recover and rise. As the mother measure for the deliberations, the House committee on constitutional amendments will use Resolution of Both Houses—No. 2 (RBH2), which Velasco filed in July 2019. Under RBH 2, Velasco called for the amendment of Articles 12, 14 and 16, the provisions that prevent foreign ownership of land and businesses in the country. He also sought the easing of restrictions on ownership and management of mass media, public utilities, educational institutions, investments, and capital for foreign investors. Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda reasoned: “The economic provisions in the charter were written at a time when land was the most critical of all economic inputs. That is no longer the case now. In fact, there is little value in a foreign corporation owning land in the Philippines [highly debatable, considering how China is gobbling up real-estate properties of countries deeply indebted to it] with our highly sophisticated office space market.” Framers of Charm cited a study done by the UP Research and Extension Services Foundation-Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (UPPAF-RESPOND), which predicts that 1.6 million jobs would be created if Charm pushes through. They say that if the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution are amended to open up the economy to foreign ownership, the country’s unemployment rate (currently at 8.7 percent) could potentially go down to 5.1 percent, a reduction of 40 percent. According to the preliminary study by UPPAF-RESPOND, “the new jobs will totally offset the annual job losses in domestic trade, finance, real estate and business services, and allow for significant job recovery rates in manufacturing [38 percent], construction [35

percent], other services including health and tourism [25 percent], and transport & storage [19 percent].” The study posits that Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) “will increase by $57 million for every one-unit point improvement in the Regulatory Restrictiveness Index [RRI] Equity Restriction score.” The RRI measures the FDI statutory restrictions of a country based on foreign equity limitations, screening or approval mechanisms, restrictions on the employment of foreigners as key personnel, and operational restrictions on branching, capital repatriation or land ownership, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. But as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. It is still too early to say how Charm will unfold. The public has grown used to seeing its welfare getting thrown under the bus by the very people they placed in power. With Velasco’s allies in Congress believing in their Speaker’s integrity, they assert that Charm would be the long-desired panacea to uplift the country from economic stagnation. At any rate, House committee on constitutional amendments panel chair Alfredo Garbin Jr. vouched for Velasco’s promise that the committee will only tackle “restrictive” economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. Amendments to political provisions will not be entertained as it does not have the support of the majority and that Charm would not automatically do away with what has been labelled as “restrictive economic provisions,” explaining that the House of Representatives would still need to “enact legislation, [one that is] more responsive to economic conditions and realities.” He said Congress will have leeway and flexibility to enact legislation that conform to the present economic conditions. “At least we won’t be tied anymore,” he added. Ultimately, it is us the people who would and should finally decide on the proposed amendments in a plebiscite that could be held simultaneously with the 2022 national elections. This is why, if we are to protect the Constitution and the rights of each Filipino, we must all remain watchful so that our government officials can be held accountable for their actions. Vigilance is the key to charting our own economic future. For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at mvala.v@gmail.com

A12 Thursday, January 28, 2021

Locsin files protest vs new China Coast Guard law

By Recto Mercene @rectomercene & Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday filed a diplomatic protest over China’s new law allowing its Coast Guard to fire on foreign vessels. “After reflection I fired a diplomatic protest. While enacting law is a sovereign prerogative, this one—given the area involved or for that matter the open South China Sea—is a verbal threat of war to any country that defies the law; which, if unchallenged, is submission to it,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. tweeted. Earlier, when a radio commentator made comments on the new Chinese law, Locsin had said: “It’s none of our business; it is China’s business what laws it passes; so please, a little self-restraint.” Meanwhile, in an apparent challenge to China’s new law, the United States Embassy in the Philippines

tweeted that the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group (TRCSG) entered the South China Sea (SCS) on January 23 to conduct routine operations. “After sailing through these waters throughtout my 30-year career, it’s great to be in the South China Sea again, conducting routine operations, promoting freedom of the seas and reassuring allies and partners,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9. The TRCSG is on a scheduled deployment to the US 7th Fleet to “ensure freedom of the seas, build partnership that foster maritime security and conduct a wide range

of operations.”

Senators weigh in

News of China’s new law allowing its Coast Guard to fire on foreign vessels prompted senators to push back against Beijing. Senator Risa Hontiveros, airing apprehensions over rising tension in the West Philippine Sea, prodded Malacañang to formally manifest the Philippine government’s concern over China’s controversial Coast Guard Law and denounce harrassment of Filipino fishermen in Pagasa Island. This, as video of a Filipino boat being harassed by Chinese Coast Guard elements very near Pag-asa Island has gone viral. Interviewed on radio, one fisherman said he had not ventured back to sea, fearing a worse fate should he run into the Chinese forces once more. Pag-asa is the largest island in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), a municipality of the Philippines’s Palawan province. “Malacañang should denounce China’s bullying immediately,” Hontiveros said Wednesday. She pointed out that the bullying incident happened shortly after the passage of China’s Coast Guard Law, prompting

the Filipino fisherfolk to air an appeal for the Duterte administration to deplore the harrassment. “This is the arrogance of a country that still considers itself the Middle Kingdom and an empire. This is an unacceptable encounter,” Hontiveros said. The Department of National Defense (DND), she said, should immediately come up with “a strategy for if and when the Chinese Coast Guard uses force in our contested waters.” Warning that the brewing tension in the West Philippine Sea could escalate, Hontiveros cautioned that “the next thing we know, Chinese Coast Guard might not only block, but also shoot at our own boats,” she added. She aired an appeal for Asean countries to “reach a consensus and take multilateral action to stop China’s incessant adventurism,” noting that ‘the Chinese game plan is to isolate and divide the countries around it so it can deal with them individually through bilateral talks, maximizing its relative advantage in resources and power against any one of its neighbors.”

PHL HEALTH CARE CITED AS ‘HIGHLY NEGATIVE RISK’ FOR FISCAL LOAD By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

HE Philippine health-care system has been identified as a “highly negative” risk for the country, and could potentially create pressure on the government’s fiscal burden, an international credit watcher said. In a recent research note on the Asia Pacific, Moody’s Investors Service said the country’s health-care system is a highly negative risk for the Philippines’s long-term economic outlook, along with climate change. The research note looked at the potential effects of several identified Covid-19 gaps on the long-term economic performances of Asia Pacific countries. India, Pakistan and the Philippines are the only three countries whose health-care systems are flagged as potential risks to their respective economies in the long run. “Health and safety have been identified as a source of ‘Highly Negative’ risk for India and the Philippines.... However, govern-

ment payers facing budgetary pressures may seek to constrain health-care spending. Governments’ fiscal burdens could increase alongside more demands for effective public health systems and social safety nets,” Moody’s said. The credit watcher added that the pandemic highlighted the existing gaps in health infrastructure among countries; and countries will be pressured to put emphasis on spending to support health care in the coming years. Other aspects that were reviewed among Asia-Pacific countries include governance quality, negative impact of social chain relocation and social inequality —all of which were pegged as “moderate risks” for the Philippine economy in the long run. Earlier this month, Fitch Solutions, the research arm of the Fitch Group, said that the Philippines’s funding allocation to health care may not be enough, especially as the country will remain vulnerable to potential outbreaks without a vaccination program in place. See “Health care,” A2

See “Locsin,” A2

It’s the ‘worst time’ for Charter change, senators warned

INKERING with the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution might open the floodgates to a potential source of illicit income where legislation is bargained for business interests, one of the drafters of the Charter warned the Senate on Wednesday. Former 1986 Constitutional Commission member Christian Monsod zeroed in on a proposed Resolution of Both Houses that proposes to add a phrase in the economic provision to state “unless otherwise provided by law,” in order to give Congress the flexibility to amend what are deemed restrictive provisions holding back the Philippines from attaining full development. He warned this is dangerous and deceptive as it would mean Congress would have the power to take down or reduce constitutional limitations on foreign ownership of real property, natural resources, public utility, media, advertising and educational institutions. In such a situation, Monsod said foreigners engaged in land development and mining can go to lawmakers, who could demand a consideration in exchange for legislation allowing foreigners wider access in doing business in the country. The proposed RBH 2 was was also criticized for failing to identify specific provisions in the Constitution sought to be amended. If proponents are looking to snare more foreign direct investment (FDI) as a magic bullet to prosperity, Monsod said “this is the worst time” for the proposed Resolution of Both Houses, as it’s only the Chinese who will gobble up Philippine assets, especially natural resources, that might be laid open in the rush to topple down constitutional limits. Those interested to pour in FDI will consist “only of the Chinese” because “most Western countries” are still reeling from the

pandemic while “China is already recovering.” RBH No. 2, Monsod said, is “not the answer to anything” and, like previous attempts to amend the Constitution, will very likely be meant for “self-serving ends.” For his part, a member of another constitutional commission—the 2018 Puno-led body designated to review the Charter with a view to pushing for a shift to federalism—wondered aloud how lawmakers could suddenly get the inspiration to trifle with the Charter now, when they did not feel that urgency two years ago. “If legislators were not comfortable with a draft that took six months” for the Con-Com to craft, “shouldn’t we be worried about burdening” already overworked legislators who now wish to take it upon themselves to do that task? asked Fr. Ranhilio Aquino. Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon noted that, if liberalization were seen as key to progress, then the more urgent task is to finally enact pending legislation: the amendments to the Public Service Act and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and the Foreign Investments Act now in bicameral conference level. “These are enough to liberalize our investment climate,” said Drilon, referring to the three measures.

Open up, be rich

At the House of Representatives, a proponent of economic Charter change said no country has become rich without opening up its economy to foreign investors. Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, in a news conference, said China, a former communist country, went from being a closed economy to an open economy in the last 30 years while Vietnam showed that an increase in its foreign investments over time positively influenced the growth of their economy. Continued on A2

The modern city hall of Biñan, with the silhouette of Dr. Jose Rizal in the foreground and a koi pond, is seen on Wednesday (January 27). The fast pace of progress in one of Laguna’s best economies may be traced to their business- friendly and one-stop-shop approach offered to big and small businesses and MSMEs. BERNARD TESTA

House probes all angles behind pork supply, price rise

HE cochairman of the House Economic Recovery Cluster on Wednesday filed a resolution directing the House Committee on Agriculture to conduct an inquiry on the causes of the rising prices of pork in the market. Marikina Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said she filed a resolution to evaluate the effectiveness of the current measures taken by the Department of Agriculture and other pertinent agencies to resolve the crisis hounding hog-raising and trading of pork, and identify appropriate solutions to improve the state of the industry. Citing Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar, Quimbo said the country is experiencing a calamity due to soaring pork prices, brought about by the ongoing cases of African swine fever (ASF), successive typhoons that hit the country, as well as potential price manipulation among traders and resellers. In December 2020, the lawmaker said the year-on-year inflation rate for meat rose to 9.95 percent from 8.15 percent in November 2020, and by January 2021, it was re-

ported that retail pork prices have increased by as much as 55 percent from the same time last year, where the price for a kilogram of pork has reached as much as P400. But she said under Republic Act 7581 or the “Price Act,” the President is granted the authority to impose a price ceiling on any basic necessity or prime commodity due to instances of calamity, emergency, price manipulation, among others, where fresh pork is included in the definition of basic necessities.

Price freeze

In November 2020, following the several typhoons that made landfall in the country, a price freeze on basic agricultural and fishery products was imposed by the government in order “to ensure availability of basic commodities at reasonable prices, particularly in areas severely affected by the recent typhoons.” The 60-day price freeze that commenced in November 2020 expired in January 2021 but was reportedly unable to keep prices of meat and vegetables from increasing. Quimbo said the DA is propos-

ing another round of price freezes to “arrest the spike in the prices of pork and poultry products” and has already submitted to the President the recommended price ceilings for the affected products. “Imposing price ceilings on pork products in the midst of a shortage will only further disincentivize suppliers that are already struggling from the challenges imposed by recent calamities,” she added. According to Quimbo, the more effective solution to facilitate fair prices to suppliers and consumers is to aggressively control the outbreak of ASF among farm animals and to encourage investments in the industry in order to improve pork supply in the long term. “Pork suppliers have urged for improved enforcement against the smuggling of pork, particularly as smuggled pork has been found to be infected with ASF and continued smuggling poses the continued risk of exposure for domestic supply,” she said. She said reduced tariffs benefit downstream firms and consumers but may adversely impact local hog

raisers if they are unable to face tougher competition from imported meat; hence, additional government support may be necessary to assist hog raisers in avoiding ASF and in improving their productivity levels. “Skyrocketing prices in the industry may also be caused by anticompetitive conduct such as collusion among traders which could keep wholesale and retail pork prices high while keeping hog farmgate prices low,” she added. Quimbo said the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has jurisdiction over such anticompetitive practices, under Republic Act 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act, which directs the PCC to investigate and penalize alleged anti-competitive agreements or conduct. Last January 5, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that inflation continues to increase, from 3.3 percent in November 2020 to 3.5 percent in December 2020. Food was the main contributor to inflation in December. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Cavite govt cancels award for $10-B Sangley project By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

acroAsia Corp. and partner China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC) failed to secure the approval of the local government of Cavite for the $10-billion development of the Sangley Airport. In a filing to the stock exchange the listed Filipino company that is controlled by billionaire Lucio Tan MacroAsia said it has received a letter from the Cavite government notifying the group that the Notice of Selection and Award for the Sangley project has been cancelled. Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said this decision came, as the proponent submitted incomplete requirements for the project. “Due to the various deficiencies of the submission of requirements to conclude the Joint Venture Agreement for the Sangley Point International Airport, the Cavite Provincial Government Special

Selection Committee has recommended the non-approval of the redevelopment of the former airbase as presented by the applying parties,” he said. Remulla approved the recommendation on Tuesday. The partners reportedly failed to subm it t he requ i rement s sought by the committee and even asked for extensions three times, citing travel restrictions due to the pandemic. “While it does cancel the negotiations, the project will restart and hopefully have a successful negotiation with any qualified partner by October 2021,” he said.

Photo by Nonie Reyes

“I still believe that a new international airport is important for the country in the long run and it must be stressed that cancellation is not in prejudice of anyone applying again.” The Chinese-Filipino joint venture sought to develop Sangley as an air hub that can handle as much as 130 million per year. It was supposed to be developed in a 1,500-hectare reclaimed land on Manila Bay. The

project also involved the construction of an expressway connection to hasten travel to and from the future airport. The joint venture drew heavy scrutiny owing to CCCC’s profile. Critics noted it was on the list of Chinese companies that the United States had blacklisted for having been commercially involved in projects that entailed incursions in the South China Sea.

New trains for LRT-1 arrive in PHL T

he first batch of the 120 light rail vehicles (LRVs) for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 has arrived and may soon be deployed once tested and commissioned. During the arrival ceremonies for the first 4 LRVs for the oldest overhead railway system in Southeast Asia, government and private sector officials underscored the importance of the expansion project, expressing their elation for this development that took 19 years in the making. “Nineteen years ago, this project was started. So, under the Duterte administration, we pushed and pushed hard. That is why today, we see the steps of the whole realization of this project—partial operability within this year, by accepting the trains and the cars,” Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said. Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John R. Batan said the procurement for additional LRT 1 train cars was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Investment Coordination Council in August 2000. But due to implementation challenges, the financing was only secured 13 years later. In 2017, with the help of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), the contract was finally awarded to the consortium of Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) and CMX. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said the arrival the new light rail vehicles “signals a major uplift to its operations.” “This fourth generation train set manufactured by CAF, Spain’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, is powered by select Japanese products and technology. Previously, I served as an Ambassador to Spain, and I feel particularly upbeat about this Japan-Philippines-Spain trilateral cooperation. Our project contractor, Mitsubishi Corp., is working

double time for the rehabilitation of LRT 1, and CAF’s rolling stock will surely be a vital component,” Koshikawa said. The rest of the train sets will arrive in batches from now through the second quarter of 2022. In total, 30 train sets—equivalent to 120 LRVs—will help boost the existing capacity of LRT 1, decreasing the headway of the existing line from 4.24 minutes to 2.75 minutes. The new trains will also be used for the extension of the train line to Cavite. Currently, Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) is halfway through the project, according to LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso. “LRMC is honored to be working closely with the Department of Transportation [DOTr] and Light Rail Transit Authority [LRTA] in planning and preparing for this much-awaited milestone for LRT-1. Today is an excellent showcase of how a strong partnership between the public and private sectors can benefit our Filipino commuters,” said Alfonso. “Since the start of the civil works in September 2019, our percentage completion rate has already reached 50 percent. To date, we have started bored piling works at the Redemptorist and City of Dreams areas. We have completed 100 percent of Dr. Santos station foundation, 80 percent of MIA Station foundation, 50 percent of bored piling works, 30 percent of Pier column installation. Bored piling works are ongoing along Parañaque River. We have casted 28 percent of the pi-girders and launched 10.34 percent of the pi-girders.” Targeted for completion in about four years after the delivery of easement, the 11.7-kilometer Cavite extension will connect into the existing system immediately south of the Baclaran Station and run in a generally southerly direction to Niyog, Cavite. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Unilab, Faberco seal agreement for private sector workers’ access to Covid-19 vaccine

nilab Inc. (Unilab), the leading health care company in the country, and Faberco Life Sciences Inc. (Faberco) signed an agreement to make Covovax vaccine developed by Novavax and manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII) available to workers and employees of the private sector, subject to approval by the National Task Force Against Covid-19, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Emergency Use Application (EUA) evaluation by the Philippine Vaccine Expert Panel and the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Novavax is a company based in Maryland, USA and one of the companies supported by the US government under Operation Warp Speed. SII is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. Under the agreement, Faberco, which is the distributor of Covovax™ vaccines in the Philippines, appointed Unilab as its authorized partner for the private sector. “Unilab and Faberco share the same vision and advocacy in terms of providing access to as many Filipinos at the soonest possible time. We are prepared to help the Philippine govern-

ment in protecting the people by enabling more access to Covid-19 vaccines through the private sector,” says Kishore Hemlani, founder of Faberco. According to Atty. Jose Maria A. Ochave, Senior Vice President for Social Partnerships of Unilab, “This initiative is not for a business purpose but to help the country secure more vaccine allocations. The vaccines will be made available to the private sector, especially hospitals and essential industries, with the condition that they be made available at no cost to their employees, and, depending on the company’s financial capability, also to their employees’ families and their selected communities. Further, the distribution and administration of the vaccine will be strictly subject to the guidelines set forth by the Department of Health, including those pertaining to pharmacovigilance.” Faberco is the partner of SII in the Philippines. SII signed a term sheet with the Philippine government to secure 30 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines.

Ayala Corp. names chief of investment committee By VG Cabuag @villygc

yala Corp. has appointed Eric Francia to lead its investment committee, a powerful body inside the conglomerate that will review and make recommendations on its portfolio strategy. The said move is part of a series of top-level management movements in the company as Fernando Zobel de Ayala takes over the CEO position in April, replacing his brother Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, who will focus on his role as chairman. Francia is known to have led the development of the company’s energy business over the past 10 years starting from scratch to now one of Ayala’s core businesses and also one of the fastest growing renewable energy platforms in the region. “Eric’s successful experience in business building, realizing value and reinvesting for growth will be valuable for his role. He will continue to lead our energy business as its CEO,” according to an internal memorandum signed by brothers Jaime Augusto and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, which was obtained by BusinessMirror. The said investment committee will be the technical working group of Ayala’s management committee. It will work with respective chief executives of each Ayala units and also with the finance and strategy and development groups of the conglomerate. Among others, Francia will recommend portfolio management agenda to Ayala’s chief executive and the company’s management committee on developing and optimizing the company’s investment portfolio; recommend in-

vestment and divestment decisions; and evaluate portfolio performance and ensure an effective feedback mechanism. Francia’s committee will work handin-hand with the company’s strategy and development group, which is responsible for developing its “view of the future” by identifying trends and to seek shifts in industries that Ayala should act on and lead the development of a longterm strategy. It will also coordinate with the finance group, responsible for managing the company’s balance sheet and cashflow and provide the capital funds that allow the company to make investments, manage its financial risks and provide advice and execution capability. Cezar P. Consing, the current CEO of BPI, who also joined the company’s board in December, will join the finance committee. Consing will step down from his current post also in April and will be replaced by Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco, current CFO of Ayala. Jaime Augusto will relinquish his CEO post to brother Fernando, who will take care of the day-to-day activities of the firm. Limcaoco, meanwhile, will be replaced by Albert de Larrazabal, who is currently the chief commercial officer at Globe Telecom Inc. “We have been in an expansionary mode for much of the past decade and we believe that we made sound decisions to take advantage of these growth opportunities,” the internal memo read. “However, we believe that it is an opportune time to take stock of these investments and sharpen our portfolio given the fundamental shifts in the economic and social landscape post the Covid-19 pandemic,” it added.

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, January 28, 2021

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

January 27, 2021

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND IREMIT MEDCO HLDG NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH VANTAGE

43.6 104.5 82.9 24.15 9.85 45.65 10.92 27.5 54.1 98.6 17.2 128.1 71 0.92 3.86 3.4 6.99 1.45 0.39 0.72 151.2 1.05

44 104.7 83.15 24.3 9.87 45.75 11.16 27.55 55.8 114 17.5 128.5 71.5 0.97 3.88 3.44 7.39 1.53 0.395 0.74 152.5 1.09

43.6 107 82.4 24.5 10 46.5 11.44 27.35 55 98.6 17.7 130.5 71.5 0.92 3.88 3.5 6.99 1.41 0.395 0.75 152 1.05

43.7 107 83.2 24.6 10.02 46.5 11.44 27.55 56.25 98.6 17.7 130.5 71.6 0.92 3.9 3.5 6.99 1.54 0.395 0.75 152 1.05

43.6 103.6 80.7 24.15 9.7 45 11.42 27.2 54.1 98.6 17 127.5 70 0.9 3.81 3.39 6.99 1.41 0.365 0.69 151.5 1.05

43.7 104.5 83.15 24.15 9.85 45.65 11.42 27.5 55.8 98.6 17.5 128.1 71.5 0.92 3.88 3.44 6.99 1.53 0.39 0.74 151.6 1.05

3,800 2,980,120 3,258,550 41,100 755,300 5,029,600 1,100 245,000 8,410 20 21,500 664,390 19,500 136,000 339,000 310,000 100 25,000 960,000 185,000 1,960 316,000

165,890 312,956,720 270,107,074 1,005,105 7,404,869 230,137,690 12,582 6,713,365 462,823 1,972 373,254 85,524,168 1,388,010 123,950 1,310,840 1,070,330 699 37,010 358,300 133,130 297,600 331,800

-118,537,681 95,929,670 -637,840 -3,788,089 -123,273,440 -2,859,075 -58,396 -9,469,200 -35,500 -155,280 34,600 -39,250 -119,782 319,200

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 6.56 6.63 6.4 6.63 6.05 6.63 27,404,400 175,935,450 1.31 1.32 1.26 1.32 1.26 1.31 4,325,000 5,556,280 ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER 25.75 25.85 25.95 26.35 25.75 25.75 1,411,800 36,660,720 BASIC ENERGY 1.11 - 0.69 1.11 0.69 1.11 871,817,000 836,788,170 30.2 30.4 29.8 30.8 28 30.4 1,023,200 30,578,245 FIRST GEN 75.65 75.7 76 76 75.4 75.7 55,260 4,170,760 FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO 280 281 281.6 282 280 280 267,800 75,113,706 MANILA WATER 15 15.08 14.9 15.2 14.86 15 1,875,000 28,110,128 3.55 3.56 3.59 3.59 3.5 3.56 849,000 2,989,360 PETRON 3.7 3.95 3.65 4 3.65 3.95 130,000 478,850 PETROENERGY PHX PETROLEUM 11.5 11.6 11.5 11.6 11.5 11.56 48,300 558,250 PILIPINAS SHELL 20.45 20.5 20.65 20.65 20.05 20.5 355,800 7,199,210 9.86 9.96 9.98 9.98 9.82 9.96 176,400 1,745,918 SPC POWER VIVANT 13.52 14.38 13.52 13.52 13.52 13.52 300 4,056 7.5 7.56 7.35 7.7 7.35 7.56 716,500 5,486,406 AGRINURTURE 2.92 3 2.99 3 2.8 3 788,000 2,277,070 AXELUM 71.25 80 71.2 71.25 71.15 71.25 170 12,104.50 BOGO MEDELLIN CNTRL AZUCARERA 13.42 13.5 13.82 13.82 13.5 13.5 7,900 108,182 17.2 17.3 17.2 17.36 17.16 17.2 1,535,100 26,402,824 CENTURY FOOD 8.2 8.28 8.5 8.5 7.66 8.2 344,700 2,771,843 DEL MONTE 6.88 6.89 7.02 7.07 6.85 6.88 2,412,800 16,612,025 DNL INDUS EMPERADOR 9.93 9.97 9.98 9.98 9.86 9.97 535,700 5,317,881 SMC FOODANDBEV 67.9 67.95 67.95 68 66.5 67.9 266,090 18,054,574 0.62 0.65 0.63 0.63 0.62 0.62 774,000 480,600 ALLIANCE SELECT 1.45 1.46 1.5 1.5 1.43 1.46 20,474,000 29,948,260 FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA 59.5 59.6 57.9 60.2 57.8 59.6 368,130 21,861,119 177.5 178 179.5 179.8 175.6 177.5 781,780 138,972,822 JOLLIBEE 33.2 34 35 35 30.1 34 6,900 233,395 LIBERTY FLOUR MAXS GROUP 6.22 6.25 6.3 6.3 6.2 6.25 250,300 1,560,723 MG HLDG 0.345 0.35 0.29 0.365 0.29 0.35 51,230,000 17,382,650 7.01 7.04 7.16 7.16 6.98 7.01 4,265,300 29,860,329 SHAKEYS PIZZA 1.13 1.14 1.11 1.15 1.07 1.13 6,352,000 7,065,800 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 4.69 4.75 4.78 4.78 4.67 4.68 32,000 150,640 ROXAS HLDG 1.63 1.74 1.66 1.79 1.62 1.63 74,000 122,150 0.124 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.124 0.124 970,000 123,560 SWIFT FOODS 142.9 143 146.5 146.5 143 143 1,396,220 200,429,165 UNIV ROBINA VITARICH 0.89 0.9 0.91 0.91 0.85 0.89 8,084,000 7,108,330 VICTORIAS 2.2 2.29 2.22 2.3 2.22 2.3 8,000 18,160 52.45 53 52.35 52.35 52.35 52.35 180 9,423 CONCRETE A CONCRETE B 55.1 56.2 55.45 55.45 55.3 55.3 1,100 60,920 1.35 1.36 1.32 1.37 1.3 1.35 3,695,000 4,916,290 CEMEX HLDG 6.05 6.09 5.75 6.18 5.5 6.09 247,500 1,452,082 DAVINCI CAPITAL 13.56 14 13.64 14 13.5 14 17,900 244,222 EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP 7.3 7.32 7.34 7.34 7.23 7.32 874,200 6,388,893 HOLCIM 6.06 6.1 6.19 6.19 5.86 6.1 1,030,100 6,181,732 7.25 7.26 7.48 7.48 7.1 7.25 2,238,400 16,193,037 MEGAWIDE 9.7 9.8 9.7 9.8 9.6 9.8 31,500 303,708 PHINMA TKC METALS 1.13 1.15 1.05 1.16 1.01 1.15 1,860,000 2,060,570 VULCAN INDL 1.64 1.67 1.51 1.7 1.51 1.64 5,672,000 9,205,290 1.78 1.83 1.79 1.83 1.78 1.83 44,000 78,780 CROWN ASIA EUROMED 2.16 2.21 2.15 2.2 2.14 2.2 309,000 666,270 4.55 4.95 4.55 4.55 4.55 4.55 6,000 27,300 LMG CORP 5.18 5.29 5.17 5.37 5.17 5.18 61,100 320,821 PRYCE CORP 20.6 20.75 21.4 21.4 20 20.6 12,300 255,260 CONCEPCION GREENERGY 3 3.01 3.14 3.14 2.9 3.01 15,671,000 47,759,060 INTEGRATED MICR 12.68 12.7 11.8 12.68 11 12.68 9,916,800 121,197,588 1.26 1.29 1.19 1.38 1.09 1.29 4,589,000 5,731,920 IONICS 5.6 6.2 6 6.2 5.55 6.2 4,600 25,940 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 1.68 1.69 1.42 1.82 1.33 1.68 31,901,000 52,644,000 CIRTEK HLDG 7 7.05 6.65 7.28 6.3 7 15,054,300 103,906,638

52,676,379 -12,173,200 8,171,060 5,562,800 1,201,658.50 -53,179,594 6,979,286 644,530 -293,628 3,778,450.00 -10,835 55,976 -134,350 -13,143,056 -2,253,116 -4,975 -581,613.50 710,310 7,601,265 -31,768,252 -32,827 2,032,700.00 -28,362,703 -317,760 -14,110 -123,973,728 54,270 -1,989,440 -178,412 528,680 -175,431 -6,500.00 -242,260 -73,505 173,020 42,884,468 -1,266,810 -323,943

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 0.97 0.98 0.76 0.99 0.75 0.98 84,092,000 74,745,560 8.06 8.42 8.09 8.45 8.03 8.06 166,100 1,355,961 ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP 774.5 778 794 795 771 774.5 335,900 262,170,190 ABOITIZ EQUITY 43 43.25 43.8 43.8 42.35 43 1,383,200 59,390,835 9.6 9.71 9.53 9.71 9.14 9.71 4,155,900 39,311,926 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 2.75 2.78 2.7 2.9 2.55 2.75 2,695,000 7,326,940 AYALA LAND LOG ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.78 0.79 0.75 0.79 0.69 0.79 3,550,000 2,626,120 0.86 0.87 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.87 15,654,000 13,436,230 ATN HLDG A 0.83 0.89 0.81 0.89 0.81 0.88 464,000 408,350 ATN HLDG B 5.14 5.15 5.25 5.26 4.98 5.14 2,588,000 13,258,217 COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG 5.2 5.29 5.1 5.29 4.97 5.29 9,243,700 47,202,541 FILINVEST DEV 8.58 8.6 8.8 8.8 8.55 8.58 60,200 520,368 0.226 0.243 0.224 0.244 0.224 0.243 180,000 41,030 FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL 514.5 521.5 525 528 512 514.5 280,670 145,970,375 HOUSE OF INV 3.42 3.88 3.88 3.88 3.88 3.88 1,000 3,880 66.7 66.9 70.4 70.4 66.7 66.7 2,098,300 141,583,622.50 JG SUMMIT 0.92 0.94 0.92 0.98 0.89 0.94 4,904,000 4,482,840 LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG 3.72 3.73 3.73 3.73 3.71 3.73 2,139,000 7,964,500 LT GROUP 13.26 13.4 13.1 13.4 12.98 13.4 2,533,900 33,451,276 0.51 0.53 0.53 0.54 0.5 0.53 512,000 260,340 MABUHAY HLDG 4.2 4.21 4.16 4.2 4.06 4.2 26,036,000 107,504,150 METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG 4.2 4.59 4 4.7 3.85 4.6 156,000 645,140 0.82 0.86 0.83 0.86 0.83 0.86 7,000 5,870 PRIME MEDIA 2.78 2.95 2.78 2.78 2.78 2.78 5,000 13,900 REPUBLIC GLASS 1.18 1.25 1.21 1.25 1.16 1.25 927,000 1,106,890 SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID 310 325 310 313 310 310 630 196,330 1,020 1,029 1,020 1,029 996 1,029 405,275 408,988,895 SM INVESTMENTS 125 125.2 127 127 125 125 298,170 37,326,356 SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES 0.82 0.83 0.76 0.83 0.72 0.83 294,000 216,170 TOP FRONTIER 136.6 139.3 135.1 135.5 135.1 135.5 400 54,168 0.222 0.223 0.222 0.223 0.222 0.222 310,000 68,920 WELLEX INDUS 0.21 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.206 0.22 1,300,000 280,220 ZEUS HLDG

2,770,500 -112,333,785 -46,019,675 -3,199,255.00 -13,310 -17,600 1,126,704 -3,493,737.00 -184,337 -4,500 -72,559,030 -94,148,494 -9,300 -4,230,930 4,172,300 -28,636,590 0 -98,846,257.50 -11,460,544 -13,140 -4,460 -

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP ANCHOR LAND AYALA LAND ARANETA PROP AREIT RT BELLE CORP A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CEBU HLDG CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG PHIL INFRADEV CITY AND LAND MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG VISTAMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

0.65 7.5 38.75 1.36 31.45 1.61 0.89 0.78 0.145 5.64 5 0.41 0.34 14.3 6.94 0.295 0.086 1.11 0.86 7.43 1.33 0.68 3.76 0.53 0.4 1.27 18.98 0.305 1.52 2.58 2.15 36.8 4 1.7 4.31

0.68 8.18 38.8 1.4 31.5 1.62 0.9 0.8 0.149 5.89 5.02 0.415 0.345 14.38 6.95 0.305 0.09 1.12 0.87 7.79 1.36 0.7 3.77 0.54 0.42 1.3 19.04 0.315 1.53 2.64 2.16 37.3 4.14 1.71 4.43

0.66 7.62 39.6 1.35 31.65 1.62 0.86 0.8 0.157 5.61 5 0.42 0.325 14.2 7.05 0.3 0.09 1.11 0.86 7.6 1.31 0.68 3.77 0.425 0.39 1.34 19.7 0.305 1.54 2.6 2.2 37.65 4.01 1.59 4.3

0.68 7.62 39.8 1.36 31.85 1.63 0.9 0.8 0.158 5.71 5.02 0.42 0.34 14.46 7.05 0.305 0.09 1.12 0.87 7.6 1.36 0.7 3.78 0.54 0.4 1.38 19.86 0.31 1.54 2.63 2.2 37.65 4.15 1.72 4.45

0.65 7.5 38.8 1.33 31.35 1.6 0.83 0.78 0.141 5.61 4.84 0.405 0.325 13.98 6.9 0.28 0.085 1.1 0.86 7.43 1.22 0.68 3.67 0.41 0.39 1.25 18.5 0.305 1.5 2.57 2.07 36.8 3.92 1.53 4.2

0.68 7.5 38.8 1.36 31.5 1.62 0.89 0.8 0.149 5.71 5.02 0.41 0.34 14.38 6.95 0.305 0.09 1.12 0.86 7.43 1.33 0.7 3.76 0.53 0.4 1.27 18.98 0.31 1.53 2.63 2.16 36.8 4.14 1.7 4.43

1,418,000 4,000 8,092,700 74,000 3,494,500 470,000 4,282,000 12,000 3,010,000 51,200 866,500 19,960,000 950,000 1,120,500 70,900 2,870,000 500,000 7,701,000 380,000 91,800 5,496,000 68,000 20,081,000 396,740,000 100,000 658,000 7,171,500 380,000 90,000 11,000 331,000 12,686,900 75,000 2,938,000 2,488,000

945,430 30,449 316,291,165 99,160 110,254,500 757,650 3,700,980 9,540 442,200 288,124 4,284,523 8,155,500 312,800 15,813,534 491,865 842,850 44,640 8,554,770 327,120 691,255 7,033,230 46,630 75,335,580 194,715,750 39,600 855,230 136,472,126 116,500 136,680 28,480 696,460 469,220,180 297,780 4,790,910 10,713,230

-95,888,100 -73,887,255 8,050 26,530 -182,904 218,700 -302,872 -42,415 114,650 999,160 -944,450 -31,843,300 18,536,300 -8,000 -40,022,076 50,170 -270,074,200 189,400 2,238,340

SERVICES ABS CBN 13.28 13.3 13.4 13.4 13.28 13.3 180,700 2,405,164 5.92 5.93 5.93 5.93 5.89 5.92 244,800 1,447,884 GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN 0.455 0.465 0.45 0.48 0.445 0.465 680,000 312,100 2,002 2,004 2,018 2,020 1,998 2,004 72,845 146,159,360 GLOBE TELECOM 1,401 1,405 1,399 1,420 1,356 1,405 120,020 168,570,940 PLDT 0.248 0.249 0.17 0.249 0.169 0.248 7,010,080,000 1,514,440,590 APOLLO GLOBAL CONVERGE 15.5 15.52 15.5 15.72 15.2 15.5 1,553,400 24,021,698 DFNN INC 5.05 5.08 5.12 5.16 4.89 5.08 2,480,900 12,394,698 11.76 11.78 11.02 11.92 10.76 11.76 29,790,200 340,322,298 DITO CME HLDG 1.71 1.91 1.67 1.92 1.67 1.92 6,000 10,710 IMPERIAL ISLAND INFO 0.133 0.14 0.12 0.14 0.12 0.135 24,830,000 3,277,150 JACKSTONES 1.86 1.89 1.9 1.9 1.89 1.89 36,000 68,110 3.25 3.27 3.15 3.31 2.95 3.25 7,568,000 23,747,350 NOW CORP TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.335 0.34 0.295 0.34 0.295 0.335 32,960,000 10,694,550 PHILWEB 2.62 2.65 2.72 2.74 2.6 2.65 1,034,000 2,734,650 8.5 8.7 8.45 8.8 8.45 8.7 98,700 852,387 2GO GROUP 4.49 4.5 4.4 4.56 4.1 4.49 2,341,000 10,270,820 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 47.05 47.15 49.05 49.05 45.75 47.05 960,730 45,265,118.50 INTL CONTAINER 123.8 124 126.4 127 123.2 124 1,237,000 153,805,457 16.22 16.3 16.22 16.38 16 16.22 9,400 152,516 LBC EXPRESS 0.96 1.05 0.96 1.05 0.96 1.05 672,000 646,020 LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA 5.52 5.55 5.05 5.85 4.48 5.55 8,112,800 41,657,627 METROALLIANCE A 2.22 2.24 2.05 2.29 2.01 2.22 1,244,000 2,678,020 1.84 2.5 2.37 2.5 2.37 2.5 13,000 31,070 METROALLIANCE B 6.48 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.44 6.6 17,300 112,140 PAL HLDG HARBOR STAR 1.36 1.37 1.3 1.37 1.2 1.36 4,030,000 5,162,180 0.038 0.039 0.036 0.041 0.036 0.039 117,600,000 4,536,600 BOULEVARD HLDG 3.3 3.4 3.3 3.4 3.3 3.4 111,000 372,060 DISCOVERY WORLD WATERFRONT 0.52 0.53 0.48 0.53 0.455 0.52 11,159,000 5,641,540 CENTRO ESCOLAR 6.5 7.46 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 2,500 16,250 8.06 8.59 8.59 8.59 8.06 8.06 10,300 86,613 IPEOPLE 0.41 0.415 0.41 0.42 0.41 0.41 8,280,000 3,434,450 STI HLDG BERJAYA 4.21 4.37 3.71 4.3 3.7 4.2 122,000 473,150 7.47 7.55 7.48 7.63 7.15 7.55 4,443,100 33,164,336 BLOOMBERRY 2.01 2.09 2.03 2.03 2 2.02 94,000 188,960 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.71 1.79 1.7 1.79 1.7 1.79 322,000 549,820 LEISURE AND RES MANILA JOCKEY 2.1 2.2 2.15 2.15 2.1 2.1 60,000 127,500 2.69 2.7 2.7 2.74 2.34 2.69 22,951,000 59,492,690 PH RESORTS GRP 0.45 0.455 0.435 0.455 0.43 0.45 9,550,000 4,207,250 PREMIUM LEISURE PHIL RACING 6.5 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.6 37,000 244,200 8.45 8.7 8.2 8.7 8 8.7 1,190,200 9,873,328 ALLHOME 1.47 1.48 1.5 1.5 1.45 1.48 3,334,000 4,893,950 METRO RETAIL 38.1 38.15 38.35 38.4 37.75 38.15 1,719,000 65,563,280 PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL 63.5 63.9 62 63.95 61.7 63.9 267,650 16,835,323.50 PHIL SEVEN CORP 107 109 114.8 115 108 109 1,449,010 160,216,571 1.34 1.36 1.31 1.37 1.24 1.36 4,382,000 5,755,660 SSI GROUP 17.42 18 18 18 17.4 18 774,800 13,865,948 WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP 0.435 0.44 0.415 0.44 0.41 0.435 5,290,000 2,254,800 EASYCALL 6.9 7.28 6.98 7 6.68 6.9 76,400 525,773 430 446 450 450 450 450 20 9,000 GOLDEN BRIA PAXYS 2.3 2.46 2.33 2.33 2.3 2.3 7,000 16,250 2.16 2.17 1.65 2.21 1.6 2.16 313,434,000 614,362,210 PRMIERE HORIZON 4.8 5.09 5.11 5.11 4.54 5.1 36,900 170,087 SBS PHIL CORP

-100,413,170 -8,169,830 74,975,970 13,367,228 1,534,430 13,000,390 -190,600 54,810 92,110 60,000 -260,780 18,550 17,043,230 -20,675,566 1,050 -163,232 16,242 185,850 -15,600 27,150 -1,489,850 -8,119,731 2,000 58,410 1,171,080 189,700 6,577,605.00 -2,920 -27,453,015 -5,220,279 -788,254 -344,480 5,007,308 -26,100 113,560 20,905,870 -

MINING & OIL

ATOK 5.7 5.8 5.6 5.8 5.1 5.8 2,440,400 12,772,841 47,820 APEX MINING 1.58 1.59 1.53 1.6 1.46 1.58 14,305,000 21,627,730 -232,580 ABRA MINING 0.006 0.0061 0.0042 0.0063 0.0041 0.006 85,439,000,000 452,390,400 3,250,800 6.4 6.5 6.42 6.6 6.35 6.5 399,000 2,563,253 -599,252 ATLAS MINING 3.15 3.18 3.08 3.15 3.06 3.15 283,000 874,710 BENGUET A BENGUET B 2.95 3.05 - - - - - - 0.29 0.295 0.3 0.3 0.285 0.295 2,420,000 702,750 COAL ASIA HLDG 2.83 2.86 2.86 2.86 2.83 2.86 22,000 62,620 56,900 CENTURY PEAK 7.8 8.3 8.49 8.49 7.54 8.3 6,400 52,445 DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL 2.41 2.42 2.48 2.48 2.2 2.41 17,218,000 40,936,880 5,124,230 GEOGRACE 0.325 0.345 0.32 0.365 0.32 0.345 2,500,000 852,500 -6,500 0.152 0.153 0.158 0.158 0.137 0.152 38,450,000 5,733,680 LEPANTO A LEPANTO B 0.16 0.163 0.16 0.16 0.155 0.16 1,330,000 209,850 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.01 102,300,000 1,036,800 MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 27,900,000 287,400 MANILA MINING B 1.46 1.48 1.34 1.49 1.31 1.46 2,446,000 3,417,890 233,360 MARCVENTURES NIHAO 2.65 2.74 2.74 2.9 2.64 2.74 109,000 301,770 -16,440 NICKEL ASIA 5.12 5.14 5 5.15 4.9 5.14 8,816,100 44,231,867 2,588,860 0.4 0.415 0.385 0.41 0.38 0.41 220,000 88,050 OMICO CORP 0.89 0.9 0.87 0.91 0.82 0.9 8,648,000 7,401,450 -83,240 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 4.5 4.51 4.52 4.57 4.25 4.51 2,351,000 10,255,430 191,560 SEMIRARA MINING 12.8 12.9 12.3 12.82 11.78 12.8 1,856,100 22,933,084 -140,932 0.006 0.0065 0.006 0.0061 0.0058 0.006 139,000,000 828,500 71,200 UNITED PARAGON 12.64 12.66 12 13.2 12 12.64 367,200 4,605,180 93,556 ACE ENEXOR ORNTL PETROL A 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.014 0.011 0.013 1,030,900,000 13,121,400 0.013 0.014 0.012 0.014 0.012 0.014 1,048,900,000 13,632,600 ORNTL PETROL B 0.014 0.015 0.012 0.015 0.012 0.014 1,506,000,000 20,567,300 104,300 PHILODRILL PXP ENERGY 10.2 10.4 10 10.4 10 10.4 875,400 8,807,478 384,586 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 100.1 101.3 101.5 101.5 101.5 101.5 40 4,060 516 528 528 528 528 528 550 290,400 AC PREF B1 ALCO PREF B 101.1 102.5 102.5 102.5 102.5 102.5 200 20,500 512 522 512 512 512 512 20 10,240 AC PREF B2R 102.1 104.4 102 104.4 102 104.4 34,830 3,552,900 CPG PREF A 100.8 102.3 100.6 100.6 100.6 100.6 2,800 281,680 276,650 DD PREF FGEN PREF G 108.2 111.5 111.5 111.5 111.5 111.5 10 1,115 980 1,036 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,010 10 10,100 GTCAP PREF A 1,028 1,034 1,030 1,034 1,028 1,034 3,125 3,214,870 -515,000 GTCAP PREF B 101.9 102 102 102 101.8 101.8 19,680 2,007,358 MWIDE PREF MWIDE PREF 2B 100.1 101.5 101.5 101.5 101.5 101.5 120 12,180 104 104.7 104 104.7 104 104.7 20,100 2,090,470 PNX PREF 3B 1,004 1,005 1,005 1,005 1,004 1,005 5,270 5,296,050 PNX PREF 4 PCOR PREF 3A 1,094 1,095 1,094 1,094 1,094 1,094 50 54,700 1,120 1,130 1,130 1,130 1,120 1,120 1,175 1,317,750 PCOR PREF 3B 1.49 1.75 1.78 1.88 1.6 1.6 22,000 38,750 SFI PREF 79 79.45 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.5 1,200 95,400 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F 77.4 77.45 77.5 77.5 77.45 77.45 24,600 1,905,280 76.15 76.5 76.15 76.7 76.15 76.5 86,860 6,614,654 SMC PREF 2G 76.5 76.8 76.75 76.75 76.5 76.5 793,930 60,735,677.50 SMC PREF 2H 77 78.5 77 77 77 77 97,000 7,469,000 SMC PREF 2I SMC PREF 2J 76.05 76.1 76.05 76.1 76.05 76.05 2,570 195,449.50 76.05 76.25 76 76.25 76 76.25 43,810 3,334,535 SMC PREF 2K PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 13.2 13.7 13.7 13.7 13.7 13.7 19,500 267,150 246,600 5.98 6.04 5.98 5.98 5.97 5.98 856,000 5,115,930 -514,780 GMA HLDG PDR WARRANTS LR WARRANT 0.91 0.92 0.81 0.98 0.81 0.9 411,000 382,280 SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP 17 17.1 15.82 17.46 15.8 17 778,300 13,001,048 42,550 3 3.03 2.9 3.05 2.55 3 7,788,000 22,478,500 448,400 ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH 5.85 5.9 5.9 6.2 5.9 5.9 13,500 79,945 2.85 3.44 2.82 2.82 2.82 2.82 2,000 5,640 MAKATI FINANCE 7.05 7.06 6.74 7.18 6.45 7.06 45,302,100 310,400,909 1,418,019 MERRYMART EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF 103.8 104.1 105.4 105.4 103 103.8 70,330 7,342,024 686,403

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Intellectual property filings declined in 2020–IPOPHL

By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

he Covid-19 pandemic has prevented innovators from carrying on with their projects as intellectual property (IP) applications filed before the government last year went down by mostly double digits.

In a report on Wednesday, the IP Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said applications for trademarks last year fell by 10 percent year-on-year to 35,274, while those for patents contracted 9 percent to 3,648. Further, filings for utility models crashed 45 percent to 1,235, for industrial design dropped 23 percent to 1,259 and for copyright sank 44 percent to just 940. Based on IPOPHL records, resident trademark filers who account-

ed for the bulk declined 10 percent year-on-year to 21,034, while filings from nonresidents slipped 14 percent to 6,827. Applications made under the International Madrid Protocol slid 8 percent to 7,413. Likewise, the resident filers for utility models also declined 47 percent to 1,150, while those of nonresidents dipped 3 percent to just 85. IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said the decline in IP ap-

plications in 2020 can be attributed to the Covid-19 uncertainties that compelled innovators to take a wait and see stance as to when they would register their projects with the government. “The sluggish flow of IP applications last year, which signify lower commitments to new intangible assets, was expected given the economic uncertainties subduing investment appetite,” Barba said. “But with the gradual opening up of the economy and the anticipated vaccine rollout, we hope to see more fresh investments in IP assets this year.” Barba hopes the decrease in patent filings will just be temporary, and that 2021 would mirror the postfinancial crisis when growth jumped to extreme rates. On the decrease of patent filings in particular—a widely used proxy for research and innovative activities—Barba expressed hopes that this will be temporary. Citing numbers from the World

Intellectual Property Organization, Barba said global patent filings in 2012 grew by 9.2 percent, the fastest in 18 years. In the same year, industrial design counts grew by an all-time record rate of 17 percent. In the Philippines, patent filings in 2015 registered an annual growth of 52 percent, the fastest in 14 years, according to the IPOPHL chief. “Past global crises have reconstructed industries, eliminating the less efficient firms or compelling a repurposing amongst them while accentuating the competitiveness of the more dynamic and the more agile who recover. And historically, those who put research and innovation at the center of their strategies are those who stand and thrive in the face of disruptions,” Barba said. “Thus, lower filings may signal a redirection of growth paths, favoring the highly competitive and innovative, rather than stymied innovation.”

Sun Life unit’s AUM jumps by 60% in 2020 By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

espite the declines and volatility in the market caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Sun Life Asset Management Company Inc. (SLAMCI) said its assets under management (AUM) rose to P127 billion last year, up by 60 percent from P79.5 billion in 2019. In a statement on Wednesday, SLAMCI said its clients remained invested amid market uncertainties in the past year. With this achievement, SLAMCI said it remains to be the largest nonbank asset management company in the country. SLAMCI President Gerald Bautista said the milestone was achieved through constant efforts to keep clients informed and reassured. “It was our way of letting them know that we remain at their side in their financial journey,” Bautista said. Aside from this, SLAMCI said digital solutions allowed them to continue serving their clients despite heightened safety measures

mandated by the government. SLAMCI said it was among the few financial services companies that remained operational during the imposition of community quarantine restrictions in the early part of 2020. “We were able to assist clients who wanted to invest in both onshore or offshore market opportunities, as well as those who wished to liquidate their investment for emergency situations,” Bautista said. Top performers in SLAMCI’s peso-denominated funds include Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Fund, with a return of 11.33 percent since its launch last July 2020;Sun Life Prosperity Bond Fund, which saw a full-year return of 4.24 percent; and the Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, with a full year return of 2.49 percent. Likewise, SLAMCI said its dollardenominated funds also “fared exceedingly well”, with Sun Life Prosperity Voyager Fund marking 21.03 percent full-year return; followed by Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage with 15-percent return; and the Sun Life Dollar Wellspring Fund at 8.28 percent full-year return.

Ookla: Globe scores higher in connectivity

lobe Telecom Inc. said on Wednesday that its network consistently provides better connectivity experience for its users, citing data from Internet research and analytics group Ookla. Ernest L. Cu, the president of Globe, said his group’s overall consistency score in Ookla’s fourth quarter report increased from 56.83 percent to 60.82 percent. According to Ookla, mobile consistency score measures the number of incidences—viewed as a percentage—of a provider’s samples equal or exceeds both a download threshold of 5 Mbps and an upload threshold of 1 Mbps. Cu noted that this development is driven by the telco’s “continuous investments to upgrade its network, coupled with its aggressive site roll outs are adding new capacity and increasing data bandwidth available to customers.” “We will continue our aggressive rollouts of new sites, upgrades, and fiber to homes. Doing so will enable better connectivity and improve the data experience of all our customers,” Cu said. Ookla’s data also showed that Globe’s regional mobile consistency score improved in 16 out of 17 regions, beating competition in “several” areas. “We aim to address the government’s call to

improve services with our First World Network which entails using the most advanced technologies available like 5G and 4G LTE, and make these as pervasive as possible for our customers to enjoy,” Cu said. Joel Agustin, Globe SVP for Program Delivery, noted that Globe’s 4G network “has helped to facilitate better connectivity, business continuity and enhanced productivity nationwide.” “Now more than ever, access to the internet is crucial for all Filipinos. We all deserve higher speeds and better connectivity, and this is why Globe has built up 4G LTE as the basic mobile internet technology that ensures a better data experience for everyone,” he said. Agustin added that 4G and 5G are designed and better suited for internet use—from video streaming and browsing to various digital applications. “Customers who still use 3G for mobile data are therefore encouraged to shift to 4G in order to see and feel the difference,” he said. So far, Globe has upgraded 11,544 sites to 4G and is further upgrading sites in Visayas and Mindanao, replacing its old 3G requirement with 5G-ready 4G infrastructure in key cities. Its 5G network, on the other hand, now reached 1,045 sites nationwide, most of which are in metropolitan areas. Lorenz S. Marasigan

mutual funds

January 27, 2021

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 222.29 -9.71% -9.99% -0.38% -2.17% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.2548 -5.8% -8.89% 4.69% -4.43% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0616 -11.47% -13.87% -1.49% -2.28% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7782 -10.22% -8.81% n.a. -3.2% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7148 -13.73% n.a. n.a. -3.61% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 4.8378 -6.83% -8.01% 0.36% -2.09% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.7355 -11.45% -10.46% -5.52% -3.2% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 99.92 -1.98% -5.54% n.a. -1.98% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 45.7366 -8.46% -8.13% 1.4% -2.37% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 478.4 -7.89% -8% 0.53% -2.16% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,5 1.0648 5.99% n.a. n.a. -2.96% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. - a 1.1474 -8.7% -7.54% 1.15% -1.78% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 34.0022 -7.85% -7.41% 1.96% -2.21% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8935 -10.3% n.a. n.a. -2.14% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 4.6783 -8.1% -7.75% 2.18% -2.36% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 782.95 -7.88% -7.62% 2.18% -2.33% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.7012 -12.73% -11.45% -2.24% -2.46% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.5517 -12.62% -9.59% 0.55% -1.99% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.896 -8.15% -7.92% 1.95% -2.36% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.2474 -8.59% -6.64% 2.73% -2.16% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 105.0711 -7.83% -7.39% 2.92% -2.31% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $1.3386 30.1% 3.81% 11.18% 11.28% 8.95% n.a. Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.738 23.17% 3.9% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.656 7.87% -4.87% 0.14% -0.76% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.2573 6.27% -3.6% 2.25% -1.23% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.5921 0.17% -2.84% 0.97% -1.33% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1957 -13.45% n.a. n.a. -1.46% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9528 0.4% -1.54% 2.63% -0.57% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.7479 0.55% -2.47% 1.99% -1.06% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 16.7574 0.45% -2.47% 1.88% -1.06% 1.52% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.0668 -1.86% -3.55% -1.3% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5331 -6.51% -5.13% 0.76% -1.12% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 1.0148 1.67% n.a. n.a. -0.76% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9319 -4.4% n.a. n.a. -1.82% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.9141 -5.91% n.a. n.a. -2.04% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8761 -7.64% -5.95% 0.05% -1.31% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03914 1.5% 2.85% 2.03% 0.05% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $1.2356 18.75% 3.81% 8.36% 7.42% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.6484 16.85% 6.78% 9.59% 3% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.2172 8.63% 3.6% n.a. 1.26% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 371.47 3.67% 3.23% 2.82% 0.11% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9038 -0.06% 0.21% 0.15% 0.18% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2174 3.04% 4.39% 4.76% 0.08% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.2994 3.33% 2.88% 2.44% 0.15% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4532 4.21% 3.4% 2.2% 0% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.6528 6.82% 4.72% 3.12% 0.39% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6 1.3229 5.77% 4.47% 2.74% 0.13% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9963 6.23% 4.53% 3% -0.12% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0415 8.08% 4.07% 2.62% -0.05% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2106 4.87% 4.77% 3.65% 0.14% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7539 3.93% 4.01% 3.05% -0.06% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $484.94 3.22% 2.86% 2.89% 0.22% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є219.33 -0.32% 0.85% 1.27% 0.07% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2825 5.98% 4.32% 3.1% 0.16% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0265 2.32% 1.96% 1.75% -0.38% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0913 -1.06% 0.82% 0.67% -0.13% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.5337 4.54% 4.25% 3.49% -0.07% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0624254 2.84% 3.07% 2.35% 0.17% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.2261 0.31% 2.43% 2.37% 0.08% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 129.96 3.07% 3.33% 2.58% 0.12% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0488 1.84% n.a. n.a. 0.07% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.298 2.43% 2.96% 2.61% 0.11% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0533 1.43% 1.77% n.a. 0.09% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.1635 n.a. n.a. n.a. 3% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $0.99 -1% n.a. n.a. 1.02% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU). 1 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 2 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 3 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019. 4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019. 6 - Re-classified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund). 7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020. "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."

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Gaming has benefits and perils—parents can help kids by playing with them By Katie Headrick Taylor University of Washington AS the pandemic forced many Americans to hunker down at home, the video game industry saw record spending and profits in 2020. Interacting with other people through gaming became, for some players, essential for social connection. As an education researcher and professor of digital literacy, I study the education benefits and perils of digital gaming. These range from providing opportunities for collaborative problem-solving to displaying content that perpetuates racism and sexism. CONNECTION AND COLLABORATION DIGITAL games can provide a forum for a diverse group of people to come together. That’s especially important now, while our physical locations are restricted. During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, undergraduates have shared with me the vital importance of digital games for their social connection. Digital games also encourage various forms of participation in a group activity. Some people in the digital space may be lurkers, for example, and simply watch the action. Others comment and ask questions via text or audio. Still others play, moving along the action of the game. Families, too, can use digital games to set up collaborative endeavors within the home where each family member participates in their own way. For instance, a child doesn’t need to actively play the game in order to meaningfully participate and develop problem-solving, communication and spatial reasoning skills. Observation is a crucial first step for learning how to fully participate in any activity, and digital games are no exception. Caregivers who look closely will see that children who appear to be merely observing a game are also asking questions, strategizing and hypothesizing, or posing “what-ifs.” Minecraft, a game in which players build protective enclosures against monster attacks, encourages collaborative problem-solving either in person or online. Playing with another gamer means having more resources to build with and more strategies to employ, since different players bring different expertise. Like Minecraft, online games that run on mobile technologies, such as tablets, allow family members to play next to each other at home or while they’re on the move. This allows caregivers to understand and supplement the quality of children’s gameplay by participating in the game. They no longer worry about the quantity of screen time from an outsider perspective. MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS In-game caregivers can also help young gamers consider how women and people of color are represented—or not represented—on screen. Families can discuss, for example, how characters like Mario of Super Mario Bros. or Link of Zelda are represented. Why are these men saving women? Why are the women portrayed as princesses? Where are the characters of color? Are they antagonists? Ignoring these problematic representations further enables sexism and racism in the real world. For example, racist and sexist imagery and storylines can turn girls and people of color away from gaming, making them less likely to become game designers themselves. In Minecraft, creating one’s avatar is an opportunity to consider how children want to present themselves in the game and what messages they convey to other gamers through their “skins.” In October, US Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota amassed more than 4 million viewers while playing the video game Among Us together on Twitch, the popular livestreaming platform for gamers. Beyond getting out the vote, Ocasio-Cortez and Omar used the platform to educate potential voters about health care issues and fossil fuel dependence. They used the game’s ship as a problematic example of oil consumption. But the range of responses Ocasio-Cortez and Omar received online, from enthusiastic to vitriolic, also reminds caregivers that children need knowledgeable companions with them in digital spaces. As in real-world learning environments like classrooms and science labs, digital games offer valuable learning opportunities while also perpetuating racism and sexism. Newcomers are not left alone to learn and navigate problematic issues in classrooms or labs, and they don’t have to be in digital spaces either. THE CONVERSATION

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Thursday, January 28, 2021

Teaching kids better money habits Britain’s Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex in January 2020. AP

AMILIES have been financially impacted to varying degrees due to this pandemic. Family expenses have had to be adjusted, and additional sources of income also needed to be sought. As we creatively think of ways to stretch and add to the family income, let us take the opportunity to involve our kids in the process. Let us introduce our kids early with financial literacy to equip them better for their future. I am glad that top insurer Manulife Philippines launched Manny and Liv and Yaman Bayan, two children’s storybooks based on its award-winning Peso Smart financial literacy program which teaches young students to save, budget, and invest money wisely. Celebrity mom influencer Andi Manzano-Reyes and daughter Olivia, broadcast personality Delamar Arias, and registered psychologist Dr. Raphael Inocencio shared their insights during the launch and storytelling webinar. “As we work to make every day better for more Filipino families, we have evolved our Peso Smart financial literacy program to include educational storybooks that introduce good money habits to children. These storybooks will bond parents and children while learning together,” said Melissa Henson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Manulife believes that learning money management at an early age will help children make sound financial decisions as they grow up, better equipping them to achieve their goals and secure their future.” Delamar shared why storytelling is one of the most effective ways of teaching her kids. “Storytelling helps our kids understand life lessons better. It helps

develop their listening skills, and enables them to use their imagination at an early age,” Delamar shared. “One thing that I learned in my parenthood journey is how storytelling helps give children the answers to what might be some of their biggest questions, and is a meaningful way to help them develop the values we want to teach them.” Dr. Raphael Inocencio, founder of Better Steps Psychology support group, gave an in-depth insight into the importance of teaching children financial literacy, even to kids as young as three or four years old. “When teaching kids about the concept of money, I highly recommend for parents to make things ageappropriate and visual. Help them understand the value of saving money by showing them how these

would look, which can be in the form of a piggy bank or coins in a jar,” Inocencio said. What started in 2017 as a series of face-to-face classes with public school students in Metro Manila, where Manulife Philippines employees volunteered to teach the basics of saving and investing, has evolved into the Peso Smart program promoting financial literacy through distance learning. Earlier this year, Manulife distributed Peso Smart at-home learning kits that included an activity book, journals, and school supplies to 100 students from Pasig City in partnership with the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation. Parents can watch the webinar at www.facebook. com/ManulifePH or www.manulife.com.ph. n

Auction house donates proceeds to typhoon relief efforts, Covid-19 patients Casa de Memoria reached out to the victims of Typhoon Ulysses by helping raise funds for the #RisePH donation drive. The Lhuillier-managed auction house also continued its charity efforts for Covid-19 patients and frontliners by donating a part of the proceeds to the maintenance of the emergency quarantine facility in Sta. Ana Hospital.

To help Typhoon Ulysses victims, Casa de Memoria’s donation will be used to provide relief packs containing food, water and hygiene essentials for affected families. “Just when we thought we’ve already had enough challenges, another one comes along. However, this should not bring us down; rather, it should fuel our intention and dedication to lend a hand to those who

need it. By helping each other, we can rise together without leaving anyone behind,” said Palacio de Memoria general manager Camille Lhuillier. The “Cuarto” auction was Casa de Memoria’s fourth and final major auction event in 2020. It featured exquisite Filipino and European art pieces. More information can be found at www. casadememoria.com.

Checkups in the time of Covid-19: 3 things you can do WITH Covid-19 still very much a threat, the last place anyone wants to be in is a hospital. Who wants to go to a place where the risk of catching the novel coronavirus is high, right? Such a mindset has resulted in a trend that is just as troubling as the ongoing pandemic itself: delayed or avoided medical care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, by June 2020 an estimated 41 percent of US adults skipped medical care, including urgent or emergency care (12 percent) and routine care (32 percent), for fear of Covid-19. The statistics are just as grim in the Philippines. Based on surveys by the Philippine Society of Medical Oncologists, 46.76 percent of patients are hesitant to visit hospitals during the pandemic, and patient visits have decreased by 84.78 percent. Alarmingly, nearly 74 percent of patients have deteriorated or died because they were not able to seek urgent care treatment in the hospital during the pandemic. “Delaying a trip to the hospital to get help for a potentially life-threatening condition, or simply ignoring symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a high fever can be just as bad, if not worse, than being infected with Covid-19,” says Noel Rosas, MD, chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at top hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph). “Prevention is key, and early detection through a routine checkup or annual physical examination increases your chances of survival.” How to prepare yourself for a visit to the hospital in a global pandemic? n START WITH TELEMEDICINE. Virtual consultations allow you to “see” your doctor in the comfort and safety of your home through a video call on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. It can help lessen some of the challenges that contribute to you not

going in for a physical check-up like far commutes, long waits, and unnecessary exposure to other patients. “Individuals experiencing Covid-19-like symptoms, particularly, can do teleconsultions to prevent viral transmission and don’t expose the doctor or fellow patients,” points out Rosas. But video consultations have their limitations, too. “Technical glitches, for one,” says Rosas. “For doctors, the biggest disadvantage is that we cannot thoroughly check a patient personally. This could lead to signs that may go unnoticed and could result to an incomplete assessment of the patient’s condition.” n PREPARE ALL NECESSARY TEST RESULTS AND INFORMATION. Your physician may request for blood tests, an X-ray, or other tests prior to your consult. With technology, patients can already access their results online which can be forwarded to your doctor to study before the virtual or in-person consultation. “If you’re consulting with a doctor for the first time, familiarize yourself with your medical history as the physician will most likely ask you about it,” Rosas explains. “Do list down questions you may want to ask the doctor so all your concerns can be properly addressed and to maximize your engagement with your attending doctor.” n OBSERVE THE HOSPITAL’S STANDARD HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOL. At MakatiMed, an in-person consultation begins by first setting an appointment with your doctor and answering the health screening form online or through the MakatiMed On-Call or clinic secretary. Bringing a companion? Make sure it’s only one person, who will also be screened before the consult. At the actual consultation, only you and your companion (if assistance is needed), the doctor, and a secretary or nurse will be present in the clinic that has been fitted with acrylic barriers and high-efficiency

particulate air filters. All areas in MakatiMed, including examination rooms, are thoroughly disinfected round the clock. Hand sanitizers are available all over the hospital. While MakatiMed does its part to ensure patients are safe from infection from the novel coronavirus, patients too are expected to follow the ABCD of hospital visits. “‘A’ is for awareness and adherence to ‘B’ for barrier or the wearing of face masks and face shields,” says Dr. Saturnino Javier, MD, MakatiMed medical director. “‘C’ is for cleanliness or the practice of proper hand hygiene, and ‘D’ is for distance or standing at least 6 feet away from other people.” “Covid-19 isn’t going away anytime soon,” adds Rosas. “Schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. One or two hours of your time can have a big impact on your health in the years to come.”

Envoys& BusinessMirror

B4 Thursday, January 28, 2021

SPECIAL FEATURE: AUSTRALIA NATIONAL DAY 2021

PRRD lauds Australia’s intensified ties with Asean

RESIDENT Duterte recently welcomed Australia’s interest to enhance cooperation with Asean on maritime security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity, among many others, which are priority concerns of the Philippines.

This was disclosed by Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Robert Eric A. Borje, as he confirmed the “productive exchange” between the Chief Executive and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison via phone call a few weeks ago. Both discussed Philippine-Australian bilateral relations and regional and multilateral cooperation—including the results of the 37th Asean Summit and Related Summits. According to Borje, Duterte also welcomed Australia’s pledge of support for Asean’s pandemic response and recovery efforts, where the latter cited the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) as key frameworks that could help boost economic rebound and growth in the region. The RCEP is a comprehensive trade and investment agreement among Asean-member states and their five free-trade agreement partners: Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and South Korea. Through the AANZFTA, 90 percent of tariffs were eliminated, as barriers to trade in services have been progressively liberalized following increased market access. “President Duterte also noted the growing ties between the [two sides, as he emphasized that the country] looks forward to the adoption of a Plan of Action to further implement the Joint Declaration of the Philippines-Australia Comprehensive Partnership,” he added. Borje said the Philippine head of state acknowledged his Australian counterpart’s country’s generous assistance for the victims of Supertyphoons Rolly and Ulysses (international names Goni and Vamco, respectively), and for its assistance to the country’s response to the health crisis. He said Duterte also thanked the government of Australia for its formal manifestation before the United Nations (UN) affirming the arbitral award on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea (SCS/WPS) issue. “We consider Australia a close partner in upholding international law, including Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and in promoting maritime security,” the President was quoted as saying. Morrison, for his part, committed to further strengthen the cooperation involving Australia and the Philippines, including partnership in areas of mutual interest. He also welcomed continuing developments that showed the value and strength of Philippine-Australian ties.

Australia: Consistent supporter

EARLIER at the second Asean-Australia Biennial Summit, Duterte thanked the Australian government for its “consistent support” for the 2016 arbitral ruling, where he underscored the strategic importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the disputed waters of the SCS/WPS. “[It] is a shared strategic objective. We can do this only if, together, we uphold the primacy of law over brute force,” he said. The President then thanked the prime minister for the latter’s “kind words,” following his previous speech at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he brought for the first time the issue of the SCS/WPS, years after the release of the arbitral award. “Your government’s formal manifestation before the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf reinforces our efforts to counter claims and assertive actions [that] contradict international law, particularly Unclos,” Duterte told Morrison. The Philippine leader said the Australian government’s formal manifestations “are of utmost significance to the integrity of the convention and the procedures it has established.” “The growing chorus of nations affirming and defending what is right strengthens the legal order over our seas and oceans,” he added. During his speech at the 75th session of the UNGA, Duterte raised the issue of the SCS/WPS for the first time—years after the release of the arbitral award.

Australia: Supporting PHL in business and defense

ECENTLY, Australia’s Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) announced it will cofinance Philippine businesses’ digital initiatives as support for Covid-19 recovery. The Australian Embassy in Manila has announced a call for proposals from registered business entities as part of its support to Covid-19 economic recovery in this country under the BPP—a flagship initiative of the Australian government. It supports partnerships with businesses to deliver sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, while also ensuring commercial returns for enterprises. “This is an exciting opportunity for businesses to partner with the Australian government to drive impact and change, [while helping] the Philippines bounce back from Covid-19,” said Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO. “The commercial ideas we will support will create jobs, enhance gender equality and assist economic recovery.” The BPP can cofinance commercial ideas with businesses that contribute to digitalization, skills development for workers and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, economic opportunities for women, or green recovery. Locally, BPP is seeking partnerships in skills development, cyber security, digitalization of services, as well as those of mentalhealth offerings. The Australian government said it was to provide matched funding of up to AU$500,000, or P17.5 million, to successful proposals.

Shared commitments

AFFIRMING that the Philippines is its important security partner, Australia continues to work in close collaboration, in support of a “shared commitment to an open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” In 2020, Minister Linda Reynolds met anew with Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana in Manila to discuss respective Covid-19 responses and their countries’ mutual agreements to regional security and stability. Testament to Australia´s tight partnership with the Philippines, Reynolds noted that Australian and Filipino defense organizations had found innovative ways to continue to deepen long-standing defense cooperation during the pandemic. These include ongoing counterterrorism cooperation under the Australia-Philippines Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program, established in December 2019. The program builds on the support provided by Australia under Operation Augury-Philippines, which delivered counterterrorism capacity training to 10,000-plus members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) between 2017 and 2019.

He rejected attempts to undermine the arbitral ruling, and said the 2016 landmark decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration “is now part of international law, beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon.” The Chief Executive said the Philippines “firmly rejects” attempts to undermine the arbitral ruling.

‘Thank you, Canberra’

DUTERTE then cited the AANZFTA and the RCEP agreements, which could allow for a “more buoyant bounce-back” of participating countries’ economies. While he acknowledged that the pandemic has changed the way countries do business, the President noted that science, innovation and technology could open pathways for economies to recover; thus, the need to boost cooperation in such areas. He said the Philippines also recognizes the role of women in post-pandemic recovery efforts. “We strongly support gender-sensitive initiatives that recognize the role of women in post-pandemic recovery

THE Chief Executive exchanges views with Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right photo) on boosting bilateral ties between the Philippines and Australia, as well as regional and multilateral cooperation. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO: KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PNA efforts,” according to him. “The economic and social imperatives for these are clear: Empowered women support economic growth and resilience.” Duterte then took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to Canberra for supporting maternal and neonatal

health services in the Philippines, which has particularly benefited the women of the province of Masbate. Meanwhile, he asked his counterparts to prepare the region for future pandemics by building the capacity of each nation’s health systems through the Asean-Australia

Health Security Partnership. To boost the region’s recovery, Duterte said peace, security, and stability must also prevail to allow quick and sustainable recovery to take place. “We must not let up in our collective efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crimes,” he said, as he hailed Australia’s technical assistance in the crafting of the Philippines’s Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. “We must continue working together to deter terrorist fighters…[and] address the root causes of violent extremism and radicalization.” Among others, the President called for stronger cooperation in matters of law enforcement, immigration and customs. “We continue to fight against these deplorable threats to our societies: Illicit drugs, online child exploitation and abuse, human trafficking, and cybercrimes,” Duterte concluded. “As Asean Voluntary Lead-Shepherd for trafficking in persons, the Philippines calls for a greater Asean-Australia collaboration on the capacity-building in combatting human trafficking in the region.” Azer Parrocha and Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA

&Expats

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Thursday, January 28, 2021 B5

CELEBRATING AUSTRALIA DAY 2021

SUALLY at this point in January, I would be preparing to host a large Australia Day event. Last year, we celebrated our national day with over 870 distinguished representatives from the Philippine government, the diplomatic corps, the business community and civil society in attendance.

This year, necessarily, we will be hosting a smaller, more constrained, Covid-safe event. Yet I’m as enthusiastic as ever about commemorating Australia’s national day, 26 January. Many of my fellow citizens

STEVEN J. ROBINSON AO

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines

in Australia will also be planning celebrations that are appropriate for the times. This will mean there will be fewer extended family gatherings around a barbeque or visits to the beach with groups of friends. Nevertheless, however my compatriots mark Australia Day they will all reflect on the collective contribution those who have called our magnificent country home have made to

creating the modern, dynamic, peaceful and prosperous Australia of today. Importantly, this includes our Indigenous People, whose knowledge and understanding as custodians of our unique and beautiful land is unparalleled. Filipino-Australians, of whom there are well over 300,000, are the fifth-largest diaspora in my country. Like many other immigrants, generations of Filipinos have been attracted to Australia by the opportunities it offers. But it is also clear that many Filipinos have been drawn to Australia because of the depth of the long-standing friendship between our countries. Australia was one of the first countries to establish a diplomatic presence in the Philippines following the Second World War. This year marks the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship—a significant milestone which I’m determined to honour with a series of events and initiatives which serve to showcase our strong partnership. Two years ago this month I presented my credentials to President Duterte at Malacañang

Palace. It has been an honour being Australia’s representative in the Philippines. Over this time, I’ve witnessed the way in which Filipinos and Australians are so at ease in each other’s company. I’m sure this stems from the value that we both place on relationships and mutual support, something akin to the Australian concept of mateship and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan. Regular readers of my newspaper column and followers on Twitter will be familiar with the admiration I’ve expressed for the resilience of Australians and Filipinos as peoples who live in lands prone to natural disasters. Resilience is a characteristic we both firmly share. Since we last celebrated Australia Day, our resilience has really been tested as never before. Covid-19 has impacted all of us in ways that were scarcely imaginable just one year ago. Through this challenging time Australia and the Philippines have supported each other. I’ve been deeply impressed by the fortitude of Filipinos during the lockdowns, as I have for my own

citizens as they experienced similar lockdowns across some cities in Australia. I have been very pleased Australia was able to redirect our development assistance programs to reinforce the Philippine response to the pandemic. Moreover, as Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced in October last year, Australia has committed 500 million dollars to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to promote health security in the Indo-Pacific, including in the Philippines. This includes a 21 million dollar contribution to the new Asean Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases, which will help combat Covid-19 and prepare the region for future pandemics. I was also pleased Australia contributed significantly and swiftly to the emergency response following typhoons Rolly and Ulysses last year. Over 35 million pesos worth of assistance went to support the people most directly impacted by the typhoons. Looking ahead to a period of recovery from Covid, I’m

confident the Australian tradition of mateship and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan will continue to form the bedrock of the support we provide to each other. As we mark Australia Day and the 75th anniversary of the Australia-Philippines diplomatic relationship, I’m pleased that the strong personal bonds between our people, our education links, our defence and security collaboration and our trade and commercial ties remain key to the enduring vitality of our Comprehensive Partnership. Australia Day 2021 won’t be the same as in years past, but it will be no less important. For there’s so much to celebrate about Australia and the friendships it has created the world over, particularly with the Philippines. Australia Day 2021 is presented by the Australian Embassy in partnership with Australian companies Austal, Crone Architects, Orica, Prime Metro BMD, Qantas, QBE, Site Skills and Telstra. Steven J. Robinson AO is the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines. Follow him on Twitter @AusAmbPH.

Trade ties D

ESPITE the pandemic, trade links between Australia and the Philippines remain strong. The disruption brought about by the pandemic has expedited the digital transformation in the Philippines and Australia has partnered with the government, industry, and academia to share knowledge around fintech, blockchain, cybersecurity, and digital health. Currently, there are more than 300 Australian companies in the Philippines, with more interested in being part of the economic recovery postpandemic. These businesses contribute to the economic growth of the country—directly employing over 40,000 Filipinos, contributing to local taxes and buying local goods and services. Embracing the talent available in the Philippines, Australian companies are investing in specialised training and developing globally competitive technology and services solutions. There is also a significant growth across segments such as food, beverage, infrastructure, and services.

Some of the Australian companies that are active in the Philippines include:

AUSTAL

AUSTAL is a global shipbuilder, defence prime contractor and maritime technology partner of choice; designing, building and supporting high-speed commercial and military vessels for the world’s leading operators.

CRONE

ESTABLISHED a presence in Manila in the late 90s, undertaking a number of major master planning projects. In the last 10 years Crone has designed numerous Premier Grade high rise towers in both Manila and Cebu.

ORICA

IS the world’s largest provider of commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems to the mining, quarrying, oil and gas and construction markets, a leading supplier of sodium cyanide for gold extraction, and a specialist provider of ground support services in mining and tunneling.

DESPITE Covid-19, Australia and the Philippines’s long-standing defence cooperation continues to deepen, especially as we approach the 75th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between the two countries. Last October, Australian Defence Minister the Hon Linda Reynolds met the Department of National Defense-Philippines Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana reaffirming the ‘Mateship’ and ‘Bayanihan’ between Australia and the Philippines.

QANTAS

FOUNDED in regional Queensland in 1920—as the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service—Qantas is one of Australia’s most iconic brands and has played a central role in the development of the Australian and International aviation industry. Today, the Qantas Group is a diverse global aviation business, comprising Qantas Domestic, Qantas International, the Jetstar low-cost carrier group and Qantas Loyalty.

AUSTRALIA supported the Philippine government response following the devastation wreaked by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses (November 2020). Through the Philippine Red Cross, Australia provided sleeping, hygiene, and emergency shelter kits to families most affected by the typhoons.

Prime Metro BMD

PRIME Metro BMD Corporation (PrimeBMD) is a joint venture between Prime Metroline Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (Prime Infra)—a growing Philippine infrastructure developer, and BMD Group—Australia’s biggest familyowned construction company with over 40 years of solid experience in the industry. PrimeBMD is a AAA PCAB Licensed heavy civil and industrial contractor specializing in the delivery of ports, harbors and marine infrastructure, roads,

AUSTRALIAN Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO and Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana at the handover of hospital and protective equipment to the AFP Medical Center (July 2020). In the tradition of mateship, Australia is supporting the medical and service personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with its Covid-19 response.

QBE GROUP

QBE Insurance Group is one of the world’s top 20 general insurance and reinsurance companies, with operations in all the key insurance markets. QBE is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and is headquartered in Sydney. They employ more than 12,000 people in 31 countries.

75 YEARS OF MATESHIP AND ‘BAYANIHAN’ T HIS year, the Philippines and Australia will mark the 75th Anniversary of formal diplomatic relations. Australia opened its first Consulate-General in Manila on 22 May 1946. Australia and the Philippines share a broad and deep relationship, anchored around the similar values of “mateship” and bayanihan. The Filipino ideal of bayanihan which conveys the spirit of communal unity and cooperation, is akin to the Australian tradition of ‘’mateship”—that notion of friendship, solidarity and pulling together. These values have shaped who we are and what we stand for and have been tested under the most gruelling periods of history until

today, as we work together during this time of crisis. While these are not ordinary times, both the Australian Embassy in the Philippines and the Philippine Embassy in Australia will mark this milestone 75th Anniversary through online campaigns and in Covid-safe events throughout the year. To kick off the celebration, the Australian Embassy has launched the commemorative Mateship and Bayanihan website, which shines a spotlight on the stories of friendship and cooperation between Filipinos and Australians through the decades. People can join in the celebration by experiencing a Taste of Australia in the comforts and

safety of their home—several online retail promotions will be rolled out in the coming months. To get updates on future programs for the 75th Ann i v e r s a r y, visit mateshipandbayanihan.com or visit the Australian Embassy’s socialmedia accounts: Facebook: Australia in the Philippines, Twitter: @AusAmbPH, Instagram: @ausembph.

SITE SKILLS

FOR isolated communities, information during emergencies saves lives. Australia, with UNHCR Philippines and ACCORD Incorporated, handed over communication equipment to Lingig Municipality in Surigao del Sur (July 2020). This will help the community receive vital information before and during disasters and emergencies, such as Covid-19.

bridges, and highways, integrated resort and casino, land development, and infrastructure projects for communities, and for power & energy and water & wastewater sectors. PrimeBMD offers valuable knowledge and expertise in local regulatory environment to provide clients with innovative construction and infrastructure development solutions.

SITE Skills Training is part of Site Group International Limited, an ASX-listed company that delivers a range of Australian accredited and internationally recognised training programs tailored to the needs of the mining, oil and gas, engineering, and construction industries.

TELSTRA

TELSTRA is a leading telecommunications and information services company. They offer a full range of services and operate the largest mobile and Wi-Fi networks in Australia. Globally, Telstra provide’s endto-end solutions including managed network services, global connectivity, cloud, voice, colocation, conferencing, and satellite solutions.

B6 Thursday, January 28, 2021

Experience ‘My Las Casas Valentine,’ celebrate all forms of love this February

T Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the true meaning of Valentine’s Day goes beyond the heart-shaped boxes. Instead, the heritage property plays host to romantic trips, candle light dinners, and historic adventures as it highlights the value of life, love, time, and effort. Celebrate all forms of love, whether one needs to enjoy quality time with their special someone, treat one’s self to a much-needed vacation, or reconnect with family and friends. Las Casas in Bataan and Quezon City are ready to provide its guests with grand time and sweet stays. Spend moments of love at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan Express one’s sincerest and deepest emotions while celebrating the spirit of togetherness in a unique yet romantic escape. This monthlong Valentine’s room offer starts at PHP 14, 500 for a deluxe room. Meanwhile, perfect for those who’s eyeing to step up their romantic rendezvous and impress the person of their dreams, the quiant Bagac heritage site presents a sumptuous feast centered in love and life with its “Taste of Romance” dining treat. Love is indeed in the air as our resident violinist play some live entertainment. Make this romantic getaway even more memorable with a 5-course dinner set against the most romantic spaces – whether by the beach, near Casa Hagonoy, or near Tulay ni Lola Basyang – for only PHP 6, 000 nett

EMBRACE love with a romantic weekend trip and enjoy some quiet time at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar property of your choice this February. | Photo by: AwesomeEventsPH inclusive of set dinner for two and personalized set-up. Set dinner is available from February 12 to 14, 2021. Experience My Las Casas Valentine at Las Casas Filipinas de AcuzarQuezon City. Feel the magic of love by satisfying the heart, the tummy, and the eyes without going out of the metro. Say “yes” to adding a romantic kick with its Valentine’s Special Set Menu for only PHP 3, 800 nett for two. This month-long Cusina ni Nanay Maria dining offer features Crab Mille Fuille, Crispy Shredded Chicken Caesar, Roast Pumpkin Soup, choice of Pan Seared US Beef Striploin or Sake Miso Gindara, and Raspberry Trifle

paired with two glasses of wine. For pizza lovers, time to rejoice as its Italian restaurant, La Bella, will be offering wood-fired pizzas Hawaiian, Margherita, Pepperoni, and Quattro Formaggi. To complete the whole romantic experience, Las Casas in Quezon City will be playing some live music by their Bataan-based kundiman singers. For PHP 100, guests who wish to experience the Las Casas magic and see its architectural offers can access our plaza area perfect for picturetaking and more. For more information, visit www. lascasasfilipinas.com or follow its social media accounts at @LasCasasBataan and @LasCasasQC on Facebook and Instagram.

Two public schools bag Youth Health Patrol Awards on KiDS webinars

HE Philippines is the 10th country in the world and the 1st in Southeast Asia to launch Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS). Co-created by Sanofi and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and other partners, the program aims to raise awareness about diabetes management to schools and to educate and better promote healthy lifestyles among Filipino students. The program is operating in primary educational institutions across countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, India, Japan, Pakistan, Poland and the United Arab Emirates. In the Philippines, over 500 schools, 3000 teachers and 2000 students participated in the KiDS webinars on student health under quarantine. The sessions were conducted by medical experts -- endocrinologist, Dr. Lizette Lopez and diabetologist, Dr. Myrissa Alip who expressed the need for a diabetes management and prevention guide for school children. In the KiDS sessions, the students were encouraged to join Youth Health Patrol, a youth-driven social media campaign facilitated by Sanofi Philippines with the support of the Department of Education (DepEd), the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), and Alalay sa Pamilya at Bayan Foundation. The best social media campaign is recognized at the Youth Health Patrol Awards every year. Out of the participating schools, Bagong Silang National High School and Aplaya National High School won the Youth Health Patrol Awards in the Grades 4-6 and Grade 7-12 category. “We encourage you to continue to use the power of information to help educate your peers; to use social media as a force for good to spread awareness; to continue to be shining examples by living a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Amal Makhloufi, Country Lead of Sanofi Philippines. The pandemic has proven to be difficult for the most vulnerable people, especially

the ones living with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Due to COVID-19 lockdown we are always at home and we may unknowingly neglect our health. However, further neglect of a healthy lifestyle can lead to the development of chronic conditions. Other speakers during the awarding include DepEd representatives Undersecretary Diosdado San Antionio and Assistant Regional Director of NCR, Dr. Carlito Rocafort, who both shared the importance of access to education as students continue their online schooling and blended learning schemes. “Through organizations like Sanofi, UA&P, and Alalay sa Pamilya at Bayan, we are able to lessen the burden on the part of the learners and teachers,” said Dr. Carlito Rocafort, Assistant Regional Director of DepEd-NCR. “We would like to assure that DepEd is in full support of your efforts. Our partnership will be long lasting considering the benefits that the learners are getting from your organization.” Schools are crucial in forming the behavior and habits of the youth. Through KiDS and Youth Health Patrol, we’ll be able to create an enabling environment that empowers the students to adapt healthier and conscious lifestyles and educate them on the prevention and management of diabetes.

Boehringer Ingelheim recognized by Top Employers Institute

OEHRINGER Ingelheim has been recognized as a Top Employer for 2021 in the Philippines and six other countries across Asia Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam - by Top Employers Institute, the global authority on excellence in people practices. This is the third consecutive year that the healthcare company has received the certification in the Philippines, and the second time they are awarded across the region. Besides being certified at the local and regional level, Boehringer Ingelheim was also named a Global Top Employer for the first time. They are one of only 16 companies recognized worldwide for this title. The certification is a strong recognition of Boehringer Ingelheim’s proactive and holistic approach in

building an inclusive and nurturing culture across its dynamic workforce of 2,000 employees across 24 different nationalities in the region. In response to COVID-19, Boehringer Ingelheim introduced various initiatives to inform, engage, and connect with employees including: implementing salary and employment protection for roles that were impacted by pandemic measures, ensuring an easy transition into remote working, and ensuring physical, mental and emotional well-being. Some examples include paid time off during year end to relax, recover and reenergize, flexible working arrangements for work-life balance, stipends for employees’ home offices, wellness educational talks, virtual exercise sessions and distribution of health kits comprising of masks and sanitizers. Boehringer Ingelheim also has a robust

BOEHRINGER Ingelheim employees provided hot meals and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to frontline healthcare workers in various hospitals across Philippines, as well as in-kind donations including hygiene kits to communities affected by natural calamities.

Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 support for employees’ mental and emotional needs. “It is an honor to be recognized by Top Employers Institute another year for our people-centric practices across the region, especially against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The certification is a testament to our strong culture that prioritizes employees’ well-being, safety and growth. As we navigate these uncertain times together, we remain committed to supporting our people so we can continue to make a positive impact on local communities – by improving the lives of humans and animals,” said Dr Armin Wiesler, Regional Managing Director, Boehringer Ingelheim, Southeast Asia and South Korea. Added David Serés, Human Resources Director, Boehringer Ingelheim, Southeast Asia and South Korea, “Boehringer Ingelheim takes pride in nurturing a diverse, vibrant and agile workforce that can adapt quickly to the changing healthcare needs in the region for humans and animals. COVID-19 has posed various challenges, but our people have risen to the occasion and continue to serve the needs of our patients. The recognition by Top Employers Institute reflects the great employee experience we have cultivated and continue to improve on. We ensure that our people feel empowered to bring out their best potential.” "2020 has tested the ability of companies to adapt quickly to a rapidchanging corporate environment, given the effects of COVID-19. To be certified as a Top Employer this year is a clear demonstration of our employees' efforts to rise above the challenges together. We managed to weather this unprecedented situation by first taking care of our people, ensuring their safety, and protecting their well-being while we continue to serve our patients and customers with our healthcare innovations," said Yee Kok Cheong, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

CDC DONATES PROTECTIVE MATERIALS TO PRO3. Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan (3rd from left) led the turn-over of in-kind donations consist of various protective materials to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Regional Director PBGen. Valeriano T. De Leon (4th from left). Joining them are, from left: Deputy Regional Director for Administration PCol Narciso D. Domingo, Ms. Melanie Dea Lambang, DIPO-NL Deputy Director PBGen. Domingo S. Cabillan, RIAS 3 PBGen Francisco Esguerra, and DRDO PCol. Pedor Soliba. CDC’s donations were composed of 52 boxes of medicines, 40 boxes of facemasks, 400 pieces of face shields, and collapsible tents all intended to ensure the safety of police officers who are leading in the frontlines to fight the pandemic. (CDC-CD Photo)

Gaming PCs transcend personal and professional use, elevate the daily grind towards the new normal

HIS 2021, people will still be adjusting to the new normal brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in working and studying at home. Fortunately, personal computers help keep the world going even under quarantine. But when faced with multiple projects and deadlines, students and employees alike may find that a standard, mainstream laptop for general home use cannot always keep up with current demands. Global technology and innovation leader Lenovo suggests utilizing gaming PCs instead, as they have the performance needed to power through 2021 and beyond. Gaming PCs are more than capable of bolstering productivity through components such as a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) or graphics card, better memory and storage capacity, and the latest processors. Lenovo, through its dedicated gaming sub-brand Legion, offers its newest gaming lineup with devices that transcend both personal and professional use. The dedicated graphics cards in the devices allow users to see and render images and videos to the highest quality with ease, making the job of digital artists more seamless than ever. Adding to this exceptional performance are the enhanced memory and solid-state drive (SSD) storage options that allow programs to run quickly and simultaneously without any hiccups, as well as the latest Intel and AMD processors that unlock other features for more intensive work tasks. Furthermore, the new Legion devices are sleeker and lighter than ever,

allowing them to fit right in even in corporate settings. “We purposely designed and developed our new Legion lineup not only for gamers but also with today’s workforce in mind. With current business demands, it’s no longer enough for devices to only run basic office applications and the usual day-to-day tasks. As the world of work evolves — and at a rapid pace at that, we want to equip professionals with devices that can help them adapt and excel in multiple scenarios,” said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager. Lenovo made some recommendations of Legion gaming PCs ideal for different professions to complement everyone’s renewed vigor in facing new challenges this 2021.Visit <lenovo.com/ph/en/legion>. More information about the new prices can be found on <fb.com/lenovolegionPH/posts/1110268429395060>. Built to last, Legion gaming PCs for work make a great investment in the long run. Further extending their longevity is Lenovo’s 3-Year Premium Care warranty solution that comes bundled with the devices upon purchase. Lenovo is dedicated to building and managing smarter IT service solutions that are designed to drive customers’ intelligent transformation and empower them to be more agile and efficient in pursuit of their desired outcomes. The Empire is the exclusive gaming community of Lenovo Legion. Check out the ongoing promo at <legion. fan/EmpireSalePH>.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

Insulin, a transformative treatment for diabetes, celebrates its centennial By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

f you have diabetes, does this mean you have to give up the joy of eating? This perception is “completely false” according to Dr. Amal Makhloufi Benchouk, Country Lead of Sanofi Philippines, as she responded to the question of BusinessMirror’s Health and Fitness in a recent online roundtable discussion. Dr. Makhloufi is the elected European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Chair for Health and has spoken in several engagements to highlight how new technologies and holistic health care greatly impact the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. “I think this is the first fear of a patient with diabetes [giving up their favorite food], they have the perception that if you get diabetes, you will not anymore enjoy eating which is completely false. It is not true,” Dr. Makhloufi said. A patient with diabetes, she said, should improve their lifestyle. “What does this mean? Eating in moderation, eating healthily by eating more dietary fiber like fruits, vegetables, whole grains. They may also have an alternative to white rice such brown or black rice. We have to avoid high sugar intake like ice cream, fruit juice, soda drinks, cakes. I know all Filipinos love this kind of food,” she added. Discipline is also important if you have diabetes. “Avoid tobacco, alcohol and more importantly get regular physical exercise and maintain a healthy weight. As long as blood sugar is under control persons with diabetes can lead a normal life,” she emphasized.

Insulin This year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, a milestone in the field of diabetes care as the condition was once considered untreatable and fatal prior to the use of insulin in the treatment of patients in 1921. “The discovery of insulin marked a turning point that changed the lives of countless diabetes patients,” said Dr. Makhloufi. As one of the leading companies specializing in the treatment of chronic diseases, Sanofi has a storied history of supporting people living with diabetes and providing innovative and holistic solutions. “The story of insulin is one of progress and is interwoven with our own. From the landmark discovery of insulin a century ago, we’ve been a pioneering power behind its success as a transformative treatment for diabetes,” she shared. And in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Insulin, Sanofi aims to improve access to care for patients with diabetes through the initiation of various programs and partnerships: Empower program, a patient support program that provides continuous care and medical education for Persons with Diabetes, as well as Diabetes Educators who will

stay in constant touch and do weekly check-ins; INSPIRE program, a capacity-building program for health-care professionals especially in primary care, making training available digitally to improve access to information; Launching WeHealth, an eHealth ecosystem that connects patients and doctors as we navigate the new normal; and Pursuing initial discussions for collaborations with leading health-care organizations, such as Ayala Healthcare to improve the accessibility of insulin for diabetes patients. “We are making innovative health solutions more accessible. We endeavor to upscale the diabetes treatment from human insulin to newer analogue insulin by significantly improving affordability,” Dr. Makhloufi said. However despite the advances in insulinization and diabetes treatments, the prevalence of diabetes continued to increase at an alarming rate all over the world. In the Philippines, diabetes is among the top 10 leading causes of death among Filipinos and the numbers continue to rise. There are about 3.7 million diabetic Filipinos, and this number is expected to double in the next 5 years. Among them, only 34 percent are diagnosed, 27 percent are treated and only 11 percent are on insulin. Among those treated, less than 50 percent are able to manage or control their disease,” she lamented. “Globally, we see a huge number of people with diabetes. This number will increase from 463 million today to 700 million in 2045. That’s one out of 11 adults who have the condition. Majority of people with diabetes live in low and middle income countries. All over the world, one life is lost every seven seconds because of diabetes and its complications,” she added. Moreover, there is a welldocumented stigma towards insulinization that influences patients to delay or forgo treatment, potentially affecting their quality of life in the long term. “The fear of insulin is usually because of two things. First, the fear of injections and needles; and second, the idea that insulin is seen as a last resort treatment for diabetes in the advanced stages,” she noted. However, research has shown that controlling high blood sugar sooner leads to better outcomes and reduces risks of complications such as blindness, amputations, heart disease and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes. There are benefits in giving insulin early, depending on the patient’s needs. “With the advancements and newer technology developed for insulin pens, in this day and age, injecting insulin has become easier, more convenient and less painful. More importantly, the discovery of Insulin proved that diabetes is not a death sentence and you can write your story. So let’s keep the story going, for another 100 years and beyond,” she explained.

Thursday, January 28, 2021 B7

VRP Medical Center introduces telerounds for home quarantined Covid-19 patients By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

health-care institution has come up with an innovative way to serve suspect or confirmed Covid-19 patients who opt to undergo home quarantine. VRP Medical Center (VRPMC) introduced the Telerounds Home Quarantine Pass to address the market demand for quality healthcare solutions for patients who opt for home quarantine. “So, we created a program where the same Alagang VRP can be given to those who opt to have home quarantine instead, with the peace of mind that a doctor is attending to them remotely with the necessary medical care using the technology every day,” VRPMC Marketing Manager Rosalie Operaña told the BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview. According to her, the pass is a prepaid card loaded with medical care and treatments, including daily telemed rounds by a VRP Physician and daily remote calls by the nurse on-duty via Messenger or Viber to monitor the patient who is quarantined at home, in a hotel or in another facility due to Covid-19.

How does it work? It is specifically designed for Covid-19 suspect, probable or confirmed, asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients. To use the card pass, a confirmed Covid-19 patient can call VRP-OMD or the Occupational Medicine Department to inform the hospital that he is positive for Covid-10 and that he will use the pass.

He will Immediately be referred to a VRP doctor for pre-assessment. If his case is mild or asymptomatic, he is qualified for the Telerounds Home Quarantine Pass.

Cost effective AT P20,000, a patient can avail of this card pass packed with various medical care and treatments. Operaña noted that it covers the patient’s pre-assessment by a VRPMC Physician, a medical kit, basic lab tests, post Covid care, and medical clearance. The added value of Telerounds, she pointed out, is giving the enrolled patients access to other VRPMC care and services as needed. These include MedExpress delivery of prescribed medicines and other pharmaceutical needs, additional laboratory tests, and priority accommodation in the hospital if the condition of the patient progresses from mild to moderate or severe which might require rushing the patient to the hospital. She emphasized, though, that inpatient services will be out of pocket expenses for the patient. The card pass is valid for one year and is transferable but non-refundable. She said: “So one can buy it for himself or as a gift of health insurance for others or can buy it for the family.” With all its inclusions, the Telerounds is very affordable and cost ef-

A VRP doctor doing his telerounds.

fective. In fact, it is half the price of the average hospital bill of a Covid-19 patient with mild symptoms as it costs around P40,000 to P50,000, per the Finance Division of VRPMC.

Positive response LAUNCHED early this year, this card pass is now available for sale, so anyone can purchase it from OMD or from the Sales and Marketing department of VRPMC. Companies and corporate accounts can avail of the pass for their employees with possible additional perks for bulk orders. While the Telerounds is initially available only for patients in Metro Manila, it has been received well by the local market. “We already have some candidate patients from corporate clients,” said the marketing manager.

Wide reach EVEN if this new telehealth solution is designed to benefit the Covid-19 patient during the pandemic, the hospital has also gained with the expansion of its market reach for treatment and medical care for “outpatients” who are

home quarantined. Given the success of this program at the early stage, the management already has plans to further improve its features to better serve the patients. “For the first phase of this program, it is for a one-time use, but we are open to making it a loadable top-up pass which the patient can link to his debit or credit card, according to the market demand. We are pulsing the market for this kind,” bared Operaña. She added that there will also be a modified arrangement for patients with severe symptoms and this card pass can still be applied to any kind of illness for patients who would want to be at home but will be needing medical attention and care using telehealth solutions. “VRP in the new normal will continue to care for our patients by serving them with our signature Alagang VRP customer experience—familyfriendly, nurturing, caring, and quality standard. During this time of Covid-19 crisis, if the patients cannot come to the hospital, we will come to them with the Telerounds Home Quarantine Pass,” she stressed.

DOH reiterates role of iodized salt in the fight against goiter

hat is a goiter? Goiter is a health condition that involves the enlargement of the thyroid gland which causes the formation of a lump in the front of the neck. In a media forum of the Philippine College of Physicians, Dr. Analyza Galia-Gabuay of the University of Sto. Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery said that when a person’s thyroid gland is enlarged, it can produce either too much, too little, or just enough thyroid hormones. Citing the Hormone Health Network, Dr. Gabuay said that thyroid hormones are important because they control how your body uses food for energy, help all your organs work well and affects the metabolism rate. Other than swelling at the lower part of the neck, there are persons who have a goiter but have no symptoms at all. However, this swelling may cause the person to feel: n Tightness in the throat; n Coughing; n Hoarseness; n Trouble swallowing; and n Trouble breathing She also added that if your goiter is making your thyroid underactive or overactive, you may also have a wide range of symptoms—from

fatigue and weight gain to involuntary weight loss, irritability, and sleep disorders.

Goiter awareness

According to the 2012 Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study (PhilTiDes-1), the prevalence of thyroid function abnormalities in the Philippines is 8.53 percent among the adult population, and among the thyroid disorders, goiter is most common with a prevalence rate of 10.12 percent. Meanwhile, the 2013 National Nutrition Survey revealed that about 5.8 million Filipinos were afflicted with thyroid disorders in different clinical presentations. These manifest as goiter, thyroid malignancy, mental deficiency, physical deformities, congenital hypothyroidism, cretinism, and reproductive failure. If untreated, these disorders could lead to the detrimental reduction of intellectual and physical capacity and even death among susceptible individuals. By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1188 on December 11, 2016, Goiter Awareness Week is observed every fourth week of January. The Department of Health (DOH) said that the nation, in observing the Goiter Awareness Week, underscored the vital role of iodized salt in preventing thyroid disorders such as goiter.

Since iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiter in the Philippines, people are advised to use iodized salt in their meals and to eat food rich in iodine such as dairy products, seafood (shellfish and seaweeds), meats, bread and eggs. Special attention should be extended to pregnant women because iodine deficiency during this critical period can cause premature birth, miscarriage or delivery of a baby with low intellect. To address this health concern, the DOH tapped the Philippine Thyroid Association, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Iodine Global Network, National Nutrition Council and the Department of Science and Technology to disseminate information and educate the public on the effects of iodine deficiency.

Risk factors

Dr. Gabuay said that everyone, even children, can get a goiter at any time in their lives. A goiter is often found during a physical exam when your doctor finds that there is swelling in your neck. Your doctor also may use other tests to find the cause of the goiter and to see how troublesome it is, such as: Hormone tests to show whether your thyroid gland is underactive (too little hormones)

or overactive (too much hormones); Antibody tests for Hashimoto disease and Graves’ disease (conditions where your immune system attacks your thyroid); Ultrasound to see the size of your thyroid and whether there are nodules; A thyroid scan with a radioactive substance to take a picture of your thyroid, especially if your thyroid is overactive (this is not safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding); Other scans (CT or MRI) of the neck to check your windpipe; and A biopsy (using an ultrasound and a needle to get a sample of your thyroid for testing)

Health risk factors of goiter include:

n Being a woman (four times more often in women than in men); n Being over 40 years old; n Being pregnant or in menopause; n Having a family history of autoimmune disease or goiter; n Having been exposed to radiation as a child or having had radiation treatment to your neck or chest; n Having a diet low in iodine; and n Some medicines also increase the risk of goiter. [e.g. amiodarone (heart drug) and lithium (psychiatric drug)]. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Company makes use of ozone to disinfect big facilities By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes Contributor

ocal companies continue to develop innovative products and solutions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. One such company is Wav Global Inc. which recently introduced its Internet of Things (IoT)based Wav Disinfect App designed to clean big facilities such as hospitals and clinics. According to www.oracle.com Internet of Things (IoT) “refers to a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring humanto-human or human-to-computer interaction.” Carlos Hinolan, founder and CEO of Wav Global

told BusinessMirror in a recent one-on-one online interview said the company came up with the IoTbased disinfectant using ozone or O3 to kill a virus in a specific area. According to the United Statesbased Environmental Protection Agency, ozone “is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Moreover, it is both a natural and a manmade product that occurs in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and lower atmosphere. It affects life on Earth both in positive and negative ways.” “WAV Global’s capability has been tested by the pandemic. By developing our IoT capabilities, the company has been able to adapt to the fast-changing business and market environment to sustain its continuing operations at these times of global crisis,” Hinolan said. “The pandemic has forced us to make a 180-degree shift. We also have to create other

divisions and retool our people,” Hinolan added.

Smartphones

By downloading the app, users of smartphones will be allowed to book these ozone devices for disinfection. Hinolan said the application establishes and sets the required disinfection parameters for the ozone disinfection of a particular space and turns on and off the ozone device using their mobile devices. Hinolan said the wireless ozone machines convert oxygen or O2 available in the ambient air of the room or space being disinfected into ozone or O3. He said the ozone will last between 30 minutes to four hours before the third oxygen atom breaks apart and reverts into oxygen. On a lower concentration level, it will typically take 30 minutes to up to two hours for ozone

to break down into breathable oxygen. He also pointed out the ozonation process is safe as it does not produce any residues or by-products, such as other harmful gases, that are released along with the ozone. Hinolan said using ozone is more advantageous compared to ultraviolet rays because it can even deactivate droplets. “Unlike gas, ozone will seep into hard areas,” he said. Currently, Wav Global has conducted over 3,000 disinfection procedures in different hospitals and clinics in Metro Manila. Furthermore, Hinolan emphasized the ozone machine has a powerful built-in fan that distributes the ozone equally in all corners of the room or space being disinfected. He said this ensures whole room or space disinfection, including all small cracks and corners.

Duterte lauds PSC for organizing sports summit

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte formally opened the National Sports Summit 2021 in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, lauding the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for organizing a major program amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “My warmest greetings to the PSC as it spearheads the National Sports Summit 2021. This online sports lecture-forum is indeed timely as we turn to sports as a means to move forward and engendered national unity especially as we deal with a Covid-19 pandemic,” Duterte said in a recorded video message. Duterte encouraged the close to 600 participants to continue inspiring the young generation. “Conducting this initiative through this online platform proves that sports can still be a tool in promoting excellence and instilling pride in the hearts of our people even as we prepare for the new normal,” Duterte said. “I urge all the participants to continue your worthwhile endeavors so that we may empower further all Filipinos especially the youth.” Senator Youth and Sports Chairman Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairman also congratulated the PSC for upholding unity and national progress through sports. “I would like to thank and congratulate the PSC for organizing this important activity that highlights the value of sports in society,” Go said. “Sports has always been an underrated aspect of nationbuilding. Given the ongoing pandemic, I believe that sports could serve as a driver for all Filipinos to rise together as one nation.” Go also guaranteed his support to Philippine sports to achieve lasting legacies in the grassroots and elite levels. “As chair of the Senate Committee and Sports, rest assured that I will continue to support long-term sports development in the country through our hard work and unity,” he said. “I am confident that more Filipino athletes will put the country on the world stage and that the sports will help us create a much better future for the entire nation.” Also present during the program was House Committee on Youth and Sports Chairman John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones, PSC Chairman William Ramirez and the PSC commissioners. “Live out your purpose in sports—whether you are an athlete, a coach, a sports educator, a local government sports coordinator or a stakeholder— sports has always taught us to rise up to challenges, dream bigger than us, to reach for goals which border on the impossible,” Ramirez said. “Together we can do so many things, achieve much for sports and our country,” he added.

Sports

US Olympic swimming trials split into 2 meets to prevent infection

BusinessMirror

| Thursday, January 28, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

Elizabeth Beisel (left) and Missy Franklin start the women’s 200-meter backstroke semifinal at the US Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Nebraska, in July 2016. AP

P.O.C. RECOGNIZES NEW VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION

WITH OPEN ARMS T

By Josef Ramos

HE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) welcomed on Wednesday its newest member—the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc. (PNVFI)— thus officially rendering legitimacy to the sports’ governing body in the country. The POC general assembly was unanimous with its decision that the organization’s leadership stopped counting when the vote favoring the PNVFI reached 40 members. There are 52 voting members of the POC and practically everyone accepted the new federation and Ramon “Tats” Suzara’s presidency. Except two—weightlifting’s Monico Puentevella and squash’s Robert Bachmann. Weightlifting association head Monico Puentevella badgered the PNVFI and Suzara’s presidency, linking the new federation to the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing

Committee which has yet to release an audited report on the Games the country hosted in 2019. But Puentevella was deemed out of order by the POC high chair and was chastised by POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino for grandstanding. Tolentino rebuked Puentevella’s claim that previous POC officials are delinquent in their liquidation on their financial assistance from government. “Some of them even became officers despite having an ongoing case,” said Tolentino without mentioning names. Bachmann opted to only submit a negative vote without making any comment. As a result of PNVFI’s recognition, the Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas Inc. was deleted as a provisional member. The other volleyball organization, the Philippine Volleyball Federation, was also expelled from the organization.

“We presented the expulsion decision made by the POC board [against the PVF] and the General Assembly just confirmed that— and that’s finished. It’s a unanimous approval,” POC Secretary-General Atty. Edwin Gastanes told BusinessMirror. “On LVPI, the General Assembly now considers it to have surrendered or waived its earlier provisional POC recognition as a national sports association in 2015 because it has actively participated in the election last Monday where its members were also elected in the new volleyball association,” Gastanes said. The POC, Gastanes said, will make a report to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) on PNVFI’s recognition. The FIVB, in turn, is expected to recognize the PNVFI during its online world congress from February 5 to 7. Suzara, who didn’t attend the general assembly, expressed his gratitude to the POC and to the other national sports associations

THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc. and its president Ramon “Tats” Suzara gets the Philippine Olympic Committee’s recognition.

for supporting the PNVFI. “We thank the POC for its leadership, the other NSAs which have unanimously approved the PNVFI membership, and all volleyball stakeholders who have been waiting for a genuine change so we can move the sports forward, onward, upward,” Suzara said. Tolentino, meanwhile, relayed to the General Assembly the International Olympic Committee’s assurance that the Tokyo Olympics would push through from July 23 to August 8. More than 70 NSA officials—regular, associate and recognized members—attended the POC’s first General Assembly either physically or online for 2021 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Taguig City.

‘The Menace’ slams Meng Bo

OP-ranked One Championship female mixed martial arts atomweight Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga of the Philippines didn’t take Meng Bo’s recent comments about her kindly. Meng is fresh off an impressive performance against former One world title challenger Samara Santos at One: Unbreakable last Friday night, winning by unanimous decision after a close three rounds. Meng took a dig at the Filipina’s skills and promised she would knock the No. 1-ranked atomweight out should they ever meet in the One circle. Zamboanga, who is currently based in Thailand, responded to Meng’s call out and

the 24-year-old rising star took a subtle swipe at the Chinese’s performance, but also welcomed a possible showdown. “I was actually expecting her to finish her unranked opponent, but it didn’t happen. I enjoyed watching it,” Zamboanga said. “Of course, I’m always open to facing anyone they put me in the circle with,” she said. “Meng Bo is the No. 2-ranked atomweight, so we will meet sooner or later. I know at some point, whether it’s in the tournament, or outside of it, we will fight.” Zamboanga said that she is in constant training at their new gym in Bangkok, Marrok Force, where she continues to hone her skills alongside older brother Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga and teammate Fritz Biagtan.

RULE BOOK VS. PANDEMIC

OKYO—Remember the word: Playbook. This is the rule book that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo organizers are set to roll out next week to explain how 15,400 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and tens of thousands of others will try to safely enter Japan when the Olympics open in just under six months. Organizers and the IOC are finally going public with their planning, hoping to push back against reports the Olympics will be canceled with Tokyo and much of Japan still under a state of emergency with Covid-19 cases rising. The rollout at Olympic headquarters in Switzerland is planned for February 4, with Tokyo likely to present on February 5. “We created four different scenarios, one that had travel restrictions, clusters— to one where the pandemic was nearly gone,” Lucia Montanarella, head of IOC media operations, explained Tuesday for a panel discussion held by the International Sports Press Association. “The present scenario is very much like one of those that we’d created, with the pandemic still among us, and some countries being able to contain it, some not.” The playbook will be about creating safe bubbles in Tokyo, and will be updated with changing protocols as the July 23 opening gets closer. The Paralympics are schedule to open on August 24. Athletes and those traveling to Japan—coaches, judges, media, broadcasters, VIPS—are likely to face some self-quarantine period before they leave home. This will be followed by tests at the airport, tests arriving in Japan, and frequent testing for those staying in the Athletes Village alongside Tokyo Bay. Montanarella said “we know that we are facing a huge challenge, this is to create a bubble for all athletes. One thing is to create a

bubble for 200 athletes in just one sport, and a very different thing is to create a bubble for thousands of athletes of different sports.” Craig Spence, a spokesman for the International Paralympic Committee, said organizers must get the support of the Japanese public amid polls that show 80 percent of those surveyed think the Olympics should be canceled or postponed. “If you are an athlete or a stakeholder, you will not be able to get on a plane until you provide a negative test,” Spence told Associated Press. “When you see the number of tests we are going to do [on site], that should reassure people.” IOC President Thomas Bach, who has said vaccines are not “obligatory,” is still pushing for all participants to be vaccinated. The World Health Organization said earlier this week that Olympic athletes should not be a priority ahead of health-care workers, the elderly and the vulnerable. AP

SA Swimming wanted to make its Olympic trials as safe as possible during a pandemic while providing a valuable experience to the next generation of stars. The solution? Two meets. The US Olympic swimming trials will be split into a pair of meets, the governing body announced Tuesday—a striking change designed to provide more room for social distancing on the usually crowded pool deck, The Wave I meet of lower-ranked swimmers will be held from June 4 to 7 in Omaha, Nebraska. The top finishers will advance to the main Wave II meet from June 13 to 20—the already scheduled dates for the trials—to determine who represents the US at the Tokyo Games. Both meets will take place in a temporary pool set up inside the CHI Health Center arena, which is hosting the trials for the fourth straight time going back to 2008. Mike Unger, USA Swimming’s chief operating officer, said a test meet was scheduled in Omaha for June 4 and 5, which cleared the way for the change in format. “We already had that event on the books,” he told The Associated Press. “Someone suggested we take the test event but don’t call it a test event. Call it the trials.” The change is designed to reduce overcrowding on the pool deck, two adjacent warmup pools, and the athlete seating areas. The top 41 seeded swimmers in each event will automatically qualify for Wave II, which ensures that top swimmers such as Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel are assured of a spot. All others will have to swim their way in. “We wanted to have enough people at the meet to keep the environment, keep the atmosphere, but also maintain things from a health and safety standpoint,” Unger said. As of last week, 1,305 athletes had qualified for the Olympic trials since the window opened November 28, 2018. The meet, initially set for last summer, was delayed a year after the Tokyo Olympics were postponed because of the pandemic, which has claimed more than 400,000 American lives and more than 2 million victims around the world. Instead of limiting the trials to only the top-seeded swimmers, the governing body preferred a format that provided valuable experience to those who may be contenders in future years. Unger noted that many top US swimmers—including Ryan Murphy and Missy Franklin—didn’t qualify for the Olympic team at their first trials. “Maybe for 2024 or even 2028, these trials will provide the sort of learning experience that so many of our athletes had before actually making the Olympic team,” Unger said. USA Swimming reviewed the last five Olympic trials going back to 2000 to determine the the lowest-seeded swimmers to qualify for an event final. Morgan Scroggy, seeded 41st, qualified for the 200-meter backstroke final at the 2008 trials. Erin Phenix was the lowest-seeded swimmer to earn a spot on the Olympic team. She was 38th when she qualified as a relay swimmer for the 2000 Sydney Games by finishing sixth in the 100 free final. Swimmers who do not meet the Wave II time standards before May 30 will compete in the Wave I meet. The top two finishers in each event will advance to Wave II, which will ultimately determine the US team. The newly adjusted standards also factor in a possible growth of 50-60 athletes per event in the four months leading into the Olympic Trials, generating a final field of approximately 750 total athletes in the Wave II meet. Unger projects 600 to 700 swimmers will take part in the first meet. While far fewer than the nearly 1,400 swimmers who were expected to take part in a single meet, USA Swimming still faces a daunting challenge to maintain safe conditions. The organization is considering several options as part of its safety protocols, most notably reducing the number of swimmers, coaches, trainers and other officials milling around on the pool decks. “If you’re not swimming on a given morning, maybe you can’t come to the venue,” Unger said. “For instance, if you’re only swimming on day four of the trials, maybe you’re not warming up between 8 and 10 every morning to clutter the pool up.” AP

PEOPLE wearing face masks to protect against the spread of the coronavirus stand at the Odaiba waterfront as the Olympic rings are seen in the background in Tokyo. AP