BusinessMirror June 11, 2021 by BusinessMirror

Infra spending up 45% on projects frenzy By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

TATE infrastructure spending surged by 45 percent in April this year compared to last year as the government continued implementing infrastructure projects. Government spending on infrastructure and capital outlays rose to P58.2 billion from P40.1 billion in April last year, latest data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed. T he DBM at t r i b ut e d t he “strong” double-digit growth in infrastructure spending to the continued rollout of projects of the Department of Public Works

and Highways (DPWH), such as the construction and rehabilitation of access, by-pass and diversion roads, bridges; flood mitigation activities, such as slope/river bank protection and dredging works; design and build of off-site modular hospitals, and construction of linear parks and other government administrative buildings. “It is noteworthy that infrastructure and capital outlays grew by P18.0 billion or 45.0 percent to reach P58.2 billion, which helped minimize the contraction of the total disbursements for the month,” the DBM said. Overall government spending in April this year dropped by 27.1 percent to P336.3 billion from

P461.7 billion in the same month last year at a time when the government had “huge” expenditures under Bayanihan 1 to cushion the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. State infrastructure spending for the first four months of this year also climbed by 29.1 percent to P253.4 billion from last year's P196.2 billion. “ I n f ra st r uc t u re s pend i ng , which grew to P253.4 billion or 29.1 percent y-o-y, was propelled by the payments made for completed and partially completed infrastructure projects of the DPWH, and mobilization costs of ongoing construction activities mainly for its road infrastructure program,” the DBM explained.

Friday, June 11, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 240

On top of this, the government also made payments related to foreign-assisted projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), such as the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1 and North-South Commuter Railway Projects, which contributed to higher infrastructure spending for the period. Meanwhile, total government spending from January to April this year went up by 3.3 percent to P1.35 trillion from P1.31 trillion last year. Moving forward, the DBM said it sees a further pickup in government spending, particularly for the month of May. See “Infra,” A2

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 26 pages |

BSP: MARCH FDI SURGE BY 139.5% TO HIT $808M n

The opening of the LRT-2 (Light Rail Transit Line 2) East Extension Project has been moved to June 23 because of the constraints brought by the Covid-19 situation in the country, the Department of Transportation said. The LRT-2 will have two new stations in Marikina City and Antipolo in Rizal. The extension project can accommodate an additional 80,000 passengers daily in the whole rail line. With the two new stations, travel time from Recto, Manila to Masinag, Antipolo is estimated at 40 minutes. NONOY LACZA

NOT A POWER CRISIS, BUT A COMPLIANCE ISSUE, SAYS CUSI By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

O avert power outages in the future, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday asked lawmakers to allow his office to engage in power generation, grant authority to sanction violators, consider the use of nuclear energy and amend the franchise of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Cusi told the Senate Committee on Energy to help the Department of Energy (DOE) in allowing government to be involved in power generation business, albeit “limited” so as not to compete with power generation companies (gencos). “It’s meant to augment energy supply when needed,” Cusi said. Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairman Agnes

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

ONG-TERM investments placed by international players in the Philippines soared in March this year as global vaccination programs continued to roll out, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Thursday. Continued on A6

PESO exchange rates n US 47.7390

Devanadera said that while the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) requires the privatization of National Power Corporation (NPC) assets, “we can’t find an expressed provision that prohibits the government to engage in generation.” In fact, she pointed out that state firm Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) has generation projects, including renewable energy (RE). “Maybe the decision will have to be done by the national government whether or not the government will still fund the construction of the generation facilities.” Commenting on this, DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella cited a need to amend the Epira because, according to PNOC and PNOC-Exploration Corp. (EC), this is considered “shaky legal ground.” See “Not,” A2

‘Mandanas’ may worsen underspending–WB By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HILE the Mandanas Ruling by the Supreme Court is expected to significantly increase revenues of local government units (LGUs), the World Bank raised concerns that this may worsen underspending

by the government. In its Philippine Economic Update (PEU), the World Bank estimated that the Mandanas Ruling will increase the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for LGUs by 55 percent. The IRA would reach P1.08 trillion or 4.8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product compared. This is significantly higher than

the IRA’s amount this year which is only 3.5 percent of GDP. “Local governments often lack the manpower and technical capacity to properly plan, prepare, implement, and monitor projects and services. This limitation in capacity is reflected in underspent budgets as measured by the budget execution rate, undermining effective service

delivery,” the PEU stated. Based on several scenarios, the World Bank estimated that allocating the entire increase in the budget to capital outlay is projected to reduce budget execution rates by an average of 14 and 13 percentage points for provincial and city governments, respectively. See “Mandanas,” A2

n japan 0.4355 n UK 67.4075 n HK 6.1523 n CHINA 7.4750 n singapore 36.0376 n australia 36.9070 n EU 58.1413 n SAUDI arabia 12.7301

Source: BSP (June 10, 2021)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, June 11, 2021

Reinsurance brokers created ₧2.36B in premiums in 2019

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

EINSURANCE brokers generated a total of P2.36 billion in premiums and earned P144.81 million in commissions in 2019, the Insurance Commission (IC) said.

Based on the updated report released by the IC, most of the reinsurance premiums were generated in the fire insurance line, which stood at P1.27 billion. This was followed by reinsurance premiums in miscellaneous lines amounting to P348.83 million

and those from the engineering line with P318.01 million, according to Insurance Commissioner Dennis B. Funa. In terms of commissions, Funa said reinsurance brokers earned the most in the fire insurance line with P72.35 million in earnings.

Mandanas...

The World Bank said the decline in budget execution is projected to be more substantial for municipalities at around 24 percentage points. This, the report stated, suggested that municipal governments face severe capacity constraints compared to provinces and cities. However, the Washington-based

Continued from A1

lender said budget execution is expected to improve as local governments reduce their budget allocations to capital outlays. Further, with the increased IRA, the World Bank expects the vertical fiscal gap to widen once the Mandanas Ruling takes effect. This will make LGUs more dependent on the IRA.

It was followed by miscellaneous lines with aggregate earnings of P23.02 million and by the marine hull line with P18.45 million. The IC released the updated reports given that some brokers have not yet submitted their “Statement of Business Operations” (SBOs) in October 2020 when the IC first released the performance report. To recall, the IC extended the submission of SBOs without penalty under its Circular Letter 2020-23. PhilPacific Insurance Brokers and Managers Inc. still ranked first in terms of premiums produced in 2019 as it earned P769.17 million in reinsurance premiums. It also led the list of reinsur-

The report estimated that the increase in local government budgets is projected to increase total local government expenditure to P962 billion or 4.5 percent of GDP by 2022. This will run contrary to making LGUs more reliant on their own revenues. The World Bank said the taxing powers of local governments have remained anchored on the provisions laid out by the Local Government Code, which did not improve their ability to generate own-source revenues. “The wider vertical fiscal gap will be

ance brokers in terms of commissions earned in 2019 amounting to P50.57 million. KRM Reinsurance Brokers Philippines Inc. ranked second in terms of premium production and commissions earned in 2019. Anchor Insurance Brokerage Corp., Alsons Insurance Brokers Corp. and Pana Harrison Reinsurance Brokers (Philippines) Inc. placed third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in terms of premium production. As for commissions earned in 2019, Mega Re International Inc., Alsons Insurance and CBR Asia Insurance Brokers Inc. took the third, fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

addressed by an increase in Internal Revenue Allotments, resulting in a much higher dependency ratio across all local governments. A stronger dependence on the Internal Revenue Allotment may further weaken local fiscal autonomy and accountability,” the World Bank said. According to World Bank Economist Kevin Cruz, addressing weaknesses in planning and coordination is a first step toward managing the transition and improving decentralization. He said the national government should define re-devolved functions and clearly communicate these to both national government agencies and local government units. “The authorities need to ensure that the development goals of the national government and local governments are wellaligned, and that service delivery gaps are minimized, particularly during this unprecedented crisis,” Cruz said. “This will require the national government and local government units to review the division of labor between national government agencies and local government units in re-devolving functions, while keeping fiscal and absorptive capacity in mind,” he added. Other recommendations for managing the transition due to the Mandanas Ruling include channeling the increase in IRA toward local government’s Covid-19 response efforts to mitigate budget execution risks while providing much-needed support to local constituents. The World Bank also recommended that the national government provide capacity building support to local government units to improve their implementation capacity and overall service delivery. There is also a need to address inequality among LGUs by providing targeted support to poor local governments that lack proper capacity and resources. Efforts to strengthen citizen’s capacity to demand accountability should be supported. This can be done by citizen participation in budgeting and expenditure processes; public hearings on budget information; civic monitoring of intergovernmental transfers; monitoring of local service provision; and social audits.

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Infra...

Continued from A1

Preliminary data for the month of May 2021 indicate that spending likely exceeded the growth rate posted for the same month last year. This strong performance is credited to the large infrastructure expenditures of the DPWH, disbursements for the banner programs of the DepEd (Department of Education), DOH (Department of Health), and DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Govern-

Not...

ment), as well as transfers to LGUs (local government units) and releases to GOCCs (government-owned and -controlled corporations). For this year, the government has programmed to spend P1.019 trillion for infrastructure. This is equivalent to 5.1 percent of the country’s GDP. Last year, it spent P869.5 billion for infrastructure, which was equivalent to 4.8 percent of the country’s GDP.

Continued from A1

This proposal, said committee head Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, would be taken up in another hearing. Cusi also suggested the use of other energy sources for baseload such as nuclear, subject to technical and safety requirements. “If found feasible and doable, allow the same as congress may deem appropriate.” He also asked that his office be allowed to sanction violators of DOE policies and be allowed to issue measures to protect the consumers during a state of emergency.

Amend NGCP franchise–Cusi

But more important, Cusi stressed, a legislation must be crafted to amend NGCP’s franchise so it could take back the responsibility to prepare the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) and remove the delegation of the governmental power to expropriate because, he said, NGCP is wrongfully registering properties under its name instead of the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) as owner. The NGCP took over the management and operation of the power grid since 2009. TransCo still owns the assets. Cusi went on further to say that the rotating power outages from May 31 to June 2 was “not a power crisis but a compliance issue,” particularly on the side of NGCP. He cited NGCP’s refusal to include TransCo in crafting the TDP, refusal to allow TransCo to inspect NGCP’s facilities, delays in NGCP’s vital power projects and non-compliance with a DOE circular ordering NGCP to contract 100-percent firm contracts for ancillary services (AS), among others. “If it had only contracted firm contracts, we wouldn’t be here talking about the brownouts last week,” Cusi said. Based on DOE figures presented at the hearing, Luzon should have a regulating reserve (RR) of 491megawatts, contingency reserve (CR) of 668 MW and dispatchable reserve (DR) of 647 MW. But the NGCP, according to the DOE, was only able to contract 237 MW RR, 180 MW CR and 145 MW DR. These three types of reserves are also known as AS. During the hearing, the NGCP warned of a sharp spike in power rates if compelled to procure all of its AS requirements under 100% firm contract. NGCP explained that initial simulations show power rates could rise by P0.64 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for Luzon, P0.54 per kwh for Visayas, and P1.39 per kwh for Mindanao. NGCP issued this warning in light of the DOE’s insistence on the dispatch of AS as a response to thin operating margins and possible load dropping in the Luzon grid at various points this year, due to multiple power plants on extended outage. NGCP President Anthony Almeda said during the hearing that the red alerts experienced last May 31 and June 1 were due to generation deficiency since several power plants went on forced or unplanned outages while others were running on de-rated capacities. Almeda said AS contracting will not solve this supply problem; new power plants will.

“Why is the problem with supply suddenly NGCP’s responsibility? We can only deliver what is being made or generated by suppliers. Nothing more,” he stressed. NGCP sources the power it needs to support its AS from the same pool of energy suppliers serving end consumers. “AS is not extra energy, nor is it replacement power for power plants that go down. If power supply is not enough to meet the needs of the consumers, how can there still be power for AS?” Almeda insisted. AS, the NGCP stressed, is a stopgap measure, dispatched only to stabilize and balance the grid in cases of power supply and demand imbalance. In times when supply is sufficient, it is meant to run only long enough to bridge the gap between the loss of supply event, and the time that replacement power can be scheduled by the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines Inc. (Iemop), usually within the succeeding hour or two. It should not run for days, weeks, or months on end without violating the Epira and prevailing regulatory approvals. NGCP currently contracts both firm and non-firm arrangements for its ancillary services. Shifting from the current nonfirm arrangements to a firm arrangement, it said, will not solve the current lack in supply, as they are taken from the same pool of power plant suppliers.

We’ve been bullied–NGCP

“NGCP has constantly been bullied not just over the past couple of days, but in the past years—being used as the scapegoat; the easy target to blame for the issue. We were blamed for not contracting enough AS, as if it is the solution to the problem,” said Almeda. Cusi said Marubeni has informed DOE that 70 MW of capacity could be tapped by NGCP as AS. “There are available solutions but how come these are not being done? We are going back to the issue on reserves. If I am the system operator, I have to find ways. I disagree that it will cost additional burden to the consumers,” said Cusi. During the hearing, energy officials said the entry of GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) Unit 1 “plays a very important role,” saying without it, “we will be having red alerts.” The plant is still undergoing testing and commissioning. It is expected to be commercially available in August, according to the ERC. “We are earnestly working at remedial measures to resolve the issue and enable Unit 1 of the Dinginin Plant to resume testing and commissioning and augment supply to the grid with its ability to make available 668 MW. “Rest assured that we are working closely with our government and industry stakeholders in making sure this capacity is provided to the grid without delay,” said GNPD Vice President Roberto Racelis Jr. The issuance of red alert could also be triggered by the simultaneous maintenance shutdown of Sual and Ilijan Block B plants. These plants were supposed to go offline this month but the DOE had sought deferment of maintenance activities. “These are two critical power plants scheduled to start maintenance procedure this June and we have requested them to move the schedule and we have yet to receive the submission of NGCP and the gencos on this,” said DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Director Mario Marasigan. The estimated cost of power outage in Meralco residential customers during the May 31 and June 1 brownouts amounted to P116,838,129.30, according to the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association Inc. (Pippa).

A4 Friday, June 11, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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Philippine pork imports may reach ‘record-high’ this year–BAI data By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE Philippines’s imports of pork bellies and cuts this year are on-track to reach a record-high after January-to-May volume surged by nearly 330 percent to 98,369.608 metric tons (MT), surpassing total purchase last year. Industry players attributed the increase to the need to plug the shortfall in domestic supply that raised pork retail prices to unprecedented levels. They also noted that the lowered pork tariffs contributed to the quadrupling of imports of prime cuts of pork. Latest Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) data showed imports of pork bellies and cuts during the five-month period was 75,406.896 MT higher than the 22,962.712 MT recorded in the same period of last year.

Historical BAI data analyzed by the BusinessMirror showed that the five-month import volume already surpassed the country’s total purchase of imported pork bellies and cuts last year that reached 92,442.7 MT. The January-to-May figure also exceeded the volume recorded in 2019 at 96,425.386 MT, based on historical BAI data. BAI data showed that the fivemonth figure is just 22,255 MT away from surpassing the record-high volume of 120,624.364 MT for imports of pork bellies and cuts that was recorded in 2018. BAI data also showed that a total of 35,866.077 MT of pork bellies and pork cuts entered the country in May alone.

Shortage, hedging

MEAT Importers and Traders Association President Jesus C. Cham

told the BusinessMirror that the increase in imports was a reaction to the plunge in domestic pork supply caused by the devastation of African swine fever (ASF) on local hog farms. Cham said the lowered tariffs only had a minimal impact during the five-month period since these volumes were contracted by importers and traders even before President Duterte ordered the lowering of tariffs. “It has really something to do with the lack of supply. It was the shortage that drove the imports, especially when retail prices hit P400 per kilogram to P500 per kilogram,” Cham said in an interview. “And also, the importers and traders that hedged that tariffs would be lowered contributed to the increase.” The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (Pampi) wel-

comed the quadrupling of the imports of pork bellies and cuts, pointing out that it helped them “manage” their costs and “minimize” price adjustments. Pampi attributed the expansion of imports to the lowering of pork tariffs. “Please note that global pork prices remain high so the lower import duties mitigate the impact. But the ultimate victor here is the Filipino consumer who now has access to more affordable pork,” the group said in a statement on Thursday. “Before the Executive Order was issued, people had to pay P400-P420 for a kilo of local pork, an amount that practically depletes their daily wage,” it added. Industry sources told the BusinessMirror that the expansion in pork imports is unprecedented, with exporters remaining keen to sustain the hike in their shipments

Solon weighs in on impact of ‘Mandanas’ devolution By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

OUSE Committee on Ways a nd Mea ns C h a i r m a n Albay Rep. Joey Salceda on Thursday said the Mandanas ruling, which has been for implementation in 2022, may reduce economic growth in the short to medium term, but may improve the delivery of basic social services at the local level. During the World Bank-Philippine Economic Update launch, the economist-lawmaker said the implementation of the ruling could lead to a “modestly negative economic growth” in the short to medium term due to loss of scale as Mandanas ruling accounts for 20 percent of current capital outlay. He added the ruling could also cause “reduced national government capital outlays, a negative for capital formation, and lower national government borrowing due to a reduction in primary surplus.” “LGUs [local government units] can borrow but they cannot go to deficit under the current rules, they can borrow but they cannot borrow from ODA [Official Development Assistance] being subnational,”

Salceda explained. With the Mandanas ruling, Salceda said, the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) in 2022 is now projected at P1.083 trillion. Without this Supreme Court ruling, he said the IRA is only projected at P848.44 billion. “Actually, the increase is only P27.6 billion because they would have received P848.44 billion without the Mandanas. The share [of the IRA after the ruling] to total GDP in 2022 would increase from 3.72 percent to 4.75 percent,” he said. The SC’s Mandanas ruling expands the basis for the computation of IRA to include collections not only of the Bureau of Internal Revenue but also the customs duties collected by the Bureau of Customs, a part of taxes collected in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, taxes from the exploitation of national wealth, excise tax on tobacco products and other taxes provided in the National Internal Revenue Code and franchise taxes.

Long-term

IN the long-term, however, Salceda said that “local economic develop-

ment, matched with the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Act, could boost growth.” “Inter-local convergence could also offset reduced national interspatial integration. Local governments whose economies are interlocked have to be willing to work together and work beyond their siloes,” Salceda added. He said the Mandanas ruling could improve the delivery of social services and enhance human development and poverty reduction. “There are potential improvements in distributional impacts, with more than 70 percent of poverty incidence being rural poverty. This, of course, is possible [through] good governance,” he said. “The delivery of social services could also improved delivery due to better targeting, lower administrative costs, and better feedback loop at the local level,” Salceda added. Fiscally, however, Salceda warned that LGUs may “rest on the laurels of increased internal revenue allotment and be more lax in generating their own revenues.” “The increased IRA is a disincentive to creating more internally

generated funds or IGF from local taxes such as real property tax and natural resource taxes such as the sand and gravel tax. So, the Bureau of Local Government Finance has to work really hard to make sure LGUs still work towards public resource generation,” Salceda said.

Political impacts

SALCEDA also explained that the ruling shifts power from Congress to local governments. “As a result, we may see more vertical and horizontal consolidation of power among good, or even bad, local leaders. The good leaders can perform better and will be more popular with greater funding. The bad leaders will have more resources to sustain patron-client relationships,” he said. “So we still need better oversight of the use of local fiscal resources. That is where the role of agencies like the Commission on Audit will come in. But they will have to be less procedural and more impact-oriented. The question of governance is not whether every little detail is perfect, but whether a local project is the most effective and impactful use of public resources,” he added.

Covid-19 claims life of Davao del Sur Gov. Cagas as son recuperates

to the Philippines. With this situation, imports of pork bellies and pork cuts this year could post a new record-high volume. The government is banking on its twin measures of reducing pork tariffs and hiking minimum access volume (MAV) for pork to boost domestic supply and pulldown retail prices. Industry players noted that the increase in pork imports have started to influence market prices as retail pork prices in Metro Manila wet markets has declined by P20 to P30 per kilogram this month from previous months. As of June 10, the average price of pork belly in Metro Manila wet markets was at P360 per kilogram, P20 lower than the P380 per kilogram recorded a month ago, the latest Department of Agriculture price monitoring report showed.

SC magistrates donate 14 tons of veggies to Metro pantries By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

UPREME Court justices have extended their support to organizers of community pantries, particularly in Metro Manila, by donating 14 tons of vegetables from their personal money. The donation was made as part of the Court’s 120th anniversary to be celebrated today (June 11). The initiative and the money used to purchase the donations came from the pockets of the 14 incumbent magistrates. “On the eve of the Supreme Court’s 120th anniversary, the 14 incumbent magistrates of the Supreme Court, using their personal resources and working collectively, purchased more than 14 tons of vegetables from farmers to be distributed to various community pantries,” the SC said. It added that some of the vegetables would be donated to the indigent ward of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the Manila Police District (MPD).

DAVAO del Sur Gov. Douglas Ralota Cagas By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas Ralota Cagas succumbed to Covid-19 complications on early Thursday, seven days after he was rushed to the hospital. He was 77 years old. Cagas left behind a political career that spanned 30 years which started when he became an assemblyman in 1985. Incidentally, Cagas was among the first in the province to be inoculated with the first dose of Sinovac vaccine on May 16, “not because of his position but because he was a senior citizen.” It could not be ascertained if he has an existing personal medical problem as the Cagas family has been known to be mum on many personal matters, including health. His son, Marc, is also currently confined at a Digos City hospital on Covid-19 infection also. Douglas’s wife, Mercedes, on the other hand, has suffered multiple stroke, and it was also not known if she has been hospitalized. The Cagas family, in a statement, has confirmed the governor’s death. “It is with you our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Governor Douglas ‘Dodo’ Cagas this morning [June 10], owing to Covid-19 complications. He was the loving husband of Congresswoman Didi [Mercedes] and father to Vice Governor Marc Douglas.” Cagas is survived by his wife, Rep. Mercedes Chan Cagas and son, former congressman and Vice Governor Mac Douglas IV. Cagas started out as an assemblyman in 1985-1986, then as a congressman in 1998-2007 and governor in 2016.

Food for recyclable trash: MMDA launches new scheme to end Metro garbage woes By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

HE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has dished out a creative scheme in a bid to stop the indiscriminate disposal of garbage: Trade recyclable trash for commodities such as canned goods, instant noodles, and rice, among others. MMDA Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the new scheme will be implemented following the launch of the agency’s Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) and Community Based Takakura Composting, two waste diversion initiatives designed to minimize waste for a greener and healthier Metropolis while promoting segregation and composting in communities. “Through these initiatives, we hope to teach barangay leaders and residents how they can reduce their waste instead of indiscriminately dumping or throwing their trash along the streets and waterways,” the MMDA chief said at the project’s launch on Thursday dubbed as Balik Kalinga sa Kalikasan Para sa Kaunlaran in Barangay Sto. Rosario Kaunlaran in the municipality of Pateros. Abalos said that the MMRF, dubbed as “Recyclable Mo, Palit Grocery Ko,” allows residents of a certain barangay to trade their wastes for commodities. Residents shall surrender recyclable ma-

terials such as cartons, glass bottles, papers, and tin cans, etc. to their barangays for the MMRF collection. For every submission of the collected recyclables, residents will earn points that they can use in exchange for certain commodities or grocery items during the scheduled MMRF Market Day. The earned and redeemed points of each participating resident are all duly recorded in their own Ecosavers Passbook. “Residents are encouraged to collect their recyclable materials in exchange for goods,” said Abalos. He added that “to ensure compliance to the established safety and health protocols of the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases] and each locality, the MMDA will coordinate with the local government units and the barangays prior to the scheduling and operation of the MMRF in their areas.” Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce III, who joined the launch, thanked Abalos for choosing one of their barangays as the project’s pilot area. “This is an added motivation to encourage households to segregate and recycle their waste. We are grateful to the MMDA for introducing their project to us,” said Ponce. The MMDA is also eyeing partnership with accredited junk shops to buy the recovered recyclable materials from the barangays and in return, the money will be used to buy the commodities/goods being distributed during MMRF market day.

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Makati Mayor Binay taps malls as new vaccination sites for essential workers By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

O speed up the vaccination of essential workers in Makati, the city government has opened a new site at the Glorietta 5 Mall on Thursday to vaccinate up to 500 individuals who have pre-registered online under the A4 category. Makati Mayor Abigail Binay said that another dedicated vaccination site will be opened at the San Lorenzo Place Mall on Friday following the latest partnerships made by the city government to speed up the progress of its free Covid-19 vaccination program. “We have made these strategic partnerships with the private sector to accommodate the expected influx of vaccine registrants from the A4 category. We laud the Ayala Corporation and Megaworld Corporation for readily sharing their resources as we begin another critical phase in the Bakuna Makati mass vaccination program,” Binay said. The vaccination site in San Lorenzo Place located at the corner of Chino Roces Avenue and Edsa, meanwhile, aims to serve up to 400 individuals in the A4 group daily. “We need to ensure fast yet safe

vaccination against Covid-19 for our economic frontliners so that businesses in the city can continue to recover and thrive, thus fueling faster economic recovery,” the mayor said. As classified by Department of Health (DOH), the A4 category is subdivided as follows: A4.1— Private sector workers who work outside their homes and overseas Filipino workers scheduled for deployment within four months; A4.2—Employees in government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units; and A4.3 Informal sector workers and self-employed who work outside their homes and those working in private households. Binay said the Makati Coliseum, Vax OTG at Circuit Makati grounds, and various vaccination sites in public schools and villages of the city will continue to cater to the A1 to A3 groups in the DOH priority list. A total of P1 billion was allocated this year for the purchase of vaccines under the Bakuna Makati program, which covers residents, city government workers, and private sector employees including non-residents.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Friday, June 11, 2021 A5

DTI says P5-B MSME lending facility nears full utilization, calls for fund replenishment By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @TyronePiad

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported on Thursday that the lending facility for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is approaching full utilization, calling for fund replenishment to continue offering financial assistance. In a news statement, the trade department said that it has processed and approved P4.5 billion worth of loans covering 30,408 applications as of June 9. These borrowings were offered via Small Business Corp.’s P5-billion Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) microfinancing program. The CARES program draws P1 billion in funds from the 2021 General Appropriations Act and P4 billion from Bayanihan 2. “In view of this, there is a need to replenish this fund if we are to lend out to more MSMEs affected by the pandemic,” Trade Secretary

Ramon M. Lopez said. Lopez is expecting that the remaining funding under the MSME microfinancing window will be maximized by the end of June. The DTI chief said replenishing the allocation would help the economy recover amid the pandemic. The trade chief, despite the credit facility nearing full utilization, encouraged the MSMEs to still apply for the much-needed financial assistance amid the pandemic. “Withthismicrofinancingprogram providing collateral-free and interestfree loans to businesses affected by the pandemic, our MSMEs can begin to rebuild their respective businesses and take part in the recovery that has started around the world,” he said. The DTI, with the Department of Tourism, is also promoting the P6billion CARES for Tourism Rehabilitation and Vitalization of Enterprises and Livelihood (CARES for TRAVEL). Both government agencies are expecting more loan applicants for the CARES for TRAVEL program as

more tourism economic activities are beginning to restart operations amid easing of lockdown restrictions. Lopez added the DTI is seeing an increase in consumer and business confidence with the arrival of additional vaccine doses and that vaccination rollout for the 35 million A4 priority group or economic frontliners. “The country’s vaccination program will prove to be a timely shot in the arm as well for the economy, as it will lead to continuous reopening with less threat of a surge, thus creating a good momentum for sustained recovery, more investments and greater employment opportunities for the Filipinos,” Lopez said. During the ceremonial vaccination for economic frontliners on Monday, Lopez said that the Covid-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases and the private sector were mulling over new policies allowing further mobility on the part of the vaccinated population as the economy paves its path toward recovery.

BIZ JOURNALISTS GROUP HOLDS VIRTUAL TRAINING FOR MEMBERS

S part of its vision of raising the bar of business journalism in the country, the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) successfullyconcludeditsthree-daybusiness journalism seminar which was done inpartnershipwithSanMiguelCorp.and theAteneoCenterforEconomicResearch and Development (ACERD). The virtual sessions, spread over three Saturdays of May, allowed 29 business reporters across 13 news outfits covering almost all the major beats in the business and economic community to listen to lectures that expanded their understanding of how business and the economy works. The sessions were designed to improve the reporters’ understanding of, and reporting on macroeconomy, capital markets, and commodities. Participants who successfully attended all of the sessions in the threeday seminar were awarded with a certificate of completion. “The new normal was a great opportunity for us to refresh and expand our members’ skills in covering various sectors of the economy. This event would not be possible without the gracious support of Mr. Ramon S. Ang of SMC and ACERD lead by esteemed economist Dr. Alvin P. Ang,” said EJAP President Gerard S. de la Peña.

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Popcom, DSWD seek ₧78-M initial budget to extend aid to teen moms By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

HE Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are requesting for an initial budget of P78 million to provide social protection for teen mothers and their children. Undersecretary for Population and Development Juan Antonio Perez III told the BusinessMirror on Thursday that Popcom aims to extend P50 million for the project while DSWD will extend P22 million. He said the DSWD would also try to secure P6 million for 2022 to bankroll the project. Perez said the Popcom and DSWD would be finalizing the mechanism

of social protection, particularly the amounts to be received by teen mothers. He added they are also eyeing to source counterpart funding from local government units (LGU) with the expected implementation of the “Mandanas” ruling. “We have not yet discussed a specific amount, but because of the Mandanas ruling which will affect national government budgets, we will need a counterpart fund from LGUs,” Perez said. “We intend to conduct a needs assessment first which we will complete by September.” On Thursday, the DSWD and Popcom formalized their partnership for the social protection program for teenage mothers and their children (SPPTMC) through a virtual memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing.

The Popcom said SPPTMC aims to cushion the impact of their pregnancy on their incomes which are often limited because their education was put on hold because of their condition. The social protection mechanism will be directed toward easing the financial burdens of unintended pregnancies of mothers who are 10 to 19 years old, as well as those of their families. The MOA covers the development of an information system to identify teen moms and their children nationwide, the health services they can access and avail of, nutrition support, and mental health. It also covers the ability to return to school and a social amelioration program to support those belonging to the lowest socioeconomic

bracket until such time they are able to find gainful work or livelihood, among others. “It has been established that adolescent mothers are at a gross disadvantage in terms of potential earnings in their lifetime, making them more economically vulnerable in life—compared to their peers who have finished secondary education and have yet to bear children,” Perez said. “[Lifetime earnings of teen mothers are] at least four times less than what they are supposed to receive. Likewise, their condition will bear heavily on a families’ savings by about one-third of every unplanned pregnancy. Thus, we see this social protection initiative as a means to ease their financial burdens,” he stressed.

According to data from Popcom, the Philippines ranked fourth in terms of early childbirth rates among Southeast Asian countries. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) showed that there were about 171 live births born to minors every day in 2019. PSA also noted a general increase in the number of births from very young adolescents aged 10 to 14 in that same year, with about seven live births born to children every day, compared to three daily in 2011. The PSA-CRVS also revealed that in 2015, there were 5,297 repeat pregnancies, or second-time births, among 10- to 17-year-old girls, with only a slight decrease in 2018 at 4,633.

Duterte orders ‘stringent’ probe into Masbate Salceda files bill addressing issue of high tax for schools IED blast that killed FEU footballer, cousin

continued from a12

RESIDENT Duterte has ordered a “stringent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Far Eastern University (FEU) football star player Keith Absalon and his cousin, Nolven, who both perished from the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) over the weekend. “The President promised for a stringent investigation [into the incident] and to hold accountable those who are responsible for it,”

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in an online news briefing on Thursday. Absalon and Nolvin died last Sunday while cycling Barangay Anas, when an IED planted by local guerilla unit of the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA) exploded. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said both were also shot with gunfire by the rebels. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NPA admitted responsibility for the

deaths and extend their willingness to extend indemnification to their families. Roque condemned the incident as a “international war crime” since it involved an attack against civilians. He said the people behind the incident should be arrested and tried in court. “It is not only the dream of Keith, which disappeared with his death at the hands of CPP-NPA. The honor, which he could have given to the Philippines was also lost because of the said killing,” Roque stressed. Samuel P. Medenilla

But Salceda (Albay, 2nd District) said the spirit of the Create law (Republic Act 11534) is to lower taxes on corporations, not to increase them. The lawmaker earlier said the committee secured the commitment of the BIR and the Department of Finance to align the tax agency’s position on the applicable tax rate for private schools that are for-profit. Salceda called the urgent briefing on Wednesday in response to a request from the Coordinating Council

of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (Cocopea), the country’s umbrella organization for private schools. During the meeting, Salceda said he was able to “secure from the BIR a commitment of support for the revision by legislation of the ambiguities in the law so that, one, they will be able to avail of the 1 percent tax rate up to 2023; and two, they will not be held liable for the regular tax rate of [25 percent], which the BIR says they were constrained by the [SC] to implement.”

Cleaner air and rivers: Cimatu cites reasons to celebrate DENR’s anniversary amid Covid By Joanthan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

ESPITE the Covid-19 pandemic that slowed down government operations and caused economic devastation, there are still a lot of reasons to celebrate the 34th Anniversary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In his inspirational message during the agency’s online celebration, Cimatu said the Philippines now has cleaner air and water, stronger partnership with communities, and environmental champions, as he reported the highlights of the agency’s accomplishment over the past year. The country’s “cleaner air,” Cimatu said, is well within the standards for PM10 and PM2. Meanwhile of the 43 priority rivers monitored last year, close to 75 percent of the water quality standard for biological oxygen demand have been met. He added that under the Duterte administration, all illegal dumpsites were shut down.

“These are no small accomplishments. The closure of the 335 illegal dumpsites is [by no means a] small matter,” Cimatu said. The DENR, through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), facilitated the formation of the coalition of solid waste management providers. “The first in the history of DENR to be able to gather all these sanitary landfill operations for a better solid waste management in the country,” Cimatu, a former military general plucked by President Duterte from retirement to lead the DENR, said. Cimatu continued by mentioning the improvements on Boracay Island. “We moved heaven and earth to bring back the ecological integrity of the island by efforts that included the recovery of beach easement, demolition of structures that encroach on the easement, improvement of the circumferential road, construction of drainage to address flooding and improvement of seawater quality,” he said. According to Cimatu, the restoration of Manila Bay to its historic glory is

progressing well. “Water quality in the Manila Baywalk and Baseco Beach areas have significantly improved with the construction of a solarpowered sewage treatment plant. The continuous cleanup of waterways draining into the bay, such as the Tullahan-Tinajeros River System, where dredging continues and the installation of more than 20 trash traps in different areas,” he said. Currently, Cimatu said the DENR is relentless in pursuing activities for hard-hit areas during typhoons Rolly and Ulysses, namely, Marikina, Cagayan Valley, and Bicol, having been tasked by President Duterte to lead the Task Force Build Back Better. “Dredging activities in the river systems and bamboo planting for river bank stabilization went full blast even amid the current pandemic,” Cimatu said. Despite these accomplishments, he said the DENR’s work is far from over. “We have a lot more to do and gains to sustain. We need more strengthen partnership and collaboration to make our work more meaningful,” Cimatu said.

Eleazar fends off criticisms vs policemen

HE Phi lippine Nationa l Police (PNP) reassured on Thursday that policemen are mindful of their adherence to mandated police operational procedures in fighting criminality. The PNP leadership at Camp Crame issued the statement in response to calls by some 100 international groups, including the Hong Kongbased Asian Human Rights Commission, for the Supreme Court and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct investigations into the killings, arrests, detentions, searches, and other forms of persecution of “human rights defenders.” The groups alleged that search and arrest warrants are allegedly being used conveniently by state forces to detain, harass, and kill activists. “While we acknowledge the concern of these groups, we would like to assure them that the PNP has not been remiss in ensuring that police operations are legitimately conducted,” said PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar. As an example, he added, the PNP has recently acquired body-worn cameras for its operating personnel to promote transparency and ensure that they subscribe to existing protocols in the conduct of operations. Eleazar also earlier assured of PNP’s cooperation in the investigation of the DOJ of alleged cases of extra judicial killings in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. The PNP chief has even forwarded to the DOJ some alleged cases of killings for investigation. Eleazar said the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service (IAS) conducts moto propio investigations on PNP operations where there were deaths, either of the suspects or of policemen. “The IAS evaluates if there were violations in our Police Operational Procedures committed by police operatives and recommends the appropriate administrative sanctions, even dismissal from the service, if there are findings of lapses on how a police operation was carried out. The IAS can also recommend the filing of criminal charges against erring policemen,” he said. “Our actions against policemen, proven to have veered away from our sworn duty, are swift and decisive as we have zero tolerance for law breakers in our ranks. Such is the seriousness of our commitment to get rid of criminals and rogues in the police organization,” he added.

Protect the children

MEANWHILE Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana and United Nations Resident Coordinator and Co-Chair of UN Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (UN-CTFMR) Gustavo Gonzales and UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov signed a strategic plan to protect children in armed conflict. Rene Acosta

BSP: March FDI surge by 139.5% to hit $808M continued from a1 Foreign direct investments (FDI) posted a 139.5-percent growth in March this year to hit $808 million during the month, up from the $337 million in the same month last year. The strong March FDI performance pushed the first quarter FDI numbers of the country to $2.38 billion in the first three months of the year, growing by 45.1 percent from the $1.64 billion in the same three-month period in 2020. FDI are investments that are made by foreign players to the Philippines in the hopes of long-term return. Since these are in the country for a longerterm compared to their short-term counterpart, the foreign portfolio investments (FPI), FDI usually creates jobs for Filipinos and has a multiplier effect on the economy. “March 2021 FDI increased on account of improved investor sentiment amid the gradual resumption of domestic activities, while adhering to the minimum health

standards, and government efforts to accelerate the vaccination program,” the BSP said. Broken down, the increase in FDI to the country in the first three months of the year was mainly driven by the 113.2-percent growth in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments to $1.4 billion from $671 million. Reinvestment of earnings also improved by 5.4 percent to $225 million from $213 million. Net investments in equity capital, however, still contracted by 4.3 percent to hit $721 million. Nonetheless, the strong March performance brought the contraction significantly downward from 29.1 percent in February 2021. Equity capital placements during the quarter were sourced largely from Singapore, Japan, the United States and the Netherlands. These were invested primarily in the electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning;

financial and insurance; and manufacturing industries. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) economist Michael Ricafort said the strong March performance of FDI could signal that the worst is over for the country’s FDI numbers, in view of the gradual re-opening of the local and global economies. For the coming months, Ricafort said FDI to the country could be sustained by increased government spending on infrastructure, the timely approval of the national budget, continued accommodative monetary policy settings, the passage of key economic laws and further reopening of the economy. However, the offsetting factors to sustained FDI inflows include the relatively higher new Covid-19 local cases recently, including of the new variants, as these may lead to risk of further lockdowns and travel restrictions, thereby could slow down economic recovery prospects.

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Biden, G-7 leaders plan to share 1 billion shots to end pandemic

In this January 4, file photo, frozen vials of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine are taken out to thaw, at the MontLegia CHC hospital in Liege, Belgium. The US will buy 500 million more doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to share through the COVAX alliance for donation to 92 lower income countries and the African Union over the next year, a person familiar with the matter said Wednesday. President Joe Biden was set to make the announcement Thursday in a speech before the start of Group of Seven summit. AP/Francisco Seco

WTO to intensify talks on easing access to jabs

ENEVA—World Trade Organization member-nations agreed on Wednesday to intensify talks geared at improving access to Covid-19 products, as developing nations push for a proposal to ease patents and other intellectual property protections for coronavirus vaccines and some wealthier countries remain stiffly opposed. A WTO panel focusing on intellectual property, which includes patents on technological know-how like vaccines and the processes to manufacture them, wrapped up a two-day meeting on Wednesday with an agreement to start a “text-based process” for pulling together proposals to improve the fight against Covid-19 through the Geneva-based trade body’s intricate system of rules. The goal is to help jump-start lagging efforts to get vaccines to developing-world countries that badly need them, according to a Geneva-based trade official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. New, informal talks will start next week among members of the panel, with an eye toward pulling together a report for a July 21-22 meeting of WTO ambassadors. South Africa and India floated a proposal in the fall for a temporary easing of patent protections for Covid-19 vaccines, therapies and tests—known as an “IP waiver”. While many developed countries with strong pharmaceutical industries hesitated or were outright opposed to the idea, the debate received a jolt last month when the Biden administration announced support for granting IP waivers for just vaccines. Since Washington’s change of stance, a number of other Western countries have softened their opposition to the waivers, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, the trade official said, relaying information from deliberations in the closeddoor WTO talks held Tuesday and Wednesday. Those countries, as well as China, haven’t rallied fully behind the South African and Indian proposal, and view it as only part of what they think should be a more comprehensive approach to getting Covid-19 products to the developing world, the official said. Some countries, such as the European Union’s 27 members, Britain, Switzerland and Korea, continue to oppose waivers as a tool in the pandemic. In the two days of talks, South Africa and India presented a recent revision of their proposal—now backed by over 60 countries—that stressed a temporary, three-year waiver for Covid-19 products, the official said. Pharmaceutical companies insist that an IP waiver could dampen the incentive for researchers and entrepreneurs to innovate, and say vaccine-sharing by rich countries would be a much faster way to get shots to health workers and at-risk populations in the developing world. Even optimistic supporters acknowledge an IP waiver could take months to finalize because of the resistance from some countries. WTO rules require consensus on such decisions, meaning a single country among the trade body’s 164 members could scuttle any proposal. Even if a plan were adopted, ratification would also take time. Advocacy groups, emboldened by the support the US announced last month, have increasingly pushed the proposal from India and South Africa. “After eight months of stalling and delaying by a handful of rich countries, world leaders have finally given the green light for negotiations to start. But the UK and EU are still opposing the proposal and pushing for business as usual,” said Heidi Chow of British advocacy group Global Justice Now. “Countless numbers of people have needlessly died while waiting for a breakthrough in these discussions.” The World Health Organization has repeatedly inveighed against unequal access to vaccines, noting that rich countries scooped up supplies well in excess of the need of their own populations while developing countries have obtained only a small fraction of the doses so far distributed and used worldwide. Also Wednesday, a group of independent experts who work with the UN human rights office joined recent calls for leaders of the developed Group of Seven nations to do more to ensure that developing countries have greater access to Covid-19 vaccines. The leaders of the G-7 countries—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States—are set to meet in England starting Friday. The experts argued that an IP waiver would pave the way for countries to ramp up production because patent protections would be paused. “Maximizing production of safe vaccines must take precedence over profiting from a global pandemic,” the nine experts said in a joint statement. “States must ensure that legal protection for intellectual property and patents doesn’t undermine the right of everyone to get access to a safe, timely and effective vaccine.” AP

he US plans to buy 500 million doses of Pfizer Inc.’s coronavirus vaccine to share internationally as President Joe Biden prepares to join other Group of Seven leaders in a campaign to end the pandemic by distributing shots worldwide. As Biden and other G-7 leaders gathered for the start of their summit in the UK, their staffs were putting together a document that outlines a plan to end the Covid-19 pandemic by December 2022. At the summit in Cornwall, the presidents and prime ministers will pledge to deliver at least 1 billion extra doses of vaccines over the next year to help cover 80 percent of the world’s adult population, according to a draft communiqué seen by Bloomberg News. The US government will buy about 200 million doses this year to distribute through Covax, the World Health Organization-backed initiative aimed at securing an equitable global distribution of the vaccine, and about 300 million doses in the first half of next year, said a person familiar with the matter. The vaccines will go to 92 lowerincome countries and the African Union, the person said. Biden will announce that plan on Thursday

in remarks before the summit gets underway. The G-7 countries also plan to make a commitment to hasten the shift from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles and to promote “green transitions” in developing countries, according to the draft communiqué. Other topics covered in the document include demanding that Russia hold accountable the cyber criminals who carry out ransomware attacks from within its borders; and a pledge to confront forced labor in supply chains, particularly involving the garment and solar industries. China is not mentioned by name in that part of the communiqué, but the Beijing government has come under intense international criticism over its treatment of the Uyghurs, a mostly Muslim ethnic group in the Xinjiang region. The draft communiqué delves further into coronavirus policy and backs a common standard for travel

that would include recognition of a person’s vaccination status. Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will meet in Cornwall before the summit to announce a joint task force to explore options to resume travel between their countries. Before the pandemic, more than 5 million Britons visited the US and more than 4.5 million Americans visited Britain every year, according to figures released by Johnson’s office.

Nations still struggling

Biden has come under rising pressure internationally to share his government’s vaccine stockpile with nations still hard-hit by the pandemic as the pace of the US domestic vaccination campaign has slowed by about two-thirds since April. Biden said before departing for Europe on Wednesday that he would announce a global vaccination strategy during his travels. He didn’t elaborate. The plan to buy 500 million doses of Pfizer’s vaccine was reported earlier by the Washington Post. Representatives for Pfizer didn’t immediately return requests for comment. Pfizer and its vaccine partner, BioNTech SE, already have an agreement to supply Covax with 40 million doses, but the group pleaded with global leaders last month to provide far more, saying it needed to provide 2 billion doses this year. China, meanwhile, has supplied 350 million doses to more than 80

Asia welcomes 500 million vaccine donations from US

EOUL, South Korea— Health officials and experts in Asia have welcomed US plans to share 500 million more doses of the Pfizer vaccine with the developing world, but some say it would take more than donations alone to address huge vaccination gaps that threaten to prolong the pandemic. President Joe Biden was set to make the announcement Thursday in a speech before the start of the Group of Seven summit in Britain. Two hundred million doses— enough to fully protect 100 mi l lion people—wou ld be shared this year, with the balance to be donated in the first half of 2022, according to a source familiar with the matter who confirmed the news of the Pfizer sharing plan. Jaehun Jung, a professor of preventive medicine at South Korea’s Gachon University College of Medicine, said the US donations may prove to be a “huge turning point” in the global fight against Covid-19, but also lamented that the help couldn’t come earlier. He said the extremely cold storage temperatures required for Pfizer shots would present challenges for countries with poor health systems and called for US officials and the New York-based drug maker to explore the possibility of easing the requirements. He said the delay in US help was “understandable, because the United States initially had its own troubles with supplies while inoculating its own population. But for now, it’s critical to move up the timing of the vaccine prov isions to t he earliest possible point.” According to the person

who spoke to the AP, the Biden administration plans to provide the 500 million shots it purchases from Pfizer to 92 lower income countries and the African Union over the next year through the UN-backed COVAX program. The United States has faced increasing pressure to outline its global vaccine-sharing plan. Inequities in supplies around the world have become more pronounced while there’s increasing concern over newer virus variants emerging from areas with consistently high Covid-19 circulation. T h e W h it e Ho u s e h a d earlier announced plans to share 80 million doses globally by the end of June, most through COVA X. The additional donation of the Pfizer shots is crucial because the global disparity in vaccination has become a multidimensional threat: a human catastrophe, a $5 tr il lion economic loss for advanced economies, and a contributor to the generation of mutant viruses, said Jerome Kim, the head of the International Vaccine Institute, a non-profit dedicated to making vaccines available to developing countries. Je ong Eu n-k ye ong , d irector of South Korea’s Disease Control and Prevention A ge nc y, s a id t he s ucce s s of Biden’s vaccine-sharing plan would depend mainly on how fast the shots could be manufactured and sent to countries in need amid global shortages. She also echoed Jung’s concerns about Pfizer’s cold chain requirements and said the US donations should be accompanied with efforts to improve infrastructure and educate

health workers in receiving countries. “It’s very important to manage international cooperation so that the whole world can be vaccinated quickly,” she said during a briefing. The United States has yet to confirm the 92 lower-income countries that would be receiving the Pfizer shots. In Asia, Jung said that India and Southeast Asia are in desperate need of donations. Vaccinating isolated North Korea could also prove to be a difficult challenge. Some experts say donations alone wouldn’t be enough to close the huge gaps in supplies and call for a transition toward a distributed system of vaccine manufacturing where qualified companies around the world would produce their own shots without intellectual property constraints. As countries around the world struggled to access vaccines, unable to secure bilateral deals with companies like Pfizer, many have turned to China. China has exported 350 million doses of its vaccines to dozens of countries, according to its Foreign Ministry. China has pledged 10 million doses to COVA X, and the Chinese drug maker Sinopharm said last week it had just finished a batch of vaccines for sharing with COVA X. The WHO had approved the vaccine for emergency use last month. W hile Chinese vaccines have faced scrutiny because of a lack of transparency in sharing clinical trial data, many countries were desperate to take what was available and found the shots easier to use as they could be stored in normal refrigerators. AP

developing countries around the world, state-backed China Daily reported, citing an official from the country’s top industry regulator. Two inactivated vaccines developed by state-owned Sinopharm and private vaccine maker Sinovac Biotech Ltd. have been greenlit by the World Health Organization for emergency use, paving the way for broader distribution around the world through Covax.

Covax ‘shortfall’

“Even though Covax will have larger volumes available later in the year through the deals it has already secured with several manufacturers, if we do not address the current, urgent shortfall the consequences could be catastrophic,” Covax said in a statement. Separately, Moderna Inc. said it’s interested in partnering with the US government on possibly providing additional doses of its Covid-19 vaccine to help address the pandemic in low- and middleincome countries. Spokesman Ray Jordan said in an e-mail that the company wouldn’t provide additional details about any particular talks. The talks between Moderna and the US were reported earlier by CNBC. Moderna is in the process of expanding its manufacturing capacity so it can produce as much as 3 billion vaccine doses next year, compared with its goal of up to 1 billion this year. Bloomberg News

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UN expert says Myanmar brutal attacks risk humanitarian tragedy

ANGKOK—At least one-quarter of the people in Myanmar’s smallest state have been forced to flee their homes because of combat with the military junta that seized power in February, raising fears of a possible humanitarian tragedy including thousands of civilian deaths, a UN expert said Wednesday.

The UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, called for international pressure on the junta to deprive it of the resources needed “to continue these brutal attacks on the people of Myanmar.” “Mass deaths from starvation, disease and exposure could occur in Kayah state after many of the 100,000 forced to flee into forests from junta bombs are now cut off from food, water and medicine by the junta,” he said in remarks posted on Twitter. Kayah state, also known as Karenni state, is in eastern Myanmar along the border with Thailand and has an estimated population of 350,000-400,000. The UN’s office in Myanmar said in a statement Tuesday that people in Kayah are in urgent need of food, water, shelter, fuel and healthcare, and that “this crisis

could push people across international borders seeking safety, as already seen in other parts of the country.” Villagers from the Karen minority south of Kayah fled to Thailand in March and April when they came under attack by Myanmar’s military. The military, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, has faced widespread opposition to its rule, initially by massive nonviolent protests. After soldiers and police used deadly force to crush the peaceful demonstrations, a low-level armed insurrection has emerged in both the cities and countryside. According to Myanmar’s Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 850 protesters and bystanders have been killed in the junta’s crackdown, though the government puts the death toll at about a third of that.

In this May 23, file photo, military troops and police go on patrol at Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. At least one-quarter of the people in Myanmar’s smallest state have been forced to flee their homes because of combat with the military junta that seized power in February, raising fears of a possible humanitarian tragedy including thousands of civilian deaths, a UN expert said Wednesday, June 9. AP

There has been fierce fighting in Kayah since May 21, when government forces moved into areas controlled by the state’s dominant political organization, the Karenni National Progressive Party, and its armed wing, the Karenni Army. The KNPP is one of about a dozen armed ethnic organizations that have been battling for decades for greater autonomy from the central government. Andrews said he has received “credible reports of a major shortage of safe drinking water, severe diarrhea outbreaks, and a lack of adequate shelter” among Kayah’s displaced people. He said there were reports that the military had set up blockades that are keeping aid from reaching them. An official for the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, a recently formed group fighting against

China, US representatives to push forward trade ties

ommerce ministers from China and the US agreed to push forward trade and investment links in their first call since the start of the Biden administration. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and his counterpart Gina Raimondo “agreed to promote the healthy development of pragmatic cooperation in trade and investment,” in a phone call Thursday morning China time. The two “exchanged views frankly and pragmatically on relevant issues and mutual concerns,” according to a Chinese government statement. The two nations are slowly resuming official contact after the January change of administration in the US. Some parts of US policy toward China are becoming clearer, but it’s still not publicly clear what the US plans to do with the ‘Phase One’ trade deal signed last year or tariffs on Chinese goods. The call was the third between senior officials in recent weeks, after Vice Premier Liu He spoke with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The US Commerce Department did not respond to a request for more details on the call. Stocks rose across Asian markets and the region’s currencies posted modest gains versus the dollar after the news. The CSI 300 Index gained about 1.1 percent in the morning trading session. China last week stated that normal communications between the two countries have started, according to Commerce Ministry Spokesman Gao Feng. The two sides have agreed to pragmatically solve some issues for producers and consumers, and promote healthy, stable economic and trade ties, he said. However, US statements on the relationship with China aren’t so positive. The trade relationship with China has “significant imbalance” and the Biden administration is committed to leveling it, Trade Representative Katherine Tai said on the weekend before a meeting of Asia-Pacific trade ministers. There are parts of the US-China relationship “that are unhealthy and have over time been damaging in some very important ways to the US economy,” she said. “I won’t get overly excited” about the call, said Alvin Tan, head of Asia currency strategy at RBC Capital Markets LLC. “It’s positive in the sense that both countries are stepping up” economic and trade communication, but no game-changing decisions or announcements have come out, he said. Tai will talk with her Taiwanese counterpart, as soon as today, the Wall Street Journal reported earlier. The two sides will soon discuss “some kind of framework agreement,” Secretary of State Tony Blinken said earlier this week. However, China opposes any official contact between the US and Taiwan, which it regards as part of its territory, and any negotiations or discussions will inevitably be linked with US-China relations, and could increase the tensions between the two. Bloomberg News

the government, confirmed that there was an urgent need among the displaced people for protection during the current rainy season and for medicine. The spokesman, who was contacted by phone from Thailand and declined to give his name for safety reasons, said there was not much fighting Wednesday, though occasional sounds of government heavy weapons could be heard. The defense force is an outgrowth of the protest movement that began against military rule after the February takeover. The units were formed locally and now sometimes operate at the state level. They are loosely affiliated with an alternative National Unity Government established by elected lawmakers who were denied their seats in Parliament by the army coup. AP

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Australia seeks WTO action on China wine-tariff dispute

ustr alian Pr ime Minister Scott Morrison said his government is seeking to take World Trade Organization action to resolve its wine-tariff trade dispute with China. “Barley producers in Australia, wine growers in Australia, have been targeted with trade sanctions that we believe are completely unconscionable,” Morrison said in a radio interview on Thursday. “We are seeking to take those up to the World Trade Organization and see them resolved there.” Asked whether the government has lodged its complaint over wine tariffs to the WTO, a spokesperson from Trade Minister Dan Tehan referred to a radio interview this week where he said “we are seriously looking at taking that next step of going to the WTO.” Australia has already taken action at the global trade body over Beijing’s barley tariffs. Ties bet ween Canber ra and Beijing, which started to become strained in 2018, nosedived last year when Morrison’s government called for independent investigators to probe the origins of the pandemic and also repeatedly criticized Chinese actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. That’s spilled into trade reprisals—the prime minister is this week heading to the Group of Seven meeting in

the UK where he has said he will be seeking support from other global leaders to counter what he’s labeled as “economic coercion.” China has imposed tariffs of more than 200 percent on Australian wine for five years since March, for ma l izing curbs that have been in place for months amid an increasingly fraught relationship with Canberra. The top commodities buyer said that Australian wine had been subsidized and sold under market value, a view that’s been rejected by the Australian government. China’s reprisals at Australia have hit a range of other commodities including coal, beef, barley and lobster. China was the top buyer of Australian wine before Beijing imposed tariffs, buying close to A$1 billion ($773 million) worth of wine in 2019, about 40 percent of all wine exports. Australia announced it was taking China to the WTO in December 2020 over barley, after Beijing imposed duties of over 80 percent on the grain in May. Chinese officials claimed that growers were being subsidized and Australia had been dumping the product, a case that Australia strongly rejects. Still, the dispute process could take up to three years, according to Agriculture Minister David Littleproud. Bloomberg News

China boosts support for Myanmar military, countering US sanctions

hina says its policy toward Myanmar remains unaffected by the country’s domestic situation, bolstering support for a regime that has faced multiple rounds of sanctions from the US and its Western allies following a coup four months ago. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin during a meeting on Tuesday in Chongqing that Beijing would continue implementing bilateral projects in the Southeast Asian nation, Myanmar state broadcaster MRTV reported. “China’s friendly policy toward Myanmar is not affected by changes in Myanmar’s internal and external situations and remains or iented toward the people of Myanmar,” according to readout of the meeting on the website of China’s Foreign Ministry. “In the past, present and future, China supports Myanmar to independently choose a development path that suits its national conditions.” Beijing will continue to provide Myanmar

w ith vaccines and medical suppl ies, t he readout sa id. The regime is seeking recognition from other countries as Myanmar’s rightful caretaker government because it faces a contesting claim by a unity government set up by allies of detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The meeting comes a day after China hosted foreign ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in which Malaysia and Singapore lamented slow progress in resolving the political crisis in Myanmar. The National Unity Government’s foreign minister, Zin Mar Aung, said in an open letter to Wang that the regime “does not represent the people of Myanmar.” “Attempts to legitimize it as the government of Myanmar may harm people-to-people relations between the two countries,” she wrote before the meeting in the southwestern Chinese city. As of Tuesday, Myanmar’s security forces had killed more than 850 people and arrested nearly

6,000 others since they overthrew the democratically elected government on February 1. Civilian leaders including Suu Kyi have been detained, and a renewed conflict with armed rebel groups has displaced tens of thousands of villagers. While the US has led international efforts to punish the junta, its partners in Asia have been slow to follow suit, with China blocking any uniform sanctions at the United Nations Security Council. Countries have turned to Asean— a body founded on the principle of non-interference—to facilitate a resolution. China has pledged to play a constructive role by offering support to Asean, which reached a five-point “consensus” on Myanmar in April that included an “immediate cessation of violence.” It also encouraged “all parties in Myanmar to engage in political dialogue and restart the process of democratic transformation,” the Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement. Bloomberg News

Why do some people get side effects after Covid vaccines? By Lauran Neergaard

AP Medical Writer

hy do some people get side effects after Covid-19 vaccines? Temporary side effects including headache, fatigue and fever are signs the immune system is revving up—a normal response to vaccines. And they’re common. “The day after getting these vaccines, I wouldn’t plan anything that was strenuous physical activity,” said Dr. Peter Marks, the US Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine chief, who experienced fatigue after his first dose. Here’s what’s happening: The immune system has two main arms, and the first kicks in as soon as the body detects a foreign intruder. W hite blood cells swarm to the site, prompting inf lammation that’s responsible

for chills, soreness, fatigue and other side effects. This rapid-response step of your immune system tends to wane with age, one reason younger people report side effects more often than older adults. Also, some vaccines simply elicit more reactions than others. T hat said, ever yone reacts differently. If you didn’t feel anything a day or two after either dose, that doesn’t mean the vaccine isn’t working. Behind the scenes, the shots also set in motion the second part of your immune system, which will provide the real protection from the virus by producing antibodies. Another nuisance side effect: As the immune system activates, it also sometimes causes temporary swelling in lymph nodes, such as those under the arm. Women are encouraged to schedule routine

mammograms ahead of Covid-19 vaccination to avoid a swollen node being mistaken for cancer. Not all side effects are routine. But after hundreds of millions of vaccine doses administered around the world—and intense safety monitoring—few serious risks have been identified. A tiny percentage of people who got vaccines made by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson reported an unusual type of blood clot. Some countries reserved those shots for older adults but regulatory authorities say the benefits of of fer ing them sti l l out weigh the risks. People also occasionally have serious allergic reactions. That’s why you’re asked to stick around for about 15 minutes after getting any type of Covid-19 vaccine—to ensure any reaction can be promptly treated.

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The newcomer: Biden debuts at democracy’s exclusive club

ASHINGTON—Angela, Boris, Emmanuel, Justin, Mario, Yoshihide and a relative newcomer: Joe. They’re the board of global democracy’s most exclusive club, and they’re meeting this week after four years of US disruption and a two-year coronavirus interruption. A lready on a f irst-name basis w it h relationships that range from just months to years, the leaders of the Group of Seven industr ia lized democracies are gathering Friday amid hopes that the departure of their most unr u ly member and a new era of personal friendships enhanced by face-to-face discussions can restore a global anti-authoritarian consensus on climate, the coronavirus, China and Russia. The G-7’s return to polite q u a s i - nor m a l it y come s a s President Joe Biden seeks to restore steady US leadership to the bloc, which had been hamstrung by his predecessor Donald Trump’s often confrontational approach to longtime American allies. US officials believe Biden’s decadeslong experience in foreign policy combined with his personal skills and folksy demeanor will ease lingering resentments. Trump had thrown a wrench into G-7 unity, demanding the absolute prioritization of US interests, threatening decades-old security guarantees, insulting colleagues and loudly suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin be invited back into the group despite his refusal to meet demands for Moscow to stay out of Ukraine. Biden aims to take a new tack. A sked about his goa ls upon departing from Washington, Biden replied:

“Strengthening the alliance and make it clear to Putin and to China that Europe and the United States are tight, and the G-7 is going to move.” Of the seven leaders meeting Friday in Britain’s southwest Cornwall, two are newbies. Biden and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi took office within weeks of each other this year. Two others have been in power for two years or less: Britain’s Boris Johnson since 2019, and Japan’s Yoshihide Suga since 2020. Yet the other three have a long history together, some of them with Biden dating to his days in the Senate and as vice president. Germany’s Angela Merkel will be attending her last G-7 summit before stepping down as chancellor in September after 16 years. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been in office since 2015 and French President Emmanuel Macron since 2017. A ll had famously testy relations with Tr ump over trade, defense spending, climate change and other issues. Trump once accused Trudeau of being “very dishonest and weak ” in the context of a G-7 summit. He frequently disparaged Merkel and Johnson’s predecessor Theresa May in similar terms and denounced Macron’s skepticism of NATO abilities as “nasty” and “insulting.” Johnson was the exception, as Trump saw him as a kindred iconoclastic spirit. The open hostility hindered the group’s ability to present a unified front. Biden hopes to soothe those relations on his first overseas trip as president.

President Joe Biden speaks to American service members at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, England on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Asked about his G-7 mission, Biden said: “Strengthening the alliance and make it clear to Putin and to China that Europe and the United States are tight, and the G-7 is going to move.” AP/Patrick Semansky

Since taking office, Biden has met in person with only one of his G-7 counterparts, Suga. But in virtual sessions and phone calls, he has sought to build on his personal connections with the others and has said he wants more in-person meetings. “There’s no substitute for face-to-face discussions,” Biden told Suga when they met at the White House in April. “Those personal bonds of friendship and connection, they’re the ones that are going to keep this alliance strong and vibrant for decades to come.” Good relations “make it easier to do business,” said Ronald Neumann, president of the American Academy of Diplomacy and a retired three-time U.S. ambassador. “You won’t find that people will act against what they perceive as their interests just because they’re friends, but it does mean that it’s easier to have conversations to explore whether there are ways to bring interests closer together,” he said. That didn’t happen in the Trump years. “My sense is that we were not very interested in exploring areas for compromise—we were interested in

getting, or rather telling, the others to do things our way,” Neumann said. As Biden has pursued some policies identical to Trump’s, he has met far less resistance than his predecessor did, notably winning support for the military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Just weeks before Biden announced he had decided to generally stick with Trump’s pullout plan, US allies had warned against any precipitous moves. Similarly, Biden’s reversal of Trump’s approval of the Keystone X L pipeline from Canada was met with only a muted response from Ottawa amid the new president’s outreach to Trudeau. “The United States has no closer friend— no closer friend—than Canada. That’s why you were my first call as president,” Biden told Trudeau. On Wednesday, though, the sponsor of Keystone XL pulled the plug on the project after Canadian officials failed to persuade Biden to reverse his cancellation of its permit on the day he took office. Biden and Macron will be meeting for the first time in person, and French officials said Macron is eager to build

on discussions they have had by phone and video. A centrist, Macron did not hide that he was counting on Biden’s election to bring the United States’ positions closer to France’s over the Paris climate accord, a minimum global corporate tax and global security issues. But, perhaps, no G-7 leader has been a greater beneficiary than Merkel, the doyenne of the group. Biden slapped a hold on Trump’s decision to reduce the US military presence in Germany and used a national security waiver to avoid hitting a German company and its CEO with sanctions over a controversial pipeline. “It’s a basic truth of foreign policy that each country has its own values and interests. But then there is of course also the hard-to-measure factor of understanding that can form between two sides’ leaders—or sometimes doesn’t form,” said Merkel spokesperson Steffen Seibert. “And of course it’s better if it does form, if one does have a common culture of dialogue, if one listens to each other, if one also tries to understand the other person’s stance and convictions.” Joh n son , me a nw h i le, i s keen to ensure Biden remains committed to Washing tonLondon comity, especially as he continues to seek preferential post-Brexit trade status with America that had been all but guaranteed under Trump. Trump had praised Johnson and Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union unequivocally, calling him “Britain’s Trump.” Biden had reacted in kind as a candidate, calling the British leader a “physical and emotional clone” of Trump. Still, the British government has worked hard to overcome that impression, stressing Johnson’s common ground w ith Biden on issues such as climate change and his support for international institutions. AP

Slap to Macron puts focus on nation’s ultra-right groups

ARIS—Bubbling beneath France’s political landscape is an assortment of ultra-right groups, a subculture that shot to the nation’s attention when a young man slapped President Emmanuel Macron and blurted out a centuries-old royalist cry. Ultra-rightist groups are considered increasingly dangerous despite their small following and are on the radar of authorities. Numerous arrests have been made and several groups banned. Challenges to the French identity are often at the center of their ideologies. During Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Macron stressed the incident a day earlier was “an isolated act by a violent individual” that wouldn’t stop his direct contact with the population. “No violence can be considered banal in the country,” government spokesman Gabriel Attal said. The town of Tain-l’Hermitage, where the assault occurred, was the president’s most recent stop on a tour designed to “feel the

pulse of the country” that’s been laid low by the coronavirus and trying to get back on its feet. Damien Tarel, 28, the man who slapped the president, and a second man, identified only as Arthur C., also 28, were quickly arrested. Neither had police records, the local prosecutor said. Tarel told investigators he struck out without thinking, the prosecutor’s office said. He is to appear in court Thursday on a charge of violence against a person invested with public authority. W hile Tarel ’s motives remained unclear, it was his Medieval-era cry “Montjoie! Saint Denis!” as he slapped Macron’s cheek, that pointed to the aggressor’s potential interest in the tiny royalist fringe movement. Social media posts showed he followed royalist TV channels and a smattering of extreme-right figures. At the home of Arthur C, police found weapons, old books on the art of war, a copy of Adolf Hitler’s manifesto “Mein Kampf,” and two f lags, one

symbolizing Communists and another of the Russian revolution, the prosecutor’s office said. He is to be summoned to court next year for illegal possession of arms. Tarel told investigators he was close to the Yellow Vest movement for social and economic justice, but also held right- or ultra-right political convictions without being a member of a party or group, according to a statement by the prosecutor’s office. “Testimony of witnesses and (Tarel’s) companion do not add clarity to what motivated” the suspect to slap Macron, the prosecutor’s office said. In 2018, the royalist call-toarms dating to Medieval times was cried out by someone who threw a cream pie at the far-left lawmaker, Eric Coquerel. The extreme-right pro-monarchist group Action Francaise took responsibility. Action Francaise did not claim a role in Tuesday’s slapping incident, but hours later tweeted, “Vive la tarte a Tain,” a play on words combining the slang for “slap” (tarte),

the French apple desert, tarte tatin, and Tain-l ’Hermitage, where the incident occurred. Fa r - r ig ht leader M a r i ne Le Pen was among political chiefs to quickly condemn the assault. Le Pen, a candidate in 2022 presidential elections, has spent years working to rid her National R ally party of extremist elements who gravitated around her father’s National Front party, which she renamed. Obscure to most of France, ultra-right movements are a priority on the radar of investigators. A probe into an alleged plot uncovered in 2018 aga inst Macron by a mini-group whose members were scattered around France is still in progress. The group, known as Les Barjols, was ordered disbanded. Mediapart, an online investigative outlet, reported last month that investigators are on alert for the eventual return of ultra-right terrorists. It cited a confidential report from the prosecutor’s office detailing the professionalism

and ability to obtain weapons by some groups. It said 17 deaths can be attributed to the ultra-right between 20162019, and quoted investigators as counting about 1,000 militants and 2,000 followers of the ultra-right. In March, France banned Generation Identity, citing its ideology “inciting hate, violence or discrimination of individuals...based on origins, race or religion.” The organization was known for spectacular actions to get out its anti-migrant message in what it claimed was a mission to preserve French and European civilization. Tarel’s social media profile showed an interest in medieval combat and martial arts, confirmed by a friend in an interview on BFMTV. The friend, identified only as Loic, said he was “stunned” by the slap. In October 2018, Tarel put out a call on a social media platform for funds for an association of Medieval martial arts in the town where he and Arthur C. were born and live, Saint-Vallier, with a population of under 4,000. AP

Friday, June 11, 2021

UN official: Key committee says 350,000 facing famine in Tigray

NITED NATIONS—A high-level UNled committee that focuses on rapid responses to humanitarian crises estimates that some 350,000 people in Ethiopia’s embattled Tigray region are facing famine conditions, a UN official said late Wednesday. The estimate was presented at a meeting on Monday of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, comprising 18 UN and non-UN organizations that is chaired by UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also attended, the official said. A note from the meeting said millions of other people in Tigray urgently need food to avoid famine, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly. Last Friday, Lowcock warned that famine is imminent in Tigray and in the country’s north, saying there is a risk that hundreds of thousands of people or more will die. No one knows how many thousands of civilians or combatants have been killed since months of political tensions between Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed’s government and the Tigray leaders who once dominated it exploded into war last November. Eritrea, a longtime Tigray enemy, teamed up with neighboring Ethiopia in the conflict. The UN has criticized the lack of access to all areas of Tigray for humanitarian workers seeking to deliver aid. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday that UN staff on the ground report the continuing blocked movements of aid, and interrogation, assault and detention of humanitarian workers at military checkpoints. There has also been looting and confiscation of “humanitarian assets and supplies” by parties to the conflict, he said. Some areas of Tigray remain inaccessible, Dujarric said, and in accessible areas “the situation is dire, including dysfunctional water systems and limited or no health facilities.” AP

A10 Friday, June 11, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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editorial

Read the words of the CPP

he dastardly murders of Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon should be a wake-up call, especially for those that think that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed unit New People’s Army (NPA) are some quaint groups engaged in an ideological struggle.

It would be wise and helpful for those that believe so, to read the words of the CPP itself. In a document titled Constitution and Program Communist Party of the Philippines 2016 published in June 2018, we learn the reality of the situation. “Article IV—Principle and Structure of Party Organization” tells us in Section 1 that “The structure of the Party shall be based on the principle of democratic centralism.” The CPP “democratic centralism” means the following. “After free and thorough discussion,... 1. The individual is subordinate to the organization. 2. The minority is subordinate to the majority. 3. The lower level is subordinate to the higher level. 4. The entire membership is subordinate to the Central Committee and to the National Congress.” Merriam-Webster: “Definition of fascism: a political philosophy that exalts nation above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government.” There are those that would argue that “fascism” requires an authoritarian “individual dictatorship.” Is there perhaps a “dictatorship by a committee” that can equally make the individual person subordinate? If both the “individual” and the “committee” are elected, does that change the result of “individual is subordinate to the organization”? “Article IX—The Party’s Relationship with the New People’s Army.” Section 1: “The Party...shall lead and command the New People’s Army.” Section 3: “The New People’s Army shall be the main weapon of the Party in the seizure and consolidation of political power.” Make no mistake. The CPP makes clear that the battle of the hearts and minds of the people will be through force of arms. That is not a surprise. “The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed unit New People’s Army took “full responsibility” for the killing of a union leader and his cousin in an explosion in Masbate. The entire CPP and NPA take full responsibility for the tragedy. There is no justification for the aggravation this has caused the Absalon family. In this regard, the Masbate incident should not have happened.” Actually, there is a justification. Mao Zedong: “Every Communist must grasp the truth—Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.” And the explanation is simple. “Definition of collateral damage: injury inflicted on something other than an intended target, specifically civilian casualties of a military operation.” The deployment of the alleged improvised explosive device was not accidental, unless the CPP-NPA is claiming it just happened to fall out of someone’s pocket on the way to the nearest government military facility. There are 30 million hectares of Agri land of which 3.6 million hectares is for coconut and 447,889 hectares for banana. Effective land reform is critical and lacking in the Philippines. But what excess is the CPP speaking about? Finally, there are those that fault the government for abandoning “peace talks.” What peace is the CPP looking? “The Party resolutely wields the weapons of revolutionary armed struggle. Armed struggle is the main form of struggle while the legal democratic movement is the secondary but indispensable form of struggle.” One thing is definite. Kieth and Nolven Absalon will never have a voice in that “legal democratic movement.” “The ultimate goal of the people’s democratic revolution is the establishment of the people’s democratic state.” Is the CPP ready to stop the armed struggle and move to the legal indispensable democratic movement? If not, what is the purpose of the “Peace Talks”? Since 2005

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Better Days

ast March, President Duterte enacted into law Republic Act 11534, more widely known as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Act. Certified at the time as urgent by Malacañang, the law was touted as one of the government’s critical interventions to keep the country’s economy afloat amid the pandemic. The thinking was that by lowering corporate income taxes across the board, the measure would help free up the financial resources of enterprises to thereby enable them to continue operations and keep their people employed. Such a move also puts our taxation system closer to our Asean neighbors, improving by some measure our global competitiveness and hence our attractiveness to investment—both foreign and domestic. Overall, the enactment of the CREATE Law bodes well for the prospects of many economic sectors. But due to a possible misinterpretation of the law’s provisions, some of the hardest hit throughout this pandemic stand to be dealt another blow— namely, private schools. Recently, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued the implementing guidelines of CREATE (by way of a revenue regulation), where private schools will be imposed the regular

tax rate of 25 percent instead of the preferential rate of 1 percent (between July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023) and 10 percent henceforth (the rate which has been imposed on private schools since 1968) as prescribed by the newly enacted law. Due to some ambiguity in the actual wording of CREATE, the BIR ruled that a school has to both be “proprietary” and “non-profit” in order to qualify for the preferential rate. In our view, it is difficult for a school to be both proprietary and non-profit, given that the very nature of any privately owned enterprise is generally to be managed and run as a profit-making organization. In response to pleas for the tax hike to be rescinded, the BIR stood firm, citing some recent Supreme Court cases that bolstered their interpretation. Be that as it may, no less than our Constitution states that proprietary educational institutions, including those cooperatively

owned, may be entitled to exemptions from taxes and duties, subject to limits provided by law. These legal details notwithstanding, the most important consideration here is the fact that since face-to-face classes were prohibited due to the pandemic, many private schools have suffered an unprecedented setback and find themselves on the brink. In fact, according to the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, several private basic education schools have suspended their operations while up to 900 have closed altogether since the start of the pandemic. As of March this year, the Department of Education reported that enrollment in private K-12 schools dropped by nearly a million compared to the prior school year. This echoes the results of an April 2021 survey conducted by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU)—an association of private higher education institutions—where over 50 percent of respondent-schools said they experienced a drop in enrollment of 10 percent to 50 percent during school year 2020-2021 as compared to the year before. Saddling these already besieged schools with a tax burden that is 150-percent larger than what has been levied on them for over five decades would be like kicking someone while they were down on the ground. Even more teachers and school personnel could lose their jobs, not to mention the loss of income for the extensive network of linked micro,

Learning from the US jobs recovery

What may be important now is for government to channel significant resources to retraining workers on adjusting to the digitally enhanced work environment. It is also critical to analyze deeper the monthly labor force statistics and use their results for immediate policy improvements and adjustments even after the pandemic.

There are many possible explanations to this phenomenon. First, we need to know the types of jobs that are being posted as open. It is likely that most of them require a face to

ent states have different protocols, especially school openings, child care has become a challenge. Second, it is likely that some workers do not have the skills for the jobs that are being offered, or that the quality of these jobs require some deskilling from the unemployed, which may mean lower pay. This can be a good reason to be “choosy.” Third, the three rounds of stimulus checks approximately provided each person roughly $3,200 and for a family of four, that translated to more than $12,000 purchasing power. With many Americans still able to generate income via online

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Schools on the brink

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EAGLE WATCH

ecent data coming out of the United States are suggesting strong economic recovery. They also point to a sustained one unlike those we have seen last year. Foremost is the April jobs data generating about 9.3 million new postings, the most in more than two decades. This outpaced estimates by more than a million. The data suggest that firms are now prepared to hire more as the pandemic is showing signs of easing in the US. Normality is becoming clear as evidenced by the crowds in the NBA playoffs. As summer approaches, more outdoor activities and travel are expected to open and create demand more than it was a year ago, and possibly higher than before the pandemic struck. However, there is a puzzling outcome from the labor demand side—only 6.1 million jobs were filled! There are more than 3 million jobs that remained open. How can this be, with so much jobs available and so much people also remaining unemployed? face, return to workplace type. However, many of the would be workers have adjusted to working from home and would rather continue with that arrangement. Besides, since differ-

small and medium enterprises. Not only does the tax hike run counter to the clear objectives that Congress had with CREATE, it also jeopardizes a significant component of our recovery effort—a return to normalcy in our education system. In response, we filed SBN 2272, amending the National Internal Revenue Code to clearly indicate that the preferential tax rate granted under CREATE shall apply to all proprietary educational institutions. We are optimistic that this measure will pass muster, considering that no less than Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Floor Leader Migz Zubiri, and Senators Villanueva, Binay, Gatchalian, Poe, and Gordon have all signed to be co-authors. Our hopes are further bolstered as similar bills have already been filed by Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez and Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez. But even without the passage of this measure, the BIR could very well reconsider and amend the revenue regulation that it issued and provide some much-needed relief to our private schools. To be more sensitive to the needs of our countrymen amid the pandemic, it could correct its interpretation of Congress’ legislative intent with CREATE. Sen. Sonny Angara has been in public service

for 16 years—nine years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and seven as Senator. He has authored and sponsored more than 200 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate. E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

gigs and work from home arrangements, a significant part of these stimulus could have gone into savings. Of course, there are some who are still anxious and concerned about the risk of getting infected as some cities continue to battle the disease. The US still reports of more than 15,000 new cases per day. Clearly, there remains a lot of unpredictable things that are and can still happen as a result of this pandemic. The US jobs puzzle should be instructive to many countries, including us as we prepare and look forward to the eventual management and end of the pandemic. This is why it is imperative that we should also be planning on what are we to do with our workforce today and when the pandemic softens. The World Bank in November last year pointed out that about 20 percent of the jobs lost in the pandemic will most likely be permanent even as the world economies re-open. This is the kind of mindset that we should be preparing for our workers. Our latest labor force statistics as of April 2021 revealed that there were See “Eagle Watch,” A11

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Friday, June 11, 2021 A11

F. Lee Bailey–Legendary The tricks about tributes, eulogies and the afterlife trial lawyer Tito Genova Valiente

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Manny F. Dooc

TELLTALES

he legal world was depressed by the news of the death of F. Lee Bailey on June 3, 2021, at the age of 87, in Atlanta, Georgia. Bailey belongs to the exclusive elite of American legendary trial lawyers like Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Webster, Clarence Darrow and Edward Bennett Williams, but Bailey was one of a kind. He would have celebrated his 88th birthday yesterday, June 10. He was a flamboyant and selfpromoting lawyer who lured both famous and infamous people whose crimes had run the headlines of previous years. He was a marquee defense lawyer who achieved fame and fortune defending a motley of characters like Patty Hearst, the alleged Boston Strangler, and Dr. Sam Sheppard. He was a part of the so-called “dream team of lawyers” made up of Robert Shapiro, Johnnie Cochran and Robert Kardashian who represented the football hero turned movie actor, OJ Simpson, who was accused of murdering his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. As a lawyer, Bailey was noted for exploiting the weakness of the prosecution and attacking it relentlessly, complicating and obfuscating the facts and the legal issues. He would tirelessly present numerous testimonies and volumes of documentary evidence, which would tend to confuse the opposing counsel and their jurors. It was a legal strategy that he had successfully adopted in most cases he won. This was evident when he defended a veterinarian who was accused of switching horses to create a 57-1 betting odds in 1977. The jury found the accused not guilty when they were confronted by overwhelming testimonies and mountains of records presented during the trial. And like other courtroom heroes who were both feared by their opposing counsels and the transfixed jurors with his intimidating cross-examination, Bailey would often secure a not guilty verdict for his clients. Bailey was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, near Boston. Bailey attended his undergraduate degree in Harvard but left the university in his second year to join the Marines. He became a pilot but on his spare time he handled legal cases for his fellow soldiers although he was not a lawyer. He was so good at it that he became the legal officer of the airbase. After the war, he re-enrolled in Harvard to finish his undergraduate course. However, he transferred to Boston University when he got admitted to its law school without completing his undergraduate degree. Boston University gave credit to his paralegal work in the military. Bailey’s first major case involved a mechanic who was accused of murdering and mutilating his wife. The accused failed the polygraph test but Bailey, who had then become a polygraph expert, challenged the test result. He succeeded in undermining the result of the lie detector test and his client was acquitted. A bigger case also involving a husband accused of killing his wife awaited him, which would bring him greater fame and glory. This was the 1966 case of Sam Sheppard, one of the most controversial murder cases in the US. Sheppard, a medical doctor practicing in Cleveland, Ohio, was convicted of murdering

Eagle Watch. . . continued from A10

than 10 million employed compared to April 2020. The quality of the employment, however, is challenging as it points out that wage employment continues to fall from 63 percent of the employed in April 2020 to 61 per-

his wife. The accused alleged that a burglar entered their house and attacked his wife. He tried to help her, but the thief knocked him unconscious. The jury did not believe him and he was convicted of murder. On retrial, Bailey accused the judge of pre-judging the case after Bailey had shown that the judge had given a pre-trial interview declaring Sheppard guilty of the crime. He stressed that this had caused an impact on the jury, which later on found the accused guilty. He obtained a not guilty verdict on retrial. His handling of this case made Bailey a part of the American legal folklore, which has inspired many law students and young practitioners to hone and perfect their craft. The hit television series and movie, The Fugitive, was largely based on this famous case. Bailey’s other cases that attracted headlines around the world included the case of Albert Henry DeSalvo who was charged with a series of rapes and assaults of several women in the Boston area. He also confessed to Bailey, while representing him, that he was the Boston Strangler who had allegedly killed 13 women in the city of Boston. Bailey employed the defense of insanity, but he failed in his defense. DeSalvo was killed in prison by a fellow inmate. Bailey also figured in the defense of Captain Ernest Medina who was court martialed for the so-called My Lai massacre in Vietnam. Medina was exonerated but not his subordinate, Lt. William Calley, who was convicted. Bailey also represented Patty Hearst who was accused of committing two bank robberies where a person was killed. He put up the defense that Hearst was forced to participate against her will (she was kidnapped earlier on by the Symbionese Liberation Army, which perpetrated the robberies) but it did not hold water. Hearst was found guilty but she was later on given a full pardon by President Bill Clinton. I am certain that many young lawyers have dreamed of becoming another F. Lee Bailey. Honestly, he is not exactly my type of a legal eagle who I consider my courtroom hero. Bailey has been disbarred by some states for his unethical conduct as a lawyer. He even declared bankruptcy later in life despite the handsome fees he had earned in the course of his practice. I was in high school when the novel written by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, became a tremendous hit. I had the book reserved for over a month to be able to borrow it from our public library in my hometown. After reading the book, there was no question for me that Atticus Finch was my ideal lawyer. A man of law who champions racial equality, justice, fairness, honesty and morality. These are the values that every law-abiding individual who respects the rule of law cherishes. cent in April 2021. The self-employed also fell from 28.7 percent to 28.4 percent in the same period. What is more alarming is the rise in unpaid family workers or those who are helping in family businesses. The increase is substantial, approximating 1 million workers from April 2020 to April 2021. This is further validated by the rising underemployment, which also

he series of deaths among relatives and friends should have made us experts in expressing our griefs. We never develop a skill in grieving but, with people gone because of the virus, we must be at ease already with writing down phrases fit for our loved ones or respected ones who, for example, get admitted today and expire after an hour.

I, too, have my share of losses and grieving. I respond to death by rushing to my favorite or favored shrine (a term that, I suppose, will never be encouraged by theologians) and schedule a Mass for the repose of a soul. During the pandemic, my trip to the said shrine has become a regular occurrence. That regularity has engendered in me a new knowledge about how corporeal is my spirituality—a condition that I find not only common but regular and, given how it is practiced, accepted among many fellow Catholics. In my first trip to the shrine to arrange for a Mass in this Diseased Age, I felt tentative about the obligation. In the said shrine a volunteer usually stays near its main door. But seeing an elderly lady surrounded by thick plastic was disconcerting. Will I be the asymptomatic one and be the harbinger of affliction to her? Quantifying a request for a Mass can be embarrassing. But is it proper to ask the specific amount to be given to the institutional Church so that one’s prayer for a beloved to have eternal peace can be accommodated? And so I feel my way through the procedure and ascertain the fee to be given.

Next, I take photos of the shrine or the Church where the Mass is going to take place. Then I post these photos online. These photos are not receipts but rather a presence and not a promise. Which brings me to my own catechism. The Mass for the Dead is not really for the Dead. I do not believe my P100 donation will matter in Heaven. That Mass, which is about love and respect for the person who has gone on, is for those who are left behind. The rites serve as our link to the bereaved. In the impossibility of being there in person with the mother, siblings, or children of the Dead Person, we console them with our body and not with our soul. With the Mass offering comes the trickier question of how to pay tribute online. How do we offer praises and remembrances? As with anything

decent, never overdo sympathies. Take note: if there is already a lighted candle, the light of which is being followed by hundreds of sympathizers, DO NOT light another candle, be it of the virtual type. Observe: if there is a long trail of prayers and condolences and there is no mention of the particularities of the Dead Person, do not affix a prayer only to ask later the vulgar question, who died please? Photos are gems when sited online. If you are the best friend of the Dead, find a solo picture of this your friend. Avoid posting a photo with you included. Remember, on the day of one’s Death, the Dead is the leading character, the subject matter, the topic sentence. Speaking of topic sentence, how do we pay homage to a dead person? If you were lucky to have a Theol-

End AIDS: Let’s get this done! By Winnie Byanyima

ublic health has dominated the world’s headlines for more than a year. The devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people’s lives and livelihoods and on economies worldwide has reminded us of the destructive power of a microscopic virus.

In the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world came together on June 8 to 10 to set out a bold new agenda to end another pandemic, 40 years after it emerged. At the 2021 United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS, in New York and online, leaders, activists and people living with and affected by HIV will forge a new United Nations political declaration to set the world on course to end AIDS by 2030. Huge gains have been made since the first AIDS cases were identified four decades ago. After peaking at 1.7 million in 2004, global AIDS-related deaths fell to a little less than 700,000 in 2019. New HIV infections have similarly fallen, from 2.8 million in 1998 to 1.7 million in 2019. And HIV treatment has given hope to millions. What was once a death sentence can now be effectively managed. In June 2020, 26 million people were accessing life-saving antiretroviral therapy, a treatment that can give people living with HIV a normal life expectancy. However, these gains are insufficient, and the Philippines is not on track to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030—a promise made by Philippines, along with 192 other countries, in the Sustainable Development Goals and at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS in 2016.

With the Covid-19 pandemic still impacting nearly every nation, it’s easy to forget other public health crises. But the HIV pandemic is still with us. It’s still real. And Covid-19 is impacting the progress on ending AIDS. The HIV pandemic affects different groups in different countries. In the Philippines, it predominantly affects key populations—gay men and other men who have sex with men, sex workers and their clients, transgender people, young key populations, and people who inject drugs. In other countries, women, especially young women and adolescent girls, bear the brunt. At the heart of it, inequalities are the fuel that drives the HIV pandemic. Covid-19 has exposed weaknesses in health systems at the global, regional and national levels, but the knowledge, expertise and infrastructure built up over 40 years of the AIDS response have been crucial in guiding a human-rights led, peoplecentered response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Investing in the global health infrastructure has aided the fight against Covid-19, but we have to do more and strengthen those weaknesses in health systems so that the next time a crisis strikes, the world is ready and able to act. In March this year, the UNAIDS governing body adopted the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026, which

increased by a million during the same period. Hence, even if we are able to employ more workers, the quality of the jobs available are deteriorating. As we are seeing these coming and with the experience of the US, it is clear that it is not just opening the economy that is important. We also need to ensure that there are appropriate adaptive mechanisms

for our workers to get back into employment. This means that better training must be available and reachable particularly by those needing to re-skill themselves. The share of employed managers have also fallen from 9.3 percent to 8.2 percent of all employed in April 2021. These people might need to de-skill to be able to adapt to the new environ-

ogy professor whose standard was to have answers to his quiz that would not go beyond a sentence, then you are on your way to becoming a tribute master. We have guides and aphorisms that can light our way when we are the kind of a writer friend who can darken a farewell with lengthy references couched in convoluted and compound sentences. In brevity there is wit. Shakespeare. Brevity is a great charm of eloquence. Cicero. Convinced now that a short paragraph is more than enough to express our love, then we collect ourselves, focus on the person we are remembering, scribble his or her name unseen on space, and drop all the personal pronouns and personal references. Check our impulses if we are starting the paragraph with “I” and, with the rage of the Old Testament Prophet, strike it out. As with excellent essays that eschew motherhood statements, skip the goodness and brilliance of the Dead. Remember that oft-quoted statement how “the good is oft-interred with their bones”? All Dead Persons are Good Persons. Go to your specific, small memories of days with him. Was he a gourmet? Did he care if the hotel had a lovely lobby? Was he happy with a box of chocolate? Do not be bothered about your prayers failing. Prayers do not fail. Keep this in your heart: the prayers that you utter, the goodness that now you speak, are really more about you, about us who are left here to fend for ourselves, to be alive and to be sorrowful at the same time because, till the day the tributes are about us, we are here in the world where attachment leads to suffering, succumbing to a humanity threatened but breathing, with lots of laws on and flaws in happiness.

The Philippines has already made great strides in the HIV response. We know how to diagnose and treat HIV. We know how to prevent new HIV infections. We know how to save lives. The Philippines’ support for a strong United Nations political declaration on HIV is vital if the world is to get to the end point after what, by 2030, will be nearly 50 years of the HIV pandemic. aims to close the gaps that are preventing progress to ending AIDS by focusing on the inequalities that drive the pandemic. It aims to promote fairer societies. It sets out targets that if met would place the world firmly back on track to end AIDS by the end of this decade. Building on the global AIDS strategy, the United Nations High-Level Meeting on AIDS will endeavor to change the course of the HIV response. The political declaration that will result must be bold and must be ambitious. With so little time left, it must give the leadership the world needs to set the course for the last few years of the HIV response. In being bold, the political declaration must ensure that no one is left behind. It needs to give strong support to issues that some may find uncomfortable—comprehensive sexuality education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, the human rights of everyone, including key populations, who are often marginalized and criminalized for their gender identities, sexual orientation, ment. There is also that critical identification of certain industries where job losses are already permanent so that those who are affected will start finding other opportunities. This similar situation applies to many of our overseas Filipino workers. What may be important now is for government to channel significant resources to retraining workers on

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

livelihoods or dependencies, or for simply living with HIV. The new political declaration must be backed up by political commitment. Where promises made in the past have not been met, it’s been in part because the world failed to provide the support needed to build on those promises. We know that when the right level of investment is made in the HIV response, the money works. Each additional $1 of investment in implementing the global AIDS strategy in low- and middleincome countries will bring a return of $7.37 in health benefits. Now is the time to reenergize health on the global agenda. Covid-19 is the immediate priority, and with it the vital need to roll out vaccination for everyone, everywhere—the huge inequality in access to vaccination is nothing short of a scandal—but the world must not forget HIV. The Philippines must not forget HIV. But we should be optimistic. The Philippines has already made great strides in the HIV response. We know how to diagnose and treat HIV. We know how to prevent new HIV infections. We know how to save lives. The Philippines’ support for a strong United Nations political declaration on HIV is vital if the world is to get to the end point after what, by 2030, will be nearly 50 years of the HIV pandemic. Now is the time to change the course of the HIV response. Now is the time to put the world on track to end AIDS. Let’s get this done! Winnie Byanyima is the Executive Director of UNAIDS.

adjusting to the digitally enhanced work environment. It is also critical to analyze deeper the monthly labor force statistics and use their results for immediate policy improvements and adjustments even after the pandemic. Failure to do so will similarly bring us to a situation of high job openings but not enough qualified or willing workers available.

A12 Friday, June 11, 2021

Central Bank studies wage dynamics, inflation impact By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno told reporters they are monitoring wage dynamics in the country and how it could impact inflation. In a briefing on Thursday, Diokno said they continue to be” vigilant” on the evolving wage dynamics and its ability to influence the growth of prices. He also vowed that the BSP will continue to actively participate in discussions on wage policies. “The pandemic has had a large impact on the labor market landscape, such as the reduced faceto-face interactions in industries coupled with the rise of digitalization and automation of jobs

around the world.... As many studies have noted, changes in labor market outcomes are likely to influence productivity and wage adjustments,” Diokno said. “At the BSP, the monetar y policy assessment takes into account conditions in domestic demand and the labor sector. For instance, labor market conditions in terms of employment growth as well as minimum wage adjustments are considered as deter-

minants of possible demand-driven price pressures in the domestic economy,” Diokno said. Just recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said the pandemic reversed many of the gains in employment in the country, wiping out 1.7-million wage and salary jobs in 12 months as of January 2021. As such, ADB said the global best practices such as wage and hiring subsidies as well as unemployment insurance should be applied in the country to address labor market concerns in the post-pandemic world. Diokno also expressed support to the swift distribution of the social welfare assistance to alleviate the immediate labor disruptions caused by the pandemic. “The BSP is of the view that enabling policies catered on promoting a long-term, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth and productive employment are critical as we exit the pandemic,” Diokno said.

Salceda files bill addressing issue of high tax for schools By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

OUSE Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Jose Maria Clemente “Joey” S. Salceda filed last Thursday House Bill (HB) 9596 that defines the tax rates for proprietary educational institutions and allows these to avail of the preferential rate of 10 percent on taxable income; the same relief granted to private non-profit schools could be applied.

As private schools continue to reel from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic, a bill has been filed on Thursday. Salceda said he expects his proposed bill will put the issue to rest and leave no room for conflicting interpretations of the law as HB 9596 seeks to amend Section 27 of National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC). The bill was co-authored by 36 lawmakers as of June 10. “The BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue] cannot tax proprietary educational institutions in a manner that is contrary to this unambigu-

ous view of the [Supreme] Court,” Salceda said. “Thus, it was constrained to apply the regular tax rate to private for-profit schools, even when the same have been able to avail of the 10-percent tax rate prior to the ruling.” According to Salceda, the formulation of the NIRC, as clarified by the Supreme Court in CIR vs. De la Salle University is such that “a proprietary educational institution is entitled only to the reduced rate of 10-percent corporate income tax.” “The reduced rate is applicable only if: (1) the proprietary educational institution is nonprofit and (2) its gross income from unrelated trade, business or activity does not exceed 50 percent of its total gross income,” the High Tribunal said. In the same ruling, he said the SC also observed that “[w]hile a non-stock, non-profit educational institution is classified as a tax-exempt entity under Section 30 (Exemptions from Tax on Corporations) of the Tax Code, a proprietary educational institution is covered by Section 27 (Rates of Income Tax on Domestic Corporations).” Under the BIR Revenue Regulation (RR) 5-2021 issued last April 8, income tax on socalled proprietary educational institutions that are run by stock corporations would be increased to 25 percent from the current 10 percent. This implemented rules on the new income tax rates of corporations after the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (Create) Act was signed into law this year.

DA LEGAL UNIT FROWNS ON SPLITTING MAV PLUS By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

IVIDING the additional 20 0,0 0 0 me t r ic ton s (MT) of pork imports under the minimum access volume (MAV) runs contrary to the intent and purpose of President Duterte’s Executive Order 133, based on the legal opinion of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) legal service. Documents obtained by the BusinessMirror showed that the DA’s legal service opined that the earlier recommendation of the MAV Advisory Council (MAV-AC) to divide the additional pork MAV equally across 12 months is against EO 133. The DA legal service argued that EO 133, issued by Duterte in May as part of the Executive’s twin measures to boost domestic pork supply and pull down pork prices, was clear in referring to “MAV year” and not calendar year. Local pork producers had lobbied for dividing the MAV+ across 12 months in parallel with the 1-year tariff reduction. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/20/higher-pork-mav-panel-pitches-1year-period/) “As such, clearly, the intent of EO No. 133 is to increase the volume in MAV of pork for the MAV Year 2021 which covers the period from February 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022,” the DA legal service said in its memorandum to MAV Secretariat Executive Director Jocelyn A. Salvador and Agriculture Undersecretary William C. Medrano. The DA legal service submitted its legal opinion to the two highranking officials last May 25, four days after Salvador sought the department’s help regarding the MAV-AC’s recommendation for the pork MAV+. Salvador’s office sought a legal opinion on the following issues: whether EO 133 must follow the regular MAV year, and whether the EO can be amended to be implemented one whole year. The DA legal service pointed out that the effective implementation coverage of the pork MAV+ was from May 25 and until the end of the MAV year, which is January 31, 2022. On the recommendation of the MAV-AC to seek an amendment of EO 133 to cover the proposed 12-month distribution period, the DA legal service said it may run against the “intent and purpose” of Duterte’s measure. In making its point, the DA legal service noted the last “where-

as” provision of EO 133 which highlighted that, “it is imperative to immediately address the current supply gap in pork meat, to provide consumers with adequate and affordable food, and to lower information.” The DA legal service also considered Section 2 of EO 133, which directed the MAV Management Committee “to ensure compliance with the existing IRR and other pertinent laws and regulations in attaining the purpose” of the said measure. “With the foregoing, it is thus imperative to immediately address the current supply gap of pork meat to provide adequate and affordable pork and thereby lower inflation,” it said. “To stall the implementation of EO No. 133 by seeking an amendment thereof appears to be contrary to its intent and purpose to address an emergency,” it added. The DA legal service said the issues arising from the MAV-AC’s recommendations could be taken up and resolved by the MAV-MC since the former is advisory in nature. It has been a month since Duterte ordered the increase in pork MAV but the MAV-MC has not approved the final guidelines to facilitate the measure. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar told the BusinessMirror they are now “securing the approvals” of MAV-MC members. The MAV-MC, which is chaired by Dar, is composed of the Secretaries of Finance, Trade and Industry, Science and Technology, Agrarian Reform and Socioeconomic Planning. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua told the BusinessMirror they are currently studying the proposed MAV+ guidelines while sources confirmed to the BusinessMirror that the Department of Finance is also scrutinizing the guidelines. Last week, a DA interagency committee recommended that 55 percent or about 110,000 MT of the pork MAV+ be imported within July to September to immediately boost domestic supply and temper retail pork prices. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2021/06/02/d-a-panel-import-55-of-mav-plus-withinjuly-september/) The BusinessMirror learned that the interagency committee created by Secretary Dar and led by Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Padre has sent its recommendation for the pork MAV plus implementing guidelines to the MAV Management Committee (MAV-MC).

Continued on A6

Amid shift to digital, demand for data analysts seen to double in ’22 By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

EMAND for data analysts is expected to double next year as companies shift toward digital transformation of their operations amid the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, according to industry representatives. Citing data from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), the Analytics Association of the Philippines (AAP) estimates local industries will need 340,880 workers by 2022. AAP Board of Trustee member Sherwin M. Pelayo said this is 131 percent higher compared to the current 147,420 workforce of data analysts in the country. AAP is scheduled to hold a landmark market intelligence study this year,

along with the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and with support of the Australian government, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to validate the data from Apec. Pelayo is confident the actual data will be more or less the same with that of Apec based on existing trends. “The demand for analytics is increasing because of the current situation because of the current pandemic. Many organizations, many industries are hastening their digital transformation growth which is analytics,” Pelayo said at a webinar organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). To meet this demand, he said it will be crucial that educational institutions can produce more workers with the necessary skills that the industry needs.

He noted the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) of IBM Philippines is a step toward this direction by exposing young students to necessary training. Through its partnership with IBM, AAP crafted an education program which provides even non-college students with skills related to data analytics. The programs include a two-year program for being an associate in computer technology as well as a track in senior high school to train students in basic skills such as data entry, data cleansing, exploratory data analysis and visualization and basic programming. Pelayo said they are currently studying to get another program, which will cater even to junior high students, to arm them with the necessary skills as early as possible.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D. Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street Tambo Parañaque City

MU, CHUNWEI Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WILY YANTO Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XU, YOUPING Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

WIRIT, WIRUNPAT Operations Supervisor 12.

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

Brief Job Description: Oversee and assist in handling major incidents and provides training with executives

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

13.

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

BENY SURIYANTO Payment Senior Executive Brief Job Description: Monitor and control business account balances

YOO, KYUNG-JIN Business Solutions Senior Supervisor 4.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the overseeing the implementation of business development strategies to heighten company profitability

14.

Brief Job Description: Develop and execute a compliance review program to cultivate a continuous business process

TANWIBOON, CHANANON Risk And Compliance Executive Brief Job Description: Initiates and process customer verification

OOI POH HUA Risk And Compliance Senior Supervisor 15.

MOEUNG, SOVANNDOURNG Compliance Senior Associate

Brief Job Description: Responsible in overseeing day to day in operations and undertake coaching and performance monitoring and quality control

CAI, YUNFEI Mandarin Customer Service

CHAN, THEARY Finance Executive Brief Job Description: Input finance data into the system

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

INTHARAKOSIT, NATTHAWAT Marketing Senior Executive 7.

Brief Job Description: Manage and organize data from market research and insights and render business support to ensure efficient operational procesess

Basic Qualification: Diploma/certificate, College degree in any field; must be native Thai / Indonesian / Vietnamese / fluent in English and respective native language ; with at least 2 years experience in similar field

16.

17.

Brief Job Description: Manage and organize data from market research and insights and render business support to ensure efficient operational processes.

18.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for ensuring that products and services meet the established standards set by the company

Basic Qualification: Diploma/Certificate, College degree in any field, Marketing is a plus Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

OUCH, PHANNA Operations Senior Executive 10.

Brief Job Description: Assist in responding to customer inquiries and resolving issues or complaints

Basic Qualification: Diploma/certificate, College degree in any field; must be native Cambodian / Vietnamese /Chinese / Thai / Indonesian / Korean/ Japanese / Taiwanese ,/ fluent in English and respective native language with at least a yr. of experience in similar field

LOHAWISETSRI, TEERAPONG Operations Senior Supervisor 11.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in overseeing day to day in operations and undertake coaching and performance monitoring

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

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

LIU, PUXIN Mandarin Customer Service 21.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

LIU, WANG Mandarin Customer Service 22.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Diploma/certificate, College degree in any field; must be native Thai / Indonesian / Vietnamese / fluent in English and respective native language; with at least 5 years’ experience in customer services or similar functions.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

LIANG, QING Mandarin Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Diploma/Certificate, College degree in any field, Must be native Thai/Vietnamese/ Chinese fluent in English and respective native language Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

JIN, FENGSHUN Mandarin Customer Service

20. THAMWICHITDEJ, SUWIMOL Operations Associate

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

GUO, LIMEI Mandarin Customer Service

19.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

GAO, LINGCUI Mandarin Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 MORN, MANIN Marketing Senior Executive

Basic Qualification: Vocational/Diploma/ certificate, College degree in any field; Native Indonesian / Vietnamese / Cambodian , fluent in English and respective native language, with at least a yr experience in similar field

No.

Basic Qualification: Diploma/certificate, College degree in any field; Must be Native Korean / Thai / Vietnamese / Japanese / Chinese / Cambodian/ Indonesian. Fluent in English & Native Language ; with at least a year of experience in similar field

25.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

LIU, LEI Mandarin Customer Service 23.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

PENG, JUNQIANG Mandarin Customer Service 24.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

26.

27.

28.

29.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

XUN, MINGGANG Mandarin Customer Service 30.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

YANG, SHOUKAN Mandarin Customer Service 31.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

YANG, YANXIN Mandarin Customer Service 32.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

YE, XIAOYAN Mandarin Customer Service 33.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

ZHANG, JINJIE Mandarin Customer Service 34.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

XIE, XIAODONG Mandarin Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

WANG, WEI Mandarin Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

WANG, GUANGYONG Mandarin Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

TANG, XUEQIN Mandarin Customer Service

Basic Qualification: College degree in any field; must be native Malaysian, Fluent in English and Malay. with at least 5 years’ experience in similar field Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SUN, YUANYUAN Mandarin Customer Service

BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. 5f-13f, Jiaxing Tower Building Aseana Avenue, Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City Eastfield Center Cbp1, Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

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

Basic Qualification: Diploma/certificate, College degree in any field; Banking/ Finance is a plus; must be native Cambodian / Indonesian , fluent in English &Khmer / Bahasa Indonesia: with a year of experience in similar field

Basic Qualification: Diploma/certificate, College degree in any field; must be native Thai / Indonesian / Vietnamese / fluent in English and respective native language; with at least 3 years’ experience in customer services or similar functions.

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

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

Basic Qualification: College degree in any field; must be native Cambodian/ Singaporean , fluent in English and Khmer/ Mandarin / with at least 2 years’ experience in similar function

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

AVANTICE CORPORATION 19/f Pbcom Tower Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read, and Write Chinese Language

Friday, June 11, 2021 A13

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

ZHANG, YONG Mandarin Customer Service 35.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

ZHANG, YACHAO Mandarin Customer Service 36.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

ZOU, SILU Mandarin Customer Service 37.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write and type fluently in Mandarin language.

HE, RUIRUI Mandarin Language Specialist 38.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

Brief Job Description: Perform quality audit and translations in technical and non-technical issues reported by users or systems

LIN, DONGMU Mandarin Language Specialist 39.

Brief Job Description: Perform quality audit and translations in technical and non-technical issues reported by users or systems

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, and write and type fluently in Mandarin language, Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write, and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read, write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Mandarin language and has excellent communication skills both in written and oral. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Mandarin language and has excellent communication skills both in written and oral. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A14 Friday, June 11, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TAN, YUHUA Mandarin Language Specialist

40.

Brief Job Description: Perform quality audit and translations in technical and non-technical issues reported by users or systems

XU, SUEN Mandarin Language Specialist 41.

Brief Job Description: Perform quality audit and translations in technical and non-technical issues reported by users or systems.

ZHANG, PENGBO Mandarin Language Specialist 42.

Brief Job Description: Perform quality audit and translations in technical and non-technical issues reported by users or systems.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in Mandarin language and has excellent communication skills both in written and oral.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Mandarin language and has excellent communication skills both in written and oral.

43.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overall training of new Customer Support Representatives.

ZHOU, JIANREN Customer Support Trainor 44.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overall training of new Customer Support Representatives.

WANG, JINFAN Field Sales Consultant 45.

Brief Job Description: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods.

46.

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

LU, MEIJIN Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 47.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the relationships of the company with Chinese clients; Responsible for obtaining and maintaining long term key customers by comprehending their requirements

Basic Qualification: Can develop digital and print educational material; Can facilitate new hires business sales, training courses, including communication and troubleshooting skills.

48.

Brief Job Description: Will support the development team to serve the clients. CHOI, JOON WOO Chief Representative Officer

49.

Brief Job Description: Will oversee the day-to-day operation and performance.

Basic Qualification: Can work as an independent consultant to provide marketing expertise to clients; research industries, markets, demographics, trends, sales result, and other data related to clients.

50.

Brief Job Description: Accurately process and record call transaction using computers and designated tracking software

LI, YE Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

51.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about products and services.

GUO, FEIYUE Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 52.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about products and services.

HE, ZHIQIANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 53.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

HUANG, WENYAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 54.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

LI, QINGYUAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 59.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services

LI, HONGKUN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 60.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about products and services.

LI, JINYANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 61.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about products and services.

LI, QUANLI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 62.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

LIU, SIZUO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 63.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contracts; Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin

LUONG NGOC QUYNH Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 64.

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

65.

Basic Qualification: Has the knowledge in business development and well=experienced. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Has an excellent managerial experience.

66.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to build relationships in India Punjabi,Hindi speaking

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about products and services.

MO, TINGDONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 68.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

NIU, LINJUN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 69.

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

MA, LIDONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 67.

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services

LYU, MING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

LYU, HAIQING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

CRONYX INC. No. 4th-10th Flr. Yinhope Bldg. Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St. Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City 5th-7th Floor Alhi Corporate Center Aseana Avenue Tambo Parañaque City CHEN, BODU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

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

COUNTRYWIDE TRAVEL & TOURS CORP. 2/f Rfc Mall Alabang-zapote Road Pamplona Tres Las Piñas City

AMANDEEP Hindi Speaking Technical Support

57.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can research accounts and generate or follow through sales leads; Can valuate customer’s skills, needs and build productive long lasting relationships; Can meet personal and team sales targets.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services LI, SIQIAO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

CJ SE ASIA PTE. LTD. PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE Unit 16 (1716) 17th Floor High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 2, 26th Cor. 9th Avenue Fort Bonifacio Taguig City CHOI, JUNKYU Business Development Assistant

56.

58. Basic Qualification: Can develop digital and print educational material; Can facilitate new hires business sales, training courses, including communication and troubleshooting skills.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

LI, LIANGKUO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

HUANG, YANCAI General Trade Marketing Specialist Consultant

55.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Mandarin language and has excellent communication skills both in written and oral.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION KAN, PING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

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

ZHOU, RUJIA Customer Support Trainor

No.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

SI, DAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 70.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English

SONG, CHUNYU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 71.

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about products and services.

TIAN, GUMING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 72.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

No.

WANG, JIN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 73.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about products and services.

WANG, YANXIANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 74.

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, give customers information about products and services.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English

WANG, HAO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

75.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WU, ZHAOLONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 76.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience; Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

77.

78.

79.

80.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services

ZHANG, XIN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 87.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

ZHAO, YAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 88.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services

ZHENG, TIANMING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 89.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

ZHANG, QINGYU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services ZHANG, XIN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

ZHANG, SHENGLIANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

ZHAN, JINJIN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

YUE, DENGHUA Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services.

YE, CHAOYUN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

YANG, ZHIQIANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

YAN, KEHAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

XIAO, MI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services

XIAO, MEIRONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services

ZHOU, PENG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 90.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience; Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience; Good in oral communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHOU, ZEHONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

91.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

ZHU, HAIJIAO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 92.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services

HOU, TIANYI Chinese Customer Support Representative 93.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

HUANG, GUIXIANG Chinese Customer Support Representative 94.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

LI, WU Chinese Customer Support Representative 95.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

XU, YIN Chinese Customer Support Representative 96.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

YAO, WEI Chinese Customer Support Representative 97.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

HOI DAM THUAN HIEN Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 98.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product, and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

NGO TRIEU HAI YEN Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 99.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product, and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

TRINH THI CAM NHUNG Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 100.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product, and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience.

No.

HUANG, JU-CHUN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 108.

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

109.

110.

111.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Vietnamese and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

112.

113.

114.

115.

116.

117.

NG CHUN KEAT Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 101.

Brief Job Description: Developing, implementing, sales strategies, client service, plan and analyzing sales data

118.

FU, LITING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 102.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services LIU, HUAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

103.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

104.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in Mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read and type fluently in Mandarin language

106.

121.

122.

123.

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

DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 534 Tomas Mapua St. 029 Bgy. 298 Santa Cruz Manila

105.

120.

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

DEXIN 999, INC. Red Hotel No. 345 Edsa Cor. Don Carlos Revilla St. Barangay 147 Pasay City ZHANG, TIANYI Mandarin Customer Service

119.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in Mandarin / English

124.

WAN, KEGANG Chinese Cargo Office Agent

Basic Qualification: Have skills in Documentation

Brief Job Description: Prepare Airline and Custom documentation

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

XU, JIANMIN Chinese Cargo Office Agent

Basic Qualification: Have skills in Documentation

Brief Job Description: Prepare Airline and Custom documentation

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

125.

126.

127.

107.

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or precuts / excellent mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Research and evaluate new technologies

PYAE SONE PHYO Computer System Analyst Brief Job Description: Research and evaluate new technologies

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks LIANG, JING IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring networks SUN, ZHENGSONG IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring networks

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks ZHANG, JIANJIA IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Monitoring systems and networks

CHEN, RONG Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Provide customer service and train Filipino counterpart

Brief Job Description: to provide customer service and train Filipino counterpart

HE, BINGZHANG Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Provide customer service and train Filipino counterpart

HU, ZISHUN Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide customer service HUANG, SHIKUN Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide customer service LI, CHANGJIU Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide customer service LIN, HUIJIA Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Provide customer service and train Filipino counterpart LIU, LIDONG Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide customer service SHEN, YANNI Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Provide customer service and train Filipino counterpart SONG, CHENCHEN Mandarin Customer Service

DIAMONDSTONE INC. Unit No. Unit 2c Flr. One E-com Center Building Bldg. Lot No.4/f, Ocean Drive St. Mall Of Asia Complex Subd. District 4 Barangay 076 District 4 Pasay City

SUDI Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

KELVIN CHIA YAK CHUN Computer System Analyst

HE, JICHANG Mandarin Customer Service

DA PROSPERITAS HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789 6789 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products

Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

XIONG, XIAOLING IT Technical Mandarin

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Vietnamese and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WEI, HAOSHENG Customer Service Representative (csr)

LI, HANQIANG IT Technical Mandarin

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Vietnamese and at least college level with related BPO experience.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or precuts / excellent mandarin communication skills

No.

129.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 130.

Basic Qualification: High school graduate in Chinese curriculum Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

131.

FIRST GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC. Lot 5 Sta. Agueda Cor. Queensway Pagcor Drive Sto. Niño Parañaque City

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FAREAST OUTSOURCE PROCESSING INC. 7th, 8th, 9th Flr. Nu Tower Moa Coral Way Brgy. 076 Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Friday, June 11, 2021 A15

128.

Brief Job Description: Providing customer service and train Filipino counterpart SUI, LUBIN Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide customer service SUN, JIABAO Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Provide customer service and train Filipino counterpart

Basic Qualification: Must be College graduate. Knowledgeable in computer. Fluent in English

132.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in English. College graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications. Fluent in English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

133.

134.

135.

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer applications

136.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications

137.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in managing calls and customer service inquiries

138.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in managing calls and customer service inquiries

139.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in managing calls and customer service inquiries

140.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing incoming calls

141.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing incoming calls

142.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

143.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English. Must be College graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

144.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

145.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English. Must be College graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

146.

Basic Qualification: College graduate and fluent in English & Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing incoming calls

TAN, ZHAOYU Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide customer service YU, HAITAO Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide customer service ZHANG, BINGDONG Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Provide customer service and train Filipino counterpart

ZHU, DINGYU Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Provide customer service and train Filipino counterpart

WANG, RUIJIE Mandarin Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: To provide customer service

147.

BAI, BIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

CHEN, JUNPENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

CHEN, SHUQIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

GAN, SHAOYING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

GAO, CHENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

HU, CONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

HUANG, ZHONGLUN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

HUANG, YONGJI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

LU, BINGHUA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

SU, YAWEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

TAN, DAPENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

WANG, PENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

WANG, FULAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

WANG, KANGLI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in English. Must be College graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, Fluent in English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in managing calls and customer service inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in English. Must be College graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. 4th-11th Floor Aseana 3 Building Aseana Avenue Corner Diosdado Macapagal Tambo Parañaque City

Basic Qualification: knowledgeable in computer skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

148.

WANG, DIAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Basic Qualification: College graduate / level and fluent in mandarin/basic english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate / level and fluent in Mandarin/basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A16 Friday, June 11, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

149.

150.

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WU, ZICHANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

XIANG, QIANJIE Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

XU, JINDUI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

ZHANG, XIAODONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

ZHANG, JUN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

ZHANG, CHAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

ZHAO, HUIWEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

ZHAO, ZHIHAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

ZHOU, HONGHONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

ZHUANG, PEISHI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

SHI, CHANGHAO Customer Service Representative (catering To Mandarin Speaking Clients) Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

ZHANG, TIANSHUAI Customer Service Representative (catering To Mandarin Speaking Clients) Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

PHAN QUOC HUNG Customer Service Representative 165.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English

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

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

REN, XIN Customer Service Representative 166.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TEOH WEI TAT Customer Service Representative 167.

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

TRAN HUY LOC Customer Service Representative 168.

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

KUKLOVA, JANA Head Of It Architechture & Core Expertise 169.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

Brief Job Description: Guardian and influencer of efficient & effective IT ecosystem NEDIL, ZINE-EDDINE Online Ecommerce B2b And Operations Leader

170.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with Customer Service or Sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English.

Brief Job Description: Patners oustatnding and cooperation, quality, relevance and size ZABEREZHNYY, SERGEY Senior Credit Cards Underwriting Analyst

171.

Brief Job Description: Delivering on the strategic credit cards underwriting initiatives

DUTTA, SOMNATH Vice President Operations - Collections 172.

Brief Job Description: Manage operation contingency on an ongoing basis and operational risk and compliance, as well as GSC resource effectively.

161.

LU MY CUONG Customer Service Representative 162.

NGUYEN HOANG TUNG Customer Service Representative 163.

NGUYEN TRONG MAN Customer Service Representative 164.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

No.

179.

180.

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

Basic Qualification: Exemplary leadership for all roles contributing in all delivery, experience in BIG data

181.

182.

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

Basic Qualification: With highly effective resource management techniques, and proven experience in leading, managing, and developing large team of managers and staff across diverse range of processes.

INFOVINE INC. 9/f Y Tower, Moa Complex Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Brgy. 076 Pasay City GONG, ZHAOWEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 173.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

183.

ZHANG, CHUN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 174.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

184.

ZHENG, NINGBO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 175.

Brief Job Description: Assist/ help customers, give customers information about products or services

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in Mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

INTEGRITY GLOBAL GROUP, INC. 2/f-3/f Ayala Malls Circuit A.p. Reyes Ave. Carmona Makati City LIM CHIN LIANG It Support Manager

185.

176.

Brief Job Description: Oversees all IT support professionals, including engineers and helpdesk staff. Through their role, they also help to ensure business IT software and hardware runs smoothly.

186.

LIU, ZHONGHUA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 177.

Brief Job Description: provide the customers of an organization with guidance and information 1

187.

GAO, ZHIFU Chinese Customer Support Representative 178.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin and at least college level with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin and at least college level with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg. #48 President Avenue Bf Homes Parañaque City

188.

189.

190.

191.

CHENG, YI-CHANG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHIEN, HAO-HSIANG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LU, ZHE-WEI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

TZENG, GUO-YAN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

KANG, WOON KYU Korean Customer Service Representative 192.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls & Korean customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification: College graduate, speaks and writes fluently (Mandarin and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, speaks and writes fluently (Mandarin and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, speaks and writes fluently (Mandarin and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, speaks and writes fluently (Mandarin and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. speaks & write fluently (Korean/ English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

KEB HANA BANK - MANILA BRANCH U-1, 2 & 3 33 21/f Zuellig Bldg. Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas Urdaneta Makati City JUNG, JAEEUN Hr Specialist

Basic Qualification: bachelor’s degree holder

Brief Job Description: In-Charge of all General HR work

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

LUCKY365 CONSULTING LIMITED CORP. U/18a 18/f 18/f Trafalgar Plaza 105 H.v. Dela Costa St. Bel-air Makati City PENG, LIANGYONG Client Relations Coordinator (mandarin) 194.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

ZHANG, HUANBIN Chinese Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions and responding complaints.

YU, ZHICHAO Chinese Customer Support Representative

193. Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

YANG, FENG Chinese Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in Mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions and responding complaints.

XIONG, JUAN Chinese Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months working experience / fluent in Mandarin / English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

XIE, QINGYUN Chinese Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Shall have full understanding about e-commerce system

Basic Qualification: Possesses Master’s Degree in Economics & Statistics

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

LONG, JIANLI Chinese Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

LIANG, ANWEI Chinese Customer Support Representative

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

JIA, WEI Chinese Customer Support Representative

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HE, YUANHONG Chinese Customer Support Representative

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

GATEWAYSOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 2306 Antel Global Corporate Center Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center, San Antonio Pasig City

HUANG, KUNBIN Customer Service Representative

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

HSBC ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING (PHILIPPINES) INC. Filinvest One Building Alabang Zapote Road, Northgate Cyberzone Filinvest City, Alabang Muntinlupa City

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

HC CONSUMER FINANCE PHILIPPINES, INC. 15th Floor, Ore Central 9th Ave. Cor 31st. Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Provides information to assist chinese clients or refer them to appropriate contacts knowing how businesses function makes it easier to identify the needs of clients understand the solutions needed to fix any business challenges.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

195.

CAO, JIAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DANH MY Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DU, KUN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires FANG, XIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HE, WENLI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HE, ZENGQI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HO A MINH Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUANG, JIANGHONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries JIN, PENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KO KO OO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LAI, YANGYU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LEI, HENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

LEO SAPUTRA WIJAYA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LI, CHUNFU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LI, WENQUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LI, SHUWEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LI, JINLAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, JUN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LYU, WEIPENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

QIAN, SHIXU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

SEN KANG LIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

SHEILA TAI SHUE JING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

SHI, JINYUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language

No.

218.

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

219.

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

220.

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

221.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

222.

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

223.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write chinese language

224.

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

225.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write chinese language

226.

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

227.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate / Level and Fluent in Mandarin / Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate / Level and Fluent in Mandarin / Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

228.

229.

230.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate / Level and Fluent in Mandarin / Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

231.

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

232.

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

233.

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

234.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

235.

236.

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

237.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

238.

239.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SHI, SHAOGANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SU, QINDI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

TAN, ZENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

TIV, SOCHDA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

WANG, JUNZHU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

WANG, WEI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

WANG, XUDONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires WEI, QINGSONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, ZEWEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires WU, YUANXIAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XU, CHANGYUN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

YANG, DAPEI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

YANG, HUI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZENG, YUANJING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

ZENG, QINGSHAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHAN, LIZHU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

ZHANG, DI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires ZHANG, YANGYANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, WENQIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, BAOXU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHAO, JINXIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHOU, XINHUI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Friday, June 11, 2021 A17

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

HASHIDA, TAKESHI Country Head 240.

241.

242.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate / Level and Fluent in Mandarin / Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

243.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate / Level and Fluent in Mandarin / Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the overall management & performance of the bank

244.

CHEN, RONGFU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

CHEN, YI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

DOU, MIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LIU, HUAQIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

245.

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

246.

MENG, LIANGZAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

MIAO, JIAWU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

247.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English

248.

TAN, XIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

WANG, LANGBO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

249.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English

250.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

251.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate / Level and Fluent in Mandarin / Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

252.

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

253.

WU, QING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

YANG, LIYUAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

YUAN, CHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHANG, JINGHUA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHONG, JIKUAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

254.

FENDY Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND DATA BASE SERVICES

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

255.

SUHAN URAY Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: At least 20+ years of banking experience, n1 level fluency in Nihongo Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION Sky Garage Bldg. Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City Tambo Parañaque City

Basic Qualification: College Graduate / Level and Fluent in Mandarin / Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MUFG BANK, LTD. Oledan Square 15/f 6788 Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

256.

LE KY LONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and writtern communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: KNOWLEDGEABLE IN COMPUTER APPLICATIONS WITH GOOD ORAL AND WRITTERN COMMUNICATION SKILLS Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A18 Friday, June 11, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

257.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN DIEU HOA Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills

258.

Brief Job Description: It process complaints and issues related to products or services, they help customers complete purchases, upgrades and returns and frequently provide advice and technical assistance as well. DAVIDSSON, MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER Multilingual Customer Service Specialist

259.

Brief Job Description: it process complaints and issues related to products or services, they help customers complete purchases, upgrades, and returns, and frequently provide advice and technical assistance as well. HO CHEN SIANG Multilingual Customer Service Specialist

260.

261.

Brief Job Description: It process complaints and issues related to products or services, they help customers complete purchases, upgrades and returns and frequently provide advice and technical assistance as well. KÆRHØG, OLIVER SEBASTIAN Multilingual Customer Service Specialist

262.

Brief Job Description: It process complaints and issues related to products or services, they help customers complete purchases, upgrades and returns and frequently provide advice and technical assistance as well. ZHANG, TAO Multilingual Customer Service Specialist

263.

273.

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

OPTIMORE INC. Unit 3-c 3/f Lpl Tower 112 Legaspi St. San Lorenzo Makati City CHEN, JINLIANG Multilingual Customer Service Specialist

No.

274. Basic Qualification: 18-50 years old; Good Organizational skills; Proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

275.

Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organizational skills, proficient in relevant computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

276.

Basic Qualification: 18-50 years old; Good Organizational skills; Proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

277.

Basic Qualification: 18-50 years old; Good Organizational skills; Proficient in relevant computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 years old; Good Organizational skills; Proficient in relevant computer applications.

278.

279.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 years old; Good Organizational skills; Proficient in relevant computer applications.

280.

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

PAILI HOLDINGS CORPORATION 3rd Floor One/ Neo Building 26th Street Corner 3rd Avenue Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

HUANG, XIAOMING Administrative Assistant (mandarin Speaking) 264.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for running and coordinating the day-today administrative duties of an organization

SI, XIAQIN Administrative Assistant (mandarin Speaking) 265.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for running and coordinating the day-today administrative duties of an organization

WU, ZHIXIONG Administrative Assistant (mandarin Speaking) 266.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for running and coordinating the day-today administrative duties of an organization

ZHANG, HENG Administrative Assistant (mandarin Speaking) 267.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for running and coordinating the day-today administrative duties of an organization

CAI, ZHENZHEN Human Resource Officer (mandarin Speaking) 268.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for hiring, developing and looking after employees.

WU, SHIQI Human Resource Officer (mandarin Speaking) 269.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for hiring, developing and looking after employees.

ZHUANG, WEIXIN Human Resource Officer (mandarin Speaking) 270.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for hiring, developing and looking after employees.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin. Proficient in MS Office, with exceptional knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

281.

282.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin. Proficient in MS Office, with exceptional knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin. Proficient in MS Office, with exceptional knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint

283.

284.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin. Proficient in MS Office, with exceptional knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint

285.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin. Proficient in MS Office, with exceptional knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin. Proficient in MS Office, with exceptional knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint

286.

287.

288.

271.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HSU, CHIH-NING Chinese Customer Service 272.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

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

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services HUANG, HONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

LI, QIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

NONG, CHENGWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

OUYANG, JING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

PENG, DI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

PENG, CHONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

SHENG, YONGJIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

TANG, MING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

WU, WENYU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

XUE, HONGZHOU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

YANG, SHAOCHENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services YU, ZHILUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

ZHANG, YI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

ZHANG, WU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services VI VAN TAM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

292.

293.

294.

295.

296.

297.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 298.

299.

300.

301.

302.

HE, BIN Chinese Customer Support Representative 303.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

AO, DONGDONG Chinese Customer Support Representative 289.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

DI, YUNJIE Chinese Customer Support Representative 290.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

FU, CANHUI Chinese Customer Support Representative 291.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints to ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

WANG, PEIQIN Chinese Customer Support Representative 304.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications WU, CAIHUA Chinese Customer Support Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

VAN GOGH BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING INC. 5th To 8th Flr. Sm Southmall Tower 2 Alabang Zapote Rd. Almanza Uno Las Piñas City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

YANG, XIJIN Chinese Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

YANG, FAGUANG Chinese Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

WANG, YUGUANG Chinese Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

TANG, TAO Chinese Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

TAN, XIAOLONG Chinese Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND DATA BASE SERVICES

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

QIN, XIUPING Chinese Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

PENG, CHENG Chinese Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

LIU, QUNHUA Chinese Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

LIN, CHUNYI Chinese Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

HUANG, YE Chinese Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HUANG, YONGCAI Chinese Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road Tambo Parañaque City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

HU, JIANGNAN Chinese Customer Service

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

305.

SA RIVENDELL GLOBAL SUPPORT, INC. 9-11 Flr., The Biopolis Bldg. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City Flr. No. 5th & 7th Star Cruises Ce Bldg. Andrews Drive, Newport City St. Brgy. 183 Pasay City HAN, HUANHUAN Chinese Customer Service

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on April 9 2021, the name and position of RAMOS AVALOS, ROMO ISMAEL under SHELL SHARED SERVICES (ASIA) B.V., should have been read as RAMOS AVALOS, ROMEO ISMAEL, and CUSTOMER OPS SPECIALIST-ORDER TO CASH respectively and not as published. In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on June 10, 2021, the name of TRINH MINH PHUONG under CROWN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC., should have been read as TRINH MINH PHONG and not as published. Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE-NCR Regional Office located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE-NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

‘IT-BPM firms chalk up gains amid Covid-19 uncertainty’

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

@TyronePiad

he uncertainties created by the pandemic have benefited the local information technology and business process management (ITBPM) sector as it was able to secure additional accounts and clients, according to an industry group. IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (Ibpap), in an interview with the BusinessMirror, noted that IT-BPM markets across the globe have made several adjustments to their operations due to the pandemic. “For example, many enterprises have started to consider multiple aspects of their location to optimize costs, enhance their business continuity plans, and gain

access to alternative talent pools,” Ibpap President and CEO Rey E. Untal said. “This has naturally caused some movements in terms of accounts and clients across certain delivery locations, including India and the Philippines.” Untal said Ibpap assists investors in putting up operations in the country to secure more customers. Among the support provided

by the group includes human resource development, business development, knowledge sharing and networking opportunities. “As the enabling association for the [IT-BPM] industry in the Philippines, Ibpap serves as the one-stop information and advocacy gateway for the industry,” he added. Untal said Ibpap helps in sustaining growth of the sector by “working to ensure an enduring supply of high-quality labor, supporting service innovation, and providing country visibility.” The IT-BPM is currently operating through a blended work and service model, with 70 percent of employees working from home and 30 percent working on-site, he said. Ibpap said it has been coordinating with relevant government agencies to ensure that its members are optimizing its workforce without compromising on health and safety. “With this support, the IT-BPM

sector was able to sustain its operations and increase productive capacity,” the group added. This year, majority or 87 percent of the IT-BPM firms are expecting to book 5 percent to 15 percent growth while 13 percent are anticipating flat growth. The industry group said in April there were also a “good number” of companies planning to expand their business in the regions within the next 12 to 18 months. Ibpap said the hybrid working model is here to stay until next year. “Moving forward, this will most likely change depending on company policies, government mandates, and digital capabilities.” Optimization of existing operations, digital transformation and upskilling of the labor force are the focus of the IT-BPM firms this year, Ibpap added. Last year, the employment in the industry grew by 1.8 percent to 1.32 million while revenues rose by 1.4 percent to $26.7 billion.

Globe expands 5G roaming service By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

lobe Telecom Inc. on Thursday said its 5G roaming service is now available in the United States and Canada, claiming that it is “securing the widest 5G network coverage worldwide.” To offer its 5G roaming services to subscribers, Globe partnered with AT&T in the US and Telus in Canada. Coco Domingo, Globe VP for Postpaid and International, added that it has also partnered with Vodafone to offer 5G roaming in the following European territories: Hungary, Germany, Ireland, and

Battery giant CATL jumps to record

hares of the world’s largest electric-vehicle battery maker hit an all-time high Thursday in the wake of a flurry of news that spurred bullish prospects for the industry. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., a Tesla Inc. supplier, jumped as much as 8.6 percent in Shenzhen, taking its gains from a low in March to more than 50 percent. CATL led advances in not just in EVs but green energy-related stocks as well. A BloombergNEF outlook report and China’s moves to boost the sector including People’s Bank of China Governor Yi Gang pledging increased support spurred the gains. Investor appetite is growing for the Chinese company that’s been a beneficiary of a worldwide push toward curbing carbon emissions. BloombergNEF analysts expect global annual passenger EV sales rising to 14 million in 2025 from 3.1 million in 2020 and lithium-battery demand growing rapidly to approach 4.5TWh annually by 2035. This year “marks the first major increase to our EV adoption outlook in the last five years,” driven by factors like rising policy support, accelerated investments and rising consumer adoption, BloombergNEF analysts wrote in a report. “Meeting this demand requires unprecedented but achievable increases in materials, components and cell production.” Bloomberg News

the Netherlands. The service will be available in July. “Together with our customers, we look forward to the day that the world will open once again for travel,” Domingo said. “For our part, we will fulfill our commitment to continuously innovate with a purpose so our customers will be prepared to roam the world with 5G technology at their fingertips.” With the addition of the four new territories, Domingo said Globe has the “widest coverage of 5G roaming in Europe.” Other European countries where Globe has 5G roaming services are: Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Estonia through Telia Company;

Italy through Telecom Italia; and Hungary, Germany, Ireland, and Netherlands through Vodafone. In May Globe announced that it secured a $100-million loan from the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Ltd., which will help bankroll the company’s capital expenditures for 2021. The telco said it intends to spend P70 billion in capital outlays this year, as it expands and upgrades its wireless and fixed line networks. Bulk of the capital or about 91 percent will be invested in data-related requirements “to support the fast-growing data usage and provide superior data customer experience.” This includes the deployment of fiber optic cables, the construction

of new cell sites, and the upgrading of existing towers to host 4G antennae. “The record-breaking capital expenditure supports Globe’s continuous modernization of its network to make 5G as well as fiber technology available to customers in more areas in the country,” the disclosure read. So far, Globe has spent P19.1 billion of its programmed capital for the year, exceeding the year prior by 79 percent. Globe posted an 11-percent increase in net profits during the first quarter of the year to P7.30 billion from P6.69 billion the year prior, thanks to a new law on corporate income taxes.

loomberry Cultural Foundation Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of Solaire Resort and Casino, on Thursday said it funded the construction of 5 Pagsasarili Family Care Centers in Central Luzon for the Aeta communities. The foundation said it constructed centers in 5 Aeta sitios in the municipalities of Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban, Tarlac in Sitios Calapi, San Vicente, Sto. Nino, Burog and Marcos Village, all of which are located within the Sacobia Mountain. With funding from Bloombery Foundation, the centers will be one-stop-multi-purpose structures where Aeta residents of the said sitios may get social services, such as day-care education, livelihood trainings, a feeding program and health services. The centers will also showcase Aeta culture, the foundation said. “This one-stop-multi-purpose facility, which will make social services accessible to our Aeta brothers in mountainous or farflung marginalized areas is, perhaps, a first of its kind. Bloomberry Foundation welcomes the opportunity to be part of this worthwhile endeavor in partnership w ith Clark Development Corp. [CDC],” Filipina C. Laurena, the foundation’s executive director, said. In line with one of the foundation’s pillars on the protection of the env ironment, all the centers will be equipped with solar panels and rain harvesting capability to support the centers’ water and power requirements, it said. The CDC will handle the centers’ operation in partnership with OB Montessori and the local government units of

By Recto L. Mercene @rectomercene

Contributed Photo

vaccines across our network of international and domestic destinations.” The transported vaccines were subject to strict handling guidelines which entail storing them in temperature-specific refrigerated containers to maintain potency and efficacy up until arrival at their designated stations. On June 9, CEB also carried

over 30,000 doses to 3 key cities: 13,480 to Puerto Princesa, 10,720 doses to Legazpi, and 6,400 doses to Cotabato. To date, Cebu Pacific has flown over 4.5 million Covid-19 doses from China, on top of more than 1.1 million doses carried to 13 Philippine provinces and cities, namely Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao,

Bloomberry Foundation building 5 care centers for Aeta communities

CEB delivers 1M vaccine doses to PHL ebu Pacific (CEB) on Thursday said it safely transported another batch of 1 million Covid-19 vaccine doses from Beijing, China to Manila. This is the fifth shipment picked up by Cebu Pacific from China, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH). “With the arrival of these lifesaving vaccines, we will continue our aggressive vaccine program to protect more Filipinos from Covid-19,” said vaccine czar, Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force Against Covid-19. “We appreciate the support of Cebu Pacific and other Philippine carriers to expedite vaccine distribution throughout the country.” Upon arrival, the vaccines were inspected by authorities, and were immediately transferred to refrigerated container vans and facilities. “We are glad to keep supporting our government in the rollout of its vaccination program,” said Alex Reyes, Chief Strategy Officer at Cebu Pacific. “We are keen to continue playing our part in this national endeavor through the safe transport of Covid-19

Friday, June 11, 2021

Iloilo, Legazpi, Masbate, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, Virac, and Zamboanga. CEB operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines covering 32 destinations, on top of its 6 international destinations. Its 75-strong fleet, one of the youngest in the world, includes 2 dedicated ATR freighters and one A330 freighter.

Mabalacat and Bamban. “Bloomberry Foundation and Pagcor [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.], under our Cultural Heritage Program, will continue to pursue projects that will help the government in the delivery of basic social services for the uplift of indigenous peoples. Prior to this project, we also had a solar electrification project which benefited 11 Aeta sitios in Capas, Tarlac,” Donato C. Almeda, the foundation’s president, said. The said project is one the public-private partnership projects of the foundation and Pagcor, which have been jointly undertaking projects in recent years covering environment protection and health, education and cultural heritage. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last June 3, attended by the officials of the foundation, CDC, National Commission of Indigenous Peoples-Region 3, OB Montessori and other local government officials. The family care centers are all scheduled to be completed within the year, the foundation said. VG Cabuag

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, June 11, 2021

ICTSI’s container terminal in Croatia hits 2 million TEU

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

he Croatian subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has handled a cumulative throughput of 2 million twenty foot-equivalent units (TEUs), just in time for its 10th anniversary. Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) said the volume was “achieved over the course of a decade,” and was pushed further by the successful public-private partnership with Luka Rijeka, Rijeka Port Authority, and the Government of Croatia. “Two million TEUs in 10 years is a remarkable feat for AGCT. We have been able and continue to attract new

services and handle the largest vessels currently calling the Adriatic,” Emmanuel Papagiannakis, AGCT CEO, said in a statement. AGCT started operating the port in 2011. “Our rail operations have grown significantly, with our intermodal share increasing to 42 percent and rail volume by more than 50 percent over the last two years. Ter-

minal volume has also more than doubled in the last decade,” Papagiannakis added. So far, ICTSI has invested over $50 million to modernize the terminal. It also includes the acquisition of new equipment such as quay cranes, rubber tired and rail-mounted gantries, as well as the expansion of the berth and yard, which doubled the terminal’s total annual capacity. At the height of the pandemic, AGCT’s rail capacity grew threefold with the completion of the new intermodal yard. Papagiannakis said these developments, along with the adoption of industry best practices, have allowed AGCT to improve the overall efficiency, safety, and processes of its operations. “We are proud that under ICTSI’s management, AGCT has been able to consolidate its position as the country’s main container terminal and expand further into the hinterlands. Around 70

percent of our volume now comes from outside Croatia – from Central and Southeast Europe, which provides a solid platform for the Port of Rijeka’s future growth and development.” ICTSI said it is spending $250 million in capital expenditures this year, a third larger than its actual spend in 2020, as it completes the expansion and the construction of its various ports globally. The company said it has decided to increase its capital spending program for 2021 by 30 percent to $250 million from its actual capital outlays of $198.7 million in 2020. The budget will be used to complete the expansion of the Manila International Container Terminal Inc., the yard expansion of its port in Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the new expansion project in Melbourne, Australia. It will also be used to acquire and upgrade new equipment and for its annual maintenance requirements.

Shopee to help DOH entice Pinoys to get jabs

o help promote education about Covid-19 vaccines through in-app and social media initiatives, e-commerce platform Shopee said it has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) to help encourage Filipinos to get vaccinated.

“This partnership symbolizes what we, in the Health Promotion Bureau, want to do—meet people where they are and make living healthy easy. That’s why we are thankful to use Shopee’s platform, one that effectively reaches and engages millions of Filipinos, to make RESBAKUNA reach a wider audience,” said Dr. Beverly Ho, director of the DOH’s Health Promotion Bureau. Ho said the “ immense potential the agency with Shopee holds, not only in increasing vaccine confidence but in improving overall health literacy among Filipinos, truly excites us.” As the Philippines aims to vaccinate 70 percent of its population within 3 to 5 years, this partnership between Shopee and DOH is expected to augment the concerted effort of the private sector and local government units, to encourage Filipinos to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their loved ones against Covid-19. While the local government rolls out Covid-19 vaccination programs, a Pulse Asia survey indicated a 61-percent vaccine hesitancy rate among Filipinos. Filipinos remain resistant to vaccination due to concerns about potential side effects, uncertainty about efficacy, and skepticism. For his part, Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee is honored to partner with the Department of Health to educate Filipinos on the importance and benefits of vaccination.” “Through our collaboration with DOH, we can provide the community with accurate and science-backed vaccine information. With proper education, we aim to raise the public’s awareness and hopefully encourage more people to get vaccinated.” Starting this month until August, users can learn more about vaccines’ safety and effectiveness from DOH and World Health Organization representatives. On June 23, 9:00 p.m., users can watch a discussion on “Fake vs Fact on Cov id-19 Vaccine Safety and Efficacy” on Shopee Live. Shopee will post helpful information about the vaccines on its official social media pages. A separate microsite will also be available on the Shopee app. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

mutual funds

June 10, 2021 NAV One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

222.6

3.65%

-5.89%

-3.27%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.3357

23.33%

-4.59%

0.73%

1.73%

5.31%

-10.43%

-5.65%

-2.54%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0534

-2.03%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7811 4.68%

-5.51% n.a.

-2.84%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7228 1.33%

-5.71% n.a.

-2.54%

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

5.73%

-3.98%

-2%

-1.8%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.7042

-3.67%

-7.7%

-6.76%

-5.1%

4.8526

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 96.74

17.46%

-5.15% n.a.

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

45.4577

4.81%

-4.15%

-2.16%

-2.97%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

478.75

4.2%

-4%

-2.5%

-2.09%

14.19% n.a. n.a.

-2.49%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,5

1.07

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.1422

5.31%

-4.02%

-1.86%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

34.0086

6.28%

-3.58%

-1.11%

-2.19%

0.8889

3.81% n.a. n.a.

-2.64%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.6567

5.32%

-3.55%

-1.37%

-2.81%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

779.82

5.47%

-3.43%

-1.48%

-2.72%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7092

5.9%

-7.65%

-4.69%

-1.35%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.5289

3.47%

-5.84%

-2.9%

-2.62%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

-2.23%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8909 4.91%

-3.78%

-1.63%

-2.92%

United Fund, Inc. -a

-3.79%

-0.57%

-1.84%

-3.21%

-0.87%

3.2578

5.06%

-7.32%

Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 104.6597

5.4%

-2.69%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities $1.274

31.2%

4.33%

8.48%

5.91%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.7653

ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

28.28%

10.44%

11.38%

5.53%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a

1.6806

6.04%

-1.07%

-1.26%

0.72%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2417

4.44%

-1.41%

-0.47%

-1.91%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.5929

3.73%

-0.61%

-0.59%

-1.3%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1942

0.36% n.a. n.a.

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

3.77%

1.27%

1.9535

0.73%

-0.53% -2.64%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6882

2.71%

-0.03%

-0.39%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.5442

3.38%

0.13%

-0.38%

-2.32%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0632

3.58%

-0.9%

-0.2%

-1.48%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5153 2.82%

-2.21%

-1.39%

-1.62%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9847

1.16% n.a. n.a.

-3.71%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9077

1.31% n.a. n.a.

-4.37%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8949

2.02% n.a. n.a.

-4.09%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

4.16%

-0.74%

0.8811

-2.72%

-1.69%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a

$0.0381

-0.88%

3.21%

1.34%

-2.61%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.147

16.75%

2.56%

5.05%

-0.28%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.6815 21.55%

8.19%

8.26%

3.74%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.2105 11.48%

4.76%

4.55%

0.7%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

371.62

1.99%

3.16%

2.46%

0.15%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.918

-0.99%

1.04%

0.18%

0.93%

-2.22%

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

June 10, 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 PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND MEDCO HLDG PHIL STOCK EXCH VANTAGE

43.2 109 85.1 24.1 9.75 49.1 10.8 19.7 23.05 55.5 17.22 122.7 75.1 1.35 4.05 0.59 3.04 7.3 0.405 200 0.97

44.5 109.1 85.4 24.15 9.78 49.15 10.98 20 23.1 55.55 17.3 122.9 75.5 1.39 4.1 0.64 3.08 8.65 0.43 205 1.01

43.2 110.1 85.65 24.1 9.7 49.4 10.68 19.8 22.7 55.5 17.22 124.2 75 1.35 4.04 0.59 3.08 7.31 0.42 205 1.01

43.2 110.1 85.75 24.25 9.79 49.75 11 19.8 23.2 55.55 17.22 125.9 76 1.39 4.1 0.59 3.08 7.31 0.43 206.6 1.01

43.2 108.2 85 24.1 9.68 49 10.68 19.8 22.7 55.5 17.2 122 75 1.33 3.97 0.59 3.08 7.3 0.41 197.6 1.01

43.2 109 85.1 24.15 9.78 49.1 10.8 19.8 23.05 55.55 17.22 122.9 75 1.39 4.1 0.59 3.08 7.3 0.43 205 1.01

300 1,775,680 707,970 229,700 128,900 7,315,400 175,000 800 739,000 1,790 11,900 643,950 7,320 83,000 549,000 1,000 13,000 900 450,000 36,650 27,000

12,960 193,939,532 60,354,668.50 5,552,745 1,253,180 362,704,890 1,903,516 15,840 17,007,010 99,413.50 204,878 79,383,547 550,578 111,570 2,236,340 590 40,040 6,573 189,700 7,447,502 27,270

39,584,846 -9,668,672.50 1,700,120 4,885 -20,062,160 -682,455 -40,013,675 -228,141 4,380 4,461,438 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 7.8 7.81 7.94 8.05 7.79 7.8 43,436,200 344,033,727 ALSONS CONS 1.38 1.39 1.4 1.4 1.38 1.38 541,000 751,220 ABOITIZ POWER 23.3 23.35 23.35 23.5 23.25 23.35 3,954,600 92,499,285 BASIC ENERGY 0.77 0.78 0.79 0.8 0.76 0.78 77,152,000 59,547,940 30.2 30.4 30.8 31 30.15 30.2 1,107,100 33,697,185 FIRST GEN 69 69.2 69.25 69.25 68.8 69 42,090 2,906,264.50 FIRST PHIL HLDG 277.6 278 278 280.8 277.6 277.6 193,910 54,046,934 MERALCO MANILA WATER 14.98 15 15 15.2 14.98 14.98 1,677,000 25,303,292 PETRON 3.28 3.29 3.25 3.31 3.22 3.28 1,936,000 6,359,440 PETROENERGY 4.08 4.18 4.18 4.18 4.18 4.18 2,000 8,360 12.7 12.98 12.56 12.98 12.56 12.98 29,000 372,996 PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL 20.6 20.65 20.7 20.7 20.5 20.6 365,100 7,519,535 11.5 11.52 11.22 11.56 11.2 11.52 153,500 1,745,674 SPC POWER VIVANT 14.52 15.04 15.02 15.04 15.02 15.04 900 13,520 AGRINURTURE 6.39 6.48 6.53 6.53 6.36 6.48 2,311,300 14,783,877 AXELUM 2.96 2.99 3 3 2.94 2.99 473,000 1,406,480 72 75.7 60.85 75.7 60.85 75.7 850 53,583 BOGO MEDELLIN CNTRL AZUCARERA 12.92 13.5 13.5 13.5 12.9 12.92 8,300 108,258 23.1 23.15 23.4 23.4 23.05 23.15 9,599,600 222,199,370 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 15.98 16 15.9 16.14 15.66 15.98 254,900 4,043,458 DNL INDUS 8 8.01 8.06 8.12 8.01 8.01 3,741,000 30,115,719 EMPERADOR 10 10.16 10.18 10.24 10 10 3,062,800 30,699,886 72.5 72.8 72.1 72.9 71.8 72.5 266,000 19,200,665.50 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.62 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 3,000 1,950 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.42 1.44 1.42 1.46 1.41 1.44 8,642,000 12,405,250 GINEBRA 74.8 75 74.45 75.15 74.05 74.8 94,910 7,098,138 JOLLIBEE 203.6 203.8 204 204.4 202 203.6 661,060 134,406,200 LIBERTY FLOUR 29.35 29.5 29.8 29.8 29.5 29.5 800 23,750 MAXS GROUP 6.64 6.65 6.62 6.7 6.6 6.65 245,000 1,632,114 0.29 0.295 0.31 0.31 0.285 0.29 5,670,000 1,630,600 MG HLDG MONDE NISSIN 13.9 13.92 13.78 14.16 13.74 13.92 23,897,500 332,593,100 7.96 8.06 8.25 8.25 7.96 7.96 515,100 4,132,977 SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO 1.04 1.06 1.04 1.06 1.04 1.04 541,000 564,400 RFM CORP 4.5 4.56 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4,365,000 19,642,500 ROXAS HLDG 1.5 1.51 1.51 1.51 1.5 1.5 8,000 12,040 0.136 0.137 0.139 0.139 0.135 0.136 6,470,000 879,900 SWIFT FOODS 145 145.3 143 146 142.6 145 939,190 136,182,187 UNIV ROBINA 0.92 0.93 0.91 0.93 0.91 0.93 2,509,000 2,317,150 VITARICH CONCRETE A 52.2 56 52.3 52.3 52.05 52.05 1,600 83,311.50 CEMEX HLDG 1.32 1.33 1.38 1.38 1.3 1.32 4,837,000 6,427,440 DAVINCI CAPITAL 3.03 3.06 3.16 3.2 3.02 3.03 3,358,000 10,319,540 14.5 14.7 14.2 14.5 13.62 14.5 884,500 12,709,950 EAGLE CEMENT 7.43 7.5 7.44 7.61 7.43 7.5 1,653,100 12,471,948 EEI CORP 6.72 6.74 6.73 6.8 6.64 6.76 797,100 5,372,331 HOLCIM MEGAWIDE 6.71 6.74 6.68 6.78 6.65 6.74 412,200 2,763,185 PHINMA 12.76 12.78 12.72 12.78 12.72 12.78 19,800 252,804 TKC METALS 1.11 1.13 1.19 1.19 1.09 1.13 780,000 871,130 2.11 2.12 2.1 2.13 2.09 2.11 2,324,000 4,893,600 VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA 1.79 1.8 1.8 1.83 1.77 1.79 379,000 681,870 EUROMED 1.92 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.92 1.95 36,000 69,750 MABUHAY VINYL 5.1 5.15 5.15 5.15 5.13 5.15 7,800 40,066 PRYCE CORP 5.48 5.5 5.45 5.5 5.45 5.49 84,500 463,991 CONCEPCION 21.8 21.85 21.8 21.85 21.8 21.85 2,400 52,420 GREENERGY 4.09 4.1 4.09 4.11 4 4.1 17,399,000 70,339,900 10.06 10.1 9.89 10.1 9.65 10.1 1,169,700 11,585,018 INTEGRATED MICR 1.13 1.15 1.08 1.15 1.08 1.13 688,000 778,960 IONICS PANASONIC 5.9 6 6 6 6 6 600 3,600 SFA SEMICON 1.35 1.38 1.37 1.38 1.35 1.38 276,000 376,900 CIRTEK HLDG 5.72 5.73 5.83 5.92 5.64 5.72 1,817,700 10,560,804

-81,981,026 -52,960 2,805,035 -35,671,510 -8,187,455 -124,886 -3,656,078 -774,880 71,010 3,080 -188,316 -234,079 147,500 3,876 131,463,850 15,760 -10,864,205 1,170,002 -14,060,450.50 -141,060 -288,904.50 41,400,242 -6,818,240 -211,365 -99,490 0 207,000 34,605,776 -2,640 -134,330.00 -5,770,000 8,577,822 -234,757 301,582 -63,900 14,860 -5,549,660 -325,207.00 -1,380 953,489

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.05 1.06 1.08 1.1 1.05 1.06 10,910,000 11,657,450 ASIABEST GROUP 7.25 7.37 7.35 7.4 7.2 7.25 23,700 172,877 AYALA CORP 808.5 819.5 834 834 808.5 808.5 228,080 186,408,590 ABOITIZ EQUITY 40.85 40.95 40.9 41 40.5 40.85 911,200 37,227,070 10.3 10.38 10.46 10.46 10.3 10.3 2,844,700 29,385,490 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 3.38 3.4 3.33 3.41 3.28 3.4 8,056,000 27,187,390 AYALA LAND LOG 6.8 6.9 7 7 6.7 6.8 20,100 136,974 ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.03 1.04 1.02 1.17 1 1.03 52,611,000 57,662,750 ATN HLDG A 0.72 0.74 0.72 0.75 0.71 0.74 2,801,000 2,045,770 ATN HLDG B 0.72 0.74 0.7 0.71 0.7 0.71 4,000 2,830 5.25 5.26 5.2 5.25 5.2 5.25 924,400 4,824,141 COSCO CAPITAL 6.02 6.04 6.1 6.15 6.02 6.02 6,606,300 40,194,806 DMCI HLDG 8.02 8.1 8.14 8.14 8.1 8.1 21,100 171,214 FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A 2.99 3 3 3 3 3 23,000 69,000 FORUM PACIFIC 0.26 0.29 0.3 0.3 0.26 0.29 130,000 34,500 GT CAPITAL 598 600 610.5 610.5 600 600 72,660 43,847,750 3.55 3.65 3.61 3.65 3.6 3.65 24,000 86,830 HOUSE OF INV 60 60.2 61.8 61.8 60 60 2,265,260 137,538,230 JG SUMMIT 0.9 0.91 0.94 0.97 0.9 0.91 3,795,000 3,540,340 LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG 3.2 3.28 3.21 3.21 3.19 3.2 45,000 143,810 LT GROUP 13.3 13.5 13.4 13.5 13.3 13.3 1,281,800 17,190,228 MABUHAY HLDG 0.53 0.57 0.48 0.57 0.48 0.57 4,260,000 2,145,300 1.52 1.55 1.56 1.64 1.54 1.55 57,000 88,800 MJC INVESTMENTS METRO PAC INV 4.06 4.1 4.15 4.15 4.05 4.06 9,808,000 40,072,830 3.75 3.85 3.8 3.94 3.8 3.8 24,000 92,030 PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA 2.77 2.78 2.81 2.82 2.75 2.78 591,000 1,645,200 REPUBLIC GLASS 2.51 2.79 2.51 2.51 2.51 2.51 5,000 12,550 SOLID GROUP 1.17 1.19 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 50,000 59,000 SM INVESTMENTS 1,001 1,009 1,004 1,010 1,000 1,009 245,960 247,652,265 119.9 120 117 121.5 117 120 842,920 99,503,964 SAN MIGUEL CORP 0.74 0.76 0.74 0.78 0.74 0.74 451,000 342,670 SOC RESOURCES SEAFRONT RES 2.07 2.42 2.43 2.43 2.2 2.2 19,000 45,250 TOP FRONTIER 129.8 131 131 131 131 131 10,020 1,312,620 WELLEX INDUS 0.265 0.275 0.26 0.275 0.26 0.275 30,000 7,950 ZEUS HLDG 0.241 0.244 0.22 0.245 0.22 0.244 14,870,000 3,473,120

813,610 -40,732,120 4,218,185 -4,306,958 33,200 166,790.00 -1,300,094 26,597,583 -56,840.00 5,582,805 21,850 49,974,001.50 -679,826 -4,950 -16,721,140 -11,820 254,960 57,605,675 908,319 -575,090 -687,700

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.61 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.62 0.63 148,000 92,040 ANCHOR LAND 7.36 7.68 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 5,000 37,500 AYALA LAND 37.7 37.75 38.3 38.35 37.55 37.7 24,411,200 923,558,250 ARANETA PROP 1.18 1.21 1.22 1.22 1.19 1.19 12,000 14,340 35.7 36 35.7 36 35.6 35.7 1,117,000 39,979,385 AREIT RT 1.45 1.46 1.46 1.47 1.45 1.45 157,000 228,810 BELLE CORP 0.99 1 0.97 1.01 0.97 1 5,084,000 5,009,850 A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT 0.94 0.96 0.98 0.98 0.93 0.96 730,000 701,220 CROWN EQUITIES 0.126 0.128 0.13 0.13 0.126 0.129 7,080,000 897,650 CEB LANDMASTERS 7.02 7.06 6.98 7.11 6.98 7.02 2,942,000 20,704,186 0.415 0.425 0.41 0.425 0.405 0.425 24,120,000 10,011,550 CENTURY PROP 0.335 0.34 0.33 0.345 0.33 0.335 2,950,000 996,950 CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON 12.1 12.12 12.12 12.24 12.1 12.12 475,800 5,777,922 DDMP RT 1.92 1.93 1.94 1.94 1.92 1.92 12,696,000 24,535,130 DM WENCESLAO 6.82 6.85 6.89 6.9 6.8 6.82 114,900 785,969 EMPIRE EAST 0.29 0.295 0.28 0.3 0.28 0.295 3,360,000 977,800 0.415 0.42 0.385 0.475 0.375 0.42 653,900,000 281,017,850 EVER GOTESCO 1.07 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.07 1.07 5,939,000 6,404,890 FILINVEST LAND 0.89 0.9 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88 5,000 4,400 GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG 7.27 7.53 7.58 7.58 7.15 7.53 45,300 330,587 PHIL INFRADEV 1.37 1.38 1.38 1.4 1.35 1.38 512,000 699,450 CITY AND LAND 1.88 1.9 2.1 2.1 1.87 1.9 9,262,000 17,801,910 3.17 3.19 3.21 3.21 3.12 3.17 68,710,000 218,466,040 MEGAWORLD 0.395 0.4 0.4 0.42 0.39 0.4 77,410,000 31,383,300 MRC ALLIED 0.59 0.6 0.63 0.63 0.58 0.59 20,387,000 12,129,430 PHIL ESTATES PRIMEX CORP 3.71 3.72 4 4 3.71 3.72 4,813,000 18,310,250 ROBINSONS LAND 18.14 18.18 18.2 18.32 18 18.18 3,514,500 64,031,352 PHIL REALTY 0.246 0.249 0.246 0.246 0.246 0.246 400,000 98,400 ROCKWELL 1.49 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.49 1.49 37,000 55,240 2.6 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 3,000 8,040 SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND 2.6 2.62 2.52 2.65 2.52 2.62 518,000 1,351,060 SM PRIME HLDG 37.35 37.45 37.8 37.8 37.2 37.45 12,714,600 476,374,120 VISTAMALLS 3.85 3.95 3.96 3.96 3.96 3.96 5,000 19,800 SUNTRUST HOME 1.67 1.68 1.75 1.75 1.66 1.67 228,000 381,320 VISTA LAND 3.8 3.81 3.88 3.94 3.81 3.81 13,425,000 51,351,490 SERVICES ABS CBN 11.54 11.56 11.5 11.66 11.5 11.54 56,700 655,526 GMA NETWORK 11.48 11.5 10.7 11.52 10.7 11.5 6,455,800 72,756,208 MANILA BULLETIN 0.435 0.45 0.455 0.46 0.45 0.45 380,000 171,600 MLA BRDCASTING 10 10.5 10.58 10.58 10.58 10.58 100 1,058 1,820 1,821 1,829 1,845 1,820 1,820 37,500 68,400,065 GLOBE TELECOM 1,309 1,310 1,318 1,325 1,307 1,310 74,585 97,656,300 PLDT 0.183 0.184 0.186 0.187 0.182 0.183 91,090,000 16,703,350 APOLLO GLOBAL CONVERGE 20.15 20.2 20.2 20.5 19.96 20.15 4,355,000 88,389,595 DFNN INC 4.08 4.12 4.27 4.38 4.1 4.1 865,000 3,606,780 DITO CME HLDG 9.57 9.58 9.8 9.84 9.56 9.57 6,812,500 65,654,332 1.66 1.75 1.74 1.75 1.74 1.75 58,000 101,160 IMPERIAL JACKSTONES 2.15 2.21 2.15 2.2 2.11 2.2 19,000 40,670 NOW CORP 2.38 2.39 2.41 2.42 2.38 2.38 717,000 1,716,200 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.44 0.445 0.455 0.465 0.43 0.44 19,800,000 8,902,300 PHILWEB 2.46 2.5 2.5 2.51 2.46 2.46 244,000 606,840 2GO GROUP 8.6 8.79 8.9 8.9 8.6 8.8 26,400 228,065 14.74 15.16 14.72 14.72 14.72 14.72 500 7,360 ASIAN TERMINALS 3.05 3.09 3.1 3.15 3.05 3.05 1,095,000 3,361,920 CHELSEA 49.8 49.95 48.5 49.95 48.5 49.95 642,000 31,788,370 CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER 149.8 150 150 150.8 149.3 150 1,035,840 155,369,290 LBC EXPRESS 18 18.06 17.6 18 17.6 18 65,400 1,174,744 LORENZO SHIPPNG 1.01 1.1 1.04 1.13 1 1.13 503,000 505,030 5.47 5.48 5.53 5.66 5.46 5.48 1,422,100 7,891,170 MACROASIA 2.23 2.26 2.37 2.39 2.26 2.26 332,000 771,920 METROALLIANCE A PAL HLDG 6.05 6.1 6.13 6.15 6.1 6.1 33,000 202,311 HARBOR STAR 1.2 1.21 1.2 1.22 1.2 1.2 168,000 202,370 ACESITE HOTEL 1.62 1.75 1.62 1.75 1.62 1.75 7,000 11,470 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.114 0.115 0.102 0.116 0.102 0.115 948,170,000 104,146,010 DISCOVERY WORLD 3.28 3.3 3.5 3.5 3.3 3.3 300,000 1,000,150 0.55 0.57 0.57 0.57 0.55 0.57 1,158,000 641,120 WATERFRONT 590 620 620 620 620 620 20 12,400 FAR EASTERN U 0.375 0.38 0.385 0.385 0.375 0.38 2,090,000 795,000 STI HLDG BERJAYA 5.19 5.27 5.19 5.27 5.19 5.27 3,700 19,339 BLOOMBERRY 7.15 7.2 7.22 7.29 7.14 7.2 2,982,500 21,494,854 PACIFIC ONLINE 2.05 2.09 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.05 92,000 188,600 1.67 1.71 1.71 1.73 1.66 1.67 3,913,000 6,654,850 LEISURE AND RES 2.04 2.08 2.08 2.08 2.08 2.08 10,000 20,800 MANILA JOCKEY PH RESORTS GRP 1.89 1.9 1.92 1.92 1.9 1.9 1,747,000 3,331,300 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.435 0.44 0.425 0.44 0.42 0.435 4,030,000 1,744,900 PHIL RACING 5.75 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 28,000 162,400 ALLHOME 7.95 7.97 7.8 8 7.8 7.97 1,086,100 8,639,227 1.36 1.37 1.35 1.38 1.35 1.37 2,051,000 2,789,050 METRO RETAIL 38.5 39 38.45 39 38 39 4,630,300 179,066,890 PUREGOLD 52.6 52.8 53.45 53.75 52.5 52.6 509,490 27,041,194.50 ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP 101.1 103 103 103 101.1 101.1 190 19,516 SSI GROUP 1.29 1.3 1.31 1.31 1.29 1.29 1,020,000 1,317,830 WILCON DEPOT 19.1 19.14 19.2 19.2 19.1 19.14 2,647,100 50,676,882 0.395 0.4 0.385 0.4 0.385 0.395 450,000 175,800 APC GROUP IPM HLDG 5.57 5.58 5.57 5.58 5.57 5.57 3,700 20,631 PRMIERE HORIZON 1.76 1.77 1.8 1.84 1.77 1.77 11,927,000 21,402,200

7,560 84,394,815 121,135.00 -23,290 -121,300 -23,480 132,350 4,401,533 -8,500 281,360 -315,180 -438,968 185,350 6,089,250 -319,680 36,758 -1,232,840 -139,933,760 -2,929,400 -78,270 772,060 27,266,868 66,420 -67,096,235 -19,800 -1,101,550 -28,034,355 -24,032,465 182,330 1,338,355 1,199,850 -94,218 409,860 -50,900 7,360 15,250 12,546,015 21,958,745 1,505,788 18,390 -9,650 -358,980.00 7,000 150,150 -6,200 -33,158 236,600 93,510 12,550 3,122,808 1,791,310 65,091,380 -11,318,737.50 -9,227 -537,690 16,780,430 583,600

MINING & OIL ATOK 9.91 10 10.1 10.28 9.83 10 378,400 3,781,253 -247,064.00 APEX MINING 1.77 1.78 1.8 1.82 1.74 1.77 5,059,000 8,991,670 -167,880 ATLAS MINING 7.06 7.07 7.18 7.18 7.05 7.06 1,273,700 9,029,036 -335,911 Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2264 1.33% 3.8% 4.36% 0.36% 4.94 5 5.18 5.18 4.84 5.06 339,300 1,697,489 BENGUET A BENGUET B 4.86 4.94 4.82 4.94 4.82 4.94 120,000 592,560 Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.2577 -0.98% 2.21% 1.37% -1.67% COAL ASIA HLDG 0.315 0.32 0.31 0.315 0.31 0.315 100,000 31,450 CENTURY PEAK 2.8 2.85 2.84 2.85 2.84 2.85 20,000 56,970 56,970 First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4368 0.13% 3.19% 1.71% -0.67% DIZON MINES 6.61 6.7 6.72 6.72 6.6 6.65 29,300 194,993 66,500 FERRONICKEL 2.51 2.52 2.54 2.54 2.5 2.51 4,988,000 12,536,660 727,680.00 Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.491 -1.36% 4.07% 1.67% -3.1% 0.35 0.36 0.365 0.365 0.345 0.36 4,410,000 1,557,550 -118,050 GEOGRACE 0.168 0.169 0.162 0.169 0.162 0.169 148,240,000 24,651,460 LEPANTO A 1.3253 2.82% 4.31% 2.8% 0.31% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6 LEPANTO B 0.171 0.172 0.168 0.176 0.167 0.17 2,060,000 348,230 Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9717 1.19% 4.37% 2.33% -0.73% MANILA MINING A 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.013 24,900,000 318,700 MANILA MINING B 0.013 0.014 0.014 0.014 0.014 0.014 13,900,000 194,600 1,400 Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0293 0.6% 4.15% 1.72% -1.22% MARCVENTURES 1.27 1.28 1.27 1.3 1.26 1.28 127,000 161,290 1.49 1.5 1.5 1.54 1.48 1.49 198,000 297,440 NIHAO Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2052 1.59% 5.27% 2.72% -0.02% NICKEL ASIA 5.11 5.14 5.23 5.24 5.11 5.11 5,336,000 27,478,514 1,903,620.00 0.4 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 10,000 4,100 OMICO CORP Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.746 0.59% 4.53% 2.03% -0.51% ORNTL PENINSULA 1.05 1.06 0.99 1.05 0.97 1.05 5,864,000 6,014,990 -161,850 PX MINING 7.03 7.06 7.02 7.13 6.99 7.03 1,812,700 12,765,811 Primarily invested in foreign currency securities SEMIRARA MINING 13.98 14 14.28 14.44 13.92 14 1,240,900 17,712,758 34,220 0.0099 0.01 0.0099 0.011 0.0097 0.0099 302,000,000 3,009,400 199,000 UNITED PARAGON ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $485.52 2.7% 3.19% 2.3% 0.34% 17.02 17.2 17.28 17.28 17 17.2 17,300 295,548 5,144 ACE ENEXOR 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 25,700,000 287,500 ORNTL PETROL A ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є219.98 2.09% 1.15% 1.16% 0.36% ORNTL PETROL B 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 4,800,000 59,000 14,400 PHILODRILL 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 20,200,000 243,300 2,600 ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.1836 -2.36% 2.12% 1.18% -7.56% PXP ENERGY 8.15 8.19 8.2 8.25 8.1 8.19 264,800 2,152,575 554,841.00 First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.026 0% 1.72% 0.95% -2.26% PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 100.8 101 101 101 101 101 4,500 454,500 PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0489 -1.57% 0.48% -0.72% -4.01% HOUSE PREF A 101 101.5 101.5 101.5 101 101 6,800 686,950 AC PREF B1 526.5 535 526.5 526.5 526.5 526.5 6,000 3,159,000 Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.5019 2.87% 5.34% 2.18% -1.33% ALCO PREF B 100.5 101 100.7 100.7 100.6 100.7 9,600 966,710 Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0629618 4.23% 3.54% 2.24% 1.03% 101.7 103.5 103.5 103.5 101.7 101.7 11,000 1,123,780 ALCO PREF C AC PREF B2R 517.5 520 520 520 520 520 20,010 10,405,200 Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1725 0.34% 3.23% 1.07% -1.59% BC PREF A 30 42.5 30 30 30 30 100 3,000 CEB PREF 48.15 48.25 47.5 48.2 46.8 48.15 106,300 5,077,300 -507,450 Money Market Funds CPG PREF A 103.5 104.4 104.4 104.4 104.4 104.4 1,800 187,920 DD PREF 101.3 101.4 101.4 101.4 101.4 101.4 41,300 4,187,820 Primarily invested in Peso securities 1,000 1,002 1,003 1,003 1,000 1,000 2,385 2,386,220 GTCAP PREF A MWIDE PREF 100.5 100.9 100.7 100.7 100.4 100.4 1,000 100,463 ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 130.2 1.91% 3.08% 2.52% 0.3% MWIDE PREF 2B 100.4 100.5 100.5 100.5 100.5 100.5 4,620 464,310 PNX PREF 3B 104.5 106 106 106 106 106 250 26,500 First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0522 1.17% n.a. n.a. 0.39% PNX PREF 4 1,002 1,007 1,007 1,007 1,002 1,007 995 999,595 PREF 2B PCOR 1,025 1,035 1,034 1,034 1,034 1,034 20 20,680 2.87% 2.56% 0.61% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.3045 1.79% 1,115 1,118 1,115 1,115 1,100 1,115 3,400 3,776,000 PCOR PREF 3A PCOR 1,146 1,159 1,160 1,160 1,140 1,140 65 75,100 PREF 3B Primarily invested in foreign currency securities SFI PREF 1.68 1.8 1.68 1.68 1.68 1.68 2,000 3,360 SMC PREF 2C 79.9 79.95 79.95 79.95 79.85 79.95 7,480 598,018 799.5 Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0572 1.26% 1.69% n.a. 0.46% SMC PREF 2F 79.05 79.75 79.25 79.25 79 79 500 39,525 SMC PREF 2I 78.3 79.4 79.25 79.25 78.4 78.4 31,800 2,493,375 Feeder Funds 76 77 76 76 76 76 500 38,000 SMC PREF 2J SMC PREF 2K 76 76.4 76 76 76 76 470 35,720 - Primarily invested in Peso securities PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.2426 n.a. n.a. n.a. 10% ABS HLDG PDR 11 11.48 11 11 11 11 8,400 92,400 -5,500 GMA HLDG PDR 10.64 10.7 9.93 10.68 9.93 10.64 391,700 4,103,328 -318,250 Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $1 6.38% n.a. n.a. 2.04% WARRANTS LR WARRANT 1.86 1.87 2.05 2.06 1.78 1.86 7,074,000 13,332,370 -3,776,970 SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES 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). ALTUS PROP 17.2 17.32 17.8 17.8 17.2 17.2 215,600 3,734,474 142,950 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. ITALPINAS 2.38 2.4 2.4 2.41 2.39 2.39 452,000 1,081,890 120,000 KEPWEALTH 5.24 5.6 5.2 5.75 5.2 5.6 27,300 153,370 -16,980 4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019. MERRYMART 4.7 4.71 4.7 4.79 4.7 4.71 2,183,000 10,326,170 -715,460 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 EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF 104.3 104.7 105 105 104.3 104.3 25,280 2,644,634 239,445 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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Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, June 11, 2021

SEC: Easing bank secrecy law provisions Banks ‘too big may boost PHL’s fight vs money laundering to fail’ stable, BSP T stress test shows By VG Cabuag

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

INANCIAL institutions in the country that are deemed “too big to fail” are stable based on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ recent stress tests, BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said in a recent news briefing.

Diokno said during Thursday’s briefing that “Domestic Systemically Important Banks,” or D-SIBs, remained stable during the pandemic as they continued to post growth and remained well-capitalized since the global health crisis started. D-SIBs are characterized as banks whose distress or disorderly failure would cause significant disruptions to the wider financial system and economy. Under BSP regulations, a bank’s systemic importance is measured by its potential impact on the domestic economy in the hypothetical event of its failure. The BSP, however, does not disclose the names of the banks to the public. “D-SIBs remain on solid footing amid the health crisis,” Diokno said. “We see this contributing to the overall soundness of the domestic financial system and the country’s financial stability.” The central bank chief said D-SIBs’ assets grew 6.2 percent in the first quarter of 2021 while deposits grew 8.5 percent. The average asset growth of the entire Philippine banking system during the period was at 5.6 percent while the average deposit growth was 7.8 percent. The capital buffers of D-SIBs were also above regulatory minimum and were higher compared to levels a year ago. In particular,

the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of D-SIBs rose to 15.8 percent at end-2020 from its year-ago level of 15.3 percent. D-SIBs’ loans, meanwhile, contracted by 3.6 percent, lower than the 3.9 percent decline in the banking system’s loan portfolio in the first quarter of the year. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of D-SIBs increased to 3.3 percent in the first quarter of 2021. Their NPL coverage ratio is at 99.4 percent. In April this year, the Monetary Board issued a circular amending the guidelines on the recovery plan of D-SIBs. The circular requires D-SIBs to separately submit their “internal capital adequacy assessment process” document and recovery plan to ensure comprehensive and adequate assessments of said documents across banks. The BSP said amendments to the guidelines of the recovery plan will offer an additional layer in strengthening resilience of D-SIBs and financial stability without the direct need for increasing capital and liquidity buffers. “The issuance aims to tightly embed the recovery planning work in the broader crisis preparedness framework, as the importance of crafting a viable and sound recovery plan has been highlighted in this health crisis,” Diokno said.

Changing of the guard

annual conference of S a kid and even development finance innow, I always find stitutions (interchangeit fascinating to ably called development watch the “changing of the guard” ceremony in Association World banks) organized by the Asian Development Bank monuments of heroes Octavio Peralta (ADB), currently has 86 and historical edifices. member-DFIs in 35 counI am fortunate to have tries in the region. watched a few of these at the Arlington After serving the ADFIAP for 30 National Cemetery in the US, the Tomb years—15 years as Deputy Secretary Genof the Unknown Soldier in the Kremlin in eral and the rest as Secretary General— Russia, the Buckingham Palace in England it’s now time for me to move on and pass and our own Jose Rizal Monument in the the baton to a new leader in the SecreLuneta Park in the Philippines. tariat. I will still serve the Adfiap until The phrase “changing of the guard” the end of this year, but I will step aside originally refers to a formal rite in which to start the 6-month leadership transiguards performing ceremonial sentry dution by July 1, 2021 when my colleague, ties at important places are relieved by a Enrique “Boyet” Florencio, assumes the new batch of guards on a routine shift leadership post. basis. It actually began as battlefield (and It has been an amazing life’s journey peacetime) military drills to enhance unit for me at the Adfiap and there are so solidarity and efficiency in the late 17th many blessings to thank for: friends and and early 18th centuries that has since acquaintances here and overseas; numerevolved and became an elaborate and ous networks that I have collaborated choreographed ceremony which people with; many organizations I have worked still watch today. with and shared their welcome; differBy extension, the phrase is now used ent places I have been to; and, tons of to refer to a situation in which there is a knowledge I have gained all these years, dramatic or significant change in an oramong others. ganization, such as a time in which a new I will have time now to continue to purperson is replacing another in a position of sue my personal advocacy–that of sharing importance. In most cases, it is a change my passion, expertise and experience in in leadership in an organization. association management and governance Change in leadership is inevitable and to the association community here and essential in organizations, including assoabroad, including writing for this column. ciations. And that is why succession planIt’s an eerie feeling that this time I am ning is a critical component of the organinot only watching a changing of the guard, zation’s human resource management in but an active participant of it! identifying and developing new leaders. Like “changing of the guards,” succession planning, also known as “replacement The column contributor, Octavio ‘Bobby’ Peralta, is conplanning,” ensures that the organization currently the secretary-general of the Association of Develophas a fresh set of talents to replace incumment Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific, Founder & bents who either seek other opportunities CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association elsewhere or retire. Executives and President of the Asia-Pacific Federation of AsMy organization, the Association of sociation Organizations. The purpose of PCAAE—the “assoDevelopment Financing Institutions in ciation of associations”—is to advance the association manAsia and the Pacific (Adfiap), will soon agement profession and to make associations well-governed have a changing of the guards. The Adand sustainable. PCAAE enjoys the support of Adfiap, the fiap, which was founded in October 1976 Tourism Promotions Board, and the Philippine International by 31 charter members during the 6th Convention Center. E-mail: obp@adfiap.org.

@villygc

HE Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday said it supports the easing of some of the provisions of the Bank Deposits Secrecy Law to reinforce the country’s fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion and other financial crimes. House Bill (HB) 8991 amends the current law and hopes to empower the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to inquire into and examine deposits when there is reasonable ground to believe that fraud, serious irregularity or unlawful activity has been committed by stockholders, owners, directors, trustees, officers or employees of supervised institutions, or their representatives, agents, related parties or conspirators. The bill will further allow the BSP to make the results of the inquiry or ex-

amination conducted with the SEC, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp., the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the Department of Justice and the courts, when necessary to prevent or prosecute any offense or crime. “Such provisions will lift a long-standing barrier to effective investigation and prosecution of financial crimes,” the SEC said. The regulator said the bank secrecy law has limited its effectiveness to establish the owners of bank accounts used in cases of violations of the Securities Regulation Code or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines and among other laws. In certain cases, the said law also has prevented the SEC from validating information on the declared financial position of companies where there are grounds to believe that there is an effort to conceal misconduct, corporate fraud or noncompliance with certain requirements.

The Financial Action Task Force, the International Monetary Fund and other international organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about the unintended consequences of the country’s stringent bank secrecy law and recommended its easing to enable effective supervision of the financial system. The enactment of HB 8991 into law will serve as one testament to the Philippines’s commitment to international standards and best practices against money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes, the SEC said. “The bill should likewise result in lower costs of cross-border transactions and eased restrictions in investment and foreign currency inflows by keeping the Philippines off the FATF ‘grey list’ of jurisdictions under increased monitoring for high risks of money laundering and terrorist financing,” the regulator added.

Friday, June 11, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Relationships BusinessMirror

Help! ‘Nabudol na naman ako!’

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Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Breanna Yde, 18; Shia LaBeouf, 35; Peter Dinklage, 52; Hugh Laurie, 62. Happy Birthday: Do things your way this year. Refuse to let someone step in and take over. Have a plan in mind and a schedule in place. Leave nothing to chance or open for criticism. Use your intelligence to navigate your way to victory. Face challenges head-on, and don’t lose sight of the big picture. Get in the game and play to win. Embrace life. Your numbers are 8, 13, 20, 29, 33, 37, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You’ll gain perspective regarding what’s possible and what isn’t. A change in direction looks promising. Reach out to someone who can offer sound advice or an introduction that will help you get ahead. Verify information before you pass it along. HH

URING this pandemic, it seems the only way we can entertain ourselves while working from home is to either stream movies and TV series (and we now have more streaming platform choices outside of Netflix), have Zoom parties although some of them are conducted on Webex (you know, like buying Colgate that’s actually Close-up?), or, yes, online shopping. The first time I wrote about my friends’ best online purchases sometime last year, a thousand and more products have come on stream. And of course, many of us still fell for these products despite a number of them being perhaps useless, except for porma. Some, however, have turned out to be incredibly useful. (See “Something Like Life—Pandemic Purchases,” November 12, 2020.) Our continued fascination with online shopping has facilitated the entry of the word budol into our local shopping lexicon, courtesy of our witty netizens. It is mainly inspired by the Budol-Budol gang, thieves who lure the gullible into transactions that either involve the victims giving up their life savings, precious goods in exchange for fake money, among others. As such, when people say, “Na-budol na naman ako!” they basically mean they were lured into buying some products and goodies online, even though they may not actually need these. But the temptation can be difficult to ignore, especially when these are on sale. It used to mean an impulse buy, but everyone who buys online these days call their goodies “budol purchases.” The online purchasing habit has become so common that even Tita Witty, the online punster and creator of notebooks, datebooks or diaries with funny or satirical comments, has been publishing memes on her Facebook page documenting our shopping behavior and even relationships with delivery riders. In one hilarious meme, which I recently shared on social media, Tita Witty says, “Rest ka na. Alam kong busing-busy ka buong araw kaka-check ng status ng orders mo.” And in another funny meme, she also says, “Tama na order. Hindi mo kailangan i-shoulder ang talent fee ni

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Reach out to people you feel can assist you in reaching your goal. A personal change will lift your spirits and give you the confidence you need to take on a new challenge. Love is featured and will enhance your life. HHHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do what you do best. Own the stage instead of letting others crowd your space. It’s time to embrace what you enjoy doing most and take on a leadership role. Think big, but live within your means. Maintain balance. HHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Look for the silver lining in any situation you face; you’ll find a way to parlay it into something valuable. A physical change you make or an image update will result in positive attention from someone special. Romance is featured. HHH PHOTO BY BRUNO EMMANUELLE ON UNSPLASH

Alden sa Lazada,” referring to the popular GMA star who had been popping up in online ads, heralding the online shopping platform’s recent 6.6 promo. In this second edition of our pandemic purchases, I asked more friends to share their best budol treats so far: n Cirio Cinco (Creative Director, DNA 7/20). “My sister and I discovered BTS during the pandemic, and we quickly fell down that rabbit hole. So we’ve been buying those packages with their pictures, exclusive videos of their past concerts, etc. And we’ve been buying tickets to their online concerts. There’s one happening this Sunday to celebrate their 8th anniversary. Malala na kami. So na-BTS budol ako.” n Nikka Policarpio (COO, Dale Carnegie Philippines). “I recently bought Clinique’s anti-fatigue moisturizer at Lazada’s 6.6 sale. It came with a free full-sized facial cleanser and another freebie.” n Annie Ringor (Publicist, Bridges PR). I bought Young Living Essential Oils. Anything to do with purifying the air—and people tell me it is the best—I buy. I bought the entire kit plus extra oils that I am sure I will not use. I don’t even know if it works.” n Rayan Marty (cousin). “For myself, I don’t have any so far. I bought my bike pump a few months

ago, but what arrived was damaged. But I recently purchased through Lazada Sanrio cards for Sofia as a moving-up gift; she just completed Grade 1. It’s been two weeks but it has yet to arrive. Na-budol ako. Disappointing lang because that’s the only thing she asked for.” n Stephen Paul Villamin (AVP, Pitchworks Inc.). “I bought resistance bands since our condo gym was closed and because there was so much idle time during the lockdown. It’s very useful in my routine given the number of exercise variations it can do. Best budol buy siya since it’s ideal for someone who has limited space and gym equipment.” n Monette Garcia Co (homemaker, dancer). “My sister Mary Anne lives in the US and she doesn’t cook at all, or just minimally. Then all of a sudden, she turns out paella, pochero and other dishes. I asked if she learned new cooking skills during the pandemic, but she said no. She has an Instant Pot. That’s what convinced me to get one for myself. Like yesterday, I made bulalo. I sautéed all the ingredients that needed to be sautéed like onions, etc. Then I put the meat in and switched on the pressure cooker function. I left it and it was cooked after an hour! It’s very convenient.” So what’s your best budol purchase so far? n

Jack ‘n Jill’s Lush Candy has a soft, chewy texture, which makes it a delightful treat for all ages. Kids will enjoy playfully chewing it as it melts in their mouth, while teens can make it their go-to dessert after every meal. It comes in two dessert-inspired flavors. Indulge in the rich and luscious taste of Lush Chocolate, or try the new Lush Strawberry Milk—the perfect combination of creamy milk, with the tangy sensation of juicy strawberries. It’s possible to enjoy dessert

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Display what you have to offer, and interest will grow. Making a move in a new and exciting direction will give you the boost you need to resurrect something you enjoy doing. A twist of fate will lead to new beginnings. HHHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep gathering information. Being tech-savvy and knowing what’s possible will give you the advantage you need to avoid getting involved in a risky venture. Control how you handle situations, people and money. HH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Expand your interests, knowledge and flexibility. Take precautions to ensure you stay healthy and fit. Put your energy into educational pursuits, lectures and hot topics about money management. Make adjustments to lopsided relationships. HHHHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your emotions will lead you in one direction and your common sense in another. Verify the information you receive. Stick to the guidelines suggested when dealing with financial, health or legal matters. Handle partnerships carefully. HHH

Always leave room for dessert RAISE your hand if you feel that a meal is never complete without dessert. It always feels right to end a hearty family lunch or merienda with something sweet to satisfy your tastebuds. While this rings true for most people, some prefer sweets that they can munch on while working, studying, or playing games. Instead of enjoying a full plate, people can try out easyto-eat sweets like Lush Candy, giving them the enjoyable taste of dessert in candy form.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Pay attention. Observe what others are doing. Don’t rely on others to do things for you. Invest time and money in yourself. Put more effort into the way you look and upgrading your qualifications. Attend a virtual networking function. HHH

every day with a chewy, fun Lush Candy. For as low as a suggested retail price of P26 per 50-piece pack for Lush Chocolate, and P30.90 per 50-piece pack for Lush Strawberry Milk, you can have it after every meal right from your pocket. These treats are available online via Shopee, and in your favorite supermarkets, groceries, and sari-sari stores. More information is available at www.facebook.com/Lush-CandyPhilippines.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll gravitate toward situations that are unique, sensitive and changeable. Be open regarding your feelings, and ask questions if someone’s response is confusing. A direct approach will help you decide your next move. Romance is on the rise. HHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put your money, time and effort into building a solid home base. How you deal with those you live with will determine how much you achieve. Set your standards and goals high, and don’t stop until you are happy with the results. HHHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Safe socializing and networking are favored as long as they don’t subject you or your loved ones to unpredictable situations. Contact someone who shows interest in the unique way you do things. HH Birthday Baby: You are dedicated, aggressive and complex. You are perceptive and friendly.

‘on the road’ by danny reichert The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Source of some carpets and cats, once 7 Emeril’s sound effect 10 Place that appropriately rhymes with “Ahhh” 13 Playwright Eugene 14 Amount of medicine 15 Cleverness 16 Unnerve 17 Basis of some election predictions 19 Linen color 20 Beauty brand 21 Word before “code” or “51” 22 Animated filmmaking technique 25 Marries 26 Rice wine 27 Greek letters before omegas 29 Badger 32 DEA worker 34 Secret supply 38 Somehow 42 “Blowin’ in the Wind” singer Bob 43 Like Denny’s, at all hours 44 Fury

5 Blocks, like a river 4 48 Ego ___ (self-gratifying “journey”) 50 Frosty has a corncob one 53 Graph of a bond’s interest rate 58 Brazilian berry 59 Moist, as morning grass 60 Wander 61 Instruction on many official documents, or a hint to the starred answers’ starts 63 Ask too much 65 Prop in a golf movie? 66 Cell reception indicators 67 Chatterbox 68 Slip up 69 British songwriter Rita 70 Like a formal affair DOWN 1 Tiny holes 2 Make into law 3 Hip again 4 Crunches’s relatives at the gym 5 Not feeling so well 6 The “A” in IPA 7 Proof of purchasing cereal

8 South Koreans and others 9 Encountered 10 Promised 11 In a heap 12 He has the whole world in his hands 14 Place to order cold cuts 18 Plays with, kitten-style 20 In ___ (unborn) 23 Tomorrow, in Tulum 24 “Sure” 28 Quintessential 29 Indicate approval 30 Even a little bit 31 Hair product 33 ___-Magnon 35 Greek X 36 She/___ pronouns 37 Prior to, poetically 39 Enter a pool gradually 40 In a fitting way 41 Awkward smarty-pants, perhaps 46 Greeting in a love letter 47 ___ Nevada mountains 49 58-Across’ color 50 Ctrl+V, on a PC

1 More treacherous, like a winter road 5 52 Cellphone’s ancestor 54 Females in a flock 55 Castles that may endanger kings? 56 Flower holders 57 Nail file material 62 A Black Lady Sketch Show network 63 “___ be an honor!” 64 Damage Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle:

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Friday, June 11, 2021

Not alone: ‘Hitler’s Circle of Evil’ ‘All-Out Sundays’ kicks off GMA’s 71st anniversarY with special episode

Party with the biggest and brightest GMA stars as they convene and usher in the celebration of the network’s 71st anniversary this Sunday, June 13, in the hit musical-comedy-variety program All-Out Sundays. Spearheading the spectacle are Dingdong Dantes, Heart Evangelista, Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, Alden Richards, Lovi Poe, Carla Abellana, Tom Rodriguez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Eugene Domingo and Michael V. Also gracing the show are the stars of hit GMA shows Bubble Gang, Pepito Manaloto, Daddy’s Gurl, Dear Uge, Catch Me Out Philippines, iBilib, Centerstage, Mars Pa More, Sarap ‘Di Ba, Taste Buddies, Farm To Table and Eat Bulaga, plus the cast of First Yaya and the upcoming GMA series Legal Wives, Nagbabagang Luha, Las Hermanas and The World Between Us. Top GMA News figures Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Arnold Clavio, Howie Severino and Jessica Soho will also share their anniversary greetings to viewers. Kicking off the party with a medley of all-time favorite OPM dance music are Lani Misalucha, Julie Anne San Jose, Barbie Forteza, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Ken Chan, Rita Daniella, Ruru Madrid, Miguel Tanfelix, Kyline Alcantara, Mavy Legaspi, Kim de Leon, with stars Rhian Ramos, Benjamin Alves, Sanya Lopez, Katrina Halili, Winwyn Marquez, Jeric Gonzales, Kate Valdez, Ysabel Ortega and Cassy Legaspi. Meanwhile, Sanya Lopez takes the spotlight as she goes all-out on her first concert on the AOS stage. Julie Anne, Aicelle Santos, Rita Daniela, Jessica Villarubin, Thea Astley, Jennie Gabriel, Hannah Precillas, and Lani Misalucha will also spice up the party as they give their flavor and rendition to classic OPM hits. Watch out for the new comedy-fantasy-musical series I’m Byerna which follows the story of Virna, a young woman who shifts into her ugly and illtempered alter-ego Byerna every time she gets infuriated. Byerna is forced to become a superhero when supervillain Chillax begins to sow terror in the city. I’m Byerna features Denice Barbacena as Virna, Buboy Villar as Byerna, together with Edgar Allan Guzman, Yasser Marta, and comedians Mike “Pekto” Nacua, Tuesday Vargas, and Kakai Bautista. Also in store for viewers are great deals, special promos, and a lot of big prizes. All-Out Sundays airs every Sunday, 12 noon, on GMA. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. More information can be found at www.GMANetwork. com.

iewed from the perspective of the power dynamics among the most important members of the Nazi Party, Hitler’s Circle of Evil does not exculpate the most famous megalomaniac of contemporary history but examines how persons more intelligent than the Lead Evil can activate the realization of a horrendous history. This drama-documentary begins in 1919, a year witnessing the founding of the Nazi Party portrayed as marginalized, and continues until its fall in 1945. Only when the Nazi as a group is defeated that the world watches aghast at what it has ignored and what the other world leaders had all the while taken for granted. In the wake of Germany’s defeat is a nation (for there is a nation behind the Nazi) wounded forever, its citizens having to bear the stigma of mass murderers, and a host of other nations either holding the responsibility of answering for the death of young men and women sent to war, or contending with a new world order based on a distorted view of race. There is also the Holocaust, ultimately the icon of horror, bigotry and irrationality, from which many sense how Evil is not a concept but an artefact of human design. Having opted for a character sketch rather than the usual monumental depiction of the recent World War, this documentary does not jump immediately into the Jewish question. It looks first into this man, Hitler. It is 1919 and Germany is suffering from economic disaster and an impending defeat in the First World War. The next years would produce what the documentary calls heroes and misfits. These individuals, including such infamous names as Hess, Goebbels, Göring and Himmler, would form the inner circle of “fawning sycophants,” enablers in the modern lexicon. If there is a new, significant contribution to the stories of Hitler, it is this documentary that paints a picture of an individual who first aims to be part of a legitimate political process. That Hitler fails and with his Nazi Party fails again is the terrifying preamble to the fall and rise of Germany. The story of this nation is one where a minor political party grows into a major political phenomenon and brings to the world a monster, all because there are persons able and ready to assist evil acts. Disturbing is this image of Hitler as one who is manipulated rather than one who manipulates. Our history books are littered with the one-man evil show of Hitler but, in this documentary, one has a ringside view of three persons bearing destructive agenda against other people and other “races”. Göring, a bemedaled war hero, rises to become the

minister for the biggest state in Germany, which is Prussia. Himmler, a shy character who never becomes part of the Army, reinvents himself and becomes the founder of the elite and notorious SS. As if that is not enough of a force, Göring, who heads Prussia, is given the right to transform the state police force in his domain. From him comes the dreaded Gestapo. Completing the triangle is Goebbels, who is the Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. The three will see them plotting against each other. And yet together, the three will fuel the ascendancy of the Nazi Party into the dominant political force. The three will be there when Hitler is declared Chancellor and, upon the death of President Hindenburg in 1934, both Chancellor and President. By the fourth episode of this documentary, the Anti-Semitism movement is presented, a sentiment that is gradually developed. The historians involved in the documentary attest how this sentiment begins tentatively among Hitler and his circle. Göring, defined as elite, has, it appears, enjoyed the company of rich Jews and, while he is anti-Semite, is not keen about the banishment of the Jewish population. It is Goebbels who, being resolutely against the “poisonous outsiders”, instigates first the move to encourage the Germans to boycott Jewish establishments. This fails though because many Germans then question the impracticality of the rule. Himmler, the other strong Anti-Jew in the triad, is the sly one, hiding his antiJew sentiment even as he supervises the building of camps that would serve as torture chambers for those opposing the government—the communists and the Jews. If the student of politics and society can step out

of the dramatic (and cinematic) contouring of the figures surrounding Hitler, and venture into what the historians in this documentary articulate, then they will benefit from an acute reading of the history of the Third Reich. One aspect explored is the socioeconomic context of the period—the late 1920s and 1930s. The Depression in America is linked to the rise of Nazism in Germany. An economic turmoil is now the pretext for demanding the Germans to wake up. With the Great Depression comes the perception of America as a bully. The demagogues in the Nazi seize this opportunity to ask that Germans unite. But when the call for “Volksgemeinschaft”—translated as “people’s community” or “united community”—fails, Nazi politicians turn to the Jews as the reason for the misery of Germany. The assassination of a German diplomat by a Polish Jewish teenager proves to be another turning point. Himmler declares a pogrom against the Jews carried out by the police dressed in civilian clothing. The night is called Kristallnacht, or “the Night of the Broken Glass”, a reference to the broken glasses or shards from hundreds of Jewish establishments ransacked, burned, or destroyed by the governmentassisted German assault groups. The cautionary tale at the end of this documentary is Hitler surrounded by officials and political systems, and a nation guilty of conspiring to commit one of the greatest Evil human forces have summoned to reality. It is a tale that can be told at present, because Hitler’s circle shapes politics anytime, anywhere. Hitler’s Circle of Evil was first broadcast in 2018. The documentary is an offering of Netflix and ZDF Enterprises. n

Catriona Gray

MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray just released “R.Y.F.”, her own version of a song that was inspired by her journeys (it was originally titled “Raise Your Flag,” performed by KZ Tandingan and rapper Kririko). During the launch, Catriona revealed that her single speaks of her coming full circle in her journey as a beauty queen-turned-recording artist as well as her “call to action” toward uplifting lives. “‘R.Y.F.’ is an anthem for me. The song is very much a reflection of my journey. There is no better way to kick off my career in music than by singing this song,” shared Catriona. “In a way, the role of lending my voice to ‘R.Y.F.’ is very similar to being Miss Universe because the song has a message I believe in,” she added. Catriona explained that “R.Y.F.” goes beyond its message of patriotism to standing up for someone or something and advocating causes that matter amid challenging times. “It’s about raising your voice for something you believe in,” she said. “I know that it’s very trying for us because there are so many challenges we face, so it really is just trying to see how you can be of help to someone even in the smallest of ways.” The empowering single was originally written by Trisha Denise and ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo, inspired by the beauty queen’s memorable statements from her Miss Universe journey. Stream Catriona’s “R.Y.F.” cover is now available on various music streaming services.

You’ll really be into this show

SOME may dismiss the new ABS-CBN youth-oriented show He’s Into Her as nothing more than a guilty pleasure. After all, it’s not like Clueless, which was a reboot of Jane Austen’s Emma; nor Gossip Girl that has shades of The Great Gatsby with its elements of youth and the angst of wealthy people. In fact, the base material is a Precious Pages-LIB novel bearing the same name that will probably never be nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Yup, He’s Into Her will probably never find its way into a doctorate dissertation but the show bears some resemblance to—dare I say it?—William Shakespeare’s The Taming of The Shrew in a sense that its two young lovers coming together from two different worlds. It also takes some cues from certain Asianovelas (Meteor Garden anyone?). But the pleasures of He’s Into Her needn’t be guilty. This romcom isn’t high TV art or even middling, but it’s cute and funny as we witness the antics of

Maxpein (played by Belle Mariano) and Deib (Donny Pangilinan), both students at the prestigious (fictional) Benison International School. Deib is a popular kid not only because he is the basketball varsity team captain but also because of his wit. On the other hand, Max is an ordinary, tomboy-ish new student who is still finding her place in her new school. Their relationship, which started on the wrong foot, turns upside down as they get to know each other. But as their young love blossoms, their issues and relationships in the past complicate everything. Showrunners Chad Vidanes (director) and Vanessa R. Valdez (headwriter) definitely exhibit mastery in how they mounted the show. And Belle shows promise and is endlessly entertaining in how she attacks her role as a probinsyana unaffected by social cliques, while Donny is one male heartthrob in the making. The camera loves his face and he grows on you by the nanosecond. By the time the first TV commercial airs, you’ll just realize that you’re into him. He’s Into Her is a fun watch and while it is not overly concerned with the good guys vs bad guys, or even the dangers that abound in an uppity private school where issues of sex, drugs and rock and roll are as common as kids with smartphones nowadays, there is still a lesson to be learned from the show. He’s Into Her is aired on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z and Kapamilya Online Live every Sunday at 8:45 pm. iWantTFC subscribers can also watch it in advance every Friday at 8:45 pm (Manila time). nnn

B6 Friday, June 11, 2021

Smart Infocast connects 1.3M Filipinos in 800 communities

THE Smart Infocast technology also helps the DRRM departments like in CDO, to provide the public with correct and information, crucial during emergency situations

LDT’S wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) technology solution Smart Infocast reaches a milestone, serving a record 1.3 million Filipinos during the pandemic in almost 800 communities across the Philippines. A web-based text-broadcasting solution powered by Smart since 2015, Smart Infocast has enabled public and private institutions and organizations to easily distribute important information within their community, especially during the restrictive COVID-19 lockdown. The service also allows registered subscribers to send reports or feedback to the system administrator, helping officials or authorities engage with their community members. In the last five quarters, Smart Infocast has been able to broadcast over 13 million official advisories, reminders, and messages to schools, colleges, and universities; local government units (LGUs); cooperatives; and government agencies in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. “Our goal is to equip our communities with Smart Infocast and enable them to access relevant and accurate information – from disaster preparedness and response, tourism, local government initiatives, to

health and weather reminders and new protocol advisories – in order to build a well-informed community,” said Pedro Luis de Guzman, Head of Community Solutions and Business Development at Smart. Life-saving text broadcast solution Smart has also teamed up with the Department of Education (DepEd) to connect local divisions to their respective communities and make the flow of information and instruction seamless through Smart Infocast. This technology was also used extensively by over 400 partner schools nationwide and has helped thousands of students and teachers when they shifted to online learning at the onset of the pandemic. Smart Infocast is also helping almost 170 LGUs ramp up their efforts to respond to emergencies, calamities, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Smart Infocast is available in the cities and towns of Cagayan De Oro in Misamis Oriental, Digos, and Zamboanga, in Mindanao; Batuan, Pitogo and Carlos P. Garcia in Bohol, Danao, Bantayan, Santa Fe, Lapu-Lapu and Brgy Tisa in Cebu in the Visayas; as well as in the Northern Mindanao provinces, and the provinces of Batangas, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Surigao del Norte and Basilan, and Pasig City, among others.

This technology also helps local Disaster Risk Reduction Management departments, like in La Trinidad, Benguet and in Cagayan de Oro, to provide the public with correct information, crucial during emergency situations. “This communication tool helps us reach those without internet access and people who rely only on SMS,” shared Nick Jabagat, Head of CDO-City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Department. The Infocast service is also beneficial to members of cooperatives, such as the Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative and the Bukidnon Pharmaceutical Multipurpose Cooperative (BUPHARCO). “We can easily update and receive inquiries from them. It will also help us disseminate information about our products and services to the public,” said Christine Dalogdog, BUPHARCO’s Chief Executive Officer. Youth leaders have also been utilizing Smart Infocast to encourage their members to participate in nationbuilding programs. They also assist their respective LGUs with information campaigns on COVID-19 prevention, voter registration, vaccination, and combating fake news. “We need a secure, efficient and cost-effective means to distribute information. Even though we have a presence on social media, there are still many people who do not have smartphones and access to the internet,” shared General Santos City’s SK Federation President John Demdam. “We should always look for information that comes from official government channels. Let us not be agents in the spread of fake news,” he added. This initiative is part of Smart’s advocacy to improve the lives of the Filipino people by delivering digital solutions to its partner communities, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal # 11 of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Subway offers new hearty breakfast sandwich: Smoked Longaniza, Egg and Cheese combo

UBWAY is adding a delectable new item on their breakfast menu, the Smoked Longaniza, Egg and Cheese! It's another exciting choice for people who are always on-thego and are looking for a meal to brighten up their mornings! Longaniza is in fact one of the Philippines’ most beloved dishes. And, it can be found almost everywhere in different provinces having their own versions. But this time, Subway offers its own affordable take on this sandwich meal. The new Smoked Longaniza, Egg & Cheese ala carte price is P139 for the 6-inch and P248 for the footlong. Subway also offers a combo meal for only P199! Customers can get (1) 6-inch Smoked Longaniza, Egg and Cheese, (1) Coffee and (4) pieces of Hashbrowns. Available for dine-in, takeout and delivery transactions. The new combo meal also comes in

Flat Bread as default but customers can ask to change it to a regular bread. As you stay safe at home, you can enjoy your favorite subs and the new Smoked Longaniza, Egg and Cheese through FB Messenger “Botty” ordering for pick-up or

delivery in select restaurants. Or, delight yourself and your friends and family with Subway’s delicious and freshly made subs at the safety and comfort of your homes through GrabFood or FoodPanda delivery apps.

LIXIL recognizes industry excellence in partnership with International Property Awards 2021-22

IXIL, maker of pioneering water and housing products, recently announced the winners of the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2021-22 through its sponsor brands GROHE and American Standard. The Asia Pacific Property Awards celebrate the highest levels of achievement in the architecture, interior design, real estate, and property development sectors in the region. In this year’s edition, there are 681 winners from across the Asia Pacific in the Architecture, Interior Design, Real Estate, and Property Development categories. China swept the maximum number of awards (279) followed by Thailand (86). This was closely followed by Vietnam (45). Other important markets including Singapore (44), Malaysia (43), India (31), and Australia (29), also made a mark at this year’s awards. (Link with the full list of winners https://propertyawards.net/winners/) The judging panel for this year’s awards consisted of over 100 top industry experts. Luminaries such as Lord Best (Chair of the House of Lords Communications Committee, and Chair of The Property Ombudsman’s Council in the UK), Bill McClintock (Chairman, Guild of Property Professionals UK), and Annie Hampson (Former Chief Planning Officer at the City of London) were part of the illustrious judging panel for the Asia Pacific Property Awards. Each judge was allocated to entries that were of their areas of expertise and knowledge. All entries were meticulously adjudicated on their design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability. The Asia Pacific Property Awards is one of the biggest and most recognized awards in the industry with over 900 entries received each year from countries across the region. It is the largest branch of the International Property Awards (IPA). This year’s 2021-22 top winners

were announced through the IPA’s bespoke online ‘Red Carpet’ presentation videos. This is part of the IPA’s approach in providing an innovative and popular alternative in place of the annual live awards event, due to Covid restrictions. Satoshi Konagai, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific, expressed, “LIXIL is honored to be a part of this partnership that continues to provide us with an excellent opportunity to connect with the best developers, architects, and designers in the Asia Pacific. Our earnest congratulations to all winners on your well-deserved success. The ongoing pandemic has led to a growing demand for better hygiene products and solutions, and with consumers spending more time at home, the demand for ‘home spa’ experiences have also gradually increased. We look forward to working together with the community to bring LIXIL’s water and housing solutions to more people through our well-loved brands.” Adele Tao, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Greater China, added, "Despite the challenges and disruptions brought about by the global pandemic, LIXIL remains steadfast in our mission to design products that make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Our continued commitment to improve the quality of our consumers’ lives over the years has been pivotal in addressing some of the key challenges consumers face globally. The Asia Pacific Property Awards present us with the opportunity to recognise some of Asia’s most innovative and creative professionals and celebrate their achievements. Through its portfolio of power brands, LIXIL offers pioneering technologies that promote health, hygiene, comfort and sustainability to meet the ever-growing demands for touchless, IoT-enabled, hygiene solutions.

HS students win a pitch competition, aim to start a livelihood for fellow Marawi siege victims

AVING experienced the longest urban battle in the Philippines, Shri Tahanie Macaumbao, Anna Zaaquira Boloto, and Mohammad Ali Baruang, senior high school students of Mindanao State University—Marawi Senior High School (MSU-MSHS), have always had the intention of building opportunities for their community. Especially in this time of pandemic where the struggle is utmost felt, they search for means on how they, as volunteers and advocates of positive transformation, can spark hope for their besieged home. Enderun Colleges’ The Next Bright Idea, a business and design pitch competition, was the perfect avenue for these students to make their dreams come to life. Their business proposal Green by Design has impressed the judges because of the product’s viability and its potential in addressing existing and emerging problems within their community. As presented during the finals, Green by Design is a social enterprise that aims to address the proliferation of water hyacinth and waste pollution in Lake Lanao by converting these invasive species into an alternative low-cost, plant-based, compostable packaging. The team from Marawi was declared the grand champion in the design pitch category and first runner-up in the business pitch category during the two-day grand finals. The esteemed panel of judges for the competition were Mr. Jose Magsaysay, Jr., Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Potato Corner; Mr. Juan Carlos Camara, Investment Associate of Navegar; Ms. Sheila Lobien, Chief Executive Officer of Lobien Realty Group; Dr. Larry Gamboa, Author and Founder of Think Rich, Pinoy; Ms. Pacita “Chit” Juan, Founder and Chair of ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle; Mr. Russell Molina, Executive Creative Director of Seven A.D.; IDr. Chat Fores, Owner of Chat Fores Design Studio; and Arch. Stephanie Branquinho; Principal Architect of

SpaceFabrik. The students competed against 106 teams from 43 schools nationwide. What’s even more inspiring to these students' journey were the challenges they overcame during the competition. Before the date of the finals, the students unexpectedly needed to transport themselves from Marawi to Iligan City because of issues on limited connectivity and power interruption. According to Macaumbao, “We [almost] lost hope. We thought we [wouldn't] make it but because of our dedication and persistence, we tried our best to create a plan B. We were so glad [that] the director and administration of MSU-MSHS were very kind and supportive along the way and we were able to travel to Iligan City to make it to the finals.” After their big win, the students plan to start implementing their business idea in Wato, Balindong. “We wanted to implement this as early as possible and we’re also hoping to partner with [our local government unit, local fisherfolks, and other non-government and private sectors who can support us,” said Boloto. “It was such an amazing experience. We were so happy to share our story. Seeing other [students] who are passionately driven [creating business opportunities] inspires me to do better,” said Macaumbao. “We were able to reflect on the potential of our project and at the end of the day, we realized that this initiative is realistic and has a purpose. We should believe and invest in the potential of youth because they are the future of our nation.” When asked what was their greatest lesson learned during the competition, the students only shared a short meaningful thought, “We learned that we need more [business] ventures that are not only centered in [producing] profit but also in creating hope and opportunities for other people. If this is the new goal of enterprises then we will have a bright future for our country.”

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

Sports BusinessMirror

Friday, June 11, 2021 B7

DIDAL’S GOING TO TOKYO W By Josef Ramos

ORLD Skate announced on Thursday Margielyn Didal’s qualification in skateboarding’s street event at the Olympics, making her the 10th Filipino athlete who have so far earned tickets to Tokyo. Didal made it to the Olympics by virtue of her No. 13 ranking in World Skate, the world governing body for skateboarding and roller sports. The top 16 in the world rankings automatically earned slots to the Olympics, along with the athletes who topped the qualifiers staged in the US and Italy earlier

this month. There are a total 80 athletes—20 each in men and women street and park—competing in skateboarding which is debuting in Tokyo. “I believe she could win the gold,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said. The 22-year-old Cebuano, who won gold in street in the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games and 2019 Southeast Asian Games, finished 17th out of 32 competitors in the last Friday’s semifinals of the Street Skateboarding World Champi-

onships 2021 in Rome, Italy. Brazilians Pamela Rosa and Rayssa Leal finished 1-2 and Japanese Aori Nishimura was third in the rankings. Also in the top 16 Olympic rankings were No. 4 Leticia Bufoni of Brazil, No. 5 Momiji Nishiya of Japan, No. 6 Mariah Duran of the US, No. 7 Roos Zwetsloot and No. 8 Candy Jacobs of The Netherlands, No. 9 Hayley Wilson of Australia, No. 10 Funa Nakayama of Japan, No. 11 Alexis Sablone of the US and No. 12 Keet Oldenbeuving also of The Netherlands. “We are proud of her achievements. It’s the first time for skateboarding in the Olympics,” chef de mission to the Tokyo Olympics Mariano

BusinessMirror photographer Stephanie Tumampos captures Rafael Nadal and Coco Gauff at the French Open in Paris on Wednesday. Tumampos is in France completing her Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree in Digital Earth. An Applied Physics graduate at the University of the Philippines, Tumampos is bound to become a geo data scientist soon.

ARIS—Novak Djokovic wheeled toward his guest box in a nearly empty Court Philippe Chatrier as midnight neared and let out one yell, two yells, three, four. Once two points from a straight-set victory and seemingly well on his way to a French Open semifinal showdown against Rafael Nadal, Djokovic had to deal with so much that went awry: consecutive unforced errors that gave away a tiebreaker—a 21 1/2-minute delay while spectators left because of a Covid-19 curfew; a face-down tumble that drew blood from his left palm. Still, the top-seeded Djokovic held on and moved on, pulling out

the quarterfinal victory against No. 9 Berrettini, 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5, Wednesday night. “This match had it all: falls, crowd, break. It was a lot of intensity. I just felt under tension the entire time,” Djokovic said. “The reaction [at] the end was just me liberating that tension that was building up for the entire match.” Now comes a semifinal Friday against a familiar foe in a rematch of last year’s Roland Garros final, but a round earlier: Nadal, who is 105-2 in the clay-court tournament. “We know each other well,” the third-seeded Nadal said. “Everybody knows that in these kind of matches, anything can happen.” Nadal’s French Open set streak ended earlier Wednesday. His pursuit of a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title—and what would be a 14th in Paris alone— remained very much intact, however. Nadal shrugged off dropping a set at his favorite event for the first time in two years by whipping violent forehands punctuated with fist pumps and yells of “Vamos!” en route to a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory over 10th-seeded Diego Schwartzman. “For anybody, it’s very difficult to play against him. He’s feeling very comfortable on court,” Schwartzman said after falling to 1-11 against Nadal. “He’s Rafa,

Tokyo Olympic Village considering ban on alcohol

OKYO—The Olympic Village has traditionally been a fun place to be, housing thousands of young athletes and staff ready to party and share a few beers and bubbly toasts. But not at the Tokyo Olympics, which are to open in just over six weeks amid a pandemic. These are going to be the “no cheers” Olympics with testing and vaccinations taking priority over fun and games. It’s not clear if alcohol will be allowed in the village, which will

MARGIELYN DIDAL is the country’s 10th Tokyo Olympics qualifier so far. PHOTO COURTESY BY DANI BAUTISTA

the country will have at least one universality representative in swimming. Filipino athletes in athletics are also seeking qualification. The Olympics are set from July 23 to August 8.

DJOKOVIC VS. NADAL IN SEMIS

PHL karate bets start bid to earn tickets to Olympics HREE of eight Filipinos will climb the mat on Friday in the World Karate Olympic Qualification Tournament in Paris, hoping to secure tickets to Tokyo where karate is making its Olympic debut. Junna Tsukii (women -55 kgs), Jayson Ramil Macaalay (men -67 kgs) and Sarah Pangilinan (women’s kata) will be first up for Team Philippines in the qualifier set at a bubble facility at the AccorHotels Arena Sports Hall in the French Capital. The Filipinos’ Turkish coach, Okay Arpa, believes his wards have strong chances of making it to the Olympics. But the challenge will be tough. “Everybody has a chance because we trained well physically and mentally in the Calamba bubble for 45 days and flew to Istanbul where we trained for two-and-half months training with Turkish and Mexican teams,” Arpa said. “But it’s not going to be easy,” Arpa said. “The best athletes from 99 countries are here.” More than 500 athletes from 99 countries are gathered in Paris, each of them hoping to become one of only 24 athletes—top three in three weight divisions in men and women kumite and also the top three in men and women kata—who will qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. John Enrico Vasquez competes on Saturday in men’s kata and so will Joane Orbon (women -61 kgs) and Ivan Agustin (men -75 kgs) in kumite. Jamie Lim (women +61 kgs) and Sharief Afif (men +75 kgs) fight in Sunday’s kumite events. The kumite pairings will be announced on Friday morning (Manila time). “I’m good and very excited. I can fight alongside my fellow Filipinos now,” the Filipino-Japanese Tsukii said. Tsukii flew in from Serbia— where she trained in the last few months—to Paris and surprised Karate Pilipinas President Richard Lim with a more toned physique. “She’s macho now,” Lim said. “Tsukii is ready to fight anyone anytime.” Josef Ramos

Araneta said. “In a short period of time, she won the 2018 Asian Games and 2019 SEA and gold medals. Hopefully, she’ll do her best in the Olympics.” Didal joined boxers Irish Magno, Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, gymnast Carlos Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, rower Cris Nievarez and taekwondo jin Kurt Bryan Barbosa on Team Philippines to Tokyo. US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan and Juvic Pagunsan already bagged slots to Tokyo but the official announcement of their qualification is expected to be made on June 23. Eight karate athletes are fighting for Olympic berths in a Paris qualifier starting on Friday, while

Tolentino seals deal with NOCs hosting Filipino Olympians

house 11,000 Olympic athletes and 4,400 Paralympians. Organizers say they have yet to decide on a policy, which is expected by the end of the month. Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the Tokyo organizing committee, said Wednesday it might be difficult to ban alcohol from the athletes’ private rooms in the village, but public areas in the village might be a different matter. “In the case that they were to drink inside their own rooms—this

is equivalent to cases where we are drinking in our own home.” Muto said, speaking to Japanese media on Wednesday after an online meeting with the International Olympic Committee executive board. “Can we prohibit that? That’s not conceivable,” Muto added. “It would be very difficult to do so.” But he said it might be banned from dining areas and other public areas in the village. Tokyo and much of the rest of the country is under a state of emergency, with many bars

and he’s always finding the way.” Nadal reached his 14th semifinal in Paris; Djokovic his 11th. It’s Djokovic’s 40th trip to the final four at any major, Nadal’s 35th. Nadal and Roger Federer share the men’s mark of 20 Grand Slam titles; Djokovic is at 18. The semifinal will be the superstar duo’s 58th matchup, more than any other two men in the sport’s professional era; Djokovic leads 29-28. But Nadal is ahead 10-6 in Slam meetings, 7-1 at the French Open. “I’m confident. I believe I can win,” Djokovic said. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.” The other men’s semifinal Friday is No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. No. 6 Alexander Zverev. There are four first-time Grand Slam semifinalists left in the women’s bracket, something that last happened at a major during the 1978 Australian Open. On Thursday, Maria Sakkari plays Barbora Krejcikova, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova plays Tamara Zidansek. Djokovic was so close to advancing when he led the thirdset tiebreaker against 2019 US Open semifinalist Berrettini 5-4. But after accumulating merely 14 unforced errors over about 2 1/2 hours up to then, Djokovic committed two in a row—a nervy forehand into the net, then a backhand into the net—and lost that set, drawing roars from a crowd hoping for more tennis. The number of people allowed in the 15,000-seat main stadium was limited to 1,000 for each of the first 10 days of the tournament because of pandemic-related restrictions, but that limit was raised to 5,000 on Wednesday. The start of play for Djokovic-Berrettini was bumped up an hour to 8 p.m., and the 9 p.m. curfew that had been in place was moved to 11 p.m. They did the wave, added some atmosphere and kept chair umpire James Keothavong a bit busy—

especially when it was time to empty the stadium. When the curfew arrived, there were jeers and whistles and some slow movers, so Djokovic and Berrettini—who seemed particularly buoyed by the prodding he received from fans—gathered their belongings and left the court until the match could resume. Berrettini said that when action returned, his legs felt like they were “made of marble.” “It’s a shame. It’s something that I don’t like,” he said about the delay, adding that he understood the need for special rules during the pandemic. Berrettini didn’t play a point in the fourth round because the player he was supposed to face, Federer, withdrew with an eye to being ready for Wimbledon. In Djokovic’s previous match, he dropped the first two sets against another Italian, 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti. AP

and restaurants closing early and banning alcohol sales. The emergency order ends on June 20 and it’s not clear if it will be extended. Depending how the question is asked, 50 percent to 80 percent of Japanese people oppose holding the Olympics. If the state of emergency is extended, many Japanese residents might not be happy seeing athletes partying in the village when regular citizens cannot do the same in local pubs. New cases have been falling in Tokyo over the last several weeks. Japan overall has attributed about 14,000 deaths to Covid-19, good by global standards but not as good

as some Asian neighbors. “We have not yet clearly decided on the [alcohol] policy,” Muto said. “We hope to do so by the end of this month.” Looking for more fun? There’s the matter of GPS monitoring.

HE country’s Tokyo Olympicsbound athletes who are training abroad will get their antiCovid-19 vaccines in their host countries, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. Tolentino said Malaysia assured that weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and her team will get their second dose of the vaccine, while Japanese sports officials guaranteed the inoculation of gymnast Carlos Yulo and his Japanese Coach Munehiro Kugimiya. “I’d like to express my gratitude to all our NOC neighbors for helping our athletes to get vaccinated,” said Tolentino, also the PhilCycling president. Diaz and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo and Chinese coach Kaiwen Gao have been training in Selangor for more than a year. The boxers—particularly Olympic qualifiers Irish Magno, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam—will get theirs at their Thailand training camp. Eumir Felix Marcial completed his vaccines in Las Vegas earlier this year. Also getting their vaccines while abroad are boxers Rogen Ladon, Ian Clark Bautista, James Palicte, Marjon Piañar, Risa Pasuit and Aira Villegas and coaches Donald Abnett, Nolito “Boy” Velasco, Ronald Chavez, Elmer Pamisa and Reynaldo Galido. Yulo and Kugimiya, on the other hand, will be jabbed anytime soon with Tolentino and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion-Norton securing the guarantee from the Japan Olympic Committee and the Japanese Gymnastics Association. “Although vaccine is not mandatory in the Olympics, we cannot put the well-being and health of our athletes at risk,” Tolentino said. “Once you’re tested positive, you’re automatically out of the competition.” Tolentino said the POC is reaching out to pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena to get his vaccines in Italy, where he is training. Rower Cris Nievarez already got his first dose of the vaccine, along with 729 Southeast Asian Gamesbound athletes and coaches last May 28 in Manila. Taekwondo’s Kurt Bryan Barbosa and newly-qualified skateboarder Tokyo Olympian Margielyn Didal will get their first dose in the second batch of mass vaccination of athletes and coaches within the month. A total of 870 more athletes and coaches from national sports associations which are not on the Hanoi SEA Games program are now in the POC, Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Manila vaccination program. Muto said athletes—as well as media, broadcasters and others— will have to sign papers allowing organizers to use GPS to monitor their movements at the Olympics through smartphones. Athletes will be isolated in a bubble-atmosphere in the village and are expected to stay there, or be in a similar bubble at venues or training sites. Everyone else entering Japan for the Olympics will be tested twice before leaving home, and upon arrival in Japan. They will have to agree to limit their movements for the first 14 days and submit an activity plan. AP

Motoring BusinessMirror

Henry Ford Awards Best Motoring Section 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 2011 Hall of Fame

Editor: Tet Andolong

B8 Friday, June 11, 2021

Isuzu partners with

Velocity Motor Sales Corp. I

Triple-star recognition

Story by Randy S. Peregrino

SUZU Philippines Corp. (IPC) is on a roll in expanding its dealership network. With the goal “road to 50 dealerships” in place, the company recently achieved its 47th outlet by formally solidifying its partnership with Isuzu Subic under Velocity Motor Sales Corporation (VMSC). Led by none other than IPC president Hajime Koso together with vice president of Sales Yasuhiko Oyama, the first-ever virtual contract signing ceremony was also graced by VMSC president and Director Jason Hao together with Director Jeffrey Hao Lin. “IPC officially welcomes Velocity Motor Sales Corporation to our growing network. As you may all know, we are on our “road to 50 dealerships” and today seals our 47th outlet nationwide. We have been wanting to further establish our presence in Zambales, so thank you to Velocity Motors for partnering with us in capturing the market and being part of our expansion project. We are committed to continuously provide the best products and services in our new home in Subic,” said Koso. In late 2019, VMSC held its formal site groundbreaking in Subic Gateway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, making the upcoming facility the first-ever Isuzu dealership in the area. Becoming one of the most competitive international services and logistic centers in Southeast Asia, Subic Bay Freeport Zone continues to be one of the Philippine’s major economic zone, receiving numerous investment projects. Considering these opportunities, Isuzu Subic

The upcoming Isuzu Subic dealership.

(From left) IPC president Hajime Koso and IPC vice president of Sales Yasuhiko Oyama. Isuzu Philippines

is poised to become the automotive and transport solution hub to cater to the fast-growing province of Zambales. VMSC is highly recognized for their expertise and achievements in trucks and bodybuilding operation on the northern coast of Central Luzon. “Isuzu is without a doubt the undisputed number one brand for trucks and equally successful in the SUV and pickup segments. At Velocity Motors, we choose to invest only in the best, and IPC is such in its circle of

VMSC Director Jeffrey Hao Lin and VMSC president / Director Jason Hao.

competence,” said Hao. “Headed by Mr. Koso, we are confident that IPC will always choose the best balance of products and systems of operations for its clients, shareholders, and us dealers, ensuring success for years to come,” he added. The upcoming dealership will soon rise in an expansive 3,799sq.m property and strategically located within the Freeport Zone. Like the previously inaugurated dealerships, Isuzu Subic will rise donning the modern Isuzu Outlet Standard (IOS) building

design, including its vehicle showroom, customer mezzanine area, and parts warehouse. The main area will hold a 1,380-sq.m service workshop that caters to both commercial and light commercial vehicles. Moreover, there will also be a dedicated 1,518-sq.m off-site space with a preparation bay and paint booth for body repairs. Having a spacious and separate area would enable the facility to accommodate more vehicles, especially trucks that require heavy-duty maintenance.

‘Moving to the New Normal’

GIVE way again to Vince S. Socco, the impregnable Toyota titan, who is my favorite writerin-residence here. His is another engaging piece, as usual. Here: Better days are ahead of us. After an over 9 percent drop in GDP last year, 2021 is supposed to see a growth of 5.5 percent. Inflation has stabilized at 4.5 percent in the first five months and is expected to settle at between 2 to 4 percent for the year. Standard & Poor’s affirmed the country’s BBB+ sovereign rating with stable outlook in the next 18 to 24 months. OFW remittances are expected to rise with the return in global economic activity and a rise in demand for workers. The key is in the vaccines. Until the end of the year, it is reported that the Philippines will be able to receive a total of 130 million doses of various vaccines. That is enough to vaccinate 65 million Filipinos and usher us towards our goal of herd immunity. With an aggressive vaccine roll-out, consumer confidence is expected to return and this should, in turn, drive personal consumption and capital expenditures. The caveat here is that we can overcome vaccine hesitation that hounds around 60 percent of the population, as per a recent survey. The auto industry is showing signs of a nascent recovery. Auto sales from January to March show an encouraging rise. Total sales reached 74,585 units or a growth of 5.5 percent versus

Meanwhile, IPC was recently recognized by Isuzu Motors Limited in Japan for earning Triple Stars in the 2020 Aftersales Awards. Only four other distributors and dealers in the six regions around the globe were awarded the top rating. The company strives to sustain this achievement in the coming years. Isuzu Subic’s extended facility and increased capacity are just one of several action plans to provide more access to the brand’s highest quality of aftersales servicing and parts fulfillment in the country. “Subic is primed to become the most competitive international services and logistic center in Southeast A sia, continuously leading to be one of the countr y’s major economic engines receiving numerous investment projects. Despite some unrealized revenue targets as a result of the pandemic, the city remains thriving, especially its trading and shipment industries. Isuzu Subic is our response to the growing transportation requirements in Zambales, most especially for trucks as IPC begun expansion so as to contribute to our customers’ success,” Koso added. Hao, for his part, shared, “Velocity Motors will persevere and see to it that we will uphold Isuzu’s commitment to Filipinos here in Subic. Being in business for over 40 years, we have been witnesses to the cycles of industry and commerce in the region being in constant evolution, more so now in transition to the new normal. But we are in this for the long haul and believe that winners are tested and built through time.”

the same period last year. This is notwithstanding the effect of conditional safeguard duties imposed on completely-built-up vehicles in March. Understandably in April, there was a slip in sales following the re-imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). In May, however, sales are projected to be back up to over 23,000 units, the third highest monthly sales after January and February. That should bring year-to-date sales for 2021 to over 116,000 units or a growth of 50 percent compared to year-ago, albeit low base levels since ECQ in April and May last year resulted to practically nil sales. Mobility will be an essential driver of any economic recovery. There can be no economic recovery without a rise in mobility. People must be able to get around in order to work, perform essential tasks, patronize commercial establishments and feed local tourism, among others. This can be either through private or public transport. Without mobility or if mobility is restricted, the economy cannot fully function and any intention to revive business will be stunted. Surely, certain sectors can still function through work-from-home but there is no way that manufacturing concerns can do so. Even our much daunted business process outsourcing sector needs to work-from-work in order to keep it humming. The government is doing its best to get its hands on the much needed supply of vaccines. We have to do our share by making sure we get the jabs into our arms when the opportunity arises. Otherwise, if we fail in getting to herd immunity, our economy will continue to limp along and livelihoods will continue to suffer. I recall that after the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, the Philippines took 10 years to recover—the

sick dog of Asia, we were called. Already, we are lagging our Asean neighbors in their recovery efforts from the current pandemic. Let’s not be the laggards this time; let us hurry back to our rising economic prominence prior to this sorry episode of Covid. Let us build the new normal and move forward—without delay.

Honda discounts

NOW comes Colene Jalalon’s “Season Ending Summer Special ” from Honda on huge discounts for the month. “Customers may now enjoy a 20 percent discount on genuine parts, lubricants, fluids, and accessories such as PM 2.5 cabin filter, regular cabin filter, spark plug, battery, brake pad, brake shoe, super long life coolant, automatic transmission fluid, manual transmission fluid, power steering fluid, HCF-2 CVTF fluid, brake fluid, and our existing additives such as engine cleaner and engine oil treatment. “In addition, a P200 discount to buyers of a Honda fully synthetic oil (0W-20) for City and Civic, with year models 2017 and below. “For those upgrading their vehicles, a 20 percent discount is given to side under spoilers, side garnish, front grille, exhaust pipe finishers, mud guard, and door visor, plus select City (2013-2020) tires, and an exclusive buy onetake one promo on select BR-V (2017-2021) tires. “These and many more are being offered up to June 30. Visit www.hondaphil.com for more details.”

PEE STOP

From Jade B. Sison of Lexus Manila, this June promo from 30-50 percent downpayment, and zero interest for 36 months for the 2021 NX 300 and 2021 NX 300 F Sport.

Auto Focus Automobile of the Year Awards returns

UST over 5 months ago, the Toyota Hilux and Alphard were officially proclaimed as the major winners of the 2020-2021 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA) on December 17, 2020. The Toyota pickup and luxury van models bagged the coveted Auto Focus Automobile of the Year Award in the Standard and Premium/Luxury classifications respectively. And now, the 17th annual edition of the AFPCA is off and running with the opening of the online public poll beginning June 1, 2021. Organized by Sunshine Television (STV) and led by its Chairman/CEO and motoring media personality, Ray Butch Gamboa, the AFPCA is STV’s premier motoring industry merit program that seeks to determine the Philippines’s most popular automobile brands and models via an annual public poll. The awards program features Model and Automobile of the Year honors for sedans, SUV/Crossovers, sports cars, vans/MPV’s and pickups in separate Standard and Premium/Luxury classes. 2021 mark the 17th annual undertaking of this unique poll, the only one of its kind in the country. “Thankfully, this year’s edition of the AFPCA has launched without the uncertainties and challenges that faced us in March last year with the onset of the present COVID pandemic and strict lockdown conditions about to be imposed throughout the Philippines.” STV’s Gamboa exclaimed. Another new development pertinent to the AFPCA Rules and Guidelines will come into play this year. Gerry Aquino, Chairman of the AFPCA Awards Committee, and Gamboa reviewed in more depth the essence and value of being enshrined in the AFPCA Hall of Fame. As Aquino pointed out: “Under the present Rules and Guidelines, 5-time Model and 3-time Automobile of the Year awardees are accorded the distinct honor of being entered into the Hall of Fame.” The public may participate in the online poll of the 2021-2022 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards. To vote, please click onto this link https://autofocus.com.ph/ afpca2021/ that will direct you to the AFPCA Voting Page. Participants may vote every day and can register as many as 5 daily choices each in the separate Standard and Premium/Luxury categories from June 1–November 30, 2021.