BusinessMirror June 11, 2022

ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS

2006 National Newspaper of the Year 2011 National Newspaper of the Year 2013 Business Newspaper of the Year 2017 Business Newspaper of the Year 2019 Business Newspaper of the Year 2021 Pro Patria Award PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 2018 Data Champion

BusinessMirror

EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS

BUSINESS NEWS SOURCE OF THE YEAR

(2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

2018 BANTOG MEDIA AWARDS

FLIGHT TO GLORY www.businessmirror.com.ph

A broader look at today’s business n

Saturday, June 11, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 246

P25.00 nationwide | 26 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK

Philippine Air Force readies to soar to higher skies with modern and newer assets

FA-50 fighter jets

PAF

T

By Rene Acosta

“The PAF continues to modernize its air assets and equipment.

It may not be on a par yet with our Southeast Asian neighbors, but we are moving towards a more capable and credible Air Force,” Canlas said.

Canlas talked about the Air Force’s capability upgrade efforts under the overall revised modernization program of the AFP, which will also seek to modernize the whole military under three phases—Horizon, 1, 2 and 3. It began during the administration of the late President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and will punctuate at the end of the term of Marcos Sr.’s son, incoming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., or in 2028.

HE Philippine Air Force (PAF), brandishing its newly acquired assets, will showcase a new milestone in its modernization phase with a flyby in the skies of the National Capital Region and elsewhere as the country observes its 124th Independence Day on Sunday (June 12).

FA-50 fighter jets, Black Hawks, Super Tucanos, Agusta Westland and the rest of the newest assets of the PAF will briefly streak over Metro Manila’s horizon to mark the auspicious occasion in history against a backdrop of a myriad of challenges confronting the country.

The roaring thunder from the engine of South Korean-made fighter planes and the bombastic sound and thunderous clapping of the helicopters will serve as short melodies to the country’s marking of its 124th Independence Day. For Filipinos, the aircraft’s flyby may just be a grand spectacle, something that had been missing for years in the celebrations of the country’s freedom D-day; but for the Air Force, it means much more: it denotes a homecoming—a big return to the skies.

The true message

OTHER than a gesture of unity to the Independence Day celebrations, the sight of modest advanced air assets in the skies above Luneta Park conveys the message that the Air Force is slowly moving to reclaim its old glory.

It reassures everyone that it is steadily maneuvering away

PAF under Duterte, Horizon 2

AS it upgrades, the Air Force has already acquired a modest number of BELL 412EP combat utility helicopters PAF

AIR Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas: “The PAF continues to modernize its air assets and equipment. It may not be on a par yet with our Southeast Asian neighbors, but we are moving towards a more capable and credible Air Force.” PAF

from the non-flattering tag of being “all air with no force,” a line which Voltaire Gazmin dropped years ago as a defense secretary, to ruefully describe the Air Force’s condition and underscore the need to modernize it.

The show of jets and attack helicopters in the Independence Day celebrations also intends to show the Air Force has since flipped and veered away from Gazmin’s rather derisive but somehow realistic description. But that was then.

Evolution

“TODAY, the PAF has evolved into a modernized air force anchored

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 52.9450

on the Flight Plan 2028, which has achieved significant milestones in the PAF’s development and ability to detect, identify, intercept and neutralize threats within the Philippine defense area of operations,” said Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas.

The Air Force was answering queries from the BusinessMirror on the current state of the military’s primary air unit and how it is comparable with the air forces of its neighbors in the region, assets and equipment wise.

In the middle part of the 1950s up to the middle part of the administration of the late strongman former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., the PAF had been the object of envy, not only by its neighbors but even by countries in the Asia-Pacific region, due to its strength and air superiority.

It was equipped with the most modern planes and other aircraft

Continued on A2

that could fly at that time. In fact, it already had the most modern US fighter plane, the F-5 Phantom, long before Japan could even acquire it.

The formation of the PAF’s aerobatic team, the fabled “Blue Diamonds,” in 1952, which is even older than the US Air Force’s Thunderbirds, was a testament to the PAF’s worldwide “grandeur” in the sky.

After the end of the Marcos government, the state of the Air Force and even the whole of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spiraled. It came even to a point when PAF had to make do with second-hand assets.

While there have been efforts to revive the Air Force along with the AFP, the supposed modernization attempts and the corresponding funding, if not squandered, would only suffice to repair and rehabilitate existing Army, Air Force and Navy assets even in their vintage state.

n JAPAN 0.3940 n UK 66.1865 n HK 6.7456 n CHINA 7.9117 n SINGAPORE 38.2938 n AUSTRALIA 37.5804 n EU 56.2276 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.1141

Source: BSP (June 10, 2022)

NewsSaturday

FLIGHT TO GLORY BusinessMirror

A2 Saturday, June 11, 2022

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Continued from A1

what might be considered as stateof-the-art assets, in the arsenal of a conventional air force. Most of these were acquired and were delivered under the term of President Duterte, who steps down at noon of June 30.

“President Rodrigo Duterte has always shown his strong support in pursuing the AFP modernization. During his administration, we have acquired new air assets and equipment that will further improve the welfare and capabilities of the Philippine Air Force to conduct internal and external defense missions,” Air Force spokesman Col. Maynard Mariano said.

According to Mariano, these air assets include the Cessna-208B Grand Caravan; ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; NC212i; C-130 plane; radar systems; A-29B Super Tucano; Gulfstream G280 command and control aircraft; S70i Black Hawk Utility Helicopters; C-295 Medium-lift aircraft; T-129 ATAK helicopters; Hermes 450 and 900 Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Defender of both land and air

UNDER Duterte, the Air Force made great strides from just being a gatekeeper of Philippine skies to defender of the land, literally, as it pursued, or is now embarking on, projects that will give it the capability to conduct land and air defense and warfare.

It has already sealed a contract

T-129 ATAK multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter PAF

for the delivery of batteries of Spyder air defense systems from an Israeli company, which recently has already delivered missile simulators for the Air Force.

As Mariano said, the simulators will train airmen who are future missile operators, to prepare them for real-world challenges as well as to increase their personnel

S-70i Black Hawk helicopter PAF

knowledge and skills, and develop the right attitude for air and missile defense.

The Spyder will not be the last but only the initial for the Air Force in the area of conventional warfare.

“The PAF will be having the ground-based air defense system which will conduct defensive counter air operations in order to protect PAF units, air assets, installations, friendly forces and selected high-value assets from aerial attack, missile and surveillance threats,” Mariano said.

The military is already acquiring its shore-based defense capability with the awaited delivery of the supersonic and Indian-made Brahmos missile systems to the Philippine Marines, and which the Army is also projected to acquire in land-based form.

The Air Force is also looking at adding or beefing up its fighter jets—eyeing assets that may very well include US-made F-16s and the Swedish-made Gripen.

“The PAF is projected to procure multi-role fighter aircraft which is considered vital in the country’s defense capability to deter intrusions in the country’s airspace,” Mariano said.

“The Philippines has considered procuring Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon from the US, but it is still unlikely for us to acquire it this year because of the budgetary constraints,” he added.

“However, we are also considering SAAB’s JAS 39 Gripen.”

The effort of the Air Force to develop its capability should swell into the Horizon 3, where it plans to procure more air assets and equipment.

However, the unit’s capability

upgrade may come to naught if the airmen do not have the skills, knowledge, technical expertise and even the correct mindset to operate their modern assets and equipment. As such, Canlas said, the PAF is working to ensure that the “modernization” also applies to its personnel.

“With the upcoming capability acquisitions, the PAF requires more personnel. Purposive personnel procurement is being implemented by the PAF,” the Air Force chief said.

“Empowerment and opportunities for NCOs [non-commissioned officers] and enlisted personnel are important for their personal and professional growth, such as foreign schooling, seminars and symposia,” he added.

significant roles in the successful delivery of air power required to support our ground troops in accomplishing the AFP mission,” he added.

At the Kalayaan Island Group and West Philippine Sea, the Air Force has supported the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea by conducting and continuing to conduct maritime patrol using assets such as the AS-211 and UAVs. While the Chinese are just lurking in the country’s maritime waters which they dispute, the Air Force is undeterred in asserting the country’s sovereignty and ownership, Canlas said, vowing that the PAF will “never stop in defending and serving the country” and its people.

Key roles in internal security operations, territorial defense

Soar high under Marcos Jr.

MORE than two weeks from now, the PAF will be marking its 75th anniversary, and as such, it tries to recap its feats and achievements that contributed to the overall accomplishment of the military’s mission, both in internal security operations and territorial defense.

It also synthesizes its missions and programs for next year.

“The PAF has accomplished several milestones in the previous years. In terms of internal and territorial defense missions, the PAF has played a significant role by performing close air support, troop insertion, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of our ground troops to accomplish the overall mission of the AFP,” Canlas said.

“One of the programs of the Duterte administration is to end terrorism and violent extremism in the country. The PAF has played

THE Air Force has high hopes that its modernization will continue and soar higher under the administration of the incoming President.

This hope is shared by the military as a whole.

The older Marcos had left a legacy of a strong military in terms of assets and equipment, which was the envy of and the yardstick for years by other militaries in the region in terms of strength and firepower. As such, expectations run high that the younger Marcos will add a chapter to this legacy, given the current territorial challenges.

“We hope that incoming President Marcos Jr. will support the modernization of the PAF and the AFP in totality,” Canlas said.

“Our target is to achieve the PAF’s Flight Plan 2028, and…we will pursue the development strategy plans of the Philippine Air Force,” he vowed.

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

News

DTI vows push for passage of Pandemic Protection Act

By Andrea San Juan

T

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its attached agencies are pushing for the approval of the Pandemic Protection Act in the next Congress in a bid to strengthen the stockpiling of critical health products such as personal protective equipment (PPE).

“We are really hoping that for this next Congress, we could push the pandemic protection act, that includes among others yung stockpiling by the government,” said DTI Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Group Ceferino Rodolfo during a news briefing on Friday.

Rodolfo, who’s also the Managing Head of DTI’s Board of Investments (BOI), also recognized Taiwan’s stockpiling system, wherein they store critical supplies and adopt the first in, first out (FIFO) system.

Sen. Sonny Angara in the 18th Congress introduced senate Bill No. 2311 or the Pandemic Protection Act. The bill was driven by the economic infirmities revealed by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the Philippines’s lack of capacity to produce certain products domestically. As stated in the Senate Bill, the country faced serious supply shortages of critical products such PPE, extraction kits, and other equipment needed to process test results.

“As global demand for such products skyrocketed because of the pandemic, many countries implemented export bans and prioritized building up their own reserves and stockpiles. This in turn imposed heavy burdens on the pandemic responses of countries like the Philippines who rely on imports and were without a domestic supply base for these products,” read SBN 2311.

For her part, Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines (Conwep) Executive Director Maritess Jocson-Agoncillo said, “Actually that’s a priority and we actually put that in the AmCham (American Chamber) legislative agenda, the JFC (Joint Foreign Chambers) and we have articulated it to some of the incoming senators.”

“Now we want to push for the Pandemic Protection Act and we really need the DTI to really enforce that stockpiling program, it is in that pandemic protection act I hope it gets passed on the first round, with the incoming Congress,” added Jocson-Agoncillo.

At the height of the pandemic, BOI had to tap the private sector to seek help in terms of gathering resources such as the badly needed PPE for key government hospitals. Early donors, for instance, Aboitiz Foundation, helped by providing medicalgrade N95 masks.

The BOI also extended its appreciation to its partners for the Repurposing Manufacturing Initiative, which enabled them to support local manufacturers in producing critical/essential products and services.

For the repurposing project, BOI worked closely with the Coalition of Philippine Manufacturers of PPE (CPMP). According to Jocson-Agoncillo, “The Partnership prioritized the safety of our health-care frontliners, focusing on the importance of

providing medical-grade PPE at the height of the pandemic when its exporters were called upon to repurpose last March 2020.”

However, the BOI had to shed light on the issue wherein they allegedly distributed the donated protective gear products to the intended recipients on a later date based on a Commission on Audit (COA) report.

Undersecretary Rodolfo said, “We are talking about products here that are meant to protect our health workers so when we received packages as a protocol, the BOI had to do proper checking and evaluation of the protective health gear products, including its location of origination as well as its quality.”

Further, Rodolfo said, “There was no intention to hold or stockpile the donations.

We have to understand also that the BOI, with the intention of acting based on prudence and compliance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations, conducted due diligence first to ensure that everything is in order.”

In a Joint Declaration Form between China’s Bureau of Customs and the Philippine BOI, the Chinese BOC asked the BOI to confirm that the products complied with the quality standards of China or the receiving country, in this case, the Philippines. However, the BOI could not take the appropriate action since it did not comply with the standards.

The BOI said that it could not sign the said document but the goods still arrived and were delivered on April 26, 2021.

Meanwhile, on the allegation that the distribution “could have saved lives of some doctors, nurses, frontliners…” the BOI emphasized that the Customs document clearly stated that the said masks were non-medical.

The BOI highlighted that it exercises due diligence to make sure that the PPE for donation will truly protect the frontliners.

BOI always emphasized the importance of making sure only medical-grade PPEs are distributed to the hospitals even as it took the lead in critical partnerships with local donors such as SM Foundation Inc., San Miguel Foundation, Zuellig Family Foundation, Zuellig Pharma Corp., Procter & Gamble, among others, Rodolfo said.

Through the hospitals’ lens, The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) attested to its partnership with BOI, saying that the agency initiated early moves during the pandemic to meet the demand. PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi pointed out that the benefits from the PPE program of the DTI and BOI were felt not only by the frontline health-care workers but also by manufacturers whose operations were affected amid the pandemic.

“Aside from availability problems, the challenge of high costs limited the ability of PGH to sustain its inventory to an ideal and safe level. Funding the PPE manufacturing from DTI-BOI was partially solved when DTI invited big corporations to invest in its endeavor and make manufacturing sustainable. It allowed these companies to keep their labor forces busy, be creative and adaptive, and also have some cash flow coming in despite the lockdowns.

Local manufacturers gave the foreign PPE distributors a good competition,” Dr. Legaspi, said in news a statement.

PMI invests in new PHL global biz service hub

P

hilip Morris International (PMI) is expanding its economic footprint in the Philippines as it invests into a new global business service hub based in Manila.

The global shared service center, registered as PMI Business Solutions (Philippines) Inc., will render integrated business solutions to PMI affiliates in the Asia-Pacific and European regions, including the Philippines.

This is in addition to services to be rendered to PMFTC Inc., a business combination between LT Group Inc. and PMI, which is leading the transformation of the Philippines tobacco industry.

The global shared service center is expected to create hundreds of fresh job opportunities within the next three years, coming at an opportune time amid the economic disruptions brought by the pandemic.

The wealth of Filipino talent and niche skills was the driving factor in PMI’s choice of Manila as a strategic Global Hub. “The Philippines was chosen as a strategic location because of the diverse talent pool and availability in the country that would enable us to launch new capabilities to fuel transformation across PMI,” said PMI Business Solutions President Sharmini Krishnan.

During the inauguration of the new office at 8 Rockwell, Makati City, Krishnan explained, “Global Hub-Manila will enable the design of digital and global solutions for PMI and deliver business solutions in the area of Finance, People & Culture and Information Technology.” It is the second global center established by PMI. The first is in Krakow, Poland.

The global service hub is part of PMI’s multi-year investment and economic value creation plan in the country that would create almost 1,000 new jobs on top of the two million direct employment and dependents of the rotational rice-maize- tobacco industry in both upstream and downstream of the value chain.

The new company is developing from a transactional to an expert-based organization, expanding beyond finance services into areas related to customer and consumer solutions, data analytics and project management. Today, it serves 30+ countries with 350+ colleagues.

PMI’s expansion in the Philippines came on the heels of its ambitious smokefree future vision to one day stop selling cigarettes. The additional investment is a testament to PMI’s confidence and commitment to the Philippine economy.

BusinessMirror

Saturday, June 11, 2022

A3

Supply chain woes push over 1-M Pinoys out of job market S

By Cai U. Ordinario

UPPLY chain disruptions prompted over a million Filipinos to opt out of the labor force, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

On Friday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported there were a total of 27.98 million Filipinos who were not in the country’s labor force in April 2022. This represented an increase of 416,700 Filipinos compared to April 2021 and 1.57 million more compared to March 2022.

The PSA also reported that the country’s unemployment and underemployment rate decreased to 5.7 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

“Fewer Filipinos participated in the labor force due to supply chain disruptions brought about by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and seasonal factors in agriculture, among others,” Neda said in a statement.

The labor force participation rate declined to 63.4 percent from 65.4

percent, translating to a net employment loss of 1.3 million between March and April.

Of the 1.3 million net employment loss, 1.1 million were from agriculture while 0.5 million were from services.

This was slightly tempered by employment of 0.3 million generated in the industry sector.

“Higher oil prices and seasonal factors have impacted workers in the transport and agriculture sectors, respectively, and hindered some from going to work. To address this, the government will urgently distribute targeted subsidies to the hardest-hit sectors to cushion higher prices,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said.

In order to help the Filipinos affected by the supply chain disruptions and the losses in agriculture jobs, Chua said the government is rolling out targeted subsidies amounting to P6.1 billion for the transport and agriculture sectors.

This consists of P5 billion worth of

fuel vouchers to qualified public utility vehicle drivers and operators who will each receive a P6,500 fuel subsidy under the Pantawid Pasada program.

Meanwhile, Chua said the P1.1 billion will be distributed as fuel discounts to farmers and fisherfolk.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also approved the one-peso provisional fare increase for public utility jeepneys in the National Capital Region, Region 3, and Region 4A to address increasing fuel prices.

Chua added that the Civil Service Commission has allowed government offices to adopt flexible work arrangements, such as four-day work weeks, to help employees save on fuel costs.

Despite external risks, overall employment remains at 3.1 million above the pre-pandemic level as around 80 percent of the economy has been placed under Alert Level 1.

However, Chua reiterated that the country can not reap the full benefits

of Alert Level 1 without the full resumption of face-to-face classes.

This is among the strategies cited in Executive Order No. 166, which adopts the Economic Development Cluster’s 10-point-policy agenda to accelerate and sustain economic recovery.

Without the full resumption of face-to-face classes, businesses that cater to students remain closed or operate at reduced capacity. In addition, one-fourth of parents cannot go to work as they need to support and manage their children’s online schooling, thus limiting the income generation of some households.

“The Philippine economy has recovered to its pre-pandemic gross domestic product level this year. We must now focus on accelerating our growth by strengthening our domestic economy and investing in the education and development of our children. This will help secure better employment opportunities for future generations,” Chua said.

Local cement manufacturers seek extension on safeguard measures

P

hilippine cement manufacturers face stiff competition with their counterparts in Indonesia and Vietnam that both provide support for the power requirements of factories, according to Republic Cement.

In a news statement issued on Thursday, Republic Cement’s Vice President for Strategy and Business Development Reinier Dizon said local manufacturers do not enjoy the advantages of imports, for instance from Indonesia which has abundant coal resources or from Vietnam where their electricity cost is subsidized, based on the Philippines’s cement industry roadmap by LEK Consulting.

Dizon emphasized that based on the benchmark Newcastle Index, the price of coal—a major fuel for cement production— is “hovering around $400 per ton freight on board (FOB) as opposed to around $100 per ton about a year ago and $200 per ton at the start of 2022.”

This emerged, Dizon said, after Republic Cement, along with other local cement manufacturers, pressed the Tariff Commission to extend the three-year safeguard measures against imported cement, amid unabated imports threatening the recovery of the local industry from the effects of the pandemic, the additional

challenge of spike in fuel and energy prices, brought by the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and the global supply chain crisis.

While Republic Cement has invested in waste to energy projects, which also addresses the waste problem of communities hosting their plants, as well as planning for renewable sources of energy like solar power in its adjustment plants, Dizon said that these cannot fully make up for their fuel and electricity requirements.

Despite the roadblocks, Dizon highlighted that Republic Cement is pushing through with its adjustment plans to be sustainable and to continuously meet the growing demand in the country. This now leads to the local cement manufacturers pushing for the extension of safeguard measures against cement imports.

“The whole point of extending the safeguard measures is to give us time to invest. For us to be able to invest and reinvest, we also need to improve our profitability,” Dizon said, adding that while imports’ trend continue to increase, their sales volume is on the decline which makes investing complicated.

He disclosed that Republic Cement’s gross profits in 2017 was down by 37 percent compared to 2016; and down

by 17 percent in 2018 compared to the previous year. Dizon attributed the 29.6 percent increase in gross profits in 2020 to the P10 billion they invested to “improve competitiveness,” which is part of their adjustment plans.

Meanwhile, Dizon added that their sales volume also declined in 2019 and 2020.

In a hearing held Wednesday, the local cement industry leaders argued before the Tariff Commission, explaining why the safeguard measures should be extended.

The commission’s three-year imposed safeguard duty per 40 kilogram/bag of imported cement is set to expire in October this year.

Under the Republic Act No. 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act, “an extension of the measure may be requested by the petitioner if the action continues to be necessary to prevent or remedy the serious injury and there is evidence that the domestic industry is making positive adjustments to import competition.”

In a statement last week, the local cement manufacturing industry denounced the continued dumping of cement imports from Vietnam, saying it has resulted in material injury to domestic manufacturers.

Dizon said in his testimony last week that his company’s volume of sales as well

BBM mulls over attending UN General Assembly in NY

A

LTHOUGH he has yet to confirm his attendance to the scheduled United Nations General Assembly this September, incoming President Ferdinand “ Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed the importance of the event and his desire to meet with other world leaders.

This developed as UN Resident Coordinator to the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez discussed with him the preparations for this year’s UN General Assembly in New York.

If he decides to go, Marcos will meet for the first time other heads of state from all over the world.

In a press briefing after his private meeting with Marcos Jr., Gonzalez told reporters that the general assembly will focus on the impact of Covid-19 on the world.

“We had the opportunity to start discussing the preparation of the United Nations General Assembly, you know that this will take place in September, and during this general assembly, we will have to transform it to education summit,” he said.

“It is an opportunity to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 on the education system,” Gonzalez also told reporters.

“This UN General Assembly meeting will be the first time that the Presidentelect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be in front

of an important number of heads of state, so this is a great and I think a historic opportunity for the president and for the Philippines to share the new vision, the new challenges but at the same time the new opportunities,” he continued.

Marcos, for his part, told Gonzalez that “it would be very important to attend and represent the Philippines in the General Assembly and meet with other world leaders.”

Apart from Gonzalez, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Annika Thunborg, Ambassador of Holy See Charles Brown, and Ambassador of Ireland William Carlos also met with Marcos separately during a series of meetings at the BBM headquarters in Mandaluyong Friday morning.

Gonzalez said that he discussed three main points of the UN—human rights, peace, and development—with Marcos Jr. He added that Marcos Jr. “confirmed his commitment, he even shared that he is conducting a number of consultations to ensure the best way of supporting the human rights, so this is quite encouraging as I’ve mentioned, we will reiterate the support of the United Nations (to human rights).”

The two also tackled climate change and the impact of natural disasters.

For her part, Sweden Ambassador Thunborg said they discussed about “building back better and greener, more resilient places sustainably and inclusively in light of the global crisis, the pandemic, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the climate crisis, the socio– economic hardship that the world faces.”

“I said that we do hope that the socioeconomic and financial reforms that have been put in place during the current government, will continue, with the incoming government, (it’s) very important, for the socioeconomic development of the country and the collaboration on the economic or financial basis as you know many Swedish companies have arrived in the Philippines, IKEA, H & M, client service companies, that employ many people, TransCom employing 10,000 people in the Philippines,” Thunborg said.

On Tuesday, Marcos Jr. also separately received Jorge Moragas, Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, Ambassador Mohammed Rida El Fassi of Morocco, and German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel at the BBM headquarters in Mandaluyong.

On Monday, he met separately with ambassadors from Italy and different Asean countries during which they discussed expanded cooperation between the Philippines and their respective countries.

as pricing, have been severely affected by cement imports from Vietnam.

Dizon emphasized that the local cement industry’s recovery rests on the extension of the safeguard measure.

“Approximately 70 percent of the cast production cost of cement is accounted for by both fuel and power cost, the latter also related to coal. The local industry is on the recovery as the economy recently opened up but this can be compromised if the safeguard measure is not extended,” said Dizon as he testified during the hearing.

Aside from Republic Cement, witnesses from other local cement firms like Cemex Holdings Philippines and Holcim Philippines also testified and confirmed the necessity for Safeguards extension. They collectively said that this would give them time to complete their adjustment plans.

Meanwhile, representatives from Indonesia and Thailand opposed the extension of the safeguard measures.

However, they negotiated that if the commission rules against them, cement imports from their respective countries should be exempted as they each account for less than 3 percent of the total imports in the Philippines, as evidenced in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Safeguards. Andrea San Juan

Alsons closes ₧3.3-billion loan deal for Sarangani hydropower project

By Lenie Lectura

A

lsons Power Group has tapped the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for a P3.3-billion omnibus loan and security agreement (OLSA) for the 14.5 megawatt (MW) Siguil Hydro run of river hydroelectric power plant in Maasim, Sarangani Province.

The Siguil Hydro power plant is Alsons Power’s first renewable energy project. It is expected to begin commercial operations in the second quarter of 2023. Once operational, the Siguil Hydro plant will be a source of renewable power to key areas of Mindanao.

Alsons Power plans to develop at least seven more run of river hydro power facilities in Mindanao and other parts of the Southern Philippines.

The group currently operates four power facilities in Mindanao with a total generating capacity of 468 MW serving over eight million people in 14 cities and 11 provinces in the country’s second largest island.

“The Siguil Hydro project is our first foray into renewable energy. ...Eventually, renewable energy sources will comprise at least half of ACR’s long-term energy mix.

We hope DBP will be involved in those future projects as well,” Siguil Hydro and ACR Chairman and President Nicasio Alcantara said.

A4

News BusinessMirror

Saturday, June 11, 2022

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DOJ orders dismissal of 18 BI officers and employees in ‘pastillas’ scheme

By Joel R. San Juan

T

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the dismissal from the service of 18 Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers and employees for their involvement in the so-called “Pastillas scheme.”

In a resolution issued on Friday, Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesman Neal Bainto said the DOJ found the 18 BI personnel administratively liable for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Bainto said the respondents were found to have facilitated and/or allowed the facilitation of the arrival and/or departure of Chinese nationals without undergoing appropriate immigration formalities “for a consideration.”

“The 18 respondents have been meted the penalty of dismissal from the service, with the imposition of the proper accessory penalties,” Bainto said.

Ordered dismissed from the service were BI Overall Head of Border Control

Intelligence Unit Erwin Ortañez , Terminal Head-Travel Control and Enforcement Unit Glenn Ford Comia, Francis Robles, Rodolfo Magbuhos, Jr., Deon Carlo Albao, Danieve Binsol, Paul Erik Borja, Abdul Fahad Calaca, Anthony Lopez, Gabriel Ernest Estacio, Chevy Chase Naniong, Danilo Deudor, Ralph Ryan Garcia, Phol Villanueva, Fidel Mendoza, Benlando Guevarra, Bradford Allen So and Cecille Jonathan Orozco.

The DOJ’s resolution came out several days after the Office of the Ombudsman filed graft charges before the Sandiganbayan against 42 BI officers and a Chinese national who owns a travel agency, also in connection with the Pastillas scheme.

The graft information stated that the respondents conspired in perpetrating the Pastillas scheme, which was exposed

by Senator Risa Hontiveros in February 2020, prompting the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an extensive probe on the said illegal activity in the BI. The illegal activity was dubbed Pastillas scheme because the bribe used

for the illicit entry of a foreign national was supposedly rolled up in a manner that resembles a “pastillas de leche” treat, a popular Filipino milk-based candy.

Under the Pastillas scheme, upon the arrival of foreign nationals at the airport, immigration officers involved in the scheme are under instruction to allow them entry into the country without instituting the mandatory checks, screening, or profiling as what is standard for arriving non-Filipinos.

Among those charged for graft were BI Deputy Commissioner for Port Operations Division Marc Red Mariñas, Acting Chief of Port Operations Divisions Grifton San Pedro Medina, Ortañez and Comia.

However, Mariñas and Grifton were not among those investigated for possible administrative liability by the Fact-Finding Investigation Committee (FFIC) created by the BI. Bainto, however, said Mariñas had already resigned from his post much earlier that is why he was not included in the FICC complaint.

As for Medina, the DOJ official

noted that he was included in a separate administrative complaint filed by the NBI with the Ombudsman.

The initial probe of the FICC covered the 18 respondents already but the NBI conducted a wider investigation, which led to the filing of administrative and criminal complaints before the Ombudsman which included both Mariñas and Medina.

“The DOJ and Ombudsman have concurrent jurisdiction over administrative disciplinary cases of BI employees,” Bainto noted.

“The FFIC recommended the conduct of a formal administrative investigation against the 18 respondents, and upon formal charge and the ensuing hearing of the case, all 18 respondents were found administratively liable. Marc Red Mariñas and Grifton Median were not among those investigated by this FFIC,” Bainto explained.

“The latter two are instead included in the Ombudsman-FIO (Field Investigation Office) case or the complaint filed by the NBI also before the Ombudsman,” he added.

KN95 facemasks for Makati City The City of Makati is the recipient of 500,000 KN95 facemasks from Singapore’s Temasek Foundation in partnership with LT Group Inc. (LTG) to help in the city’s continuing fight against Covid-19. Photo shows Singapore Ambassador Gerard Ho (left) and LTG President Michael Tan (2nd from left) leading the ceremonial turnover with Mayor Abby Binay (3rd from left) and her husband Makati 2nd District Rep. Luis Campos (right) receiving the mask donation on behalf of Makati City. Contributed photo

Meralco adjusts June power rates

By Lenie Lectura

H

igher generation charge brought about by spiraling fuel costs led to a P0.3982 per kilowatt hour (kWh) increase in electricity rates this month.

The upward adjustment will result in an overall rate of P10.4612 for a residential customer consuming 200 kWh, an increase of around P80 in the total bill.

Meralco said Friday that generation charge went up by P0.3313 to P6.5590 per kWh from P6.2277 per kWh the previous month.

Charges from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) increased by P0.6083 and P0.0859 per kWh, respectively, mainly due to higher fuel costs.

Fuel charges from the First Gas power plants went up by eight percent with the increased usage of more expensive liquid fuel amid the ongoing Malampaya gas supply restriction.

Coal prices also went up by an average of 23 percent, contributing to the higher IPP and PSA charges.

Also, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) prices remained elevated, with the secondary price cap imposed twice last April 29

and 30. Peak demand in the Luzon grid reached a record 12,113 megawatts (MW) in May following the continued easing of mobility restrictions and consequent increase in economic activity.

This month’s generation charge includes the last of three installments covering the deferred generation costs for the March bill and the second of three installments for the April bill.

These accounted for around P0.20 per kWh of the generation charge.

PSAs, IPPs, and WESM accounted for 48 percent, 40 percent, and 12 percent, respectively, of Meralco’s energy requirement.

Meanwhile, transmission charge for residential customers increased slightly

by P0.0083 per kWh, while taxes and other charges also registered a net increase of P0.0586 per kWh. The collection of P0.0025 per kWh representing the Universal ChargeEnvironmental Charge remains suspended as ordered by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The implementation of distribution-related refunds continues to temper the overall power rate. For residential customers, the total refund is equivalent to P0.9353 per kWh.

DFA opens passport slots until September 2022

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

T

he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has opened more slots for passport application appointments until September 2022.

Atty. Brigido Dulay, DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs, said starting June 5, they opened more appointment slots in all the 36 DFA consular offices (CO) and 20 temporary offsite passport services (TOPS) at the malls nationwide.

DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. ordered this “to ease passport backlog.”

Passport applicants need to go to the passport portal https://www.passport.gov.ph/ to apply for passports—whether for new or for renewal.

Filipinos applying for passports have earlier complained that it was difficult to get a slot online. Some who badly need to get one resort to hiring online “passport fixers” who will watch

out for opening of passport slots and apply on their behalf.

The DFA explained that since the pandemic, the Inter-agency Task Force for Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases had restricted them from accepting more applicants, creating a backlog of around four million applicants.

Dulay hopes that with the opening of more slots, they can now meet the demands of the public.

“There are now available slots this June all the way to Sept 2022. No need to wait! Apply now!” he tweeted.

The DFA reiterated its advisory discouraging passport applicants from using fixers and social media accounts.

“Passport appointments are free and should only made via https://passport.gov.ph. Please be warned that engaging such services is at your own risk and expense,” the DFA Office of Consular Affairs said.

Mattress maker Uratex inks new power supply contract with Ayala Group’s ACEN

A

CEN Corp., Ayala Group’s listed energy platform, has been tapped to supply the power requirements of Polyfoam-RGC International Corp., manufacturer of Uratex mattresses and foam products.

Under the signed power deal, Acen will source from its renewables portfolio to supply Polyfoam-RGC’s manufacturing plants in Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Valenzuela City and Canlubang, Laguna.

The move is seen to help Polyfoam-RGC achieve its sustainability target of decreasing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent this year, and its long-term target of Net Zero emissions by 2030.

“We are privileged with the trust that our valued partners such as Uratex have placed in us. We are committed to continuously partner with them to attain or shared goals of sustainable progress spurred by the

deliberate and conscious decision to go for renewable energy,” said Acen Executive Director and Head of Commercial Operations Miguel de Jesus.

“Through our retail electricity supply businesses, we provide ways for businesses to achieve their sustainability goals and have a head start on their renewable energy journey,” he added.

Polyfoam-RGC’s pivot from conventional power to RE is deemed providential amid the current Covid-19 recovery environment when costs of commodities are soaring.

“We realize that even a carbon-intensive operation like ours can find means to make our business more environmentally friendly through renewable energy. We are more committed to participating in the sustainable production of our products,” said Polyfoam-RGC Managing Director Peachy Cheng-Medina. Lenie Lectura

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

The World

Three foreigners who fought for Ukraine sentenced to death

B

AKHMUT, Ukraine—Two British citizens and a Moroccan were sentenced to death Thursday for fighting on Ukraine’s side, in a punishment handed down by the country’s pro-Moscow rebels.

The proceedings against the three captured fighters were denounced by Ukraine and the West as a sham and a violation of the rules of war.

Meanwhile, as the Kremlin’s forces continued a grinding war of attrition in the east, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to liken his actions to those of Peter the Great in the 18th century and said the country needs to “take back” historic Russian lands.

A court in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic in Ukraine found the three fighters guilty of seeking the violent overthrow of power, an offense punishable by death in the unrecognized eastern republic. The men were also convicted of mercenary activities and terrorism.

Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti reported that the defendants—identified as Aiden Aslin, Shaun Pinner and Brahim Saadoun—will face a firing squad. They have a month to appeal.

The separatist side argued that the three were “mercenaries” not entitled to the usual protections accorded prisoners of war. They are the first foreign fighters sentenced by Ukraine’s Russian-backed rebels.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko condemned the proceedings as legally invalid, saying, “Such show trials put the interests of propaganda above the law and morality.” He said that all foreign citizens fighting as part of Ukraine’s armed forces should be considered Ukrainian military personnel and protected as such.

British Foreign Secretary Luz Truss pronounced the sentencing a “sham judgment with absolutely no legitimacy.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman Jamie Davies said that under the Geneva Conventions, POWs are entitled to immunity as combatants.

Saadoun’s father, Taher Saadoun, told the Moroccan online Arab-language newspaper Madar 21 that his son is not a mercenary and that he holds Ukrainian citizenship.

Aslin’s and Pinner’s families have said that the two men were long-serving members of the Ukrainian military. Both are said to have lived in Ukraine since 2018.

The three men fought alongside Ukrainian troops before Pinner and Aslin surrendered to pro-Russian forces in the southern port of Mariupol in mid-April and Saadoun was captured in mid-March in the eastern city of Volnovakha.

Another British fighter taken prisoner by the pro-Russian forces, Andrew Hill, is awaiting trial.

The Russian military has argued that foreign mercenaries fighting on Ukraine’s side are not combatants and should expect long prison terms, at best, if captured.

In other developments, Putin drew parallels between Peter the Great’s founding of St. Petersburg and modern-day Russia’s ambitions.

When the czar founded the new capital, “no European country recognized it as Russia. Everybody recognized it as Sweden,” Putin said.

He added: “What was (Peter) doing? Taking back and reinforcing. That’s what he did. And it looks like it fell on us to take back and reinforce as well.”

Putin also appeared to leave the door open for further Russian territorial expansion.

“It’s impossible—Do you understand?—impossible to build a fence around a country like Russia. And we do not intend to build that fence,” the Russian leader said.

In other developments, French President Emmanuel Macron told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that France was ready to send more “heavy weapons” to Ukraine, according to Macron’s office. French officials did not elaborate on the weaponry.

The phone conversation came after Macron angered Ukrainian officials by saying world powers should not “humiliate” Putin.”

Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian army continued to push Russian forces back from Kharkiv, the country’s secondlargest city, which lies to the north of the Donbas. The transmission of Ukrainian television was restored after a TV tower was shelled.

“Hitting television centers, destroying communication channels, leaving people isolated – this is the tactic of the occupiers that they cannot do without, for openness and honesty also are weapons against all that the Russian state does,” he said late Thursday in his evening address.

On the battlefield: n Fierce fighting dragged on in the city of Sievierodonetsk in a battle that could help determine the fate of the Donbas, Ukraine’s industrial heartland in the east. Moscow-backed separatists already held swaths of the Donbas before the invasion, and Russian troops have gained more. n Residents of Kharkiv reported what appeared to be cruise missile strikes. One hit a supermarket. Another hit a coke plant. No details were immediately available. n Russian troops are trying to resume their offensive to completely capture the Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine’s southeast, Ukrainian authorities said. Kyiv continues to hold the northern part of the region, including the city of Zaporizhzhia. n Thirteen civilians were killed in Ukrainian shelling of the separatist-controlled city of Stakhanov in the Donbas, a pro-Russian separatist envoy said on social media. It was not immediately possible to verify the claim. n Russia claimed it used missiles to strike a base west of the capital in the Zhytomyr region, where, it said, mercenaries were being trained. There was no immediate response from Ukrainian authorities. AP

BusinessMirror

Saturday, June 11, 2022

A5

Japan PM Kishida ramps up drive to counter China in Southeast Asia

By Isabel Reynolds & Philip J. Heijmans

A

Bloomberg News

fter persuading a few traditional friends of Moscow to chastise Russia over its war in Ukraine, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will now try to bring others in Asia aboard to balance a more assertive China.

Kishida is set to lay out his views on broadening the US-backed concept of the “Free and Open IndoPacific,” Kyodo News reported. He becomes the first Japanese premier since 2014 to give an address at a regional security conference in Singapore on Friday.

“Japan is more explicitly positioning itself as a ‘bridge’ between the G7 countries, especially the US and Southeast Asia,” said Susannah Patton, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute in Sydney. She said the move was partly “driven by more recent concerns about China’s rapidly growing regional influence.”

Kishida, once seen as dovish, surprised many with his tough response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and frequent veiled warnings about the risk of a similar grab for territory by China. Now, the longtime foreign minister is corralling sometimes reluctant neighbors in the Asean to stand beside the West—if not on condemning Russia, at least on issues like sovereignty and the rule of law.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, known for his close ties with Moscow, cited a request from Japan as one of the reasons his government agreed to co-sponsor a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine in March, according to Voice of America.

Follow ing a v isit by K ishida, Hu n Sen condemned Russi a’s

actions as an invasion for the first time, Reuters reported, while Vietnam offered humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, according to Kyodo News.

Kishida’s drive in the region could also support the US, as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin heads to Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue and American officials increasingly see China losing diplomatic ground in Asia.

While the broader trend points to greater inroads into the region for Beijing, the pandemic has put some of the greatest strains on President Xi Jinping since taking office and diverted attention to domestic issues.

The Japanese prime minister has shown a focus on Asean, where fast growth presents economic opportunities, even as rival loyalties to Russia and China loom large in terms of defense and trade.

His first visit from an overseas leader after taking office was from Vietnam’s premier, Pham Minh Chinh. Kishida has visited Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam in recent months, and met Singaporean and Malaysian leaders in Tokyo.

In a speech earlier this month, Kishida laid out plans to serve as a link between the region and Japan’s allies and friends around the world. Hosting President Joe Biden for the May summit of the Quad grouping, which also includes India and Australia, he said the

Fumio Kishida, Japan’s prime minister, speaks during a news conference following the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) leaders meeting at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. A meeting of the leaders of the fournation security grouping was held on the final day of US President Joe Biden’s first trip to Asia since taking office.

group’s success depended on cooperation with neighbors like Asean.

“We must as far as possible get together and send a unified message on Russia,” Kishida told reporters last month during a tour that included Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

While now dwarfed by China as an economic power, Japan’s long history of aid and investment, partly spurred by contrition over its World War II aggression, still gives it sway in many Asean countries.

Now spooked by the Ukraine war and its implications for Asia, Japan is not only planning to raise its defense budget, but increasingly seeking closer security ties around the world, beyond its alliance with the US. “The US will always welcome countries that support its efforts,” said Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at the RAND Corporation. “We’re in a predicament where maybe we do feel like we need a little bit more assistance, especially as China’s economic and military power continues to rise, and we seem to be receding.

Japan has plans for a new security pact with the Philippines and more port calls by Japanese Self-Defense Force vessels to Cam-

bodia, even as the latter breaks ground on a port expansion with China.

A survey published in February showed Japan was the mosttrusted countr y in Southeast Asia, with more than 54 percent of the policy makers, academics and businesspeople polled expressing confidence in Japan to do the right thing, just ahead of the US and the EU, and far in front of China.

In a bid to cooperate more closely, US and Japanese officials held their first strategic dialogue on Southeast Asia June 1. Japan’s more flexible stance on issues like human rights and democracy could help expand their joint reach, but its efforts are also partly spurred by niggling concerns about the future of US global leadership, according to Yuki Tatsumi, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington.

“There is a certain level of skepticism about US willingness to continue to play a leadership role,” Tatsumi said. “They very much welcome the Biden administration’s trying to re-engage allies and partners. But at the back of their head there are a healthy number of people questioning what happens after Biden.”

House panel: Trump to blame for January 6 ‘attempted coup’

W

ASHINGTON—The House panel investigating the Januar y 6 insurrection at the US Capitol laid the blame firmly on Donald Trump Thursday night, saying the assault was hardly spontaneous but an “attempted coup” and a direct result of the defeated president’s effort to overturn the 2020 election.

With a never-before-seen 12-minute video of the deadly violence and startling testimony from Trump’s most inner circle, the 1/6 committee provided gripping detail in contending that Trump’s repeated lies about election fraud and his public effort to stop Joe Biden’s victory led to the attack and imperiled American democracy.

“Democracy remains in danger,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, DemocratMississippi, chairman of the panel, during the hearing, timed for prime time to reach as many Americans as possible.

“Jan. 6 was the culmination of an attempted coup, a brazen attempt, as one rioter put it shortly after Jan. 6, to overthrow the government,” Thompson said. “The violence was no accident.”

In a previously unseen video clip, the panel played a quip from former Attorney General Bill Barr who testified that he told Trump the claims of a rigged election were “bull——.”

In another, the former president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, testified to the committee that she respected Barr’s view that there was no election fraud. “I accepted what he said.”

Others showed leaders of the extremist Oath Keepers and Proud Boys preparing to storm the Capitol to stand up for Trump.

One rioter after another told the committee they came to the Capitol because Trump asked them to.

“President Trump summoned a violent mob,” said Rep. Liz Cheney, RepublicanWyoming, the panel’s vice chair who took the lead for much of the hearing. “When a president fails to take the steps necessary to preserve our union—or worse, causes a constitutional crisis—we’re in a moment of maximum danger for our republic.”

There was an audible gasp in the hearing room when Cheney read an account that said when Trump was told the Capitol mob was chanting for Vice President Mike Pence to be hanged, Trump responded that maybe they were right, that he “deserves it.”

Trump was angry that Pence, presiding in Congress that day, refused his order to reject the certification of Biden’s victory.

Police officers who had fought off the mob consoled one another as they sat in the committee room reliving the violence they faced on January 6. Officer Harry Dunn teared up as bodycam footage showed rioters bludgeoning his colleagues with flagpoles and baseball bats.

In wrenching testimony US Capitol Police officer Caroline Edwards told the panel that she slipped in other people’s blood as rioters pushed past her into the Capitol. She suffered brain injuries in the melee.

“It was carnage it was chaos,” she said.

Biden, in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas, said many viewers were “going to be seeing for the first time a lot of the detail that occurred.”

Trump, unapologetic, dismissed the investigation anew—and even declared on social media that Jan. 6 “represented the greatest movement in the history of our country.” Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee tweeted: “All. Old. News.”

The result of the two hour hearing and coming weeks of public hearings may not change hearts or minds in politically polarized America. But the committee’s investigation with 1,000 interviews is intended to stand as a public record for history.

A final report aims to provide an accounting of the most violent attack on the Capitol since the British set fire to it in 1814, and to ensure such an attack never happens again.

The riot left more than 100 police officers injured, many beaten and bloodied, as the crowd of pro-Trump rioters, some armed with pipes, bats and bear spray, charged into the Capitol. At least nine people who were there died during and after the rioting, including a woman who was shot and killed by police.

Emotions are still raw at the Capitol, and security was tight for the hearing. Law enforcement officials reported a spike in threats against members of Congress.

Against this backdrop, the committee was speaking to a divided America, ahead of the fall midterm elections when voters decide which party controls Congress.

Most TV networks carried the hearing live.

Fox News Channel did not.

The committee chairman, civil rights leader Thompson, opened the hearing

with sweep of American history. saying he heard in those denying the stark reality of January 6 his own experience growing up in a time and place “where people justified the action of slavery, the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.”

Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, outlined what the committee has learned about the events leading up to that brisk January day when Trump sent his supporters to Congress to “fight like hell” for his presidency as lawmakers undertook the typically routine job of certifying the previous November’s results.

Among those testifying was documentary maker Nick Quested, who filmed the Proud Boys storming the Capitol—along with a pivotal meeting between the group’s then-chairman Henry “Enrique” Tarrio and another extremist group, the Oath Keepers, the night before in nearby parking garage.

Court documents show that members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers were discussing as early as November a need to fight to keep Trump in office. Leaders of both groups and some members have since been indicted on rare sedition charges over the military-style attack.

In the audience were several lawmakers who were trapped together in the House gallery during the attack.

“We want to remind people, we were there, we saw what happened,” said Rep. Dean Phillips, Democrat-Minnesota “We know how close we came to the first non-peaceful transition of power in this country.” AP

A6

Saturday, June 11, 2022

The World BusinessMirror

Double whammy: Both farmers, consumers hit by high prices T

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Japan eases foreign tourism ban, allows guided package tours

R

OME—Food import bills will reach a record high this year and food markets are likely to tighten around the world, according to a glum new forecast by a UN food agency.

The Food Outlook, issued twice a year by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), also found that “many vulnerable countries are paying more but receiving less food” in imports.

The report issued Thursday by the Rome-based agency noted that developing countries are reducing imports of cereals, oilseeds and meats, reflecting their inability to cover the price increases.

The forecast cited “soaring input prices, concerns about the weather, and increased market uncertainties stemming from the war in Ukraine,’’ which has seen millions of tons of grain stuck in silos and unable to be shipped abroad from that major agricultural exporter due to the Russian invasion.

With Ukraine’s next grain harvest due within weeks, and no imminent sign of a let-up in the war unleashed by Russia on its neighbor,

the food security of import-dependent countries in Africa and the Middle East could worsen.

Its forecast points to a “likely tightening of food markets and import bills reaching a new record high,’’ said Upali Galketi Aratchilage, an FAO economist and lead editor of the report.

The outlook discussed how agricultural sectors are struggling with rising costs of production, especially fertilizer and fuel, which could trigger further increases in food prices.

Russia and its ally Belarus are major exporters of fertilizer. But while international sanctions against Russia for its war against Ukraine haven’t targeted food exports, sanctions regarding Russian shipping and insurance for such shipping has complicated logistics for Russian farm exports.

Spiking prices for agricultural

Scattered grain sits inside a warehouse damaged by Russian attacks in Cherkaska Lozova, outskirts of Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine on May 28, 2022. Russia and Turkey voiced support Wednesday, June 8, 2022, for the creation of a safe maritime corridor in the Black Sea so Ukraine can export grain to global markets amid an escalating world food crisis. But Russia demanded that the Black Sea be demined and Turkey said allowing the Ukraine exports should be accompanied by easing Western sanctions against Russia. AP

production inputs, such as rising energy costs, could call into question whether the world’s farmers can afford to buy them, wrote FAO experts in markets and trade. That scenario applies to major exporting countries as well, the report said.

Some North American farmers are shifting from maize to soy, which requires less nitrogen fertilizer, the report noted.

All these factors point to “low (and falling) real prices for farmers, despite the high prices faced by consumers,’’ FAO said.

Based on current conditions, the situation does “not augur well for a market-led supply response that could conceivably rein in further increases in food process for the 2022/23 season and possibly the next,’’ the report said.

China markets spring back into action as Covid lockdowns ease

F

inancial markets across China are buzzing with activity as easing Covid lockdowns boost trading.

Yuan-trading volumes in the onshore market bounced of f two-year lows while stock turnover topped the key 1 trillion yuan ($149 billion) mark for two straight sessions this week. That’s after Shanghai officially reopened following a two-month lockdown and Beijing further loosened Covid curbs, spurring bets of an economic rebound and a return of foreign inflows into the country.

“It appears that the re-pricing of China macro growth risk due to the lockdowns has run its course,” Ken Cheung, strategist at Mizuho Bank Ltd. said. A slew of progrowth measures and the reopening in Shanghai and Beijing have helped stabilize expectations for China’s economy, he said.

Here are four charts that help to illustrate the upbeat sentiment: The five-day moving average volume of the dollar-yuan currency pair jumped to $33 billion this week, up from around $18 billion in mid-April. Market liquidity has increased as the bid-ask spread tightens with traders returning to

their offices following the disruptions seen during the lockdowns.

The increased liquidity is likely to curb large swings in the currency. In April, the onshore yuan posted its biggest monthly decline since China unified its exchange market in 1994 before slowing its decline in May. The onshore yuan rose 0.2 percent to 6.6740 per dollar at 5:28 pm in Hong Kong on Thursday.

“Headwinds against the yuan begin to turn to tailwinds” as lockdowns ease, said Craig Chan head of currency strategy at Nomura Singapore Ltd. He expects the yuan to strengthen to 6.5 per

Covid flares anew in Shanghai, sending some back to lockdown

S

hanghai will lock down eight cit y distr icts this weekend to mass test millions of people as Covid-19 cases continue to emerge, causing more disruption and triggering a renewed run on groceries in areas that just exited a grueling twomonth shutdown.

The restrictions will apply to roughly 15.3 million residents of Pudong, Huangpu, Jing’an, Xuhui, Hongkou, Baoshan, Yangpu and Minhang distr icts of Shanghai during the testing, a key tool in China’s Covid Zero arsenal. Renewed scrutiny in the areas that account for more than 60 percent of Shanghai’s popula-

tion comes after the number of infections found in the community rebounded to six on Thursday, from zero the day before.

There were 5 other infections found among people already in quarantine on Thursday, for a total of 11 cases in the financial hub, health officials said. Nationwide, China added 73 infections.

One of the major clusters is centered on the Red Rose Salon in the Xuhui district, where services were in high demand after it reopened following the lockdown that began at the end of March.

Three infections were tied to the beauty salon during the Thursday briefing, including two in

dollar by yearend if rate hikes in the US peak in the months ahead and a recovery in China helps soften the dollar.

The turnover in Chinese stocks topped the key 1 trillion yuan mark for two straight sessions this week as optimism over the lifting of lockdowns pushed the benchmark CSI 300 Index a two-month high.

Global banks including BNP Paribas SA and Morgan Stanley have turned optimistic on the nation’s shares as sentiment improves.

Borrowing activity from financial institutions is on the rise.

The ultra-loose liquidity conditions thanks to the People’s Bank

of China’s (PBOC) easing stance and flagging demand for loans from corporates are adding to the impetus.

The daily volume of China’s pledged repo trades of all tenors is inching toward the record high of 6.4 trillion yuan reached on May 12. Expectations that the PBOC will maintain its easing stance and even cut the reserve requirement ratio to support the economy and to cope with rising government bond issuance is fueling bets for a prolonged period of easy cash conditions.

Rising activity in Bond Connect, which gives foreign investors access to China’s onshore debt from Hong Kong, shows global funds have begun actively trading, which could pave the way for inflows. The daily average turnover by month has risen to the highest since January, after it shrank in the first quarter as the nation’s waning yield advantage, yuan volatility and geopolitical risks drove outflows.

The Institute of International Finance estimates that China may have seen bond inflows in May after three straight months of outflows through April. Bloomberg News

employees who live in Minhang, the district that has posted the highest number of recent cases.

Some staff in the state-owned salon didn’t conduct daily Covid tests, officials said at a Thursday briefing.

Of the six community cases, four were found in Minhang, a district of 2.65 million in the south west of Shanghai. Minh a n g — a mo s t l y r e s i d e nt i a l area—will be sealed on Saturday morning for mass testing, according to a statement, while the other districts didn’t specify how long their lockdowns would last.

The return to lockdown for some in Shanghai underscores the difficulties of China’s attempts to eliminate the virus while the rest of the world accepts it as endemic. The disruption wrought by pandemic curbs have

impacted production at companies like Sony Group Corp. and Tesla Inc., with the electric-car maker only now normalizing operations at its factory in southern Shanghai.

T he re ne w e d re s t r ic t ion s aren’t yet having a significant impact on the financial markets.

“Investors are watching but there is not much reaction at the moment given its just flare ups,” said Kevin Li, fund manager at GF Asset Management (Hong Kong) Ltd. “If it expands into more areas that affect people turning to work, then it will lead to some volatility.”

The benchmark CSI 300 Index was down 0.3 percent as of 10:45 a.m. local time, paring earlier losses of as much as 0.9 percent. For the week, it’s up about 2 percent.

OKYO—Japan on Friday eased its borders for foreign tourists and began accepting applications, but only for those on guided package tours who are willing to follow mask-wearing and other antivirus measures as the country cautiously tries to balance business and infection worries.

Friday is the first day to start procedures needed for the entry and arrivals are not expected until late June at the earliest, even though airport immigration and quarantine offices stood by for any possible arrivals.

The Japan Tourism Agency says tours are being accepted from 98 countries and regions, including the United States, Britain, China, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore, which are deemed as having low infection risks.

Japan’s partial resumption of international tourism is being carried out under guidelines based on an experiment conducted in late May. It involved about 50 participants, mostly tour agency employees from Australia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

In one case, a tour for a fourmember group was cancelled when one of the participants tested positive for Covid-19 after arriving in Japan.

Under the guidelines, participants are requested to wear face masks most of the time and to purchase insurance to cover medical costs in case they contract Covid-19. The rules don’t set a cap for the number of people in one group, but tour guides must be present throughout the tour.

After facing criticism that its strict border controls were xenophobic, Japan began easing restrictions earlier this year. On June 1,

it doubled its cap on daily entries to 20,000 people a day, including Japanese citizens, foreign students and some business travelers.

The daily limit will include the package tour participants for the time being, and officials say it will take some time before foreign visitors can come to Japan for free, individual tourism.

Japan’s inbound tourism business has laid dormant during the pandemic and even though the country welcomes tourists and their spending, infection concerns persist among Japanese, especia l ly in popu lar tour ist destinations.

Unlike most Western countries where mask-wearing has largely been abandoned, most people continue to wear them even in situations, such as outdoors in uncrowded settings, where they are no longer requested.

The latest mask wearing rules call for people to wear them on public transport systems, in hospitals and other public facilities.

People can doff their masks outdoors when others are not around or talking loudly.

It’s unclear how popular the package tours options will be with foreign tourists, most of whom have to apply for tourist visas that can take weeks to obtain.

But the yen is trading at 20year lows against the US dollar and weak against other major currencies, which would make traveling in the high-cost country something of a bargain.

Foreign tourist arrivals fell more than 90 percent in 2020 from a record 31.9 million the year before, almost wiping out the prepandemic inbound tourism market of more than 4 trillion yen ($30 billion). AP

Oil slips at end of week as traders weigh China’s demand outlook

O

il fell at the end of the week—trimming a seventh weekly gain—as investors weighed China’s bumpy return from strict virus curbs.

West Texas Intermediate futures slipped for a second session to trade below $121 a barrel. Fresh lockdowns in parts of Shanghai are raising concerns about demand as the nation cautiously lifts broader virus restrictions. If China does see a rapid recovery in activity, it will put further strain on a market that has tightened on rebounding consumption and disrupted Russian flows.

“Demand sentiment is neutral at best,” said Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights. “Lower consumption in China has been balanced out by the summer bump in the US. The upward push on prices

is entirely from the supply side.”

Oil has maintained its upward momentum this year through bouts of volatile trading after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. this week boosted its price forecasts into 2023, while OPEC warned that most members are “maxed out” on crude production.

The European Union is also working toward a ban of Russian crude imports to member states.

Shanghai will lock down seven districts this weekend to mass test millions as Covid-19 cases continue to emerge in the community. Top producer China National Petroleum Corp. this week forecast rising oil demand in the third quarter, but cautioned of further disruptions from Covid-19 outbreaks. Bloomberg News

Hitting home

has delivered one of the lowest Covid death rates in the world.

Xi called for Covid Zero to be adhered to “unwaveringly” in a visit to Sichuan province Thursday, according to the official Xinhua news agency, while stating that it should be achieved in balance with the needs of the economy.

The remarks echoed sentiments from mid-March, when Xi first urged Chinese officials to reduce the financial impact of Cov id- f ig ht i ng mea su res.

Shanghai authorities worked to allow manufacturers to establish so-called closed-loop systems in their plants that enabled them to continue operating. The setups create a bubble in which workers only go to and from the factory, sometimes living on site, and are tested regularly to detect Covid incursions. Bloomberg News

The news hit home more quickly for residents. It led some to flee their apartment complexes and sparked a run on grocery stores after many struggled to get fresh fruits and vegetables in the early days of the original lockdown.

While the latest curbs may lift in as little as a few hours if no new infections are found, two more weeks of isolation may be imposed for areas where new chains of transmission are uncovered.

Most economists say it will be tough for China to meet its annual growth target this year because of lockdowns. By having zero tolerance for new cases, the country risks being in a constant loop of imposing and easing restrictions.

Still, President Xi Jinping continues to emphasize the country’s adherence to a policy that

www.businessmirror.com.ph

OurTime BusinessMirror

Beijing dangles free medical insurance to lure vaccine-hesitant seniors to get jabs

B

EIJING is rolling out an insurance plan for vaccine-hesitant seniors, its biggest step yet to get its most vulnerable residents inoculated to a level that will allow China to start pivoting away from Covid Zero.

Residents in the capital aged over 60 will be provided with insurance that pays out as much as 500,000 yuan ($74,500) for “vaccination accidents,” state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing Beijing’s banking and insurance regulator.

The insurance will be covered by the city’s fiscal department and is aimed at easing concerns around Covid-19 shots, it said.

It’s the first time such a program has been rolled out in mainland China and comes as previous incentives of groceries or 1,000-yuan cash rewards failed to lift vaccination rates among seniors. China lags regional peers and the low inoculation rate has emerged as a key hurdle in navigating a path away from the strict Covid Zero policy that’s left residents living with the ever-present threat of lockdowns that can stretch for months.

Of the 264 million Chinese aged over 60, 82 percent are fully

vaccinated and almost 64 percent have received a booster, according to latest figures from the National Health Commission.

Hesitancy can trace its roots to the start of the vaccine development process. Locally developed shots, the only inoculations available in China, didn’t focus significantly on the effect on seniors in the clinical trial phase.

Some doctors actively counseled elderly people with other conditions from getting shots, while China’s early Covid success meant there was a lack of urgency to get jabbed. Anti-vaccine propaganda also led to reluctance.

One of China’s top virus experts said last month that Covid Zero is meant to buy time for authorities to bolster measures, including immunization rates for the elderly, which will allow it to eventually declare victory over the virus. Officials have repeatedly defended their zero-tolerance approach—which has drawn criticism from Chinese citizens to the World Health Organization—and pointed to its success in bringing outbreaks under control even as it exacts an enormous economic and social toll. Bloomberg News

Japanese man, 83, ready for more after solo crossing of Pacific Ocean

JAPAN’S Kenichi Horie waves on his sailing boat after his trans-Pacific voyage, at Osaka Bay, western Japan, on Saturday, June 4, 2022. The 83-year-old Japanese adventurer returned home Saturday after successfully completing his solo, nonstop voyage across the Pacific Ocean, becoming the oldest person to reach the milestone. KYODO NEWS VIA AP

By Mari Yamaguchi The Associated Press

T

OKYO—Japanese adventurer Kenichi Horie at 83 just became the oldest person in the world to complete a solo, nonstop voyage across the Pacific Ocean— and he says he is still “in the middle of my youth” and not done yet.

Horie returned home as he crossed the Kii Strait off Japan’s western coast early Saturday, completing his trans-Pacific solo voyage in 69 days after leaving a yacht harbor in San Francisco in late March.

On Sunday, after spending the night on his 19-foot-long (6-meter) Suntory Mermaid III just off the coast, Horie was towed into his home port of Shin Nishinomiya, where he was cheered by local residents and supporters and banners that read: “Welcome back, Mr. Kenichi Horie!”

As he approached the harbor, Horie, standing in his boat, took off his white cap and waved. He got off the yacht, took off the cap again and bowed deeply on the pier before he was presented with bouquets of roses.

“Thank you for waiting!” said Horie, who appeared tanned and with his white hair longer than usual.

He carried a stock of medicine from San Francisco, he said, but only used eye drops and Band-Aids during his more than two months alone at sea.

“That shows how healthy I am,” Horie said. “I’m still in the middle of my youth.”

He said he “burned all my body and soul” on the journey but says he’s ready for more. “I will keep up my work to be a late bloomer.”

At a news conference at the yacht

harbor later Sunday, he said becoming the oldest person to make the feat was a dream come true. “It was my great joy to have been able to make a challenge as a real goal and safely achieve it, instead of just holding onto it as a dream.”

“I want to be a challenger as long as I live,” he said.

It 1962, he became the first person in the world to successfully complete a solo nonstop voyage across the Pacific from Japan to San Francisco.

Sixty years later, he traveled the opposite route.

This time, his preparation during the coronavirus pandemic was full of uncertainties involving vaccine requirements, testing and other logistics. “It was like walking on thin ice,” he said.

Soon after his departure from San Francisco, he was faced with a storm, but the weather gradually improved and he reached Hawaii in mid-April ahead of schedule.

He had some struggles toward the end with a few days of pushback from a strong tide. He wrote on his blog on Friday that he had succeeded but was exhausted, and he took a nap after feeling assured that his yacht was on the right track to the finish line.

Horie has completed other longdistance solo voyages, including sailing around the world in 1974. His latest expedition was the first since his 2008 solo nonstop voyage on a wave-powered boat from Hawaii to the Kii Strait.

Despite sailing on his own, technology such as ship tracking and communications allowed him to stay in touch with his family and other people throughout the journey. “I imagine my next voyage would be even more fun,” he said.

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, June 11, 2022

A7

CHR endorses signing into law of measure for indigent seniors

SENIORS line up to receive their pensions. Commission on Human Rights Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said on June 2, 2022, that the passage of bills seeking to double the monthly pension of indigent senior citizens and grant income tax exemption to poll workers would help address the plight of the vulnerable sectors. PNA FILE PHOTO BY ANNABEL CONSUELO J. PETINGLAY

M

By Lade Jean Kabagani

ANILA—The head of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Thursday the impending signing into law of the bills seeking to double the monthly pension of indigent senior citizens, and the granting of income tax exemption to poll workers, would help address the plight of the vulnerable sectors.

CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the measures

would help alleviate the financial constraints among the vulnerable

populations, hence the commission’s “strong support” for the signing into law of Senate Bills 2506 and 2530 approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The House adopted the Senate version of the measure granting an increase on the social pension of poor senior citizens to P1,000 from the current P500.

It also adopted a bill on the exemption from income tax of honoraria, allowances, and other financial benefits received by teachers who served in the recently concluded May 9 elections.

The Senate passed both proposed measures on Monday.

“Once enacted into law, the said bills are expected to help alleviate the financial concerns of indigent senior citizens while also concretely honor-

ing the hard work of poll watchers,” de Guia said.

“CHR believes that this initiative would provide the elderly a more sustainable allowance as the prices of goods and medicines continue to rise.”

She lauded the passage of Senate Bill 2506, which “manifests respect to the rights of the elderly” and recognizes their “rights to attain dignified aging.”

The proposed law also transfers the distribution of the monthly payment from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the National Commission of Senior Citizens within three years after its effectivity.

“CHR equally appreciates the proposed tax exemption for the teacher-poll watchers for this serves as a tangible incentive to honor their service and sacrifice during the crucial election period. It is a welldeserved compensation for their hard work in ensuring our right to vote,” she said.

De Guia said the bill exemplifies Article II, Section 9 of the Constitution to enact policies that would help ensure a better standard of living for all.

“It is also in line with the social justice and human rights provisions of the Constitution that tasks the government to uplift the lives of the common people to ensure equity,” she added.

The CHR called for the “swift passage” of the proposed bills to “ensure that indigent seniors and poll workers” can immediately enjoy the benefits “given the rising cost of goods and services.”

“We look forward to similar equal efforts that will alleviate the plight of vulnerable sectors,” de Guia said.

Both bills are now up for the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte. PNA

World War II veterans honored a day before D-Day anniversary

By Sylvie Corbet & Jeff Schaeffer The Associated Press

R

ANVILLE, France—More than 20 British World War II veterans gathered on Sunday near Pegasus Bridge in northwestern France, one of the first sites liberated

by Allied forces from Nazi Germany, for commemorations honoring the nearly 160,000 troops from Britain, the US, Canada and other nations who landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Veterans, their families and French and international visitors braved the rainy weather to take part in series of events this weekend and on Monday for the 78th anniversary of D-Day. This year’s D-Day anniversary comes after two successive years of the Covid-19 pandemic restricted or deterred visitors. Many felt the celebrations paying tribute to those who brought peace and freedom on the continent held special meaning this year as war is raging again in Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Dozens of US veterans were also attending events in the region, ahead of Monday’s ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, home to the gravesites of 9,386 who died fighting on D-Day and in the operations that followed.

Peter Smoothy, 97, served in the British Royal Navy and landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. “The first thing I remember are the poor lads who didn’t come back ...It’s a long time ago now, nearly 80 years.... And here we are still liv-

ing,” he told The Associated Press.

“We’re thinking about all these poor lads who didn’t get off the beach that day, their last day, but they’re always in our minds.”

Welcomed to the sound of bagpipes at the Pegasus Memorial in the French town of Ranville, British veterans attended a ceremony commemorating a key operation in the first minutes of the Allied invasion of Normandy, when troops had to take control a strategically crucial bridge.

Bill Gladden, 98, took part to the D-Day British airborne operation and was later shot while defending the bridge.

“I landed on D-Day and was injured on the 18th of June.... So I was three years at the hospital,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the British side of the Channel, then 17-year-old Mary Scott was working at the communications center in Portsmouth, listening to the coded messages coming from the front line and passing them on as part of the operations on Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword Beaches.

“The war was in my ears,” she recalled, describing the radio machine she operated via levers.

“When they [communication officers] had to respond to my messages and they lifted their lever, you heard all the sounds of the men on the beaches: bombs, machine guns, men shouting, screaming.”

Scott, who will soon turn 96, said she got very “emotional” when arriving to Normandy on Saturday on a trip organized by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. She was in tears when seeing the D-Day beaches.

“Suddenly I thought maybe some of those young men I spoke to... that

BRITISH veterans Roy Maxwell and Mary Scott arrive in a British Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to the ceremony at Pegasus Bridge, in Ranville, Normandy, on Sunday, June, 5, 2022.

On Monday, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, home to the gravesites of 9,386 who died fighting on D-Day and in the operations that followed, will host US veterans and thousands of visitors in its first major public ceremony since 2019. AP/JEREMIAS GONZALEZ

they had died,” she said.

The symbol is even stronger as across the Channel, Queen Elizabeth II, who served in World War II as an army driver and mechanic, is celebrating her 70 years on the throne.

“Women were involved,” Scott stressed. “I mean, I’m enormously proud to have been a minute part of Operation Overlord.”

Scott’s face turned to sadness when she mentioned the war in Ukraine.

“Why can’t we learn from past experiences? Why can’t we do that?

What’s wrong with us?” she asked.

“War should teach us something but it never penetrates for very long.”

Many visitors this year came to see the monuments marking the key moments of the fight and show their

gratitude to the soldiers. World War II history enthusiasts dressed in wartime uniforms were seen in jeeps and military vehicles on the small roads of Normandy.

Greg Jensen, 51, came with his 20-year-old daughter from Dallas.

On Saturday, they visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, overlooking Omaha Beach.

“I took a moment to just hold the sand and you think, gosh, the blood that was spilled to give me that moment and the freedom to hold that sand,” he said. “That was emotional for me.”

“I hope a lot of this younger generation is watching because we can’t forget what happened 78 years ago,” Jensen said, especially thinking of the fighting in Ukraine.

Education BusinessMirror

A8 Saturday, June 11, 2022

Solon pushes for reforms as chair of 19th Congress’ Basic Educ panel

S

ENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian vowed to continue pursuing reforms that will address the country’s education crisis and improve the performance of its learners.

This, as he will keep the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture chairmanship in the 19th Congress. Among Gatchalian’s priorities are the full resumption of face-to-face classes, review of the K-12 system, and the upholding teachers’ welfare.

The lawmaker also affirmed to exercise the Senate’s oversight power on the implementation of landmark laws that he sponsored in the 18th Congress. These include the Alternative Learning System Act (Republic Act 11510), Excellence in Teacher Education Act (RA 11713), and Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners

with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act (RA 11650).

The solon also sponsored the proposed measure on the creation of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).

It seeks to conduct a national assessment and evaluation of the local education sector’s performance.

He pressed as urgent the resumption of face-to-face classes to address learning loss during the pandemic. The National Economic and Development Authority deemed that the two years of school closures would result in productivity losses worth P22 trillion.

Promoting teachers’ welfare,

GATCHALIAN will keep his chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture in the 19th Congress.

MARK CAYABYAB/OS WIN GATCHALIAN

Gatchalian has urged the incoming Marcos Jr. administration to ensure the full rollout of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers (RA 4670).

For the senator, the incoming

administration should prioritize raising teacher salaries and ensure adequate health insurance for teachers. He added the Education Department should follow the recommendation of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies to conduct studies on teachers’ workload, which will rationalize the job function of public school teachers, and allow them to allocate more time for teaching.

Gatchalian recently presented Committee Report 645 on the inquiry of the Senate’s basic education panel on the implementation of the Magna Carta, which was eventually adopted.

He said in Filipino that continuing his chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture will prioritize the crisis response on the Philippine education sector by elevating the quality of learning and upholding teachers’ welfare as the country rises from the scourge of the pandemic.

iACADEMY set for F2F classes

A

S the country slowly regains composure following the continuous drop of Covid-19 cases and the lifting of capacity restrictions, iACADEMY is delighted to finally hold classes back on campus, which started last May. Beginning the third term of the School Year 2021-2022, iACADEMY college students are permitted to report on-site and hold learning activities on campus under the “Hyflex,” or hybrid and flexible-learning setup.

"Our students cannot contain their excitement, having waited for two years to return to the campus. Apart from enjoying the facilities on site, they have been looking forward to meeting their professors and exchanging ideas with their peers in person,” said Cecilia Sy, vice president for Academic Affairs. “We know this will spark a new fire in them, so we expect more game-changing ideas to come out of this new chapter.”

The Central Student Organization of iACADEMY composed of studentleaders from various levels prepared activities to welcome back “Game Changers” who have signed up for this optional learning setup. In the reception area of the Nexus Campus, there will be welcome banners, a freedom board where students can write their messages, and care kits for distribution to all students resuming on site.

“Apart from retrofitting the campus to ensure the safety of our students and staff, we've also consulted the counsel of experts and constantly held conferences with students and parents to identify and address any concerns they have regarding faceto-face classes,” stated Vanessa Tanco, CEO and president of iACADEMY. “I'm happy to share that the whole iACADEMY community has been very cooperative and supportive of what needed to be done.”

The school expects students required to use iACADEMY’s facilities and laboratories to be back on site, following a schedule and groupings based on the restrictions on capacity and distance.

The pilot phase of this gradual return also requires students to enlist with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. or PhilHealth, or any similar medical insurance to ensure coverage for Covid-19. Upon entrance, students are required to present their vaccination cards and health declaration through the Stay Safe PH app. iACADEMY also opens doors for campus tours every Friday, subject to the availability of schedules. Interested applicants may book a slot by sending an e-mail to admissions@ iacademy.edu.ph. For more information about iACADEMY's specialized programs for senior high school and college, visit www.iACADEMY.edu.ph.

Editor: Mike Policarpio

Bicol student tops 10th Asean Quiz natl tilt, top 3 winners to represent PHL in Myanmar

WINNERS, contestants, organizers and key officials of the 10th Asean Quiz National Competition PTV/DFA

H

IGH school student Armela Persia of Donsol National Comprehensive School topped the 10th Asean Quiz National Competition, as she took home a cash prize of P50,000 and an STI College scholarship.

Second place went to the National Capital Region’s Brian James Cerdeña of Pinagbuhatan High School in Pasig, while Region 2’s Key Calpito of Cabarroguis National School of Arts and Trades in Quirino Province ended third.

Both took home P30,000 and P20,000, respectively, as well as four-year STI College scholarships.

The contest saw 16 champions from each of the country’s regions who competed in a series of tests on their general knowledge of regional matters. The three winners will represent the Philippines at the regional level of the 10th Asean Quiz, which will be held in Myanmar later this year.

In his closing remarks at the event, Foreign Affairs Assistant

Secretary for Asean Affairs Daniel R. Espiritu noted it was the Philippines that first conceptualized and proposed the quiz as a regional initiative, and stated that the country is truly proud of the way its youth have performed in the previous nine iterations, with local teams consistently placing first or near the top of the rankings each time.

Held biennially, the tilt—with hosting alternating among the bloc’s member-states—is designed to raise Asean awareness among the region’s youth in a friendly competition setting.

The quiz is a project of the Asean Committee on Culture and Information and the People’s Television Network, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Education, the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine Information Agency, and Radyo Pilipinas. The 10th edition was held on May 19 at the PTV studios in Quezon City.

CDM’s Registered Master Electrician license examinees all hurdle testing COURTESY VISIT A delegation from the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil, led by Ambassador Antonio José Maria De Souza e Silva (right), paid a courtesy call upon Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP, PhD, who is the rector of the University of Santo Tomas. The delegation met with university officials regarding matters on globalization, athletics, history, and languages, then toured the Antonio Vivencio del Rosario-UST Heritage Library and the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. The UST Office of Public Affairs, in partnership with the Office of the Secretary-General, led welcoming courtesies and coordinated the visit, which is one of the first in campus since the pandemic began.

Benildeans win big time in ‘Quill’ with 37 awards

T

HE De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde recently bagged a total of 37 distinctions at the 9th Philippine Student Quill Awards.

With the theme “MOVE: Stronger Together,” this year’s Quill Awards by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines once again granted its seal of approval to creative programs and pieces of professionals and students across the country. The entries showcased the exceptional use of communications in achieving business goals and making a difference in the society.

Out of over 800 entries—the highest in the history of “Quill”— IABC’s panel of esteemed industry experts and leaders determined notable works and campaigns that were subjected to global standards in the divisions of communication management, communication research, communication training, as well as education and communication skills, including subcategories.

The Benildean Press Corps (BPC), the official student-journalists’ group of Benilde and Ad Astra, the sole student organization tasked to produce the college’s official yearbook, dominated the winning Benildean representative outputs.

BPC triumphed with multiple awards under the “Writing” category, with Ralph Regis’ A conversation with LGBTQIA+ filmmakers on queer representation, and Loud and proud: I am part of the LGBTQIA+ Pride, Stefani Tacugue’s “Araw ng

mga Karapatang Pantao: Ang mga mata ng hustisya,” and Emmanuel Anthony Rosana’s “Kwentong PangUpuan: Bakas.”

Joining them are COVIDCOMMS 2021: Mom’s Space Suit by Isabel Adolor, COVIDCOMMS 2021: On the precipice of doom: Philippine art holds its ground by Casey Delvo and COVIDCOMMS 2021: At the forefront: Different faces, innumerable sacrifices by Jella Gonzaga.

Gonzaga likewise swept accolades under the “Publications” division with Shades of Gray: Four Corners and Shades of Gray: Epilogue.

Also included were fellow BPC members Niña Cudal for Dekunstrukt: Relive and Dekunstrukt: Shifted, Beatrice Quirante for The Benildean: Confined and The Benildean: Restored, and Chenelle Navidad for The Benildean: Translate.

Ad Astra’s Franco Babasa and Grant Franzuela also made it with EMBARK Vol. 6 and Freedom's Semantic Change: A Cultural Reset, respectively. Jofamil Sevilleno from the Cultural Promotions Team of Benilde Culture and Arts Unit joined them with Backstage Vol. 6.

BPC likewise reigned in the “Audio/Visual” bracket with COVIDCOMMS 2021: Karilyon Visual Poetry, World Press Freedom Day 2021, and Independence Day 2021

by Anne Valmeo; COVIDCOMMS 2021: “Kinabukasan” by Hannah Bar redo; and Kwentong PangUpuan: Bakas by Kurt Lucas. Danize Marie Lukban from Ad Astra made it with While You’re Finally Here: An Open Letter to Graduates.

The two student organizations also earned several recognitions under “Social Media.” BPC representatives once again includes Gonzaga for On the Fifth and IntoStory, Navidad for Unravel, Dylan Kirsten Melencion for Debunked, and Francis Gatuslao for StoryLines.

For Ad Astra, IABC recognized Merry Monday-”Paubaya” by Bernice Arcangel, #TakeItFromUs: At Home Edition by Darren Harina, Our Stories also by Lukban, and Taft Times by Monique Veneracion.

The promising communicators also succeeded in the areas of “Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication” with Quirante’s #BPCTheChallenge Recruitment Campaign and Ad Astra’s Marge Robang’s EMBARK Vol. 6.

Other Benildean student-artists who bagged Quills included Benilde Culture and Arts UnitCultural Promotions team member Creesian Skeen Villaruel for “Mamulat at Kumilos” under “Digital Communication/Communication for the Web.” For the “Special and Experiential Events” section, the college has Paulette Constantino and Daniella Gaytano for Benilde Pride 2021, and Mabayang Liston: HIV Awareness Webinar, respectively.

Top distinctions per category and the “School of the Year” title will be announced during the virtual awarding ceremony this July 2022. For more information about the awards as well as this year’s complete list of winners, visit the Philippine Quill Awards web site and its Facebook page.

By Roderick L. Abad

C

OLEGIO de Muntinlupa (CDM) celebrates its success in the recent Registered Master Electrician (RME) licensure examination for posting a 100-percent passing rate, with one of its students placing sixth in the overall ranking.

The RME is the first licensure exam that CDM has participated in since its establishment in 2018.

It was conducted from April 26 to 28 at testing centers in the National Capital Region (NCR), Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi congratulated CDM’s first batch of RME for the honor they have given to Muntinlupa City. The school ’s RME passers are Arvin Tolentino who ranked 6th in the examination, Dennis Mañozo, and Joshua James Racelis.

Fresnedi said that their achievement is proof the local government’s investment in the education of its residents is “money well spent.”

Striving for better education

C DM wa s est abl ished u nder Fresnedi’s term, aiming to provide top-notch education on engineering, as well as science and technology (S&T) for students of the city and its neighboring locales.

Dr. Teresita Fortuna, college administrator of CDM and former regional director of Department of Science and Technology-NCR, noted that the exams’ outstanding outcome will serve as inspiration for the school to continue providing excellent training and support to its students to help them become industry-ready.

She added the institution is proud of its provision of quality training on S&T—thanks largely to highly esteemed faculty and

facilities with top-of-the-line industrial equipment.

CDM recently announced that it will offer the following new programs: Bachelor of Science in Architecture, BS Construction Engineering and Management, BS Environmental Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, and BS Robotics Engineering.

These add to the college’s existing engineering courses: BS Civil Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Electronics Engineering, and BS Mechanical Engineering.

Located in Posadas Avenue in Barangay Sucat, CDM will hold its first commencement exercise this year for the initial batch of graduates.

Scholarship grants

FOR underprivileged yet deserving city residents who are students and alumni of CDM, the city government of Muntinlupa offers scholarship and financial assistance to them via City Ordinance 2022-310, known as “ISKOLEGIO.” First of which is the Financial Assistance Grant for Academically Outstanding Students, wherein students meeting the general weighted average guidelines will receive grants amounting from P5,000 to P10,000.

For the CDM-Student Leaders Financial Assistance Program, all qualified members of the CDMSupreme Student Council will be granted financial assistance with respect to their position in the organization.

For the financial-assistance program on CDM Board Licensure Examination Review, students who earned their degree from the university may qualify for the program and be eligible for the funding of board licensure examination review.

For more details, visit https:// www.facebook.com/CDMuntinlupa/ or https://www.cdm.edu.ph/.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Saturday, June 11, 2022 A9

Citadines Amigo Iloilo: Your home away from home in the City of Love Citadines Amigo Iloilo has comfy and elegant 121 rooms for guests.

Their facilities include a fitness center for gym enthusiasts.

Citadines Amigo Iloilo is the first serviced residence in Western Visayas.

Story By Edwin P. Sallan Photos by Red De Asis

O

ften referred to as either the City of Love or City of Smiles, Iloilo is the capital of its densely populated namesake province, a highly urbanized economy, and yes, a soughtafter tourist destination. And for good reason.

Those who have never been to Iloilo City or those who have been here but have not really taken a closer look at this wonderful metropolis are missing out on fully appreciating its rich history and culture.

Thankfully, we were given a golden opportunity to see Iloilo City up close and personal during a recent media familiarization tour hosted by Citadines Amigo Iloilo, formerly known as Amigo Terraces Hotel.

Now with a brand-new look and given Citadines’ signature “apart’ hotel ” treatment pioneered by real-estate giant CapitaLand and subsidiar y The Ascott Limited Philippines, Citadines Amigo Iloilo breaks new ground as the first serviced residence concept in Western Visayas. Combining the comforts of home with the conveniences of

Camiña Balay nga Bato showcases how wealthy Ilonggos lived in the Spanish era.

Camiña Balay nga Bato is also known as the “house by the river” at Osmeña Street.

Built in the mid-1800s, this ancestral house is made out of bamboo, nipa, and Narra wood, among others.

Citadines Amigo Iloilo

a hotel, Citadines Amigo Iloilo is designed to appeal to transient tourists, visiting business executives, expatriates, and of course, the discerning Ilonggos.

Camiña Balay nga Bato

During our three-day visit to Iloilo, our first stop was Iloilo’s famous Camiña Balay nga Bato or translated as “house by the river” at Osmeña Street. You’ve never really been to Iloilo if you have not set foot or dined in this ancestral home at least once. Built in the mid1800s, how it managed to stand the test of time may be attributed to its strong materials that consisted among others, of bamboo, nipa, and Narra wood.

It is just one of several examples of 19th-century Spanish architecture that is prevalent all over the city and harkens back not only to a time that typified how wealthy Ilonggos lived but also to the generations that followed in addition to its antique furniture.

There are also remnants from the decades that followed including vintage transistor radios, typewriters, telephones, and more recently, even early cellular phone models.

Of course, the good food is another big reason why people go to Camiña Balay nga Bato, and the buffet lunch we were treated to is nothing short of unforgettable.

In addition to its signature Pancit Molo and famous Tsokolate de

Hablon is a high-quality textile made from locally made fabrics such as piña and abaca.

Batirol, its mostly native Ilonggo fare included Hinanggop, Ratotoy, Empanada Giring-giring, Embutido de Arevalo, Pancit Miki Bisaya, Pork Binuog with Hot & Spicy Dip, Kalo-Kalo Kalkag Rice (KKK) and the very refreshing Calamansi with Cucumber Cooler.

And you can have these and more for lunch and dinner at a surprisingly affordable rate of only P500 for a minimum group of 10 strictly by reservation at least a day before your intended meal.

Miag-Ao Church and Hablon Weaving Community

The following day, off we went to Miag-Ao to visit its famous MiagAo Church also known as the Santo Tomas Villanueva Parish Church.

Founded in 1731 and is one of only four Baroque churches in the country, its magnificent structure is a sight to behold.

According to our tour guide,

Founded in 173, Miag-Ao Church is also known as the Santo Tomas Villanueva Parish Church.

the church’s most distinguishing feature is its two huge bell towers which doubled as watchtowers to defend Miag-Ao against the invading Moros. The two belfries are of uneven height as the three-level East belfry is one level shorter than the four-level West belfry.

Elements of Medieval Spain, as well as 18th century Chinese and Muslim influence, abound while enclosed in a glass case on the rear side of the church are images of St. Thomas of Villanova to whom the church is also named and dating back to the 1790s.

Also in Miag-Ao is the Pangabuhian Weaving and Fiber Processing Center which is apparently one of the centers of the Hablon weav ing communit y in I loi lo.

Taken from the Hiligaynon word that means “to weave,” Hablon is a high-quality textile made from locally made fabrics such as piña and abaca and is known for its colorful

combinations.

The traditional art of Hablon weaving, with all its intricacies passed down on to generations, also dates back to the 18th century and continues to dazzle both the locals and visiting travelers.

Hablon products are also sold outside the weaving centers including in Camiña Balay nga Bato.

We had lunch and dinner at two of the most popular restaurants in the city. For lunch, we went to Breakthrough Restaurant in Arevalo which specializes in such popular dishes as Binakol nga Manok and Sizzling Kansi. For dinner, it’s off to Muelle Deli and Restaurant located along the historic Iloilo River.

Although its name suggests that it’s Italian-inspired, the restaurant serves a fusion of traditional and international cuisine including a wide array of pasta, pizza, and meat fare that will particularly appeal to diners with big appetites.

In between these visits, we spent the rest of our weekend in our cozy rooms at Citadines Amigo Iloilo.

Just like in the other Citadines Apar t’Hotels, my “apar tment” unit had its own living room and includes a fully-equipped kitchen with a stove and microwave oven which in particular was ideal to prepare the take-out La Paz Batchoy that I had in between the trips and the meals.

Located right smack at Iloilo’s thriving capital and surrounded by popular and accessible popular landmarks including SM City Iloilo which is just a stone’s throw away, Citadines Amigo Iloilo is positioned to be everyone’s “Home in the Heart of the City.” With 121 rooms and a full range of facilities including a launderette, fitness center, swimming pool, and a soon-to-open all-day dining restaurant, there’s absolutely no reason not to feel at home here.

“With its unparalleled accommodation and service, Citadines Amigo Iloilo offers a unique travel experience as the booming economy of the city allows visitors to see the best of traditional culture and modern development,” noted Resident Manager Gerald Fontanos.

Indeed, the Iloilo City experience is one that is best enjoyed when booked in a worry-free accommodation provided by a place like Citadines Amigo Iloilo where one can feel at home even while, well, away from home.

NÜWA MANILA AND NÜWA SPA MAINTAIN FIVE-STAR RATINGS IN FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE’S 2022 STAR AWARDS

A

testament to its consistent brand of hospitality service beyond compare, Nüwa at City of Dreams Manila achieves two Five Stars in the 2022 Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) Awards for the hotel and its spa for the fifth and third consecutive years, respectively since 2018.

Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco, said, “As one of the world’s most admired and celebrated travel standards, we are honored to once again receive the top Five-Star Rating in Forbes Travel Guide for Nüwa at City of Dreams Manila’s hotel and spa. The accolades testify to our relentless dedication to service quality and contribution to pushing boundaries, especially during such a challenging time for the industry – continuing to provide memorable and world-class services for guests with a collective total of 97 Stars across our global portfo-

lio. We thank our team for their unwavering dedication—for their exceptional role in facilitating Melco’s sustained status as the leading integrated resort operator in Asia.”

“Travel has come back strongly,

and the resilient hospitality industry is creatively rallying to accommodate the increased occupancy demand for most regions,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “While the industry faces

some lingering issues, the 2022 award winners proved ready for those challenges and more, demonstrating the best that luxury hospitality has to offer.”

Nüwa Manila’s recognition con-

tributes to the collective total of 97 Stars achieved by Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco)’s portfolio of integrated resort properties in Macau and Manila, continuing Melco’s leadership position among

integrated resort operators in Asia.

Geoff Andres, City of Dreams Manila Property President stated, “Nüwa Manila and Nüwa Spa being recognized with the coveted FTG Five-star rating reflects our consistent commitment to provide five-star service amid the challenges posed by changing times.

We are proud of our colleagues who continue to constantly provide our guests with the luxury and signature experiences the Melco brand has been known for.”

FTG created the original FiveStar rating system, and is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas. The world-renowned authority in genuine Five-Star service, FTG also recognized City of Dreams Manila’s two other hotels: Hyatt Regency Manila and Nobu Hotel Manila with a Four-Star award for five years running.

A10 Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

New playground for Pinoy sneakerheads

Technology use can affect sleep quality, say experts

I

F you have difficulty sleeping, it’s probably best to put down that phone and read a book instead.

According to the Emma Sleep Barometer conducted by the Sleep Research team at Emma The Sleep Company, 22 percent of those having a “calculated” bad sleep quality also say they “always watch TV, scroll the smartphone or the tablet” as a pre-sleep ritual.

“We should be all aware of the negative impact of blue light-emitting devices on our sleep,” said the Emma Sleep Barometer.

“Although we are constantly surrounded by videos and multimedia content, reading remains an activity we should not underestimate the benefits of. Indeed, reading is an intelligent way to improve our sleep quality.”

The Sleep Health Foundation has said that the bright light from mobile phones, tablets, computers, and televisions sets blocks the release of the sleep hormone, melatonin, after only 1.5 hours of using

technology in the evening. Melatonin is a hormone that facilitates sleep.

The Sleep Health Foundation explains it like this: The absorption of bright light through the eyes delays the release of melatonin, making it more difficult for people to fall asleep. This exposure to light results in increased alertness in brain waves and improved results on mental performance tests.

Meanwhile, the Emma Sleep Barometer said 55 percent of those with a good “calculated” sleep quality claim to never watch TV or scroll the smartphone or the table as a pre-sleep ritual.

From the data collected by the Emma Sleep Barometer, it is possible to observe that almost 68 percent (67.9 percent) of those that claim to always read before going to bed have a consistent sleep schedule. The other 32 percent claim to not have a consistent sleep schedule.

A scientific study conducted by the University of California San Diego published in the Clinical Pediatrics Journal showed that reading at bedtime was significantly associated with longer nighttime sleep duration.

Another factor that could affect the quality of our sleep is stress.

“Indeed, reading a book before bed has been shown to reduce stress levels: getting lost in your favourite novel for just 30 minutes has significantly impacted decreasing acute stress levels,” said Emma The Sleep Company.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the recommended amount of sleep per night for healthy adults is between 7-9 hours.

“Sleep is a natural mood booster. Getting a good amount of sleep each night awakens you to be the best version of yourself by giving your mind and body the time necessary to recharge and awaken feeling refreshed, alert, and in a good mood. Think of achieving optimal sleep (at least between 7-9 hours per night) like charging a battery. When the battery (you) is fully charged, it will have all the positive energy and motivation it needs to perform well in all aspects of life,” said Dr. Verena Senn, neurobiologist and head of Sleep Research at Emma The Sleep Company.

Emma The Sleep Company is a mattress company that established a hub in the Philippines in 2021. It is the world’s leading direct-to-consumer sleep brand with two million mattresses sold in 2021.

Emma Sleep mattresses are known for the sevenfoam center designed to relieve pressure, have Motion Isolation Technology (a couple-friendly feature wherein when one person moves, the other side will be undisturbed), and are breathable and eco-friendly.

One thing I learned from the Emma Sleep Barometer is the importance of using a mattress topper. A topper, according to the company, also makes a more noticeable difference in how a bed feels.

It can make a mattress softer or firmer and can also be used to extend the life of mattresses.

The mattress we sleep on, the lighting in the room, even the noises and sounds around us all affect the quality of our sleep, just like gadget use.

So before you scroll through TikTok or Facebook at bedtime, think again. This might cost you one more sleepless night. ■

Digital commerce-enabler certified as ‘Great Place to Work’

BY RODERICK L. ABAD Contributor A DIGITAL commerce-enabling start-up based in the Philippines, Etaily recently celebrated the Certification Nation Day with a recognition from the global certification body Great Place to Work for its commitment on building a safe and positive employee-first culture.

Great Place to Work Certification is the global standard for identifying outstanding employee experiences which is recognized by both workers and employers worldwide.

With this recognition, Etaily now joins the community of Great Place to Work-Certified companies across the country.

The e-commerce enabler was feted as such for putting importance in trust, fostering connections between employees and the management team,

and continuous communication and engagement.

By conducting a monthly “All Hands” events for its employees, mental health awareness and support, constant engagement activities, learning sessions, and hands-on performance reviews, it has created a positive work atmosphere amid the remote set-up.

“Etaily has been at the forefront of transforming e-commerce in Southeast Asia, and we could not have done this without our amazing team which truly embodies our values of One Team, Customer Obsession, Dive Deep, Ownership, and Invent and Simplify,” said Etaily CEO Alexander Friedhoff.

“On Certification Nation Day, we are proud to celebrate our amazing employees, our main driver of success and the most important asset of our company.

It is truly an honor to be recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified company because it shows how much we value our people,” he added.

According to Great Place to Work research, job

seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at certified workplaces are 93 percent more likely to look forward to going to work, are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the firm’s profits, and have a fair chance at a promotion.

“Thriving employees increase revenue and profit, and provide market-leading customer experiences,” said Great Place to Work CEO Michael C. Bush. “I hope that Certification Nation Day can inspire other executives to create and sustain employee-first cultures.”

For Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work, honoring all of the work that leads to building a certified company is very important.

“The Great Place to Work Certification isn’t something that comes easily. It takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience,” she said.

THERE’S no doubt that Filipinos have an enduring love affair with sneakers. We love sports. We are also consumed by fashion, and sneakers are the junction where these two passions connect. In fact, according to a recent report by Carousell, the leading classified ads platform in the country, the Philippines is among the top three countries in the Asia Pacific region with the highest interest in sneakers.

This is why the news that Ox Street—one of the fastest-growing, end-to-end marketplaces for authenticated sneakers and streetwear in the region—has joined the Carousell Group and is expanding its presence in the Philippines, is such a welcome development for Filipino sneakerheads.

With this exciting news, local sneaker fans now have a legit and truly reliable platform where they can resell or buy quality sneakers. With Ox Street, users are assured of the security and authenticity of sneakers they will buy or sell, especially for those rare designs and styles.

■ THE BOOMING SNEAKER RESALE MARKET. The expansion of Ox Street to the Philippines and across the Asia Pacific region is also a reflection of the booming resale market for sneakers. In Ox Street, 80 percent of sneakerheads said that they have tried to buy sneakers on the resale market, and users are willing to shell out cash to get hold of hard-to-find styles.

In fact, the most expensive pair of sneakers ever sold on Ox Street was the Dior x Air Jordan 1 High, which was sold for an estimated $7,500.

■ GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC. The Ox Street team inspects and authenticates every pair of sneakers before it reaches buyers. With the platform’s expertise in the streetwear industry, this will give customers the assurance that the items listed on the platform are legit and authentic, and will protect Filipino sneakerheads against fraudulent online sellers.

“We are looking forward to creating more innovation and reaching more buyers and sellers as we build a trusted platform for buying and selling the best limited-edition sneakers,” said Ox Street Founder and CEO Gijs Verheijke.

■ REACHING OUT TO PINOY SNEAKERHEADS. High up on the agenda for the Philippines is reaching out to local users. Ox Street Philippines marketing manager Jasper Delegencia has been reaching out to Filipino users for feedback.

“We’re taking part in relevant events and gatherings. We are also partnering with various local brands to help small Filipino businesses.”

■ SHARED VALUES. Carousell cofounder and CEO Quek Siu Rui shared that the Ox Street and Carousell partnership is fueled by both companies’ common values of being a userfirst platform and building communities. This is evident in the brand love that Ox Street has created among their dedicated community of sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts, especially Gen Z consumers.

The partnership also reflects both Ox Street and Carousell’s deep commitment to reimagining the online classified ads experience with a focus on trust, convenience, and to make secondhand the first choice.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Indian tech company partners with local ICT firm to promote use of AI chatbots

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES MUMBAI, India-based Jio Haptik Technologies Limited (Haptik), a subsidiary of Reliance Jio Platforms, recently formed a strategic partnership with leading Philippines-based information and communications technology solutions provider MDI Novare to facilitate widespread use and value of AI chatbots for businesses in the Philippines.

“With the launch of our conversational partner program a few quarters back, our focus in APAC countries has been mainly to look for strategic partners which can add value and help elevate customer experiences for their clients through Haptik’s AI Chatbots and Enterprise CX platform,” Anila Rao, vice president and business head for APAC at Haptik, said in a recent webinar.

With MDI Novare’s strong focus on digital transformation for enterprise customers, she said Haptik’s Enterprise CX solutions complement the company’s current services offerings which they deliver to their customers. With this partnership, Rao said Haptik will benefit by having a strong local partner to improve and solve customer experience challenges in the Philippines market. Haptik and MDI Novare will jointly transform customer experience across sales, customer support, co-marketing, sales enablement, and training with AI-powered virtual assistants.

Rao said MDI Novare’s presence, scale and strong reputation of over 30 years in the Philippines region can boost Haptik’s standing in the local market. “With Haptik’s industry-leading virtual assistants and chatbots built using the best NLP architecture, we feel it’s a great win not only for MDI Novare and Haptik but also for businesses in the Philippines,” she said.

“We are happy to team up with Haptik to bring AI solutions to more businesses in the Philippines,” said Allan So, chief commercial officer of MDI Novare.

“Growing our footprint in AI with best-in-class partners like Haptik is part of our mission to be the national champion in technology as we bring the power of AI chatbots to deliver next-level customer experience.”

Haptik recently announced that it was doubling down investment in Asia Pacific on the back of strong customer growth, market demand, and expanding its partner network with multiple domestic players to understand region-specific business needs. With MDI Novare’s vast regional presence and industry experience in the Philippines, So said the partnership strives to help businesses automate customer support, boost lead generation, generate revenue, and at the same time deliver uninterrupted and delightful CX experiences across every channel using Haptik’s cutting-edge AI/ML NLP technology.

E-WALLET TO HELP RELIEVE HUNGER AROUND 15 million Filipinos reportedly experienced involuntary hunger last year, according to the Social Weather Stations. This continuing struggle came amid the lingering pandemic in the country which, at its height, saw record unemployment rates and an economic downturn.

As the nation treads the path to recovery, Globe’s Hapag Movement aims to rally Filipinos behind a collective effort to help feed the hungry.

The Hapag Movement is the telco’s unified fight against hunger through technology. It connects multisectoral partners that can contribute to addressing hunger and joblessness to achieve social impact at scale.

Now, you can help put food on the table of families in need every time you buy Globe prepaid load or pay for your monthly Globe subscription. Each transaction lets you earn Globe Rewards points which can be donated to The Hapag Movement to alleviate extreme hunger in the country.

As a leading digital solutions platform, Globe aims to be part of the solution to create a “Globe of Good.”

With The Hapag Movement, the telco provides a holistic intervention focusing on hunger alleviation and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable families.

“Everyone is welcome to be part of this advocacy.

Let’s work together to help Filipino families who are struggling to feed themselves and experiencing hunger,” said Yoly Crisanto, chief sustainability and corporate communications officer at Globe.

To support, simply download the new GlobeOne app and donate your Rewards points for as low as P1.

More information is available at bit.ly/3Hedkv2.

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Saturday, June 11, 2022 A11

The Huaweiverse and league of super devices P

OP culture was once dominated by wizards, vampires and zombies, but in the past decade there is no doubt that we have been fascinated with superheroes. From mainstream movies that bring to life the characters from Marvel and DC comics, to animated series, like Invincible and my current favorite. Amazon’s The Boys (it’s a bloody-gore watch) “supers” seem to be the key ingredient to success.

Well, someone at Huawei R&D must probably be a big Avengers fan and suggested; Why not come up with our super team and create a “Huaweiverse” of devices?

“The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable devices, and see if they could become something more. See if they could work together when we needed them to.” Sounds familiar?

Instead of working to save mankind from some interstellar threat, these devices are meant to save us from the struggle and complications of using multiple devices for work.

Many of us now use at least two devices for work, and they usually run on different operating systems, different connection options and file formats. This fragmented experience can be highly challenging— especially against the backdrop of an increasing demand for flexible working.

At Mobile World Congress 2022, Huawei unveiled several firsts—its first-ever all-in-one PC, e-ink tablet, printer, alongside other excellent products.

While all of these devices are great on their own, it’s the software Huawei has designed that make them “Super Devices” paving the way for its interconnected future.

“Super Device” refers to a wide range of connectivity features, with the overall aim of creating better-connected system for users between their devices. By connecting all their Huawei devices into one “singular experience,” it will allow them to essentially use any device for any task—meaning that you can use your phone app on your PC, or work on your tablet screen while connected to a laptop.

As Huawei brings its focus on the Smart Office, Huawei PCs are now equipped with Super Device to bring an all-new smart office experience tearing down the boundaries between Windows PCs and mobiles.

By enabling multi-device collaboration, users are freed from the many complications and interruptions of working among multiple unique devices, allowing them to focus and be more productive.

For example, we use PCs for work, but tablets can be much easier to use when drawing or for designing because of the stylus. Monitors, on the other hand, enable better viewing experiences with larger displays.

Users who own a Huawei laptop or PC will be able to use those devices as a hub to create with the ability to share resources between devices easily, with smartphones and smartwatches having the ability to quickly pair up with earbuds and other accessories.

Super Devices connect easily by a simple drag and drop, with tablets and laptops having three options: Mirror, Extend and Collaborate.

Mirror, as the name suggests, will mirror the computer screen onto the tablet, with the ability to still use the tablet’s stylus, while Extend will allow you to use the tablet as a second screen. Collaborate makes it easier to drag and drop files between devices, so users can seamlessly transfer various files without the need for wires or third-party services.

Super Device pairs your smartphone and turns it into an external drive connected to the MateBook laptop, allowing for saving, transferring and direct editing of files across devices.

Instead of having to look at both your phone and laptop screen, the smartphone interface is displayed on the MateBook, enabling the simultaneous use of two systems in one screen, while up to three mobile apps can be opened on the MateBook.

HUAWEI MATEBOOK D 15 2022

AS the pandemic killed off the 9-to-5 workday, companies are beginning to evaluate several categories that will allow employees to choose how often, if ever, they return to the office.

Modern productivity is characterized by mobility and for the past month, I’ve been using the new Huawei MateBook D 15 (2022) as my main work laptop, and I’ve been able to try out Super Device experience pairing it with my Huawei P40 for quick file transfers as well as with the MatePad Pro, and this interconnection is something that you can easily get used to.

In terms of look and feel, the MateBook D 15 has a beautiful polished aluminium body. This aluminium alloy body is tempered by anodic oxidation that includes 40 processes to make the metallic body tougher and stronger. The build is solid and doesn’t feel flimsy, and doesn’t flex or creak when gripped or pressed. It is available in two colors: Space Grey and Mystic Silver.

It measures just 16.9mm thin and weighing 1.56kg.

It’s not the lightest, but I had no problems slipping it into my carry-on backpack as I brought it with me during my recent Boracay trip and was able to do some work while having milktea near the beach.

The Huawei MateBook D 15 has all the ports you need so you don’t have to buy or bring an extra dongle. On the left is the USB-C port for charging, data and reverse charging (in powered-off state); there’s also a USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1, and an HDMI port beside it. Looking over to the right you’ll see a 3.5mm headphone and mic combo jack, and two more USB Type-A 2.0 ports.

For the display, the MateBook has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS anti-glare display that follows the series’ signature FullView design. Thanks to the 5.3mm narrow bezels at the top and on the sides, the device gets a high screen-to-body ratio of 87 percent and the 16:9 aspect ratio makes it the perfect candidate for showing cinematic content. The display also has passed TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification and flicker-free certifications for a more comfortable viewing experience.

Since I’m mostly typing, I liked the spacious

keyboard and the spacing of the keys. The keys are not cramped and have a decent travel providing you with those satisfying keyboard clicks when you type fast. My usual problem with a keyboard is that is often smooth and an oil magnet; the keyboard of the MateBook D 15 has a very subtle texture which hopefully means it won’t get greasy easily. The only thing that is missing is the backlit keys, which is quite important if you are someone who likes to work in the dark.

The power button on the top right also doubles as a fingerprint sensor while beside trackpad, you’ll find the location for Huawei Share. A unique feature of Huawei laptops is its hidden webcam, located between the F6 and F7 key, making it ideal for privacy. The fingerprint security, on the other hand, is so useful especially if you are like me who always forget their passwords.

The MateBook D 15 is Windows 11-ready and powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor with a four-core, eight-thread CPU delivering superb multithread performance for multitasking, and comes with an integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Our review unit has a 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. I’ve used it everyday for blogging, documents, web browsing, social media; photo editing and short video editing and everything was snappy.

The MateBook D 15 comes with a 65W USB Type-C AC adaptor with detachable cables and it weighs only 160g. I usually get around 5 to 6 hours per full charge, which is okay since its fast-charging, and a 15-minute charge can last for about two hours of office use.

If you’ve been eyeing a laptop for work and general duties, the Matebook D 15 is a good affordable choice. This is a more-than-capable laptop for students and those who work-from-home and don’t handle heavy content creation and mainly do general office tasks. The display is huge and clear, with loud-enough speakers for streaming movies or just your daily social-media usage. It looks premium built, solid but still light enough to carry around.

It has a current, proven CPU and enough storage for all your files, and if you want to experience the Huaweiverse ecosystem, the Super Device features is a compelling bonus. ■

Sports BusinessMirror

Yulo kicks off Paris 2024 campaign in Doha

A12

| Saturday, June 11, 2022 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

CURRY ON GAME 4: I’M GOING TO PLAY

B

OSTON—Even as he lay on the court, with 240-pound Celtics center Al Horford on top of his recently recovered left ankle, Stephen Curry knew what was wrong.

And as soon as he stood up and took a few steps, he knew he would be OK. “I’m going to play. That’s all I know right now,” the Warriors star said on Thursday, a day before Golden State will face Boston in Game 4 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals.

“I know exactly what it is,” said Curry, who hurt the same ankle on a similar play in a late-season game against Boston. “I guess [there’s] comfort knowing I’ve been through it before, but also you would rather not have to deal with something like that at this point in the season.”

Curry wound up at the bottom of a pile Wednesday night as players from both teams dove for a loose ball late in the fourth quarter. Teammate Draymond Green said he heard Curry scream in pain, but the Warriors star remained in the game until Coach Steve Kerr sent in the bench trailing by 14 with two minutes left.

The Celtics held on to win 116-100 and take a 2-1 lead in the best-ofseven series. Golden State needs a win on Friday night to avoid falling behind 3-1 before the series shifts back to San Francisco.

A key to them avoiding the brink of elimination: Curry not just remaining healthy, but playing like a two-time NBA MVP. The Warriors guard scored 31 points in Game 3, but just two of them came

Aludo, Aquino crush field in Tagum

S

TEFI ALUDO flashed top form in return to the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) junior tennis circuit, dominating the girls’ top two divisions while James Aquino stamped his class in boys’ 16-under play as they claimed the Most Valuable Player honors in the Governor’s Cup at the DavNor Tourism Sports Complex courts in Tagum last Thursday.

Aludo stopped Dhea Cua’s title run in the three-leg Cotabato swing last month, coming away with a 6-2, 6-3 triumph in the 16-under finals then the Trento, Agusan del Sur find, a recipient of a Prince of Tennis award in 2019, toppled Chloe Mercado, 6-1, 6-1, to pocket the 18-under crown in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.

The top-seeded Aquino, on the other hand, survived a three-set scare from Maynard Castillon in the quarters, ripped Pete Cua, 6-0, 6-1, in the semis then blasted Robert Payot, 6-0, 6-0. But the Sto, Tomas, Davao del Norte bet failed to match Aludo’s feat as he fell to Daniel Giducos, 6-1, 1-6, 10-6, in the 14-under semifinals of the event sponsored by Governor Edwin Jubahib.

Local bet Jayson Battad, however, foiled Giducos, 7-5, 6-1, in the finals to join Zhyrus Lozano, Marco Macalintal, Teiko Ello and Cua in the winners’ podium of the country’s longest talentsearch put up by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro.

Lozano, from Maragusan, Davao de Oro, stunned top seed Paul Cabrera, 6-3, 6-3, for the boys’ 12-under title while Ello, from Tagum, took the girls’ diadem with a tough 7-5, 6-3 victory over Reign Maglana. Macalintal, meanwhile, repelled Romeo Largo, 7-5, 6-1, in a duel of unranked bets in the boys’ 18-under final.

A KEY to them avoiding the brink of elimination: Stephen Curry not just remaining healthy, but playing like a two-time Most Valuable Player. AP

in the fourth quarter as the league-leading Celtics defense chased him around the court.

Golden State held a film session Thursday, but the team’s regulars did not practice. Curry appeared to walk without a limp when he entered the media room to talk to reporters, and he took the steps to the podium three at a time. He had no bandage or brace on his leg.

Curry said he got plenty of sleep—10 and a half hours—and spent some time with his foot in an ice bucket. But he said he did not need an MRI because the injury was the same as the one he sustained when Celtics guard Marcus Smart landed on his foot in a March 16 game in San Francisco.

“This one just wasn’t as bad as that one,” said Curry, who missed the last 12 games of the regular season. “As soon as you started to take a couple of steps, you kind of know whether you can run normal, cut normal or not. Back then, I couldn’t. Yesterday, I could. That gave me a little bit of confidence knowing it wasn’t as bad.”

Asked Thursday if he would be sitting out if it were a regularseason game, Curry said he couldn’t say for sure.

But for Game 4 of the NBA Finals, there’s no question.

“I know I’m going to play,” he said.

MORE INJURIES

THE Celtics listed center Robert Williams III as questionable

on Thursday with the left knee injury that required late-season surgery and kept him out for seven of the team’s first 14 playoff games.

Boston coach Ime Udoka said forward Jayson Tatum is dealing with a right shoulder stinger.

“That’s going to flare up whenever he gets hit the wrong way,” Udoka said. “(He) had to shoot some free throws after, might be a little numb there. He is shooting threes right after, so I’m not sure it hampers his ability to finish at all.”

THREE GOOD QUARTERS

GOLDEN STATE has outscored Boston in the third quarter of all three games so far, so a reporter asked Kerr why they can’t start the game the same way.

“I ask myself that question very often,” he said, “and I don’t have an answer.”

The Warriors have outscored the Celtics by a combined score of 10663 in the finals. Golden State had a 33-25 edge on Wednesday night, eliminating a 12-point halftime deficit and briefly taking the lead.

Kerr joked that he has a book of “incredibly inspiring quotes” he calls on.

“I just try to pull out the right one,” he said. “And if I get them fired up and they’re excited, then they seem to play better.”

The third quarter struggles are a recurring problem for the Celtics, who similar lapses against Miami and Milwaukee.

“It’s just one of those things where it’s a mystery,” Smart said. “We’re definitely trying to not keep that pattern going.” AP

Celebs spice up Rock ‘n’ Roll running series

A

CTOR Troy Montero and TV host Kim Atienza take time out from their hectic schedules to grace the Asics Rock “n” Roll (RnR) Running Series, providing a positive influence on youth when it is staged June 19 around Manila’s famous sights and landmarks.

A noted fitness buff with fellow celebrity partner Aubrey Miles, Montero has competed in a number of triathlon events put up by the Ironman Group while Atienza, a stroke survivor, has basked in fitness transformation the last decade or so.

Although the world’s largest running series, sponsored by Asics, is virtually a fun run event, the celebrity duo made themselves available to inspire not only the weekend and recreational runners but also the youth to take a mental break from their small screen gadgets.

This marks the first time that the four-category event—5K, 10K, 21K and 42K—will be staged in

Southeast Asia and in Asia after the pandemic, thus drawing a merry mix of runners also wanting to experience the thrill and excitement of night racing that features bands, music and entertainment all over the course.

Montero, an Asics endorser, will vie in the 42K run while Atienza is entered in the 10K race.

Unlike in regular marathon races, the RnR series blends running and endurance with partying and a concert with the organizers to infuse each course with music, live bands, cheer teams and drumlines to guarantee a fun and exciting staging of the event.

It is actually a day-long affair in historic city atmosphere with the 5K and 10K races set to flag off early morning and the 21K and 42K events to be fired off late in the afternoon.

For listup, log on to www. runrocknroll.com.manila with onsite registration at Garmin stores (through cash and Gcash mode of

payment) at Glorietta I, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, The Podium, Ayala Vertis North, SM North, SM Aura, Uptown and Alabang Town Center.

Fees are P950 for 5K, P1,850 for 10K, P2,450 for half-marathon and P2,650 for the 42K run. For the Remix Challenge, rates are P3,600 for marathon +5K, P4,100 for marathon +10K, P3,800 for half-marathon +5K and P3,400 for half-marathon +10K. The race, backed by Gatorade as official hydration partner and Alaska, Lightwater, Regent and Sante, and held as part of the city’s 450th founding anniversary, will start at the Rizal Park where a wreath-laying ceremony for the national hero will be held at 8 a.m. It will pass through the National Museum complex, Intramuros, the Manila Cathedral, Manila City Hall, the Kartilya ng Katipunan, the Jones Bridge and Chinatown in Binondo, the walled city of Intramuros and back to Rizal Park.

GAC Motor PHL vies in Petron Kalayaan Cup anew

G

AC Motor Philippines will again test the endurance of both man and machine as it joins this year’s Petron Kalayaan Cup 12 HR Endurance Race Challenge Series 2022 on Independence Day Sunday at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

GAC will return with a driver contingent that will take the wheel of the GAC GA4 which has won numerous motorsport awards ever since the Kalayaan Endurance race series began in 2019.

GAC Motor Deputy CEO Brennan Lim leads the team that includes multi-awarded race car driver Milo Rivera, Kody Ng, Andre Tan and Estefano Rivera.

The five drivers will take turns in piloting the GA4 through its paces en route to the checkered flag at the end of the 12-hour endurance race.

The race will also test the mettle of cars like the GAC GA4, a compact sedan that dominated the 2019 Kalayaan Cup’s 12-hour and fourhour Manufacturer’s Class and overall runner-up in the four-hour event.

The same sedan was the 8-hour and four-hour Open (Group B) and Manufacturer’s Class champion in the 2019 Bonifacio Cup, as well as 12hour, 6-hour and 4-hour champion in Open (Group B) and overall runner-up at last year’s Kalayaan and Kagitingan Cup. “GAC Motor’s return to the Petron Kalayaan Cup 12 HR Endurance Race Challenge Series is proof that the brand and its vehicles like the GA4 have what it takes to endure such a gruelling event, as well as provide owners with a durable and reliable daily driver,” Lim said.

The races begin at 5:30 a.m.

THE GAC Motor Race Team— Brennan Lim, Milo Rivera, Andre Tan (inside the car), Kody Ng and Patrick Mendoza—strike a pose at last year’s event.

C

By Josef Ramos

ARLOS EDRIEL YULO will compete at the Ninth Senior Artistic Asian Gymnastics Championships set from June 15 to

18 in Doha, Qatar, eyeing two gold medals and a ticket to this year’s world championships.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion-Norton said that the Doha event set at the Aspire Academy is the start of a busy schedule heading to Yulo’s campaign to return to the Olympics in Paris 2024.

“This continental championships is very important to Yulo because he cannot go to the world championships to qualify for the Olympics if he won’t compete in this event,” Carrion-Norton told BusinessMirror on Friday.

Yulo will fly to Doha from Japan on Sunday with Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya and physiotherapist Jumpei Konno.

Also competing in Doha are John Matthew Vergara, Juancho Miguel Besana, Justine Ace De Leon, John Ivan Cruz and Jan Gwynn Timbang, who will fly in from Manila.

This year’s world championships are set in Liverpool, England, from October 29 to November 6.

Yulo became world champion for the first time—and qualified for the Tokyo Olympics—when he ruled the men’s floor exercise in 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. Last year, he won gold in vault and silver in parallel bars at the Kitakyushu (Japan) worlds.

He collected five gold medals— individual all-around, floor exercise, rings, vault and horizontal bar—silvers in parallel bars and the men’s artistic team event at the Vietnam 31st Southeast Asian Games last month.

Ramos homing in on worlds

A

NOTHER Zamboanga City pride Rose Jean Ramos starts her bid to repeat as champion in the International Weightlifting Federation Youth World Championships on Monday at the Domo de la Feria Arena in Leon, Mexico.

A gold medal winner in the girls’ 45-kg division at last October’s world championships in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ramos entered a 155 kgs weight, the second heaviest in the category to Venezuelan Kerlys Montilla Madrid’s 160 kgs.

“Venezuela has the heaviest at 160 kgs, but we will see it during the competition,” said her trainer and coach Allen Diaz, a cousin of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz. “That’s

only a total and we can overcome that as long as Rose Jean [Ramos] will be in good condition.”

Ten other weightlifters are entered in the division—Turkey’s Ezgi Kilic, Turkmenistan’s Ogulhat Amanova, Ecuador’s Lara Delany, Dominican Rosailiz Santana, Peru’s Shany Tezen Montero, India’s Soumya Dalvi, Egypt’s Habiba Abdelfattah, Mexico’s Naomi Bass, India’s R Bhavani and the US’s Harmony Reed.

Ramos, 16, bagged two gold medals in Jeddah with a 147 kgs total lift, beating opponents from Poland, Spain and Japan.

“She’s doing well in her preparation. I know we’re up to something good there,” Diaz said.

Josef Ramos

Arellano U resumes ‘4-peat’ bid as NCAA women’s vball returns

A

FTER a 28-month wait, Arellano University finally resumes its “four-peat” drive against Mapua as the National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball tournament opens Saturday at the Paco Arena.

Carla Donato and Princess Bello will now be the main gunners with Donna Paralejas the new lead playmaker when the Lady Chiefs take on the Lady Cardinals at 12 noon right after the 10 a.m. opening ceremony.

In Arellano University’s first match since February 13, 2020,

before the league scrapped Season 95 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Legarda-based spikers hope to move on without ace spikers Regine Arocha and Necole Ebuen and veteran playmaker Sarah Verutiao.

College of Saint Benilde, which had an undefeated 7-0 campaign before the shutdown, plays San Beda at 2:30 p.m.

Four more teams will make their season debut Sunday with Season 94 runner-up University of Perpetual Help System Dalta taking on Lyceum of the Philippines University at 2:30 p.m., right after the 12 noon clash between San Sebastian and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Letran and Jose Rizal University will be the last squads to play their respective openers on Tuesday at 12 noon.

Despite losing vital cogs Klarisa Abriam, Matet Pablo Felicia Cui and setter Jewel Lai to graduation, the Lady Blazers still have a lot of weapons in their disposal behind skipper Mycah Go, Michelle Gamit, Gayle Pascual and new playmaker Cloanne Mondoñedo.

The Lady Red Spikers will have to do without Cesca Racraquin, the team’s leading scorer who is now serving as one of match analysts for the league’s new television partner GTV, as well as her sister-libero Daryl Racraquin, twins Iza and Ella Viray, Kim Manzano and setter Lynne Matias.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

Saturday, June 11, 2022

A13

A14 A6 Saturday, June 11, 2022

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

Saturday, June 11, 2022

A15

A16 A6 Saturday, June 11, 2022

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

Saturday, June 11, 2022

A17

A18 A6 Saturday, June 11, 2022

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

Saturday, June 11, 2022

A19

A20 A6 Saturday, June 11, 2022

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

Saturday, June 11, 2022

A21

A22 A6 Saturday, June 11, 2022

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1, Pitx Kennedy Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

DUONG MINH PHAN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 1.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking.

HUANG, CHENG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 2.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking.

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

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

AB LEISURE EXPONENT, INC. 5/f Sm Megamall Bldg. D, J Vargas, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

3.

ZHANG, TING Mandarin Manager Brief Job Description: Manage the daily operations

4.

5.

6.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for driving operational excellence

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

SOMKHAO, SUKKHANA Thai Speaking Customer Service Officer 17.

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

IWATA, RYOSUKE Transaction Processing Analyst

Basic Qualification: Finance, accounting graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

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

CHEN, GUILIE Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

GONG, ZHIYAN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

GUO, XIAOHUI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

XU, YONGZE Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

HOANG QUOC ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

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

18.

13.

Brief Job Description: Evaluation of the systems’ problems to recommend enhancements.

14.

Brief Job Description: Oversee, monitor, and drive daily all areas of performance metrics (call handling times, service levels, productivity, quality, VOC, NPS, customer effort, and related applicable areas of customer experience) in the organization to assure that standards are met and sustained across the board in the delivery of service to our clients.

20.

15.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

Brief Job Description: Act as Project Supervisor on Capital Construction and Renovation projects

CHOO VUI KIEN Bi-lingual Speaking Data Analyst Executive 21.

Brief Job Description: Interprets SATA, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides ongoing reports

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

CHOO TECK KEE Bi-lingual Speaking Data Analyst Officer 22.

Brief Job Description: Interprets SATA, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides ongoing reports

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

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

LIEW TIAN FENG Bi-lingual Speaking Data Analyst Officer 23.

Brief Job Description: Interprets SATA, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides ongoing reports

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

LIM TIEN HOCK Bi-lingual Speaking Data Analyst Officer 24.

Brief Job Description: Interprets SATA, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides ongoing reports

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

THAM KON VAY Bi-lingual Speaking Data Analyst Officer 25.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent and proficient in writing and speaking at least 2 of the ff languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese

Basic Qualification: Fluent and proficient in writing and speaking at least 2 of the ff languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese

Basic Qualification: Fluent and proficient in writing and speaking at least 2 of the ff languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese

Basic Qualification: Fluent and proficient in writing and speaking at least 2 of the ff languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese

Brief Job Description: Interprets SATA, analyzes results using statistical techniques and provides ongoing reports

Basic Qualification: Fluent and proficient in writing and speaking at least 2 of the ff languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese

DAM THI NGOC YEN Gaming Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Being the voice of our players within our fast-growing online/offshore gaming platform, stay on track with the game updates, implementing procedures to support players, work creatively across multiple projects and platforms at the same time.

NGUYEN DUC DIEP Gaming Support Specialist 27.

Brief Job Description: Being the voice of our players within our fast-growing online/offshore gaming platform, stay on track with the game updates, implementing procedures to support players, work creatively across multiple projects and platforms at the same time.

Brief Job Description: Being the voice of our players within our fast-growing online/offshore gaming platform, stay on track with the game updates, implementing procedures to support players, work creatively across multiple projects and platforms at the same time.

TRINH CONG NHAN Gaming Support Specialist

31.

Brief Job Description: Being the voice of our players within our fast-growing online/offshore gaming platform, stay on track with the game updates, implementing procedures to support players, work creatively across multiple projects and platforms at the same time.

VU THI THU HUYEN Gaming Support Specialist

32.

Brief Job Description: Being the voice of our players within our fast-growing online/offshore gaming platform, stay on track with the game updates, implementing procedures to support players, work creatively across multiple projects and platforms at the same time.

ZHUANG, HONGLIN Direct Marketing Manager 33.

Brief Job Description: Handle direct marketing and promotions strategy, implementation, and overlook results.

LAM, YI YUK Marketing And Promotions Manager 34.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in Chinese, both spoken and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in Chinese, both spoken and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in Chinese, both spoken and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in Chinese, both spoken and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Must be able to speak, write, and understand Chinese. At least 2 years experience in digital marketing management.

In-depth knowledgeable of digital marketing tools.

Brief Job Description: Handle marketing and promotions strategy, implementation, and overlook results.

Basic Qualification: Must be able to speak, write, and understand Chinese. At least 2 years experience in marketing management.

Knowledgeable of advertising technicalities.

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

FAYTAR SERVICES CORP. 4/f Caeg Bldg., 7611 Dela Rosa St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati CHEN, KEXUN Customer Service Representative 35.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company CHEN, ZHAO Customer Service Representative

36.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company CHEW YI YUAN Customer Service Representative

37.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company FU, ZICONG Customer Service Representative

38.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company.

GAO, JINGBAI Customer Service Representative

39.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in Chinese, both spoken and written.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in Chinese, both spoken and written.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in Chinese, both spoken and written.

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

40.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DOUBLEWIN ALUMINUM INDUSTRY CORP. 3 Reparo St. Morning Breeze Subd., District 1, Barangay 84, City Of Caloocan

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company.

GE, YUNFEI Customer Service Representative

DATACLICK INTERNATIONAL CORP. E. Rodriguez St., Roxas Blvd. St., Barangay 3, Pasay City

26.

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

30.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, outstanding leadership skills, fluent in mandarin and English preferably with 5 years of experience as project supervisor.

Brief Job Description: Being the voice of our players within our fast-growing online/offshore gaming platform, stay on track with the game updates, implementing procedures to support players, work creatively across multiple projects and platforms at the same time.

PHAM VAN AN TIEN Gaming Support Specialist

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

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

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in BURMESE, with related BPO experience

Basic Qualification: College Graduate, outstanding leadership skills, fluent in Mandarin and English preferably with 5 years of experience as project supervisor.

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

Basic Qualification: Experience using help desk software and remote support tools.

Basic Qualification: College degree in any field. At least 10 years of experience in a BPO setting with 5 years in a senior leadership role; with healthcare background.

29.

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English and Mandarin Language and with Analytical Mind and Analysis Skill.

Brief Job Description: Being the voice of our players within our fast-growing online/offshore gaming platform, stay on track with the game updates, implementing procedures to support players, work creatively across multiple projects and platforms at the same time.

NGUYEN XUAN ANH Gaming Support Specialist

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

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

28.

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

Basic Qualification: Strong English and mandarin communication skills (both oral and written)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN HOANG VU Gaming Support Specialist

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in Vietnamese, with related BPO experience

No.

CHROMELAB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 25/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. Eastfield Center, Cbp1, Macapagal Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City

KHIN KHIN HLA Myanmari Customer Relations Officer

Brief Job Description: Act as Project Supervisor on Capital Construction and Renovation projects

WU, MIAOXIN Mandarin Speaking Project Supervisor

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

BETAINE (PH) B.V - PHILIPPINE BRANCH 11th-21st Flr., Zeta Tower Bridgetowne Ext. E Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Ortigas, 3, Ugong Norte, Quezon City LAKSHMINARAYANAN, SRIKANTH Vice President Healthcare Engagement Services, Center Of Excellence, Operations Head

Brief Job Description: Plan, Organize and Manage Business Projects for Clients.

PAN, ZENG Mandarin Speaking Project Supervisor

APRICUS TECHNOLOGY INC. 8/f Aguirre Building, 107 Aguirre St. Legaspi Village, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati HA, GAYOUNG Customer Support Specialist - Korean Speaking

Brief Job Description: Serve as the first point of contact for the Thai speakingcustomers

XIE, WENJIE Chinese Speaking Business Consultant

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

Basic Qualification: JLPT N2

Brief Job Description: Provide support in monitoring and evaluation of performance gap in relation to language skills

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

A23

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

BOWENHILLS TECH INC. 16/f Bdo Towers Valero, 8741 Paseo De Roxas Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

19.

Basic Qualification: Accounting, HR

Brief Job Description: Performs accounts payable transactions

16.

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

HARA, KAORU HR Service Delivery Senior Analyst

OKA, YURI Service Delivery Ops Senior Analyst

NGUYEN THI HOE Vietnamese Customer Relations Officer

Basic Qualification: With working experience in related field

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company.

HE, DAOYONG Customer Service Representative

41.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company HE, JIALE Customer Service Representative

42.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company

Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak Mandarin.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak Mandarin.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak Mandarin.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A24 A6 Saturday, June 11, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HU, YUAN Customer Service Representative

43.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company.

LI, JIAHUI Customer Service Representative

44.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company.

LI, LAISHUN Customer Service Representative

45.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company LI, LE Customer Service Representative

46.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company LI, LONG Customer Service Representative

47.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company.

LI, TAO Customer Service Representative

48.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company LIANG, SHUHUI Customer Service Representative

49.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company LIN, HONGYING Customer Service Representative

50.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company LIU, CHUANG Customer Service Representative

51.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company LUO, SONG Customer Service Representative

52.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company LUO, YIXIANG Customer Service Representative

53.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company PAN, HAIBO Customer Service Representative

54.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company QI, QUANFU Customer Service Representative

55.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company SUN, KEJIA Customer Service Representative

56.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company SUSANTI Customer Service Representative

57.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company WANG, QIDONG Customer Service Representative

58.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company WANG, WEICHEN Customer Service Representative

59.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company WANG, XING Customer Service Representative

60.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company

WU, HEYU Customer Service Representative 61.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company

XIANG, JINGANG Customer Service Representative 62.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company

YIN, YONGFEI Customer Service Representative 63.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak Mandarin.

No.

ZHANG, HEJIE Customer Service Representative 64.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak Mandarin.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to Multi-task and Must Know How to Speak Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company

TRIPATHY, SANJEEV KUMAR Country Head

72.

Brief Job Description: Subject to such instructions and directions as may from time to time be given by the Company, you shall use all proper means in your power to advise, promote, improve, develop, extend and maintain the company’s business and to protect and further the reputation, business, interests and success of the company.

TAN, HUI-SHIH a.k.a. TAN HUY THE Chinese Customer Service Representative 73.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 NGUYEN MINH VUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 74.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

PHAM THI CHI SUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 75.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to Multi-task and Must Know How to Speak Mandarin

PHUNG MY LAY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 76.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin TRUONG NGOC PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

No.

80.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

77.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

78.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking.

Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

LIN, TZU-CHI Chinese Technical Support Representative 81.

Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

79.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the entire construction management and administration of the dredging and reclamation project.

Brief Job Description: Provide daily support to users of various computer systems including answering questions, analyzing problems and quickly forming solutions to return systems to proper operations.

TSAI, TSUNG-YU Chinese Technical Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

82.

Brief Job Description: Provide daily support to users of various computer systems including answering questions, analyzing problems, and quickly forming solutions to return systems to proper operation

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

NGUYEN KHAC TRONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 83.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

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

84.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage.

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

91.

92.

93.

94.

95.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate crane movement & communicate w/ diff.

Parties during project execution

Brief Job Description: Perform advanced processing of vendor invoices in the respective ERP system; Maintain vendor master data and work with vendor companies to resolve complex payment issues

CHRISTOPHER CHIENG CHING ING Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service

NGUYEN THI TINH Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer service CHEN, MUHE Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, JIANGNING Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, XIN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WAN, YINGGANG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, QI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, DONGNAN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

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

ZOU, WENGANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

96.

Basic Qualification: 10 years of construction management of maritime/ river works projects.

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

Brief Job Description: Overseeing the daily operations of business

ZHOU, SHENGHUA Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective Native Language for the position applied for; Fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent to Chinese Mandarin is an advantage.

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

Basic Qualification: Basic degree on business management or any related field.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Skilled in electrical engineering & management with GWO certificate Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: 3+ yrs. of experience in Accounting or Finance with directly related experience with full-cycle AP or Accounting knowledge Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

IMTIAZ, YAR General Manager

PARK, JOO YOUNG I2p Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for; fluent in chines/mandarin is an advantage.

MERCK BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ASIA INC. 36th To 39th Floor, The Finance Centre Condominium, 26th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

PRINS, WIM Operations Manager

Basic Qualification: MBA (Master in Business Admin.)

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage.

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

LANDING CRAFT TRANSPORT, INC. 49c Northbay Blvd Salut,, Tondo, 10, Barangay 126, Tondo I/ii, City Of Manila

85.

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

Basic Qualification: Must have experience in financial leading business, must have managerial experience

KUYA DIESEL PARTS CENTER CORP. 503-505, A. Bonifacio St., San Jose, Quezon City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

JIU ZHOU TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. 31/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Avenue, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

HASKONING PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 4 22/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati WYKEHAM, VERNON WILLIAM Construction Project Manager

Brief Job Description: Lifecycle strategy definition: execution , evaluation through independent stream meetings, and updates for key stake holders

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

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

CHEN, CHAOYONG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION STANC, DANIEL Head Of CRM Lifecycle Strategy And Business Intelligence

GAO SHOU TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 52/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Ability to Multi-task and Must Know How to Speak Mandarin

Basic Qualification: Ability to Multi-task and Must Know How to Speak Mandarin

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FE FOODS PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 4-f3, 4/f 8101 Pearl Plaza, Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company ZOU, YACHAO Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to Multi-task and Must Know How to Speak Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company ZHOU, WEI Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to Multi-task and Must Know How to Speak Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company ZHAO, ZICHEN Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to Multi-task and Must Know How to Speak Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company ZHAO, QINGYUN Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to Multi-task and Must Know How to Speak Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company ZHAO, BO Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company ZHANG, XUE Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engaging with customers in behalf of the company ZHANG, HUI Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to multi-task and must know how to speak mandarin

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

97.

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

CHRISTINE OUI SI JIN Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

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: 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 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 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 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 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.

98.

99.

100.

101.

102.

103.

104.

105.

106.

107.

108.

109.

110.

111.

112.

113.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DAM VAN NGHIA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DIEP THI NHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DO TRUONG SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HO PHUC LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUA THI HAU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUYNH THI MAI LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LE DINH THUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LE VAN VUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUONG THANH TUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN HOAI AN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAM CONG PHI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAM QUANG HIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SUNG A LIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires VI KHOA CU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

VO XUAN TINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

VU DINH TRUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

114.

115.

116.

117.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming phone calls.

CALVIN QRISTANDI Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming phone calls.

HERU SETIAWAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming phone calls.

THESSA LONIKA NABABAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming phone calls.

118.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the site’s operation in the Philippines which includes but not limited to revenue and profitability, capital expenditure / budget management and business development / growth.

119.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs.

Handle customer complaints. Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies.

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

KAN MY PHOONG Customer Service Representative 120.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs.

Handle customer complaints. Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

KHIN MOE PHYU Customer Service Representative 121.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs.

Handle customer complaints. Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies.

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

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

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

MA VAN KHANH Customer Service Representative 122.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs.

Handle customer complaints. Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies.

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

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

133.

134.

135.

136.

137.

138.

139.

140.

143.

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

144.

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

PRONAY, NICHOLAS YORK Head Of Global Talent Acquisition Fulfillment 125.

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

KATHPALIA, MOHAN ASHOK Senior Manager Process Design 126.

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

Basic Qualification: Must be 4 years bachelor degree in any course.

HEW MEOW HON Project Manager 127.

HENG BOON EE Quantity Surveying Manager 128.

129.

130.

145.

Brief Job Description: Directs and leads several projects team in planning and developing design and cost

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

146.

VO VAN HOANG Admin Officer 131.

Brief Job Description: Handles administrative request and queries from senior managers/officers.

NGUYEN THI HONG HR Officer

132.

Brief Job Description: Support the development and implementation of HR initiatives and systems.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills.)

147.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services DUONG THI MY DUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

148.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HO THI THUY LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

149.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HOANG TAM MAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

150.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HOANG VAN HIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

151.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services HUYNH NGOC VI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

152.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills.)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services DUONG A SAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: 20 years of relevant work experience and 12 years in a senior management role Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services DONG QUOC CHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: 15 years of relevant experiences and 8 years in a management role

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services DOAN MANH THIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: At least 15 years of relevant experience and 8 years in a management role

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

DO THI THU HIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

SOMI UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS, INC. 10/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza Bldg., Edsa Corner Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10, District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

OMNIWEALTH ENTERPRISE INC. 17th Flr. Citibank Square Bldg., No. 188 Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Eastwood City Cyberpark 3, Bagumbayan, Quezon City

Brief Job Description: Manages all project costs; proactive involvement in procurement and reporting TEH WENG CHONG Senior Project Quality Control Manager

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

Basic Qualification: 10 years experience in BPO in managing head operations.

Brief Job Description: Manage all project costs; proactive involvement in procurement and reporting THIEN JIAN LUEN Quantity Surveying Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be 4 years bachelor degree in any course.

Brief Job Description: Provide leadership and direction to a project team in the planning, scheduling, work organization and monitoring

Basic Qualification: 20 years of relevant work experience and 12 years in a senior management role

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

DO THI HA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

SHANG PROPERTIES, INC. Shangri-la Plaza Edsa, Cor Shaw Boulevard, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be 4 years bachelor degree in any course.

Brief Job Description: Identify opportunities and lead process improvement projects on finance transformation ideally, in the transaction teams or O2C in particular.

Basic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in information systems and/ or degree in Accounting, Management information systems, or related field with a minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

DAO VAN LONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be 4 years bachelor degree in any course.

Brief Job Description: Setting of standards/objectives for all those involved in TA Shared Service Fulfillment activity in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Basic Qualification: Good working knowledge of retail or B2C industries consider an advantage.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services DAO THI HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

PMI BUSINESS SOLUTIONS (PHILIPPINES) INC. 15th/f & 16th/f 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Poblacion, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs.

Handle customer complaints. Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services DANG THI NHU KHOA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

124.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services CHU DUC PHU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

CHI VINH LONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

142.

TRAN THI THUY DUNG Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

CAO DUC CUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services BUI THI DAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

123.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls. Generate sales leads. Identify and assess customers’ needs.

Handle customer complaints. Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services BAN THI TINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

141.

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

TAN CHEN SOON Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Installs and configures computer hardware operating systems and applications.

A MIN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LE THI GIANG It Officer

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

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

OMEGA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC. 15th Floor Unionbank Plaza, Meralco Avenue Corner Onyx And Sapphire St., Ortigas Center, City Of Pasig LOHOKARE, DARSHAN SUDHIR Senior Manager Operations

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CHIU LINH HUU Customer Service Representative

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

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 47/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati BOBBY WIDIAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

No.

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services LAI CAO NHAT Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

153.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

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

A25

BusinessMirror

A26 A6 Saturday, June 11, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LE NGUYEN TRI NHAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

154.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services LE QUOC DAI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

155.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

LE VAN BANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

156.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services LE VAN DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

157.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

LO HOANG TU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

158.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

LUONG VIET HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

159.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

LUU XUAN KHOI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

160.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services LUU XUAN KIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

161.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGO VAN DUC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

162.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN CONG TRUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

163.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN DUY THEM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

164.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN HOANG SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

165.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN HUU QUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

166.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN MANH TUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

167.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN THANH CONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

168.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN THANH HOANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

169.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN THI DUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

170.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN THI HANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

171.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN THI MO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

172.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN THI THU HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

173.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN TIEN DUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

174.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

No.

NGUYEN TRUNG PHI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 175.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

176.

177.

178.

179.

180.

181.

182.

183.

184.

185.

186.

187.

188.

189.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

TRAN VAN BO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

190.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

TRAN THI NGOC LIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services TRAN NHU BO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

TRAN CONG QUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services PHUNG TUAN VIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services PHUNG BA VINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services PHAN THU HA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services PHAM QUYET THANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

PHAM MINH TUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services PHAM MINH HIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN VAN NHAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN VAN LAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN VAN HA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN TUAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN TRUONG SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

TRAN VAN LUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

191.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

TRAN VIET Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

192.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

TRUONG MINH HIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

193.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

TRUONG VAN HIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

194.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services.

VU THI ANH DUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

195.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

No.

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

196.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

197.

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

198.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

199.

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

Brief Job Description: Lead the sales team to deliver our commitment to the customer

200.

Brief Job Description: Provide an excellent service to customer within the salon environment

201.

LANG THUY KIEU Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation) 202.

203.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation

204.

205.

206.

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation

207.

208.

Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive and fluency in mandarin language and characters

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive and fluency in mandarin language and characters

Brief Job Description: Handle service support calls, emails and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through mandarin to English translation

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters.

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

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

DWI CAHYA SUMIRAT Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer 209.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties IRFIA LAZHARI Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

210.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

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

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

ZAPPORT SERVICES, INC. 36/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters.

WINNY AGUSTINI Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

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

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

WANG, ZHIQIANG Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters.

TRANG TU QUYNH Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

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

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

PHAN HOANG THIEN AN Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

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

Basic Qualification: Through, extensive & fluency in mandarin language and characters.

OU, ZHIHUI Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

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

VICCI BUSINESS CONSULTANCY CORP. 10/f Liberty Plaza, 102 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

THONG DIN KHOANH Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, Reading & Writing Hangul (Native Language)

Brief Job Description: Provide an excellent service to customer within the salon environment

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

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

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

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

SON, MINJI Hair Stylist

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

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, Reading & Writing Hangul (Native Language)

JEON, MYEONGSOON Hair Stylist

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

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

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

TONY & JACKEY BEAUTY SALON CORP. 2/f Zen Bldg., 647 Nakpil St., 076, Barangay 697, Malate, City Of Manila

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

Basic Qualification: With At least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/Good in Oral Communication and Written

ARKLE, LEE Sales Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

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

THINK SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. ( DBC PHILIPPINES ) Lower & Upper Penthouse, Bank Of Makati Bldg., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

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

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

DU, MINGWEI Chinese Speaking Sales Marketing Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and Written Skills)

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

Basic Qualification: With At least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/Good in Oral Communication and Written

LIONG SAN MEI Chinese Speaking Brand Marketing Specialist

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

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service queries; suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

SPRITZER TRADING CORP. 37/f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

VY VAN TRINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills).

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties TIRTA AVATARA Indonesian - Speaking Customer Service Officer

211.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

Basic Qualification: Indonesian Speaking and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Indonesian Speaking and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Indonesian Speaking and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Jun 10, 2022 Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.