BusinessMirror June 22, 2021 by BusinessMirror

DBM cool to 2nd extension of Bayanihan 2 By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

GENCIES may lose their sense of urgency in implementing programs under Bayanihan 2 if the validity of its appropriations is once again extended, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said. The budget department made the remark on Monday amid calls for Congress to hold a special session and extend Bayanihan 2, which is currently set to expire on June 30. Forty-eight civil-society groups earlier asked President Duterte and Congress leaders to convene a special session to extend Bayanihan 2. As of May 31, P18.4 billion in Bayanihan 2 appropriations have

yet to be obligated by agencies, according to DBM. Unobligated funds will revert to the Bureau of the Treasury after Bayanihan 2 expires. “For the extension of the validity of Bayanihan 2 appropriations, we will defer to the wisdom of the legislature on the matter. However, may we note that the extension may somehow negate the urgency of agencies/departments to fasttrack the implementation of programs under Bayanihan 2,” Budget Assistant Secretary and spokesman Rolando U. Toledo told the BusinessMirror in a message. Still, Toledo said this can be addressed through the oversight authority of Congress over departments/agencies regarding implementation of authorized programs, activities and projects.

Apart from this, he added the extension will also “not have any additional fiscal impact on the economy since it will not add any new spending program.” Should the government decide to extend the validity of funds under Bayanihan 2, this would already be the second time for them to do so. Bayanihan 2 was originally supposed to expire on December 19 last year but this was later on extended until June 30 this year after lawmakers observed slow disbursement of funds. Budget Secretary Wendel E. Avisado said they also leave it up to President Duterte to decide on whether to call Congress to a special session to extend Bayanihan 2. “Whatever the President tells us. We do not preempt him,”

Avisado said. Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier said he is open to either option—President Duterte asking Congress to hold a special session, or having the DBM and Executive department agencies simply move on the funds, as suggested by Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon.

Avisado: Our job is done

However, Avisado told the BusinessMirror that they have already done their part in releasing all the funds under Bayanihan 2. “Our job is done. We have released all the funds. From then on, it’s the Departments’ responsibility to whom we have released the funds to utilize them within the time frame set by the law,” he said. See “DBM,” A10

BSP SEEN TO KEEP KEY

n Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 251

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RATES AT RECORD LOWS DTI CHIEF ADVISES LOCAL CONSTRUCTION SECTOR: SEIZE GLOBAL DEMAND By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) organic personnel, office staff and traffic constable get their Sinovac jabs as the government procures more vaccines to stop the spread of Covid-19 and attain herd immunity. BERNARD TESTA

By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

NTERNATIONAL think tank Moody’s Analytics said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is likely to keep its rates at record lows in its upcoming meeting this week, as nearterm prospects for the Philippine economy remain “worrisome.”

In a research analysis published on Monday, Moody’s Analytics—the research arm of the Moody’s group—said the Philippines’s Central Bank is expected to keep the benchmark policy rate steady at 2 percent in its June announcement. “The near-term prospects remain worrisome for the Philippines as the country copes with an intense domestic outbreak of Covid-19, which has necessitated

the extension of restrictions in the capital city and nearby provinces until the end of June,” Moody’s Analytics said. “Although the Central Bank has responded to the crisis with rate cuts and substantial liquidityeasing measures, it is expected to retain ammunition for now and delay further action until restrictions are eased and sectors can respond to new stimulus,” it added. Continued on A2

More vaccines will be sent to tourism areas–Dizon By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

ORE vaccines will be sent to key leisure destinations in the country as more supplies arrive. This was the assurance made by National Task Force against Covid-19 (NTF) Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon, as resort islands like Boracay and Panglao started ramping up their

vaccination of residents and tourism frontliners in preparation for their eventual reopening to foreign travelers. “Yes, we sent doses to Bohol for frontliners,” said Dizon in a Viber message to the BusinessMirror. “We will be sending more in the coming days and thank Sec. Berna and Gov. Art for their efforts,” referring to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat and Bohol Gov. Art Yap. He added, “[NTF Chief Imple-

PESO exchange rates n US 48.3870

menter] Secretary [Carlito] Galvez will continue to support them with the much-needed doses as they arrive.” Yap has requested for vaccines for 70,000 individuals. (See, “Island destinations gear up for the entry of foreign tourists,” in the BusinessMirror, June 21, 2021.)

OFWs to get Pfizer vaxx

Dizon acknowledged Boracay Island’s request for vaccines for 40,000 individuals, “And Secre-

tary Charlie will agree to this, I’m sure. We’re just waiting for more doses of Sinovac and Gamaleya [Sputnik V] to arrive, because we can only use procured vaccines for A4,” the priority category to which tourism frontliners belong. He underscored that donated vaccines under the Covax facility of the World Health Organization are only for A1 (medical frontliners), A2 (seniors), A3 (those with comorbidities).

HE De pa r t ment of Trade and Industr y (DTI) is prodding the construction sector to maximize the opportunities in the global market as it seeks recovery amid the pandemic. Local construction players, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in an event on Monday, should take advantage of the “evolving” global economic landscape. “ That’s why while construction opportunities in the domestic market are abundant due to the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program, the industry needs to be versatile to take advantage of the opportunities in the global market,” he pointed out. T he Ph i l ippi nes’s f ree trade agreements (FTA) with other economies allow the local players to participate in more business activities and job generation, according to Lopez. “FTAs offer a more stable, predictable and fair environment for Filipino businesses and investments, including those in the construction and related engineering sector,” Lopez explained. “For local construction services, the Philippines was able to secure liberal arrangements in foreign markets, including 100-percent foreign equity participation in activities like general construction work for buildings and civil engineering, among others,” he added. Philippine-based companies are guaranteed this arrangement, Lopez said, via the country’s trade deals with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Aus-

tralia, China, the European Trade Association, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand. In addition, Lopez said, the Philippines is also part of the major trade pact Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. RCEP was signed by 10 Asean member-states and five Asean FTA partners—Australia, China, Japan, Korea and New Zealand—in November last year. “Through RCEP, Filipino construction companies can now provide more services in RCEP-participating countries that would bring in more job opportunities for Filipinos,” Lopez said. The trade department said it continues to roll out programs supporting the constructions firms’ operations. Lopez said the DTI seeks to further explore and promote partnerships with foreign firms to upgrade the skills of the work force. The DTI, the trade official said, is “also helping Filipino construction companies increase their economies of scale and expand their scope of services by actively encouraging and supporting activities that lead to the export of technical and managerial expertise.” Lopez said the pandemic has stressed the urgency for improvement in productivity, capacity-building programs and push for further innovation in the construction sector. Last year, total construction spending fell to P2.2 trillion—comprising 13 percent of the gross domestic product—from P3.2 trillion in 2019 amid the slowdown in business activities.

Continued on A2

n japan 0.4390 n UK 66.7741 n HK 6.2326 n CHINA 7.4976 n singapore 35.9862 n australia 36.2080 n EU 57.4257 n SAUDI arabia 12.9029

Source: BSP (June 21, 2021)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, June 22, 2021

BSP SEEN TO KEEP KEY RATES AT RECORD LOWS Continued from A1

In a separate analysis, ING Bank economist Nicholas Mapa said they expect BSP’s rates to stay anchored at 2 percent until at least June of 2022, to support the local economy. “The notion that we need to calibrate a preemptive move to prepare for a rate hike a year and a half down the line may not work in the best interest of the economy and would translate to BSP hitting the brakes just when we get the car inching forward. This could leave us susceptible to being the only car left on the track, wobbling further as all others zoom past us on the road to economic recovery,” Mapa said. The BSP is slated to have their next monetary policy meeting on Thursday, June 24. This will be the fourth monetary policy meeting of the Central Bank for the year. In the first three monetary policy meetings for the year, the BSP had opted to keep their rates at their record-low levels despite rising inflation numbers to support the local economy. “The BSP affirms that maintaining an accommodative stance should quicken the economy’s transition toward a sustainable recovery. The BSP remains committed to deploying its full range of instruments as appropriate in support of its price and financial stability mandates,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DepEd: 300 schools may pilot face-to-face classes next SY By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

F President Duterte gives the goahead, some 300 schools across the country may pilot limited face-to-face classes for school year (SY) 2021-2022. Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, in an online press briefing on Monday, said the original number was 1,900 schools as recommended by the regional directors of DepEd. “After the assessment, this was trimmed down to 600 schools, and then further lessened to 300 schools,” Briones explained. Briones added, however that the number would still change, “depending on the behavior of the Delta Covid-19 variant and Covid-19 will largely [have an impact] whether we will have extensive

face-to-face or not.” The pilot face-to-face, Briones said, will not necessarily be implemented in all regions and the schools involved must first be assessed by the Department of Health and Inter-Agency Task Force first. Briones said that face-to-face will be implemented in a city or municipality if: approved by local government units, the school has water access, there are health units nearby, transportation like tricycles and canteens have complied with the standards set by

the DOH and IATF, and, the “most crucial,” parents have given their written consent. Meanwhile, Br iones agrees with the opinion piece of Dr. Takeshi Kasai, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director for the Western Pacific, along with Karin Hulshof, the Unicef Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, that prolonged school closures have a “significant impact” not just on children’s skills attainment and earning prospects, but also on their physical and mental health. And, while online education can “guarantee some continuity of learning” for some children, these ser vices are “no substitute for in-person attendance.” “ The observations of WHO are very valid, especially that we pointed that out since last year. When the lockdown was instituted, we already pointed out that there will be costs but the main concern at that time was the protection and health of the children at that time,” Briones said when

asked by the BusinessMirror for her reaction. “ We ag ree w it h t he point of v iew [of W HO]. T he quest ion is, when do we implement it? Do we implement it at t he time of UK [va r ia nt]? Do we implement it at t he t ime of Delta va r ia nt? ” Br iones asked, noting a lso t hat t he qu a ra nt ine c l assif icat ion in t he countr y c ha nges ever y 15 d ays. In general, the DepEd chief said the advice is “quite sound and we actuality agree with them but the actual implementation will depend on the real circumstances of the country.” Briones, who was elected Vice President of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (Seameo) recently, said some schools in Southeast Asia remain closed as well due to the threat of Covid-19. “I agree with WHO. But how we will apply it? I apply it with the law, the President will decide...we will give him all the information that he needs,” she concluded.

More vaccines will be sent to tourism areas–Dizon Continued from A1

But seafarers and other overseas Filipino workers for deployment abroad are now in the A1 category

and will be jabbed with the Pfizer vaccine. “Indigents who are in the A5 category,” will also be inoculated with the Pfizer vaccine, he sad. Asked how OFWs can request

for the Pfizer vaccine, Dizon said, “They can ask their LGU [local government unit] directly or through their agencies, and Owwa [Overseas Workers Welfare Administration] and Marina [Maritime Industry Authority] for seafarers.”

Boracay arrivals at 16K

As this developed, Boracay businesses have been ecstatic in the last few weeks as visitors to the island were recorded at 16,047 from June 1-20, significantly higher than the 1,311 tourists recorded from May 1-23. The increase is likely due to the arrival of tourists from the National Capital Region, after residents were allowed to travel to modified general community quarantine areas like Boracay. Ging Salme, manager of the popular Jony’s Resort, shared, “So far we’re okay, although it’s not the same as before [prior to the pandemic]. But we’re happy we’ve hit 50-percent occupancy for 21 rooms. But this coming Thursday to Sunday, we’re almost full already.” But she noted it’s only during weekends that tourists arrive there

in droves. On weekdays, their resort records “just 30-percent occupancy.” While the family-run property, a consistent TripAdvisor awardee for excellence, also has a boutique hotel on Station 2, Salme says she moves guests who book there to the beachfront resort on Station 1, “to lessen our operating expenses.” She added, “It helped a lot that we started promoting and selling rooms via social media. We had to be aggressive and active there. Also, our recent sales promo helped. The rate we are offering now is the same rate when I started working here 22 years ago. But of course, since our market is still limited to local tourists and we’re still in a pandemic, even the large hotels are cutting their rates. We can’t offer a higher rate than them, of course.” Salme said they also have flexible rates and rebooking schemes, which have boosted their bookings. She expressed hope that their island gets more vaccines especially for tourism frontliners like her. “They [government] should prioritize Boracay,” in the vaccination program.

Palace order gives death, burial benefits to IPMRs

RESIDENT Duterte has authorized the indemnification of death and burial benefits to indigenous peoples mandatory representatives (IPMR) who may depart while serving their terms. This after Malacañang issued Executive Order (EO) 139 providing the entitlements, citing the provision of Republic Act (RA) 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Right Act. Under RA 8371, IPs shall be given mandatory representation in all policy-making bodies and other legislative councils including the barangay level. “There is a need to recognize the invaluable contribution of the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives in the barangays through, among others, the grant of benefits enjoyed by similarly situated officials,” President Duterte said in the issuance released to the media only on Monday. The new benefits will be given to IPMRs, who died during their terms of office. The funding for the benefit will be taken from the Special Provision on the Barangay Official Death Benefits Fund from the 2020 and 2021 national budget. The President ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)) and the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to determine the total budget for the payment of the said benefits. EO 139 took effect on June 18, 2021 after it was signed by President Duterte. Samuel P. Medenilla

CA upheld on ₧139-M DPWH case

HE Supreme Court has affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals which found three employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) guilty of simple neglect of duty for their role in the P139-million vehicle repair scam. In a 12-page decision penned by Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, the SC’s First Division denied the petition filed by the Field Investigation Office-Office of the Ombudsman (FIO-OMB) seeking the reversal of the CA decision, which set aside its ruling finding respondent-employees Lucia Rondon, Ronaldo Simbahan and Rolando Cabangon guilty of gross neglect of duty and penalized them with dismissal from the service. The SC held that the Ombudsman failed to prove that the respondents intentionally approved and issued disbursement vouchers (DVs) to cover for fictitious emergency repairs conducted on DPWHowned vehicles. Thus, instead of dismissal from the service, the SC reduced their penalty to three months’ suspension without pay. “As the appellate court pointed out, the respondents’ lapses can only be attributed to their carelessness and indifference in the

discharge of their duties. As such, the CA did not err in finding respondents guilty of simple neglect of duty,” the SC said. Based on the records, respondents, who were part of the accounting division, have two essential tasks in the emergency repair disbursement process , which is to ensure that the DVs and the supporting documents thereof are regular on their face and recommending the DVs for funding. Rondon and Cabangon initialed 41 and 40 DVs, respectively; while respondent Simbahan inquired into the availability of funds for 64 notices of cash allocation (NCA) and signed such notices despite the fact that some of these DVs and NCAs were supported by undated and unnumbered job orders and inspection reports. The complaint filed by the FIOOMB charges respondents with gross neglect of duty for failing to discern the badges of fraud in the transactions based on the DVs that they processed. However, the CA said these marks of fraud were undiscoverable either from the face of the documents as presented to respondents or by virtue of respondents’ positions within the DPWH and the disbursement process. Thus, they can only be made

accountable for not noticing something that was patent on the face of the documents they were processing: the lack of dates and serial numbers. In upholding the CA’s decision, the Court held: “This Court is of the considered opinion that the CA correctly found respondents guilty of simple neglect of duty. The CA did not err in holding that badges of fraud were undiscoverable either from the face of the documents as presented to respondents or by virtue of their positions within the DPWH organization and the disbursement process.” The SC pointed out that the participation of respondents in the disbursement process sets in only after the emergency repair request has passed through several steps. The alleged abuses in this procurement and reimbursement process were uncovered sometime between 2001 and 2002 and resulted in the filing of criminal and administrative charges against several DPWH employees and private parties who purportedly provided the automotive repair services. The scam arose from the “exorbitant, fictitious and repetitive repairs” of 521 DPWH vehicles, some of which were beyond “economic repair.” Joel R. San Juan

Nation BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 A3

As cases rise in VisMin, DOH presses ‘common’ border, port control rules By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Correspondent

he Department of Health (DOH) has stressed the need for a “uniform” implementation of port and border control after four additional Delta variants were recorded based on the latest whole-genome sequencing report by the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) and the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) on Monday. There were also 14 Alpha (B117) variant cases, 21 Beta (B1351) variant cases, and one Theta (P3) variant case that were recorded. In an online media forum of the DOH on Monday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also stressed that no less than President Duterte is “cautious” on the prevention of the entry of Delta variant into the country. “We cannot have non-uniformity in the implementation of border control,” Vergeire said stressing that the protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force and the Office of the President on the testing and swabbing of returning Filipinos (ROFs) and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should be upheld in Cebu to prevent the entry of the Delta variant. While the national protocol requires a 10-day quarantine and swabbing on the seventh day from arrival of OFWs and ROFs, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has issued an executive order and an ordinance of the provincial board that require RFs and OFWs to go on a two to three-day hotel quarantine. They will be swabbed upon arrival. A person infected with Delta variant, according to Vergeire, can infect 8 persons. An infected person of such variant can also result to a longer hospital confinement.

Delta variant cases

Three of the four additional Delta variant cases are ROFs from the MV Eastern Hope, a ship currently docked in South Korea. Upon detection of the PCR-positive Filipino crew in South Korea, they were repatriated back to the Philippines on June 3, 2021. Two cases have completed the 10-day isolation after arrival in the country and were discharged upon certification of recovery, while one is still under treatment at a hospital in Metro Manila. Meanwhile, the fourth case is a ROF who arrived from Saudi Arabia on May 24, 2021. The case has completed the mandated isolation, tagged as recovered on June 10, 2021, discharged thereafter from the isolation facility, and is now under strict home quarantine as per protocols of the

local government unit (LGU) of destination. This brings the total number of Delta cases to 17.

Alpha variant cases

Of the additional 14 Alpha variant cases detected, 12 are local cases, while two are being verified as to whether these are local or ROF cases. Based on the case line list, two cases have died and 12 cases have been tagged as recovered. The Alpha variant cases now total 1,085.

Beta variant cases

Of the additional 21 Beta variant cases detected, 20 are local cases while one case is being verified as to whether this is a local or ROF case. Based on the case line list, 20 cases have been tagged as recovered and one case is currently active. The total Beta variant cases are now 1,267.

Theta variant cases

The additional Theta variant case is currently being verified as to whether this is a local or ROF case. The case has already been tagged as recovered. Currently, the Theta variant is not identified as a variant of concern (VOC) since more data is needed to conclude whether the variant will have significant public health implications. The DOH, UP-PGC, and UP-NIH assured the public that bio-surveillance activities for the detection of Covid-19 variants shall continue amid the increase in cases in Visayas and Mindanao. The DOH also said that the procurement of reagents for whole genome sequencing for the rest of the year was initiated through a grant of P180 million by the DOH to the UP-PGC last May 2021. “After undergoing the government procurement process, the reagents shall arrive at the UP-PGC this week. These reagents will allow the DOH, UP-PGC, and UP-NIH to sequence samples of Covid-19 cases regularly until the end of the year, ensuring that the government will have essential information in mitigating the spread of Covid-19.”

Covid cases rise in VisMin

The DOH on Monday also said that Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Visayas and Mindanao with some regions showing positive two-week Covid-19 growth rate. Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr., DOH Field Implementation Cluster Team for Visayas and Mindanao, said that as of June 20, there were 13,313 active cases recorded in Visayas while 14,426 in Mindanao. When asked of the possible reasons on the rise in cases, Undersecretary Vergeire said that the spike of Covid-19 cases in

House measure zeroes in on buildup of Internet ‘troll farms’ for 2022 polls

awmakers have recently filed a resolution urging the House Committee on Public Information to look into the alleged building of Internet troll farms for the 2022 elections using public funds. In House Bill 1900 filed last June 18, Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia Cullamat said they filed the resolution following Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s revelation that a certain administration undersecretary is building at least two troll farms per province. The solons said Lacson further claimed that the plan was uncovered after one of his former employees was asked to help out in the project. They added a troll farm or troll factory is an institutionalized group of Internet trolls that seeks to interfere in political opinions and decision-making. According to lawmakers, one study showed that some governments worldwide paid keyboard armies to spread propaganda and attack critics, saying governments also use paid commentators, trolls, and bots to harass journalists and erode trust in the media. “The Philippines has become a haven for Internet trolls, the young, educated, English-speaking work force that made the Philippines a global call-center hub has become a go-to center for influencing political campaigns,” lawmakers said in their resolution. They added the use of government funds to such projects is not only a rep-

rehensible but also an illegal of the people’s money, adding “government officials involved in this sinister act that aims to undermine and subvert our democratic processes should be revealed, exposed and be subject to a prompt and impartial investigation.” House Deputy Minority Leader Zarate said “we have to know whether public funds are being used in these operations and whether these are also the ones spearheading the massive redtagging campaign against progressives, media, church people, lawyers, critics and the opposition.” “If public time and resources are involved, these are not just wasting taxpayers money but even criminal acts just to malign and harass anyone who criticizes the Duterte administration. This is very similar to what Facebook detected of FB accounts linked to the Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] and other based in China that engage in coordinated inauthentic behavior [CIB]. To launch this kind of troll operations in a nationwide scale and for at least a year it would take millions and even billions of pesos,” added the Davao-based solon. While Lacson did not name the undersecretary involved, he, however, said that government resources might have been used for the project. “It is imperative therefor that these troll farms should be investigated and stopped as this pose a clear and present danger to our democratic pro cesses and institutions,” added Zarate. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Visayas and Mindanao is caused by “multiple factors.” Vergeire said that these may include non -compliance with the health protocols and new variants. Meanwhile, Davao City has steadily registered the highest number of fatalities from Covid-19 at 3.43-percent case fatality rate (CFR), compared to big cities in Metro Ma-

nila, averaging between 1.4 and 1.9 percent CFR, according to figures from the DOH as of June 2021. As compared to Quezon City with the most number of population in the country, Davao City with 1.82 million population, recorded the highest CFR at 3.43 percent in June this year, compared with Quezon City’s CFR at 1.47 percent with a total population of 3.15

million population. For its part, the OCTA Research Team stressed that CFR “indicates the capacity to save lives by helping Covid-19 cases recover.” OCTA also f lagged the cities of Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Butuan, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and the municipality of Polomolok as “areas of concern.”

Economy BusinessMirror

A4 Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Unctad: Supply chain, industrial Sen. Imee issues warning policy crucial to spur investments on global syringe shortage By Butch Fernandez

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

@TyronePiad

conomies seeking to re gain foothold through investments must focus on improving supply chain resilience and setting a supporting industrial policy, a United Nations (UN) report said. The UN Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad), in its World Investment Report 2021, explained that governments and the private sectors are keen on rebuilding economies now after a steep decline in global foreign direct investments (FDI) last year. It noted that “major shocks” hit greenfield investment for industrial and infrastructure projects, both of which are considered “the most productive.” Global FDI plunged by 35 percent to $1 trillion last year from $1.5 trillion in 2019 amid the

widespread crisis prompted by the lockdown measures because of the pandemic. This is nearly 20 percent lower than the 2009 figures after the global financial crisis, Unctad noted. For the Philippines, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier reported that its total FDI net inflows last year contracted by nearly 25 percent to $6.5 billion from $8.7 billion in 2019. It was blamed on the global supply chain disruption and poor business outlook amid pandemic. “Both policy-makers and firms are now focused on building back better. Resilience and sustainability will shape the investment priorities of governments and firms,” Unctad Acting Secretary General Isabelle Durant said. To make the supply chain robust, Unctad said multinational enterprises (MNEs) have three options: network structuring, supply chain management so-

lutions and sustainability measures. The UN agency said that MNEs will implement the options first—which includes better planning and forecasting and providing buffers— before considering network restructuring as this can be very costly. It involves making decisions regarding production location, investment and divestment, Unctad explained. “For firms, the push for supply chain resilience could lead to pressures in some industries to reconfigure international production networks through reshoring, regionalization or diversification,” it added. But Unctad said that the “resilience push on international investment” needs a supporting measure as well. “In the absence of policy measures that either force or incentivize the relocation of productive assets, MNEs are unlikely to embark on broadbased restructuring of their inter national production networks,” said James Zhan, Unctad’s director of investment and enterprise. The international think tank said that industry policy would dictate how firms in various sectors will be able to rebalance international production networks allowing supply chain resilience. “For developing countries, industrial development strategies are also the basis for building a viable pipeline of bankable projects," the report noted. “The lack of shovelready projects in many countries remains a key barrier to attracting more international project finance.”

Investment outlook

UNCTAD sees FDI growing by 5 percent to 10 percent this year for Asia due to intra-regional value chains and robust economic growth projections. It explained that signs of recovery for trade and industrial production in the second half of 2020 can give a boost for this year's anticipated FDI hike. One of the most important FDI sectors for Asia, the manufacturing industry, already exhibited some signs of improvement last year, the UN agency said. “However, in smaller economies oriented towards services and labor-intensive industries, particularly hospitality, tourism and garments, FDI could decline further in 2021,” Unctad warned. The UN report noted that recovery investment plans in many countries are focused on physical, digital and green infrastructure. These are the sectors “in which public investment plays a bigger role, making it easier for governments to act,” it noted. Said infrastructures also have high economic multiplier effect, the report said, which is a must amid the economic downturn. “Unctad believes that the drive on the part of all governments worldwide to build back better, and the substantial recovery programs that are being adopted by many, can boost investment in sustainable growth,” Durant said. “The goal should be to ensure that recovery is sustainable, and that its benefits extend to all countries and all people.”

@butchfBM

enator Imee Marcos has warned against a looming “global syringe shortage” threatening to derail the Duterte administration’s national vaccination plan to check the deadly Covid contagion. Marcos prodded the government to “get ahead of a global syringe shortage, as purchases and donations of Covid-19 vaccines for the country increase by millions in coming months.” In a news statement, the senator pointed out that the purchase of 40 million doses from Pfizer is “good news but will there be enough low dead space [LDS] syringes which are now in short supply in the United States itself? Let’s hope our own supply does not stop our vaccination program in its tracks.” Marcos added that more than threefourths of syringes produced by the largest manufacturer in the Philippines is exported to North America. “We need to secure our domestic supply through imports,” she said. “The expense involved has challenged the DOH [Department of Health] since the beginning of the year.”

The senator explained that the use of LDS syringes can “increase the 40 million Pfizer doses to about 48 million,” noting that “the special syringes can minimize the accumulation of vaccine in the space between the syringe plunger and the top of the needle, thus are able to extract a sixth dose from a vial marked for five.” She recalled that syringes were “mainly a niche product for specific diseases before the Covid-19 pandemic struck, “noting that ” LDS syringes came into high demand as vaccine production grew to catch up with the rising cases of infection.” Marcos pointed out that syringe manufacturers are still in the process of ramping up production, recalling warnings that “a shortage will stall the race toward herd immunity as the Covid-19 virus mutates, creates more dreaded variants, and causes new waves of infection.” “Ideally, advance orders for low dead space syringes, a sustained momentum in ramping up vaccination and a more aggressive information campaign to minimize vaccine hesitancy will allow us to achieve herd immunity this year,” she added.

Villar says Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge ready for reopening to traffic in July By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Monday the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge is ready for reopening to traffic next month. Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said the bridge is now at 93-percent completion rate with “only few activities left,” including the completion of the approach road and other miscellaneous works. “Barring severe weather, the goal of opening Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge to traffic by next month will likely be reached,” Villar said. Included in the approach road construction is the 50.5-meter stretch on Estrella St., Makati and the other 243.96-meter stretch on the Barangka Drive-E. Pantaleon St., Mandaluyong.

Once completed, the P1.46-billion bridge, which was funded through a grant from China, will have four lanes and will feature a 506.46-meter pre-stressed concrete rigid frame with corrugated steel webs. This replaces the old temporary two-lane box truss bridge that was dismantled in 2019. Villar said other remaining works include asphalt overlay, installation of lights and markings, deployment of protective barriers and railings, as well as the inclusion of pipes for drainage. “As we wrap up the works, we’d like to thank the motorists, affected stakeholders in the project area, and the local government units for their continued patience and support to this Build, Build, Build project of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration to decongest Edsa traffic,” said Villar.

Data sovereignty, localization and protection By Henry J. Schumacher

1. It is important to note that the uncertainties created by the pandemic have benefited the local information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector as it was able to secure additional accounts and clients. Last year, the employment in the industry grew by 1.8 percent to 1.32 million, while revenues rose by 1.4 percent to $26.7 billion. In other words, the Philippine economic future to quite an extent rests on this industry. 2. Data security is therefore a top issue. Consequently, the cross-border data flows and data privacy protection are super important. We have to comply with the EU, UK, US, APEC rules so that international data owners have no issues in sharing data with the effective service industry in the Philippines. We are working on processes of having the companies certified. However, the national security implication of data protection and control must also be treated as a priority, at a time when ransomware can paralyze critical enterprises. 3. Data storage on the ground and in the cloud is part of the issue and needs to be addressed by organization handling data. This clearly means that data access must be regulated by government. It is good to see that the Philippine National Privacy Commission (NPC) is rolling out a voluntary certification scheme to monitor companies’ compliance with international privacy standards. The certification program, including a “privacy mark,” is aimed at helping companies build up their reputations for protecting privacy. The incentive is recognition for excellence for achieving a

sia and China are prime examples; but also Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Data localization, in the absence of strong data protection laws would raise the risk of government access and intrusion in our private lives. On the other hand, a country that would not have the infrastructure to host its own data, and would let them exclusively be hosted abroad, exposes itself to national security risks: Its data becomes subject to foreign jurisdiction, not to mention cyber risks and attacks.

higher level of accountability. The NPC said certifications for compliance with APEC cross border privacy rules would also give firms a pathway to global markets. NPC is partnering with bilateral, regional and international organizations for global data transfer mechanisms to ensure the free and secure flow of data from and into the Philippines.

Source: Various

How do other countries protect the sovereignty, protection and localization of data?

4. Around the world, governments and potentially affected individuals and companies are watching the data dominance of Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and some others with concern and are definitely of the opinion that they need to be regulated regarding personal and sensitive data. While there is concern about the fact that these large organizations are using our data for business interests, not for political interests. In contrast, here comes China with new government rules that allows the Chinese government to access such stored data and use it potentially politically. The new Data Security Law, which will take effect on September 1, 2021, includes a goal of classifying private-sector data according to its importance to state interests. The vaguely worded clause, analysts and legal experts say, gives authorities considerably more leeway to control data deemed essential to the state, while making it harder for business, both Chinese and foreign, to say no. The law will “clearly implement a more stringent management system for data related to national security, the lifeline of the national economy, people’s livelihood and major public interests,” said a spokesman for the National People’s Congress, the legislature. The proposed Personal Information Protection Law, modeled on the European

Data security must be approached from three major perspectives: Data protection is the idea that individual’s private data must be protected, and shared or disclosed strictly according to certain protocols defined under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), of which the Philippines has enforced a local version. Data sovereignty, on the other hand is the fact that access to data is regulated by the laws of the country where it is stored. For instance the data of a Philippine company, if hosted in the USA would be subjected to US law-enforcement agencies. Which brings us to data localization. Many countries, and for a variety of reasons, require the data of their citizens and enterprises to be stored exclusively in country. Rus-

Opponents of data localization argue that it could limit access to digital commerce networks for businesses and consumers alike and prevent large players from collecting large data sets, which would deprive their ability to improve their products at a lower cost. Nevertheless, the concerns surrounding data privacy and data protection cannot be underestimated: the far-reaching consequences of the Cambridge Analytica scandal is a stark reminder.

Union’s data-protection regulation, seeks to limit types of data that private-sector firms can collect. Unlike the EU rules, the Chinese version lacks restrictions on government entities when it comes to gathering information on people’s call logs, contact lists, location and other data. And here comes Alibaba also: Alibaba Group’s digital technology and intelligence backbone Alibaba Cloud is set to build its first data center in the Philippines by the end of 2021. The company intends to support 50,000 local information technology professionals and help 5,000 Philippines businesses in their digital transformation journey by 2023. Given the new Data Security Law of China which allows government to get access to the data of Chinese firms and use them politically, Alibaba should not be allowed to enter the Philippines as a major data center, unless it can effectively demonstrate that the Chinese government will have no access to Philippine data. Ideally, the company would not be subject to Chinese government requests to allow access. We have previous examples which show the limits of government outreach: the US government demanded access to the data hosted by Microsoft in its Irish data center. Microsoft refused, and the US government demand was blocked.

Can we seriously expect the same outcome from a Chinese government demand?

Chinese access and misuse of data will also potentially affect DITO clients, but this is to be addressed separately; Alibaba as data center in the Philippines is definitely out as long as the Chinese government has potentially access to the information and can use the data. 7. Given the importance of the IT-BPM sector, the Philippines will have to follow international rules tightly. In conclusion: It is time for the Philippines to measure the extent of the risk that this places on the country, and require those key cloud providers to establish their infrastructure in the country, while ensuring that the data remains fully and exclusively under the control of Philippines laws, with maximum protection from cyber-security risks. Your feedback is most welcome; contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION 24 INCH GAUGE CONSTRUCTION INC. L4 Blk. 4 Near Kay Buboy Bridge San Dionisio Parañaque City

No.

DU, YUJIA Marketing Specialist 1.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches.

HAN, HONGZHI Marketing Specialist 2.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches.

LI, YUN Marketing Specialist 3.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches.

YANG, LEI Marketing Specialist 4.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches.

ZHANG, HAO Marketing Specialist 5.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches.

HUANG, JIANHONG Project Coordinator 6.

Brief Job Description: Plan, organize, and direct the activities of a construction project, under the direction of a general manager.

LIANG, BO Project Coordinator 7.

Brief Job Description: Plan, organize, and direct the activities of a construction project, under the direction of a general manager.

WANG, CHEN Project Coordinator 8.

Brief Job Description: Plan, organize, and direct the activities of a construction project, under the direction of a general manager.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study; Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook; Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study; Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook; Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study; Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook; Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

LI, LEI Mandarin Speaking Data Encoder Brief Job Description: Maintaining databases and client file with accurate data KHOCHIDKANG, APISIT Thai Speaking Customer Service Representative

10.

Brief Job Description: Deal with all customer’s queries/complaints, should be fluent in Thai and English speaking

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 6 months to 1 year data encoder with Mandarin and English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 6 months to 1 year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

11.

12.

DUONG DINH LAM Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LE THI YEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

No.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

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

MAI VAN DUNG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI THUONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SU, HUJUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SUN, WANLI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN KHANH TOAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VU THI NGA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XU, NING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YULIA AGUSTIEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

32.

AN, XUESONG Marketing And Sales Agent 33.

34.

LU, QIUYUE Mandarin Service Desk Analyst 21.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Service Desk Analyst will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals

35.

LUO, HAIXIA Data Analyst - Mandarin Speaking I 31.

Brief Job Description: Collecting and interpreting data, and addressing inquiries of mandarin speaking customers

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English. College graduate. Minimum of 3 years’ experience as Business Data Analyst or a similar role Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

DEUTSCHE KNOWLEDGE SERVICES PTE LTD. 15th-19th Flr. Four/neo 4th Ave. Corner 31st. St. Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

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

LIN, YI-AN Marketing And Sales Agent 36.

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

CAPSLOCK INC. 7th & 8th Flr. Y Tower Bldg. Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Ave. Brgy. 076 Pasay City CONG, YINGHUI Basic Qualification: Chinese IT Support Specialist Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and 22. Brief Job Description: speaking) Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with Salary Range: computer software and hardware. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 KE, PENG Basic Qualification: Chinese IT Support Specialist Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and 23. Brief Job Description: speaking) Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with Salary Range: computer software and hardware. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 LIEW CHEE SOONG Basic Qualification: Chinese IT Support Specialist Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and 24. Brief Job Description: speaking) Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with Salary Range: computer software and hardware. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 QIN, FAN Basic Qualification: Chinese IT Support Specialist Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and 25. Brief Job Description: speaking) Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with Salary Range: computer software and hardware. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 QING, FENG Basic Qualification: Chinese IT Support Specialist Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and 26. Brief Job Description: speaking) Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with Salary Range: computer software and hardware. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 SHAN, TONG Basic Qualification: Chinese IT Support Specialist Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and Brief Job Description: speaking) 27. Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with Salary Range: computer software and hardware. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 XU, ZHIQIN Basic Qualification: Chinese IT Support Specialist Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and 28. Brief Job Description: speaking) Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with Salary Range: computer software and hardware. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 XU, YUAN Basic Qualification: Chinese IT Support Specialist Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and 29. Brief Job Description: speaking) Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with Salary Range: computer software and hardware. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 YAN, LIANG Basic Qualification: Chinese IT Support Specialist Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and 30. Brief Job Description: speaking) Shall answer incoming phone calls from Chinese clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with Salary Range: computer software and hardware. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CLOVERSENSE TECHNOLOGY INC. 29/f Robinsons Summit Center 6783 Ayala Center Bel-air Makati City

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

JI, XIANYU Marketing And Sales Agent

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Service Desk Analyst, Excellent communication, interpersornal and Presentation skills

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

FAN, MING Marketing And Sales Agent

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

Brief Job Description: Supporting the OTC Derivatives business ensuring that all outstanding documentations are auctioned in a timely and accurate manner therefore, managing internal risk.

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503 Nueva St Binondo Manila

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

GUPTA, ARVIND KUMAR Associate

APPTECHURE CORP. Units A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St. San Lorenzo Makati City

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 A5

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

SHEN, HONGYING Marketing And Sales Agent 37.

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

WANG, JIANFANG Marketing And Sales Agent 38.

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

WANG, XIAO Marketing And Sales Agent 39.

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

XIE, BO Marketing And Sales Agent 40.

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

YE, SULING Marketing And Sales Agent 41.

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

YOU, XIANGRONG Marketing And Sales Agent 42.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in a Business or Finance course or its equivalent; with experience and knowledge in derivatives products and documentations, and International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) definitions Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

EXANET TELECOMMUNICATIONS INC. Unit 2905, 2906 & 2907 One San Miguel Avenue Condo. San Miguel Ave. Cor. Shaw Blvd. Ortigas Center Pasig City LEE, DONGUK Mandarin Customer Service Representative 43.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess Chinese customer’s need to achieve satisfaction NOH, JAEYUN Mandarin Customer Service Representative

44.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess Chinese customer’s need to achieve satisfaction

Basic Qualification: Can speak, read, and write Mandarin language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak, read, and write Mandarin language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. 4th-11th Floor Aseana 3 Building Aseana Avenue Corner Diosdado Macapagal Tambo Parañaque City Basic Qualification: LI, JUNQUAN College Graduate/Level and Customer Service Representative fluent in Mandarin/English 45. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: LIU, ZHOUQIANG College Graduate/Level and Customer Service Representative fluent in Mandarin/English 46. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: MO, CHUNXING College Graduate/Level and Customer Service Representative fluent in Mandarin/English 47. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: YU, YANG College Graduate/Level and Customer Service Representative Fluent in Mandarin/Basic 48. English Brief Job Description: Customer Service Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: ZHANG, QIJIE College Graduate/Level and Customer Service Representative Fluent in Mandarin/Basic 49. English Brief Job Description: Customer Service Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 GATEWAYSOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 2306 Antel Global Corporate Center Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center, San Antonio Pasig City Basic Qualification: Must be a college graduate; HUANG, YANG can prepare product Customer Service Representative or service reports by collecting and analyzing Brief Job Description: customer information; can A customer service representative supports customers 50. contribute to team effort by by providing helpful information answering questions, accomplishing related results and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of as needed; can manage large support for clients and customers and they help ensure amount of incoming calls. that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a college graduate; LIN, ZHUMIN can prepare product Customer Service Representative or service reports by collecting and analyzing Brief Job Description: customer information; can A customer service representative supports customers 51. contribute to team effort by by providing helpful information answering questions, accomplishing related results and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of as needed; can manage large support for clients and customers and they help ensure amount of incoming calls. that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a college graduate; YANG, JINBU can prepare product Customer Service Representative or service reports by collecting and analyzing Brief Job Description: customer information; can A customer service representative supports customers contribute to team effort by 52. by providing helpful information answering questions, accomplishing related results and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of as needed; can manage large support for clients and customers and they help ensure amount of incoming calls. that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a college graduate; LI, JINMEI can prepare product Customer Service Representative or service reports by collecting and analyzing Brief Job Description: customer information; can A customer service representative supports customers 53. contribute to team effort by by providing helpful information answering questions, accomplishing related results and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of as needed; can manage large support for clients and customers and they help ensure amount of incoming calls. that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 HC CONSUMER FINANCE PHILIPPINES, INC. 15th Floor, Ore Central 9th Ave. Cor 31st. Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City Basic Qualification: More than 3 years of GUBUROV, ELBRUS experience leading multiple Head Of CRM Analytics teams, has excellent 54. knowledge in data Brief Job Description: management Manages and supervises of CRM Analysts, Data Scientists and System Specialist Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 HEIGH IT SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES CORP. 20/f Zuellig Bldg. Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas Urdaneta Makati City Basic Qualification: DISPANURAT, MAYLISA Proficiency in English, Mandarin Translator Staff Mandarin and other Multi55. lingual Language Brief Job Description: Responsible in assisting customers on products and Salary Range: services of the company Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 INQUICK SERVICES INC. Unit 606 6/f Itc Bldg. 337 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Bel-air Makati City Basic Qualification: CHOONG CHEE LOONG Proficient in speaking, Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative reading and writing in 56. Mandarin Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve Salary Range: satisfaction. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 INSTOREMEDIA PHILIPPINES, INC. 28th Flr Penthouse World Plaza Bldg. 5th Avenue Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City Basic Qualification: MARTIN PARRA, EUGENIO ADOLFO university and master’s Head Of Business Development degree, 15 years FMCG experience, Spanish 57. Brief Job Description: proficiency Responsible for the development of the business in the country Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg. #48 President Avenue Bf Homes Parañaque City Basic Qualification: HUANG, XIAOLIN College Graduate, speak and Chinese Customer Service Representative write fluently Mandarin/ 58. English Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer services inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: WEN, MAOQUAN College graduate. Speaks and Chinese Customer Service Representative writes English and Mandarin 59. fluently Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: ZHAO, HUI College graduate. Speaks and Chinese Customer Service Representative writes Mandarin and English 60. fluently Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

61.

ZHENG, XIANYANG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LEE, JUNG IK Korean Customer Service Representative

62.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Speaks and writes English and Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. Must speak and write Korean and English fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

JADPHIL & ASSOCIATES INC. U-2b 2310 Don Chino Roces Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City RASORI, MONICA Senior Financial Consultant 63.

Brief Job Description: Develop financial projections and build financial models for various projects

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Minimum 20 years of experience in Financial Management, SAP Proficient Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

No.

84.

85.

KONGANBUDDIES MARKETING INC. Rm. 201/202 2/f Rci Bldg. 105 Rada St. San Lorenzo Makati City 48/f Lower Ground Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City

64.

MANMULOH, RUJIRA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Suggesting information about other products and services NGUYEN THI MINH QUY Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

65.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company. ZHOU, YANLANG Mandarin Speaking It Specialist

66.

Brief Job Description: Review diagnostics and assess the functionality and efficiency of systems LIU, JIAN Mandarin Speaking Quality Support

67.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other multilingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other multilingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other multilingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other multilingual language

Brief Job Description: Identifies root cause, risks, trends, patterns and operational challenges to be communicated to concerned Salary Range: departments Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 LERIB SERVICES CORPORATION U-3d Rose Industries Bldg. Choice Market Ortigas Kapitolyo Pasig City Basic Qualification: JU, JAEHYEON College graduate with Customer Service Representative experience in the related position, fluent in English 68. Brief Job Description: and Korean Hangul Customer service representative attracts potential by answering products and service questions; suggesting Salary Range: information about other products and services Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: YOON, SUNGKU College graduate with Customer Service Representative experience in the related position, fluent in English 69. Brief Job Description: and Korean Hangul Customer service representative attracts potential by answering products and service questions; suggesting Salary Range: information about other products and services Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 LEE, TAEYOUNG Basic Qualification: It Consultant College graduate with experience in the related Brief Job Description: position, fluent in English 70. IT Consultant are responsible for implementing and Korean Hangul technology solutions to solve business problems, creating a schedule for analysis, implementation, and testing of the Salary Range: technology and working with in-house technical teams to Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 ensure consistency PARK, JUNGSIK Basic Qualification: Web Developer College graduate with experience in the related Brief Job Description: position, fluent in English 71. Web developer who will be responsible for developing and Korean Hangul and/or designing websites for our company. You will be working alongside a team of other developers in creating, Salary Range: maintaining and updating our websites Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 MARKETROLE ASIA PACIFIC SERVICES, INC. 26/f, 27/f, 28/f The Enterprise Center Tower 1 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City Basic Qualification: BIAN, TIELONG Can speak Chinese/Mandarin Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff fluently 72. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: CHEN, GUIYING Can speak Chinese/Mandarin Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff fluently 73. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: CHHOUN, CHARIYA Can speak Chinese/Mandarin Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff fluently 74. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: GAO, PAN Can speak chinese / Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Mandarin Fluently 75. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: GONG, YURUN Can speak Chinese / Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Mandarin Fluently 76. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: LI, YUE Can speak Chinese/Mandarin Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff fluently 77. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: XU, XIULING Can speak Chinese/Mandarin Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff fluently 78. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: YU, QING Can speak Chinese/Mandarin Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff fluently 79. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: ZHANG, ZHIHAO Can speak Chinese/Mandarin Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff fluently 80. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 MC CONNELL DOWELL PHILS., INC. Level 4 Nol Tower Commerce Ave. Mbp Muntinlupa City

SUBEHAN ALI SETIAWAN Senior Piping Design Strategist 81.

Brief Job Description: Identify safety and environmental hazards that may arise during fabrication, installation and use of temporary works.

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106. Basic Qualification: Minimum of 8 years’ experience in the construction industry, specifically working on major infrastructure tenders & projects for a multinational company Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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

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AM LOPE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ARR CHI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

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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

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ARR MEIN @ YEE YEE MYINT Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ARR YIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries AYE AYE AUNG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries AYE MAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, XIANLANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries EMERSON TANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FAN, PENGLI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FAN, TAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FENG, RUNMEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FENG, SHITAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FENG, JUNWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GONG, TAILIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GUO, QING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HEN, DARIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HOANG NGOC PHUONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUANG, JIANHANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUANG, LING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUANG, YANMEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquirie HWAN KYONE LYO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KYAW WIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KYEIN TONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LAI, HUIHONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, QIULING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, JINYOU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, YEMEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, JIAOMING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, YAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to Speak , Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 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 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 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.

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LYU, XIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MARIN, CHANTREY Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MEI QI ZHANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NANG KHAN LU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NANG SEIN PWINT Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGOURN, CHANPHORL Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NYEIN CHAN AUNG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PAN, CHENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PROEUN, SONA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries QIU, JINYU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SAI SAM MAIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SEE CHENG XIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SHEN, TAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SREANG, SOPHEAP Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, SHUO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, TINGFU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, ZENGQIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, JIANHUA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XIA, YANQING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, YANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YAO, WUBIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, JIAHUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHOU, RUNZHI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHU, WENJIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GE, YINLONG Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, QIONG Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries BIAN, MENGMENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

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

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

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

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CAO, HUANQIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service CHIU THI MAI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service FRENGKY PRANATA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service GONG, CHENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service HU, MAQUN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service LAI DUC HOA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service LAU KERCY Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service LIANG, KAI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service LIN, XUFENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service LOO WENG HANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service LY MAI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service LY NGOC LIEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service NGIAN PIN PIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service SAN SAN AYE Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service THONG NHUC CHANH Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service TIAN, ZEZHI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service TIAN, ZHIBIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service TO LE BANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service VONG CHAN LANH Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service VONG THE NGUYEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

VU THI THU TRANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

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

XU, DINGYI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 A7

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent and Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent and Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent and Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent and Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent and Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent and Mandarin/ Basic English

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and fluent in Mandarin/Basic English

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

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

YONG KIM SHAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

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

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

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

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

NNR GLOBAL LOGISTICS (PHILIPPINES), INC. 4/f, Kingsland Building Dr. A. Santos Avenue San Isidro Parañaque City KAWAMURA, SATORU Regional Manager 165.

Brief Job Description: Ensures effective management of Cebu Branch Office, Clark Sales Office and Manila Office.

Basic Qualification: Minimum diploma in electrical/civil; minimum of 5 years’ experience in project management

FOK TUCK TSANG Project Manager Brief Job Description: Track project performance, specifically to analyze the successful completion of the project

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

SHSY ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION 3/f Salcedo One Center 170 Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

167.

Basic Qualification: Excellent skills in Project Management, AutoCAD, Sketch Up and MS Office

BI, ZHIPENG Chinese Site Manager Brief Job Description: Participating in scheduling for a project

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

TANZILA TRADING INC. U-29 3/f Bac. Bagong Milenyo F.b. Harrison St. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Strong Knowledge of consumer industry , ability to think critically and creativity fluency in English and Mandarin Language is a Must

WU, RUI Consultant 168.

Brief Job Description: Conducting research surveys and interviews to gain understanding of the business XU, YUNYANG Marketing Specialist

169.

Brief Job Description: Developing and Implementing marketing plans, Undertaking competitor research and analyses Conducting market research to establish customer trends and habits, et al.,

VONOTEC, INC. Ph Goodwill Bldg. 393 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Bel-air Makati City AKTAR, TAHMINA Senior Accounting Officer/purchasing Manager 170.

Brief Job Description: Thorough knowledge of accounting and purchasing procedures

Basic Qualification: Minimum of 10 years managerial position in International Freight Forwarding, Fluent in Japanese. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

PESTECH CORPORATION Unit 202 21 Lki Bldg. Congressional Ave. Bahay Toro 1 Quezon City

166.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Strong Knowledge of consumer industry , ability to think critically and creativity fluency in English and Mandarin Language is a Must Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: CPA/Graduate of BS Accountancy, Finance, or related course with 10 years’ experience Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor. Washington St. Pio Del Pilar Makati City LIN, NAN Basic Qualification: Bilingual Marketing Specialist foreign language speaking 171. Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Outbound or Inbound marketing activities Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 WANFANG TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 6-9/f Double Dragon Plaza Edsa Cor. Macapagal Ave. Brgy. 076 Pasay City Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, HUYNH NGOC TRAM Reading, and writing in Vietnamese Marketing Specialist Chinese Mandarin, English and their respective native 172. Brief Job Description: language Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habit and trends Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, HUYNH THI CAM TUYEN Reading, and writing in Vietnamese Marketing Specialist Chinese Mandarin, English 173. and their respective native Brief Job Description: language Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habit and trends Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, LA THI HUONG GIANG Reading, and writing in Vietnamese Marketing Specialist Chinese Mandarin, English 174. and their respective native Brief Job Description: language Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habit and trends Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, NGUYEN THI HAM YEN Reading, and writing in Vietnamese Marketing Specialist Chinese Mandarin, English 175. and their respective native Brief Job Description: language Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habit and trends Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, NGUYEN VO HOAI THUONG Reading, and writing in Vietnamese Marketing Specialist Chinese Mandarin, English 176. and their respective native Brief Job Description: language Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habit and trends Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Jun 21, 2021 Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE-NCR Regional Office located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE-NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

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

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

A8 Tuesday, June 22, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

The deadly Delta variant is in PHL

ndia has been getting the most dramatic front-page treatment around the globe for the deadly surge of coronavirus infections that ripped through the country in April and May, which killed more than 180,000 in just two months. After a series of lockdowns, infections have tapered off and new cases declined. But the relief could be fleeting, according to the Associated Press, as a significant amount of the population is still reluctant to get the shots. This has alarmed health experts who say vaccine hesitancy, particularly in India’s vast hinterlands, could put the country’s fragile gains against Covid-19 at risk. Only less than 5 percent of India’s people are fully immunized. Now comes this alarming news that a surge in Covid infections dominated by the Delta variant is threatening Indonesia. As parts of the country explode with new infections and hospitalizations, health experts blamed the violation of health protocols in the spread of variants. At present 90 percent of ICU beds are filled. From Bloomberg: Indonesia’s virus cases near 2 million as hospitals fill up. “The government confirmed 13,737 new cases on Sunday to bring the total to 1.99 million. Deaths have begun to pick up as the Covid-19 hospitalization rates exceed 70 percent in 87 cities across the country, with 371 people dying from the disease on Sunday. That’s the worst since April, according to government data.” From the Associated Press: Portuguese authorities have confirmed suspicions that the new Delta variant of the coronavirus is driving a spike in new cases in the Lisbon region. Portugal’s National Health Institute said Sunday that the highly infectious variant that was first found in India has a prevalence of 60 percent of new cases in the nation’s capital. The recent surge in infections caused authorities last week to ban all travel in and out of Lisbon on the weekends. The measure went into effect on Friday. The Lisbon metropolitan area has around 2.8 million inhabitants.” In the US, as infections go down and states reopen, the potential final stage in the US campaign to crush the virus is turning into a laborious effort, with a worrisome variant gaining a bigger foothold. From the Associated Press: The Delta variant has increased from 2.7 percent of all cases in May to 9.7 percent this month, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during a call for governors on Monday, according to details provided by the Washington governor’s office. At the same time, states are convening focus groups to better understand who is declining to get vaccinated, why, and how to convince them that getting the shot is the right thing to do. “It’s a race between the vaccines going into people and the current or future variants,” said Kansas Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman. In the country, the Department of Health reported on Monday four new cases of the Covid-19 Delta variant, which is believed to be driving the surge in infections in India and Indonesia. The DOH said the Philippines currently has 17 cases of this virus type. Of the four new cases, three are returning overseas Filipinos from the crew ship MV Eastern Hope, which is currently docked in South Korea. The DOH said that upon testing positive for the virus, they were repatriated to the Philippines on June 3. The fourth case is an ROF from Saudi Arabia who arrived in Manila on May 24. Before leaving for the Philippines, the ROF from Saudi Arabia had a negative test result, but later tested positive after the required seventh-day testing upon arrival in Manila. Let’s hope the DOH is right, that we only have 17 cases of the deadly and contagious Delta variant. Considering our proximity to Indonesia, we need to maintain restrictions for travelers and tighten enforcement of existing virus controls in our international gateways. It pays to be alert because complacency may endanger the whole country. Since 2005

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business ✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder Publisher Editor in Chief Associate Editor News Editor Senior Editors

Online Editor Creative Director Chief Photographer Chairman of the Board President Advertising Sales Manager Group Circulation Manager

T. Anthony C. Cabangon Lourdes M. Fernandez Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Manny B. Villar

THE Entrepreneur

ecessity, as the old proverb says, is the mother of invention. This is true during this health crisis, which has taught us to become more creative and innovative to survive. Our workers learned to work from home and businesses adapted to the new normal. We are finding ways to evolve.

We changed our ways and avoided social contacts as much as possible. The adaptation, though, affected businesses that often require interaction. Fortunately in this generation, digital technology has helped us connect and transact business without being on the same location. Imagine if the pandemic struck us and we had no digital technology to rely on. The ramifications on health and the economy could have been far more serious. Digitalization and innovation enable companies to sustain their operations despite closed borders and quarantine restrictions. New businesses have emerged, especially those involved in electronic commerce, online delivery and logistics. Bank transactions could now be conducted conveniently by using mobile apps. Online learning and virtual medical consultation became possible. In the real-estate sector, 3D virtual tours allow homebuyers to choose properties with immersive experience.

John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

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Innovation also enabled our companies under the Villar Group to grow despite the pandemic. We have made a concerted effort to expand our digital footprint. I believe that given the change in consumer behavior, the digital trend will continue beyond the health crisis. I agree with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who asked local businesses to invest heavily in digitalization and innovation to stay competitive as the world transitions into a post-pandemic global economy. The Philippines should indeed take advantage of the fast-changing technological innovations to respond and adapt to the demands and challenges of the new economy. In the words of Secretary Dominguez, technological innovations will build new industries and create many employment and investment opportunities. These will then allow us to recover faster from the pandemic and help ensure the long-term growth of the economy.

The Omega

Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso

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Innovation amid the pandemic

he timid that prefers to avoid risk, the snowflakes who melt at the first sign of risk, and the cowards who run from risk will be buried in the months to come.

According to the psychobabble of the New Age, we are all either “Alphas” or “Betas.” The Alphas are supposedly the ones who exert power and influence with the ability to take charge. Think of Conan the Barbarian and Xena: Warrior Princess. The “Betas” are the ones who sit back and are usually more insecure and nervous-minded than Alphas. Both Alphas and Betas like staying in their lane because that is where they are most comfortable and gain

the approval and admiration of the people around them. The next few months are going to be good times for the Alphas. Maybe. But the best “personality” type for the New Normal that we are in is the “Omega.” The Omega could not care any less what other people think about them. Their confidence comes from the ability to adapt as necessary to succeed in any condition or in any situation. Nobody has to admire the Omega for them to

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno shared the same sentiment. While large companies have the means to tap the potential of new technologies such as Cloud solutions, data science, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things, our micro, small- and medium-enterprises should not be left behind. We should include everyone in the new economy. We should provide entrepreneurs access to digital payments solutions so they can take advantage of the explosive growth of e-commerce. It is only by empowering our MSMEs that economic recovery can take hold. It is important for MSMEs to participate in new businesses, especially now that there are major signs the economy is beginning to mend, as shown by rising power demand, increased transportation, improving production and trade, as well as the resumption of construction activities. The positive economic figures are emerging after the gradual reopening of the economy, easing of quarantine restrictions and the faster pace of vaccination in May and June. Thousands of economic frontliners have already received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, and it is my hope that majority of them will be fully inoculated this year. But the threat remains and every one of us should stay alert, cautious and compliant with health protocols prescribed by the government at all times. The economic reopening is not an excuse to lower our guard (or face mask) down.

I am confident we will begin to see positive growth numbers in the second quarter of 2021, after five straight quarters of contraction. Our economic potential remains promising, as shown by the stable peso, manageable inflation rate, investment-grade credit ratings, robust gross international reserves and a stable banking system. However, the level of growth this year will largely depend on the pace of the vaccination program. If most workers and consumers can feel safe enough to venture out to job sites and market places without the threat of infection, then there is no other direction for the economy to move but up. We should then continue to rely on digitalization and innovation to sustain our business operations and help the economy return to normal growth path. The pandemic led the economy to adopt digital technologies to make transactions more efficient and convenient. In fact, one can now pay real property tax through a mobile app, without the inconvenience of falling in line in government offices. It is also now possible to arrange a vaccination appointment through a mobile app. Many things became possible, thanks to digital technology and innovation. Let us hope that these new technologies will help us recover faster from the pandemic and achieve our full potential under the new global economy.

The Omegas are the ones who know when to shift to being an “alpha” and when to do “beta.” They are the ones that rapidly but efficiently shifted to home delivery in their businesses in the time of the pandemic. They are the ones who both got out of the stock market early and got back in early. Omegas know when to run and hide to fight another day and when to “take no prisoners; eat your dead.”

there were many more Betas than Alphas last year primarily because there are much fewer Alphas in all other aspects of life. The Omegas are the ones who know when to shift to being an “alpha” and when to do “beta.” They are the ones that rapidly but efficiently shifted to home delivery in their businesses in the time of the pandemic. They are the ones who both got out of the stock market early and got back in early. Omegas know when to run and hide to fight another day and when to “take no prisoners; eat your dead.” Omegas have no problem being wrong and changing direction to succeed. They just intend to be the last man or woman standing. In order to do that, a person needs to understand and be able to evaluate risk. Betas usually do everything to avoid risk. Alphas usually run headlong into risk. Omegas, on the other hand, circle around a risk looking for weak points and opportunities See “Mangun,” A9

feel good about themselves. Take 2020, for example. The Alphas who thought they could brute force their way through the pandemic either in business or the stock market ended up bloodied and bruised by the side of the road. The Betas did better by simply pulling their heads in, like a turtle, and waiting for the storm to at least lessen in intensity. Of course,

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Opinion

VAT bubble pierced

I remember Jovy Salonga

BusinessMirror

Atty. Irwin C. Nidea Jr.

Manny F. Dooc

Tax law for business

TELLTALES

he invincibility of the cross-border doctrine has been pierced by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN). Export processing zones and other export-oriented enterprises are now subject to value-added tax on their purchases from the customs territory (outside export processing zone). The Bureau of Internal Revenue recently issued Revenue Regulations (RR) 9-2001, which signals the end of an era of confusion. The two-prong conditions of the TRAIN Law have been met: a) improvement of the VAT refund system and compliance with the 90-day period in granting or denying claims; b) payment of all pending VAT refund claims as of the end of 2017 and setting up a refund center that will handle the claim. Thus, transactions that are considered as export sale would now have to pay 12 percent VAT. This include sales of raw materials or packaging materials to a non-resident buyer for delivery to a resident local export-oriented enterprise to be used in manufacturing, processing, packing, or repacking in the Philippines; sale of raw materials or packaging materials to exportoriented enterprise whose export sales exceed 70 percent of the total annual production; also, those considered export sales under Executive Order 226, otherwise known as the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987. Export sales under EO 226 include sales to export processing zones. Prior to RR 9-2021, sale to export processing zones is zero-rated. It means that the supplier which is based outside the export processing zone must charge zero VAT on its sale. It may only recover the input VAT it has incurred from the items it has sold by filing a claim for refund. Suppliers of export processing zone entities are left with the burden of going through the tedious process of proving and processing refund claims. There were also questions on the VAT treatment of an entity registered with an export processing zone (the Zone) when it consumes its purchases outside the Zone. Should a hotel or a car rental company that are located outside the Zone impose VAT on a booking made by an export processing entity? What if purchases for the construction of housing for its employees are made by an export processing entity but these purchases are consumed outside the Zone, should VAT be imposed? There are also instances when the BIR denies a claim for refund by a supplier of an export processing zone entity because the latter, according to the BIR, did not comply with its registration requirement which mandates at least a 70 percent export sale. How can a supplier know the operations of the export processing entity when it simply relies on the certificate of zero-rating executed by the administration of the Zone? In other words, there may be instances when certificate of zero-rating is executed by the administration of an export processing zone affirming the incentive given to a company, but the

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for exploitation. The global pandemic has brought with it many different risks, not least of which is the health risk. Specifically, we are really talking about business interruption, market developments (like volatility, intensified competition/new entrants) and macroeconomic developments (monetary policies, deflation, inflation). Every company as well as every economy is going to have to deal with these issues. To those we can also add cyber incidents and political risk and violence. However, 2021 is not going to be a good year for beta behavior. Already too many things have happened that

The bubble of export processing zones has been pierced. There will be new dynamics at play starting July when RR 9-2021 takes effect. It is good news for the suppliers of export processing zone entities but bad news for the latter. Export processing zone entities will now experience the burden of claiming a VAT refund and test whether the promise of a 90-day period to process a claim is not an empty rhetoric. BIR in its tax investigation may find it wanting. The supplier is now left with an empty bag. With the advent of this new scheme, the rule is clear. Sale to export processing zones is VATable. The burden of claiming a VAT refund is now shifted to entities registered under these export processing zones. Since VAT has been shifted to them, they must make sure that documentation of their transactions is correct and complete. Export documents like invoice and bill of lading must be under the name of the company that will eventually file a claim for refund. They must also make sure that they have the proper documentation to prove that what they purchased are “directly and exclusively” used for their registered activity. This is a new requirement under the CREATE law. Purchases made by exportoriented enterprises to be refundable must be “directly and exclusively” used for their registered activity. It is not enough that the purchases may only be attributable to the registered activity. The bubble of export processing zones has been pierced. There will be new dynamics at play starting July when RR 9-2021 takes effect. It is good news for the suppliers of export processing zone entities but bad news for the latter. Export processing zone entities will now experience the burden of claiming a VAT refund and test whether the promise of a 90-day period to process a claim is not an empty rhetoric. The author is a senior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices, a member-firm of WTS Global.  The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at irwin.c.nideajr@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 330.

required decisive action. It is not going to be enough to sit and wait for the storm to pass. More aggressive action is going to be necessary to prosper through the rest of the year. Here in the Philippines not only do we have the same potential problems associated with the pandemic as everybody else, but in about four months the 2022 presidential election will take center stage. And if the current politicking both here and abroad is any indication, this may be one of the most contentious elections in memory. In 2021, fortune will favor the brave but not the reckless.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

oday marks the 101st Birthday Anniversary of one of our country’s most noble statesmen—former Sen. Jovito Reyes Salonga. Salonga was born on June 22, 1920 in Pulo, Pasig, Rizal (now Metro Manila) to a Presbyterian Minister, Esteban Salonga, and Bernardita Reyes, a market vendor. He lived in poverty during childhood and was the youngest of five brothers. He attended public schools for his education, graduating in Pasig Elementary School and Rizal High School at the top of his classes.

He was a working student in college. A product of the UP College of Law, he topped the bar examination in 1944, together with Jose W. Diokno. Both of them obtained a rating of 95.3 percent. Salonga pursued further studies in Harvard University where he earned his Master of Laws degree on a scholarship. He was given a fellowship at Yale University and completed his doctorate in law. He distinguished himself by writing the best paper in international law at Yale. He’s one of a handful of Filipino lawyers who received the best legal education from the top law schools—UP, Harvard and Yale. Salonga was offered a faculty position after graduation in Yale, a distinct honor given only to outstanding products, but he turned it down to return to the Philippines. Upon his return to Manila, Salonga embarked on the teaching and practice of law. He became a wellpublished author of numerous law books and was acknowledged as an authority in international and corporate laws. He became a successful practicing lawyer and was sought after by many clients. He also served as the law dean of the Far Eastern University College of Law. On his first attempt to run for a

public office, Salonga overwhelmingly won as the representative of the 2nd District of Rizal, where the Sumulong and Rodriguez families lorded over. He denounced the political dynasties in his province and offered himself as a fresh alternative. As a member of the Liberal Party, he became an effective fiscalizer and an authentic voice of the opposition. He pushed for the proportionate representation in the congressional committees to ensure that the rights of the minority were properly protected. He championed our country’s claim to North Borneo with his cogent legal arguments, which provided the basis for our position. He was named by President Diosdado Macapagal to lead the Philippine delegation that argued our case in London to negotiate our claims against Malaysia. When the LP took control of the House, Salonga became the Chairman of the powerful Committee on Good Government and relentlessly pursued investigations of abuses in the government and graft and corruption. He was elected as the No. 1 senator in 1965 despite the victory of Marcos over Macapagal. He was a pain in the neck of the Marcos administration. His exposes against the excesses of Marcos and

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 A9

He was a working student in college. A product of the UP College of Law, he topped the bar examination in 1944, together with Jose W. Diokno. Both of them obtained a rating of 95.3 percent. Salonga pursued further studies in Harvard University where he earned his Master of Laws degree on a scholarship. He was given a fellowship at Yale University and completed his doctorate in law. He distinguished himself by writing the best paper in international law at Yale. his subalterns earned him the moniker as the “Nation’s Fiscalizer” and was recognized as an outstanding legislator. He was reelected with the highest number of votes again in 1971 but the Senate was padlocked when Martial Law was proclaimed in 1972. But the growing militarization did not daunt him. Salonga became one of the staunchest opponents of Martial Law. He served as a lawyer for the so-called enemies of the state and political prisoners who fought the abuses of the government. Eventually, Salonga was arrested and detained without any due process. After the Edsa Revolution, Salonga headed the Presidential Commission on Good Government and succeeded in recovering the ill-gotten wealth of Marcos and his cronies. He ran for the Senate again in 1987 and emerged No. 1. Salonga had no equal for his outstanding career as a lawyer, a legislator par excellence and unblemished record in public service. His peers elected him as the 14th Senate President where he served from 1987 to 1992. True to his pledge when he accepted the Senate presidency, the Senate was “a sanctuary of freedom…the shrine of light and reason and…a source of inspira-

tion and hope to all people” during his watch. Among the major pieces of legislation he authored are: Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the Anti-Coup d’etat Act, the Act Defining and Penalizing the Crime of Plunder, and many others. As the Senate President, he led his fellow senators to reject the RP-US Bases Treaty, which signaled the end of the US military presence in the country. In 1992 at the age of 72, Salonga ran for president of our country under the Liberal Party, with Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel of PDP-Laban as his running mate. He only placed 6th in the field of seven presidential hopefuls won by General Fidel V. Ramos. He was outvoted by Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Danding Cojuangco, Ramon Mitra, and even Imelda Marcos. He only edged out Salvador Laurel. He must have been heartbroken by the results. It was strange that the Filipino electorates did not entrust him the presidency after sending him to the Senate three times with the largest votes each time; a feat unequalled in Philippine politics. Disheartened, he left politics for good but he continued with his public service. He founded Kilosbayan to instill morality and ethical conduct in government, and Bantay Katarungan to improve and modernize our system of justice. Salonga is one of the most honorable men who entered politics. Gifted with a brilliant mind and impeccable integrity, he served his country selflessly and with utmost dedication. He survived the war as a Japanese prisoner, the bombing of Plaza Miranda and the tyranny under Martial Law. But he did not surrender to the enemy nor compromise his principles. He remained true to his ideals until the end. Many died of their conviction but only few survive to live and fight for their ideals until the very end. Salonga died on March 10, 2016 in Quezon City at the age of 95.

Unscientific, unrealistic and imaginary claims–A threat to peace in the South China Sea

By Professor Jay L. Batongbacal

eas have acquired unparalleled importance in modern times owing to their trade routes and rich resource base. The territorial claims of sovereignty over the various unclaimed and disputed regions are thus on the rise, fueling further conflict, friction and chances of the potential outbreak of violence. The South China Sea and its island chains are experiencing rising escalation and tension first-hand. The situation as it is in the South China Sea is very alarming owing to the power imbalance in the region. This shifted axis of power is concerning for the smaller states in Southeast Asia and a major threat to their territorial sovereignty.

China’s claim to the island chains is not new and has been there for a few decades now. The history of the claim can be traced to a map published at the request of the Kuomintang government based on the maps drawn by some private firms and cartographic books, the Map of the South Sea Islands, issued in 1947. The 9-Dash Line used by China to claim their historical right was drawn as a part of this map to illustrate the territorial extent of China. The Chinese claim at that time was though limited to small scattered islands in the South China Sea. The position of the Kuomintang government on territorial extent was adopted by the mainland government in China, and not having any background information on this, it maintained the islands within the 9-Dash Line: Nansha (Spratly), Sheesha (Paracel) and Zhongsha (an imaginary island group which has no physical existence and is actually a misinterpretation of Macclesfield Bank, a submerged feature in the South China Sea). China has never been able to justify the claim to these island groups primarily as they have never exercised sovereignty over them over an extended period of time and also due to the existence of non-factual and imaginary claims over fictitious islands. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has clearly defined laws to define coastal and

maritime boundaries, and per its laws, a 200 Nautical Mile Sea Floor as a part of the Continental Shelf of a State, with exclusive rights reserved for all individual states. Things began to get serious in 2009 when all of the countries in Southeast Asia implemented UNCLOS and aligned their respective claims and jurisdictions in accordance with international law. China reacted badly to UNCLOS as they knew if UNCLOS was implemented their claim to the international China Sea would be defunct, and thereby China began the program to strengthen its presence and activity in the South China Sea, leading to more friction between China and smaller states. The situation worsened when China began to interfere in the special economic zones of smaller states and escalations were reported closer to the coasts of smaller states. The incident at Scarborough Shoal, a standoff between the Philippines and China, is one of the recent examples of the rising escalations and conflicts, and Chinese attempts to exercise jurisdictional rights as per the 9-Dash Line. Growing Chinese interest in the sea trade routes has created friction points. China’s interest in the Arctic is a major concern for many. Global warming has opened up the Arctic and is allowing ships to pass, which means it is opening up new trade routes from East to West and

The growing conflict and escalation over marine water bodies make it imperative for the implementation of UNCLOS, especially in the South China Sea. The claim to the island chains and subsequent friction between states can be reduced by not including the islands as an extension of the continental shelf of countries and thus the claim would not result in overlapping of maritime boundaries of states thus reducing the chances of a possible outbreak of violence by eliminating the zones wherein more than one state could exercise their exclusive rights. UN must involve itself and enforce the implementation of UNCLOS as abiding by International Law and give peace a sustainable chance to flourish.

vice versa. If the Arctic trade routes open, the South China Sea, which is the doorway for China to the Indian Ocean, Africa and Europe would have an alternative Maritime trade route via the Arctic. This has fascinated China, and China is concerning and aligning itself with the geopolitical and scientific developments related to the Arctic. However, the countries surrounding the Arctic are worried about the Chinese Navy and military build-up in the Arctic, as happened in Djibouti-Africa. China will have a tough time convincing the states surrounding the Arctic about building ports even when the countries are divided over the opinion to allow China access to the Arctic. Russia and the United States are among the states that favor opening up the Arctic for naval and maritime trade activities, while states like Canada are concerned and against it as large

parts of the Arctic are considered to be Canadian territory by Canada. The US is also concerned about Chinese dual use of technology for trade and military and this has made it difficult for China to establish ports with many countries in that area. Chinese Arctic policy can lead to the emergence of fresh flashpoints in the Arctic, given the divided opinion on access to the Arctic to China. The growing conflict and escalation over marine water bodies make it imperative for the implementation of UNCLOS, especially in the South China Sea. The claim to the island chains and subsequent friction between states can be reduced by not including the islands as an extension of the continental shelf of countries and thus the claim would not result in overlapping of maritime boundaries of states thus reducing the chances of a possible outbreak of violence by eliminating the zones wherein more than one state could exercise their exclusive rights. UN must involve itself and enforce the implementation of UNCLOS as abiding by International Law and give peace a sustainable chance to flourish. ACN Newswire Professor Jay L. Batongbacal is Director, Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines. IMLOS serves as the country’s national center for independent research and policy studies on maritime matters of interest to the nation and collaborates with a wide network of government groups, non-government organizations, academic institutions, and private entities within and across our country borders, covering the law of the sea, maritime affairs, and even territorial issues. Professor Batongbacal was a member of the technical team that prepared and defended the Philippines’ claim to a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in the Benham Rise Region, made in a Submission filed with the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf pursuant to the provisions of Article 76 of the Law of the Sea Convention. The CLCS recognized Philippine jurisdiction over the Benham Rise Region in April 2012.

A10 Tuesday, June 22, 2021

DOH CITES ‘NO WRONG DOOR’ POLICY, DENIES VACCINE FAVORITISM By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

NY person can be vaccinated anywhere in the country as part of the “no wrong door” policy of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Monday. “Kung ikaw ay nagpunta sa Davao at ikaw ay puwede nang bakunahan, puwede ka bakunahan doon kahit hindi ka tagaDavao [If you happen to be in Davao but you are not from there, you can be inoculated there],” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media forum. However, she stressed, they should have a proper appointment, as the DOH discourages local government units from accepting walk-ins. It may be recalled that on June 3, some Davao residents questioned why former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who visited Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, was inoculated in Davao City. Teodoro, who is being touted in some quarters as a possible running mate of Mayor Duterte-Carpio in 2022, is a resident of Tarlac. “Hindi po natin sinasara ang ating mga pinto sa mga bakunahan dahil hindi ka taga doon na lugar [We should not be closing our door when it comes to vaccination because simply because they are not from that place],” the DOH official said.

Fair share

Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr., DOH Field Implementation Cluster Team for Visayas and Mindanao, meanwhile, stressed that there is no “favoritism” when it comes to vaccine distribution. Dumama made the clarification after allegations surfaced that Davao, the hometown of President Duterte, has been receiving the bulk of Pfizer vaccines as compared to other areas. He reiterated that both Davao and Cebu have ultra-low-temperature

freezers, required to store the Pfizer vaccine. “Wala pong pagkakaiba yung doses na naibigay sa Cebu at sa Davao.... Wala hong favoritism dito [There is no such thing as favoritism here. Davao and Cebu received the same doses of Pfizer vaccine],” Dumama said in the same media briefing. He said the 210,000 doses of Pfizer delivered to Davao are for the whole province and not for the city alone. Vergeire echoed Dumama by saying “there is no favoritism, [this] vaccine rollout is based on prioritization framework].” She added that there are only five regions in the country that don’t have have ultra-low-temperature freezers yet. These are: Bangsamoro, Caraga, Soccsksargen, Bicol, and Mimaropa. However, Dumama said that currently, the Bangsamoro parliament is already preparing a resolution authorizing the autonomous region to procure such freezers, including additional testing facilities there.

Vaccine rollout

As of June 20, a total of 8,407,342 doses have already been administered. The DOH said that 6,253,400 have received their first dose while 2,153,942 have already completed the required two doses. “The total doses administered in the 16th week of our national vaccination reached a record high of 1,461,666 doses,” the DOH said. The government is also urging eligible populations belonging to priority groups A1 to A5 to register with their local government units, get vaccinated and complete the required number of doses as scheduled. “Regardless of vaccination status, everyone is urged to continue practicing the minimum public health standards as you may still get infected with Covid-19 and infect other people,” the DOH concluded.

US to PHL: Explain apparent misuse of SPS-IC on imports

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE United States has raised concerns anew over the Philippines’s non-issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPS-IC), seen to restrict farm imports, as Washington sought further explanation from Manila at a recent World Trade Organization (WTO) committee meeting.

During the WTO Committee on Agriculture meeting last June 17, the US said it is still “concerned” that the Philippines is using SPS-IC permits for purposes other than protecting human, animal or plant life or health. In previous COA meetings and various communications to the WTO, the US revealed that the Philippines has been using SPS-IC to manage the arrival of agricultural imports in the country, so they do not coincide with domestic harvests. “The United States is still concerned that SPS-IC permits are used for purposes other than ensuring that imported agricultural products meet the standards to protect human, animal, or plant life or health,” it said in its question raised at the meeting.

In its query, the US brought up more pieces of evidence pertaining to the Philippine Department of Agriculture’s decision to “manage the issuance of SPS-IC,” particularly the timing of the import arrivals, in order to prevent them from coinciding with local harvest. The US cited the October 22, 2020 hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, where a high-ranking agriculture official told senators they will come up with an administrative order to manage the arrival of rice imports. The US side also pointed to an October 16, 2020 Senate Committee on Finance meeting, where Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar told lawmakers that his department had

“institutionalized [a] management strategy” to prevent the entry of feed wheat during the main harvest of corn. “These statements point to the Department of Agriculture using SPS-IC permits to restrict imports of various products for reasons other than those stated by the Philippines in their reply to Ag IMS 96015,” the United States said. In its response to an earlier query made by the US in a WTO November meeting last year, the Philippines said the SPS-ICs “serve to ensure that the products being imported meet the standards to protect human, animal, or plant life or health.” Due to this, the US side asked the Philippines how managing the timing of import arrivals through SPS-ICs is “an effective tool to protect human, animal or plant life or health.” “Please explain the role of the Secretary of Agriculture and the DA Bureaus in reviewing and approving SPS-IC issuances,” Washington added. US officials sought an explanation from the Philippines as well on why the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry did not issue any SPS-ICs for the importation of whole chicken in March,and July to December of last year. Furthermore, the United States asked the Philippines to explain why the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry did not issue any SPS-ICs for rice imports during certain time periods of last year. In April, the BusinessMirror reported that Washington had raised the same concerns during a WTO Committee on Import Licensing meeting. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2021/04/26/us-questions-phl-useof-sps-ic-in-agri-imports/)

DFA brings home 347 OFWs from Saudi T

HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) brought home 347 distressed Filipinos from Saudi Arabia aboard a special repatriation flight it chartered through the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA). The plane arrived late evening on June 20, 2021, bringing home the stranded overseas Filipino workers (OFW). The group of repatriates included one stretcher-bound patient, five pregnant women, one whom is visually-impaired, and five who are wheelchair-borne. Financial assistance of P10,000 was earlier processed for qualified beneficiaries, to be given upon their release from quarantine. “Hearing the cries of our kababayan for help, and faithful to our sworn duty to help every Filipino in distress anywhere in the world, we will exhaust all efforts to bring all of them safely home” said Foreign Af-

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He added any initiative for realignment or modification must also originate from the concerned departments but still within the timeframe set under the law particularly on disbursement. In terms of the overall Covid responserelated releases, the budget department has

fairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola. The beneficiaries expressed their joy over the financial assistance, saying it would boost their efforts to rebuild their lives. The repatriates will undergo stringent facility-based quarantine provided by the Philippine government, in conformity with the health protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH)-Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and shall be subjected to RT-PCR Testing for Covid-19. The Philippine government upholds the One-Country Team Approach (OCTA) by continuously collaborating and cooperating with the DOH, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos.

A reception crew processes the arrival of more than 300 distressed overseas Filipino workers who arrived late Sunday on a flight chartered by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The repatriate, who came from Saudi Arabia, started facility-based quarantine protocols soon after, and will get financial aid before being sent home. The government upholds the One-Country Team Approach (OCTA) by continuously collaborating and cooperating with the Department of Health (DOH), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Coast Guard. PHOTO FROM DFA

PHL eyes new pact with KSA to better protect migrants By Samuel P. Medenilla

Recto L. Mercene

earlier reported that P173.3 billion remains unspent as of end-May. Of the total P660.51-billion Covid response-related releases by DBM, P542.64 billion has been obligated but only P487.19 billion has been disbursed. Budget Assistant Secretary Kim Robert de Leon told senators last week that the unspent funds among the Covid-19 releases include those for programs, activities and projects that are “not yet due and demandable.”

@sam_medenilla

HE government is now eyeing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to better protect overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Malacañang said the proposed accord will be based on the new Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) being implemented by the Saudi government. Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert E. A. Borje lauded the LRI for making the KSA a more migrant-friendly

destination. “It is a significant step towards addressing issues with the existing sponsorship system in the Mideast country,” Borje said in a statement on Monday. Currently, the sponsorship or “kafala” system continues to fuel abuse of migrant workers in KSA by giving employers unreasonable control over their movement and employment. President Duterte earlier announced he wants the scheme to be abolished. He deployed Borje to KSA to help facilitate such reform in the Arab state through the LRI.

“Saudi Arabia’s LRI is commendable, and President Duterte hopes for Filipino household workers’ inclusion in the reform initiative,” Borje said. Aside from pushing to scuttle the kafala scheme, he said they are also pushing “the use of technology to improve access to labor sector services, protection of wages, and automation of recruitment processes.” He met with Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) Minister Ahmad Sulaiman Al Rajhi to discuss the possibility of convening a technical working group to iron out the details of the proposed MOU.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, June 22 , 2021

Wilcon Depot allots ₧3.2B for store network expansion

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ilcon Depot Inc. on Monday said it has set aside a capital expenditure (capex) budget of P3.2 billion for this year, which it will use for the expansion of its existing stores and the construction of new branches. Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, the company’s president and CEO, said Wilcon will pursue its plan of having 100 stores by 2025 despite the

challenges brought about by the pandemic. The company’s capex this year is 45 percent higher than the pre-

vious year’s P2.2 billion and 18 percent higher than the P2.7 billion in 2019. Cincochan said the company has already spent some P595 million on new branches in the first quarter. This brought the company’s total number of stores to 66 from 63 as of end-2020. The rest of the 2021 capex will be used for the expansion of existing stores and warehouses and its information technology systems as it augments its operations through online sales. The company said it plans to have 72 stores by the end of the year. Wilcon is targeting to open stores in Cordova in Isabela; Pila, Laguna; Malaybalay, Bukidnon;

Bohol; and Tagum, Davao. For the first quarter, the company’s net income jumped 84 percent to P604 million from net sales of P6.7 billion, which grew by 19 percent yearon-year. In 2020, all of the company’s stores in Luzon were closed for two months due to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine from mid-March to May 15, 2020. The net income in the Januaryto-March period was on a par with the 2019 figure. Company officials said they have set their sights on a quarterly net income of P600 million. “We will work hard on our top line to achieve the P600-million net income level per quarter,” Cincochan said.

Vivant unit bags Cebu water deal V

ivant Hydrocore, a unit of Cebu-based Vivant Corp., has been awarded the contract to supply desalinated water to Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) for 25 years. Vivant Hydrocore submitted a solicited proposal for the Cordova Bulk Water Supply Project in response to an invitation to bid published by MCWD on September 25, 2020. Vivant is the private sector proponent while Watermatic Philippines Corp. is its technical partner. The company will build a utility scale desalination plant that will augment the limited bulk water supply of MCWD by 20,000 cubic meters per day of treated and potable water. “Vivant Hydrocore commits to provide an efficient and reasonably

CEB strengthens domestic network

ebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’s leading carrier, said it is prepared to support a quick domestic recovery with its extensive domestic network and the continuous Covid-19 vaccination roll-out in the country. The airline operates the widest network in the Philippines covering 32 destinations, on top of its 6 international destinations. Starting June 21, CEB flights to Boracay will be five times daily, while flights to Bohol will also operate daily. “We remain cautiously optimistic as we prepare for the bounce back and will do everything that is within our control to support and aid that,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and customer experience. “With the arrival of more vaccines and the pace at which vaccines are being rolled out, we are hopeful that in due time our networks will recover to pre-pandemic levels.” In its June 18 report, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said carriers operating conditions will continue to depend on its domestic travel market amid changing travel restrictions as nations work to inoculate their populations. “Over the last months, the recovery of air passenger demand has been mainly driven by domestic markets that have mostly remained unaffected by travel restrictions. In the meantime, international travel was restricted by most countries and governments are only starting to relax those restrictions as they vaccinate their populations and stabilize the epidemiological situation,” the IATA said. “Our expectation is that in the near future, airlines’ operating conditions will be determined by two factors: the availability of domestic markets that they can rely on and the progress in vaccinations in the main countries in their networks.”

priced solution that will help improve MCWD’s water supply,” the company said in a statement. “The Cordova Desalination Project is aligned with Vivant’s mission to provide forward-looking and adaptable solutions to improve everyday living in Metro Cebu. The project is the Vivant Group’s contribution to MCWD’s efforts to find an integrated solution to Metro Cebu’s water needs.” Water is not only essential to Metro Cebu’s economy, but is also vital to the health and overall well-being of the community, particularly amid our collective efforts to manage the spread of the Covid-19, it said. Metro Cebu, which has grown so large over the years, is experiencing annual water shortages that starts as early as January and will

last throughout the summer season. In 2019, the company established Watermatic., a joint venture of Vivant and its Israeli partner Watermatic International Ltd. Vivant’s 60 percent-owned subsidiary specializes in providing solutions for water treatment for a 13 variety of needs including for industry, drinking water and agriculture. Its services include the design, engineering, construction, installation and operations and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment systems. In February 2020, the company acquired a 45-percent equity interest in Faith Lived Out Visions 2 Ventures Holdings Inc. (FLOWs). The transaction resulted in Vivant ultimately owning 40 percent of Puerto Princesa Water Reclamation and Learning Center Inc., the

joint venture company of the City of Puerto Princesa and FLOWs that is developing a combined sewerage and septage facility for Puerto Princesa. VG Cabuag

Sales of Vista Land’s Lessandra up by 28%

ista Land and Lifescapes Inc., the property development arm of the Villar Group, on Monday said uptake of its affordable brand Lessandra continued to trend upward as sales recorded an annualized growth rate of 28 percent as of May. The company said the brand’s sales in May expanded by 8 percent month-on-month and by 43 percent year-on-year. Amid the ongoing pandemic, Lessandra is strengthening its digital efforts and is expanding its projects, the company said. “You always reap the fruits of your labor. The positive growth we have is due to our unceasing efforts to provide quality and affordable homes to homebuyers, excellent service, and by keeping up with the trends and technology, particularly in the digital arena,” Eduardo T. Aguilar, Lessandra’s division head, said. Earlier this year, Vista Land said Start Up Pill—the London-based site known for listing the most innovative and exceptional start-up brands—named Lessandra as “one of the best residential start-ups globally.” “We continue to embrace change and of service to our clients 24/7. From the virtual home tours to the reservation and payment, all can be done through our website, making it much easier to purchase your

dream home. Homebuyers can also contact us anytime on our website and get a real-time response. On top of that, we have official social media pages, so clients have the flexibility to choose which platform they are more comfortable with to reach out to us,” Aguilar said. Previously a house series under Camella Homes, Lessandra was launched as a brand of its own in 2019. The company has since penetrated the market and has been making its mark in the industry by offering a holistic and consumercentric home environment, from affordable house and lots to familyfriendly amenities and community security features. The company expressed confidence that Lessandra will generate positive results in 2021 as housing remains a necessity. The company has recently announced that it will build additional communities in Luzon and Mindanao as part of its expansion this year. Currently, Lessandra is present in more than 40 communities nationwide. Aside from the horizontal project expansions, the company said it will soon enter the vertical real estate market with their first condominium offering, which will be located just outside Metro Manila. VG Cabuag

Tuesday, June 22 , 2021

Companies BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSALM pares down debt to ₧357.7B in May

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) reduced its debt obligation to P357.75 billion at the end of May. In a text message, PSALM President Irene Joy Garcia said the state firm’s outstanding financial obligation consists of P255 billion in debts and P102.75 billion in lease obligations. “Actually, the target set was P358.72 billion by end of 2021, but PSALM will target as much reduction in the financial obligations as possible,” said Garcia. At end-2020, PSALM’s debt stood at P381.91 billion. It had reduced its debts by P40.103 billion, higher than its target of P10.18 billion for 2020. PSALM sources funds for debt payment from privatization proceeds, which include payments from Independent Power Producer Administrators and from concession payments from the transmission business. It had successfully disposed of a total of 10 real estate assets in Agusan in Bukidnon, Maco in

Davao de Oro, Nasipit in Agusan del Norte, Loboc in Bohol and Camalaniugan in Cagayan, raising revenues of P51.65 million. PSALM also raised a total of P26.45 million from the sale of other disposable assets from retired equipment and scrap materials. To generate additional income, PSALM entered into short term lease agreements with government offices over certain assets that are not yet scheduled for privatization, raising additional revenues of P29.50 million. PSALM sold the 650-megaw at t (M W ) Ma l ay a T her m a l Power Plant (MTPP) via a negotiated bid to Fort Pilar Energy Inc. which submitted the highest offer—P3,123,500,000. It surpassed the minimum offer price of P1,845,222,000 that was set by the PSALM Board of Directors for this negotiated sale process. The sale of the MTPP is on an

Facade of the Agus I Hydroelectric Power Plant in Lanao del Sur owned by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. Photo from www.psalm.gov.ph

“as is, where is” basis. It includes the 300-MW Unit 1 and the 350MW Unit 2 as well as the underlying land, in Pililla, Rizal. PSALM said it needs the proceeds of this privatization activity to pay for the remaining stranded contract costs and stranded debts. “Thankfully, we successfully privatized MTTP. Hopefully, once we finish that process, we will also use the proceeds to pay off

mutual funds

June 21, 2021

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

220.83

6.65%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.3863

34.33% 7.67%

ALFM

-3.69%

-2.81%

-2.34%

1.57%

5.58%

-8.51%

-5.99%

-3.2%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7712 7.28%

-4.26% n.a.

-4.07%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7232 4.98%

-3.87% n.a.

-2.48%

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

8.72%

-1.85%

-2.15%

-2.07%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.7039

-0.14%

-5.52%

-6.79% -7.36%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

-3.37% n.a.

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0326

4.839

-4.04%

more of the financial obligations before the year ends. In addition, we are working on some real property privatizations as well,” said Garcia. MTPP is currently being dispatched as a Must Run Unit (MRU) by NGCP. However, on the turn-over date, MTPP is no longer required to run as an MRU as approved by the Department of Energy.

LRT-2 East extension to open in July

he inauguration of the east extension of the Light Rail PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 45.1135 7.84% -2.1% -2.62% -3.7% Transit (LRT) Line 2 has been Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 474.95 6.92% -2.21% -2.93% -2.87% rescheduled to July 5 as the contracPhilequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,5 1.0742 18.6% n.a. n.a. -2.11% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.1379 8.42% -2.19% -2.14% -2.59% tor has yet to complete the signaling Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 33.8194 9.27% -1.68% -1.48% -2.73% migration and integration for the two Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8805 6.87% n.a. n.a. -3.56% new stations. Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 4.6227 8.43% -1.45% -1.82% -3.52% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 774.04 8.53% -1.35% -1.93% -3.44% According to Light Rail Transit Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.7042 8.12% -5.88% -5.07% -2.04% Authority (LRTA) Adminstrator ReySun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.5085 6.71% -3.93% -3.29% -3.18% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8841 7.92% -1.72% -2.09% -3.66% naldo I. Berroya, the signaling sysUnited Fund, Inc. -a 3.2181 7.37% -2.24% -1.23% -3.04% tem is a vital component to railway Exchange Traded Fund operations. Without it, train operaFirst Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 103.8972 8.49% -1.13% -1.34% -3.4% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities tors cannot guarantee the safety of ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $1.2624 32.37% 6.38% 9.11% 4.95% the railway’s operations. 29.38% 11.13% 12.27% 6.19% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.7763 Balanced Funds “We regret to inform the riding Primarily invested in Peso securities public that the long-awaited opening ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.6711 6.78% 0.61% -1.52% 0.15% of the 4-km LRT-2 East Extension ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.2362 6.66% 0.04% -0.61% -2.15% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.5882 5.33% 0.83% -0.73% -1.48% Project was postponed for at least First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1939 1.89% n.a. n.a. -2.37% two weeks to give maximum time 0.5% -0.82% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9478 4.8% 2.24% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.6737 4.43% 1.37% -0.63% -3.02% for the contractor to complete the Philam Fund, Inc. -a 16.4785 4.96% 1.49% -0.65% -2.7% signaling migration and integration Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.0556 5.09% 0.24% -0.49% -1.84% works, and other preparatory activiSun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5058 4.62% -0.8% -1.53% -1.89% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9831 3.21% n.a. n.a. -3.86% ties,” he said. Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9024 3.9% n.a. n.a. -4.93% Berroya noted that the contrac4.77% n.a. n.a. -4.68% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8894 Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.88 6.78% -1.53% -1.86% -0.87% tor, Marubeni-DMCI Consortium, Primarily invested in foreign currency securities expressed concerns on the need “or Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03816 -0.44% 3.25% 1.38% -2.45% the safety case and full completion of PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $1.1377 16.26% 3.66% 5.38% -1.09% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.6953 21.78% 8.63% 8.82% 4.04% the ongoing testing and commissionSun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.2111 11.2% 5.03% 4.87% 0.75% ing of safety critical subsystems such Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities as automatic train protection, interALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 372.08 1.96% 3.22% 2.46% 0.27% locking, and Local Control Panel.” ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9271 -0.58% 1.31% 0.28% 1.41% Likewise, the pandemic has “reCocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2278 1.37% 3.81% 4.34% 0.41% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.261 -0.79% 2.22% 1.51% -1.52% stricted the arrival of foreign techniFirst Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4417 0.46% 3.28% 1.75% -0.47% cal experts in signaling system and Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.4917 -1.12% 4.36% 1.58% -3.08% some critical equipment necessary Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6 1.3238 2.83% 4.27% 2.79% 0.2% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9738 1.7% 4.4% 2.6% -0.68% to conduct the integration activity Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0368 1.42% 4.64% 1.82% -0.5% and monitor the compliance of the Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.213 1.77% 5.48% 2.9% 0.22% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7484 0.88% 4.74% 2.26% -0.38% project with Railway Safety Interna Primarily invested in foreign currency securities tional Standards.” ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $485.93 2.72% 3.2% 2.34% 0.43% “We cannot compromise and risk ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є220.07 2.18% 1.14% 1.18% 0.41% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.1864 -2.17% 2.21% 1.21% -7.34% the safety of the passengers so we First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0261 0.77% 1.85% 1.03% -1.88% recommended the postponement of PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0486 -1.74% 0.43% -0.73% -4.04% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.5051 2.94% 5.4% 2.25% -1.2% the operations to the Department Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0629784 4.17% 3.55% 2.25% 1.06% of Transportation [DOTr] to which Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1825 0.51% 3.36% 1.11% -1.27% the DOTr concurred. The LRTA and Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities DOTr agreed that the safety case ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 130.26 1.77% 3.06% 2.53% 0.35% shall be issued first before commencFirst Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0526 1.18% n.a. n.a. 0.43% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.3049 1.76% 2.85% 2.56% 0.64% ing operations. We at LRTA and DOTr Primarily invested in foreign currency securities are always committed to provide our Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0574 1.24% 1.66% n.a. 0.48% passengers with a safe, reliable, and Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities comfortable journey,” Berroya said. Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.2601 n.a. n.a. n.a. 11.55% Aside from the delay, the integra Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $0.99 6.45% n.a. n.a. 1.02% tion of the new signaling system will require the shutdown of the entire a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU). 1 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 2 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 3 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019. railway line for two consecutive week4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019. 6 - Reends starting June 26 and June 27, classified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund). 7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020. "While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as and July 3 and July 4. Lorenz S. Marasigan pifa.

99.84

24.88%

-2.06%

to the correctness of the

newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www.

com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance

Loans from multilateral banks hit $1.78B in June By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Philippines has been able to secure nearly $2 billion in loans from multilateral development banks as of June 2021. Based on data from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Philippines secured $1.78 billion-worth of loans to finance various programs to date. The largest source of loans for the Philippines was the World Bank, which has extended $1.08 billion in loans to finance four projects on agriculture, disaster reduction and mitigation, hydropower and the Covid-19 response. The World Bank loans will be financing the $500-million Philippines Covid-19 Emergency Response (PCER) project (additional financing); the $300-million Philippines Seismic Risk Reduction and Resilience (PSRRR) project; the $280-million second additional financing for the Philippine Rural Development (PRD) project; and, the $0.70-million Preparation Project for Agus Pulangi Hydropower Complex for Rehabilitation. The PCER project will finance the purchase and deployment of vaccines. The World Bank Board said the vaccines to be purchased and administered should have been granted emergency use authorization or has received World Health Organization “Emergency Use Listing.” The World Bank said the PSRRR project aims to finance seismic retrofitting and relevant strengthen-

ing and/or upgrades of public buildings to reduce damage from natural hazards. The second additional financing for the PRD project will support 267 climate-resilient rural infrastructure and 287 enterprise development subprojects to boost rural incomes and strengthen planning and implementation capacities among local government units and producer organizations. The preparation project for the Agus Pulangi Hydropower Complex for Rehabilitation aims to support the National Power Corp. through the preparation of feasibility study and tender documents. Meanwhile, the ADB and the AIIB approved $400-million and $300-million worth of loans, respectively. The loans are for the second “Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit Covid-19 (Heal 2) under the Asia-Pacific vaccine access facility, which the two banks are co-financing. The Heal 2 project will provide the Government of the Philippines with timely financing for safe and effective vaccine procurement and logistics, based on an agreed list of eligible expenditures. It will supplement the initial support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to the government’s Covid-19 response under the Heal project. ADB said Heal 2 is aligned with its Strategy 2030 by addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities; accelerating progress in gender equality; and fostering regional cooperation and integration.

Before the stage of investing

S we all know, we need to have a solid foundation before we invest. Did you know that there was a lot of learning we need before investing? In this article, I will be sharing with you the meaning of “REST” in your finances. Everything starts with a single idea in your mind, diligently processed and acted upon in a step-by-step and consistent manner, which will gradually produce progressive results. Before you start investing, you must free up your mind from all negative thoughts and stop all activities that do not add value to yourself. Deal with people who have problems for every solution. Determination keeps you going. Start filling your mind with principles and lessons that will help you find the right path. Get connected with people who have a positive outlook in life, who can inspire and encourage you to pursue and achieve your goals. Spend time reading books and articles and listening to stories that will teach you lessons learned from other personal experiences and tips on how to improve your current situation. Be sure to evaluate what you currently have and determine how to utilize it to begin your saving and investing journey. You need “R.E.S.T.” 1. Reviewing. It is a must for you to revisit your daily routine and review if your daily tasks are helping you achieve your goals. You must also review your dependencies: Are you dependent on other people’s preferences in making decisions? Remember that insights from other people are eagerly considerable definitely for those who will be affected by your choices; that your decisions should be based on your conviction and values. 2. Eliminating. Start eliminating the things and tasks that are not helping you grow and keeping you in achieving your goals. Learn to stand on your own feet. Pursue God’s purpose for you. Do not depend on other people pulling you away from your purpose. God will indeed send people who will help you but bear in mind that growth starts from within. You will never know yourself and discover God’s will for you if you never tried spending time alone with God. 3. Strengthening. Freeing up your mind and refilling yourself with the necessary empowerment is hard to do just alone. You need someone beside you, but the best one to be with you is God. Go to a solemn, relaxing place (this can be your room, a mountaintop, a beach

Rodora Mendoza

personal finance resort or even your comfort room) and spend time alone with Him in prayer, praise and thanksgiving. Receive from God by meditating on His Word and a book that will guide you in finding God’s purpose for your life. You will be surprised to find peace of mind and calmness of heart in finding your life purpose. Excitement to walk on your life purpose will follow. Seize the moment and start envisioning what you will become in the future. It must be direct to your discovered purpose. God will send people who will encourage you, and God sent you also to be an encourager to others. 4. Timing. One of the most important assets we have in this world is time and the element of timing. We need time to study, prepare, realize, discover, share, preach, plan, buy, sell, save and invest. As time is essential, timing is also considerable: the right timing in doing the things that matter. How would you know the right timing to buy, sell, save and invest? Studying, planning, and excellent preparation are all needed. Knowing the right timing is only the result of all these preparations. Experience taught us how to move next same as learning from experience (whether good or bad) is the best takeaway that we can have. Avoid repeating the same mistake that you have committed. Now that you have emptied yourself and refilled your being with the right mindset and direction, you may now check your cash flow. In most cases, people stop or pause for so long after checking their cash flow. Remember that you are doing all of these for a purpose, and unnecessary delays are unadvisable. Do ask yourself these questions: Do you have proper monitoring of your cash in and outflow? How are you doing expense management? Are you doing expense management properly? How much income are you receiving? Are there enough or more than enough funds to finance your daily bills and expenses?

Rodora Mendoza is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal-financial planning, attend the 90th RFP program this June. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp.ph or text at 0917-6248110.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Govt raises ₧17B from T-bills sale; bids 4x oversubscribed

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of the Treasury awarded P17 billion in Treasury Bills (T-bills) as rates dropped across all tenors days before monetary authorities meet on Thursday. The award was an upsize from the initial P15-billion offer after the auction committee decided to double the accepted non-competitive bids for the 364-day T-bills. Monday’s auction was also nearly four-times oversubscribed with total submitted bids reaching P59 billion. All tenors fetched average rates lower than the previous auction and the secondary market trading levels.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon told reporters that liquidity remains strong, adding that “stable inflation also pushed down rates.” “For now, rates will stay low as markets anticipate MB [Monetary Board] to hold rates,” De Leon said in a message. Monetary authorities are expected to meet on June 24; the fourth policy meeting for the year.

The average rate of the 91-day Tbills settled at 1.078 percent, down by 4 basis points from the previous auction’s 1.118 percent. Tenders for the security amounted to P15.75 billion, more than thrice the P5billion offer. Meanwhile, the 182-day T-bills recorded an average rate of 1.348 percent, slipping by 2.4 basis points from 1.372 percent previously. The tenor attracted a total of P18.967 billion, more than thrice the P5billion offer. Lastly, the 364-day T-bills’ average rate stood at 1.563 percent, declining by 1.4 basis points from 1.577 percent in the last auction. Total bids for the tenor hit P24.347 billion, nearly five times the initial P5-billion offer. The Treasury plans to borrow P215 billion from the local debt market for this month; the amount

up by 26 percent compared to the P170 billion it programmed to borrow per month in April and May. The bulk of the programmed domestic borrowings for June, or P140 billion, is set to be raised through Treasury bonds with longer tenors while P75 billion will be raised through T-bills. For this year, the national government has set a P3.03-trillion gross borrowing program, roughly the same amount it borrowed in 2020. The national government’s total outstanding debt continued to swell to a fresh record-high of 10.991 trillion in April this year as the country resorts to more borrowings to finance its pandemic response. This was up by 2 percent from P10.77 trillion reported at the end of the year’s first quarter and it was also a 27.8-percent jump from P8.6 trillion of end-April last year.

Magazine hails BDO subsidiary as best asset manager

EGIONAL financial publisher Asset Publishing and Research (APR) Ltd. has awarded BDO Unibank Trust and Investments Group (TIG) as the “Asset Management Company of the Year in the Philippines” for the fourth straight year. The BDO TIG has been winning the award since 2018, the most recent recognition was recently held “Triple A Sustainable Investing Awards for Institutional Investor, ETF” and “As-

set Servicing Providers 2021.” “Industry players accelerated the adoption of technology and relied on agility, risk management and engagement with investors to pull through such a tough year. For some of the most outstanding asset managers in Asia, ensuring effective communication is crucial even when a lot of the daily work has been moved online and to a work-fromhome environment,” APR said in a statement.

At the end of 2020, BDO’s consolidated trust assets under management (AUM) amounted to P1.63 trillion, up 22 percent from the previous level of P1.34 trillion. Of this AUM, P1.12 billion is managed by BDO TIG, while the remaining P505 billion is managed by BDO subsidiary BDO Private Bank. “Our ability to adapt to the everchanging environment through the use of new channels and the creation

First-ever Europa Awards recognizes PHL fintech firm in ‘Green’ category

INANCIAL technology (fintech) company CreditBPO Tech Inc. announced it has won the “Green and Inclusive Finance Solutions” category in the first “Europa Awards” 2021 last June 10. CreditBPO said in a statement the firm was recognized for its “active support to businesses engaging in green projects by promoting and supporting the flow of financial instruments and other related services for the development and implementation of sustainable business models, green investments and policies promoting sustainability.” The “Europa Awards” was organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to promote and recognize companies with exceptional performance and contributions in promoting sustainability in line with global standards and the Philippine Development Plan. In an acceptance speech, CreditBPO Founder and CEO Maria Cecilia O. Francisco said that sustainability and financial inclusion had always been at the heart of what they did at the company. “Our advocacy of better access to finance has always been anchored on the need to ensure sustainability— sustainability aided by technologygenerated insight to balance prudence and growth that at the outset does not threaten the survivability of a business or its proponent, and helps businesses avoid the debt-trap, among others,” Francisco said. The company was founded to help bridge the financial information gap, help address financial risk, reduce operating expenses, ease workflows and provide its stakeholders with a roadmap of growth for companies who use its service as part of their credit decision process. “The transition to sustainability through technology may be uncomfortable at first, a cause of fear for some because of its short-term disruptive effects. But the collective, long-term impact will be worthwhile,” Francisco said.

“Let’s all create a credit ecosystem that is strong, trustworthy, inclusive but not predatory, within a balanced playing field brought on by true empower-

ment assisted by technology. This will generate greater dynamism in the deal flow and progress for all businesses,” she added.

of new processes for the new normal allowed us to service our clients despite the limited mobility due to the pandemic. The most important matter on hand was to keep BDO TIG visible to assure our clients that we are in full control of their investments,” BDO TIG SVP and Head Rafael Ayuste Jr. was quoted in a statement as saying. BDO also won the same award in 2016. Bianca Cuaresma

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Art

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Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Donald Faison, 47; Cyndi Lauper, 68; Erin Brockovich, 61; Meryl Streep, 72; Lee Min-ho, 34. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Expand your mind, check out the possibilities and explore how you can use your skills in new ways that will bring in extra cash and make you feel passionate about your long-term plans. It’s OK to be different and to strive for something because it inspires you. Follow your heart and put in the work necessary to make your dreams come true. Your numbers are 6, 14, 24, 26, 33, 37, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep money matters a secret until you figure out how best to put your cash to work for you. Home improvements are favored if you can stick to a budget. Don’t pay a contractor; call on friends and family for help. HHH

b A FEW samples of the cozy home series by US-based FilipinoAmerican digital artist JR Eisma, whose @jars.arts Instagram account has amassed more than 184,000 followers as of this writing.

Digital artist finds home in reimagining living spaces

‘I

’M pretty sure no artist wants to be stuck in a box.” If having multiple Instagram accounts to showcase different styles is any indication, then digital artist JR Eisma certainly means what he says. The young, US-based Filipino-American has gone over, beyond, and through the proverbial box. He shot to Internet fame a few years ago drawing macabre monsters in black and white. Today, he is making big with digital sketches of people in their snug homes, depicted in full color and vibrant life. Eisma’s sensational cozy home series features snapshots of people’s lives. Clients would supply the artist with details of the scene to be illustrated, reference photos, and even the traits and interests of the subjects. After processing the guidelines, Eisma would proceed to work his magic in “creating an imaginary room combined with some real-life references.” “I have always loved telling stories,” Eisma writes on the About Me page on his web site www.jarsarts. com. “I try to draw each illustration as though you’re watching the story unfold from above. My favorite part is adding the tiny, story-telling elements, like a stray sock hanging out of a dresser drawer, an anniversary date on a calendar, a moose sipping water in a distant river, or fireflies dancing around a campfire. These are the little things which I think really bring the pieces to life.” Eisma, 25, works with robots as a mechanical engineer in Michigan during the day. At night and on weekends, he creates art. He was a one-year-old baby when his family migrated to the States. While the rest of them “has had artistic tendencies,” he was the only one who devoted

himself to the practice growing up. At 14, Eisma’s kuya—an “inspiration” to and “promoter” of his passions—gave him his first digital tablet, opening the doors for him to become a digital artist. Eisma honed his craft working on the virtual canvas. He practiced several styles before receiving his first big break in an online forum for his sketches of a sadistic version of comic-book cat Garfield, called Gorefield. The eldritch monster is described to be obsessed with two things: “lasagna and bloodshed.” By turning Garfield’s eyes into a menacing gaze and transforming his smirk into a murderous grin using his style, Eisma captured the attention of the members of the subreddit /r/imsorryjon. Such was the reception to his harrowing pieces that he was moved to create a new Instagram account. “My jars.drawings style is what initially gave my art popularity,” Eisma said during a recent e-mail interview. “People liked my creature drawings so I created a secondary Instagram account which grew very quickly.” Within weeks, Eisma’s new account, @jars.arts, surpassed the follower count of his first. The new profile featured a more diverse collection of artworks, including charcoal portraits and sketches of a car ride. The account also introduced more colored pieces from Eisma. The artist drew mostly in black and white for his drawings of hideous creatures under @jars.drawings, not just because the harrowing subject demanded grayscale for effect. At the time, the artist actively avoided using color for being red-green color-blind. “I used to be really afraid of coloring, but I have found certain methods that work for me, which include using the color wheel and gradients which I know work well together,” he said. “I also have some friends who I share my art with and they act as my second set of non color-blind eyes.” Aside from a more open use of color, Eisma’s artworks on @jars.arts presented more human subjects. In July 2019, the artist posted a digital sketch of three people, including himself, socializing. There is nothing particularly stunning from the work, which is a plain and soft drawing of people in poses, performing gestures. Perhaps it is exactly in

Continued on B5

Glenn Cagandahan featured in RWM’s ‘Art by the Garden’ RESORTS World Manila showcases the Philippines’s award-winning premier sculptor Glenn Cagandahan for June’s Art by the Garden exhibit series. Take a closer look at a fresh take on Philippine sculpture with Cagandahan’s innovative approach to sculpting with an expressionist use of synthetic resin generously endowed upon steel armatures. The exhibit is on display at the second floor of the Newport Garden Wing until June 27. Selected art pieces are available for purchase through www. rwmexclusives.com using cash, credit, or RWM membership points. More information on the Glenn Cagandahan’s exhibit for Art by The Garden and other upcoming events can be found at www.rwmanila.com.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Limitations and frustration will set in if you take on too much or make promises on which you cannot deliver. Pay attention to what’s going on around you, and align yourself with someone who shares your home improvement goals. Romance is favored. HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Verify information, and learn about something you want to pursue. Use your intelligence to get what you want instead of relying on someone to step in and take over. Put your energy where it counts, and you will excel. HHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take the plunge and make changes that will motivate you to participate and contribute more to people, organizations and pastimes vital to you. Be open to suggestions, but do what feels right and puts your mind at ease. Self-improvement is encouraged. HHHHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look for other alternatives before making a final decision. Take reservations seriously, and consider the best way to keep the peace without losing sight of your long-term goals. HH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Emotions will surface when dealing with friends, relatives and peers. Put your time and effort into something you can do on your own to help ease stress and bring you one step closer to something you are trying to achieve. HH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you want to get ahead, don’t overreact when your objective is to get things done. There is no point wasting time on situations and people you cannot change. Put your energy where it will encourage success and peace of mind. HHHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Observe, stay focused and broaden your mindset regarding where and how you live. A change may not be welcome, but in the end, it will help you let go of things that are weighing you down and holding you back. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Minimalize whatever you plan to do. Baby steps will help you avoid making a mistake. Put your energy to work for you, and do your best to keep the peace. Concentrate on self-improvement and gratification, not trying to change or appease others. HHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put your wallet away and concentrate on saving. An honest, kind approach to partnerships and love will be more effective than trying to impress someone by overstating how well off you think you are. HHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Being a straight shooter will win points, but it will deter some from participating in what you are trying to pursue. Let the chips fall where they may, and carry on with those who share your sentiments. HHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put more thought and energy into the things and people that make you happy. Home improvements and surprising someone you love will encourage better days ahead. HHHHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are original, outgoing and generous. You are passionate and unpredictable.

GLENN CAGANDAHAN

‘mixed messages’ BY ENRIQUE HENESTROZA ANGUIANO The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 “Hey, over here!” 5 Stick (to) 11 Amateurish actor 14 Post-workout sensation 15 Playful knuckle rub 16 Resource in Catan 17 Spot for warehouse deliveries 19 Road gunk 20 Thinks (over) 21 Pageant wrap 22 ___ Zahara Benet, first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race 23 Domain 25 On an even ___ 27 Wide, mocking smile 33 Total sty 36 “Holy” Spanish city 37 United 38 Liza Minnelli, vocally 39 “___ big fan!” 40 Fatty tuna in Japanese cuisine 41 Texter’s “I’ve heard enough!” 42 Number of degrees in a right angle 45 Churchgoer’s approval 46 Captivating a crowd at a party, say

9 Titular woman in a Kinks hit 4 50 Car part that may purr 53 Bete noire 55 Broad bean variety 59 Flood protection 61 “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” rapper 62 Subtextual process for some characters, or a hint to the word scrambled in 17-, 27- and 46-Across 64 “___ a pity” 65 Wild horse 66 Golden rule preposition 67 Spots that wouldn’t be missed? 68 Electronic instruments, for short 69 Ant in the pantry, e.g. DOWN 1 Date or coconut producer 2 Scrub, as a pan 3 Oil-rich mineral 4 Coach in an Apple TV+ series 5 ___ Arbor 6 Hounds 7 Today cohost Kotb 8 Causes of swollen heads? 9 High schooler with a Lexus, perhaps 10 Cry upon seeing a mouse

11 Where you may see a mint on a pillow 12 Many an Iranian 13 Trifling 18 Madonna’s “La ___ Bonita” 22 Plead 24 Actor who said “I pity the fool” 26 Green prefix 28 Accomplishing 29 Stone head carver of Mesoamerica 30 “Nifty!” 31 Memo opener 32 Gas in Vegas signs 33 It has pluses and minuses 34 “Tickle Me” doll 35 Feeling during meditation 40 Having a full sleeve of ink, perhaps 42 Zilch 43 Very angry 44 “So tasty!” 47 A deer, a female deer 48 Caramelly candy 51 Sheeplike 52 Leases 53 Prerelease phase 54 Eager

6 Long time period: Var. 5 57 Let off steam 58 Curved structure 60 Awards acronym for Whoopi Goldberg 62 NFL play-callers 63 Prefix for “play,” at Comic-Con

Solution to Friday’s puzzle:

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Queen beams as she returns to Ascot after Covid-19 hiatus LONDON—Queen Elizabeth II was smiling broadly as she attended the final day of the Ascot races on Saturday, where environmental protesters urged the monarch to press politicians to act faster against climate change. The 95-year-old queen, a keen racing fan and racehorse owner, has attended Ascot almost every year of her seven-decade reign. She was absent last year, when the event was held without spectators because of the coronavirus pandemic. Her return came two months after the death of her husband, Prince Philip, at 99. Dressed in a mint-green outfit and matching hat, the queen was applauded by the crowd as she arrived to cheer on four horses she owns that were racing on Saturday. She smiled broadly as she inspected one of her horses, Reach for the Moon, after it finished a close second. The annual racing meeting west of London is a heady mix of horses, extravagant headwear, fancy dress, champagne and strawberries with cream. Protesters from environmental group Extinction Rebellion unfurled a banner reading “Racing to Extinction” at the racecourse on Saturday. The group said four women glued themselves to their banner and chained themselves to the fence in a protest intended to be seen by the queen. She was not nearby at the time. AP

Digital artist finds home in reimagining living spaces Continued from B4 that picture of simplicity, of a singular moment that managed to convey a story of friendship, that prompted one of Eisma’s followers to reach out. “Someone from reddit discovered my @jars. arts account and saw that drawing. He asked for a commission. [That] was my first time drawing in that style,” he said. “That was December 2019, and I’ve been drawing those ever since.” Eisma has fulfilled commissions of couples depicted to be strolling along the park, on the beach with their dog, or in the open fields holding hands. Most of his pieces, however, show people in their living spaces and enjoying their own little world. “The majority of my ‘cozy home’ pieces are commissioned so each story is unique for every client, but the underlying theme is the same: love—cheesy, I know,” Eisma said. “What really inspires me to put passion into each piece is hearing my clients talk about their partners. Often these are gifts, so I usually get an e-mail from one partner describing their relationship, and I can feel them beaming as they talk about their loved one in great detail. They know all of their partner’s favorite foods, movies, clothes, hairstyle preferences, the way they sit, their tiny habits, etc., and it’s really moving to hear that level of attention and care.” That people around the world have been cooped up inside their homes for the past year may have also contributed to the rise of Eisma’s art. Either way, the artist is grateful. “Through this most recent endeavor, I feel my art has been given new meaning,” Eisma writes in his web site’s bio. “It is deeply rewarding for me to help you celebrate life’s moments, big or small, and I’m so grateful to able to use my greatest passion to capture and tell your stories.”

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Out, proud and standing out

ESPITE the ongoing pandemic, many cities around the globe are still celebrating Pride Month, recalling that time in June of 1969 when riots were held by the members of the LGBT community against a controversial police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City. Through the years, the acronym LGBT has been expanded to LGBTQIA+, which stands for lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual and/or ally, and the plus sign acknowledges the non-cisgender and non-straight identities that are not included in the acronym. More and more personalities from different fields are coming out and accomplishing outstanding work in their respective communities. Niccolo Cosme is a well-loved conceptual visual artist and photographer who has been touching many lives with his many advocacies. A cofounder of the nongovernment organization The Red Whistle, which is on its 10th year in creating awareness and providing support and solutions to the alarming HIV rate in the Philippines. “Our new vision statement is now health, wellness and human rights for all,” he shared, adding that he has just been appointed as the creative director for this active group. “My initial advocacy started with a Headshot Clinic campaign for the World AIDS Day in 2008, and it became an annual project supported by friends and many other celebrities that share our vision.”

He added, “Since the onslaught of the pandemic, our digital platform has been actively raising funds for Covid-19 response for the members of our community, even as we continue to pursue other important causes like women empowerment, climate change, universal child welfare, and collaborating with international organization like the World Wide Fund for Nature.” Cosme, whose father Caesar is a revered content creator, writer and director for GMA, said that the group’s theme for the Pride celebrations this year is “Tayo Tayo—Stand Up and Rise Together.” NO NEED FOR POLITICAL COLORS RS FRANCISCO admitted that he misses being a performance artist. A well-loved actor for film, television and theater, Francisco said that he looks forward to the day when it will be safe again to make movies, act for a TV series, or rehearse for a theater production. For more than a year now, the businessman and philanthropist has kept himself busy not only running his Frontrow direct-selling company but also finding ways to reach out and be of help and assistance to those who have been heavily afflicted and displaced by the pandemic. People have been asking Francisco if he has political plans, and he was quick to reply: “I don’t think I am fit to be in politics. We don’t need to be in politics to be able to help and be of service. In general, those who can help, should help, and helping others must be a basic human trait. That’s why I and my partners will continue to do what we have been doing all these years—sharing our blessings, without any political color or leanings. I feel blessed that I can be a blessing to others.” The only colors Francisco is happy to be associated with are the colors of the rainbow. “These colors are brightest when care, kindness and equality are all present, where love always wins.”

HAPPINESS IS A DECISION TELEVISION director Jojo Saguin is a proud transwoman. “Joy comes when you are true to yourself and when you accept who you truly are. It makes me whole as a human being,” she said. Saguin debuted as a director for the daily drama series May Bukas Pa 10 years ago, which became one of ABS-CBN’s most successful shows ever. “I feel that as a member of the LGBTQ+ family, May Bukas Pa was also my little way of spreading the word and sharing the love of God to viewers with the many good values the show advocated.” Saguin is currently calling the shots for a new star-studded series, Marry Me, Marry You. She told us that she is happy where she works. “I am thankful to ABS-CBN for taking very good care of me as one of its in-house directors. I never had any experiences of discrimination whatsoever in my work place. As the captain of the ship during our shoots and tapings, and working with all kinds of people with different kinds of sexual orientation and preference, I am glad to always get the respect as a trans director, and it is such a wonderful feeling.” The director’s dream project is an LGBTQ+inspired series with LGBTQ+ actors in a Filipino setting, with a lot of happy vibes and good values. “A la Pose,” she said. For someone who has been happily single for eight years now, Saguin believes that it doesn’t take a man to complete her. “I had a bad relationship with a foreigner. I was emotionally battered and couldn’t get out of that state because I guess I loved him that much, too much. Then it dawned on me I had to do something to regain my dignity before I completely lose myself. I think that is why I still feel afraid to commit again.” If her soulmate comes, Saguin believes that God and the universe will make a way and they will find each other. “If he comes, he comes. I take things a day at a time. Waking up to a new day is always a blessing. Happiness is a decision that we have to make on our own.” n

Well-loved comedian-actress Pokwang joins GMA GMA is delighted to announce that well-loved comedian and award-winning actress Pokwang is now with the network after she signed a contract last June 18. Present in the virtual ceremony were executive vice president and chief financial officer Felipe S. Yalong, senior vice president for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, first vice president for drama Redgie A. Magno, first vice president for business development department III Darling de Jesus-Bogedon, first vice president and head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy Oliver B. Amoroso, vice president for corporate affairs and communications Angel Javier Cruz, vice president for comedy, infotainment, game and reality productions Janine P. Nacar, senior assistant vice president for drama Cheryl-Ching Sy, senior assistant vice president for alternative productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, assistant vice president for comedy, infotainment, game and reality productions Bang U. Arespacochaga, GMA Artist Center assistant vice president and head for talent imaging and marketing unit Simoun Ferrer, senior program manager Enri Calaycay, and GMA Artist Center senior talent manager Daryl Zamora. Pokwang is known for her versatility on-screen as seen on the various TV programs and movies she has starred in. Her decision to join GMA was driven by her passion to showcase her many talents and to grow more in the industry. “Marami pa akong gustong gawin as an artista; as a host, marami pa akong gustong i-share na experience ko sa pamamagitan ng mga programa para sa mga manonood. Gusto kong ituloy-tuloy kung ano pa ang gusto kong gawin bilang artista. Malaki ang pasasalamat ko kasi siyempre

nagbukas ng pintuan sa akin ang GMA.” On top of the list of GMA artists she dreams to work with one day are Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Maine Mendoza and Dennis Trillo. As she begins this new chapter in her showbiz

career, the Filipino audience can expect nothing less from Pokwang: “Mas lively, mas masaya, para akong isang apoy na pansamantalang pinigil pero ngayon pasabog na, masaya, magaan lang, mas maibibigay ko ang comedic side ko. Dito sa GMA, nakikita kong back ako sa kung saan ako nalilinya talaga, which is comedy. Masaya lang talaga.” Yalong is proud that more and more highly talented comedians are joining the network: “GMA is the home of the best female comedians. In addition to Pokwang, we have Ai-Ai delas Alas and Eugene Domingo. Now we have Pokwang in our lineup, I suppose we can expect a lot of comedy shows that might come up. Who knows, we can have a possible three-in-one sitcom. Nobody can now beat GMA as far as comedy is concerned—we have the good writers, the creative people behind it, and you have the people in front of the camera.” Meanwhile, Rasonable expressed her excitement for what’s ahead of Pokwang’s career: “She’s going to be part of Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento and we’re so excited about that. We were in a storycon with Bitoy and Manilyn, and doon pa lang talagang ang dami niyang pasabog. Napapatawa niya talaga si Bitoy. Alam namin it’s going to be a great show. There’s another side of Pokwang and that is she’s a very good dramatic actress, we all know that. That’s something we also want to explore with her, with Magpakailanman, and later on sa soap opera. Expect a lot from her, of course.” While already gearing up for her role in Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kuwento, Pokwang will be guesting in various GMA programs, including The Boobay and Tekla Show, All-Out Sundays, Sarap ’Di Ba, among others.

FROM left: RS Francisco, Jojo Saguin and Niccolo Cosme

B6 Tuesday, June 22, 2021

PDRF moves closer to ISO certification

Sharp AQUOS celebrates two decades of excellence, quality, and innovation

HARP Philippines’ AQUOS LCD TV has entered its 20th anniversary. And what a better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than to launch a new series of 4K TVs? These upcoming LCD TVs remind us how much Sharp has innovated their products over two decades of providing quality entertainment products. It felt just like yesterday, but 2001 was the pivoting point of Sharp when it turned its tube TVs into LCD TVs. Gone are the days when we had to hit the tube to get a clearer image; with the newest line-up from Sharp, all you have to do is power the device, sit back, and relax. Sharp PH officially unveils a 70inch 4K Smart Android TV with Google voice assistant and Google Duo for video call! Since cinemas and theaters are still closed, it is a wise thing to invest in your home entertainment. A TV upgrade will definitely come in handy when you want to unwind with your loved ones after a tiring day at work. Who needs to go out for movies if you feast your eyes and ears on an immersive experience?

What are the top features of Sharp 4K SMART ANDROID TV 4T-C70CK3X?

SHARP is bringing a new 4K TV in the Philippines with a 70-inch display, Dolby Audio, Chromecast built-in, and more! It's one of the company's innovative televisions that are equipped with tons of features. Let’s look at the highlights below:  Sleek and modern design. When it comes to TV sizes, we just have one tip for you: Go big or go home. This TV boasts 70-inch screen goodness so it's like watching your favorite series and movies in your mini-cinema. Aside from that, it sports a minimalist design built with

a super narrow bezel, making eyes focus more on the display. Richer in details. The most obvious benefit of TVs with 4K resolutions is that their pictures have more detail and sharpness. After all, their 3840 x 2160 pixel counts equate to four times the resolution of the full HD pictures most of us are used to. Every hair on people’s heads, every leaf on every tree, every blade of grass on a football pitch, every star in the sky. Coupled with Sharp's AQUOS processor, viewing quality is enhanced to the optimal level. The manufacturer also emphasizes it can deliver outstanding picture quality because of X4 Master Engine Pro II. Basically, you’ve got an experience many describe as more like looking through a window than watching a TV.  Dual speakers with Dolby Audio support. Sound is important because of many things. It engages the audience, evokes emotional responses, emphasizes what’s on the screen, and is used to indicate mood. Thankfully, this 70-inch 4K Smart Android TV from Sharp is equipped with speakers with Dolby audio on both sides. As a result, you get crystal-clear sound effects with

a surround-sound quality  Thousands of useful apps from Google Play. Downloading all your favorite apps and games would be a smart way to maximize your television. By doing this, you can enjoy them on the big screen with easy access from your custom Android TV home screen. In addition to this, you can conveniently use this Sharp TV for video conferencing with teammates, family, or friends due to the inclusion of Google Duo.  Remote control with built-in voice assistant. How does Google Assistant provide you a smarter viewing experience? One way is by giving you quick access to your shows and other media. In searching for content, this feature is handy since you don’t need to look through all your streaming apps yourself. Moreover, you can easily get answers on screen if you're performing a search on Google. You can also control other smart devices inside your home with this voice assistant. These are just a few features that the Sharp 4K Smart Android TV 4T-C70CK3X boasts. Stay tuned for its local pricing and availability. For updates, you may follow Sharp Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Global Airbnb Community Fund announces inaugural grant recipients in the Philippines

HE Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) celebrated a milestone on the road to becoming one of the few non-government organizations (NGOs) in the world to achieve ISO certification in a recent virtual ceremony. PDRF top executives and staff attended the event to celebrate the completion of three significant ISO requirements: (1) the Business Process Model highlighting PDRF's management, core, and support processes; (2) the updated organizational chart supporting the organization's Quality Management System (QMS) objectives; (3) and the standard operating procedures serving as a guide for internal and external partners. PDRF Executive Director Veronica Gabaldon led the staff in the recitation of the Foundation’s quality policy—a statement of the organization’s purpose and strategic direction and commitment to quality, meeting requirements, and continual improvement. The updated PDRF quality policy may be accessed here. “Processes are the backbone of our work,” said Gabaldon. “This is the very roadmap that will allow us to implement programs

consistently, within a standard. From a small project to a large multi-year project to an international project, the standard, the quality of work will be there. And this ISO framework will help us do that,” she added. PDRF Chief Resilience Officer Bill Luz said that adopting the ISO will also attract quality partners. “Because of the combination of organizational culture, the DNA, continuous improvement, and reputation, this will also attract not just any partners but quality partners. And that’s why people come to us because they see PDRF as their quality partner, we become their partner of choice,” Luz said. “Few, if any, NGOs have ever achieved it, so once again, PDRF will be blazing a trail for others to follow. ISO certification can also help reassure stakeholders that we follow the highest standards in implementing our projects,” said PDRF President Butch Meily.

QUBE Smart provides smart locker system

AUNDRAFÉBox Corporation, the company behind QUBE Smart Locker, seeks to provide both sellers and shoppers with a smart locker system to help them be safe as the threat of COVID-19 still looms. As deliveries are expected to increase, receptionists and security personnel at the lobbies/concierge of condominiums and buildings are going to be swamped. Some condo dwellers have even complained that receptionists turn down deliveries for one reason or another resulting to increase RTS (Return to Sender) Issues prompting more cost on the logistics/courier/parcel service provider. Opting for a smart locker will prevent this problem as the delivery will go straight to the locker and be safely kept until the customer retrieves it via a unique OTP/OTBcode.

Awesome features

BY using the QUBE mobile phone app, a customer is provided 24/7 access to a smart locker that can be used for a variety of dropoff and pick-up services such as laundry, delivery, storage, payment of bills, shopping and even telemed (e-pharmacy). The Philippines is the fourth ASEAN country—

after Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore—to have this type of innovative system. The Next-Gen QUBE Smart Locker unit has awesome features that guarantee security and ease of use. Installed 24/7 4K CCTV provides maximum security and monitoring. Each door has its own Infra-Red Sensing Technology to confirm successful transactions and even detects unwanted, hazardous and dangerous items. Its Payment Terminal Technology powered by 2C2P allows clients to pay for services through the app or through the locker via debit card, credit card, GCash or PayMaya. With QR/Barcode Scanning Technology, it can read and identify the unique OTP (One Time Pin) / OTBcode (One Time Barcode) as a form of security for the users, receivers and depositors. For much better protection, the locker is integrated with UVC light used both for illumination and disinfection. With its Digital Payment Service, the Smart Locker Units can accept payment 24/7 at your own convenience and even pay all kinds of bills with our wide array of networks and partnerships. The lockers also have Blue LED Indicators installed in each door for easier visibility on door/compartment availability. According to Jericho B. Montano, Chief Operations Officer of LAUNDRAFÉBox Corporation: “We always provide constant R&D and always guarantee customer satisfaction by delivering the most innovative technologies for the Filipino People.” To download the app, go to the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android a nd search for BOX24. Once downloaded, tap on “sign up” and provide the necessary details. After signing up, tap on the service that you desire: Wash for laundry, Drop for personal storage/ drop-shipping, Pay for payments, Move for parcel movement and delivery and Health for e-pharmacy. Visit QUBE on Facebook and Instagram for updates and more details.

Abbott, Museo Pambata partner and launch ed-tech platform for kids’ experiential learning

IRBNB believes in sharing the company’s success with its stakeholders, including the communities Airbnb Hosts call home. That’s why Airbnb created the Airbnb Community Fund - to distribute US $100 million over 10 years to organizations that are strengthening communities around the world, including $10 million distributed throughout 2021. Airbnb recently share the inaugural grant recipients of the Airbnb Community Fund, which includes over 150 organizations from more than 40 countries and six continents, including the Philippines. These organizations are working to meet unprecedented needs brought about by the pandemic, and focusing on this year’s themes: COVID-19 relief, economic empowerment, and education. The first four Philippine beneficiaries included four non-government organizations:

Mercy in Action, Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc., Haligi ng Bata, Inc. and Reach Out and Feed Philippines. These organizations aim to empower and better the welfare of Filipino families and children through several ongoing efforts. To determine how to direct these grants, Airbnb turned to its Host community. Airbnb’s Host Advisory Board, a group of exceptional Hosts who act as the voice of the Host community to Airbnb leaders, selected the grant focus areas and worked with Airbnb’s program partner, GlobalGiving, to compile a list of global organizations working to meet these needs. Members of Host Clubs around the world then voted on organizations they believed have the greatest impact in their regions. Mylene Lagman, Resource Mobilization Manager at Childhope Philippines, Inc. outlined the impact Airbnb’s Community Fund grant will

have for their organization. “This additional funding means a lot to us, especially to the street children we serve. This will greatly help us to continue the different programs and services of the organization for the street children as well as their families,” she shared. “Through these additional funds, Childhope will be able to educate the street children through our KalyEskwela Mobile Community Learning Hub program wherein street children who are enrolled in formal school will have the opportunity to attend their online classes, since the face-to-face setup is not yet allowed here in the Philippines. Childhope will also protect children's rights through our different online education sessions facilitated by our own street educators and eventually integrate them into society.” To learn more, visit the Airbnb Community Fund page.

NE year into the pandemic, parents must have run out of ideas to make their kids active, well-informed and at the same entertained. Keeping the quarantine boredom at bay alone is quite a challenge. To make them educationally engaged and challenged is another. Thanks to the country’s improving internet connectivity, mobile app and other online educational platforms make the kids happy with their thinking skills tested and their experiences of arts, culture, and even science truly enjoyable. This is what celebrity Mom Bianca Gonzales attested during the recent virtual launch of the Similac GainSchool Explorers mobile app. Global healthcare leader Abbott, in collaboration with Museo Pambata, launch the mobile app to support Filipino parents in their children’s healthy growth and brain development. Designed to stimulate and nurture curiosity, problem-solving, and logical thinking skills in children, the app provides the benefit of learning through interactive experiences. In place of a real field trip, normally held as part of the school curriculum, the platform will offer access to virtual tours and immersive experiences of arts, culture, and science. “The Museo Pambata is a one of a kind children’s interactive museum that has been inspiring Filipino children to discover and experience life beyond the classrooms every year,” says Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, president, Museo Pambata Inc.

The app will feature its first jointly created virtual tour, “Batang Katutubo” that offers a look into Philippine cultural heritage and provide children with three different experiences. The “Musika” exhibit encourages kids to try their hand at playing traditional musical instruments such as the libit and gangsa. Seed planting games in the “Kalikasan” exhibit help children learn more about local plants and conserving the environment. The “Kasuotan” exhibit gives them the opportunity to try on various native costumes through the power of Augmented Reality (AR). “For over 80 years in the Philippines, Abbott has been dedicated to helping people live healthier and fuller lives through our life-changing technologies and products for people of all ages,” said Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., nutrition medical director for Asia Pacific, Abbott. “While proper nutrition is the foundation for children to learn faster, grow to their fullest potential, and live their best lives. The creation of the mobile app is part of our continuous effort to support parents in their children’s growth and development journey,” he added. The Similac GainSchool Explorers mobile app is now available for download on both Android and IOS devices. For more information, visit https://similac. com.ph/, call the Abbott Nutrition Hotline for free Nutrition Counselling (995-1555) and/or message the Alagang Abbott Facebook Page.

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

The World BusinessMirror

US special envoy hopes North Korea responds positively on offered talks

EOUL, South Korea—President Joe Biden’s special envoy for North Korea said Monday he hopes to see a positive reaction from the North soon on US offers for talks after the North Korean leader ordered officials to prepare for both dialogue and confrontation. Sung Kim, Biden’s special representative for North Korea, is in Seoul to speak with South Korean and Japanese officials about the United States’ stalled diplomacy with the North over its nuclear program and US-led sanctions. The trilateral talks followed a North Korean political conference last week where leader Kim Jong Un called for stronger efforts to improve his nation’s economy, further battered last year by pandemic border closures and now facing worsening food shortages. The US envoy Sung Kim said the allies took note of the North Korean leader’s comments and are hoping the North will respond positively to the proposal of a meeting. “We continue to hope that the DPRK will respond positively to our outreach and our offer to meet anywhere, anytime without preconditions,” Kim said during his meeting with South Korean and Japanese nuclear envoys, Noh Kyu-duk and Takehiro Funakoshi, respectively. He was referring to the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said the officials from the three countries reaffirmed a coordinated approach toward North Korea and shared commitment to work toward a quick resumption of dialogue. North Korea’s economic setbacks followed the collapse of Kim Jong Un’s ambitious summitry with then-President Donald Trump in 2019, when the Americans rejected the North Koreans’ demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of their nuclear capabilities. Kim Jong Un in recent political speeches has threatened to bolster his nuclear deterrent and claimed that the fate of diplomacy and bilateral relations depends on whether Washington abandons what he calls hostile policies. US officials have suggested Biden would take the middle ground between Trump’s direct dealings with Kim and President

Barack Obama’s policy of “strategic patience.” But some experts say the North likely must take concrete steps toward denuclearization before the Biden administration would ease any sanctions. South Korea, which is eager for inter-Korean engagement, has expressed optimism about a quick resumption of diplomacy. Seoul’s Unification Ministry said Kim’s comments during a ruling party meeting last week, where he said he expected both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, demonstrated a flexibility toward diplomacy. But others saw Kim’s comments as merely a reiteration of Pyongyang’s wait-and-see stance of insisting Washington budge and offer concessions first. While Kim urged officials to boost agricultural production and brace for prolonged Covid-19 restrictions, none of the decisions reported after the party meeting seemed directly related to facilitating talks with the United States. While displaying an openness to talks, the Biden administration has provided little detail about its policy on North Korea beyond a long-term principle of taking a “calibrated and practical approach” on diplomacy while simultaneously upholding sanctions against the country. Thae Yong Ho, a former North Korean diplomat who defected and was elected a South Korean lawmaker, posted on Facebook that Kim’s comments at the party meeting seemed tailored to mirror what the Biden administration has said about the North. “Advocates of engagement see Kim Jong Un’s recent mention of dialogue as a sign North Korea is opening the door for talks, but Pyongyang has not yet expressed a willingness for working-level negotiations on denuclearization,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. He said the North may return to negotiations only after demonstrating its strength with postpandemic economic recovery and provocative military tests, which could possibly come later this summer when the United States and South Korea usually hold their combined military exercises. The allies describe the drills as defensive in nature, but the North claims they are invasion rehearsals. AP

Australia takes China wine tariffs to WTO as ties sour

ustralia will appeal to the World Trade Organization regarding China’s imposition of anti-dumping duties on the country’s wine, the trade minister announced Saturday, the latest move in a long simmering spat that has worsened relations between the two countries. The decision to file for the dispute resolution process was taken following extensive consultation with Australia’s wine makers who have collectively seen exports drop from A$1.1 billion ($823 million) to about A$20 million under a regime that puts tariffs as high as 218 percent, Dan Tehan said in a statement. The move is the first formal step over wine in a deepening row that’s led to frosty relations between Canberra and its biggest export-trading partner. The top commodities buyer said in March that Australian wine had been subsidized and sold under market value, a view that’s been rejected by the Australian government. The decision comes after Tehan told Bloomberg Television on Wednesday the government would be “making a decision very shortly.” “Australia’s use of the WTO in this matter is consistent with its previous use of the WTO and aligns

with our support for the rulesbased trading system,” Tehan’s office said. Australia remains open to engaging directly with China to resolve this issue, the minister’s office said. Representatives for industry body Australian Grape & Wine welcomed the move. “We have been consistent in our position that Australian producers have not dumped wine on the Chinese market, nor received trade-distorting subsidies,” said Tony Battaglene, chief executive of Australian Grape & Wine. China imposed the tariffs for five years in March, formalizing curbs that had been in place for months. The move followed almost a full year of trade sanctions volleyed by China at Australia that hit a range of commodities from coal and beef to barley and lobster. Relations have frayed since 2018, when Canberra barred Huawei Technologies Co. from building its 5G network, and went into freefall last year as leaders called for an independent probe into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic that first emerged in Wuhan city. Australia has already taken action at the WTO over barley tariffs of more than 80 percent that China imposed last year. Bloomberg News

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Indonesia’s virus cases near 2 million as hospitals fill up

ndonesia’s total Covid-19 cases near 2 million with hospitals starting to fill up as the country grapples with the highly transmissible delta variant of the virus.

The government confirmed 13,737 new cases on Sunday to bring the total to 1.99 million. Deaths have begun to pick up as the Covid-19 hospitalization rates exceed 70 percent in 87 cities across the country, with 371 people dying from the disease on Sunday. That’s the worst since April, according to government data. “Because this is concentrated in certain regencies and cities, we can still mobilize resources from other areas,” said Harif Fadhillah, chairman of the national association of nurses. “If we let this continue, the situation can become urgent and critical.” Indonesia is relying heavily on vaccines to stem the pandemic, with a pledge to administer 1 million doses a day in July, as well as movement limits. All non-essential businesses must stop operating at 8 p.m., while religious and social gatherings are banned in areas most at-risk, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said on Monday. The police and army have been deployed to ensure compliance, and the measures are effective through July 5, he added. The delta variant, which was first detected in India and has since spread globally, was a dominant strain in Kudus and Bengkalan towns in Java, which have became virus hot spots along with Jakarta. The hospitalization rate in Jakarta has exceeded 90 percent even if the government can add more as there are 34,000 beds in total with 17,300 currently allocated for Covid-19 patients, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said at the same briefing. The capital is in need of 1,179 more healthcare workers, while neighboring West Java province needs 400, Fadhillah said. “The government isn’t choosing between health and the economy,” Sadikin said. “The president has ordered for the health issue to be resolved first because the economy won’t move if the health issue isn’t resolved.” The recent surge in infections had been predicted by the government, which forecast in May that cases could rise by 40 percent to 60 percent in four to five weeks after Eid holidays. A persistent increase in cases could threaten recovery in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy, which last year saw its first contraction in two decades. Key developments:

Bangkok eases restrictions

With new cases under control and vaccination rates rising, Bangkok

relaxed some Covid restrictions on restaurants, convenience stores and sports venues. Air-conditioned restaurants in Bangkok can operate at 50 percent capacity and remain open until 11 p.m., authorities said, and convenience stores can remain open 24 hours. Swimming pools and some sports venues are also allowed to reopen under some restrictions, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

Shenzhen tightens virus controls

China’s southern technology hub is adding restrictions for travelers and tightening enforcement of existing virus controls, after 38 passengers aboard an inbound Air China flight from Johannesburg tested positive for Covid-19. Local authorities said this weekend that they will target 100 percent compliance with existing protocols on public transit, including monitoring of temperatures and health codes, as well as ensuring that all passengers wear masks. Also, passengers departing Shenzhen by air now need to show proof of a negative test result done within 48 hours. As of now, roughly 62 percent of the city’s residents have been fully vaccinated, and officials said they would redouble efforts to reach people 60 and older. The flareup and response suggest that China could continue to follow a rigid virus-containment strategy and keep borders shut, despite the mass domestic vaccination drive that has given over 1 billion doses.

Toyota, Softbank, Nomura offer shots for employees

Some of Japan’s biggest private employers will offer on-site vaccinations for employees starting Monday. The move is designed as a boost for the country’s slow vaccine rollout and to leverage strong workplace culture in companies where some may spend their entire working lives. Workers’ families are also eligible, as are contractors. Using Moderna Inc.’s messenger RNA shot, the effort is currently expected to cover about one-tenth of the countr y’s 126 million residents and hopefully accelerate what is still among t he slowest inocu lation pro grams in developed countries, though its pace has picked up markedly since May. Universities will also be able to administer on-site vaccinations for students, faculty and staff. As of Friday, the government had received 3,479 applications for the program, with doses set to cover 13.7 million people.

Canada not vaccinated enough to reopen to US: Chief

The US border is unlikely to be completely reopened until 75 percent of Canadians are fully vaccinated, Canada’s border chief said on Sunday in comments likely to fuel mounting impatience in both countries at the restrictions. “We haven’t reached the finish line, and the finish line is when a significant majority of Canadians, approximately 75 percent, are fully vaccinated,” Public Safety Minister Bill Blair told national broadcaster CBC on Sunday. At present, less than a fifth of Canadians have received two shots, according to data compiled by CTV News.

First cruise sets sail from US port

Guests lined up to board Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s Freedom of the Seas on Sunday, marking the first cruise from a US port since the pandemic suspended operations 15 months ago. Passengers filed into PortMiami with suitcases in tow, a sight last seen in the world’s largest cruise port in March 2020. Freedom of the Seas can carry around 4,500 guests, and it’s expected to take about 650 on this first two-night loop, all of them Royal Caribbean employees who volunteered and were allowed to bring an 18-and-over guest. The trip is being dubbed a “simulated voyage,” a concept designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to essentially prove the ships are safe to sail with Covid-19 still circulating around the globe.

Biden to pitch vaccines on N. Carolina trip

President Joe Biden is traveling to North Carolina on Thursday to encourage more Americans to get vaccinated. The president’s trip to Raleigh comes 10 days before July 4, Biden’s stated target date to see at least 70 percent of adult Americans at least partially vaccinated—a goal that risks slipping out of reach. So far, slightly more than 65 percent of adults in the US have had at least one dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, despite a vaccine supply that has become plentiful across the nation. North Carolina is lagging many other states and the US average. In North Carolina, 44.6 percent of the whole population has been inoculated, compared with 53.2 percent in the US as a whole, according to CDC data. So far, 23 states and other jurisdictions have vaccinated at least 50 percent of their populations, the data show.

Delta strain driving spike in Lisbon

Preliminary results from June indicate the delta variant has a prevalence of more than 60 percent in the Lisbon region, Portugal’s National Institute of Health said on Sunday. The government on Thursday

announced it would restrict travel to and from the greater Lisbon area during the weekend as it tries to contain the spread of new infections. The restrictions on movement were applied from 3 p.m. on Friday, with exceptions including international travel.

US unvaccinated areas vulnerable to variant: Gottlieb

The highly transmissible delta variant first found in India is driving infections in parts of the US with low vaccination rates while having little effect in vaccinated areas, said Scott Gottlieb, former head of the US Food and Drug Administration. “Connecticut, for example, where I am, shows no upsurge of infection, but Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri show very substantial upsurges of infections,” Gottlieb, who’s on the board of Pfizer Inc., said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” “That’s based entirely on how much population wide immunity you have based on vaccination.” The variant, which is delaying the final reopening in England, now makes up 10 percent of US cases. The head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week it’s expected to become the dominant strain.

Biden aide warns over Covid origin study

China will risk international isolation if it fails to allow a “real” investigation on its territory into the origins of the virus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. Sullivan’s comments follow last week’s call by Group of Seven leaders including US President Joe Biden for another probe into how the virus originated. Biden last month ordered the US intelligence community to “redouble” its efforts to determine where the coronavirus came from and to report back in 90 days. China has rejected the theory that the virus originated in a lab in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the first cases were reported.

Dubai airport hopes to near normal by fall

Dubai Airport, the world’s largest by international passenger numbers, expects to recover as much as 90 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity by autumn and will reopen a terminal as demand picks up. Air travel will get a boost as countries start to remove restrictions, while an upcoming holiday in the Middle East and Expo 2020 Dubai, which begins in October, will also help shore up demand, Dubai Airports Chief Executive Officer Paul Griffiths said in an interview with Bloomberg T V on Sunday. The air port plans to reopen a terminal and concourse that were shut in March 2020, and w i l l add 3, 50 0 jobs to meet growing demand. Bloomberg News

Russia’s envoy, recalled over spat, returns to US

O S C O W — R u s s i a ’s ambassador has returned to the United States three months after being recalled as tensions rose between Moscow and Washington, according to a tweet

from the Russian Embassy on Sunday. Ru ssi a n P resident V l ad im ir P ut in a nd President Joe Biden ag reed at t heir su mm it in Geneva last week on the ret u r n of Russi a n A mbassador

A natoly A ntonov a nd US A mbassador John Su l l iva n, who lef t Moscow in Apr i l. Antonov on Sunday boarded an Aerof lot f light to New York and then traveled to Washington. The Russian Embassy

tweeted Sunday night that he had returned to his duties. A ntonov was called home after a Biden TV interview in which he said Putin was a killer; Russian officials then suggested Sullivan should leave. AP

Sports

Romero tells Valdez: Don’t get intimidated

BusinessMirror

OUSE Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero praised shooter Jayson Valdez for qualifying for next month’s Tokyo Olympics, saying his time has finally come to make a difference. “I have known him since his teenage days because he was part of my youth team when I was still the president of the shooting association,” Romero of 1-Pacman Partylist, said. “Im so happy Jayson finally fulfilled his dream as an athlete, I wish him and the rest of Team Philippines the best of luck.” Having seen some of Valdez’s would-be rivals being part of the Philippine delegation to the London 2012 Games, Romero advised the 25-year-old Valdez to stay focused and determined. “Since he’ll be playing for flag and country he has to give everything he’s got and should not be intimidated by his rivals,” Romero said. “But I know this young man, he’s gutsy.” Romero played for the national shotgun team twice in the World Cup besides bankrolling the men’s basketball team that won the gold medal in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Romero said Valdez will be up against a bevy of top European shooters in the men’s air rifle 10-meter contest, including three-time champion Niccolo Camprian of Italy.

Boss Emong wins Chairman’s Cup

OCKEY Fernando “Dhunoy” Raquel cracked the whip with precision in the final stretch to steer Boss Emong past Sky Shot and the rest of the pack to win the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) Chairman’s Cup on Sunday at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas. Boss Emong also had to stave off a ferocious chase by Super Swerte approaching the line to rule the 1,800-meter race. The grey galloper owned by Edward Vincent Diokno grabbed victory by a head for the champion’s purse of P1.2 million in the race held in honor of the late Philracom Chairman Andrew Sanchez. Super Swerte, the pre-race favorite, took second-place honors and the P400,000 prize, followed by Pangalusian Island (P200,000).

JOCKEY Fernando “Dhunoy” Raquel steers Boss Emong to victory.

| Tuesday, June 22, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

VINCENT JUICO @VJuico, Instagram vpjp_j, vince.juico@gmail.com

STORYBOOK FINISH S

AN DIEGO—Whether it was destiny or karma was of no relevance to Jon Rahm. He won the US Open on Sunday at Torrey Pines, the perfect time and the perfect place to become a major champion. How it unfolded was beyond his dreams. One shot behind and running out of holes, Rahm made a sweeping, left-to-right birdie putt from 25 feet on the 17th hole to tie for the lead, and closed with another bending 18-foot birdie putt that gave him a oneshot victory over hard-luck Louis Oosthuizen. No one had ever birdied the last two holes to win the US Open by one shot in the previous 120 editions of the toughest test in golf until Rahm’s storybook finish. “It had to happen in a beautiful setting like this,” he said. At Torrey Pines, where he made a 50-foot eagle putt on the final hole to clinch his first Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour victory. On Father’s Day, with his 10-week-old son in his arms and his father having flown in from Spain to witness his son winning his first major to return to No. 1 in the world. And just two weeks after his six-shot lead was wiped out at the

Memorial because of a positive Covid-19 test that knocked him out of the tournament and cut into his US Open preparations. “It felt like such a fairy tale story that I knew it was going to have a happy ending,” Rahm said after those two career-changing birdies gave him a four-under 67. “I could just tell, going down the fairway after that first tee shot, that second shot, and that birdie, I knew there was something special in the air. I could just feel it. “I just knew that I could do it and believed it.” He picked up two prizes Sunday. First, he cradled young Kepa when he walked off the 18th green with the roars still ringing in his ears. Then, he hoisted that silver US Open trophy, the first champion from Spain. Rahm was on the practice range when Oosthuizen, who fell two shots behind with a most untimely tee shot into the canyon that led to bogey on the 17th hole, failed to hole out his wedge

HIS wife Kelley and child Kepa on one arm and the US Open trophy on the other, Jon Rahm’s victory unfolds way beyond his dreams on Father’s Day. AP

for eagle at the end. “Little man, you have no idea what this means right now,” Rahm said to his son. “You will soon enough.” The final round was so tight that six players had a share of

BALDWIN: OF POCKET KNIVES AND SWORDS

By Josef Ramos

The Philippines is the main host with Japan and Indonesia as co-hosts of the 2023 Fiba World Cup and as such, Gilas Pilipinas is seeded outright and the very same team that swept Group A of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers are being honed in earnest for that big event. But for Baldwin, the journey to 2023 is not only that of a pocket knife getting dipped into more smelted ore to be hammered into a sword, but perhaps, in a gentler fashion, taking several baby steps to achieving an ultimate goal. “Results are great. There are many ways to evaluate but from the tactical standpoint, we’re still a long way from where we want to be,” Baldwin said. “But I like what I saw.” Beating South Korea last Wednesday, 81-78, and again last Sunday, 82-77, was sweet, sweet revenge for Gilas that

HAT 3-0 sweep—two over South Korea—in the just concluded International Basketball Federation Asia Cup Qualifiers third and final window in Clark over the weekend won’t matter much now. “Our vision is 2023 so we haven’t really achieved that much, we just took a very positive first step,” Gilas Pilipinas Head Coach Tab Baldwin told BusinessMirror on Monday. “I’m not sure if we’re already qualified as a sword, but a pocket knife maybe at this point.”

went winless against its archrivals for eight long years. The 76-51 win over Indonesia last Saturday and those two triumphs over Thailand, 93-61 and 93-69, and Indonesia, 10075, much earlier in the qualifiers validate this Gilas Pilipinas batch has no other way but up. Take a look see—Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, William Navarro, Sam Josef Belangel, Justine Baltazar, naturalized player Ange Kouame, RJ Abarrientos, Mike Nieto, Jaydee Tungcab, Geo Chiu and Carl Tamayo, along with Jordan Heading, Lebron Lopez and Javier Gomez de Liaño— have started to earn their spurs and, much more, the admiration of millions of Filipino fans. But next up for these

Summit on religion’s role in sports

ELIGION, ethics and sports take centerstage in the 19th session of the National Sports Summit 2021 (NSS) on Wednesday with redemptorist brother and renowned

Missed communication RICK OLIVARES | bleachersbrew@gmail.com

BLEACHERS’ BREW OFTEN in sports, we hear the words “mentally tough” thrown in more so when the competition is intense. I have heard some coaches associate mental toughness with age or experience. I don’t agree. It certainly doesn’t follow that if one is older, he is wiser and tougher, hence, stronger. It is a complete fallacy in thinking. In the last couple of years, I have done a few team building sessions for a couple of college and a few professional teams. I have to point out though that

SPORTS WITHOUT BORDERS

the professional teams feature mostly young adult players of the age of 25 to 27. In all these sessions, I have heard coaches tell me that aside from poor skills of many that they are also mentally weak. And I have to wonder how their coaches work with them. What was their foundation? Is the coaching and teaching inadequate? Or are these players just not getting it? Or is it both? I have seen a coach instruct a national team player to literally walk through step-by-step

the lead at some point, and there were 10 players separated by a single shot. And then that special brand of US Open chaos hit everyone but Rahm, the only contender not to drop a shot on the back nine. AP

20-something youngsters who defended the fort without a professional player helping them is a more onerous task—the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade set from June 29 to July 4. TAB BALDWIN says the sweep is a very positive first step for Gilas Pilipinas. FIBA. BASKETBALL

author Br. Carlito “Karl” Gaspar, CSsR, as main speaker. Gaspar, a Doctor of Humanities at Xavier University, will discuss the relationship between sports and religion, and its most pronounced impact on the philosophy of modern sport through the various beliefs

across nations. The Davao City native will also give a glimpse on new developments that helped create a shift which brought sports and religious practices together. He will also discuss the development of ethical values in promoting sports especially in

promoting fair play and sportsmanship while building the moral character and leadership of the youth. “This is a good topic for the Summit, as it will give us a better understanding on how sports and religion can peacefully coexist and be tools for development and unity,” Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez said.

his teammate through a play. Not once, but multiple times. And when the latter was called in to play, he didn’t see too many minutes. And I felt bad for this kid. On the other hand, I have seen a coach turn an inadequate player into a very good one. So where is the problem? Is it in the medium and methodology of instruction? Is it the language? The mental acumen? The socio-economic background? How they were raised? It’s could be combinations or all of the above. Based on interviews with many players, I would also say that their background plays a large part of it. Many come from difficult backgrounds. Now the latter can either make a person strong or weak. I am not a psychologist or a high-level coach. But I think in

serving as a mentor, teacher, confidant, or a friend to many an athlete, lost in the shuffle is the communication aspect, the teaching, and the understanding. Case in point, this high school player who never got the ball as his coach favored another teammate. He was thought to not fulfilling his potential. Working with this frustrated player, we told him to concentrate on rebounding and defense, to study on how to stop the player matched up with him, and how to help make his team better. We did physical workouts and drills (extra work) early in the morning and once or twice a week. We laid out mental game plans and a simple formula— four points and four rebounds per quarter—that’s a doubledouble by the end of the game. And we prepared him with this match-up with a perennial

all-star player. We devised a way to stop him and sure enough, he did. He even blocked three of his first four shots. He did achieve that and more...he was named to the best five selection at the end of the tournament. Furthermore, he helped his team make a deep run into the playoffs. Now working with this team of volleyball players, they are now looking at aspects of the game, their preparation, and their outlook in life differently...for now. Of course, they need to do that consistently because that newfound strength will be put to the test when the crap hits the fan. I wonder though, what is lost in translation en route to making these athletes better? I don’t hold all the answers. I will say this though…the personal communication part, as well as building on their mental faculties does help. More to come on this.

Fightworld OVER the weekend, I came across a 2018 documentary, “Fightworld,” which was hosted and voiced over by “Captain America” Marvel villain Frank Grillo. Grillo played bad guy Crossbones in both “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Captain America: Civil War.” According to HITC.com, “It’s not just a show about fighting—it’s far more than that. It’s educational, contemplative and actually quite tender in places. So, that already alienates a chunk of audiences who would have been lured in by the title. “Considering Netflix has grown even more ambitious with their release schedule, it’s likely that they thought it’d be wiser and more profitable to pursue other ventures. They’ve pulled the plug on titles far more popular than this one, so while it isn’t a total surprise, it does seem a shame.” The documentary features fighting already imbedded into the fabric of the cultures of the featured countries— Mexico, Thailand, Myanmar, Senegal and Israel. Fighting isn’t just a sport to them, it’s a tradition and it’s also cultural. In an interview with Men’s Journal, the actor and mixed martial artist explains how it started, “Spending time with these fighters gave him the idea of shooting a cinematic docuseries in the vein of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown with a focus on fighting gyms, and he brought the show to life with help from his producing partner Joe Carnahan and director Padraic McKinley. The first season took Grillo to Thailand, Myanmar, Senegal, Mexico and Israel.” It was thrilling to see Mexican boxing legends Julio Caesar Chavez Sr. and Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez. Chavez Sr., is arguably Mexico’s greatest champion. Also in the film was one of boxing’s and Mexico’s greatest trainers ever, Nacho Beristain who trained 27 world champions. Can’t argue with that. Grillo on shooting the documentary in Mexico, “Well first of all, I love boxing. That is my sport. So going to Mexico and seeing Julio Cesar Chavez was an obvious choice. I got to go with him to Azteca Stadium where he beat Greg Haugen in front of 90,000 people. He had not been there since that very fight. There was a lot of heart in our conversation; he was a guy who made it to the pinnacle, and had such a long and inspirational career.” For the longest time, I’ve been intrigued by the Israeli Fighting System known as Krav Maga. The system is not only a part of Israeli culture but is also a form of selfdefense against Israel’s enemies. Grillo expands on Krav Maga, “Israel changed my life. It is one of the most amazing countries that I have ever been to. I had an idea in my head of what it was going to be like. I entrenched myself with the soldiers there, the special ops guys, and spent a lot of time with their families. I think it is hard to put yourself in their mindset, when you are surrounded by these hostile nations that are focused on destroying the city. You can feel the tension there. “I don’t care if you believe in God or not, you feel something bigger there. The city has this incredibly complex antimissile system surrounding it called the Iron Dome. Go to Tel Aviv; it’s like Paris and everyone is having an amazing time, obviously they are aware. But that doesn’t stop them from enjoying life.” There are tunnels in the Gaza Strip that enemies are trying to use to get to them with explosives. They are using Krav Maga to fight people in these tunnels. You aren’t fighting for points; you are fighting for the lives of you and your family.” In Thailand, Muay Thai is the art of eight limbs, hands, elbows, knees and feet. In Myanmar, Lethwei is the art of nine limbs, every limb aforementioned including the head. In Senegal, Laamb Wrestling or Senegalese Wrestling is wrestling or grappling that involves striking and before two combatants go at it, there are dances and rituals that seem to celebrate the occasion. Unfortunately, Netflix didn’t renew the series for another season. Frank Grillo made his plans known for a second season, “I want to go back to Brazil and do a proper episode. I trained with the Gracie family, who really established BJJ, so that is a place that I already have a connection with. I want to go to Uzbekistan, one of those places where combat is just steeped into their culture. I also would want to go in and do the culture of Navy SEALS. I would love to study Silat. There are so many great stories to tell, and I think the world needs more stories like these.” There’s a lot of martial arts to see in the world. MMA fighters would be wise to look at these other systems and incorporate them into their skill set.