BusinessMirror June 30, 2021 by BusinessMirror

‘Landbank-UCPB union helps agri sector’ By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

& Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE agricultural sector is expected to be the ultimate beneficiary of the slated merger of state-run banks Land Bank of the Philippines and United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), the two lenders said on Tuesday. President Duterte earlier issued Executive Order 142, directing the completion of the merger of the two banks within the year. Following issuance of the EO, the two banks issued a joint statement calling the move a “win-win” for coconut farmers and other agricultural workers in the country. LandBank President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo said the merger will promote “unprecedented rural development,”

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especially for the underserved and unbanked sectors in the countryside. “LandBank’s track record of being consistently compliant with the Agri Agra Law shows our commitment to perform our mandate, to empower not only the farmers but all workers in the agriculture sector,” she said. UCPB Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Liduvino Geron also acknowledged that the scope and reach of LandBank will benefit existing UCPB clients. “The merger enables UCPB and its clients to benefit from the strength, stability, scale and reach of LandBank,” Geron said. “This also allows us to pursue our original mandate to serve coconut farmers nationwide while providing a wider range of products and services to our clients composed of individuals, private and government institutions, middlemarket companies, and small enterprises nationwide,” the UCPB OIC added.

The merger is expected to yield a combined total of 722 branches and servicing units, including those in the provinces. As of end-May 2021, LandBank’s loans to agriculture reached P230.02 billion, up from the P229.29 billion level in April. The number of farmers and fishers assisted by the bank reached 2,734,572 as of May 2021, also up from 2,703,249 in April. LandBank, the biggest public sector bank in the country, will be the surviving entity under the merger. Once the merger is concluded, LandBank will remain as the industry’s second-biggest bank in terms of assets and deposits. In EO 142, signed on June 25, 2021, Duterte said all concerned government agencies cited in the issuance must implement its provisions within six months from effectivity.

The merger will be done with LBP’s acquisition of Special Prefer red Sha res of t he Phi l ippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) in UCPB worth P12 billion. The transaction will give LBP 88.91-percent voting shares in UCPB. “The merger of the UCPB and the LBP is hereby approved, with the LBP as surviving entity, subject to the requisite approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to the conditions and limitations under RA [Republic Act] No. 11524 and RA No. 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines,” Duterte said. “All assets and liabilities of the UCPB shall be transferred to the LBP,” he added. EO 142 allowed LBP to absorb the UCPB employees in its operations. Personnel of LBP and UCPB who will be displaced because of the merger will be entitled to separation benefits from their respective employers.

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Wednesday, June 30, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 259

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 26 pages | 7 days a week

PHL ISSUES $3-B BONDS, DRAWS GOOD RATINGS n

LOCKDOWNS CRIMP PHL RANK IN ‘GIVING’ INDEX By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

A thick haze hangs over Metro Manila, 80 km from Taal Volcano, which has been put on Alert Level 2 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. High levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emissions have been observed from the volcano, but the Phivolcs clarified that the haze in the NCR came from pollution and not from Taal Volcano. NONOY LACZA

By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM & Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

HE Philippines borrowed $3 billion (about P145.7 billion) through its successful issuance of dual-tranche dollar-denominated global bonds. See “Bonds,” A2

PESO exchange rates

PHL’s Q1 farm trade gap widens nearly 30%

H E c o u nt r y ’s a g r i c u l tura l trade deficit in the first quar ter w idened by nearly 30 percent to $1.82 billion, driven by higher purchase of cerea l s a nd meat produc t s, accord i n g to t he Ph i l ip pi ne

St at i st ic s Aut hor it y ( PS A). In its latest quarterly report, the PSA said the countr y’s agricultural trade deficit in the Januar y-to-March period was

ILIPINOS were deemed among the least generous people compared to those living in other Southeast Asian countries in the latest edition of the London-based institution Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) World Giving Index 2021. The Philippines ranked 65th out of 114 with an overall score of 33 percent. Indonesia, one of the country’s peers in the Asean, topped the index in the region and in the world with a score of 69 percent. While technical considerations prevented a survey in 2019, CAF data showed the country’s ranking improved from 2018 when it ranked 89th out of 144 with a score of only 28 percent. In the 10-year average of the index released in 2020, the country ranked 33rd out of 126 overall with a score of 39 percent. “Our domestic research in various countries that form part of the CAF Global Alliance tells us that willingness to give was not drastically diminished, it was opportunity that went missing—the chance to give that had to be sacrificed as countries locked down their people and their economies,” C AF Chief Executive Neil Heslop said. “While those lockdowns

undoubtedly saved lives, they also shut off [a] myriad [of]everyday opportunities to give.” The overall score of countries included in the index is based on a simple average of a country’s score on three factors—helping strangers; donating money to charity; and volunteering their time to an organization. The main drag in the overall Philippines performance in the index was in donating money to charity where it ranked 99th overall with a score of only 16 percent. In terms of helping strangers, the Philippines ranked 40th in terms of helping a stranger with a score of 62 percent. The country’s best performance was in volunteering time to an organization where it ranked 28th overall with a score of 23 percent.

P44.5B of volunteer work

In a public social-media post on Tuesday, the former head of the defunct National Statistical Coordination Board Romulo A. Virola, said the total value of volunteer work in the Philippines reached P44.5 billion, accounting for 0.6 percent of the total GDP 2000-2009. He noted that volunteerism has been deemed “good for society.” Citing the United See “Index,” A2

See “Farm,” A2

n US 48.6040 n japan 0.4395 n UK 67.4818 n HK 6.2613 n CHINA 7.5283 n singapore 36.1933 n australia 36.7835 n EU 57.9797 n SAUDI arabia 12.9611

Source: BSP (29 June 2021)

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Government raises ₧35B from sale of T-bonds maturing in ’23 By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of the Treasury sold P35 billion in reissued 20-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) on Tuesday as investors continued to bet on longer tenors. Total bids tendered for the T-bonds reached P65.27 billion, making the auction almost twice oversubscribed. The debt paper, which has a remaining life of 11 years and eight

Farm. . .

Continued from A1

$400 mi l lion higher than the $1.4 bi l l ion re corde d i n t he s a me p e r io d o f l a s t y e a r. PSA d ata showed ag r icu ltura l impor ts in t he t hree-mont h pe r iod up 11.1 percent to $3.36 bi llion from last year’s $3.032 billion whi le far m e x por ts fel l by nearly 5 percent to $1.55 bi l lion aga inst

months, is set to mature on March 21, 2023. It has a coupon rate of 3.625 percent. The security also capped at a higher average rate of 4.187 percent, soaring

$1.63 bi l lion last year. “The country’s total agricultural trade in the first quarter of 2021, which amounted to USD 4.92 billion, increased at an annual rate of 5.5 percent,” the PSA said in its report on Tuesday. The PSA data showed the share of agricultural exports to the country’s total exports in the first quarter declined to 8.79 percent from 10 percent last year. On the other hand, the share

by 142.8 basis points from its previous average rate of 2.759 percent when it was auctioned in July last year. National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon told reporters that strong investor demand for the debt paper was evident during the auction on the back of expectations of “steady” inflation for the month of June. “Investors continue interests on long end with good bid to cover for [the security,] expecting steady June inf lation print and liquidity augmented from P31-billion maturity this week,” she said. The country recorded a steady inflation rate of 4.5 percent from March to May. However, inflation in May this year was still higher than

the 2.1 percent posted in the same month a year ago. Apart from the primary auction, the Treasury also decided to auction off an additional P5 billion in reissued 20-year T-bonds via tap facility. For July, the Treasury has set to borrow P235 billion from the local debt market, slightly bigger than the P215 billion it programmed in June. The Treasury is aiming to raise the amount through auctioning off P60 billion in T-Bills and P175 billion in T-bonds. The national government’s programmed borrowing this year is at P3.1 trillion, of which around 75 percent is expected to be raised through domestic sources.

of agricultural imports during the three-month period increased to 12.97 percent from 12.25 percent last year, based on PSA data.

these top 10 commodit y g roups posted an annual decrement of 6.3 percent during the quarter,” it added. The PSA said exports of edible fruit and nuts; peels of citrus fruit melons topped the country’s farm export bill in the first quarter, accounting for 27.2 percent of the total agricultural exports. H o w e v e r, r e v e nu e f r o m t h e commodity group declined by 36.4 percent to $421.59 million from $662.88 million recorded in the first quarter of last year, based on PSA data. The PSA said the country’s agricultural exports to Asean in the first quarter expanded by 30.1 percent to $201.51 million from $154.86 million, while farm export revenue to the European Union fell by 1.4 percent to $298.27 million from $302.48 million. “A mon g t he A s e a n me m b e r countr ies, Ma laysia was the top buyer of ag r icu ltura l ex por ts worth USD 61.87 million or a share of 30.7 percent to the total agricultura l ex por ts to A sean-membercountr ies,” it said. “Among the EU member-count r ies, t he Net herl a nd s w a s t he country’s top destination of agricultural commodities worth USD 120.51 million or 40.4 percent of the total agricultural exports to EU member-countries,” it added.

Exports The PSA said the total value of the ag r icu ltura l ex por ts of the top 10 commod it y g roups reached $1.47 bi l lion, which is 94.6 percent of the tota l far m ex por t bi l l in the f irst quar ter. “The combined export value of

Imports The PSA said cereals were the top imported agricultural product in the first quarter with a value of $628.67 million, or 18.7 percent of total agricultural imports during the period. Agricultural imports from Asean rose by 12.5 percent to $1.235 billion from $1.098 billion last year, while imports from European Union declined by 11.6 percent to $284.98 million from $322.24 million, PSA data showed. “Indonesia, which contr ibuted USD387.07 million or 31.3 percent of the tota l ag r icu ltura l impor ts from Asean member countries, was the major source of ag r icu ltura l products in the f irst quar ter of 2021,” it said. “Among EU member-countries, Spain was the country’s top supplier of agricultural commodities valued at USD 55.83 million or a share of 19.6 percent to the total agricultural imports from EU membercountries,” it added.

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Bonds. . .

Continued from A1

The Duterte administration returned to the international capital markets for the third time this year with its new benchmark-sized offering of 10.5-year and 25-year dollar bonds. Three major credit watchers gave the country’s recent bond issuance an investment grade rating, mirroring their ratings of the sovereign’s ability to pay back financial obligations. S&P Global Ratings gave the country’s benchmark-sized US dollar-denominated global bonds a BBB+ rating. Moody’s Investors Service Inc., meanwhile, assigned a Baa2 rating while Fitch Ratings Inc. gave a BBB rating. All three ratings agencies said the rating mirrors the Philippine sovereign’s rating.

Sensitivities

Since t he rat ings a re c losely t ied w i t h t h e P h i l i p p i n e s ’s r a t i n g , Fitc h R at i ngs sa id t he sensit iv it ies t h at cou ld lead to a n upg rade or dow ng rade a re col lec t ive w it h t he cou nt r y ’s rat i ng. Fitch Ratings cited sensitivities that could lead to a downgrade. These include a sustained rise in the government debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio associated, for example, with a reversal of reforms or departure from a prudent macroeconomic policy framework that leads to sustained higher fiscal deficits and failure to resume historically high economic growth rates after the coronavirus shock subsides. On the external front, deterioration in external indicators, including foreign-currency reserves, the current account deficit and net external debt, which lowers the resilience of the economy to shocks, could also lead to a negative action, Fitch Ratings said. Meanwhile, a sustained broadening of the government’s revenue base that enhances fiscal finances and places the government debt-toGDP ratio on a downward trajectory, and the strengthening of governance standards towards those of the rating-category peer median will likely lead to a rating upgrade.

Heavy bias

National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon said that “the heavy bias towards the 25-year offering underscores the enduring attractiveness of Philippine credit even against the many waves of tribulations stemming from this pandemic.” Finance Undersecretar y Mark Dennis Y.C. Joven said the country’s success in international debt markets shows the “attractiveness

Index. . .

Continued from A1

Nations, Virola said, “A society which supports and encourages different forms of volunteering is likely to be a society which also promotes the well-being of its citizens.” Virola said UN data showed around a billion people volunteer globally and most of them serve in their respective countries. “The sponsored events, the retail income that charities are able to raise, and the need to shield vulnerable elderly populations who make up significant numbers of volunteers all added up to a funding crisis that continues to haunt charities and their beneficiaries around the world,” Heslop said. “This year’s results do, however, carry elements of hope and cause for celebration when we examine the tremendous giving cultures in countries where the pandemic has taken a different path,” he added. Based on the Index, apart from the Philippines and Indonesia, other Asean countries that were included were Myanmar which ranked 4th overall with a score of 51 percent; Thailand, 10th with a score of 46 percent; and Vietnam and Malaysia which ranked 25th and 29th, respectively, but had the same score of 40 percent. The two other Asean countries in the 2021 index were Lao People’s Democ rat ic R epubl ic, ranking 75th with a score

of the Republic’s credit profile to the investor community, and the market’s confidence in its economic fundamentals going forward.” Fi n a nce S ec ret a r y C a rlos G. Dominguez III was quoted in a statement as saying the issuance “shows that investors appreciate the Duterte administration’s heightened efforts to revive the economy back to prepandemic levels while maintaining fiscal responsibility.” According to the Bureau of the Treasury, the dollar bonds with a coupon rate of 1.95 percent were priced at US-Treasury spreads of T+60 basis points, tighter by 30 basis points from an initial pricing guidance of T+90 basis points area. On the other hand, the 25-year tranche, with a coupon of 3.20 percent, was priced at 3.25 percent, also tighter by 30 basis points than the initial pricing guidance of 3.55 percent area. The dollar bonds, which have a settlement date of July 6, 2021, are set to mature on January 6, 2032 and July 6, 2046. Bank of China, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, MUFG Securities, Standard Chartered Bank and UBS were joint bookrunners for the transaction.

Samurai, euro bonds

The issuance of dua l-tranche dollar-denominated global bonds comes after the Duterte administration sold euro-denominated bonds and Samurai bonds earlier this year. In March this year, the Philippine government borrowed 55 billion yen ($500 million or about P24.2 billion) through its issuance of 3-year zerocoupon Samurai bonds. The government also borrowed €2.1 billion ($2.53 billion or about P122.4 billion) when it sold its firstever triple-tranche euro-denominated bonds in April this year. Last year, the government successfully returned to the dollar bond market twice, raising $2.35 billion in April and another $2.75 billion in December. For this year, the national government has set a P3.1-trillion borrowing program, of which around 75 percent is expected to be raised through domestic sources. The national government’s total outstanding debt continued to swell to a fresh record-high of P10.991 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. of 32 percent; and Cambodia, 93rd with a score of 28 percent. The biggest risers in the index were Georgia; Paraguay; Ethiopia; Bulgaria; Vietnam; Serbia; Bangladesh; China; Ukraine; and India. The biggest decliners were Switzerland; Ireland; Netherlands; United States of America; Myanmar; Belgium; Germany; Canada; Malta; and Hong Kong. “ The importance of donations linked to faith can be seen once again in Indonesia, Thailand and elsewhere. The pan-African tradition of ubuntu is evident in the rankings of Kenya and other sub-Saharan nations,” Heslop said. “The number of people who reported helping a stranger stands at a stag ger ing 55 percent, t he h ig hest f ig u re we h ave recorded in our annual survey and one that speaks to the wave of genui ne c onc e r n for ou r ne i g h b or s that so many of us witnessed in our day to day lives,” he added. CAF said the data is based on Gallup’s World View World Poll, an ongoing research project carried out in 114 countries in 2020. Together those countries represent more than 90 percent of the world ’s population. In most countries surveyed, 1,000 questionnaires are completed by a representative sample of individuals living across the country. The coverage area is the entire country including rural areas. The interviews that were conducted prelockdowns in March 2020 were done face to face while the interviews in May, when data collection resumed, were done via telephone to ensure the safety of interviewers and respondents.

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, June 30, 2021 A3

CIDG to probe ‘fixers’ in sale of vaccine slots By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

ATIONAL Police Chief General Guillermo Eleazar directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Tuesday to investigate the operations of “fixers” in the government’s

ongoing Covid-19 vaccinations program, particularly in the scheduling of inoculations by local government units (LGU). Eleazar issued the order after Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto disclosed that two fixers were caught asking fees in exchange for allowing persons to get Covid-19 shots ahead

of their schedules in the city’s vaccination program. “I am directing the CIDG to investigate this scheme of vaccination schedule fixers in the different local government units. Maybe this modus is not only happening in Pasig and it must be stopped immediately. We will closely coordinate with our

LGUs to prevent the proliferation of this modus,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief said. The “schedule for a fee” modus was the latest scam to hit the vaccination program following the succeeding arrests of persons involved in the illegal selling and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines and test kits.

Eleazar lamented that despite the pandemic, there are still people who wanted to take advantage of others, even at the expense of health. He said there are reasons why the government came up with the priority listing in its vaccination program, and this should be followed. The PNP chief appealed to the

public to avoid falling prey to the scheduling scheme by fixers and urged them to just patiently wait for their scheduled vaccinations. He also urged the public to immediately report to authorities or through the PNP’s different E-Sumbong platforms any information they may share on vaccination fixing.

PNP ‘strong enough’ Leni’s inoculation program to widen coverage to perform mandate, in VisMin that will include CDO, Davao City DOJ’s Guevarra says By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday said the prevailing peace and order situation in the country may not justify the plan to arm anti-crime volunteers. Guevarra told reporters that pandemic restrictions and health protocols imposed by the government due to the Covid-19 pandemic since last year has brought crime rates at its lowest. “Except for a few high-profile incidents of violence, criminality on the streets is at an all-time low, due in part to the pandemic,” Guevarra explained. He also believes that the height-

ened police visibility being implemented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) is enough to protect the people. “I believe that the PNP is strong enough to perform this duty,” he pointed out. He, however, noted that civilians are allowed to carry firearms to protect themselves although with some safeguards in place. “Except during the martial law period, civilians have always been free to arm themselves for their protection, provided they comply with all existing laws and regulations on the ownership, possession, and carrying of firearms outside residence, including the requirement to pass a neuro-psychiatric test,” the DOJ chief stressed.

O address the surge in Covid-19 cases outside Metro Manila, a lawmaker on Tuesday announced the launching of “vaccine express” in Mindanao with 20,000 drivers and vendors as initial beneficiaries. Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro has confirmed that the Covid Vaccine Express program of Vice President Leni Robredo will soon reach Mindanao, particularly in his province, Cagayan de Oro. Rodriguez said they are already ironing out the preparation for the implementation of the program where 20,000 drivers of tricycle, habal habal, motorcycle, jeepney and taxi and even market vendors will benefit from the vaccination drive. He added that the initial vaccination would rollout in four areas

Refrain from giving advice if she (VP Robredo) knows nothing about what is happening on the ground.

BM Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte in Cagayan de Oro, adding the program would later on be renamed as “Bayanihan E-Konsulta.” Aside from Cagayan de Oro, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is also open to bring the vaccine express in other areas in Visayas and Mindanao to include Davao City. Atty. Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s

spokesman in the Office of the Vice President (OVP), had earlier said that they are willing to help Davao City in its efforts against the Covid-19, but only if Mayor Sara Duterte would not hinder them and if they will not be accused of politicking. Gutierrez emphasized that Robredo’s initiative should not be seen

or described as politicking, as opposed to the accusation against her by Mayor Duterte. The OVP’s Covid-19 programs have already reached Cebu, Tuguegarao, Palawan and other areas. It can be recalled that Robredo offered a suggestion for Davao City to apply or replicate the system implemented in Cebu City to curb the increase of Covid-19 cases in their city. This after the Davao City has recorded its biggest single-day Covid-19 cases on June 17 and has even surpassed Quezon City as having the highest number of average daily cases in the first week of June. But Mayor Duterte lashed out at Robredo and told the Vice President to “refrain from giving advice if she knows nothing about what is happening on the ground.” Currently, Mayor Duterte and Robredoareseentobethepotentialclosest rivals in the upcoming 2022 elections.

Economy

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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AMRO projects PHL 2021 growth at 6.4% By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

EGIONAL think tank Asean plus 3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) slashed its growth projection of the Philippines and said that the country’s recovery may largely be hinged on the country’s capacity to continuously implement its anti-Covid vaccination program and stimulus on the economy. In a virtual briefing on Tuesday, AMRO projects the Philippine economy by 6.4 percent for this year, cutting from the 6.9-percent growth forecast earlier. This is the second growth forecast cut to their 2021 Philippine growth projection. Their initial growth forecast was at 7.4 percent. AMRO warned that this projection is still riddled with downside risks as the resurgence of Covid-19 cases in March has “weakened the recovery momentum” of the country. As such, AMRO identified two main short-term risks to the economy: a prolonged wave of Covid-19 infections and potential financial distress in the business sector. The think tank said both risks could lower potential growth, owing to the scarring effects of the pandemic in the medium to long term. To get back on the recovery track,

AMRO said the Philippines should focus on two things for sustained recovery: faster vaccinations and continued stimulus injection into the economy.

Stimulus injection

THE think tank lauded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s (BSP) move to aggressively bring down interest rates in 2020 to support the economy. AMRO said monetary and regulatory policy responses “have been appropriate in ensuring ample liquidity in the financial system.” In 2020, the BSP cut the country’s policy rates by a total of 200 basis points to prop up business activity in the country. For this year, the Central Bank has been keeping the all-timelow interest rates unchanged for four consecutive meetings despite a relatively higher inflation rate. “The BSP’s cautious attitude toward the withdrawal of regulatory forbearance is appropriate. Although the economy has entered the recovery phase, the deterioration of asset quality is ongoing,” AMRO said. “It is important to keep the current monetary policy. We don’t see the need to ease further, at the same time, we don’t see the need to tighten at this point because there is ample liquidity and already real interest rates are

negative,” AMRO Chief Economist Dr. Hoe Ee Khor added. What the BSP should do, the think tank further said, is to prop up the sluggish lending rates of the country. Bank lending fell by 5 percent in April this year, falling faster than the 4.5percent contraction seen in March. Bank lending first collapsed into the contraction territory in December 2020 by 0.7 percent. April is the fifth consecutive month that bank lending fell into the contraction territory and the twelfth consecutive month that bank lending has slowed despite the aggressive efforts of the BSP to lower interest rates and boost liquidity conditions. In comparison, the Philippines’s bank lending rate was at 13.6-percent growth in March 2020. “The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should collaborate with other government agencies to provide banks with greater incentives to increase lending to the business sector, especially micro, small and medium enterprises,” AMRO said. On the fiscal side, the think tank said the Philippine government could still afford to prop up the economy further to ensure recovery. “While expansionary fiscal policy in 2021 will continue to support economic recovery, the recovery is still nascent,

and further fiscal support would be critical if the growth momentum proves weaker-than-expected and the economy falters,” AMRO said in its report. “I think the Philippines has a lot of fiscal space and they should be using this fiscal space to strengthen the recovery because the recovery momentum has weakened. So it is important to do that because then you reduce the scarring for the economy and the economy can bounce back much faster,” Khor added.

Faster vaccinations

AMRO also said a crucial factor in the country’s recovery is its ability to speed up the vaccination process. “While the government may have secured enough vaccination doses, uncertainties over the timing of delivery and administration remain. Meanwhile, the number of new infections is still high, further delaying the reopening of the economy. These factors will constrain the country’s pace of economic recovery,” AMRO said. The think tank said quick rollout of vaccination would accelerate the reopening process and help boost consumer and business confidence. “The government has set a target of vaccinating about 70 percent of the population in 2021 and the rest in 2022, but might not be able to secure sufficient quantity and timely delivery of the vaccines in 2021,” AMRO said. “Until a critical mass of the population gets vaccinated, targeted restrictive and social distancing measures may still need to be kept in place. Businesses will also likely remain cautious in the process of adjusting to the new environment,” it added. For next year, AMRO expects the Philippines to grow by 6.8 percent in 2022.

Concepcion says ‘no more Merry Christmas’ if Delta variants spread

RESIDENTIAL Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion has been working with the government and the private sector to push for an increased vigilance against the highly infectious Delta variant of the Covid-19 causing virus, which, if left unchecked, it could prevent the Philippines from having a merrier Christmas this year. Concepcion stressed during the recent joint meeting of the Senate committees on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship and economic affairs that the Delta and the Delta Plus variants were “the most serious variants” that could “really throw a curveball and destroy entire plans” to reopen more sectors of the country’s battered economy. “So we have to be careful in opening up, especially our borders, to countries that have a very high level of the Delta variant because if that penetrates the Philippines, then we will definitely not be able to achieve a Merry Christmas,” Concepcion said. He also stressed the need to ramp up the vaccination program, as it is the single most effective way to keep the highly infectious Delta variants at bay. Concepcion thus urged Filipinos to do their patriotic duty and get themselves inoculated as soon as the vaccines become available to them. In that way they can protect themselves and their loved ones from the disease and also contribute to defeating the devastating pandemic. The private sector, he said, is contributing to the national vaccination effort by bringing in more crucial doses. The initial batch of Moderna vaccines have arrived with millions more arriving starting next month, with the goal of achieving at least population protection—where at least half of the population in the National Capital Region Plus will be completely vaccinated—as early as September or October this year to justify the reopening of more sectors of the economy.

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Wednesday, June 30, 2021 A5

HK upbeat on economic, trade ties with Philippines despite pandemic By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

@TyronePiad

ONG KONG is upbeat on the future of its economic cooperation with the Philippines, citing the trade and investment opportunities. Edward Yau, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, said in an event on Tuesday that the Philippines is “one of the leaders within Asean to foster even closer relationship.” “The relationship between Hong Kong and the Philippines is not just strong...but also has a lot of potential to grow,” he said. “Both the Philippines and Hong Kong are at the center of the global trade because of our geographical location, because of our common belief in free trade and also the robust economies that we both share.” He said that one key advantage of investing in the Philippines is its human resources, particularly in the field of engineering. Such labor force, Yau shared, is necessary for electronic manufacturing firms. “For electronics business, Philippines is a mature area to do business and they have a supply chain which is very good for electronics manufacturing company,” he said. In the Philippines, electronics are major export products as these comprise the bulk or 62 percent of the total. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, in the same event, expressed the country’s need to strengthen trade and investment ties with other countries as it seeks

recovery, adding that Hong Kong firms can participate in the anticipated economic rebound this year. Among the Hong Kong firm doing business in the Philippines include toy manufacturer Bandai Namco, electronic components manufacturer Beltontotoku Philippines, electronic data processing products provider Hewlett-Packard HK SAR Ltd.-Philippine Regional Operating Headquarters, elevator company Asia Schneider Limited, and electronic products manufacturer on Semiconductor Cebu Philippines. “We believe that the continued gradual and calibrated reopening of the economy—together with the country’s rollout of vaccination—is keeping us on track towards a V-shaped recovery,” he said. “We are already seeing some signs of recovery with respect to our GDP growth, record investment and export growth rates, net foreign direct investments, and manufacturing capacity performance, lowering unemployment rates, among others.” Still, Lopez said that the government is monitoring the developments with the recent emergence of Covid-19 Delta variant. He explained this is being consid-

Duterte signs post-contagion employment recovery agenda

RESIDENT Duterte has signed Executive Order (EO) 140 officially adopting the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) as the Philippine government’s master plan for the restoration of the country’s labor market. The EO also institutionalizes the 20 agency strong NERS Task Force (TF), charging it to implement the strategy from 2021 to 2022, in response to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The NERS 2021-2022 is an employment recovery plan anchored on the Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and ReCharge.PH expanding the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan initiative in consideration of the changes in the labor market brought by pandemic and the accelerated adoption of new technologies. It takes a whole-of-society approach in the development of a national strategy that addresses the social and economic issues arising from the lingering pandemic, a news statement read. Under EO 140, the NERS is to precipitate the recovery of the labor market through (1) the creation of a policy environment that

encourages generation of and improved access to employment, livelihood, and training opportunities; (2) the improvement of employability, wellness, and productivity of workers; and (3) the provision of support to existing and emerging businesses, ensuring the preservation of employment. The EO details the composition and organization of the NERS TF, naming as chair the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (as co-chairs). Members of the inter-agency TF include the Departments of Transportation, Tourism, Public Works and Highways, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, the Interior and Local Government, Information and Communications Technology, Environment and Natural Resources, Education, Finance, Budget and Management, the Commission on Higher Education, the National Security Council, the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OCS), and the National Economic and Development Authority.

LTFRB seeks DBM okay to allot ₧3B to extend Service Contracting Program By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has requested P3 billion from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2021 to extend the Service Contracting Program. LTFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra said the budget agency is now processing the request, and hopes to resolve this immediately to ensure that the gap between the end of the original program and its resumption will be short. A program that provided perkilometer fixed income to drivers, the Service Contracting Program ended today, June 30. It was funded through a P5.5-billion allocation from the Bayanihan 2 Act. “We have already made a request as so far as budget is concerned. Definitely, we are doing everything to continue to program by allocating funds under GAA,” Delgra said in a news conference. As of last week, the LTFRB has obligated roughly P1.5 billion of the total funds. It is currently still processing payouts for this week.

Once it completes the remaining payouts, the regulator will return the remaining budget for the program to the national treasury. Delgra noted that the P3-billion budget request is enough for the program to continue until the end of 2021. “We’re looking at the disbursement rate, which has dramatically increased in several weeks when we introduced the free ride program for commuters. We are confident that when we extend the service contracting program, we would be able to fully disburse the budget before the end of the year,” he said. The Service Contracting Program was introduced late last year. Its goal is to support roughly 60,000 driver beneficiaries before June 30 through a multibillion-peso budget. A free ride for commuters program was also introduced to complement the initiative. As of today, the free ride program has served over 23 million commuters nationwide. There were also 42,571 drivers who participated in the program. Delgra assured that despite the termination of the original service contracting program, unpaid drivers will still receive the payouts due to them.

ered in the safe reopening of the economy. Total trade between the countries fell by 9.2 percent to $12 billion last year from $13.2 billion in 2019, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Philippine exports to Hong Kong slid by 4.1 percent to $9.2 billion while imports from the latter fell by 22.6 percent to $2.8 billion last year.

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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Wednesday, June 30, 2021

In worst-hit African nation, Covid jabs halted as hospitals hit capacity

n Namibia, which has Africa’s fastest-growing Covid-19 epidemic, vaccines are running out, hospitals and mortuaries are overwhelmed and the blame game has begun. First-time inoculations have been stopped as there are only enough doses to complete courses, and the government is being criticized by politicians and its own medical experts. “Systems in the hospitals are under severe pressure, including staff who are overworked and not performing at their best,” said Gordon Cupido, head of internal medicine at the Katutura State Hospital in the capital, Windhoek. “The human cost is tremendous, often patients are dying unnoticed.” Namibia is one of a swath of African nations in the grips of a third wave of coronavirus infections that’s overwhelming the least-vaccinated continent. While the US and UK have fully inoculated at least 45 percent of their populations, that figure is just 1.1 percent for Africa. In Namibia, 0.8 percent of the population is fully vaccinated, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the week to June 24, the southwest African nation with a population of about 2.5 million had an infection rate of 3,404 cases per million people, the fifth-highest rate in the world, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Mongolia is currently the worstinfected nation. Mortuaries across the country are overwhelmed with the increasing number of Covid-19 deaths, putting “even more pressure on the situation,” Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula said in an interview.

National shutdown The surge in cases comes after months of limited infections, prompting criticism that the government opened up the economy to activities, such as tourism, too quickly. “The virus gave us enough space and time to prepare our response effectively, but we did not do enough to control it,” according to former Health Minister Bernard Haufiku. “We had no community transmissions nearly for a period of five months.” Doctors, including Cupido, are calling for a national shutdown as oxygen and personal-protective equipment supplies run low. “The government has a big task because if there were any new measures instituted, the effect will only come in three to four weeks, which is time we do not have,” he said. “We never anticipated such a bad situation, mistakes were made.” Neighboring South Africa on Monday reimposed a ban on alcohol sales and gatherings and closed schools. Namibia’s inaction added to the severity of the current wave of infections, Haufiku said.

Too late There is little hope of relief from the vaccinations that have slowed infection rates in developed countries such as Israel and the US. On June 26, the health ministry said that due to a delay in arrival of doses, no new initial vaccinations would be given and only those who have already had one dose would be eligible. With few shots arriving from Covax, the vaccine sharing initiative, Namibia has turned to Chinese and Russian manufacturers. Before this weekend’s announcement, many Namibians were already being turned away from inoculation centers as demand for the shots surged with the worsening wave of infections. “I was given a number and told to come back a couple of days later,” said Jacob Amagulu, a 34-year-old marketing manager in Windhoek, the capital. “It is unfortunate because some would have struggled to get transport money to go and get vaccinated and if they are turned away they do not go back.” The positivity rate for those being tested has surged to 34 percent, while the number of deaths from Covid-19 has increased to an average of 83 a week in June from 16 in December. While officially just less than 85,000 Namibians have contracted Covid-19 and 1,400 have died, Shangula said on Monday many people are dying at home as they resort to unproven remedies and shun hospitals. “These are hard lessons for us as we are now losing lives because of things such as lack of beds and oxygen supply in many isolation units,” ex-minister Haufiku said. “We did things half heartedly, hence the current calamity.” Bloomberg News

Australia speeds up vaccination, offers AstraZeneca to all adults

ANBERRA, Australia—Australia is offering AstraZeneca to all adults in a bid to rapidly ramp up sluggish vaccination rates as more of the country on Tuesday locked down against the spread of Covid-19. The government late Monday agreed to indemnify doctors who administer the AstraZeneca vaccine that has been blamed for at least two fatalities from a rare blood clot complication in Australia since April. That exceeds the single death from Covid-19 in Australia this year, and vaccine hesitancy has increased with only 5 percent of the population fully inoculated. Pfizer has been the recommended vaccine for people younger than 60 since a 52-year-old woman died in May of blood clots in the brain blamed on AstraZeneca. But supply of Pfizer, the only alternative to Australian-manufactured AstraZeneca, cannot keep up with demand. “There’s a preference for Pfizer until the age of 60. That’s a preference,” Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said on Tuesday. “It’s a discussion for doctors to have with their own patients and work through their own risk and benefit in relation to that,” Kelly added. The Queensland state capital Brisbane and surrounding cities will be in lockdown for three days from late Tuesday after the government reported two new Covid-19 infections. Sydney reported 19 new infections in that east coast city, Perth reported two new cases on the west coast and Darwin reported two new cases on the north coast. Those three cities and their surrounds are already in lockdown. Australia has been relatively successful in containing clusters throughout the pandemic, registering fewer than 31,000 cases and 910 deaths within a population of 26 million. But the new clusters of a variant thought to be more contagious have highlighted the nation’s vulnerability through a slow vaccine rollout. AstraZeneca was supposed to be the mainstay of Australia’s vaccination rollout free of the uncertainties of international supply chains. It was recommended for all adults until a 48-year-old woman died of blood clots in April four days after her first jab. AstraZeneca was then said to be a safe option for adults aged over 50 until the 52-year-old died. Some epidemiologists argue the government should speed up the rollout by reducing the gap between AstraZeneca jabs from 12 to eight weeks. But some Australians are now refusing to take a second shot because of the evolving perception of the blood clotting risk. The New South Wales state government is highlighting vaccines’ apparent successes in the current Sydney cluster. Twenty-four people who attended a birthday party on June 19 became infected with the delta variant. None had been vaccinated. But six fully vaccinated health workers and an aged care worker who had received the first of two doses attended the house party and were not infected. “The early and strong indications from that party... are, if you’re vaccinated, you are much more likely to not be infected with Covid-19,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on Monday. State Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said he was the only one among four government colleagues who dined together at a Sydney pizza restaurant on June 21 to become infected. An infected person had been at the restaurant earlier. Marshall revealed he was the only one among the four who had not had a dose of vaccine because, at age 36, he was not eligible. AP

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Myanmar junta gets full control of jade mining as fighting flares

ANGKOK—The military takeover in Myanmar has given the junta full control of the country’s lucrative and conflict-ridden jade mining, providing it with profits and leverage for consolidating power, researchers said Tuesday. A flareup in fighting around the mines in Hpakant, in remote Kachin state, also is adding to instability in the border region, independent research group Global Witness said in its report. Army and ethnic guerrilla forces have been fighting in Kachin for years. But they had largely cooperated to share in profits from mining of the world’s richest jade deposits, making the industry a hotbed for corruption instead of a national asset that could be invested for the public good. Global Witness estimates the annual losses in the tens of millions of dollars. It and other experts say the Feb. 1 coup has disrupted the de facto ceasefire that had held around the mines, with fighting breaking out even in the jade-producing zone. “It’s an extremely unstable situation where the rule of law is just completely broken down,” Keel Dietz, one of the report’s authors, told The Associated Press. The civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi made halting progress in cleaning up the industry after taking power in 2016. It suspended issuing or renewing jade mining permits. A new law restricts licenses to a maximum of three years, adding to the incentive to mine illicitly and as quickly as possible. Now the military, known as the Tatmadaw, controls who can mine and who can’t and can dole out licenses to buy loyalty and try to splinter rival groups, Dietz said. Global Witness and other groups are calling for stronger sanctions against the junta to help counter what has become a free-for-all rush to dig out as much of the precious stone as possible. “It is up to the international community to limit the amount of funding the military can receive from selling Myanmar’s natural resources by preventing the import of those resources and blocking financial transactions that pay for them,” the report says. In an earlier report, Global Witness documented how the industry is dominated by networks of military elites, drug lords and crony companies. The situation has barely changed, those familiar with the region say. That has created incentives for both sides in the conflict to maximize production, at a huge cost to the environment. Nearly a half-million people migrate into the region to work in the mines or to pick through mine tailings, hunting for stones that might have valuable jade inside. Hundreds of people have died from landslides on the unstable slopes of the open-pit mines. Profits from the industry are seized by those controlling the mines and trade routes. “Jade probably has been the military’s most lucrative sector except petroleum. Other mining like copper has made them a lot of money too. Rare earths less so, although not insignificant,” said Edith Mirante, director of Project Maje, which researches Myanmar’s environmental issues. The US government and United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on Myanmar Gems Enterprise, on key military-controlled companies, military leaders, their family members and other companies either controlled by or linked to the army. The potential impact of sanctions against the gemstone industry is limited, however, since nearly all jade and a large share of other precious stones and pearls produced in Myanmar go to China, often through illicit channels. Many of the mining operations are conducted by Chinese companies allied with Myanmar partners. Over the decades, the military have often extracted huge revenues from mining while the Kachin have arrangements to tax smuggling routes into China, the destination for most of the jade mined in the region. Now, with people in Kachin protesting against the coup, antagonisms are deepening, said David Dapice, an expert on Southeast Asia at Harvard University’s Ash Center. “A lot of fighting is over the share of who gets what,” with none of those involved prepared to trust each other, he said in an e-mail. “The military has circled the wagons anyway and is not in a compromising mood.” At times in the past, fighting has spilled over the border, killing or injuring Chinese civilians. But the graver, longer term problem is lawlessness, a breakdown in the rule of law that “has the potential to supercharge other illegal activities, such as narcotics production and animal trafficking, that the Chinese government is likely more concerned about than it is about jade,” Dietz said. “Instability breeds instability and I think that’s really important especially for the Chinese government to understand. This is a disaster brewing right on their border,” he said. AP

Ruthless heat wave baking US Northwest triggers first blackout

he unrelenting heat wave that shattered temperature records across the US Pacific Northwest on Monday and threatens to smother the region for another six straight days has triggered rolling blackouts in some parts. For the first time in the company’s history, Avista Corp.—which supplies electricity to nearly 340,000 homes and businesses in the Northwest—instituted rotating outages after parts of its system overloaded. The blackouts, which were affecting about 9,300 customers late Monday, are expected to last into Tuesday. Across all of Washington and Oregon, more than 30,000 customers were in the dark, according to PowerOutage.US, which compiles utility outage data. While Avista was the first major utility to report rolling blackouts, it may not be the last. Prolonged heat waves such as the one bearing down on the Northwest this week threaten to blow transformers, strain power lines and break down other equipment over time. During a 10-day heat wave across California in 2006, utilities lost more than 1,500 transformers, each knocking out one neighborhood in the process. There were signs of other systems under strain, too: Portland’s streetcar system was suspended. Seattle’s Sound Transit system said trains may operate at reduced speeds. Avista has never “experienced this kind of demand on our system and this kind of impact to our system,” Heather Rosentrater, senior vice president of energy delivery at the utility company, said during a press conference Monday. “This is very unprecedented.” The extended heat wave gripping a region usually defined by cool weather and rain has become one of the most powerful examples yet of how climate change is driving temperatures to records around the world, even in the most unexpected of places. Moscow last week was its hottest since 1901. The United Arab Emirates recently hit 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius). In the Pacific Northwest, warmth is building under a so-called heat dome. That’s what happens when there are kinks in a jet stream of fast-flowing air currents that pin summer weather in place, leading to heat waves and drought, plus storms and flooding elsewhere—all underscoring the risks authorities expect to intensify throughout the season. Portland hit a record of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius) Monday, as locations across the region notched new all-time highs. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport touched 108 degrees, while in Canada, Lytton in British Columbia set a new national record a day after shattering a previous high that had stood since 1937. It is unheard of to have temperature records in Portland and Seattle repeatedly broken on successive days, said Bob Oravec, a senior branch forecaster with the US Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. “That just doesn’t occur.” Alison Eisinger, director of the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, said aid groups are giving out frozen water bottles, setting up misting stations and trying to help homeless people find ways to avoid the sun as heat hits them especially hard. “People who are surviving outside may not have a safe place to be in the shade, to get access to water,” she said. “Dehydration is a huge, huge risk.” An excessive heat warning is also in effect for Northern California, which is forecast to climb as high as 113 degrees. The state’s power grid operator has warned that it may need to ask for conservation to avoid rolling outages. Bloomberg News

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Wednesday, June 30, 2021

A10 Wednesday, June 30, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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Govt can help save sagging industry

he Covid-19 may have disrupted global economic activity last year but it failed to stop the Philippines from maintaining its status as the world’s second largest exporter of bananas. The country shipped a total of 3.7 million metric tons in 2020, based on available trade data from International Trade Center (ITC). The top banana-exporting country was Ecuador with 6.4 MMT, while Guatemala, came in third with 2.8 MMT. However, the Philippine banana sector would be hard pressed to repeat its performance last year given the container crisis and restrictions that remain in place to contain the spread of Covid-19 variants, such as the contagious Delta virus. These woes are compounding the problems that have been plaguing domestic producers for years, including the spread of the Panama disease. Mobility restrictions and anemic production were cited as major factors behind the 50-percent drop in banana exports in the first four months of the year (See, “4-month banana exports fall 50% on shipping, production woes,” in the BusinessMirror, June 22, 2021). Weak production and mobility restrictions put in place to contain the spread of Covid-19 were also responsible for the poor performance of the sector last year (See, “PHL banana exports down 18.3% on weak production,” in the BusinessMirror, February 16, 2021). From a record 4.403 MMT in 2019, shipments fell by more than 800,000 metric tons last year. Producers lost millions of dollars as export receipts from banana shipments last year fell by nearly 21 percent to $1.552 billion from the previous year’s $1.953 billion. Even before the pandemic, local banana producers have had to contend with increasing competition with their counterparts in Latin America and Southeast Asia for market share in the Philippines’s traditional markets like China and Japan (See, “PHL bananas losing out in Asia to Latin America, Asean producers,” in the BusinessMirror, May 4, 2021). Data from ITC showed that the country’s market share for bananas in Asian countries has been shrinking in recent years. For instance, Philippine bananas’ market share last year fell to 45.52 percent, from a peak of 91.52 percent in 2007. China, according to ITC data, has increased its banana purchases from Asean and Latin American countries last year. While the government cannot do anything about the container crisis that has been plaguing even rich countries, it can consider the measures proposed by the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association. The group is urging the government to reduce lodgment fees with the Bureau of Customs as well as the suspension of wharfage fees. Members of the group have also called on local government units to retract some of the additional protocols they imposed on banana growers and exporters. The sector generates considerable export receipts for the Philippines and is a significant contributor to the gross domestic product of Mindanao where large tracts of lands are devoted to the cultivation of Cavendish bananas. Investing in the productivity of this sector now will allow the Philippines to improve its competitiveness, create more jobs, and even help hasten the country’s economic recovery. Since 2005

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SSS payments made easier through partner channels Aurora C. Ignacio

All About Social Security

ho would have thought that a global pandemic would force the transition from what used to be the normal faceto-face and manual way of transacting business into digital and online processes in just a brief period of time?

Quarantine restrictions imposed by the government beginning March last year contributed to an almost 180-degree shift in the landscape of how we do things. While this was understandable due to the health and economic changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, it was disheartening for me to see that SSS members could miss out on the benefits and privileges due them because they failed to qualify for eligibility in various SSS benefits and loans.

Members must meet qualifying conditions, particularly on the number of paid contributions to SSS. As the vaccines to fight Covid-19 finally become available in the country, businesses and employment rates are expected to pick up. I wish we could all recover from these challenges the recent year has brought us—but maybe not go back to the way we were but adapt how we do things to the new normal. Recently, I got into the habit of

purchasing and paying my bills online as this is more convenient and easier. It was different from what I was used to, but I realized that it has more advantages for a busy individual like me. Payments are easily recorded and posted in real-time, and I do not have to go out just to accomplish this task. Receipts are also easier to access online. You can even check your transaction history and refer to them as often as needed. Our members and employers can also make use of SSS payment channels. For individual paying members and employers (regular and household) and land-based overseas Filipino workers members alike, overthe-counter payments are accepted through our partner banks like Asia United Bank, Bank of Commerce, Bank One Savings Bank, East West Rural Bank, Partner Rural Bank, Philippine Business Bank, Rural Bank of Lanuza, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Union Bank of the Philippines, and United Coconut Planters Bank. Individual members may also

make over-the-counter payments through our non-bank collecting partners such as CIS Bayad Center, Electronic Commerce Payments Inc. (ECPay) and SM Mart, Inc. Other payment channels available are Internet banking via Security Bank SBOL and Unionbank Online; through CIS Bayad Center Inc., BPI and PayMaya through the SSS Mobile App. For employers, an Internet banking option is also available through the web facility of Bank of the Philippine Islands-Bizlink, Security Bank Corp.-Digibanker and SBOL and Union Bank of the Philippines, as well as through the eGoV BancNet of which Asia United Bank, Bank of Commerce, China Bank, CTBC Bank, East West Bank, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, MUFG Bank, Philippine Bank of Communication, Philippine National Bank, Philtrust Bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Robinson’s Bank (RBC), Standard Chartered Bank, United Coconut Planter’s Bank and Veteran’s See “Ignacio,” A11

Fearing Covid, struggling Malawian women forgo prenatal care

By Gregory Gondwe | Associated Press

LANTYRE, Malawi—Prenatal services at the health clinic were free, but the motorcycle taxi fare cost more than Monica Maxwell could afford. Just four weeks before delivering her baby, she cobbled together 1,400 kwacha ($1.75) for the 50-kilometer (31-mile) round trip. It was only her third visit—fewer than her first two pregnancies. The money she made selling tomatoes at the local market dried up due to the pandemic. Her husband’s income selling goat meat also dwindled. “It was the most difficult period of our lives. We had no money for our daily survival,” Maxwell, 31, said as she waited outside with other women to be seen by a medical midwife. “Mostly we stayed home.” In a country where hospitals are so bare that women are expected to bring their own razor blades for cutting their babies’ umbilical cords, the deepening poverty brought on by the pandemic is further imperiling women’s lives. Officials say far fewer pregnant women in Malawi are getting the health care they need amid the pandemic, with many forgoing medical visits and relying solely on traditional birth attendants, who provide emotional support and administer traditional herbal treatments but are technically banned by the government from delivering babies because of their lack of formal training. Many families can’t afford clinic visits, or, like Maxwell, the transportation to get there; they also fear they’ll catch coronavirus in a medical facility. At risk are the gains that Malawi—a largely rural sliver of a country, with 18 million people—has made over the past decade to combat its poor record of maternal deaths. Malawian women face a 1-in-29 lifetime risk of death related to a pregnancy

or birth, according to the United Nations Population Fund. The country has 439 such deaths per 100,000 live births—a figure it had worked to reduce from 984 per 100,000 in 2004, as women got better access to medical care, especially in emergencies. Still, Malawi’s rate is the thirdhighest in southern Africa. The rates are 19 per 100,000 births in the United States and 7 per 100,000 in the United Kingdom. Malawian hospitals also suffered staffing shortages when nurses were mobilized to treat coronavirus patients—leading to some lack of experienced personnel for births, said Young Hong, of the United Nations Population Fund. “Not only did the pandemic affect availability of manpower, it also exerted much pressure on the entire health system, including the stock out of certain medicines, equipment, basic medical supply like surgical gloves,” said Hong, who noted that eight Malawian women die daily of pregnancy complications, far higher than the Covid-19 toll. “This had a huge impact on the quality of maternal health service provision during the pandemic.” At the Ndirande Health Center, just northeast of the country’s commercial capital of Blantyre, about

100 women visited daily for prenatal services before the pandemic. When Covid-19 emerged, that number dropped by half, and now is as low as 15 to 20 patients, said Jacqueline Kolove, a nursing officer at the clinic. Sometimes even the women who come for prenatal care are afraid to deliver at the clinic during the pandemic, preferring to give birth at home. Malawian women are encouraged to give birth without medical intervention, and many here believe that emergency measures such as cesarean sections are shameful and a sign of weakness. Deciding to give birth at home, though, can be deadly—most women live too far away to make it in time if a dangerous complication arises. “We explain to them why such a decision might have the dire consequences...sometimes even calling their husbands and parents to try to reason with them,” Kolove said. At Ndirande and other clinics, nurses, aides and medical midwives give pregnant women ultrasounds and use equipment to listen to the vital signs of mother and baby. A woman can undergo a cesarean section if needed, and medications are available to stop severe bleeding. Clinic staff take medical courses, observe simulated births, and become licensed. Traditional birthing attendants learn from elders who pass down knowledge through generations and use little to no medical equipment—they listen to women’s bellies by placing their ears there, for example, and gather herbs to induce labor. They say certain herbs, boiled into a dark-green liquid, can address situations such as breech babies who needs to change positions.

The government banned traditional birthing attendants’ delivery work in 2007, but the practice has continued, with the ban rarely enforced. Some attendants charge nothing, and they’ve seen an increase in women coming to them during the pandemic. Attendants such as Lucy Mbewe, who’s 56 and estimates she’s delivered 4,000 babies since 1983, say their work is key for women who can’t afford anything else. Even the colorful African cloth that is widely used to wrap babies, carry them on mothers’ backs or create makeshift diapers can be a potential obstacle to care, Mbewe noted. “The government hospitals recommend that a woman who is going to deliver needs to carry with her at least 10 pieces of cloth, which is a deterrent to those that cannot even afford to put food on the table,” she said. At government facilities, Malawian women are even expected to bring a covering for the delivery bed, buckets for water, and sometimes candles or flashlights. Mbewe provides clothing and soap when she helps women give birth. She pays for transportation home. Some women are so grateful they return to pay her; she uses that money to care for other needy clients, she said. But medically trained midwives say the mounting use of attendants has caused a spike in complicated deliveries, with women going to the hospital only once it’s too late to save them. Mbewe says the complications are caused not by the traditional caregivers, but are attributable to expectant mothers getting pregnant at younger ages — a trend confirmed by a government report. See “Fearing,” A11

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US warns that Islamic State extremists still a world threat

Memoirs of Pinatubo eruption and the US military bases Dennis Gorecho

Kuwentong kule

By Matthew Lee | AP Diplomatic Writer

OME—As the US works on its military withdrawal from Afghanistan, members of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State group met Monday to chart future steps against the extremist group. The meeting came just a day after the US launched airstrikes against Iran-backed militias near the IraqSyria border. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio co-chaired the gathering of senior officials from the seven-year-old, 83-member bloc. Participants were taking stock of current efforts to ensure the complete defeat of IS, whose remnants still pose a threat in Iraq and Syria and have shown signs of surging in parts of Africa. Amid significant other international priorities, including taming the coronavirus pandemic and stepping up the fight against climate change, the coalition is hoping to stabilize areas liberated from IS, repatriate and hold foreign fighters accountable for their actions and combat extremist messaging. Blinken and Di Maio urged representatives of the 77 other countries and five organizations that make up the coalition not to drop their guard. “We must step up the action taken by the coalition, increasing the areas in which we can operate,” said Di Maio. Outside of Iraq and Syria, he said there was an “alarming” surge in IS activity, particularly in the Sahel, Mozambique and the Horn of Africa. He called for the coalition to create a special mechanism to deal with the threat in Africa. Blinken noted that despite their defeat, IS elements in Iraq and Syria “still aspire to conduct large-scale attacks.” “Together, we must stay as committed to our stabilization goals as we did to our military campaign that resulted in victory on the battlefield,” he said. Blinken announced a new US contribution of $436 million to assist displaced people in Syria and surrounding countries and called for a new effort to repatriate—and rehabilitate or prosecute—some 10,000 IS fighters who remain imprisoned by the Syrian Defense Forces. “This situation is simply untenable,” Blinken said. “It just can’t persist indefinitely.” However, no countries present made any new commitment to repatriating their citizens and it was unclear if the number of detainees could be reduced in any significant way in the near-term. Blinken also announced sanctions against Ousmane Illiassou Djibo, a native of Niger, who is a key leader of the Islamic State affiliate in the greater Sahara. Djibo was designated a global terrorist, meaning that his US assets are frozen and Americans are barred from any transactions with him. In addition to the meeting on IS, foreign ministers of countries con-

Ignacio. . .

continued from A10

Bank are included. We have also partnered with nonbank collecting partners such as CIS Bayad Center, Inc., ECPay and SM Mart Inc. that also accept SSS contributions. For land based OFW members that are abroad, they may pay through our partner banks such as AUB, BOC and Philippine National Bank and through our non-bank collecting partners such as CashPinas, iRemit Inc., LMI Express Delivery, Inc., Pinoy Express Hatid Padala Services Inc., and Ventaja International Corporation. Mobile Facilities are available via CIS Bayad Center Inc., iRemitX, BPI and PayMaya through

Last week, the UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pederson, said there were worrying signs that the Islamic State may be getting stronger in the country and called for a boost in cooperation to counter it. Pederson has also joined calls for new international talks on ending Syria’s civil war. cerned about the broader conflict in Syria met in Rome ahead of a critical UN vote on whether to maintain a humanitarian aid corridor from Turkey. Russia has resisted reauthorizing the channel amid stalled peace talks between the Syrian government and rebel groups. Two senior US officials said Blinken told the Syria conference that the US believes the corridor must be reauthorized and expanded to prevent more deaths. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly discuss the private diplomatic conversations, said Blinken made clear that any US-Russia cooperation on Syria would be dependent on Moscow agreeing to the extension. Russia, however, wasn’t present at the meeting. Last week, the UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pederson, said there were worrying signs that the Islamic State may be getting stronger in the country and called for a boost in cooperation to counter it. Pederson has also joined calls for new international talks on ending Syria’s civil war. Since the Syrian conflict erupted in March 2011, numerous high-level gatherings aimed at ending the fighting and guiding the country to a political transition have failed. The UN, US, Russia and many other countries support a 2015 Security Council resolution endorsing a road map to peace in Syria that calls for a new constitution followed by UNsupervised elections. Blinken, who also met with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and President Sergio Mattarella on Monday, hailed the state of US-European relations, noting that Italy, France and Germany—the three countries he visited on his current European tour—are the only members of Nato, the Group of Seven and the European Union. “We share a deep commitment to promoting democracy and human rights,” he said. “We see the same big challenges on the horizon. And we recognize that we can’t tackle them alone.” Blinken and Di Maio downplayed differences between the US and Italy over China, saying there was an increasing awareness of the complexities and dangers of dealing with Beijing. SSS Mobile App. I would like to remind our members to always use a Payment Reference Number so their payments can be posted instantly. Should they choose to do over-the-counter transactions, please observe the basic safety and health protocols, that is, wearing face masks and face shields as well as observing social distancing. The SSS has made available these payment options all for the safety and convenience of our members. At the end of the day, what matters is what works best for you. Stay safe and healthy everyone! Aurora C. Ignacio is SSS president and chief executive officer. We welcome your questions and insights on the topics that we discuss. E-mail mediaaffairs@sss. gov.ph for topics that you might want us to discuss.

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 A11

hirty years ago, on June 15, 1991, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines was considered the world’s largest volcanic eruption.

Bursts of gas-charged magma exploded into umbrella ash clouds, hot flows of gas and ash descended the volcano’s flanks and lahars swept down valleys. Three months later, the Philippine Senate on September 16, 1991 rejected a proposed extension of the US military bases agreement by a 12-11 vote. The Pinatubo eruption buried the region in ash, severely damaged the facilities at the Clark and Subic bases and rendered them inoperable. The recent weekly media forum by veteran journalist Melo Acuna on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States touched upon the bases agreement. President Duterte is holding off for six more months the abrogation of the VFA to further study the move “while both sides address his concerns regarding particular aspects of the agreement.” I gave a historical perspective on the VFA by narrating my experience with the campaign during the 1990s against the renewal of the US military bases treaty. As the photographer of the Philippine Collegian, I covered several mass actions involving UP students, including the historic Lakbayan on March 1991, a three-day 96-kilometer march from the UP Diliman

campus to the Clark Airbase in Pampanga. On foot, we traversed the length of MacArthur Highway, chanting slogans and distributing leaflets under the hot summer sun. The contingent swelled as we were approaching the base. Several hundred meters away from the main gate of the base, the contingent was blocked by the police. The planned placing of a symbolic closure order at the front gate did not materialize as big rocks came flying from the sidewalks thrown by the nearby residents, who were naturally pro-bases. Water cannons were also used to disperse the crowd. The most memorable was the one held near the Sheraton Hotel in Pasay on May 14, 1991 where the treaty negotiations meeting was being held at the Central Bank building. While in front of the contingent trying to get good coverage, I heard a lot of popping as yellow smoke filled the streets. Teargas! The mass gathering ended up with a violent dispersal where the riot police also used truncheons and water hoses to disperse the rallyists. Unfortunately, I was hospitalized after a teargas cannister landed at the back of my head during the dispersal. After the minor head surgery

Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Agapito that required seven stitches, I called Aquino, Joseph Estrada, Teofisto my mother and greeted her “Happy Guingona Jr., Sotero Laurel, Orlando Birthday,” and asked her to pick me Mercado, Ernesto Maceda, Aquilino up at the PGH. Pimentel Jr., Victor Ziga, and Rene The signing of the bases agreeSaguisag. ment in 1947 allowed the US to I was among the thousands waitestablish and operate air and naval ing at the footsteps of the National bases for 99 years. An amendment Museum, drenched in rain, as the in 1966 cut that tenure to 25 years. Senate voted to reject the bases treaty The proposed RP-US Treaty of with the US. Friendship, Cooperation and Peace In 1998, less than six years afwould have given the US 10 more ter the closure of years at Subic Naval Subic, the PhilipBase, extending the pines and the US US military pressigned a VFA, layence in the country ing out the rules beyond September for American per1991. The US ofsonnel deployed fered $203 million in the Philippines a year in compenand the establishsation. ment of the BaAn impassioned likatan military debate ensued in exercises. which the bases were A side f rom attacked as a symbol jurisdictional isof the country’s consues, critics artinued colonial-like gued that Ameridependency on the can troops were US and violations of privileged even sovereignty. on issues of taxaThe bases were tion and visa realso seen as sources quirements. of social ills such as from the Philippine Collegian editorial 1991 The VFA has prostitution, AIDS been dragged in two prominent and illegitimate children. criminal cases—the 2006 Subic On the other hand, supporters rape case involving four US maargued that hundreds of millions of rines and the 2014 killing of Jendollars annually entered into the lonifer Laude. cal economies of Olongapo and AnThe VFA had also been challenged geles in addition to billions of dollars twice before the Supreme Court, in US aid that was tied to the bases. which upheld the constitutionality By a vote of 12-11, the proposed of the treaty. treaty was rejected by the Senate led by the 12 senators, dubbed the “Magnificent 12” through ResoluKule is the monicker of Philippine Collegian, the tion 1259 of Non-Concurrence to official student publication of UP Diliman. the Proposed Treaty authored by Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ Senator Wigberto Tañada. division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law ofThe other senators include Senfices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, ate President Jovito Salonga and or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

UN panel accuses Russia of Africa killings; Moscow says no By Edith M. Lederer Associated Press

NITED NATIONS—UN experts are accusing Russian military instructors and the Central African Republic forces they are supporting of “excessive use of force, indiscriminate killings, the occupation of schools and looting on a large scale”—allegations Moscow strongly rejected Monday. The panel of experts monitoring sanctions on the conflict-torn African nation said in a 40-page report obtained Monday by The Associated Press that it collected “testimonies” from a large number of local officials, government military and internal security forces, and community-level sources in multiple locations in the country who reported “the active participation of Russian instructors in combat operations on the ground.” The panel said many of the officials and other sources reported that Russian instructors “often led rather than followed” Central African Republic troops as they advanced on different towns and villages in a counter-offensive against rebels linked to former President Francois Bozize. Bozize tried to prevent elections in December and then attempted to seize power from President Faustin Archange Touadera. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov

Fearing. . .

continued from A10

Midwives and health officials also say they’re fighting against misinformation about the virus and vaccines that deters women from seeking proper medical care. Malawi didn’t have a full social lockdown and has seen a dramatic rise in coronavirus cases, part of a surge across southern Africa. Experts believe cases are undercounted, and apprehension about the vaccine is widespread. The Malawian government has administered less than 213,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. And officials destroyed about 20,000 expired doses provided by COVAX, the U.N.backed program to ship vaccines to poor countries. Across all of Africa, just 1 percent of the population of 1.3

categorically denied the allegations, first reported in The New York Times, that Russian instructors were involved in killing civilians and looting homes. “Russian military advisers couldn’t take part and didn’t take part in any killings or lootings,” Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. “This is yet another lie.” The mineral-rich Central African Republic has faced deadly inter-religious and inter-communal fighting since 2013. A peace deal between the government and 14 rebel groups was signed in February 2019, but violence blamed on Bozize and his allies threatens to nullify the agreement. It erupted after the constitutional court rejected Bozize’s candidacy to run for president in December and has continued since Touadera won a second term later that month with 53% of the vote. The experts said Russia informed the U.N. Security Council committee monitoring sanctions on the Central African Republic in December that it would send 300 unarmed instructors to support the training of the country’s infantry and motorized forces and that those deployed did not take part in military operations carried out by the security forces. The coordinator of the Russian instructors told the panel they were all Russians, recruited from an association of primarily former military officers, and

had not been hired by “a private company,” contrary to reports by a U.N. human rights commission working group and a number of media outlets, the report said. Last week, the US, Britain and France accused Russian personnel in Central African Republic of committing abuses against civilians and obstructing U.N. peacekeeping—accusations Russia angrily denied. The Western powers linked the Russian personnel to the notorious Wagner Group, a private security company allegedly tied to Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman who has been indicted in the United States on charges of meddling in the 2016 presidential election and whose companies have reportedly secured lucrative mining contracts in Central African Republic. According to the experts’ findings, Russia confirmed on April 18 that it had 532 instructors in the African country, and had never exceeded 550. But the panel noted multiple sources estimated the number of Russian instructors at between 800 and 2,100, and said multiple sources reported the instructors included individuals who identified themselves as nationals of Libya, Syria and other countries. Although the sanctions committee was informed that the instructors would be unarmed, the panel said it “directly observed and received testi-

billion people in 54 countries has had one dose of the vaccine, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nurses and midwives say some women fear they’ll secretly be given the vaccine if they deliver at a medical facility. “They feel, as health workers, we are giving them the Covid-19 vaccine instead of oxytocin,” said Kolove, the nursing officer at the Ndirande Health Center, referring to medicine that strengthens contractions and reduces the risk of bleeding. “They feel we are cheating them. As a result, there are some cases where women refuse.” Medical staff also understand that they and the women they treat are at a higher risk of contracting coronavirus. The medically trained midwives try to educate women, and they take every precaution possible against the virus, even though their

work delivering babies makes keeping a physical distance impossible, said Keith Lipato, president of the Association of Malawian Midwives. “We make sure that all midwives are screened and tested so that those with signs and symptoms are excused from work, and given the necessary medical treatment so that they do not infect clients and patients,” Lipato said. The precautions don’t persuade many expectant mothers, though. Five months into her pregnancy, Margret Kosamu has yet to visit a health clinic. Instead, the 30-yearold has turned to a traditional birth attendant for just two visits. Her family’s farming income has dropped, but it’s not just an issue of money; she fears visiting a medical facility could kill her, not save her life. “One is more likely going to con-

monies that Russian instructors” supporting government military operations and providing close protection to Central African Republic officials “were armed.” It said Russian officials confirmed that instructors were armed, saying that it was for their own protection and that weapons were only used “when fired upon.” It said the arms and ammunition came from stocks Russia provided to the Ministry of Defense, a breach of end-user commitments to the sanctions committee by Central African Republic’s president in 2018 and 2019. The panel said that in several areas it visited its experts received confidential information and found evidence of excessive use of force by Central African Republic’s military and Russian instructors. As one example, it said a commercial truck driving to the capital, Bangui, was arriving at a temporary checkpoint on December 28, 2020, in Grimari in south-central Ouaka Prefecture when soldiers appeared and ordered the driver to stop. According to eyewitnesses, as he was trying to stop, the soldiers started shooting from both sides and Russian instructors opened fire from the front, it said.

Associated Press writer Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.

tract the virus at the hospital than here,” she said of the attendant’s care. Lipato and other medical workers fear that the pandemic will have longlasting effects on women’s health in Malawi and beyond. Patricia Gunde, 26, has not received any prenatal services during her first pregnancy. She prefers instead to receive the herbs her attendant says will keep her healthy and hasten labor. Gunde has no plans to get a Covid-19 vaccine. “I am afraid,” she said. “I have heard many stories about it.” With the traditional birth attendant, she feels at ease because women are seen one at a time. When the attendant brings Gunde in for care, neither wears a mask. AP writers Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal, and Andrew Meldrum in Johannesburg contributed.

A12 Wednesday, June 30, 2021

PHL MINING SECTOR’S SHARE IN GDP at P102B IN PANDEMIC–CIMATU By Jonathan L. Mayuga

@jonlmayuga

NVIRONMENT and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has defended the Philippine mining industry, citing its contribution to the Philippine economy amid the pandemic. The chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday reported the mining industry contributed a total of P102.3 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. Citing a report released by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the DENR said the metallic mineral production value of gold, nickel ore, mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide, scandium oxalate, chromite, and iron reached P132.69 billion. On the other hand, the total value of minerals, mineral products, and nonmetallic mineral manufacture exported in the past year was at US$5.2 billion. The minerals industry contributed about P25.52 billion from national and local taxes, fees, and royalties. Meanwhile, the DENR said the mining sector has allocated P379 billion for the implementation of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program as of December 2020. In terms of job generation, the mining and quarrying activities generated 184,000 jobs while operating companies have allotted around P25.71 billion for the Social Development Management Program (SDMP). The report also said that a total of 36.87 million seedlings have also been planted on 28,717.37 hectares of land for the Mining Forest Program as of December 2020. In a statement, DENR Secretary

Cimatu said the report shows how the mining industry plays a “huge role in the country’s economic growth despite the pandemic.” President Duterte recently signed Executive Order No. 130 which amended Section 4 of President Aquino’s Executive Order No. 79. In effect, Duterte’s order lifted the moratorium on new mining projects. Duterte’s order, which aims to boost the government’s Covid-19 recovery effort, was criticized by environmental groups as a betrayal of the late DENR chief Gina Lopez’s legacy. Lopez, Duterte’s first DENR Secretary, ordered a mining audit that resulted in the suspension of 26 large-scale mining projects. “Amidst the pandemic that we are experiencing, the mining industry strived and did its part. We are happy to know that this has been the outcome of the mining operations in the country over the past year,” Cimatu said of the report that cited the economic, social and environmental contributions of the Philippine mining industry. “Contrary to what others are saying, this is an indication of how massive the contribution of the mining industry is to our economy,” he added. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, DENR-MGB Director Wilfredo G. Moncano instructed the regional offices to allow mining companies to realign their unutilized SDMP funds to support the affected impact and non-impact communities. Cimatu has assured the public that the DENR will continue to strictly monitor the operation of mining companies and strengthen the implementation of their safety and health, environmental and social development, and management programs.

PHL savings in 2020 down 28% to ₧4.4 trillion–PSA

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

ITH the lockdown and the job losses recorded last year, Filipinos saw their savings decline by nearly 30 percent, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed. Based on the PSA’s Consolidated Accounts and Income and Outlay Accounts, the country’s total Gross Savings reached P4.43 trillion in 2020, recording a 27.9-percent decline from P6.15 trillion in the previous year. This has led to the decline in national disposable income which stood at P20.65 trillion in 2020. This was a 9.71-percent decline from the national disposable income of P22.86 trillion in 2019. “Included in this report are production, consumption, income, gross accumulation, and economic transactions with the rest of

the world,” the PSA explained. PSA said Financial corporations saw their savings decline to P1.43 trillion and Households including Non-profit Institutions Serving Households (NPISHs), to P0.21 trillion. Meanwhile, PSA said General government recorded a dissaving of P1.01 trillion during the same period. “The country’s Gross National Disposable Income was valued at P20.65 trillion, registering a 9.7-percent contraction from the previous year,” PSA said. The PSA data also showed that the Gross

National Income contracted 10.02 percent to P19.32 trillion in 2020 from P21.47 trillion in 2019. This comprises compensation of employees; gross operating surplus from resident producers; property net income; taxes on production and on imports; and subsidies. Compensation of employees declined 11.78 percent to P7.8 trillion in 2020 from P8.84 trillion in 2019; while gross operating surplus from resident producers contracted 7.27 percent to P10.48 trillion in 2020, from P11.3 trillion in 2019. In terms of property net income, PSA data showed it contracted 2.1 percent to P166.3 billion in 2020, while taxes on production and on imports contracted 13.25 percent to P1.47 trillion last year. The PSA noted that it compiles the Consolidated Accounts and Income and Outlay Accounts annually. The Consolidated Accounts present a summary of transactions and relationships among the various flows of the economy at current prices. The Income and Outlay Accounts are compiled for the four institutional sectors, namely, non-financial corporations, financial corporations, general government, and households including NPISHs.

CREATE allows IT parks to push through amid NCR ecozone ban By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

HE pending P16.07-billion investments for information technology (IT) parks and centers in Metro Manila may proceed following the provisions of the corporate tax reform package despite the current moratorium on new economic zone development in the capital region. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) said in a press briefing on Tuesday that the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, enacted earlier this year, allows the investments for IT projects in the National Capital Region (NCR). “If you read through the provisions of CREATE, it allowed the operations of eligible projects in Metro Manila with incentives and this will be to the inclusion of IT projects,” Peza Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning Tereso Panga said. Based on the implementing rules and regulations of CREATE, the Fiscal Incentives Review Board is tasked to finalize a list of priority sectors which will be granted incentives. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier identified the IT-business process management (BPM) among the critical sectors. “On that note, it [CREATE] is supposed to supersede already the AO [administrative order] issued by the President because CREATE is a law and supposedly more superior than the AO,” he added. Released in June 2019, AO 18 bans new ecozone developments in Metro Manila in a bid to spur economic activities in the countryside.

‘Categorical position’

While CREATE allows the pending IT investments, Panga said that Peza still wants to secure a “categorical position” from the Office of the President to proclaim the applications as ecozones. The BusinessMirror earlier reported that Peza was seeking to lift the AO 18 to give way to inquiries for IT parks and centers in NCR amounting to P16.07 billion in total. Broken down, data obtained by this newspaper showed 10 aplications for IT center amounting to P15.5 billion and one inquiry for a P573.93-million IT park as of April 30. “Nine Metro Manila cities are asking [that] this moratorium be lifted because they are not yet hosting any IT parks or centers,” Peza Director General Charito Plaza said on Tuesday. Giving the go-ahead for said IT projects, Plaza said, will also mean more job creations amid the pandemic. Currently, she said that over a million out of 1.6 million direct Peza employees are from the IT-BPM companies. Currently, 167 IT parks and centers are located in NCR, mostly in Makati, Quezon City and Pasig. There are over 290 IT parks and centers across the country out of 410 ecozones under Peza’s regulation. “We want more investors, especially in this pandemic so they can create jobs for our people. Hopefully, the President will consider it so that we can already register these pending applications,” Plaza told this newspaper earlier. The total investments approved by Peza last year reached P95 billion, which was 19 percent lower than the P117.54 billion it registered in 2019.

JABS FOR SEAFARERS In line with the recent celebration of International Seafarers’ Day, the Taguig City government, in cooperation with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), the Department of Health and the Association Marine Officers and Seamen's Union of the Philippines, gave 500 seafarers their first vaccine dose at the Lakeshore Trade Center in Taguig City. ROY DOMINGO

Koko on Pacquiao’s PDP-Laban post: Nothing irregular By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ENATOR Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Tuesday defended Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao’s assumption as party president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) that was cofounded by his father, the late Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr. According to Koko Pimentel, it had not breached party rules even though vice chairman Alfonso Cusi made it sound controversial. Pimentel III explained that party rules of succession simply kicked into effect when he (Pimentel) stepped down as PDP-Laban president and Pacquiao, who was executive vice president, assumed his position. Pimentel’s defense came hours after President Rodrigo Duterte, the party chairman, warned Pacquiao late Monday night that he

would campaign against him in the 2022 polls if he cannot prove his allegations of corruption in the Duterte administration. Energy Secretary Cusi, whom Pimentel and Pacquiao had blamed at this month’s Senate hearings on unscheduled Luzon brownouts that deraled business recovery and raised fears that Covid-19 vaccines’ cold-storage facilities might be in jeopardy, had been at odds with Pacquiao since late 2020. On Tuesday, after Duterte threatened Pacquiao in his weekly national address, Cusi was quoted admonishing Pacquiao to leave the party first before “burning down the house.” Pimentel, however, defended the validity of Pacquiao’s surprise promotion to the top party post, which Cusi and some party mates said had not been subject to consultation nor permission by Duterte. The senator from Cagayan de Oro City

said fellow Mindanaoan Pacquiao’s assumption of the PDP-Laban president was within party rules and required no one’s permission. At the same time, sources said Pimentel did not deny Cusi’s claim that they gave the party president’s post to Pacquiao as part of a plan for Pacquiao to have “exposure” to boost his plan to run for higher position in the 2022 elections. The PDP Laban, then under Koko Pimentel, had given then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte a similar boost in 2015 when it allowed party member Martin Dino to file a certificate of candidacy for president for the 2016 polls, and then had Duterte substitute for him when the December 2015 deadline for substitution came. In the meantime, Pacquiao and his office remained mum and had yet to respond to criticisms aired by Duterte administration officials.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

TCHINDA SOKING, EMMANUEL Transaction Processing Analyst Brief Job Description: Respond to revenue team inbox requests

Basic Qualification: Responsible for processing simple Accounts Receivable transactions such as billing and gathering and analyzing financial information Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

THARAKANDIYIL, MITHUL RAJ Workforce Services Specialist 2.

Brief Job Description: To provide support to its diverse clientele by independently identifying errors, troubleshooting

Basic Qualification: Perform business impact assessments, and coordinate and carryout suitable resolution involving key technical teams

Brief Job Description: Oversee a financial service’s client based in Australia; Manage, lead and drive performance of the business.

Basic Qualification: Expertise on collections practices and financial regulations in Australia. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

AMOS AND MARK INTERNATIONAL SERVICES INC. 4/f Unit 2c One Ecom Bldg. Ocean Drive St. Mall Of Asia Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

CHEN, ZHUORAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

DENG, WENYU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls

HE, CHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

HE, ZHIWEI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls

JIAN, JIAMIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

JIANG, JUNJIE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

LI, JIAYAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

LI, JIAQI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

LIANG, DEJIAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

LIANG, HAITENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

LIANG, WENFENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

16.

17.

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

ACQUIRE ASIA PACIFIC (MANILA), INC. 6th Floor, 1800 Eastwood Avenue Bldg. Eastwood City Cyberpark Bagumbayan Quezon City DEW-PARRY, DANIEL Country Manager (au Financial Services Business)

15.

18.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

19.

20.

21.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

ZHU, LINGFENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customers through phone calls and emails

BI, JIAQING Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 22.

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

CAI, LINXIN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 23.

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

CHEN, PEIJIAN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 24.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

CHEN, HUAQING Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 25.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

QIN, HUIZHEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

CHEN, YONGFA Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 26.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

CHEN, HONGBO Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 27.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

29.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

DONG, YINSHENG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 28.

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

HUANG, ZHIFENG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 30.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

HE, YUE Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

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

HUANG, YANJIA Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 31.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 JIA, YUAN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 32.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

JIANG, BO Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 33.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate

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

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate

LIN, SHIPENG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 34.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

ZHUO, CHUJI Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

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

MA, XIANGCONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

DAI, TINGTING Mandarin Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for inbound and outbound calls.

CHEN, JINGWEN Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIU, BONING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

BAOLONG TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY GROUP LIMITED INC. 20-29th/f Century Diamond Tower Kalayaan Ave. Cor. Salamanca St. Poblacion Makati City

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 A13

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

LIU, RUIYUN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 35.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem solving and communication skills in mandarin with related BPO Experience

36.

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

LU, YOU Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 37.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

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

LIU, SANQI Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

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

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

LYU, WEI Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 38.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

TAN, XIAOJIANG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 39.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

WANG, NAN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 40.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WU, PENG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 41.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem solving and communication skills in mandarin with related BPO Experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem solving and communication skills in mandarin with related BPO Experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem solving and communication skills in mandarin with related BPO Experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem solving and communication skills in mandarin with related BPO Experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem solving and communication skills in mandarin with related BPO Experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A14 Wednesday, June 30, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

XU, YUNGUI Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 42.

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

YANG, QIAN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 43.

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

YANG, CAN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 44.

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

YUAN, WEITAO Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 45.

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

ZENG, HUIMIN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 46.

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

ZHENG, YUEMING Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 47.

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

ZOU, WEIWEI Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 48.

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

CHEN, YANMEI Mandarin Customer Service 49.

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

FENG, LIANG Mandarin Customer Service 50.

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

FENG, XU Mandarin Customer Service 51.

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

HUANG, JINRUI Mandarin Customer Service 52.

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

WEI, CHONGMING Mandarin Customer Service 53.

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

WEI, DANLU Mandarin Customer Service 54.

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

LAI THI LY Vietnamese Customer Service 55.

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

LUONG TUYET TAM Vietnamese Customer Service 56.

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

NGUYEN THI NHAI Vietnamese Customer Service 57.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

No.

VO THI DIEU Vietnamese Customer Service 58.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

59.

Brief Job Description: Coordinating and supervising construction workers.

CAI, MINGCHAO Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 60.

Brief Job Description: Installs CATe, CAT6a, CAT6a, and Fiber Optic Cabling System

GUO, JINQIANG Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 61.

Brief Job Description: Installs CATe, CAT6a, CAT6a, and Fiber Optic Cabling System

HU, CHAOYANG Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 62.

Brief Job Description: Installs CATe, CAT6a, CAT6a, and Fiber Optic Cabling System

HUANG, HAI Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 63.

Brief Job Description: Installs CATe, CAT6a, CAT6a, and Fiber Optic Cabling System

LIN, MINGHE Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 64.

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

Brief Job Description: Installs CATe, CAT6a, CAT6a, and Fiber Optic Cabling System

LIU, ZHUOHUANG Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 65.

Brief Job Description: Installs CATe, CAT6a, CAT6a, and Fiber Optic Cabling System

YANG, CHANGHUA Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 66.

Brief Job Description: Installs CATe, CAT6a, CAT6a, and Fiber Optic Cabling System

YANG, DENGKAI Chinese Speaking Cabling Infrastructure Technician 67.

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

Brief Job Description: Installs CATe, CAT6a, CAT6a, and Fiber Optic Cabling System

MA, JIAN Chinese Speaking IT Specialist 68.

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

Brief Job Description: Resolving all issues coworkers have with their IT systems and Software

ONG CHIN HAN Chinese Speaking Marketing Specialist 69.

Brief Job Description: Develop , Implement and Track Marketing Programs, Email, Social media or Digital Campaigns and Events

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

73.

GE, XIAOFEI Mandarin Speaking Project Supervisor 70.

Brief Job Description: Act as Communication liaison between Low-Level Employees and Senior Management

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Preferably with 3 years of Experience as as Marketing Specialist, With Excellent Inter- personal Skills

74.

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

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

ROEUN, SAMAT Cambodian Customer Support Representative 75.

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

RUN, BUNLAY Cambodian Customer Support Representative 76.

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

YI, SHUN Cambodian Customer Support Representative 77.

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

DENNY WIJAYA Indonesian Customer Support Representative 78.

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

GABRIEL HARRISON Indonesian Customer Support Representative 79.

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

HENDY Indonesian Customer Support Representative 80.

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

MENG, YUAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 81.

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

NGUYEN THI KIM PHUNG Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 82.

Basic Qualification: BA or BS Degree Holder; Minimum 2-year(s) customer service support experience (voice, e-mail, or chat), working with direct consumers preferably in a B2C environment Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIGISPARK TECH CORP. Unit 1618 High Street, South Corporate Plaza, Tower 2 26th St. Corner 9th Ave. Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate , Outstanding Leadership Skills, Fluent in Mandarin and English Preferably with 5years of experience as Project Supervisor

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

KEA, LEANG Cambodian Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English with Good Moral Character, College Graduate Preferably with 5 years of Experience as a Cabling infrastructure technician

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and english , With Good Communication skills, Fluent in Mandarin and English Preferably with 2 years of Experience as Chinese Speaking IT Specialist

Brief Job Description: Service Support Solution includes diagnosis, resolution and reporting of customer issues and questions relating YouTube paid content products. Service is Tier 1 end user support with escalations to Google.

JOU, MONY VANNAK Cambodian Customer Support Representative

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

Basic Qualification: at least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently Vietnamese language

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English with Good Moral Character, College Graduate Preferably with 5 years of Experience as a Cabling infrastructure technician

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

Basic Qualification: at least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently Vietnamese language

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English with Good Moral Character, College Graduate Preferably with 5 years of Experience as a Cabling infrastructure technician

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English with Good Moral Character, College Graduate Preferably with 5 years of Experience as a Cabling infrastructure technician

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Studies; 8-10 years of operational experience or in supporting functions, manager level experience preferred; Should have had prior experience in managing BPO processes (Customer Service, Technical Support, Sales)

CROWN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th-7th Floor Alhi Corporate Center Aseana Avenue Tambo Parañaque City

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

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

72.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English with Good Moral Character, College Graduate Preferably with 5 years of Experience as a Cabling infrastructure technician

Brief Job Description: Accountable for client satisfaction in area of responsibility, against service level agreement, and ensures achievement of key performance indicators / projects milestones.

RODRIGUEZ VASQUEZ, GUIDO MARCO ANTONIO Senior Process Executive

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English with Good Moral Character, College Graduate Preferably with 5 years of Experience as a Cabling infrastructure technician

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate; Preferably six (6) months to one (1) year service and sales experience: Fluent in Korean and English Language.

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

AHUJA, DEEPIKA Senior Manager 71.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English with Good Moral Character, College Graduate Preferably with 5 years of Experience as a Cabling infrastructure technician

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd, 3rd, And 4th Floors, Science Hub Tower 4 Bldg. Mckinley Hill Cyberpark Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

No.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

Basic Qualification: at least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently Vietnamese language

CHINA COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 12/f One/neo Bldg 26th St. Cor 3rd Ave., Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problem-solving and communication skills in Mandarin, with related BPO experience

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

BOSUNG E & C, INC. 41 Naga Rd. Pulanglupa Dos Las Piñas City

CHOI, YU KYUNG Marketing Manager

www.businessmirror.com.ph

LI, ZHIMIN Marketing Executive 83.

Brief Job Description: Conducting and update database and using customer relationship management

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503 Nueva St Binondo Manila

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin/English Language, creating and maintaining Chinese client relationship Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

FU, YIWEI Marketing And Sales Agent 84.

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

GUO, SHENGLI Marketing And Sales Agent 85.

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

NHIN SAY LONG Marketing And Sales Agent 86.

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

PAN, XU Marketing And Sales Agent 87.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE 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

No.

CHANDRA MULIA Indonesian Customer Support Representative 97.

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

88.

Brief Job Description: Developing, Implementing Sales strategies, client service, plan and analyzing sales data.

LI, HUI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 89.

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

98.

90.

Brief Job Description: Implement procedures in attaining highest standards in food safety & sanitation

CHAN KOK HOONG Sous Chef (Malaysian Speaking) 91.

Brief Job Description: Implement procedures in attaining highest standards in food safety & sanitation

LOH WENG TAI Sous Chef (Malaysian Speaking) 92.

Brief Job Description: Implement procedures in attaining highest standards in food safety & sanitation

IWAN Indonesian Customer Support Representative 99.

93.

Brief Job Description: In charge in building and maintaining a strong and consistent brand a wide range of online and offline marketing channels YANG, WENXIU Operations Officer (Chinese Speaking)

94.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for motivating and engaging staff and ensuring the staff represents and embraces the company goals

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: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products; Excellent Mandarin communication skills.

100.

95.

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

ANTHONI Indonesian Customer Support Representative 96.

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

KANG, HANBYUL Korean Customer Support Representative 101.

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

102.

103.

104.

105.

106.

107.

108.

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

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

FENG, GONGPO Mandarin Customer Support Representative 109.

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

FU, CHENYANG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 110.

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

HE, DENGPAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 111.

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

HUANG, YANGZHAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative 112.

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

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

FAN, QIQI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in INDONESIAN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

CHEN, CHIH-WEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

Basic Qualification: must be fluent in mandarin and English speaking

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

CHEN, LI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: At least 2 years’ experience as chef and have undergo training for kitchen operation

Basic Qualification: must be fluent in mandarin and English speaking

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

BU, HUAIYU Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: At least 2 years’ experience as chef and have undergo training for kitchen operation

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

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

WONG MENG WEI Malaysian Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: At least 2 years’ experience as chef and have undergo training for kitchen operation

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

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

CHENG SOO YIAU Malaysian Customer Support Representative

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

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

KIM, HYUNWOO Korean Customer Support Representative

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

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

AGUS SOFIAN Indonesian Customer Support Representative

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

MEICHEL MARTIN Indonesian Customer Support Representative

HUNGER MANAGEMENT CORP. Gf Unit A Mezzanine The Currency Condo. Emerald Ave. Cor. Julia Vargas San Antonio Pasig City WANG, ANPING Marketing Officer (Chinese Speaking)

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

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

GLOBAL DIMSUM FOOD CORP. 7th/f, One Corporate Central Bldg. 768 Boni Ave. Cor. San Roque 28 Brgy. Barangka Ilaya Mandaluyong City

YIP, KAM WANG Sous Chef (Chinese Speaking)

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

HERRY Indonesian Customer Support Representative

FREEMOVED INC. 40/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City

RAN, QI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

LI, DAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 113.

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

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 A15

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Malay and at least college level with related BPO experience

No.

LI, JIAYUE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 114.

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

115.

116.

117.

118.

119.

120.

121.

122.

123.

124.

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

ZHANG, TAICHENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 125.

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

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

YOU, XIN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

XIE, PENGHUI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

WU, HAIJIAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

TAN, YANCHAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

QI, HAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

PAN, HU Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

LU, SIYI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

LIU, YANGBIAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

LIU, YUCHENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

LIN, XINYU Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

ZHAO, FEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience.

ZHOU, LIANG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

126.

127.

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

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

NILAR AUNG Myanmari Customer Support Representative 128.

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

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

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

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

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

IRISBLOOM INC. Unit 25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg. 19 Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

HE, SHUBIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 129.

Brief Job Description: Developing, Implementing Sales Strategies, Client Service, Plan and Analyzing Sales Data

Basic Qualification: Proficient in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A16 Wednesday, June 30, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WANG, GUOQIANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

130.

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

XU, JIAFA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 131.

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information confidential

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, with at least 6 months working experience, Fluent in Mandarin / English

No.

148.

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

149.

132.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

133.

GUO, SHANCHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

134.

HE, TIANCHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

135.

LI, DONGNIAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

136.

LI, HONGZHOU Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

137.

LI, DINGKUN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

138.

LIU, WEIMOU Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

139.

NIU, HONGXIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

140.

QIU, CHUICAI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

141.

SHANG, YUYU Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

142.

TAN, ZUONI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

143.

WANG, SHIDONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

144.

WANG, XIUXIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

145.

WIN LWIN AUNG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

146.

XIE, XIAOYUN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

147.

YU, LEI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin

150.

151.

152.

153.

154.

155.

156.

157.

158.

159.

160.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

161.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

LIU, BO Mandarin Technical Support Specialist 162.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Evaluates expansions or enhancements by studying work load and capacity of computer system.

No.

166.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

167.

168.

169.

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

170.

171.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

172.

173.

174.

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

175.

176.

177.

163.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries BAO, TAO Chinese Customer Service

164.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHANDRA Chinese Customer Service

165.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN THI DUNG Chinese Customer Service

178.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XIE, JIAMIN Chinese Customer Service

179.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YE, JIAQI Chinese Customer Service

180.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZENG, ZHAOYANG Chinese Customer Service

181.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, XIONG Chinese Customer Service

182.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, HAOJIE Chinese Customer Service

183.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHAO, JIN Chinese Customer Service

184. AN, XILING Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TANG, PENG Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SU, ZHIQIANG Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SU, CHENGSONG Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI QUYEN Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUO, MIAO Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, ZHENGHONG Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, QING Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, FEI Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HE, ZHENZHI Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HAN, ZHAOJUN Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CONG, HUITAO Chinese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHEN, JUNHAO Chinese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

HE, CONGYUAN Mandarin Technical Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

ZONG, XINHUI Mandarin Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

ZHANG, XINMING Mandarin Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

YANG, PENGFEI Mandarin Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

YANG, LAISHENG Mandarin Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

ZHANG, YAN Mandarin Operation Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

ZENG, WEI Mandarin Operation Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

WANG, ZHENG Mandarin Operation Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Develop management training, orientation and employment

MA, MINGXU Mandarin Operation Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

CAI, LIYANG Mandarin Operation Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin

LI, MIN Mandarin Customer Service

TRIEU VAN ANH Mandarin Human Resource Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

MINDSCAPE CREATIVES INC. Unit 19-o, Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin

ZHOU, LIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg. Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City CHEN, YUQI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

ZHAO, YUTING Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

LI, WENYI Chinese Customer Specialist 185.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XU, WENLONG Chinese Customer Specialist

186.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 2/f 331 Bldg. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Bel-air Makati City

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ALBERT AGUNG ANDREYAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

187.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

ANTON SETIAWAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 188.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

BELLA VANTY AULIA SARAGIH Indonesian Customer Service Representative 189.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

HENDRIK Indonesian Customer Service Representative 190.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

JOKO LIANDY Indonesian Customer Service Representative 191.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

JOSUA HUTABARAT Indonesian Customer Service Representative 192.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

TRISNO HANDOKO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 193.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with Critical thinking and problem solving skills.

No.

204.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with Critical thinking and problem solving skills.

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

205.

Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with Critical thinking and problem solving skills.

206.

207.

194.

Brief Job Description: Develops, translates, and executes strategies or functional/operational objectives for Optum Global Solutions’ Enterprise Enablement and Platform services

208.

195.

Brief Job Description: Guide and advise PLDT, Inc. on strategies relating to 5G Network Technology, Internet of Things, and Edge Cloud.

196.

197.

198.

199.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

GIANG NGOC PHUONG Foreign Language Customer Service Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

NGUYEN NGOC KHANG Foreign Language Customer Service Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

YIN, JILIANG Foreign Language Customer Service Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

PHAM HUYNH NHU Foreign Language Marketing Specialist 200.

Brief Job Description: Conducting research and marketing strategies to develop areas of the business opportunities TRAN THI TRUNG THU Foreign Language Operation Specialist

201.

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency LIAO, PO-CHIN Mandarin Operation Specialist

202.

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency YANG, HO-LUN Mandarin Operation Specialist

203.

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

ROBSON, MARK PETER President And CEO 209.

Brief Job Description: As a President and you are expected to manage staff, including performance monitoring and mentoring and training

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Chinese

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

210.

Basic Qualification: 15+ years of experience with Global Service delivery management and Program management. Overseas experience Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

HUYNH KE LUONG Vietnamese Language Customer Service Representative 211.

Brief Job Description: Report on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer- oriented telephone activities and various background operations duties

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

212.

213.

214.

215.

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

216.

217.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

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

222.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

223.

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

KANANYAN, LUSINE Director Of Account Management 218.

Brief Job Description: Serve as the lead point of contact for all offshore clients while building and nurturing trusted longlasting relationships.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree graduate: 3-4 years’ experience in Account Management: Fluent in English, Russian and Armenian language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

URBANFLIX OUTSOURCING PHILS. INC. 11/f Rockwell Business Center Sheridan Brgy. Highway Hills Mandaluyong City CEVILLE, SERGIO Content Acquisition Manager 219.

Brief Job Description: Represent acquisitions team interest across the company

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

LI, GENGMIN Marketing Manager 224.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customer of Fiberhome in the Philippines QU, YAPENG Marketing Manager

225.

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

226.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customers of Fiberhome in the Philippines

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Language , College Degree

Brief Job Description: Responsible in Handling outsourcing issue such meeting arrangement with subcontractors

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language , College degree

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customers of Fiberhome in the Philippines

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

CHEN, HU Project Manager 228.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language, College graduate

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing technical issues on materials equipment being used on projects

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

HE, XIAOWEI Project Manager 229.

Brief Job Description: Responsible managing technical issues on materials , equipment being used on projects LI, BAOYU Project Manager

230.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing Technical Issues on material equipment being used on projects

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language , College Degree

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customers of Fiberhome in the Philippines

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language , College Degree

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customers of Fiberhome in the Philippines

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

ZHANG, JIAN Project Manager 233.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customer of Fiberhome in the Philippines LAN, CHUNMIAO Purchasing Manager

234.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customers of Fiberhome in the Philippines

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

WANG, MINGBO Project Manager 232.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language college degree

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language College degree

SU, JIANSHAN Project Manager 231.

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

CHEN, XUEFENG Project Manager 227.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language College degree

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language , College Degree

XU, XINGQUAN Outsourcing Manager

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

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

WUHAN FIBERHOME INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES PHILS., INC. U-19d 19/f Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St. San Lorenzo Makati City

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

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

ZHAO, HAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Establishment a high standard for productivity and quality.

YANG, XIUXIAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient i writing reading and speaking in both English and Bahasa/ Chinese/ Vietnamese

TWO MISS PINK PLACE INC. Unit P239 Soho Tower Avida Cityflex Towers Podium 2 7th Ave. Cor. Lane T North Bonifacio Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. ZHANG, ZHIJIE Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. YANG, SHENGTUAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. WANG, KUN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

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

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. GAO, XINGXING Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

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

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. WU JIN CHARNG Malaysian Customer Support Representative

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

221.

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road Tambo Parañaque City HENDY Indonesian Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Post-graduate degree; At least 30 years’ experience on ICT, including 5G and IT Technology; International work experience.

Basic Qualification: Proficient i writing reading and speaking in both English and Bahasa/ Chinese/ Vietnamese

Basic Qualification: College Graduate; Business course.

LI, ZIBO Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related fields, Excellent leadership, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills especially English, Strong analytical, Decisionmaking and problemsolving skills.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with Critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Brief Job Description: Report on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer- oriented telephone activities and various background operations duties

220.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION BOWEN, BRANDON MICHAEL Operations Manager

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

TRI7 SOLUTIONS, INC. Unit 9-a 9/f Marvin Plaza Bldg. 2153 Don Chino Roces Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City DU, JIANLONG Chinese Language Customer Service Representative

No.

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

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

RED DOT MARKETING AND BRANDING INC. Unit 1514 Burgundy Transpacific Place Taft Ave. 079, Bgy. 727 Malate Manila DANG THI BINH YEN Foreign Language Customer Service

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ROBSON LIFESTYLE CONSULTING CORPORATION 7/f Finman Centre 131 Tordesillas St. Bel-air Makati City

PLDT INC. Ramon Cojuangco Bldg. Makati Avenue San Lorenzo Makati City

NURENDRA M SENATHIRAJAH Advisor On Network Strategy

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

ZHOU, WU Mandarin Technical Support

OPTUM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS (PHILIPPINES), INC. 14-15/f Vector Two Bldg. Northgate Cyberzone Alabang Muntinlupa City RAMOJIGARI, SAI KRISHNA CHAITANYA Senior Director - Systems Management

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

YAN, HAN Mandarin Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with Critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing products

DENG, YONGZHEN Mandarin Technical Support

Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with Critical thinking and problem solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

DONG, LIANG Mandarin Product Developer

CHEN, CHENCHENG Mandarin Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years bachelor degree with Critical thinking and problem solving skills.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 A17

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin Language college level Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin Language College Degree Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WYLOG, INC. 19/c Jmt Condo Bldg. Adb Ave., Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City

ELLAMA, MAEVA CLAUDIA BRIGITTE Project Manager 235.

Brief Job Description: To extensively understand what the needs and to offer a plan

Basic Qualification: French speaker, experienced knows clients need, can communicate problems and progress to upper management. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Jun 29, 2021

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on June 12, 2021, the position of LI, WEI under WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC., should have been read as CHINESE LANGUAGE-MARKETING STAFF and not as published. In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on June 26, 2021, the name of HINCHCLIFF, JOHN PAUL under ROYAL CARGO, INC., should have been read as HINCHLIFF, JOHN PAUL and not as published. Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE-NCR Regional Office located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE-NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Basic Qualification: College graduate; Business Course Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Govt begins scrutiny of UC capacity to run Malampaya

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

he Department of Energy (DOE) has started reviewing the sale of Shell Petroleum’s Malampaya stake to Davao businessman Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp. (UC).

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said during a television interview Tuesday that both parties have submitted the necessary documents related to the transaction. UC needs to secure the DOE’s green light to finalize the sale. “Shell sold to Udenna’s group. That now is submitted to us. We are now evaluating the financial, technical capability of the transaction. It’s in process actually right now. We have no decision on that yet,” said Cusi. The DOE will look into the capabilities of UC in taking over the Malampaya gas-to-power project in northwest Palawan. In particular, the agency will review the financial, technical and legal aspect of the transaction to make sure that gas supply and energy security will

not be compromised. Dennis Uy-led UC now controls 90 percent of the gas project after its unit, Malampaya Energy XP Pte. Ltd., signed a deal with Shell Petroleum N.V. to sell its 100-percent shareholding in Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX). Spex holds a 45-percent operating interest in Service Contract 38, which includes the Malampaya gas field. Aside from SPEX, the other partners in Service Contract 38 are UC38 LLC, a subsidiary of Udenna (45 percent) and state-owned PNOC Exploration Corp. (10 percent). The sale, which is still subject to regulatory approvals, is worth $380 million, with additional payments of up to $80 million between 2022 and 2024, depending on asset perfor-

A platform at the Malampaya gas field is seen in this BusinessMirror file photo.

mance and commodity prices. The transaction is targeted to be completed by the end of 2021. Cusi stressed that the deal between Malampaya Energy and Shell Petroleum N.V is purely a private business transaction and that the DOE has no part in this agreement or the selection process. However, he said, the parties need to formally inform the DOE of the transaction and submit the necessary documents.

“As far as the government is concerned, it’s not yet final until they comply with the requirement of government,” said Cusi. Malampaya delivers a fifth of the Philippines’s growing electricity requirements through the supply of natural gas to five power plants in Luzon. The asset has been operating safely and reliably since 2002 and has contributed over $10 billion in revenues to the Philippine government to date.

Hidrobag facility secures BOI nod By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @TyronePiad

he Board of Investments (BOI) gave a Bulacan-based agro-processing firm its go signal to establish a P35-million sustainable packaging production facility. The attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry on Tuesday said it approved the application of Oikos Sustainable Solutions Inc. to set up a facility producing Hidrobags, which are sustainable packaging products al-

AIA agrees to buy China Post Life stake

IA Group Ltd. has agreed to acquire a stake in China Post Life Insurance Co. for about 12 billion yuan ($1.9 billion) to bolster its China expansion. The Hong Kong-based insurance giant will buy a 24.99-percent stake in China Post Life, subject to regulatory approvals, AIA said in a filing to the Hong Kong exchange on Tuesday. The deal marks another acquisition by AIA as it expands its core business. The firm agreed to buy the life insurance arm of Bank of East Asia Ltd. in March. China Post Life, a subsidiary of China Post Group Co. is a bank-affiliated life insurer focusing on the mass-affluent market in China. It has access to a retail distribution network of around 40,000 financial outlets in the country and more than 600 million retail customers. The value of the proposed investment represents 1.34 times China Post Life book value on a pre-money basis as of the end of 2020, the company said. Value of new business for China Post Life was about $269 million last year. AIA won a regulatory approval this month to prepare for a new branch in Hubei prov ince in China. Bloomberg News

ternative to paper and plastic bags. Oikos, which has an annual capacity of 720,000 kilograms, will build the factory in Dona Remedios Trinidad Highway in Baliuag, Bulacan. Its commercial operations will commence in August. The products to be produced by Oikos include shopping bags, dissolvable laundry bags, trash bags, keep bags and mailer bags. The manufacturing process for Hidrobags is the same as that of petroleum-based bags. The products will have no plastic content and will

use cassava starch and naturally derived vegetable oils. The alternative product can degrade naturally in 180 days, even in landfill, and is compostable and water-soluble above 70 degrees centigrade. “It can even be eaten by fish if thrown into the oceans. It is nontoxic, plastic-free, has no greenhouse effect, and is completely biodegradable,” the BOI said in a statement. Formed in December 2020, Oikos has entered into a licensing and distribution deal with Hidrobag producer Hidrobag Corp. S.A.

“Hidrobag is currently being produced in Costa Rica with the main office in Chile. The raw material is manufactured in Indonesia with machines coming from China,” the BOI noted. Oikos sees potential demand from companies seeking environment-friendly products, including supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitals, hotels and boutique shops. The investment qualifies for incentives based on the recently enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act and the 2020 Investment Priorities Plan.

FPEI unit given right to purchase Malaya plant

he Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) has approved the request of Fort Pilar Energy Inc. (FPEI) to assign its right to purchase the 650-megawatt Malaya Thermal Power Plant (Malaya TPP) and its underlying land to its wholly-owned subsidiary Belgrove Power Corp. (Belgrove). FPEI is the winning bidder in the privatization process conducted by PSALM for Malaya TPP last month. PSALM approved the request, citing the terms of the privatization activity in which the winning bidder may assign its right to purchase to its wholly-owned subsidiary. This right of assignment is set forth under Section 13.09 of the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA), a document duly approved and disseminated to all parties as part of the privatization activity. “PSALM considered the request for assignment only after ascertaining the Assignee’s juridical existence and financial capability through a rigorous evaluation process and upon obtaining FPEI’s acceptance of the additional conditions that it will become solidarily liable with Belgrove for any and all obligations of Belgrove as buyer under the APA,” said PSALM President and Chief Executive Officer Irene Besido-Garcia. The next step in the privatization process is the filing of all the required documents with the Philip-

The Malaya Thermal Power Plant in Pililla, Rizal. BusinessMirror file photo

pine Competition Commission (PCC) for the issuance of a Certificate of Non-Coverage. This transaction is exempt from the rule requiring compulsory notification on mergers and acquisition, but PSALM will have to secure the said certificate. Within two business days from the receipt of clearance from PCC, PSALM will proceed with the issuance of Certificate of Effectivity to Belgrove. Within 30 days from receipt of the Certificate of Effectivity, the closing date will be set during which the remittance of payment should be completed. PSALM declared FPEI last May as the winning negotiating party for the asset after submitting the highest offer with P3.12 billion for the asset which is substantially above the minimum offer price set at P1.84 billion.

The Notice of Award was issued to FPEI last June 2 after it passed the post-qualification process. PSALM will use the proceeds of this privatization activity to pay for the remaining stranded contract costs and stranded debts. MTPP contributed to the losses of PSALM the past many years operating as a must run unit. Lenie Lectura

Globe: New policies to hasten 5G rollout By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

lobe Telecom Inc. said on Tuesday that the Philippines still has “a lot of catching up to do” in telco infrastructure builds, but noted that with the implementation of new policies, 5G rollout should be “faster.” Ernest Cu, the company’s president, blamed the bureaucratic red tape for the apparent lag of the Philippines in terms of telco infrastructure builds, saying it has “affected the deployment of 5G.” “I think we’re so far behind that it’s going to take some time. Given the fact that the country has a limited number of cell sites owing to its past history where it was very difficult to build cell sites,” he said. Cu, however, is now optimistic, as new policies were implemented amid the pandemic. For instance, he said, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) lifted the ban on the construction of critical infrastructure,

including cell sites along national roads. Cu said his group is “committed to bring more bandwidth capacity to Filipinos at lower cost by tapping more efficient technologies like 5G.” 5G, he added, is Globe’s tool to “fulfill” its “promise of better data experience and faster internet speeds.” Globe introduced 5G in the Philippines in 2019, when it launched its fixed wireless service for the home. It has also since introduced 5G mobile services. Based on Globe’s latest report, at least 88 percent of the National Capital Region now has 5G outdoor coverage and is also available in at least 82 percent or more in 13 cities in Metro Manila. 5G is also now accessible in 81 percent of Cebu City; 73 percent of Cagayan de Oro City; 73 percent of Davao City; 68 percent of Boracay Island; 68 percent of Bacolod City and 53 percent of Iloilo City. Six sites are also being installed in General Santos City and another one in Zamboanga City.

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Companies BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Kickstart targets disruptive technologies By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ickstart Ventures Inc., a venture capital arm of the Ayala Group, said it would take about a decade for the company to utilize the $180-million Ayala Corp. Technology Venture Fund or Active Fund. Minette B. Navarrete, Kickstart president, also said the company will continue to look at the disruptive technologies that startups may develop amid the pandemic, which has caused changes in consumer preferences. She said the company has already disbursed some money from the Active Fund the moment it was given to Kickstart last year. “For the first time the Philippines has the VC [venture capital] fund of that size comparable to our neighbors in the region,” Navarrete said during the company’s media briefing.

Kickstart started in 2012 with just a P100-million fund ($2.4 million) as a corporate incubator. Its second fund of $50 million came in 2015, which the company used to bankroll other start-ups overseas. L a st yea r, it received t he $180-million Active Fund from the Ayala Group, allowing the company to fund much larger startups both here and abroad. Navarrete said the company will focus on smarter living, the seamless integration of online and offline lives, the future of work, communities and resources.

Hedcor told to continue operating hydro plants By Lenie Lectura @llectura

he Department of Energy (DOE) wants Hedcor Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., to continue operating its three hydroelectric power plants in Benguet province. In a letter dated June 25, the agency advised Hedcor to proceed with the operations of Labay, Lonoy and F.L. Singit hydropower plants in Bakun town in Benguet. This after the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Cordillera issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against Hedcor last June 22. The CDO stemmed from alleged issues in obtaining consent from indigenous tribes, particularly the Bakun Indigenous Tribes Organization (BITO). The DOE, however, pointed out that it is mandated “to ensure the quality, reliability, security, and affordability of the supply of electric power especially during this period of health pandemic,” pursuant to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. As such, DOE advised Hedcor to continue operating the hydropower plants given the “shortage of available capacity from the grid caused by the unavailability of large power plants as well as derated operation of operating power plants aside from the high system peak demand due to high ambient temperature.” The DOE also reiterated its advisory last March titled “Ensuring

Reliable and Stable Electric Power Supply during the Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Program.” The advisory enjoined all generation companies, including government-ow ned and -controlled corporations and generation facilities being operated by the private sector to ensure the availability of power supply at the maximum dependable capacities of respective generation facilities and provide the necessary support for Covid-19 vaccine cold storage and healthcare facilities, as well as installing backup power supply, as needed. The agency noted that Energy Regulation 1-94 (ER 1-94) funds are dependent on the kWh generated by power plants, stoppage of operation of power facilities will affect the mobilization of the said funds for COVID-19 response. “We recognize the concerns of our Bakun IP community and our doors remain open for dialogue. We believe that the tongtongan is crucial to the resolution of this issue, not only to protect the welfare of our IPs/ICCs, but also to fulfill our contribution to ensuring the availability and reliability of power supply for the country,” said Noreen Vicencio, Hedcor’s Vice President for Corporate Services. Hedcor said it is ready and willing to sit with the Bakun IPs at the soonest possible time to address issues and concerns and to find a way forward that “sustains the gains and strengthens the relationship carefully built over the past three decades.”

“On the water issues, I’d like to think these scarcities are not a supply issue, but a distribution issue and technology can be tapped to solve it,” she said. Dan I. Siazon, the company’s senior vice president and treasurer, said the company can now deploy funding of $2 million to $10 million for one start-up, depending on the potential of the product. Previously, the company can only disburse some $50,000 to $100,000 in funding. This was raised to as much as $3 million for one company after it received the second fund.

The company said it may fund digital media projects similar to Netflix and other intiatives in ecommerce, e-payments, logistics, cyber security. Kickstart, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe Telecom, said in 2019 that it was chosen by Ayala Corp. to manage its venture capital fund to support startups pursuing innovations along key technology areas in data and analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, automation, real estate, retail, transport, energy, water, health and wellness, and food.

mutual funds

June 29, 2021

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

222.72

9.6%

-2.92%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.4085

36.54%

-0.69%

1.97%

7.27%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0731

11.56%

-7.26%

-5.71%

-1.91% -4.09%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.771

-3.55%

10%

-3.52% n.a.

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7534 12.78%

-1.75% n.a.

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 4.8993

-0.58%

-1.83% -4.14%

12.75%

1.59% -0.85%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.7178

4.33%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

100.77

27.67%

-2.27% n.a.

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

45.6645

11.78%

-0.83%

-2.43%

-2.53%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

479.02

9.8%

-1.14%

-2.76%

-2.04%

-6.3% -5.53%

-0.93%

-1.15%

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

1.0871

20.52% n.a. n.a.

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.1505

11.41%

-1.1%

-1.92%

-1.52%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

34.1855

12.42%

-0.54%

-1.28%

-1.68%

10.64% n.a. n.a.

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.8908

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.6791

12.4%

-0.15%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

783.68

12.52%

-0.06%

-1.7%

-2.24%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7144

11.97%

-4.46%

-4.75%

-0.63%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.5449

-1.59%

-2.43% -2.34%

10.03%

-2.78%

-3.12%

-2.18%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.895 11.9%

-0.43%

-1.85%

-2.47%

United Fund, Inc. -a

-1.04%

-0.98%

-1.83%

3.2583

11.28%

ALFM

-1.98%

Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 105.1962

12.51%

0.16%

-1.11% -2.19%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities $1.2789

31.85%

8.08%

9.68%

6.32%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.807

ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

32.06%

12.46%

13.53%

8.02%

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

1.682

8.38%

1.53%

-1.5%

0.8%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2517

8.71%

0.78%

-0.56%

-1.47%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6101

7.35%

1.83%

-0.44%

-0.64%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1957

4.48% n.a. n.a. -1.46%

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

1.964

6.31%

2.91%

0.62%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6963

5.31%

2.18%

-0.6%

-2.42%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.5698

5.92%

2.25%

-0.6%

-2.17%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0673

6.67%

0.93%

-0.4%

-1.28%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5274 6.51%

-0.03%

-1.56%

-1.28%

3.74% n.a. n.a.

-3.32%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9887 Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9111

6.13% n.a. n.a.

-4.01%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.899

7.64% n.a. n.a.

-3.65%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

0.8883

8.3%

-0.59%

-1.75%

0.07%

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

$0.03823

-0.6%

3.25%

1.4%

-2.28%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1439

16.32%

4.44%

5.6%

-0.55%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.7522 23.68%

9.47%

9.53%

5.3%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.218 11.94%

5.47%

5.26%

1.32%

0.34%

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

372.35

1.87%

3.24%

2.42%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9281

-0.63%

1.21%

0.2%

1.46%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2287

1.21%

3.79%

4.32%

0.44%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2623

-1.48%

2.23%

1.3%

-1.47%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4417 -0.03%

3.3%

1.68%

-0.47% -3.09%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.4915

-2.41%

4.38%

1.38%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6

1.3242

2.28%

4.26%

2.8%

0.23%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9819

0.64%

4.66%

2.12%

-0.48%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

-0.45%

1.0373

1.13%

4.7%

1.77%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.213

1.44%

5.49%

2.49%

0.22%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

0.52%

4.77%

1.84%

-0.32%

1.7493

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$486.08

2.63%

3.19%

2.29%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є220.11

2.19%

1.12%

1.15%

0.46% 0.42%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.1917

-2.18%

2.36%

1.27%

-6.93% -1.88%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0261 0.77%

1.85%

1.03%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$1.0576

-1.08%

0.69%

-0.66%

-3.21%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.5151

3.05%

5.57%

2.18%

-0.81%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.0629952

4.01%

3.56%

2.23%

1.09%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1751 -0.09%

3.3%

0.96%

-1.5%

2.53%

0.39%

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

130.31

1.74%

3.05%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.053 1.14% n.a. n.a.

0.47%

Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.3053

0.67%

1.73%

2.84%

2.56%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0577

1.23%

1.67% n.a.

0.5%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.2752 n.a. n.a. n.a. 12.89% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2

7.53% n.a. n.a.

2.04%

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU). 1 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 2 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 3 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019. 4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019. 6 - Reclassified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund). 7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020.

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Wednesday, June 30, 2021

BOC-seized goods add ₧4.43B to govt coffers

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of Customs seized P4.43billion worth of suspected smuggled goods in the first five months of the year with fake products accounting for the bulk of its total haul.

Citing preliminary data, Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero reported that counterfeit products comprised P1.98 billion of the total seized goods from January to May this year. In a recent Department of Finance Executive Committee Meeting, Guerrero said the bureau has conducted 478 anti-smuggling operations during the period. Apart from fake products, the bureau

Back-up plan

T is standard practice for all vehicles on the road to have a spare tire, just in case you get a flat. However, in reality, you don’t even think too much about it and chances are that you never even George S. Chua have to use it. I think most people don’t even know how to change their tires. Nonetheless, a spare tire becomes a life saver when you get into trouble with a flat tire. A back-up plan provides you with a way out of trouble like getting an insurance coverage for death, disability, fire, theft, damage and other losses. However, let us focus on your cash flow back-up plan. What happens to you if your primary source of money disappears? If your only source of income is your job and you get fired or the company goes bankrupt, what do you do? If you were only relying on your parents or spouse financially and they die or leave you, what do you do? If you had put everything you had in a business that failed or shut down, what do you do? There are many things you can do for that rainy day when you need to have a back-up plan or alternative. I am certain that you have heard of the old proverb “don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” which appeared in Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes in 1615. This is telling us that if you put all of the eggs from your hens in one basket and should you drop the basket, you lose all your eggs. This is a lesson in diversification, which tells us that you should not just invest in one asset type, company, industry, currency or country. You probably have also heard a quote from one of the founding fathers of the United

has also confiscated P864.44-million worth of general merchandise, illegally imported tobacco products (P759.89 million), illegal drugs (P373.16 million) and agricultural products (P221.81 million). Other smuggled goods seized by Customs include cosmetics, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other medical supplies valued at P54.12 million; firearms (P40.12 million); used clothing (P39.13 mil-

States, Benjamin Franklin (1706 to 1790): “an investment in education gives the best returns.” You may lose Finex free your job, your house may down, your business enterprise burn closed, your assets confiscated and you may end up being a refugee. They can take all of that away from you but you still have your back-up plan which is your education, knowledge and skill. Many people have risen from the ashes to regain their former wealth and stature. Back-up plans are also needed for business continuity such as manpower, facilities, suppliers, customers and even a new business model. This requires a certain degree of redundancy, training, excess capacity and sub-optimal pricing. As an example, you may have one supplier that gives you the lowest price every single time for a raw material, but does that mean you buy everything from that supplier only? Most companies have a multiple supplier policy such that if one supplier is unable to deliver, then you can still source from other existing suppliers. Likewise, you don’t want to be reliant on just one customer. Establishing a network of business contacts, associates, friends, government officials and all kinds of people may come in handy in providing you with your back-up plan. Much like having a spare tire in your car, the network of people you develop over the years can give you that level of comfort knowing that they are just there in case you need them. The views and comments of George S. Chua are his own and not of the newspaper or FINEX. Comments may be sent to georgechuaph@yahoo.com.

SMBC buys minority stake in RCBC By VG Cabuag

@villygc

APAN’S Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) is buying a minority stake in the Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) in a deal worth about P4.48 billion. The two banks said it signed the deal in Tuesday with SMBC buying some 101.85 million common shares (RCB) in RCBC held in its treasury for P44 apiece or worth some P4.48 billion. At the said price, the core unit of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) bought the shares for a premium based on RCB’s closing price of P24.40 apiece last Tuesday. The bank, however, said that the price is 97 percent of RCBC’s book value per share as of end May at P45.39. The said number of shares is equivalent to a 4.99-percent stake in RCBC. SMBC’s acquisition, however, failed to qualify for a board seat in the Yuchengco-led bank. RCBC said the Japanese lender can nominate its advisory board member. RCBC said the deal “is part of the bank’s capital raising plan to support long-term asset growth and digital investments.” “The proceeds from the investment will allow the bank to finance the different requirements of key customers

in the corporate, SMEs [small-scale and medium-scale enterprises] and consumer segments and expand the reach of its sustainable finance framework,” the local lender said. RCBC parent bank’s core equity tier 1 ratio will improve to 11.75 percent from 11.01 percent as of end June on a proforma basis. SMBC is one of the largest banks in Japan with $2.21 trillion in total assets and strong capital adequacy ratio of 18.61 percent as of March 2021 on a group basis. “The investment in RCBC is in line with SMFG’s strategy to expand its business in the Asian region in general and the Philippines in particular,” the company said. As part of the transaction and resulting partnership, RCBC and SMBC said they see significant opportunities for synergies and collaboration between both parties. RCBC will seek to derive significant value-add and expertise from the SMBC relationship in consumer banking, digital banking and corporate banking, it said. Credit Suisse acted as sole financial advisor to RCBC, while Clifford Chance and Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc and de los Angeles provided legal advice to RCBC.

lion); electronics parts and products (P23.54 million); vehicles and accessories (P23.47 million); alcoholic beverages (P3.91 million); and, wildlife (P3.73 million). The BOC also seized P45.77 million worth of currency, jewelry, fuel, chemicals and other products from January to May. The bureau said it also filed about 38 crimi-

nal cases with the Department of Justice against 144 respondents suspected of involvement in smuggling activities. The BOC also filed another 23 administrative cases against erring customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission. The BOC has also ordered the closure of 26 customs-bonded warehouses and

40 members of customs common-bonded warehouses , following the completion of its inspection of 391 customs warehouses across the country. Last year, the BOC seized P10.629 billion worth of smuggled goods, with imported cigarettes and tobacco products making up the bulk.

Show BusinessMirror

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope

THE ninth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, F9 sped to a box office take of $70 million in its first weekend in North America. AP

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Michael Phelps, 36; Monica Potter, 50; Mike Tyson, 55; David Alan Grier, 66. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Express your feelings. Get to the bottom of situations that need an adjustment. Focus on broadening your horizons this year. The more you know and experience, the easier it will be to get ahead. Stop worrying about what others do, and start putting your time and money into what brings you joy. Take responsibility for your happiness. Your numbers are 8, 11, 21, 25, 32, 37, 44.

‘F9’ puts charge back into movie theaters with $70-M opening emphasizes a loud, action-packed, immersive experience. “It’s the perfect intersection of growing consumer confidence and vaccinations in North America, with movies that have already been released creating momentum,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for comScore.” F9 debuted internationally on May 19, and has now grossed more than $400 million globally. Universal eschewed the hybrid approach of combining theatrical and streaming releases, as Disney did earlier in the year with Cruella and Warner Bros. did with Godzilla vs. Kong. It also came after most major theater chains have

UNBECOMING BEHAVIOR

THE actor’s project with the comedian has been shelved because he did something that caused the latter to back out. The comedian was reportedly so disgusted at how the actor couldn’t stop himself from drinking so heavily during an event where so many people were present. This has been the actor’s problem even in his old network, which covered up his shenanigans. Anyway, during the event the actor got so drunk that he became unruly and did things he wouldn’t normally do. No one tried to stop him and the comedian could only look in horror at what happened. The actor’s projects with the network will still push through but the comedian will definitely not be a part of them. Without such a powerful backer, it’s unclear whether the network will go the distance with the actor and his problematic behavior.

SHE’S ALL SET

WHAT will push through is a leading actress’s transfer to another network and while this has been criticized by loyalists of her former network, the fact is that she needs to work just like everyone else. The actress thought long and hard before she made the decision and following dialogues and consultations with her family. She decided to transfer not just for money but for the sake of her career. The actress may not be a young star but she still has a lot of mileage in her in terms of being an actress. Many people think it’s the end of the line for the actress if she does move as they see it as a downgrade but she is determined to make it work.

HER DECISION

MEANWHILE, another leading lady is all set to make a big move to another network. The transfer was supposed to have happened earlier but the leading lady’s present network gave her a project and she stayed because of it. But nothing can stop her now. She feels that the roles she is getting in her current network are getting cornier and cornier, and she’d like to do meatier roles and maybe even sing in variety shows. With the leading lady’s impending transfer, will her good friend, one of the network’s prized talents, follow suit? We would not be too surprised to learn the other network is already talking to the prized talent.

NO RECONCILIATION YET

A CONTROVERIAL couple seemed ready to make a big reconciliation move toward a relative but it didn’t push through as the husband realized he wasn’t ready. The husband realized the relative hurt him more than he realized but he never told his wife because he has this tendency to protect her. The wife, on the other hand, doesn’t really mind reconciling with her relative. Despite the harsh way the relative has treated her and her husband, she is really a kindhearted person who forgives easily. The relative, on the other hand, wants the reconciliation to be on her terms and this is why the husband is hesitant.

CONTINUED ON B5

BY ANDREW DALTON The Associated Press

PUREGOLD CHANNEL LAUNCHES NEW SHOW

OS ANGELES—In the strongest sign yet that life is left in movie theaters, F9 sped to WHEN times are difficult, people usually look at the lighter a box office take of $70 million in its first side of things and what makes them happy. Keeping people weekend, the biggest opening for a film since of all ages entertained is the focus of Puregold Channel on the pandemic began, according to studio estimates Facebook and YouTube. on Sunday. The ninth installment in the Fast & Furious The channel was conceptualized as a means to provide franchise, starring franchise regulars Vin Diesel and quality entertainment to millions of Filipino families staying Michelle Rodriguez, opened only in theaters and had at home because of the pandemic. “Shoppertainment,” the widest release of any movie since the start of the as coined by the supermarket chain, combines grocery coronavirus crisis. shopping with entertainment across Puregold’s followers on The domestic total for Universal Pictures’s F9 its social-media platforms. GVBOYS: Pangmalakasang Good topped the previous pandemic-best of $48.4 million Vibes is Puregold Channel’s first digital series and the newest for A Quiet Place Part II four weeks ago. It was the addition to the exciting roster of shows. The show stars three of today’s popular young biggest opening of any film since Star Wars: The Rise of leading men—Jerome Ponce, Nikko Natividad Skywalker in December 2019. and Dave Bornea—and they are joined by “We couldn’t be more gratified to see that the Wilma Doesnt, Elsa Droga and Carmi Martin. audience embraced the Fast family and came out Directed by veteran director Don Cuaresma, to see F9 in tremendous numbers,” said Jim Orr, the series will have eight episode drops and two head of distribution for Universal. “The debut this special episodes. weekend has really ignited the domestic box office The digital series can be streamed online for and set it on a tremendous path for the rest free on Puregold Channel’s Facebook and of the year.” YouTube pages starting July 10. The A Quiet Place Part II came in a very series is a coming-of-age story of three distant second with $6.2 million. But housemates. Each episode highlights it has now earned $136.4 million relatable adventures, antics and life since its release. The Hitman’s Wife’s experiences. Bodyguard brought in $4.88 million “Puregold Channel is dedicated in the third spot. to our loyal customers. This is F9, whose release was delayed our way of rewarding and staying several times, looks to have in touch with them outside the landed on just the right weekend stores. This is Puregold’s thrust–to to open in North America. It strengthen the future of retail seemed to be a fitting film for the through strong engagement and digital industry moment, with young audiences NIKKO NATIVIDAD footprint,” said Puregold Price Club Inc. stars in GVBOYS eager to be in theaters for a movie that president Vincent Co.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Spend more time enjoying the company of those who share your interests. A physical challenge will motivate you to get into shape. Being physically fit will be energizing and ensure that you have the stamina to excel. Romance will enhance your life. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t share personal information or plans. Focus on what you can accomplish without drawing attention to yourself. Learn by being observant and using the information you have gathered to get your way. ★★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put your ideas into play. Don’t hesitate because someone doesn’t agree with you. Surround yourself with likeminded people who will assist you, not hold you back. Change begins with you. ★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take a gander at every angle before you agree to something. The information you receive will be tainted with deceptive connotations that can lead to a mistake. Make plans to proceed alone and to do things your way. ★★★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put your energy where it counts. Don’t make unnecessary changes. Get along with your colleagues and people who can influence the outcome you are trying to achieve. Honesty will be crucial if you want to work in unison with others. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Question what you hear. Find out what’s expected of you before you volunteer to help. Build relationships on trust, justice and fair play. Too much of anything or anyone will lead to trouble. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Get involved in something you believe will benefit you. Take on responsibilities that honor your beliefs and will make a difference. A personal or physical change will fetch compliments, but do your research and don’t go over budget. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Think outside the box. Don’t limit what you can do or let a friend, relative or lover meddle. Take control of your happiness. The sooner you let go of what isn’t working for you, the easier your life will become. ★★★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A little solitude will help you work through any uncertainty you harbor. Distance yourself from people who confuse you or try to manipulate you emotionally, mentally or financially. Concentrate on personal growth and monetary goals. ★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Look for alternative ways to use your skills. Social events will lead to deception and an unrealistic sense of what’s risky and what’s safe. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted. Do your due diligence before getting involved in a joint venture. ★★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Nothing will pay higher rewards than hard work and discipline. The satisfaction you get from a job well done will boost your confidence and encourage you to take on more. Speak up on your behalf and follow through with your plans. ★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Fix up your surroundings. The more comfortable and convenient you make your living space, the easier and more accessible your goals will become. If you can dream it, you can make it happen. ★★★ BIRTHDAY BABY: You are curious, caring and receptive. You are ambitious and unpredictable.

‘pride month themeless v’ BY KATE HAWKINS The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Split the bill 11 Wet dog emanation 15 “Is everything all right?” 16 Granny 17 “Close enough” 18 Difficult journey 19 Game with +2 cards 20 Salt, Fat, Acid, ___ (Samin Nosrat book) 21 If ___ Walls Could Talk 2 22 Boatload 23 Possesses 24 Yelled out 26 Pose for a portrait 27 Pairs of rhyming rap lyrics 30 Metronomes’ outputs 33 Withdraw, as from bottle-feeding 34 Piece of course feedback, informally 35 Organization that really delivers? 38 Tandoori bread 39 Sword handle 40 Underneath 41 You can’t lose with them

43 44 45 46

Be laid up Burglar Subway alternative “All the Things ___ Said” (t.A.T.u. song) 49 Space object with a tail 51 Doing a task 53 Golden Bears’ univ. 54 Sign of the future 55 Substance on which it’s hard to lie? 58 “Rats!” 59 “Is the party over?” 60 Chip in chips 61 Pickled pepper picker DOWN 1 Run the ___ (cover everything) 2 University of Maine’s town 3 “Great blue” bird 4 “Yes, captain!” 5 Where to go in England? 6 Russian headwear 7 Foot parts that may touch hot sand 8 SNIGLAR crib seller 9 Home to Cape Cod and Cape

10 11 12 13 14 21 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 36 37 42 43 45 46 47

Hatteras ___ admin Aboveboard Speed demon, for instance (aptly!) Too big for ___ britches Roulette table scraper Word following “hot” or “wing” Snake sound Magical letter Classic rock monument? Building blocks of life Food with a shell Boatload ___ of Steel (1987 workout video) Hairy son of Isaac Rental in a complex “Hold on, I’ll be right there!” Rapper Megan ___ Stallion Softball stats Smidgen Sarah Waters or Patricia Highsmith “Danke” response Leftover piece of fabric Lead-in to “couture”

48 49 50 52 55 56 57

Bovine glue mascot Musical ending Muscat’s sultanate When the stars come out in Cannes Touch, as a phone screen Soak (up) Name within “Celia”

Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

Image BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Ayala Malls receives Safety Seal certification for adherence to public health

PHOTO BY BETHANY LEGG ON UNSPLASH

AYALA Malls continues to ensure safety of its mall patrons, merchants and employees through strict compliance with health protocols. Alabang Town Center, The 30th, Ayala Malls Marikina, The District Imus, Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, TriNoma, Cloverleaf, and Vertis North have been verified with Safety Seal, a certification program institutionalized by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism and the Department of Transportation to assure safety in various establishments through faithful adherence to the minimum public health standards. Apart from the 10 malls at 100 percent compliance level, most Ayala Malls are already at 91 percent and are on the way to being awarded their own Safety Seals. With the aim of providing the best service to its patrons, Ayala Malls commits to continue its thrust towards certifying all its malls with the Safety Seal. Alabang Town Center was recently awarded with the Safety Seal on June 11. The ceremony was attended by Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon, Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Ayala Land Malls Inc. president Christopher Maglanoc, Interior Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs Francisco Cruz, Interior Muntinlupa Director Bernadette Ferino, Ayala Land Inc. vice president and head of external Affairs Dindo Fernando, and Ayala Land Malls Inc. South Area head Veronica Arcenas. The certification scheme is in line with the Joint Memorandum Circular 21-01 as directed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. A number of qualifications is required to receive a Safety Seal including scheduled and surprise inspections conducted by government units to examine Ayala Malls’ level of compliance. First, the mall or establishment must follow the proper sanitation and social distancing measures, such as the provision of handwashing stations, disinfection mats, health declaration forms, stickers to guide social distancing, and temperature checking. Additionally, it demands adequate ventilation in the mall. Secondly, qualifying for a Safety Seal entails the use of contract-tracing apps, like StaySafe.ph and other platforms prescribed by respective local government units. Third, the establishment must be equipped with emergency contact numbers including the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team, City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, the nearest hospital, and an ambulance if applicable. Lastly, it should also have the complete documents necessary for the application—a mayor’s permit and a DTI/Securities and Exchange Commission registration form.

‘F9’ puts charge back into movie theaters with $70-M opening Continued from B4 significantly loosened restrictions on capacity and masking. The trends suggest that Hollywood might have something resembling a regular summer movie season, albeit one that starts months late and won’t be setting any industry records. Releases in the coming weeks include Disney and Marvel’s Black Widow and Warner Bros.’s The Suicide Squad. Studios are using a variety of hybrid release plans. While the time movies spend between theaters and streaming has shrunk, probably permanently, there is an increasing emphasis back on the big screen. “It’s a delayed start to a summer that’s been a long time coming. To have late June be ostensibly the start of summer is unusual, but better late than never,” Dergarabedian said. “A big Fourth of July weekend is coming up, with virtually every genre represented, and a week later we have Black Widow, so we’re on the road to recovery.” n

Keep it professional I

WAS handling a program for new managers recently and part of their training was submitting their proposals for their process improvement projects. One trainee was too busy to get his reviewed proposal, so I took it upon myself to go to his unit to give it to him and also as a way for me to take a break. I saw him from a window outside his unit, waved at him, and proceeded inside to give his document. When I came back to my office, a colleague said someone called to complain about me. Apparently, his manager was there, and he felt slighted that I did not notice. My manager talked to him and afterward said to me that there are really petulant managers and I should not let them affect me. I was about to get affected, but my manager taught me that there were better things to do than get frustrated. When confronted with stressful conditions, we either fight or take flight. The best way to not be overwhelmed by your emotions is to stop. Be mindful of how your body reacts to others so you can arrest anything that you might regret later on. There are several techniques you can use to calm yourself, but you need to be aware first of how you are reacting to the situation. Initially, this might be difficult especially when you are given to speaking your mind. But with practice and self-discipline, it can help you keep your cool under pressure. When you have to stay in a stressful situation, you can do several things so that your emotions do not get the best of you and you can still achieve your goal. For one, clarify the issues so both of you can get on the same page. People can be so passionate about

what they do that they forget other people might have valuable experiences and inputs which you might have overlooked and is causing the issue to become more problematic than it actually is. When you acknowledge that you might have overlooked some things, it becomes easier for the other person to be receptive to your ideas as well. In the end, working on a compromise is better than getting nothing done at all. Take stock of what can be done. There is no use arguing or even discussing with others when there is simply nothing that can be done on the matter. Instead, focus on things you can do and create action plans based on possible conditions. Stop complaining. It is counterproductive and could even lead to gossiping or dwelling on things you have no control over. You can rant to a trusted friend or a colleague who does not work on the same projects but try to minimize complaining. It takes away time that should be spent on problem-solving. You can spend time more productively by finding the root cause and crafting creative solutions instead of just complaining. Look at yourself in the mirror. When I was still in the BPO industry, I noticed some agents put a mirror near their workstations and would surreptitiously glance at it once in a while. I used to think it was vanity. And then I discovered that they do that whenever they feel frustrated with the customers they are talking to. I asked one agent how it helped, and she said it served as a reality check because by seeing how she looked when she was angry, she could be mindful and force herself to smile. According to an article in Experimental Psychology, titled “Your Face and Moves Seem Happier When I Smile” by Marmolejo-Ramos, Murata and Sasaki, the mere act of smiling can actually put you in a more positive mood. One of my previous coworkers told me that whenever she gets frustrated with people she has to deal with, she fakes a smile. Curiously, smiling will actually help you when confronted with people you dislike. Smiling helps your body react positively to people because it primes your body into accepting who they are without the emotional judgment. It also affects people who see you smile because, instinctively, people smile when

they see someone smile at them. Take care of yourself. Sometimes, our irritation and short fuse emanate from physical ailments or personal issues that affect how we work. Knowing how to compartmentalize and focusing on things you can do about those issues will ease the burden of bringing them to the workplace. And while we acknowledge that we are only human, the fact is that we need to work and be productive. So, eat healthy, exercise and make sure you have enough sleep. Take care of the people you work with. There is something infectious about thanking people for the effort they have exerted in helping you. I find that simply appreciating people and thanking them for doing their work well goes a long way in maintaining a good working relationship. Forgiving people and being patient with their shortcomings also help in keeping the ties professional because you never know when you might need their help later on. If you have the opportunity to make somebody happy by commending them on their good work, do so. Being grateful and happy is infectious. At work, take everything at face value. Most people forget that in a workplace setting. People can become so passionate at achieving their desired results that they forget to detach themselves from their work and become so heavily invested that their work already defines them even outside of the office. Remember that you are more than your work. Having good mentors in the past and being exposed to several personalities have helped me take criticism of my work constructively. Of course, I spent time and effort making sure I deliver my best work. And when it is criticized, I have learned not to take offense but instead think in terms of how the group will benefit from the criticism because, ultimately, any product of the team reflects on the entire team. Keeping it professional at work means knowing that your work is accomplished through others and ensuring you maintain a healthy working relationship with them. There is nothing wrong with feeling frustrated and angry at times, but you need to weigh it against your own professional goals. And when you find the right balance, maintain it to work for your mutual advantage. n

‘Paalalabas’: Design groups craft ‘Filipino-centered’ health and safety campaign By Jt Nisay LOCAL design organizations Design Advisory Council and the Design Center of the Philippines, led by the Communication Design Association of the Philippines (CDAP), recently launched a campaign that applies design thinking and the theory of positive reinforcement to nudge Filipinos to remain vigilant against Covid-19. “PAALALABAS,” a portmanteau of the words paalala and labas, aims to encourage the public to keep their guards up to stop the spread of the highly infectious virus by offering a “design solution” to the global health crisis using visual cues and communication taglines. “While still often associated solely with aesthetics, the application of design [today] is much broader,” said Arch. Royal Pineda, cochairman of the Design Advisory Council, and principal architect of Budji+RoyalArchitecture+Design. “In the past year, we have definitely witnessed, as well as experienced the power of design as a tool for innovation

and problem-solving. One way by which design can help us navigate the pandemic labyrinth is through the creation of a system of design that can communicate this new etiquette, to encourage and constantly remind individuals and local communities of mindful and safe behaviors against the virus.” The main call to action of PAALALABAS is “mag-mask, magdistancing, magtulungan,” a message carefully articulated in a way that does not impose but gently reminds. The organizers said that design thinking was applied to create the campaign to ensure that its message will resonate with everyone, especially the economically vulnerable. The campaign also utilizes positive reinforcement as means to create an effective social learning experience, following the study by RN/Psychologist Maria Lourdes de Vera in 2017. Published in the London Journal of Psychology and Psychotherapy, the study cited that positive reinforcement could enhance social interaction and participation if integrated

with a creative approach. “At the heart of this process is not just human-centered design but also Filipinocentered design,” said Rhea O. Matute, executive director of the Design Center of the Philippines. “We strongly believe that PAALALABAS has the ability [to pierce through Covid fatigue] because it has a very Filipino character of creative wordplay coupled with a very simple

visual language and iconography.” The campaign will involve graphical and design elements created by designer and illustrator Dan Matutina of Plus63 Design Co., featuring non-alarmist symbols inspired by bold and condensed typefaces for immediate comprehension and simple duplication. Through a partnership aimed to make the campaign accessible to everyone, the creative assets

of PAALALABAS will be available on the graphic design platform Canva. According to Angel Guerrero, member of the Design Advisory Council, and cofounder of CDAP, the intent is to launch the campaign at the grassroots level. “The points of contact will be posters and signages in places where people congregate, which is usually where the problem is, where Covid spreads,” she said. “We want the campaign on ground.” PAALALABAS has been initially rolled out in Intramuros, Manila. The “PAALALABAS Intramuros City Lab” prototypes a scalable design solution for cities in addressing the Covid-19 challenges by concentrating on community and grassroots. Another objective of the project is to engage community leaders and influencers in the promotion of proper health and safety protocols. Guerrero added that the second phase of the implementation will be on socialmedia platforms, and the third will be on other platforms, such as YouTube and Spotify.

PAALALABAS stickers and signages are installed in carinderia stalls and pedicabs in Intramuros as safety reminders to follow Covid-19 protocols.

B6 Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Winners of 2021 International ICT Awards announced

Hotel 101, DoubleDragon donate grocery packs to Pasay City medical frontliners

OTEL 101 Group and DoubleDragon Corporation donated 100 MerryMart Grocery packs to the medical frontliners of Pasay City.

Hotel 101 Group General Manager Gel Gomez, together with her team, turned over the donation yesterday to Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano. Mayor Emi thanked the DD Group

AT turnover rites, from left: Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto Rubiano, Hotel 101 Group General Manager Gel Gomez, Hotel 101 Group Senior Sales Manager Jamaica Puti, and Hotel 101 Group PR Manager Brian Ong

and Hotel 101: “We are grateful for your donation to our barangay medical health workers, who are those greatly affected by the pandemic, and who would really benefit from these MerryMart grocery packs.” Meanwhile, GM Gel Gomez lauds the efforts of the Pasay local government unit in its fight to keep COVID-19 numbers low in the city, and its effort and full roll-out of its vaccination program. “We thank the Pasay LGU for including employees of hotels being used as quarantine facilities, such as Hotel 101-Manila, in its priority vaccination program,” says Gomez. “Currently, majority of Hotel 101-Manila employees are fully vaccinated already,” she adds. Hotel 101 Group is the hospitality arm of DoubleDragon Corporation, with Hotel 101-Manila being utilized as a mandatory quarantine facility in Pasay City. Hotel 101 Group operates other hotels, such as Jinjiang Inn – Ortigas, Jinjiang Inn – Makati, Jinjiang Inn – Boracay Station 1, and Injap Tower Hotel in Iloilo City.

PhilHealth expands DCPM coverage; releases P6.3 billion in payments

HE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is urging health care facilities (HCFs) located in areas with high concentration of COVID-19 cases as determined by the Inter-Agency Task Force/National Task Force Against COVID-19 (IATF-NTF) to avail of its Debit-Credit Payment Method (DCPM). PhilHealth has implemented the DCPM to fast-track the settlement of its payables to HCFs to ensure continuous delivery of services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DCPM was first made available to HCFs treating COVID-19 patients in the National Capital Region, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Rizal. In view of IATF Resolution Nos. 121, 118-A, 116-C, 114-C, 114-A, and 113-A, s. 2021, PhilHealth said that it is expanding coverage for the DCPM to

the following provinces and cities: Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Bataan, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Ifugao, Lucena City, Naga City, Puerto Princesa City, Quezon, and Quirino in Luzon. Expansion is also in the pipeline for Iloilo and Negros Oriental in Visayas. Mranwhile, Agusan del Sur, Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay in Mindanao shall also expect DCPM coverge expansion. Interested health care facilities in the said cities and provinces are required to submit their Letter of Intent (LOI) to the concerned PhilHealth Regional Office to qualify for fast-tracked payments under DCPM. Pursuant to Section V of PhilHealth Circular No. 2021-0006, the DCPM shall

only be applicable to (the applying HCFs’) in-process claims received from March 8, 2020 to April 7, 2021. On the other hand, claims returned, denied, under investigation and those approved for payment as of April 7, 2021 are not qualified under the DCPM. The HCFs also must have claims for COVID-19, have no Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) balance on record, and have not been served with any suspension of accreditation during the applicable period. As of June 14, 2021, PhilHealth already disbursed more than P6.3 billion to 206 HCFs under the DCPM.

VPX, Pathfinders team up for a stronger network

ARK Saberola, general manager of ValuePlus Auto Service Express (VPX), the franchising brand of ValuePlus Auto Services Philippines Inc., has found his secret to success and ensures the steady expanse of his company’s franchising business through better partnership-building and corporate culture.

ValuePlus Auto Service Philippines’ deployment team with the franchise owners and staff of VPX Batangas City during the culmination of the 30-day intensive franchise operation training which includes a culture-building workshop with one of Pathfinders’ mentors. “I believe that what should be at the core and heart of every company is its people and a genuine desire to serve and solve a problem. In order to make lasting and impactful solutions, you need more minds working

HE Finalists and Winners of the 15th annual International ICT Awards Philippines (IICTAP) were recently announced on national television via the ANC. The big winner was Concentrix Philippines that won five awards, followed up by Cognizant Technology Solutions Philippines, Inc. that won two awards. The winners of the four Premier Category Awards were Concentrix Philippines for Best Company of the Year (sponsored by BDO Unibank), Best Employer of the Year, and Outstanding Use of ICT Services to Fight Covid-19 (sponsored by CanCham); and Cognizant Technology Solutions Philippines, Inc. for Most Innovative Company of the Year. Two companies qualified for appointment to the IICTAP Hall of Fame for being the third consecutive time winner of the same category award: Wipro Philippines, Inc. for the Best Company Outside the National Capital Region (sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier); and INFOR PSSC, INC. for the Best Company for Software Development (sponsored by Techrep, Inc.). Winners in the other four categories were: Cognizant Technology Solutions Philippines, Inc. for Best Company for ICT Services for Health (Sponsored by Sun Life of Canada ( Philippines), Inc.); Concentrix Philippines for Best Foreign Owned Company (sponsored by Leechiu Property Consultants, Inc.; and Concentrix Philippines for Best Contact Center/ BPO Company; Lexmark Research and Development Corporation (Lexmark Cebu) for Best Global In-House Center Company. The Chairman of the IICTAP Organizing Committee, Mr Julian Payne, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, which is the Organizer of the event, said the pandemic had fundamentally changed the annual event from a smaller hotel based dinner event to a national TV show that any body across the Philippines could watch. He noted “An estimated 500,000 households had watched the television presentation last year with an increased number expected to have watched this year. It is now accessible by all Filipinos and a national Philippine event. And those who missed it on TV can watch it on Facebook Live and YouTube for the next month.” He stressed that in transcending excellence, the theme of the event, it recognized not only the basic performance of the company in the past applicable year but also what had contributed as being a role model in the industry, the

reputation of the Philippines as an ICT services hub, exports of ICT services, contribution to public goods, and support for one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He said that more than 70 nominations had been received with all confirmed as fully eligible by the Independent Compliant Officer (Mr Monchito Ibrahim, former DICT USec), this being a credit to the state of the ICT services industry in the Philippines. The event was honored for the third successive year in being endorsed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The independent Judging Panel for the 2021 event were: Hon. Cherry May Busa, Councilor of Butuan City (Chair of the Panel), Ms. Stephanie Caragos, President and CEO of Syntactics, Inc., Dr Jaime DL Caro, Professor at UP Diliman, Atty. Raul Cortez- Founder & Principal of CortezLaw, Ms. Emmy Lou V Delfin, Director, DICT-IIB, Dr. Gregg Victor Gabison, President- CIB.O of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, and Mr. Randy Knutson, Founder and CEO of DynaQuest. The independent Judging Auditor was provided by the accounting firm, Isla Lipana and Co., a PwC Member Firm. Mr. Payne noted that the event was now free for all nominees and viewers with all necessary funding provided by sponsors, almost all private and non-profit sectors. In addition to the Platinum and Gold sponsors for selected category awards, sponsors, Bronze Sponsors included: American Express, Eastern Communications, RCGGS, and Union Bank Philippines, He added that there had been a record number of 40 Sponsors including many foreign, national, and city business associations as well as companies, many from outside the National Capital Region. For inquiries please contact the IICTAP Organizing Committee at: info@ictawards.org. ph; 63 9209748405/63 917- 8069151.c'

QUEZON CITY‘s BAKUNA NIGHT. The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in partnership with the Quezon City government held its first vaccination night on June 24, 2021, for the movie and entertaiment workers in the country. The workers, belonging to the A4 economic workers category, number up to 8000 according to FDCP Chair Liza Dino-Seguerra. After this launch, the FDCP Bakuna Night shall be held every Thursday at the Quezon City Hall grounds. Mayor Joy Belmonte said this is her way to make QC as safe as as it can be in this time of the pandemic. “We partner with various groups to make our vaccine rollout fast and effective. Thank you to our national government for the vaccines and for FDCP for the partnership. FDCP's Dino-Seguerra also thank the national government for being working government in this time of the pandemic. She also expressed gratitude to QC and Mayor Belmonte for 'having the movie workers‘ safety included in the city'priority list.” Singer Ice Seguerra rendered songs during the inoculation rite while free lugaw snack were also given to the vaccinees.

CCP, AOV welcome batch 4 of the Sing Philippines Youth Choir

VALUEPLUS Auto Service Philippines’ deployment team with the franchise owners and staff of VPX Batangas City attending the intensive franchise operation training with Pathfinders’ mentors (right photo) husband and wife Dreus and Love Cosio. together. It is through this creative synergy that we make meaningful progress and fulfill our potential. Thus, I truly believe in mentorship, training, and partnership,” said Saberola. As part of the GM’s greater vision for the company, Value Plus recently tapped Pathfinders and Doers OPC, a training and marketing agency founded by husband-and-wife Dreus and Love Cosio. “Our goal, for companies like ValuePlus, is to unlock potential and help managers focus their time and energies.

We help them hone their leadership skills and equip them with the tools to better achieve results,” says Dreus Cosio. “Through our different sessions, we hope to bridge the gap between mentors and mentees by providing opportunities where experts can connect with others. And hopefully, in one of these encounters, a spark ignites to make things happen,” said Love Cosio. For more information about franchising, send an email at vpx@ valueplusph.com, call 0917-637-2085 or visit www.pathfindersanddoers.com.

HE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) and the Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Foundation welcome the newest members of the Sing Philippines Youth Choir (SPYC) Batch 4. Out of the 103 applications received from all over the country, 59 aspirants made it to the final list. All applications were carefully evaluated by a pool of choral music experts led by Philippine Madrigal Singers choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio. From this latest batch of SPYC, 25 are from Luzon, 9 from Visayas, 14 from Mindanao, and 11 from the NCR. The complete list of names of the 59 successful applicants can be viewed in this link: https://l.facebook.com/l.php... A month-long virtual music camp is slated for SPYC batch 4 from July 6-30, 2021 and will culminate on July 31 with a special online performance which is anticipated to be a grand and uplifting virtual performance

as it will also feature batches 1 to 3 in the SPYC mission song, composed by Ily Mathew Maniano with lyrics by Joey Vargas. Though the world is still struggling to overcome and survive the pandemic, music and the arts continue to heal and inspire all people of all nations. With the vision of National Artist Andrea O. Veneracion, “a nation singing in harmony and united in songs,” the SPYC can surely contribute to making life during this precarious time more bearable and hopeful.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 B7

Carousell: It’s the right time to invest in property By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

HIS is the right time to invest in property as property sellers (developers and direct owners) are generous in giving discounts and flexible payment options as the supply is greater than the demand, according to leading online classified Carousell. In order to get the best deals, Raffy Montemayor, country manager of Carousell, told the BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview urged buyers to first find a broker who can help them remotely by doing video calls and virtual tours. He said this will ensure buyers can find a great deal in buying a home that will meet their needs in the long term. “We hear from our brokers that a lot more property buyers are buying without physically visiting the property. Before the pandemic, this was limited to OFWs because they naturally had to buy while abroad,” Montemayor said. Montemayor also observed a change in the buying patterns of local buyers when the pandemic struck. They shifted to the digital platform to check the projects being sold in the market. He added these are the experienced property buyers who are quite familiar with the details about the property they are planning to buy backed up a competent broker and a lawyer who will handle the due diligence. Although the property sector has been experiencing a rough sailing in the past year,

Acciona will inoculate Pinoy workers to avoid disruption of infrastructure projects

By Roderick L. Abad

PANISH company Acciona has procured a total of 2,400 doses from Moderna to vaccinate all of its employees in the Philippines to ensure their welfare and safety amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The first batch of jabs it ordered is set to arrive in the country at the end of June. The firm’s plans include vaccinating its main subcontractors and their construction workers, including their immediate family members. This initiative will comply with the guidelines established by the Philippine government and the Department of Health, supporting the country’s national vaccination program. “The health and safety of our employees is Acciona’s top priority,” said Rubén Camba, head of Acciona’s infrastructure business in Southeast Asia. “Once we receive the vaccines, we will coordinate with local government administrators to manage the supply and vaccination rollout.” Given that this initiative will help protect the workers from Covid-19 infections, the firm is confident that they will continue to stay healthy and fit to work in the various transport infrastructure and water projects it is currently carrying out in the Philippines. These include the construction of the 650-meter cable-stayed Cebu-Cordova Bridge, which will provide a new connection between the city of Cebu and Mactan International Airport; two sections of the railway line that will connect Malolos with Clark International Airport; and the Laguna Lake Water Treatment Plant. The multinational has a wide range of businesses that spans to renewable energy, water treatment and management, eco-efficient transport and mobility systems, and resilient infrastructures. Acciona has been carbon neutral since 2016. It recorded sales of €6.472 billion in 2020 and has a presence in more than 60 countries.

Raffy Montemayor

Montemayor noted there was a silver lining as inquiries in house and lots and lots only categories within Metro Manila grew more than 24 percent yearon-year and more than 42 percent yearon-year respectively, from January to February 2021. “That’s really amazing considering we’re comparing data with a pre-pandemic period. It’s clear that people are shifting from buying apartments in commercial business districts [CBDs] such as Bonifacio Global City and Makati and looking for bigger spaces even if it’s further away from the office,” he said. Meanwhile, the Lobien Realty Group (LRG) concurred with Montemayor as a big number of buyers are settling in less congested areas opting for more open spaces and greener surroundings, basing its analysis on the latest Residential Real Estate Price Index (RREPI) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas which reports a 0.8-percent year-on-year growth in house prices for 2020. The BSP has attributed this largely to the increase in prices of all types of housing units in areas outside the National Capital Region (AONCR) which grew by 5.9 per-

cent year-on-year. LRG sees the move to nearby provinces will grow further due to the numerous township projects which are currently being developed, as well as the completion of road infrastructure projects that are making travel to these locations easier and shorter. “LRG has noticed that condo dwellers are transferring to single detached houses as they prioritize their need for more open and greener space. It projects that preference for less congested living areas may continue until herd immunity against the Covid-19 virus is achieved through vaccination,” the property management firm said. Carousell wants to help in revitalizing the local property sector through the Carousell Property Online Expo, one of the biggest online property events in the country this year, happening from July 14 to 18, 2021. The online expo is also expected to provide a much-needed boost to the realestate industry, which is one of the many sectors badly affected by the pandemic. Through the event, developers, brokers and agents will have the opportunity to connect with buyers and showcase real-

estate developments that are on sale. Buyers, on the other hand, will be able to check out and purchase properties such as lots, house and lot, and condos, in the comforts of their homes. “We see this event as a great opportunity for sellers and buyers to connect safely and securely. The pandemic may have kept buyers from pursuing their goal of buying a new home, but with this event, they can get back on track and make their dream a reality. For brokers and agents, this is a great platform to secure leads, and showcase developments in their portfolio,” Montemayor said. “We’re bringing together property buyers and sellers in one virtual event to make purchasing property even simpler and safer especially during the pandemic.” Montemayor said the expo will have the theme “Every type of home, for every kind of person,” as the event will showcase homes that answer the needs, predicaments and motivations of buyers today. Participants can go on a virtual tour of the expo in an immersive 3D format, allowing prospective buyers to check complete details of properties they

want to buy. Further, buyers can also look forward to informative discussions on new practices and trends in property buying and selling during the “new normal;” and have a look into the Philippine property industry today. A complete guide to your next home and making the right property choice for buyers will also be discussed during the event. Buyers can also expect great deals when they reserve a property at the expo. RLC Residences, AboitizLand, Solar Resources, I-Land Properties are among the property developers that will be joining the expo. The speakers joining the online expo include David Leechiu, CEO of Leechiu Property Consultants; Andy Mañalac, chairman and cofounder of Havitas Developments Corp. and currently the company representative to the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Association; Gerald Evangelista, current president of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards Inc. and Noelle Alleje, managing director of The Property Forum Philippines, the leading auctioneer in the country today.

Iconic BGC tower W CityCenter secures LEED Gold certification

NYONE who frequents Bonifacio Global City (BGC) knows about the building with a protruding boomerang-shaped facade. This iconic structure, W CityCenter, is now the latest structure in the country to achieve LEED Gold certification from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the world’s leading sustainability and health certification body, as proof of its long-term sustainability as a healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green building. Built by the W Group Inc., a leading developer of world-class boutique projects in BGC, the W City Center in 7th Avenue corner 30th Street is a 29-story building completed in 2016, designed by New York-based architectural firm CAZA. W CityCenter houses leading local and multinational companies including Globe Telecom, Willis Towers Watson, Cardinal Health, and one of the largest multinational technology companies in the world. It is also the second building in the W Group’s portfolio to get a LEED certification after Citi Plaza. The certification further underscores the company’s commitment to creating globally attuned, grade-A projects that champion environmental awareness and public health and safety. GBCI conducted the review process, which confirms the certification of qualified buildings. The review scrutinizes the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of green buildings, ensuring that standards are met—or exceeded—in the following areas: sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. “LEED is a transformative tool that ensures a building is designed, constructed, and operated to achieve high performance, improve human health and protect the environment,” said Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, managing director, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, GBCI. “Buildings that achieve LEED certification are lowering carbon emissions, reducing operating costs, conserving resources, and prioritizing sustainable practices and human health. We applaud W Group Inc.’s phe-

As it commenced operations, more internal systems at the W CityCenter ensured tenants’ well-being and the environment’s benefit. These include the use of low flow fixtures like lavatory faucets and toilets that reduce water consumption by over 45 percent, installation of LED lighting, and energy-efficient cooling and ventilation systems to reduce energy consumption by 22 percent while maintaining thermal comfort and indoor air quality. W CityCenter is compliant with the ASHRAE 62.1-2007 indoor air quality standards, improving occupant comfort, well-being, and productivity. The building also utilizes paints, adhesives, sealants, and floor finishes, low in volatile organic compounds for a healthier indoor environment.

Certified future-proof

nomenal leadership here—projects like W CityCenter are leading the way toward a future where healthy people in healthy places will equal a healthy economy.”

Green features to enhance tenant well-being, environmental gains

As one of the company’s core project development principles, W Group factors the integration of sustainable practices in all its buildings including W CityCenter. During its construction, over 20 percent of the total cost of all materials was from recycled components such as glass, steel, and concrete with fly ash. Mean-

while, over 95 percent of W CityCenter’s construction waste was recycled and diverted from landfills to reduce negative environmental impact. The building is also built with a green roof and low-E double glazed windows to reject heat, and reduce cooling loads. The building’s eye-catching facade is a functional design, as it is made of highperformance low emissivity glass with special ceramic glass frit. This reduces W CityCenter’s solar heat gain while maintaining excellent light transmission inside of the building and quality views to the outside.

According to Francis Wee, W Group’s chief executive officer, the LEED certification of W CityCenter entails several benefits both for the company, its tenants, and communities. “A greencertified building allows us to provide world-class spaces to local and multinational locators who wish to nurture both their productivity and well-being. We are also able to operate at lower costs while the property increases its value as a future-ready investment. However, we believe that the environment stands to gain the most with sustainable building and operating practices like what we implement at W CityCenter. When we integrate the people and planet’s wellbeing in the structures we create, we are able to build for a kinder, environmentconscious future.” The W Group’s Citi Plaza gained its LEED Platinum certification in 2017 and remains as one of the most premier business towers and prominent landmarks in BGC. Both the W CityCenter and Citi Plaza are built and operated by the W Group subsidiary, W Landmark Inc., the company’s real-estate arm. For more information or leasing inquiries on W Group projects, visit www. wgroup.com.ph.

Subic bikers to police ranks after illegal race accident

By Henry Empeño

UBIC Bay Freeport—Local cycling groups have agreed with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to enforce selfregulation and promote responsible biking in the free port a week after several bikers were injured in an unsanctioned race here. In a meeting with local bikers last Saturday, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma called for the creation of volunteer marshals to police bikers’ ranks and enforce discipline while biking in Subic. “These volunteer marshals would be the eyes and ears of your groups to stop illegal bike races here, and they will be deputized by the SBMA,” Eisma said. She added that the marshals will have direct contact with SBMA law enforcers for better monitoring and speedy action. The proposal came to light after an illegal bike race was organized at the San Bernardino Road here on June 19 by a public-school teacher from Olongapo City. It was billed by the organizer to be a “friendly race” with a P20 entry fee for participants under three categories—mountain bike male, road bike female and road bike male. But the race apparently lacked safety measures, as a video that went viral on social media showed racers overtaking a container truck and crashing as they converged on one lane to overtake the vehicle. Several bikers, including a 14-year-old who reportedly sustained concussion, were injured as a result. The SBMA said the race did not have any permit and hence was illegal. It subsequently closed San Bernardino Road to bikers for “wanton disregard of safety” and “violation of health protocols being enforced in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.” In a June 19 advisory, Eisma said the reopening of San Bernardino to bikers “will be subject to the implementation of proper procedures that will govern such activities.” “As much as we encourage exercise and other physical activities among stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and take pride that Subic has become a popular destination for biking, we cannot allow activities that may endanger the life and limb of the public while they are inside the SBMA’s jurisdiction,” she added. The SBMA chief reiterated her call for safety in Saturday’s dialogue and pointed out that only responsible cycling can prevent a repeat of the accident—a point well-received among the road bike and mountain bike enthusiasts present during the consultation. In the same forum, renowned triathlete Coach Melvin Fausto fielded suggestions on rules that may be set for cyclists in Subic and pointed out that creating bike lanes would not be enough, and that self-discipline would be the key to having a safe and enjoyable bike ride. Also present in the dialogue was 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist John Leerams Chicano, a resident of Olongapo City.

Sports

| Wednesday, June 30, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

in Belgrade. “In the outside, it looks normal. They have a very high vaccination rate here,” he said. “You don’t see anybody wearing a mask, you’ll see life is normal here.” Despite Baldwin’s positive observation, the qualifiers are still being played inside a bubble. “Inside the bubble, we are restricted and we’re not allowed to go out,” he said. “We are not allowed to do anything other than get into the bus, go to the venue, practice and then come back to the hotel.”

ONTIVY, France—Early days in the Tour de France are always full of nervousness and crashes. What makes the latest a little different is that after just three days of frenetic racing two top contenders have already taken a hit. Last-year’s runner-up, Primoz Roglic, tumbled in a crash on Monday in Stage 3 in the western Brittany region, a few hours after 2018 champion Geraint Thomas also hit the ground. Defending champion Tadej Pogacar was lucky enough to stay on his bike but was slowed in another pileup. Tim Merlier of Belgium escaped the chaos and powered to his maiden stage victory. Merlier, who is not among the favorites in the general classification, won ahead of his Alpecin-Fenix teammate Jasper Philipsen and French rider Nacer Bouhanni. The final sprint was disrupted by another crash when Caleb Ewan’s front wheel slid from under him on the final turn. He brought down Peter Sagan with him. Ewan, who won two stages last year, broke his right collarbone and abandoned the three-week race. Saturday’s opening stage was marred by two big pileups—one caused by a spectator—and the latest brutal scenes prompted veteran sports director Marc Madiot from Groupama FDJ team to lash out over the lack of safety on the road. “Tonight, I don’t want to see my son become a professional rider,” Madiot said at the finish in the town of Pontivy. “My wife does not want to see my son on a bike. It’s been years that we are talking about (safety), we need to find solutions. It’s not bike racing anymore. One day there will be dead people.” Race leader Mathieu van der Poel rode safely at the front throughout the day and escaped unscathed to keep the yellow jersey he earned on Sunday with a blazing attack. AP

hiko Hoshina and Kodo Nakano in London 2012 and Rio 2016 editions, respectively. And the 39th ranked player in the world is wasting no time getting to prepare for the biggest fight of her career. Watanabe, a four-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalists, is currently in deep training at Waseda University in Japan, where she is currently based, un-

der her sensei Yazaki Yuta, a gold medal winner (-90 kg) at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan. Over the weekend, they did some hiking at the Yamanashi Prefecture. She has been regularly sparring with male judokas, Carter told the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

PETER SAGAN (left) crashes with Australia’s Caleb Ewan during the sprint towards the finish line of the third stage. AP

GILAS TAKES ON MIGHTY SERBIA By Josef Ramos

HE Philippines is up for a gargantuan task of toppling mighty Serbia at the start of the International Basketball Federation Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade. And besides the host team enjoying home court advantage, Gilas Pilipinas will be missing its top gunner, Dwight Ramos, who continues to nurse a groin injury he sustained in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers in Clark two weeks ago. “Dwight [Ramos] is a big no,” Gilas Pilipinas Head Coach Tab Baldwin told BusinessMirror in a phone interview from his Crown Plaza Hotel room in downtown Belgrade on Tuesday. The 22-year-old Ramos, Baldwin said, will be evaluated on a day-today basis. The Philippines-Serbia match is set at 2:15 a.m. (Manila time) on Thursday. Ramos was Gilas’s leading performer in the Clark qualifiers with averages of 13.8 points, 6.2

rebounds and 2.2 assists, numbers which will be sorely missed against the world No. 5 Serbians. Baldwin said that big men Carl Tamayo (sprained left ankle) and naturalized player 6-foot-11 Ange Kouame (deep knee bruise) are both good to go to are not expected to play 100 percent. “Carl is not 100 percent but he’s practising, while Ange is the same although he’s pretty good last night in training,” Baldwin said. The Filipinos will still be staring at a one-sided match although National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) and sweet-shooting Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks) are not playing in the qualifiers. It’s looking like a “No Jokic, No Bogdanovic, No Problem” for Serbia, which still has in its arsenal veteran point guard Milos Teodosic, Euroleague MVP Vasilije Micic, Dallas Mavericks 7-foot-3 center Boban Marjanovic, Miami Heat forward Nemanja Bjelica and Filip Petrusev. Despite the obviously big disparity, Baldwin said they will play the game “the right way whatever the

result would be.” “We are just going to go out there and take one possession at a time. We’re not worried about the result, we’re worried about playing well, and see where it takes us,” Baldwin said. “If the ball bounces our way, we play really well. Every time you go on the court, you’ll always have a chance [of winning].” Seven-foot-4 Kai Sotto will have his young skills and body tested heavily as he aims to become the first local-born Filipino to play in the NBA. The rest—Sam Josef Belangel, William Navarro, Justine Baltazar, RJ Abarrientos, Mike Nieto, Isaac Go, Geo Chiu and Jordan Heading—will also get a taste of world-class elite basketball ahead of 2023, the year the team is expected to mature and turn lethal as the Philippines cohosts the Fiba World Cup. “They are okay, and they are training very well. We are enthusiastic and excited,” Baldwin said. “We’ve been here for a few days, so we’re settled in, and we are ready to go.” Baldwin took time to praise the Covid-19 pandemic scenario

Fil-Jap Watanabe potential for podium finish–Carter

UST like in the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games, Kiyomi Watanabe is capable of pulling a surprise in the Tokyo Olympics. Dave Carter, president of the Philippine Judo Federation (PJF), said Watanabe winning a medal, much more a first ever Olympic gold for the country, is very pos

women’s -63 kg class. “Just like in Jakarta, she fought real hard. It happened. She defeated Korea and the others in her bracket, so anything is possible,” said Carter in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum online edition on Tuesday.

Watanabe clinched a berth in the Tokyo Games via continental quota as certified by the International Judo Federation, thus becoming the first Filipina judoka to make the Olympics, and the third straight Philippine bet in judo to see action in the quadrennial meet after Tomo-

GILAS Pilipinas lead gunner Dwight Ramos continues to nurse a groin injury. FIBA.BASKETBALL

Go: Health, safety of Olympics-bound athletes top priority MINISTRATION Senator Christopher Go, asserting that health of Filipino athletes remains “top priority,” pressed health authorities to thoroughly assess preparations for Tokyo Olympics amid lingering threats from the deadly Covid-19 contagion. Go stressed the need for health authorities to “regularly assess the pandemic situation” given the possibility of cancellation of

the Olympics set from July 23 to August 8. The Senator aired the need to be extra careful, in the wake of “increasing anxiety” that he said was being “felt around the globe towards the Covid-19 Delta variant which has been reported to be more contagious.” Interviewed after attending the launch of the Malasakit Center in Masbate Provincial Hospital in Masbate City, Go assured that the Duterte government will “continue to assess the situation

with utmost priority for protecting the health of Filipinos.” Citing mounting protests to cancel the upcoming Olympics amid the still raging Covid-19 contagion, the Senator suggested the need to weigh concerns on lives and health of Filipinos under threat of getting hit by the Covid viruss, “especially the Delta variant.” “As the Olympics draw near, let’s take a deeper look at the welfare, health and life of every Filipino competing in Tokyo,” Go

said. “This Delta variant is a real serious threat.” He recalled that just last Saturday, street protests marred Tokyo, pushing for the cancellation of the Olympics “due to the possible Covid-19 outbreak in Japan.” The Senator added that «another major issue expressed by several of the protesters was the vaccination situation in Japan as reports claim low immunization rates.” At the same time, the Duterte administration lawmaker asserted that the health and well-being of the athletes and all Filipinos will always be the government’s top priority.

And, after painfully witnessing a heartbreaking Game Two loss that saw Phoenix snatch a weird 104-103 win from the jaws of defeat, George somehow resolved to move on and endeavor to get the job done no matter what. Playing like there was no more tomorrow in the next game, George did everything he could and led the Clippers to a 106-92 victory in a crucial Game Three victory. That bailed Los Angeles out from falling into a critical 3-0 hole. And, although the Clippers failed to tie the best-of-seven series at 2-2 when endgame breaks didn’t go their way again in an 84-80 squeaker of a Game Four loss to the Suns, George valiantly fought elimi-

nation by literally owning Game Five with a grit sealed with zeal and sizzle. After powering the Clippers yesterday to a 59-52 halftime lead from decisive margins of 22-10 and 44-30, George transformed from beast to a virtual wrecking ball in the final half for the pivotal win that reduced Phoenix’s lead to 3-2. So devastating was George in the last two quarters that 30 of his total 41 points came in that span— his homestretch output more than half of the Clippers’ final half total of 57 points. Firing duds twice from behind the arc in the first half, George banged home 3-of-4 threes in the last half behind a torrid 83-percent shooting from the floor. Not to

mention 9 of his 12 rebounds came in the last two quarters. Yet, amid his heroics, George was a picture of humility. “We did this thing together,” George said. “My teammates helped me carry it through.” Reggie Jackson had 23 points, Marcus Morris 22 and DeMarcus Cousins, subbing well for the injured Ivica Zubac, 15 in backing up George. Jackson unleashed his threes in collaborating with George for a decisive 14-2 Clippers run after the Suns had closed in at 98-94, making Los Angeles’ 112-96 lead totally uncatchable from there. Can George and the Clippers sustain their momentum when the Suns try to close out the series

again in Thursday’s Game Six, this time in Los Angeles? Abangan! THAT’S IT. The state-of-the-art SMC Sports Complex in Pasig City is finally finished. Equipped with three air-conditioned basketball courts, it is home to SMC’s three PBA teams—the Beermen, Hotshots and Gin Kings. But for now, the two-storey edifice is a vaccination center to at least 800 persons a day in SMC’s continuing effort to help the nation attain herd community by the end of the year. Said SMC president Ramon S. Ang: “Even if our basketball teams can’t use the facilities yet, it is serving a meaningful purpose, and that is, protecting lives during the pandemic.” Cheers!

By Butch Fernandez

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma stresses the need for safety and discipline during a dialogue with bikers in the Subic Bay Freeport. HENRY EMPEÑO

LA Clippers alive because of George AL MENDOZA | alsol47@yahoo.com

THAT’S ALL IF your star shines in a basketball game, a win is almost as sure as night follows day. Paul George just proved that. Yesterday, George fired a game-high 41 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and issued 6 assists to power the Los Angeles Clippers to a 116-102 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix, Arizona.

ANOTHER CRASHMARRED STAGE

BusinessMirror

George is the Clippers’ remaining certified star after his fellow pillar Kawhi Leonard suffered a knee injury earlier that sidelined him for the rest of the NBA Western Conference Finals. But Leonard’s absence for several games now only provoked George to play harder, grittier and tougher as the series plods on.