BusinessMirror March 19, 2022

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‘FAST-PORTS’

The slow processing of passports due to Covid-19—a 4-M backlog in 2 pandemic years—is outpaced by the lightning speed of ‘entrepreneurs’ hijacking the online slot system, and DFA is investigating.

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By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

ORE than 4 million passport applications. This is the estimated number of people who were not serviced for the past two years since the pandemic began in 2020 and the Department of Foreign Affairs is overwhelmed at the sheer volume of demand for applicants now that restrictions have been eased and many are clamoring to go out of the country to work, business, study or leisure.

“The demand exceeds the supply largely due to the pandemic.

Just like any other government agencies, the DFA is constrained to limit the number of workers inside our consular buildings,” DFA Undersecretary Brigido Dulay said in an exclusive interview with the BusinessMirror.

Two years before the pandemic, the DFA processed 8.5 million passport applications, both in the Philippines and overseas.

However, due to the regulation set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the DFA had to restrict the number of applicants that it can service daily. So in 2020, only 1.7 million passport applications were released; and in 2021, around 2.5 million.

During the first two years of the pandemic, the DFA opened 14 additional temporary offsite passport services (TOPS)— those passport renewal services

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.: “Passport is the face of the DFA to the public.”

in the malls—which can process 46,000 applications in a span of seven working days. In theory, those TOPS could have processed around 1.5 million in a year.

No-show applicants

BUT when the DFA made a study on the production output

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 52.1670

numbers of TOPS, it found that around 20 percent of those who applied—and paid their passport applications online—did not show up on their scheduled appointments. “So that number impacts again our bottom line of backlog applications,” he said.

When asked if these no-show applicants contracted Covid-19 or got exposed to someone who got Covid-19, the DFA undersecretary said it is possible, but they have no data. He mentioned, though, that during the Omicron wave in January 2022, of the 400 slots opened to the public, only 100 appeared at the consular offices.

To plug the holes, the DFA thought of asking its consular employees to work overtime 24/7—which the Department of Budget and Management disallowed as the government rules only allow a maximum of 30 percent of time or up to 10 hours a day. Another suggestion was to hire three times more people to work on various shifts, but the DFA has no budget for that.

DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. also had thought of moving certain DFA employees from the diplomacy work to consular work “because passport is the face of the DFA to the public.”

Dulay said, “It is frustrating.

We want to meet the passport demand, but auditing and hiring rules are preventing us from doing so….In the end, we’ll just do the best that we can.”

Due to the demand for passport applicants, passport “fixing” made a comeback, this time online.

Anyone who needs to apply for passports should secure an appointment first through their website: passport.gov.ph/application. But it’s almost impossible

to secure an appointment, because the moment there are slots opened, the slots suddenly disappear in less than 30 minutes.

So, a number of entrepreneurial people have posted passport appointment services—claiming they can secure passport slots for anyone who wishes to pay more, on top of the regular passport fee of P950 for 12 working days or P1,200 expedited fee to release for seven days. The range given by these fixers is from P2,500 to P5,000 per passport.

PNP help sought

DULAY said they have asked the help of the Philippine National Police and other government enforcement agencies to help them track down those who are selling the passport slots online. For one, they have stopped giving slots to recruitment agencies—one of which they found to be selling their slots to a Facebook ticketing reseller. They have also allowed walk-ins for special needs applicants like overseas Filipino workers, minors, solo parents, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and those who need to travel for emergency purposes under the Courtesy Lane facility of the DFA Aseana consular headquarters, consular offices nationwide and embassies and consulates.

Compared to other government IDs which can be extended with an executive order or administrative fiat, the passport is the “only document in the Philippines that cannot be extended.”

The International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations which sets standards on international air navigation, requires that all passports worldwide

have a validity period. “We cannot implement our own rules, if we do, then the other countries will be affected as well,” Dulay explained.

Dulay believes that with the consular offices and TOPS now allowed to resume operations in full capacity at pre-pandemic levels, they can slowly cater to more applicants.

The TOPS can process 20,000 passports a day or 400,000 a month, and assuming there won’t be another hiccup to the operations like another Covid-19 wave, they can issue 4.8 million this year.

Next month, they are also targeting to open six more TOP sites in the provinces. And another “mega project” will be launched next month that hopefully can

accommodate 5,000 passport applications per day.

In the meantime, if your passport has indeed expired and you need to schedule an appointment, get a popcorn, nail filer, hair spa, read a book, watch your Netflix series, while waiting for the passport application site to open slots—and yes, even during wee hours. And be ready to type as fast as you can, current passport number, credit card or debit card number at the draft notepad ready for cut-and-paste, and make sure your Internet connection is steady and quite fast as you only have a 30-minute window to finish one application. If you missed filing the application, that slot will be available again to someone waiting.

n JAPAN 0.4398 n UK 68.5996 n HK 6.6733 n CHINA 8.2185 n SINGAPORE 38.5423 n AUSTRALIA 38.4732 n EU 57.8636 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.9045

Source: BSP (March 18, 2022)

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A2 Saturday, March 19, 2022

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Pandemic postcard: Covid-19 outbreak leaves Hong Kong in limbo

By Alice Fung & Zen Soo

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The Associated Press

ONG KONG —As a Covid-19 outbreak overwhelms Hong Kong, it’s hard for its 7.4 million residents to know what’s next.

Uncertainty is the only certainty as store shelves are stripped of goods, mainland Chinese companies throw up sprawling isolation and testing centers and the government sends mixed messages on whether it will lock down the population for a citywide mass testing.

Pandemic restrictions have sucked much of the energy out of a cosmopolitan city known for its neon lights and dense crowds. The latest closure, announced Wednesday, is public beaches.

An overburdened health system means those who get infected often have to fend for themselves.

And the death toll, particularly among the elderly, keeps rising.

“It’s a helpless situation,” said Wong Wing-tsang, a single mother who spent days trying to get a doctor’s appointment for her 10-yearold daughter who tested positive earlier this month. “We can only count on ourselves.”

After keeping the virus mostly at bay for nearly two years, Hong Kong authorities have been unable to bring under control an outbreak driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

So many people have been infected that there aren’t enough drivers for the city buses and subways or clerks to keep some stores open.

China’s response

CHINA has responded by sending experts, medical staff and construction crews, expanding capacity but also raising fears that Hong Kong might adopt tough mainland-style restrictions, notably its lockdowns of entire cities.

Anxious residents have stockpiled daily necessities, as the government flip-flops on plans for mass testing and a possible lockdown. Infections among truck drivers interrupted shipments of meat and vegetables from main-

A WOMAN stands on an empty street usually packed with shoppers in Causeway Bay, a famous shopping district in Hong Kong, on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Hong Kong’s neon lights are still on, but Covid-19 has turned off a lot of the city’s usual energy. Instead, now there is an unusual sense of limbo. Busy shopping streets and office districts are very much emptier than ever before. AP/ VINCENT YU

A MAN sits on an empty tram usually packed with passengers in Causeway Bay, March 10, 2022.

land China, prompting worries of shortages and deliveries by sea.

“Honestly, I think government policies keep changing all the time and it’s hard for residents to follow,” said Alison Hui, a Hong Kong resident. “We don’t know if an announcement is real or not. It really makes us feel very worried.”

Last month, officials announced citywide, mass testing slated for March but said there were no plans for a lockdown.

Days later, as cases surged, officials acknowledged that a lockdown was under consideration, prompting residents to wipe out supermarket shelves to stock up on food.

Then, two weeks after the February announcement, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that the citywide testing had taken a temporary backseat as authorities focused on reducing the number of deaths and critical cases, but she didn’t say when the testing might happen.

Hong Kong was able to stamp out four earlier outbreaks with tough “zero Covid” restrictions that temporarily shuttered businesses, limited public gatherings and imposed entry curbs such as lengthy quarantine stays for arrivals and flight bans from countries deemed high-risk.

Infection on the rise

THAT has changed with the fifth wave. Since it began at the end of December, over 760,000 infections have been reported, with more than 4,300 deaths. Mortuaries are so full that refrigerated containers had to be set up to

AP/VINCENT YU

store some of the bodies.

Many more infections are likely going unaccounted for as residents self-test with rapid antigen tests and isolate at home.

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong estimated that nearly 3.6 million people—about half of the city’s population—have been infected as of March 14, based on modeling and data.

Lam, who has begun holding daily news conferences on the outbreak, said Wednesday that it appears to have peaked on March 3 and then showed a downward trend, though it has leveled off since last Friday.

Mainland authorities have helped build emergency hospitals and inflatable testing labs.

“This is an unprecedented situation,” Lam said earlier, saying it had outgrown the capacity of the city government.

Wong, the single mother, said the only help she got from the government was a pack of five rapid antigen test kits. She sent her daughter to live with her motherin-law, who was also infected, because there was no way to isolate at their home.

“I had no choice. I couldn’t let her isolate at home alone, and we don’t have enough bedrooms to separate us properly,” she said.

The pandemic has brought many businesses to their knees.

Some restaurants, once again restricted to takeout and delivery after 6 p.m., have shuttered for good.

Many shops in malls have temporarily closed—some for lack

of business, others because they are understaffed as workers have tested positive. Hair salons were allowed to reopen recently, but gyms and bars were ordered shut in January and won’t reopen until after mid-April at the earliest.

‘Guided by the blind’

FEWER subway trains and buses are running as hundreds of employees contract the coronavirus.

Some multinational companies have relocated outside of Hong Kong, while others have temporarily sent senior executives elsewhere amid the uncertainty.

Mak Sin Chang, a Singaporean who has lived in Hong Kong for eight years, said he would consider leaving if he got a job elsewhere. He said the government should offer a road map for exiting the pandemic so people could see light at the end of the tunnel.

“Now we are all living in darkness, guided by the blind,” he said.

It’s a major setback from late last year, when Hong Kong had gone months without any locally spread cases and was working to get the quarantine requirement in mainland China lifted for people entering from Hong Kong.

“Everything was really starting to look up by the end of 2021, because we were looking forward to opening up with China,” said Francis Lun, an investment manager and a veteran market commentator. “But all of a sudden, the omicron hit, and it’s completely out of control now.”

After two years, he said, “there’s no end in sight.”

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

News

New SBMA chief Paulino Sr. aims for ‘fast, friendly, flexible’ Subic

By Henry Empeño

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UB I C B AY F R E E P O RT — N e w l y installed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen Paulino Sr. on Thursday outlined the policy thrust of his administration to make the Subic Bay Freeport Zone more conducive to investment and business following two years of economic slowdown under the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We need to make Subic fast, friendly, and flexible to encourage business,” Paulino said during his first media briefing here following his appointment to the Subic agency on March 1.

“Investors need assurance that we (the SBMA) shall help them. For the past two years the investors have already suffered a lot; let’s give them a chance to make a comeback now,” he added.

Paulino, a former mayor of nearby Olongap o C it y, sai d t ha t u pon hi s assumption to the SBMA, he has ordered the speedy issuance of the Certificate of Regi s t r a t i o n a n d Ta x E x e m p t i o n (CRTE), which is required for businesses operations here.

“If the CRTEs took quite a time to be issued before, now it’s already faster,” Paulino said, adding that he patterned it after the one-day processing time that he introduced in Olongapo City when he was mayor.

“Give (the investors) a checklist, and let them operate if the deficiencies in requirements are minimal—provisional permits are okay,” he said. “Then, just penalize them if they can’t comply with what’s on the checklist later on.”

Paulino’s pronouncement of support to business came after the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) issued a white paper detailing factors that allegedly impeded business success in Subic.

“The current system is inefficient and bureaucratic. It is difficult to do business in the Freeport,” the SBFCC said in a 10page manifesto.

“Reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic, much has further come to light with regard to the limitations and ability of SBMA to meet the needs of their locators.

Businesses are now finding it ever more difficult to survive,” it added.

Among the solutions proffered by the SBFCC is for the SBMA to “focus on its role as IPA (investment promotion agency) and relegate to a secondary purpose its mandate to regulate.”

I n T h u r s d a y ’s b r i e f i n g , P a u l i n o appeared to be taking this tack. He said that his administration would fully support investors with friendly policies “because that’s their lifeline.”

“If we helped our investors, then they themselves will promote Subic to others and help us attract more business here,” he added.

Pimentel III tells Comelec to shape up; Imee says Smartmatic could face raps for security breach

By Butch Fernandez

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O W, m o r e t h a n e v e r, t h e Commission on Elections must carry out corrective measures to ensure transparency in the sensitive aspects of the election process as it prepares for May 9, especially given lingering questions about alleged security breaches.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III made the call after observers assailed their being shut out during the printing of ballots and preparation of the SD cards for the vote counting machines at some points of Comelec preparations.

This, as Sen. Imee Marcos, who earlier reported a “serious security breach” in Comelec’s software contractor Smartmatic, advised the poll body to do random checks on the ballots that were already printed and the SD cards of the vote counting machines, which were not witnessed by observers from political parties and election watchdogs.

If necessar y, said Marcos, also chairman of the Electoral Reforms committee, Comelec should pull out the SD cards to ensure that no votes have been pre-loaded on these.

Pimentel acknowledged Comelec’s efforts to do everything to ensure clean and orderly elections, but added that several of its key activities that should have been open to observers were closed off.

For transparency’s sake, Comelec should find a way to give the public a chance to scrutinize what it has so far done but which were not witnessed by election watchdogs.

Like Marcos, Pimentel suggested random checks on printed ballots and SD cards.

E a r l i e r, e l e c t i o n w a t c h d o g s a n d

information technology experts complained that they—and political parties—were not given access to the National Printing Office (NPO) where ballots are being printed, contrary to past practice.

Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo sought the understanding of senators and other stakeholders, explaining that they were just taking precautions against Covid-19 in limiting entry at NPO. He promised to allow political parties and accredited citizen’s arms to do random checks on ballots.

As of Thursday, March 17, some 50 million ballots have been printed, or 78.7 percent of the 67.44 million ballots to be printed.

Smartmatic’s liability

M eanwhile , S m a r t m a t i c m a y f a c e criminal charges for the “security breach” in the release of election data in their safekeeping, said Marcos.

She said Smartmatic couldn’t explain liability even though what has been described as a security breach is not an organic employee.

As Comelec’s software provider, Smartmatic is responsible for ensuring data privacy at all times, Marcos stressed.

Actually, she said, this could a be basis for Comelec cancelling their contract with Smartmatic, but conceded that this is not practical given that there are only 52 days left before elections.

Meanwhile, she said, both Comelec and Smartmatic must make sure this is not repeated, adding that she does not believe Comelec’s assurance that the data exposed is old and useless.

She said user names, passwords and Smartmatic flow charts were exposed.

BusinessMirror

Saturday, March 19, 2022

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More ‘invisibly underemployed’ people in January–PSA data T

By Cai U. Ordinario

HERE were more Filipinos looking for better employment opportunities despite working for more than 40 hours a week in January 2022, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Results of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) showed 2.55 million Filipinos were considered “invisibly underemployed” in January 2022. This was a 23.83-percent increase from the 2.06 million recorded in January 2021.

The number of Filipinos invisibly underemployed in January was 12.99 percent higher than the 2.26 million in December 2021 and 9.05 percent higher than the 2.34 mi l lion in October 2021.

“Invisible underemployment rate or the proportion of underemployed persons working at least 40 hours in a week was estimated at 5.9 percent in January 2022. This was higher than the reported rate in January 2021 (5 percent), October 2021 (5.3 percent) and December 2021 (4.9 percent),” PSA said.

Underemployment grew 14.9 percent in January 2022, slightly higher than the 14.7 percent in December 2021. However, the underemploy-

ment rate in January was still higher at 16 percent.

Underemployed persons or employed persons are Filipinos who expressed desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have an additional job, or to have a new job with longer hours of work.

The PSA said visible underemployment rate, or the proportion of underemployed persons working less than 40 hours in a week was reported at 8.9 percent in January 2022. This was lower than the 11 percent in the same period last year.

This estimated visible underemployment rate was also lower than the October 2021 and December 2021 estimates at 10.7 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively. The level of underemployment also slightly increased from 14.7 percent to 14.9 percent.

Omicron in January Meanwhile, in January 2022, the country’s employment situation improved to 93.6 percent this year from 91.2 percent in January 2021. This estimated rate was also higher than the employment rate in the previous quarter’s 92.6 percent.

However, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said the employment situation could

have been better if not for the Omicron surge in January.

“The Omicron surge caused a temporary decline in our employment levels. Now that we have contained the spread of the virus and shifted to Alert Level 1 (AL1) in most parts of the country, we look forward to an improvement in employ ment outcomes in the coming months,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said.

Since March 15, 2022, 70 percent of the economy has already shifted to AL1. This means that more restrictions were removed on travel and capacity limits on establishments were eased.

Neda said this translates to an additional P10.8 billion per week of economic activity for the country and 195,000 less unemployed over the next quarter, compared to AL2.

Chua also emphasized the need to reopen all schools in AL1 areas for face-to-face learning as this will provide a big boost to the economy, enable children to learn more, and allow more parents to go back to work.

“We reiterate the need for the full and urgent resumption of face-to-face classes to maximize the benefits of Alert Level 1. This can increase economic activity by around P12 billion per week due to the return of related

services around schools. It will also free up the time of parents, one in four of whom have to skip or reduce work hours in order to assist their children with online classes at home,” Chua added.

Safety nets To cushion the most vulnerable from the impact of inflationary pressures due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the government will distribute targeted subsidies of P6.1 billion.

Among the primary beneficiaries are transport and agriculture and fisheries sector workers.

At the same time, the government also plans to provide unconditional cash transfers of P2,400 for the bottom 50 percent of households to mitigate the impact of rising prices of basic goods.

Neda has also recommended a four-day workweek, with 10 hours each day, as a measure to help conserve energy and reduce transportation costs. The same strategy was employed during the 1990s in the midst of the Gulf War and in 2008 amid high oil prices.

“As we continue to face these temporary setbacks, the government is determined to support our workers by putting in place these measures to help all affected sectors,” said Chua.

Duterte says he still considers Russian leader Putin ‘a friend’

By Samuel P. Medenilla

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resident Duterte said he still considers Russian President Vladimir Putin a friend, despite the latter’s involvement in killing civilians in Ukraine.

As proof of this friendship with the Russian leader, Duterte said, he even

visited Russia twice, while he never visited the United States, which is a close ally of the country, despite the invitation he received from the US government.

“Putin is a personal friend,” Duterte said during the inauguration of the New Leyte Provincial Complex in Leyte last Thursday.

Duterte said he is hurt by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which

has led to the displacement of thousands of people. He said he hopes the ongoing conflict, which started after Russian forces attacked Ukraine last month, will stop as soon as possible to prevent further casualties.

“We have to end this stupid war. Other countries, Europe will die if Russia wreaks havoc,” Duterte said.

The turmoil, he added, has already led to the death of civilians.

“Putin is killing civilians there. As for me, who do I kill? I kill criminals,” Duterte said.

The United Nations Human Rights Office earlier this week said at least 636 civilians persihed from the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

RCEF rice seed distribution commences this wet season T he Department of Agriculture— Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) is set to distribute 1.8 million bags of certified seeds to more than 740,000 farmers this 2022 wet season through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program.

The seeds, which will be rolled out from March 16 to Sept. 15 with the assistance of local government units (LGUs), are expected to be planted in at least 830,000 hectares of the program’s 42 target provinces.

These include Ifugao, Kalinga, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Albay, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

Certified inbred rice seeds will also be distributed in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Biliran, Samar (Western Samar), Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Farmers in Lanao Del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Davao de

Oro, Davao Del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao are also among the program recipients.

“This is our 6th season of implementation.

Through a series of surveys, we found that there were gradual increases in the yield of our target provinces. While this cannot be credited solely to the program, we recognize that the certified seeds greatly contributed.

Thus, we strive to keep improving our operations so that the beneficiaries would receive the provision properly and on time, and eventually reap the benefits of using certified seeds. With the challenges that our farmers are facing today, they need all the kind of support they could get,” PhilRice RCEF Program Management Office Director Flordeliza Bordey said.

From the Sept. 2019 to March 6, 2022, DA-PhilRice and its partner-LGUs have distributed around 8.62-million seed bags to more than 1-million farmers within five cropping seasons.

Survey results showed that the average

yield of the RCEF Seed recipients increased from 3.65 tons per hectare (t/ha) and 3.69t/ha in the 2019 dry (DS) and wet seasons (WS), respectively, to 4.02t/ha (DS) and 3.93t/ha (WS) in 2020. These further grew to 4.22t/ha (DS) and 4.03t/ ha (WS) in 2021.

The Philippine Statistics Authority also reported that the national palay output also increased from 18.81 million metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) in 2019, to 19.29 M mt/ ha in 2020. In 2021, palay output reached 19.96 M mt/ha and is by far, the highest recorded palay output in the country in recent years.

Aside from increased yields, some of the program’s farmer-beneficiaries also value their reduced production cost because of the free certified seeds.

“Because the seeds are already free, the budget is reallocated to fund our household needs and children’s schooling.

Also, because the seeds are high quality, my harvest increased from 80-cavan to 100-120 cavan (in a hectare),” RCEF Seed beneficiary Porfirio Panlaqui of Mexico,

Pampanga shared.

“RCEF seeds produce several tillers.

From 50 to 70 cavan, I can now harvest 100-130 cavan. I have then saved my seed fund for other farm inputs,” Danilo Pundo of Dipaculao, Aurora, for his part, said.

Meanwhile, DA-PhilRice continues to urge rice farmers in the 42 provinces to register in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture or RSBSA as it is the basis of the LGUs in determining the qualified program beneficiaries. Each beneficiary can receive one sack or 20 kilograms of seeds for every half hectare.

The RCEF-Seed Program is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which allots P10 billion fund every year for the rice farmers. Sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, the program is a six-year government initiative to help the farmers compete in the international rice market. DA-PhilRice leads the RCEF-Seed Program and is the government’s lead agency on rice research and development mandated to help ensure a rice-secure Philippines.

BBM camp cheered by Publicus Asia poll results; Splat Comms claims ‘game over’

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UBLICUS Asia’s Pahayag Survey latest results showing a 55-percent voters’ preference rating for presidential frontrunner former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. less than two months before the May 9, 2022 elections “is very humbling and inspires us to work even harder,” his campaign team said Friday.

“The consistent upward trajectory of Bongbong Marcos is a remarkable proof that an overwhelming number of Filipinos have embraced his message of unity, the call to look into the future, work towards nation building and meet the collective aspirations of our people and once again occupy our rightful place as Filipinos in the community of nations,”

Atty. Vic Rodriguez, the former senators’ Chief of Staff and Spokesperson, said in a statement.

At the same time, however, Rodriguez called on UniTeam supporters “not to be complacent until every vote is cast and every ballot accounted for on election day.”

‘Game over’—Splat Comms

Meanwhile, an information and statistical data provider has made a fearless forecast that the game is over, claiming Filipinos have already spoken even before the first ballot is cast.

Splat Comms made this assessment after results of Kalye Surveys showed the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer amassing 54.2 percent

in the latest Kalye survey results.

Based on the summation of Kalye Surveys conducted nationwide from March 1 to 15 with 3,000 respondents, Marcos’ 54.2 percent is way ahead of his rivals as the race enters the homestretch.

He is followed by Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo with a measly 13.4 percent.

These latest developments, it said, bolstered the results from other polling firms like Pulse Asia, Publicus, SWS, OCTA Research, DZRH, showing Marcos leading over his rivals.

Manny Pacquiao is third with 8.5 percent, while Isko Domagoso is close behind him with 8 percent.

Panfilo Lacson placed fifth with 1.8

percent.

Splat Communications, an information and statistical data provider that works jointly with consulting firm Simplified Strategic Solutions (to produce the Kalye Survey tallies, said the undecided was at 13.23 percent.

“It’s really game over, folks … Even before the first ballot is cast, the Filipinos have spoken—game over,” Splat said.

It added that there was a +/- 1.79 percent margin of error and the confidence level was at 95 percent.

Based on the Kalye Surveys at the National Capital Region, BBM obtained 58 percent; Domagoso had 29 percent; Robredo tallied 8 percent; Pacquiao had 2.7 percent, and Lacson got 1.3 percent.

Undecided was at 1 percent.

In the Balance of Luzon, which covered regions from the Cordillera Administrative Region and Ilocos Region to the Bicol Region, BBM scored 55.2 percent; Robredo had 18.9 percent; Domagoso had 7.3 percent; Pacquiao got 2.6 percent, and Lacson got 2 percent.

The undecided was at 14.1 percent.

Marcos also led in the Visayas with 40.1 percent.

Pacquiao and Robredo were statistically tied for second and third spots with 15.3 percent and 14.4 percent, respectively.

Domagoso followed with 4.9 percent; Lacson was last with 2.2 percent. Undecided was at 23 percent.

In Mindanao, Marcos was also leading huge with 61.3 percent.

Pacquiao was second with 17.5 percent; Domagoso was third with 6.8 percent. Robredo and Lacson occupied the fourth and last spot with 3.8 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively.

Undecided was at 9.4 percent.

“Former Senator Ferdinand ‘BBM’ Marcos Jr. maintains his nationwide majority preference share at 54.2 percent. He ranked first in all cluster of regions except for the Visayas where his preference share fell before the majority zone,” Splat said.

“However, he still has a comfortable 24 percent lead points over his nearest opponent,” Splat added.

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Saturday, March 19, 2022

Tourist arrivals breach 100K as PHL remains easiest destination to visit

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

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OURIST arrivals in the country breached the 100,000 mark as the country’s easy travel requirements make it the most attractive destination to visit in Southeast Asia.

Data provided by the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed tourist arrivals reached 102,031 from February 10 to March 16, 2022. Of this number, foreign travelers hit 57,741, outpacing balikbayan (homecoming Filipinos) tourists, which reached 44,290. The data was generated from the government’s One Health Pass, a form filled up by arrivals in the country.

In a news statement, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat reflected on the surge in tourists: “We are happy to see the gradual reopening of our borders finally bearing fruit as evidenced by the much higher foreign visitor arrivals. This will help safeguard the industry’s revival, providing more jobs and livelihoods to Filipinos in the tourism sector.”

Per market, tourists from the United

States remained the top arrivals for the period in review, reaching 22,243. They were followed by Canadians at 4,852; the United Kingdom at 4,386; South Koreans at 3,748; Australians at 3,387; Vietnamese at 2,656; Germans at 1,976; and Japanese at 1,752. Other top markets were France with 1,039 tourists; Malaysia at 1,025; the Netherlands at 822; and Singapore at 820.

Romulo Puyat expects the growth in foreign tourist arrivals to further expand; the Department of Foreign Affairs will start processing visa applications for fully vaccinated tourists from non-visa free countries starting April 1, and tourists now have the option to take a laboratory-based antigen test 24 before departure from their point of origin.

When the Philippines reopened to foreign travelers on February 10, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) relaxed entry protocols for fully-vaccinated leisure travelers from visa-free countries and initially required them to submit a negative result from an RT-PCR test taken within

48 hours from their point of origin.

In comparison, other destinations in Southeast Asia still require visitors to quarantine or take Covid tests upon arrival.

“Our numbers are still far from prepandemic levels, but we are optimistic that this will continue to increase amid the sustained decline in Covid-19 cases in the country as well as the ongoing efforts of the Philippine government to improve its healthcare capacity,” said Romulo Puyat. “On the DOT’s part, we shall continue working with the IATF, our partners in the government, and the private sector in coming up with measures that will sustain this growth,” she stressed.

Sharing of hotel rooms now allowed Meanwhile, the DOT reminded hotels and other accommodation establishments that in areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3, guests from different households may now share rooms.

The agency issued the clarification after receiving a report that a 5-star hotel located in Boracay’s Station 1 refused to

book a guest’s reservation, and insisted that DOT guidelines precluded them from allowing the shared-room booking, which was for a family living in different households. The hotel’s published rate on its basic room is about P13,800 a night.

Boracay is under AL1.

Under Administrative Order number 2022-001 (Guidelines on the Operations of Hotels and Other Accommodation Establishments under the Alert Level Systems for Covid-19) issued on January 31, only guests from different households will be allowed to book single occupancy rooms in regular hotels in areas under AL4 and 5.

But for areas under AL1, 2, and 3, hotels are allowed to book guests “up to full room occupancy,” regardless of whether or not they are from the same or differed housesholds. (https://bit.ly/3N8I9DY) In a news statement, the DOT chief said, “Any violation of these guidelines, which may include making any false, deceptive, or misleading claims for the purpose of soliciting business from guests and clients will subject the hotels to penalties and fines, depending on the gravity of offense.”

Cebu-based RoRo shipping company granted fiscal perks

By Manuel T. Cayon

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AVAO CITY—The Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) has approved tax incentives to a Cebu City-based shipping company, specializing in rollon roll-off (RoRo) passenger and cargo operations.

Finance Secretary and FIRB Chairman Carlos Dominguez III said the incentives include four years of income tax holiday, five years of enhanced deductions, and 11 years of duty exemption on importations.

The company is set to operate the Cebu City-Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City route with an investment of P1.5-billion. It

would reduce travel time and still offers a comparable rate, “setting itself apart in the market as a convenient, cost-friendly, and competitive inter-island vessel in the country,” FIRB said in a news statement.

Dominguez said the tax incentive approval for the transportation player “aligns with the national government’s aim to modernize transportation and to increase competition in the shipping industry in the Philippines.”

Trade Secretary and FIRB co-chairman Ramon Lopez said the project would be generating revenues for the government “even after the incentive period which is a substantial economic benefit the FIRB considers in granting tax incentive applications”.

Lopez said there were limited shipping lines serving the Cebu-CDO-Cebu route, “thus, the entry of a new player would contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s water transport with focus on passenger safety, welfare, and comfort.”

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investment Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said the potential benefits from the project “are estimated to outweigh the cost of granting incentives, which are primarily driven by additional revenues from the activity and substantial domestic spending on direct materials”.

With increased access to sea transportation, he said, the project was expected to stimulate a higher flow of goods and services between the cities of Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. The company said that apart from an increase in productivity and efficiency of the transport of goods and services, it would also seek to stimulate industry linkages and agricultural trade between Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao.

In 2021, the FIRB approved tax incentives applications of five bigticket projects, involving manufacturing activities and the construction of mass housing units, with a combined investment capital of P119.5 billion.

Survey result puts premium on emotional and mental health wellness in workplace

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eeping employees glued to their computer screen for hours that prevent them from getting enough sleep and physical activity, and failing to provide them with nutritious meals are just some of the ways modern workplaces contribute to the poor health of many people.

In response, concerned employers now include health and wellness programs and better access to medical services in their employees’ benefits.

However, findings of the PhilCare Wellness Index: The Philippine Roadmap to the Next Normal survey reveal that Filipino employees may find these health and wellness programs wanting in terms of addressing their real health and wellness concerns.

Of the 1,500 working Filipino survey respondents, almost all (9 out of 10 or 93.3 percent) chose “gaining people’s respect” as one of the factors that best predict their overall health and wellness, followed by leading a purposeful and meaningful life (8 out of 10 or 89.1 percent) and having a good work-family balance (86.5 percent).

“While company-provided wellness programs remain highly important for employees when considering a role, they can’t replace life-long goals and meaningful relationships in making an individual feel healthy and whole,” said PhilCare President

and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.

PhilCare believes employers can support the study’s findings without the need to come up with special initiatives. They just need to consider improving their existing policies and practices.

For example, employers can become more accountable to their team by adjusting their operations to keep employees on the payroll during the pandemic, they can put more effort in encouraging employees to balance work and family time, or they can find more ways to better create a working environment that promotes friendship and lifts morale.

The Wellness Index also found that 8 out of 10 (87.2 percent) of its respondents agree that their workplace’s clear response strategy to the economic impact of the pandemic has positively affected their health and wellbeing, while 9 out of 10 (95.9 percent) consider having a good relationship with their colleagues important.

“A safe working environment is not just about being Covid-19-free or preventing accidents; it’s also about proactively looking after the emotional and mental health of employees,” said Tanco.

“Since people generally spend a great deal of their time at work, employers should encourage employee interactions that promote trust and respect, as well as boost confidence.”

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Leni told: Catch up with BBM in surveys to win Palace derby

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

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ITH less than two months prior to the 2022 national elections, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo has a lot of catching up to do to outperform former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the presidential race, according to a political analyst.

The lone woman running for the top position in the country is only a distant second at 15 percent to Marcos, who still maintained the No. 1 position with a 60-percent voter preference rating in the February Pulse Asia survey.

Assuming that she has 18 percent to 20 percent solid followers, or around 13 million of the 65 million registered voters in the country, such figure is not enough for her to win in the upcoming polls, said Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, founder and managing director of the Stratbase Group, during the virtual General Membership Meeting of the Chamber of Thrift Banks on Wednesday.

“So the challenge for VP Leni is to have that surge,” he said of the increase in following she needs like what had transpired in her recent campaign sorties, including the massive turnouts of 70,000 and 75,000 “Kakampink” supporters who joined her rallies in Cebu and Negros, respectively.

“I believe if she gets a surge from these rallies, they will reach a point whereby even the followers of [Senator Manny] Pacquiao, even the followers of [Manila Mayor Isko] Moreno will gravitate towards that because we tend to see that,” he added.

Manhit likened the fate of Robredo to Senator Grace Poe, who initially topped in pre-election surveys but suddenly dropped to No. 3 when she eventually lost to then mayor now President Rodrigo Duterte during the 2016 presidential polls.

Given that in the Philippine political landscape, wherein the “people tend to jump to the leading candidate” in surveys, he pointed out that “she needs to have that catch up.”

Wearing his hat as a strategist and political analyst, he advised Robredo’s supporters to do the “non-linear way” in backing her up to win the May 9 elections.

“Allow Moreno to rise in NCR (National Capital Region), allow Pacquiao to rise in Mindanao, pay it away votes for Marcos because the votes of Marcos would not go deep when he slowly rise,” he explained.

Such strategy, according to Manhit, has a probability that Leni can win just like how Fidel V. Ramos won in the 1992 presidential polls, garnering 24 percent of the votes.

“At that time, there were seven major candidates. Now, we have 5. So what we see in VP Leni, it needs to be translated into actual conversion. People [who] are so excited to come out that day needs to see that there’s a little over 50 days.

Let’s knock on the door, change peoples’ views about VP Leni and convert them,” he said.

For Robredo’s camp, Manhit suggested them to focus on the “key battleground,” comprised of NCR with 73.2 percent of the total registered voters and 30 provinces with high number of electorates.

ILO, Japan launch five new water systems in Mindanao

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he International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Japan recently launched five new water systems that will provide safe and clean water to more than 3,000 households in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and a Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area in Cotabato.

Under the ILO-Japan Water and Sanitation Project, community members, indigenous peoples and former combatants built the water systems in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where access to safe water is lower than the national average in the Philippines.

“The project has contributed to building peace, promoting decent work, and reducing poverty. Communities, including former combatants, indigenous peoples, and vulnerable groups have gained access to decent work and livelihoods with better working conditions and social protection benefits.

These are integral to sustainable development and a human-centred recovery from COVID-19,” said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.

The ILO and the Government of Japan handed over the water systems on March 9, 10 and 15, 2022 in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and a Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area in Cotabato. The partnership, which started in 2019 provided decent jobs and promoted peace through improved water supply and sanitation services in BARMM. “Food, water, shelter, and livelihoods are among the prerequisites to attaining personal security. By ensuring better access to these basic necessities, we empower the people to realize their own potential, and eventually, to contribute to the development of their own society. This is the principle of Human Security that Japan is strongly advocating for,” said Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

In Balabagan, Lanao del Sur, three new water systems built by

269 workers will benefit over 2,000 households in five barangays. A melting pot of various cultures, Balabagan is home to the Maranaos, settlers, and indigenous peoples who used to buy drinking water for $2 per 200-litre drum.

Meanwhile, more than a thousand households and a school with 292 enrolled children in a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) community in Barangay Nanga-an, Kabacan, Cotabato have also gained access to safe and clean water. About 57 local workers built the water system, the majority of them former combatants. The Level II water system has 22 tap stands where safe and clean water will flow.

In Datu Piang, 82 locals from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) community of the historical Barangay Reina Regente, Datu Piang, Maguindanao hurdled challenges of access and security to build a water system benefitting 95 households. About 34 per cent of local workers engaged by the project were women, while 32 percent were former combatants.

With support from ILO’s Implementing Partner, A Single Drop for Safe Water Inc., workers were trained in skills development and water construction. They received the minimum wage and social protection benefits. The project further ensured safety and health through the observance of occupational safety and health protocols that are also Covid-19 responsive. Issues were resolved through social dialogue, as the project also promoted equal opportunity, and involved communities in every step of the implementation.

B A R M M of f ic i a l s s uc h a s Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) parliament member Romeo Sema, Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) Minister and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairperson Muslimin Sema and other key local government officials witnessed the handover of the five new water systems in Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

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

The World

Beijing credit investors find themselves at back of the line

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nvestors in China’s $870 billion of offshore bonds are facing up to the realities of being last in line as borrowers struggle to pay during an unprecedented wave of distress that’s sent defaults to a record.

Already behind their onshore peers in the pecking order, hurdles faced by dollar-note holders in their efforts to claw back money are growing. They include backroom deals that give priority to undisclosed private lenders, unfavorable extensions and payment delays—all underscoring poor governance at debtors and the diminished power of creditors.

The new reality comes in the wake of China’s property-market collapse, a result of Beijing’s crackdown on leverage and the ensuing credit crunch. What was once one of the world’s most-profitable corporate debt markets has turned sour for many global investors.

Since the crisis started to flare up in November, holders of more than 350 China real-estate offshore bonds suffered as much as $87 billion in potential mark-tomarket losses, according to Bloomberg Intelligence estimates earlier this month.

At least 18 developers have sought to delay payments on offshore debt since September, according to data compiled by Standard Chartered Plc and Bloomberg.

More than a dozen have defaulted.

While onshore creditors are also weathering the same storm, their recovery rates in out-of-court settlements have historically been higher, with some paid in full, Fitch Ratings said in September.

Builders make up all $4.8 billion of this year’s offshore bond defaults

by Chinese borrowers, according to Bloomberg-compiled data.

“Companies have investors by the throat because on one hand they have no money and in some cases no willingness to pay, while on the other hand they know that investors cannot stomach a full default,” said Raymond Chia, head of credit research for Asia ex-Japan at Schroder Investment Management.

Many builders have sought to kick the can down the road by swapping imminently maturing notes with those due later in a bid to avoid outright delinquency. In the meantime, investors stung by months of losses are keen to avoid messy failures that could trigger cross-defaults. Pushed to a tight corner, they’re often left with little room to negotiate better terms on a deal.

In January, Guangzhou R&F Properties Co. purchased just 16 percent of the principal on a $725 million note in a tender offer after originally saying it had set aside $300 million for the buyback. The

remaining debt was then extended by six months. While no creditors actually voted for the option, those who decided to tender their notes were also “deemed to have voted in favor” of the delay.

The developer has to service at least 6.55 billion yuan ($1.03 billion) in local bond obligations before settling the extended offshore note in July, Bloomberg-compiled data show. The firm’s dollar note due 2023 has fallen to about 14 cents on the dollar from 37 cents at the beginning of the year. Since its extension, the bond now due in July has fallen 73 percent to 18 cents.

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Xi signals tweaks to Covid-19 tack as economy under strain

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hinese President Xi Jinping pledged to reduce the economic impact of his Covid-fighting measures, signaling a shift in a longstanding strategy that has minimized fatalities but weighed heavily on the world’s second-largest economy.

Still addicted

Some of the pain for offshore bondholders may be self-inflicted, said Chia. After earning billions of dollars trading Chinese high-yield bonds over the years, investors continued to bet on them even as they saw “structures become looser and looser—especially since 2016 with lots of covenant relaxation,” he said. Bloomberg Intelligence estimates that funds around the world have increased their exposure by about $4 billion since the crisis started, with US-based giant BlackRock Inc. leading the charge.

Flimsier types of protection such as “keepwell” provisions— essentially a gentleman’s agreement to protect foreign bondholders in case a mainland company runs into financial trouble—have become less popular, with issuance of such notes on pace to fall for a second year.

Dip-buyers got a new reason to cheer this week. China’s call for new policies to help support the battered property sector and a pledge to boost financial markets spurred a rally in the bonds of stronger developers, though gains in the broader high-yield market were muted.

Supportive measures may be too little, too late according to analysts. Looming and lingering risks include the fallout of Russia’s war in Ukraine, a potential decoupling of the Chinese economy from the US and President Xi Jinping’s broader crackdown on businesses to ensure the primacy of the Communist Party as part of his “common prosperity” campaign.

Disgruntled investors are beginning to fight back, but it’s not clear if they’ll have much success. A group of bondholders engaged a law firm to hold talks with Guangzhou R&F about the deal, Debtwire reported in January. Yuzhou Group Holdings Co., after winning the approval of a majority of creditors to exchange two dollar bonds, said it wouldn’t pay those who decided not to participate. The builder may now be facing legal action. Bloomberg News

Moderna requests FDA okay for 4th Covid shot for adults oderna Inc. has filed for US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of a second Covid-19 booster shot for all adults, covering significantly more people than Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE’s earlier request for emergency authorization for those over 65.

The application comes amid heated debate over how long vaccinations protect from infection and whether repeated shots are necessary to prevent severe disease and death. Several countries including Israel have started administering a fourth dose to adults, with data showing a fivefold increase in the production of infectionfighting antibodies.

Authorization of another dose for all adults would allow the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “flexibility” to decide what the appropriate use of a fourth shot would be, Moderna said in a statement.

Widespread access would also let health-care providers determine on an individual basis who might benefit from a

BusinessMirror

second booster shot.

The free-for-all in booster shot applications could set up for a messy and confusing debate over who needs another shot and why.

Both Moderna and Pfizer are also testing an Omicron specific booster shot.

Data for that may arrive within weeks or months, creating the possibility that the companies could seek regulatory clearance for an Omicron-specific shot soon after the current fourth dose applications.

Moderna didn’t go into detail on what information was included in its application, other than to say that it was based partly on recent Omicron data from the US and Israel.

Pfizer filed for clearance of a second booster for seniors to protect the most vulnerable as immunity provided by the first three doses wanes.

It also said it based its application on data from Israel, which found that giving a fourth dose to older adults at the height of the Omicron wave helped prevent infections and severe cases. Bloomberg Newswzw

While reiterating a commitment to its Covid-Zero policy, China will “strive to achieve the maximum prevention and control effect at the least cost and minimize the impact of the epidemic on economic and social development,” Xi told a meeting late Thursday of the Politburo standing committee, the Communist Party’s top decision-making body.

It’s the first time that Xi has emphasized minimizing the economic cost of Covid-19 prevention at a Politburo meeting since the start of the pandemic in 2020, according to a Bloomberg search of the government’s website.

China has been grappling with its worst virus outbreak since Wuhan, with tens of millions of people, including residents of the southern tech hub of Shenzhen in lockdown.

As part of a vow to stabilize financial markets and stimulate the economy, China has said virus controls should be coordinated with economic development. The comments, made at a meeting this week of China’s top financial policy committee, reiterated what has been a regular drumbeat from officials the past month that Covid policy needed to be tweaked to minimize disruption for business.

China isn’t expected to ease up meaningfully on Covid Zero before 2023, given the need for

stability in a politically important year for Xi, people familiar with China’s thinking have told Bloomberg News. The strategy has left the country’s borders effectively closed, with all travelers subject to mandatory quarantine and every virus case internally isolated, regardless of severity.

The signals from Xi’s meeting sug gest China w ill “ first eliminate infections, and then adjust its virus control strategies,” said Bruce Pang, head of macro and strategy research at China Renaissance Securities Hong Kong Ltd. Phrases in the statement that China shouldn’t waver in fighting the virus imply “any adjustment will come with the pre-condition of eliminating infections,” he said.

Growth target

Several economists, including from Morgan Stanley and UBS Group AG, have recently downgraded their economic growth forecasts for the year, saying Beijing’s target of about 5.5 percent expansion will be difficult to achieve. Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s chief China economist Hui Shan and colleagues estimate a four-week lockdown of 30 percent of the country could reduce gross domestic product by around 1 percentage point.

The virus controls have led to temporary factory shutdowns

A worker wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) posts a sign on a perimeter fence surrounding a neighborhood placed under lockdown due to Covid-19 in Shanghai, China, on March 16. Qilai Shen/Bloomberg

at companies like iPhone maker Foxconn Technology Group and Toyota Motor Corp. For consumers, the restrictions have meant a slump in travel and spending at shops and restaurants, with sentiment still weak compared with pre-pandemic levels.

In another positive sign, the gover n ment s a id Fr id ay t he lockdown in Shenzhen would be partially eased, with factory operations resumed, along with buses and subways at five districts after they achieved their case-reduction targets.

Beijing also wants to see minimal disruption to people’s lives, w ith X i say ing China should “maintain the stability and order of the people’s normal production and life, do a good job in the production and supply of daily necessities, and ensure people’s medical needs.”

On vaccines, Xi called for a step-up in public education and promotion of their benefits and further improvement in vaccination rates. He also called for scientific and technological research and development of vaccines to be strengthened.

China has exclusively rolled out loc a l ly de ve loped shots, which have been found to be less effective against Covid, and in particular against stopping transmission of the highly contagious Omicron variant now fueling outbreaks.

Concerns about the vaccines, along with the capacity of China’s under-resourced hospital system, may be behind the reluctance to open up more broadly for some time. Covid Zero has left China isolated as the rest of the world dismantles border curbs and pandemic restrictions and looks to live alongside the virus.

Nomura Holdings Inc. said China’s focus on developing its home-g row n vaccines, which remains uncertain, suggest it’s not ready to exit the Covid Zero strategy this year.

The comments from Xi are seen “neither as a sign of exiting the current ‘dynamic zero-Covid strategy’ yet, nor a sign of a road map of shifting to a living-with-Covid strategy,” Nomura’s chief China economist Lu Ting and colleagues wrote in a note, using China’s name for the policy. Bloomberg News

War handcuffs Russian central bankers watching gradual demise of economy

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ussia’s central bank has been relegated to the role of bit-part player as war and international sanctions devastate the country’s economy.

A meeting in Moscow on Friday will be little more than a cameo for the Bank of Russia in an economic drama playing out across the world’s biggest country, as the wipeout of household wealth, food shortages and a dash for the exits by foreign companies and Russians shatter three decades of policy making after the Soviet collapse.

Governor Elvira Nabiullina is headed into her first regular review of interest rates since the invasion of Ukraine led to sweeping sanctions and handcuffed the central bank after the seizure of an estimated two-thirds of its $643 billion in foreign reserves.

Following an emergency hike that more than doubled the key rate to 20 percent, the central bank is set to keep the benchmark at the highest in almost two decades, according to all but five of the 31 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

The rest forecast increases of three to five percentage points.

“The emergency hike had the goal of limiting deposit outflows and, together with the tight foreign-currency restrictions, apparently it had an impact,” said Olga Belenkaya, economist at Investment Co. Finam in Moscow. “Inflation will renew records and can possibly come close to 20 percent in the coming weeks.”

Capital controls, a shuttered stock market and the seizing up of trade are taking the spotlight off interest rates as the go-to tool for restoring calm at home. Before the war, the central bank won economists’ praise for delivering three 100 basis-point hikes in less than a year to get a grip on inflation.

The Bank of Russia has yet to revise its forecasts for inflation and the economy after the invasion, but annual price growth already reached an estimated 12.54 percent as of March 11, from just above 9 percent at end-February.

After the central bank makes an announcement at 1:30 p.m. in Moscow, Nabiullina will explain the decision at 3 p.m. But in a departure from recent months, she will take no questions from reporters, repeating the format she used following the emergency rate move on February 28.

What Our Economists Say: “The central bank faces tough choices, and the only comfort may be that it’s too soon for action on rates. A reduction would help prevent a credit crunch, but nose-bleed rates are probably still needed to compensate deposit holders, especially as inflation spikes.”

–Scott Johnson.

The US Federal Reserve has meanwhile signaled hikes at all six remaining meetings this year after raising rates by a quarter point on Wednesday, its first increase since 2018.

Major emerging markets from Brazil to South Africa have also opted to elevate borrowing costs to contain price pressures.

But the severity of economic challenges is sidelining monetary policy in Russia. The war and the fallout that followed have inflicted a domestic toll that’s already comparable to the worst downturns of President Vladimir Putin’s more than two decades in power.

Adding to the inflation shock, Russia is seeing shortages of food staples, while imported goods are growing increasingly scarce. Putin said this week that the nation survived “the economic blitzkrieg” but

warned of rising joblessness and faster inflation to come.

“Monetary policy has moved backstage,” VTB Capital economists Alexander Isakov and Rodion Latypov said in a note.

“The financial account is, for practical purposes, closed, which means that the domestic interest rate policy is less sensitive to external developments.”

Bloomberg News

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Putin likely to make nuclear threats if war drags, US says

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resident Vladimir Putin can be expected to brandish threats to use nuclear weapons against the West if stiff Ukrainian resistance to Russia’s invasion continues, draining conventional manpower and equipment, according to a new assessment by the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency.

“Protracted occupation of parts of Ukrainian territory threatens to sap Russian military manpower and reduce their modernized weapons arsenal, while consequent economic sanctions will probably throw Russia into prolonged economic depression and diplomatic isolation,” Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said in its new 67-page summary of worldwide threats.

The combination of Ukraine’s defiance and economic sanctions will threaten Russia’s “ability to produce modern precision-guided munitions,” Berrier said in testimony submitted to the House Armed Services Committee for a hearing on Thursday.

“As this war and its consequences slowly weaken Russian conventional strength,” Berrier added, “Russia likely will increasingly rely on its nuclear deterrent to signal the West and project strength to its internal and external audiences.”

The Pentagon agency’s grim appraisal of the war’s broader stakes comes on the eve of a call between President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping. Even as US officials struggle to discern China’s position on the war, Biden will seek Xi’s help ratcheting up pressure on Moscow to end it.

Putin already has announced that he’s put Russia’s nuclear arsenal on a state of higher alert. The Russian Embassy in Washington

didn’t immediately return a request for comment on the Defense Intelligence Agency report.

Un l i ke a repor t on globa l threats issued by multiple intelligence agencies last week with findings that predated the Russian invasion, the new report reflects information as of Tuesday.

A senior Pentagon official told reporters Thursday that the invasion is largely stalled, with Russia relying so far on more than 1,000 long-range missile strikes into Ukraine.

“US efforts to undermine Russia’s goals in Ukraine, combined with its perception that the United States is a nation in decline, could prompt Russia to engage in more aggressive actions not only in Ukraine itself, but also more broadly in its perceived confrontation with the West,” Berrier said.

A key motivation for the invasion, he said, is Russia’s determination “to restore a sphere of inf luence over Ukraine and the other states of the former Soviet Union.”

He added that “despite greater than anticipated resistance from Ukraine and relatively high losses in the initial phases of the conflict, Moscow appears determined to press forward by using more lethal capabilities until the Ukrainian

government is willing to come to terms favorable to Moscow.”

Putin’s order

Berrier said Putin’s order in February putting Russia’s nuclear forces on “special combat duty” refers to “heightened preparations designed to ensure a quick transition to higher alert status should the situation call for it.”

In addition to seeking to intimidate Russia’s adversaries, he said, it reflects “Moscow’s doctrinal views on the use of tactical, non-strategic nuclear weapons to compel an adversary” into pursuing negotiations “that may result in termination of the conflict on terms favorable to Russia, or deter the entry of other participants when Russian offensive progress of its conventional forces looks like it might be reversed or the conflict becomes protracted.”

On conventional forces, Berrier said Russia’s setbacks so far in Ukraine call into question Putin’s boasts about his military’s ability to deter or defeat threats with “fifth-generation fighters, state-of-the-art air and coastal defense missile systems, new surface vessels and submarines, advanced tanks, modernized artillery, and improved military command and control and logistics.”

Bloomberg News

Leaders renew calls to probe Moscow’s attacks on civilians

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YIV, Ukraine—As Russian forces pressed their assault on Ukraine, world leaders called anew for an investigation of the Kremlin’s repeat attacks on civilian targets, including airstrikes on schools, hospitals and residential areas that led one official to lament that his city had never seen such “nightmarish, colossal losses.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that American officials were evaluating potential war crimes and that if the intentional targeting of civilians

by Russia is confirmed, there will be “massive consequences.”

In city after city, hospitals, schools and buildings where people sought safety from the bombardment have been attacked. Rescue workers searched for survivors in the ruins of a theater that served as a shelter when it was blown apart by a Russian airstrike in the besieged city of Mariupol.

And in Merefa, near the northeast city of Kharkiv, at least 21 people were killed when Russian artillery destroyed a school and a community center, a local official said.

In the northern city of Chernihiv, dozens of bodies were brought to the morgue in just one day.

The United Nations political chief, Undersecretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, also called for an investigation into civilian casualties, reminding the UN Security Council on Thursday that international humanitarian law bans direct attacks on civilians.

She said many of the daily attacks battering Ukrainian cities “are reportedly indiscriminate” and involve the use of “explosive weapons with a wide impact area.” DiCarlo said the devastation in Mariupol and Kharkiv “raises grave fears about the fate of millions of residents of Kyiv and other cities facing intensifying attacks.”

In Mariupol, hundreds of civilians were reportedly taking shelter in a grand, columned theater in the city’s center when it was hit Wednesday by Russian forces. More than a day after the airstrike, there were

no reports of deaths.

With communications disrupted across the city and movement difficult because of shelling and other fighting, there were conflicting reports on whether anyone had emerged from the rubble.

Satellite imagery on Monday from Maxar Technologies showed huge white letters on the pavement in front of and behind the theater spelling out “CHILDREN” in Russian —“DETI”— to alert warplanes to those inside.

“We hope and we think that some people who stayed in the shelter under the theater could survive,” Petro Andrushchenko, an official with the mayor’s office, told The Associated Press. He said the building had a relatively modern basement bomb shelter designed to withstand airstrikes.

Other officials said earlier that some people had gotten out.

Video and photos provided by the Ukrainian military showed that the at least three-story building had been reduced to a roofless shell, with some exterior walls collapsed.

Across the city, snow flurries fell around the skeletons of burned, windowless and shrapnel-scarred apartment buildings as smoke rose above the skyline.

“We are trying to survive somehow,” said one Mariupol resident, who gave only her first name, Elena.

“My child is hungry. I don’t know what to give him to eat.”

She had been trying to call her mother, who was in a town 50 miles (80 kilometers) away. “I can’t tell her I am alive, you understand.

There is no connection, just nothing,” she said.

Cars, some with the “Z” symbol of the Russian invasion force in their windows, drove past stacks of ammunition boxes and artillery shells in a neighborhood controlled by Russian-backed separatists.

Russia’s military denied bombing the theater or anyplace else in Mariupol on Wednesday.

In Chernihiv, at least 53 people were brought to morgues over 24

hours, killed amid heavy Russian air attacks and ground fire, the local governor, Viacheslav Chaus, told Ukrainian TV on Thursday.

Ukraine’s emergency services said a mother, father and three of their children, including 3-year-old twins, were killed when a Chernihiv hostel was shelled. Civilians were hiding in basements and shelters across the embattled city of 280,000.

“The city has never known such nightmarish, colossal losses and destruction,” Chaus said.

Ukrainian officials said 10 people were killed Wednesday while waiting in a bread line in Chernihiv. An American man was among them, his sister said on Facebook.

The World Health Organization said it has verified 43 attacks on hospitals and health facilities, with 12 people killed and 34 injured.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more help for his country in a video address to German lawmakers, saying thousands of people have been killed, including 108 children. He also referred to the dire situation in Mariupol, saying: “Everything is a target for them.”

The address began with a delay because of a technical problem caused by an attack close to where Zelenskyy was speaking, Bundestag deputy speaker Katrin GoeringEckardt said.

Zelenskyy’s office said Russian airstrikes hit the Kalynivka and Brovary suburbs of the capital, Kyiv.

Emergency authorities in Kyiv said a fire broke out in a 16-story apartment building hit by remnants of a downed Russian rocket, and one person was killed.

In remarks early Friday, Zelenskyy said he was thankful to US President Joe Biden for additional military aid, but he would not get into specifics about the new package, saying he did not want Russia to know what to expect.

He said when the invasion began on February 24, Russia expected to find Ukraine much as it did in 2014,

when Russia seized Crimea without a fight and backed separatists as they took control of the eastern Donbas region.

Instead, he said, Ukraine had much stronger defenses than expected, and Russia “didn’t know what we had for defense or how we prepared to meet the blow.”

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven leading economies accused Putin of conducting an “unprovoked and shameful war,” and called on Russia to comply with the International Court of Justice’s order to stop its attack and withdraw its forces.

Both Ukraine and Russia this week reported some progress in negotiations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that some negotiators were breaking into working groups.

Zelenskyy said he would not reveal Ukraine’s negotiating tactics.

“Working more in silence than on television, radio or on Facebook,” Zelenskyy said. “I consider it the right way.”

While details of Thursday’s talks were unknown, an official in Zelenskyy’s office told the AP that on Wednesday, the main subject discussed was whether Russian troops would remain in separatist regions in eastern Ukraine after the war and where the borders would be.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks, said Ukraine was insisting on the inclusion of one or more Western nuclear powers in the negotiations and on legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine.

In exchange, the official said, Ukraine was ready to discuss a neutral military status.

Russia has demanded that NATO pledge never to admit Ukraine to the alliance or station forces there.

The fighting has led more than 3 million people to flee Ukraine, the UN estimates. The death toll remains unknown, though Ukraine has said thousands of civilians have died. AP

President Joe Biden meets virtually with Chinese President Xi Jinping from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, on November 15, 2021. AP

Biden looks to assess where China’s Xi stands on invasion

W

ASHINGTON—President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping are set to speak on Friday as the White House warns Beijing that providing military or economic assistance for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will trigger severe consequences from Washington and beyond.

Planning for the call has been in the works since Biden and Xi held a virtual summit in November, but differences between Washington and Beijing over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s prosecution of his three-week old war against Ukraine are expected to be at the center of the call.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden would question Xi about Beijing’s “rhetorical support” of Putin and an “absence of denunciation” of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.

“This is an opportunity to assess where President Xi stands,” Psaki said.

The US-China relationship, long fraught, has only become more strained since the start of Biden’s presidency. Biden has repeatedly criticized China for military provocations against Taiwan, human rights abuses against ethnic minorities and efforts to squelch pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong.

But t he re l at ion sh ip m ay have reached a new low with the Russian invasion.

In the days after Putin deployed Russian forces in Ukraine, Xi’s government tried to distance itself from Russia’s offensive but avoided criticizing Moscow. At other moments, Beijing’s actions have been provocative and have included amplifying unverified Russian claims that Ukraine ran chemical and biological weapons labs with US support.

Earlier this week, the US informed Asian and European allies that American intelligence had determined that China had signaled to Russia that it would be willing to provide both military support for the campaign in Ukraine and financial backing to help stave off the impact of severe sanctions imposed by the West.

Secretar y of State A ntony Blinken on Thursday reiterated that the Biden administration remains concerned that China is considering providing military equipment to Russia. He said Biden would make clear to Xi “that China

will bear responsibility for any actions it takes to support Russia’s aggression, and we will not hesitate to impose costs.”

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi met in Rome earlier this week for an intense, sevenhour talk about the Russian invasion and other issues.

Ahead of the Rome talks, Sullivan said the US wouldn’t abide China or any other country helping Russia work around economyjarring sanctions inflicted by the US and other allies since the Feb. 24 invasion.

Sullivan also said the administration determined China knew that Putin “was planning something” before the invasion of Ukraine, but the Chinese government “may not have understood the full extent” of what Putin had in mind.

Xi and Putin met in early February, weeks before the invasion, with the Russian leader traveling to Beijing for the start of the Winter Olympics.

During Putin’s visit, the two leaders issued a 5,0 0 0 -word statement declaring limitless “friendship.”

Beijing’s leadership would like to be supportive of Russia but also recognizes how badly the Russian military action is going as an overmatched Ukrainian military has put up stiff resistance, according to a Western official familiar with current intelligence assessments.

The official, who was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Beijing is weighing the potential “reputational blowback ” of being associated with the Russian camp. The Chinese response to Russia’s request for help “is in the process of being formulated,” the official added.

Despite tensions in US-China relations, Biden and Xi have sought to keep the leader-to-leader dialogue open and have become familiar with each other through their political rise.

Biden and Xi first got to know each other on travels across the US and China when both were vice presidents, interactions that both leaders say left a lasting impression. Friday’s phone call will be the fourth exchange between the two leaders since Biden became president. AP

Pakistan’s Khan pressured to quit as party members abandon him

P

akistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan vowed to fight “till the last ball” as more lawmakers from his ruling Tehreek-e-Insaf party deserted him, signaling it will be hard for him to survive a no-confidence vote expected this month.

Some Khan loyalists demanded his resignation, claiming the 70-year-old leader lost the slim parliamentary majority he enjoyed for more than three years. His government vowed to stand firm, with Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry telling a news conference late Thursday that opposition leaders had bribed lawmakers to defect—a charge denied by Khan’s opponents.

The prime minister said he won’t resign and “he will fight till the last ball and defeat the no-confidence vote,” Chaudhry

said. Khan told the speaker of the National Assembly to convene parliament’s lower house on March 21, with a vote on whether he should stay on as leader to be held on March 28, local Geo TV said.

Pakistan’s benchmark stock index fell as much as 1.3 percent on Friday.

The market is under pressure as political situation heats up, said Qasim Shah, head of international sales at JS Global Capital Ltd. in Karachi.

The latest development comes two days after a key government ally, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, warned the prime minister was fast losing allies and it would be difficult for him to complete his five-year term ending August 2023. Elahi’s Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid party supports Khan with five members in the lower house. Bloomberg News

OurTime BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Negros Occidental eyes house-to-house vaccination campaign for senior citizens

By Nanette Guadalquiver

membership, thereby doubling the benefits available for their family.

Diaz said the Provincial Health Office is coming up with a master list of the still unvaccinated senior citizens.

“We want to identify who they are, how many are they, and where they are,” he said.

Diaz pointed out the low vaccination coverage rate among the Negrense elderly is the reason why Negros Occidental remains at Alert Level 2 and cannot yet be de-escalated to Alert Level 1, the lowest category in the country’s Covid-19 alert level system.

“There is a vulnerable sector, which is the senior citizens, who are not considered protected by the Department of Health [DOH]. Unless the number of unvaccinated seniors will decrease, Negros Occidental will have to stay in Alert Level 2,” he said.

Data of the DOH-Western Visayas showed that as of March 14, only 128,266 individuals aged 60 and above have been fully vaccinated in Negros Occidental, still the lowest in Region 6 in terms of percentage.

The number is only 47.58 percent of the 269,602 target population in the A2 category.

Some 134,245 senior citizens or 49.79 percent have availed themselves of the first dose. PNA

B

ACOLOD CITY—The Negros Occidental provincial government is planning to launch a house-to-house Covid-19 vaccination campaign for senior citizens to boost coverage rate among the elderly population.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said that reaching the senior citizens or the A2 sector, especially those living in the rural areas, remains a challenge.

“It’s how to convince [them] to go to the vaccination centers and receive their jabs. It’s difficult for them to travel because of their age. What we are suggesting is, to really go houseto-house,” he told reporters.

Diaz said barangay health workers will be tapped to assist in generating demand among the target vaccinees by convincing and educating the senior citizens to get vaccinated for their protection.

“We hope to come up with more incentives for senior citizens who get vaccinated,” he added.

One of these is providing them additional benefits under the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program.

Under the program, only the head of the family is granted membership to avail of yearly medical assistance, but once both spouses get vaccinated, the other spouse will also be granted

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, March 19, 2022

A7

Extended national vaccination to target more senior citizens

By Perla Lena

I

LOILO CITY—The Department of Health in Western Visayas will aim for more seniors to get the Covid-19 shots with the extension of the National Vaccination Day 4 until March 18.

“Our grandfathers and grandmothers are really special that’s why they are being prioritized by our government, stakeholders and partners because we really see that they are one of the prime movers in our community. Sadly they are also the members who suffer from severe or critical Covid-19 infections,” said DOH Senior Health Program Officer John Richard Lapascua in an interview on Tuesday.

From March 10 to 15 of the national vaccination blitz also called “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” 4, only 3, 933 or 7.46 percent of the 52,731 target senior citizens received their first doses.

In Aklan, only 116 got vaccinated out of the 1,955 expected vaccinees, 179 out of 8,345 in Antique, 188 out of 140 in Guimaras, 1,255 of the 6,180 in Iloilo province; and 1,403 from the 36,011 targets in Negros Occidental.

Capiz with 258, Bacolod City has 475 and Iloilo City was able to vaccinate 50 seniors, even if they no longer have a target population due to their high vaccination turnout.

Lapascua said the low turnout was due to the challenge in their mobility, refusal on the part of the elderly

AN elderly woman gets her booster shot in one of the vaccination sites in Iloilo City on March 5, 2022. The Department of Health is hoping to see an increase in the vaccination for seniors with the extension of the National Vaccination Day 4 until March 18. PNA PHOTO BY PGLENA

to get vaccinated since they are just staying home, while others preferred that other members of their family would receive the shots first.

Even if the seniors do not leave their homes, they are still encouraged to get vaccinated due to possible exposure of other family members who are working or have face-to-face classes, the health officer said.

“The key message is for family members of our senior citizens to

take the initiative to bring their senior citizens to the nearest health center,” he said.

Lapascua added that there are local government units (LGUs) already conducting house-to-house vaccination while others are giving incentives to those who would submit to the inoculation.

Meanwhile, of the total target A2 (senior) population, as of midnight of March 14, only 545,792 or

63.11 percent of the 864,691 target number were vaccinated and 1,872 or 32 percent are waiting for their second dose.

“It is not enough that they have completed their primary series first and second dose. We still have our booster shots because we have seen in our data that 108,496 or 12.54 percent of our senior citizens have availed themselves of their booster shot as of midnight,” he added. PNA

Marikina Memory and Aging Project begins work with Global Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative

By Pat Arcand

international platform populated with brain related health data from broad and diverse populations. It will support AI and machine learning with organized and aggregated data collected from digital devices through research labs, hospitals and even people’s own smartphones. This data resource will help determine the causes, predispositions, and habits for people who develop Alzheimer’s Disease. It may also inform drug discovery and clinical care at a more rapid pace.

The Marikina Memory and Aging Project is looking for dementia prevalence and associated risk factors through collecting clinical and

G

ENEVA, SWITZERLAND, EINPresswire.com—The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) recently announced that Marikina Memory and Aging Project is working with the DAC Global Cohort Development program, a groundbreaking data platform to accelerate the discovery, assessment, and delivery of precision interventions for Alzheimer’s Disease.

The DAC Global Cohort Development (GCD) platform will help drive scientific discovery by providing researchers access to an extensive, truly

cognitive data from a randomly selected group of Filipino citizens 60 years and older.

“We are excited to be DAC Global Cohort,” said Dr. Jacqueline Dominguez, PI, Marikina Memory and Aging Project Executive Director, Institute for Dementia Care Asia and Head of the Memory Center at St. Luke’s Institute for Neurosciences.

“Participating in the DAC platform addresses an important research element in our shared goal of defeating Alzheimer’s Disease—the need for data from low-middle-income countries [LMIC].”

“Collaboration and inclusion

Love lesson on patriotism by Ukrainians

By Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

H

AVING been invaded by a neighboring country, Ukrainians are now being called by destiny to stand up and fight for their motherland.

On our TV and digital screens, we watch civilians volunteering to fight.

After bidding farewell to their families at the borders, the menfolk go back to defend their respective cities. Women too are taking up arms and are training to fight. Ukrainians from all over the world, even celebrities abroad, are returning to their homeland, vowing to give up their lives to defend it.

There is this touching scene of a fearless and defiant Ukrainian woman, insisting on giving a handful of sunflower seeds to a Russian soldier while telling him to return to where he came from, otherwise he would just die in Ukraine with those seeds in his

pocket. The sunflower is a symbol of her love for the land of her birth.

Every day, I can only watch with sadness and admiration for the suffering people of Ukraine who are now giving us a live lesson on what patriotism really means.

In grade school, every school child is given lessons on patriotism and love of country. But all those dictums and precepts we memorized about love of country are nothing until we are subjected to a term of trial similar to what the Ukrainians are now going through.

They are living the lesson on the point of death.

I would do the same. When one’s country is being invaded by a transgressor, it is one’s duty to fight for it.

Still, I dread the day when we would be facing this test.

This is why this is a good time as

any for all of us to brush up our school books and read the writings of our heroes, this time with more feeling. There is a forgotten essay of Jose Rizal entitled “El Amor Patrio” (Love of Country) written in 1882 in which he declares that love of country “of all loves…is the greatest, the most heroic...”

This sentiment is echoed in Ka Andres Bonifacio’s poem “Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa” (Love for One’s Homeland): Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa?

Alin pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga, wala.

(What purity and greatness can surpass love of country? None.)

No invading arms can be equal to the might of a sense of right and love for the motherland. Would be conquerors should take heed.

Vladimir Putin may conquer the land of the Ukrainians but he won’t be able to hold it forever.

When people have invested so much in a land there’s no way you can take it away from them. Why are members of ethnic tribes

are essential elements for defeating Alzheimer’s Disease,” said Dr. Rhoda Au, Director of the Global Cohort Development at DAC. “Working in silos with limited representation of participants from across the world is not producing results, either comprehensively enough or fast enough. Past studies have skewed results because of the exclusion of low- and middleincome resourced areas and/or countries. We believe the important work and scientific data from the Marikina Memory and Aging Project, based in the Philippines, will further advance our underwilling to die? Because their hearts have roots in their land.

Their ancestors and forefathers are buried there.

How I wish that we had the collective fervor of the Ukrainians when the boats of the Chinese coast guards shooed away our fishermen from our own fishing grounds and even rammed one of our local boats in an arrogant show of force. The lines of Bonifacio should ring in our minds like a rebuke: “Nasaan ang dangal…nasaan ang dugong dapat na ibuhos? Bayan ay inaapi, bakit di kumikilos?“(Where is the sense of national dignity, the blood that ought to be spilled? Our nation is being trampled upon, why are we not outraged to action?)

There was a time when we summoned our collective fury to fight invaders and displayed true love of country by making the supreme sacrifice. That was in World War II when our homeland was drenched by the blood of our gallant countrymen and women.

Whenever I come home from trips abroad, I make it a point to look outside the plane’s window. As the plane circles to land at Naia, I see a landscape that is dotted with green and then ugly rusty roofs, so third world looking. But then I feel something tugging at my heart.

Ugly and dirty it may be but it’s my

standing of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Participation

THE Global Cohort Development combines the best of science—collaboration, creative thinking, and discovery. Other interested researchers with cohorts that share these objectives are encouraged to apply.

Because of the synergistic nature of this work, cohorts with limited resources are put on similar footing with the large research organizations. Supporters are finding this program a cost-effective way to influence the big, new ideas necessary to stem the tide of AD. home, my country, my land of my birth. There’s no place like one’s tinubuang lupa.

But I am afraid, our sense of patriotism has been thinly instilled in us. Our sense of pride as Filipinos seems to be very shallow and fickle. We only feel it when one of our athletes become champions or an elegant Filipino woman wins an international beauty title.

Meanwhile, foreigners don’t need to invade us militarily. We have been allowing foreign investors to own our lands, do business without paying proper taxes, dig our mountains for sand to build islands in the middle of the sea, pollute our rivers and destroy our forests for minerals. Our minerals.

One foreign-owned telecommunications network has even been able to set up towers right inside our military camps. There may be truth to one observation that we are now a virtual province of another country.

Do we really love this land of ours? Will there be a Zelenskyy among our leaders to stand up against the invaders? Will Filipino immigrants and their foreign-born children pack up and come home to fight here for our homeland?

It pains me to see Filipinos proclaiming “Proud to be American” on social media, showing

The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative is a public-private partnership committed to aligning stakeholders with a new vision for our collective global response against the challenges Alzheimer’s presents to patients, caregivers, and health-care infrastructures. Led by The World Economic Forum (WEF) and The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease (CEOi) and fueled by a mission of service to the 150 million families and half a billion people inevitably impacted by this disease by 2050, DAC is a collaborative for the benefit of all people, in all places.

Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative

their newly acquired certificate of American citizenship.

I feel insulted witnessing a young Filipino parent loudly talking to her toddler son in English at one moment and then in the next moment giving her order in Pilipino to the girl at the fast food counter. This is probably a woman who as a girl recited countless times the lines: “Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas, aking lupang sinilangan, ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi” (I love the Philippines, my land of birth, home of my race.)

And there are many more other dismaying incidents that make me wonder sometimes if we need an external military invasion to unite us, to provoke and awaken our professed love of country.

We need to reconsider our school curricula to add more lessons and more powerful ways to deepen our sense of patriotism and love of our motherland. Every Filipino child born in this land should appreciate and love his country more than anyone else.

Should the time come, may future generations of Filipinos live up to Rizal’s words: “I offer my life gladly… Let those who deny us patriotism see that we know how to die for our duty and convictions…

What does it matter to die, if one dies for what one loves, for the Native Land?”

Education BusinessMirror

A8 Saturday, March 19, 2022

Editor: Mike Policarpio

DepEd allots ₧1B for ‘F2F’ classes expansion

T

HE Education Department has allotted around P1 billion in support funds for all public schools nationwide, as more are set to participate in the progressive expansion of limited face-to-face classes. “[We provided additional] resources, in addition to the regular budget,” revealed Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones.

“We are spending P1 billion more [for schools] to strengthen the progressive expansion.”

She added that “the progressive face-to-face [classes that

are part of blended learning has already started as early as February…We are anticipating that more schools will join], because as the National Capital Region resumes physical conduct, it will constitute a great number, as well as those places under Alert Levels 1 and 2.”

PRIMARY school students wear face masks and maintain social distancing as limited face-to-face classes resume. DepEd/PNA

Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla reported that the Department of Finance has prepared Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses budget allocations

primarily to implement pandemic safety measures in schools, and provide learning materials for blended learning.

Sevilla explained that the de-

partment has readied funds in preparation for the progressive expansion of face-to-face classes. A great portion of the monies, she said, are for the physical arrangement of schools, protection and safety of learners and teachers, as well as required learning resources.

The P1-billion budget will be distributed to all public schools, and can also be used to provide television, speakers and laptops for classrooms to support blended learning in the expansion phase.

Sevilla added in Filipino that classrooms and the mode of teaching have changed, thus the need to add electronic devices in classrooms where most of the budget will be spent.

As of March 1 the Department

of Education (DepEd) reported that there are 4,295 out of 6,213 schools already implementing limited face-to-face classes nationwide.

Its Central Office Budget Division has downloaded the Sub-Allotment Release Order on March 4 to the respective divisions.

DepEd also reiterated that schools will still implement blended learning, as pandemic-related risks are still present, and for learners to develop their digital skills.

Briones emphasized that the local education system will not abandon blended learning just because of the recent shift to progressive face-to-face learning. She affirmed the need for online classes, and not the practice that everyone became used to. PR/PNA

DepEd chief hails FDCP 2021 film ambassadors from Pangasinan iACADEMY ready for ‘hybrid learning’

T

HREE public high-school pupi l s f rom A l a m i nos City National High School (ACNHS) earned citations from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) on February 27.

Among the 77 entries of the sixth Film Ambassador’s Night st a ge d at t he Me t ro p ol it a n Theater in Manila, Grade 12 student Hannah Ragudos and Grade 10 Brad Khent Cacho were recognized in the short-film category award, while Grade 12 Mark Giddel Liwanag was acclaimed under the full-length documentary.

In 2021 Liwanag’s Sa Layag ng Bangkang Paurong also won the Best Documentary Film in the 25th Fresh International Film Festival in Limerick, Ireland.

Meanwhile, the film Ana Bikhayr and Ora Miss Mo of Ragudos and Cacho were both distinguished as Encourage Prize awardees in the fourth Gimpo International Youth Film Festival in South

AWARD-winning filmmakers receive their citations.

Korea.

The three films were produced by Layag Productions—a film organization composed of high-school students under the Special Program for Media Arts of ACNHS. Adviser and Media Arts Teacher Raquel Rivera revealed in Filipino that “Layag” produces advocacy films tackling social issues

that were “100-percent written and produced by students. I am just there to supervise them.”

The winning films tackle child labor, school bullying, and the importance of time, which are all pressing issues observed by award-winning young filmmakers themselves.

Liwa nag sa id he wa s over whelmed in receiving his awards,

as he was pleased to showcase the culture and tradition of Alaminos City, which helped many to learn more about their movie masterpieces.

For his part, Cacho was inspired to base “Ora…” on the boom of online games among his generation.

As the said digital distractions take up precious time away from family, he wants to tell peers that there is life outside playing the said digital games.

“I congratulate our learners who are behind these films that depict the relevant stories of their time and their culture,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said. “You have given pride to your school, and our country.”

She wished the student-awardees to “continue to inspire other learners in exploring their talents and skills.”

The FDCP conducts the annual Film Ambassador’s Night to highlight the films and filmmakers that gave pride to the Philippines in the past year.

Mapúa faculty in AD Scientific Presidential bet bares youth agenda Index’s top PHL scientists list

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F

ACULTY members of Mapúa University are among AlperDoger (AD) Scientific Index’s Top 1,000 Scientists in the country for 2022.

Included in the Top 100 are Dr. Rhoda B. Leron (Rank 62) and Dr. Alvin R. Caparanga (Rank 70) from the School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences.

Others listed in the “Top 1,000” are Dr. Lemmuel L. Tayo (Rank 154), who is the program chair of the Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering program; Dr. Bonifacio T. Doma (Rank 230), executive vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Fernando G. Sajona (Rank 252); Dr. Kathlia De Castro-Cruz (Rank 286); Dr. Jonathan W.L. Salvacion (Rank 482), dean of Mapúa School of Graduate Studies; Engr. Febus Reidj G. Cruz (Rank 500); Ramon

G. Garcia (Rank 615); and Michael P. Delmo (Rank 670).

In the overall university rankings, Mapúa is ranked 13th in the Philippines.

The institution takes pride in this new feat involving its faculty members, as it is proof of the quality of its education where students learn from the best in the country.

It also testifies to Mapúa’s nurturing research culture, where educators also grow with their students, as research is sustained to generate and cultivate new knowledge.

The ranking and analysis system is based on the scientific performance and the added value of the scientific productivity of individual scientists. It also ranks institutions based on the scientific characteristics of their affiliated members.

ARTIDO Lakas ng Masa (PLM) presidential candidate Leody de Guzman recently bared his platform for the youth, which focuses heavily on education reform.

Such a comprehensive agenda, which was posted on his social-media accounts, also contains his proposals for issues faced by children, out-ofschool youth and government entities mandated for youth affairs, such as the Sangguniang Kabataan and National Youth Commission.

“The youth are not merely the hope of the nation in the future; they are now already seen with the capacity to change and contribute to the community toward a progressive, free and developed society,” de Guzman stated in Filipino. “They are the successors of society, that’s why a big part of my platform is for labor, environment, climate and political reforms.”

He insisted that “we need to light up the path of change due to them.”

One of the major points of his policy agenda is the Universal Students’ Magna Carta, which asserts 13 “unalienable rights that shall be the basis of state policy” with regard to on-campus life and activities.

These include absolute and unconditional academic freedom; right to organize, and spaces for organizing; as well as access to free, quality, and accessible education; right to sexual orientation and gender-identity expression equality, or SOGIE; anti-discrimination; and right to be safe and secure from state-security forces’ surveillance, harassment and violence.

“The universities should not only be safe and free spaces, but also a bailiwick of critical analysis to develop the society,” explained the labor leader.

His platform of governance also covers policies for the current Covid-19 situation—including public funding of schools’ retrofitting costs for a safe comeback of in-person classes, and subsidizing the needed utilities for distance learning such as gadgets

and Internet connections.

Moreover, it incorporates sweeping reforms in school curricula, to include sexual health education, labor rights, climate science, and general reorientation from global marketability to national development.

For so long, schools have been oriented toward serving global capitalism, de Guzman complained, while adding that it is long past due for students to be educated in nation building and social development with social justice.

As for out-of-school youth, his agenda covers policies such as enhancing the skill- and capacity-building programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, or TESDA. In support of children, the PLM presidential bet proposes for greater social subsidies, and state-guaranteed full employment for new graduates and young workers.

Other inclusions in his platform are in making campuses more accessible to the differently abled, and enabling protections versus sexual harrassment and discrimination.

According to “Ka Leody,” the youth is not homogenous, despite having common demands and concerns as a sector.

“We must understand the particular interests within the youth sector, and their particular needs that should be addressed by the government for their further development,” the PLM presidential candidate explained.

He ex pressed deep gratitude to youth leaders and activists who formed part of the consultation process, deliberated in its formulation, and those who have joined “Kabataan Para kay Ka Leody”—his campaign’s youth arm.

His separate agenda for the education sector as a whole, including his platform for teaching professionals, will be released soon.

Roderick L. Abad

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

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AKATI City-based iACADEMY is currently preparing for the resumption of face-to-face classes by retrofitting its campus, consulting its counsel of experts, and holding conferences with students and parents.

Moreover, the learning institution plans to implement a hybridlearning setup to enable it to pursue both onsite and online distance learning. i AC ADEMY’s Chief Operating Officer Raquel Perez-Wong told the BusinessMirror that efficient, and constant communication between the parents and school administrators has been important, as both parties were able to come up swiftly with solutions during challenging times like the current health crisis.

“The pandemic also paved the way for a revolutionized type of learning. Completely asynchronous learning set-ups are possible, and are even preferred by some students with unique learning styles,” Wong explained.

As such, iACADEMY came up with its pioneering homeschool program “DRIVE,” which stands for Design for Remote, Individualized, Versatile Education, to address academic continuity and self-paced, nontraditional learning set up for students with preferred learning styles.

Wong said the school gave importance to mental health of both students and employees, as they were given access to regular mentalhealth webinars, self-care activities, health breaks, and teleconsultations with the school clinic, which were also extended to their household members.

She said iACADEMY easily transitioned in adapting to online learning by introducing digital-centric measures. It gave students licenses

to software and applications accessible at home, while employees were provided with equipment to facilitate classes, and were also granted allowances for Internet connections.

Prior to the pandemic, iACADEMY already digitized its processes and learning materials. For one, Wong disclosed that “we have been using the NEO Learning Management System since 2016.”

Meanwhile, iACADEMY recently celebrated its 20th year by announcing a 96-percent job-placement rate, and a world-class recognition.

Wong said the educational institution pioneered software engineering, game development, animation, as well as music and sound-design degree programs in the country, as they continue to spearhead cuttingedge programs and learning designs.

She vowed to continue to address the mismatch of graduates and the needs of the industry.

When the pandemic disrupted traditional learning, iACADEMY quickly rolled out “GOAL,” or Guided Online Autonomous Learning, which prioritized outcome-based education and incorporated adjustable and adaptive learning arrangements focusing on student’s welfare.

The school also launched DRIVE the following year, which allowed nontraditional and unique learning methods, self-paced learning, and flexible learning schedules.

“Needless to say, the pandemic really challenged all of us in so many ways we didn’t imagine,” Cecilia Sy, vice president for Academic Affairs, stated. “But one of the things that made it easy for us to adapt quickly to our online learning environment is…the foregrounding of iACADEMY students in technology and the digital world which, I believe, some schools were just learning to adapt when the pandemic happened.”

Globe launches online educ community page

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N line with its goal to help bring inclusive, accessible and safe learning solutions for Filipinos, Globe recently launched a new online education community that aims to spark meaningful and inspiring exchanges, while elevating learning across digital platforms.

The telco is encouraging everyone, regardless of age, to be part of its “This isKwela” Facebook Community—a hub that supports learning across different life stages and provides a new online space for members to meet new friends, learn new information, sharpen skills, and share knowledge.

The community is beneficial to many: from students wanting to supplement formal schooling, to professionals seeking information for work. It also helps those in need of upskilling, even the elderly who want to learn more about digital technology and applications.

Experts on key subjects are available to assist community members. They are Angelo Sicat, a teacher and creator of practical and easy-to-digest English language learning topics on TikTok; Immanuel Maglasang, the man behind Science Kwela online channel; Cipriano Romeral Jr., a math expert who has

conducted lectures for the Licensure Examination for Teachers; and educator Maureen Madiano, a licensed teacher and content creator who teaches basic English and Filipino lessons on different social-media platforms.

“With more people joining and participating in online communities, Globe aims to build an inclusive social hub that serves as an alternative learning community for anyone who wants to [engage in] lifelong learning,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s chief sustainability officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

Globe believes that This isKwela is timely, as more people are embracing “new normal” learning via digital platforms such as online classes, e-libraries and webinars, among others.

This isKwela is part of GoLearn—a unified initiative aimed at helping the country achieve 21st Century learning.

It aims to open doors to a brighter future by promoting continuous learning and further bridging digital gaps in the Philippine education landscape via access to connectivity, learning platforms and other solutions. Those interested to learn more can join the online community by visiting https://www.facebook. com/groups/thisiskwela/?ref=share.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Saturday, March 19, 2022 A9

Museum Peek: SHOWCASING THE BEST IN PHILIPPINE ART The National Museum of Fine Arts (Old Legislative Building) houses 29 galleries.

Gallery VIII (Silvina and Juan Laya Hall) is also known as the War Gallery.

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The Spoliarium Hall, Juan Luna’s painting depicting dying gladiators.

Gallery XVIII (Pillars of Philippine Modernism) features modernist art pieces from the 1940s to 1980s.

Manansala’s artworks in transparent cubism style are in the Gallery XXIV (Philam Life Hall).

Story & photos by Benjamin Locsin Layug

have been to the National Museum of Fine Arts twice before (back then it was known as the National Art Gallery), the first time for research for my architecture thesis (which was the National Museum itself) way back in 1982, the second for an article. Now, older and wiser, I was back for more art appreciation, bringing along my son Jandy, after making the necessary online reservation.

The present National Museum of Fine Arts now houses 29 galleries, most of which were offered to sponsors and patrons (Society for the Preservation of Philippine Culture, Fundacion Santiago and Museum Foundation of the Philippines), individuals (Vicente and Carmen Fabella; Luis I. Ablaza, Silvina and Juan Laya, Ramon and Milagros del Rosario, and Andres and Grace Luna de San Pedro) or corporations such as Security Bank, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippine General Hospital and Philam Life, for the naming rights. Exhibitions comprise important works of unknown artists of the 18th century, 19th century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading modern painters of the 1990s to the 21st century, sculptors, and printmakers. Also on view are art loans from other government institutions, organizations, and individuals.

When one thinks of Philippine art the first name that usually pops up is the name of Juan Luna and rightly so because, upon entering the museum, the first room you’ll see is the Spoliarium Hall, the namesake for the massive, 4 meters tall and 7-meter wide painting depicting dying gladiators. This renowned painting, which took Luna eight months to paint, won the gold medal at the Madrid Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884.

Across from it is El asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante by Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo, Luna’s contemporary and friend. More major works and oil studies of the two, including the 1892 painting Parisian Life (depicting Luna himself, Jose Rizal, and Ariston Bautista Lin having a discussion about the Philippines at a cafe in Paris), one of Juan Luna’s most celebrated works, can be seen in Gallery VI. Then there’s Guillermo Tolentino, a National Artist for Sculpture

The Gallery XVI(Philippine General Hospital Hall) hosts the Progress of Medicine in the Philippines collection.

Gallery I-Religious Art (Luis I Ablaza Hall) has a collection of artworks from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Gallery XII-Honoring the Life and Work of Guillermo Tolentino (Security Bank Hall) houses the works of the National Artist for Sculpture.

(1973). Even before the Old Legislative Building became a museum, his bronze statues of Presidents Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña have graced the building’s west facade. Even upon entering, you are welcomed, at the lobby, by his statues of Manuel A. Roxas and Diwata. Gallery XII is also solely devoted to his work and memorabilia.

For religious art, go to Gallery I, which features Christian-themed art from the 17th-19th centuries, Gallery II which features 14 paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross (Via Crusis), and Gallery III which exhibits the paintings that show images of saints and the Holy Family. For portraits, check out Gallery IV, which exhibits more than 30 Spanish-era portraits that showcase the status of the living and memories of the dead, and Gallery IX which features a collection of

works of portraiture and Filipino types by artists under the Classical Realist School during 1903 to 1960 and works of artists that are the pioneer and prolific during that period.

Our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was an artist in his own right and Gallery V displays sculptures and paintings made him. Also on display are paintings, portrait busts, and sculptures of Rizal created by other artists.

Galler y VIII, dubbed as the “War Gallery,” may be disturbing to some viewers due to its violent and graphic scenes as it features 20 paintings (including three by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo)

by Filipino artists that shows the painful and hard life during the Imperial Japanese Occupation during 1941 to 1945, the liberation of the Philippines by American and Filipino forces and the damage that

Parisian Life is an impressionist painting made by Filipino painter and revolutionary activist Juan Luna

happened in Manila during World War II. For more of Amorsolo, go to Gallery XI which features over 100 black-and-white pencil and ink sketches and oil studies of Amorsolo before creating his masterpiece.

If you haven’t had your fill of large-scale paintings after the Spoliarium, then check out National Artist Carlos V. “Botong” Francisco’s monumental, 1968 painting of called Timbulan ng Laya at Diwang Dakila (declared a National Cultural Treasure in 1996), at Gallery XIII (also features works by 1976 National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon V. Abueva), and The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines, a set of four large-scale paintings that depict the evolution of healing practices in the Philippines, from the pre-colonial period tribal practices to the modern period, at Gallery XVI. Gallery XXIV features commissioned 1960s artwork that previously adorned the auditorium of the Philam Life Building (United Nations Avenue, Ermita) in the form of seven large paintings by National Artist Vicente S. Manansala and rural-themed wood reliefs by renowned sculptor, Jose P. Alcantara.

A larger-scale Alcantara wood relief, as well as his other sculptures, can also be found in Gallery XVI. Manansala’s two large-scale paint-

ings and their watercolor studies, from the collection of IRRI, and works from the National Fine Arts Collection and the GSIS art collection, are found at Gallery XXII and Gallery XXIII, respectively.

The Pillars of Philippine Modernism are featured in Gallery XIV (Philippine modern art from the 1920s-1970s, most notably Victorio C. Edades, an artist who started the Modern Art in the Philippines) and Gallery XVIII (featuring Modernist art pieces from the 1940s to 1980s, with works by a number of National Artists such as Carlos V. “Botong” Francisco, Jose T. Joya, Cesar T. Legaspi, and Abdulmari Asia Imao).

Gallery XV is dedicated to the life and works of Emilio Aguilar Cruz while Gallery XXI features National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz’s Art Protis (or non-woven tapestry). Gallery VII, Gallery XVII (dedicated to Women’s Art), Gallery XXVII, and Gallery XXVIII are Special Exhibition Halls while Gallery XIX houses the Philippine Modern Sculpture Hall. Also, check out the Senate Session Hall whose ornamentation and decoration was done by Isabelo Tampinco. The President Sergio Osmeña Function Hall houses the Madonna with Angels (ca. 1946), a plaster relief by Francesco Riccardo Monti.

REDISCOVER THE FUN OF FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AT DREAMPLAY, CITY OF DREAMS MANILA

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s Metro Manila eases its quarantine restr ictions, DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorks-inspired family entertainment center at City of Dreams Manila, reopens its doors at a limited capacity to welcome back families in a fun and safe environment. One of the safest play spaces for children with a fully vaccinated staff at a Safety Seal-certified venue, the interactive play and creativity center once again shares the incredible stories of DreamWorks through an engaging, immersive, and technologically rich experience for families and children.

Currently open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., DreamPlay can entertain about 100 guests, both children and adults, or at 20 percent total capacity of the

venue at a given time. Following IATF guidelines, children must be accompanied by fully vaccinated adults, who are required to present proof of full vaccination. To maintain a safe environment, signing of health declaration forms before entry and wearing of face masks at all times are being implemented.

Tickets with access to all the play space’s attractions are available at P1,500, while non-participating tickets can be purchased for P250.

Entry will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Advocating the concept of “learning through play,” DreamPlay allows kids to explore the world of DreamWorks animation, and provides them with creatively interactive and hands-on experience of its stories

that are brought to life through the latest digital technologies and its various attractions spread across its 5,000-square-meter space. Providing a one-of-a-kind educational entertainment, families can explore DreamPlay’s 11 attractions that provide exciting activities that range from challenge courses, storytelling, cooking, and more.

Guests can also interact with beloved characters Shrek, Princess Fiona, Alex the Lion, Kung Fu Panda, King Julien, Puss in Boots, Poppy and Branch from DreamWorks Animation’s world-famous franchises Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon, and Trolls. Appealing to both kids and kids-at-heart, Chez Gingy, the dining cafe inside DreamPlay offers classic

American, Italian, Asian dishes, and other family favorites such as pizza, pasta, noodles, and well-loved ice creams and desserts.

To complete the playfully educational adventure, families can visit the DreamPlay Shop, the one-stop shop for all DreamWorks toys, goodies, and accessories.

DreamPlay is located at The Shops at the Boulevard, upper ground floor of City of Dreams Manila. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila. com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila. com. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.

A10 Saturday, March 19, 2022 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Grassroots gaming league], right? So Giga Arena is like the paliga—this is the organized grassroots tournament where players can hone their skills in real tournaments and they have an opportunity to shine.”

It may all be about games but eSports is serious business and is already a medal sport in the Southeast Asian Games. At the 2019 SEA Games held here, the Philippines won gold medals in Mobile Legends, Dota 2, and Starcraft II. In the upcoming SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam organizers added FIFA, CrossFire, Wild Rift, PUBG Mobile, and Garena Free Fire to the roster of games.

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ROWING up in the 1990s, there was one summer activity that I never got to join— no, it is not the Santa Cruzan, but those Inter-Barangay Basketball tournaments.

Most of my uncles were good basketball players, and they’d share stories of how they would go around challenging the neighboring barrios to make some money. I knew how to play, sure, but I didn’t have the speed or the stamina to play competitively.

Then in the early aughties, Playstation and the arcades became big, followed by Counterstrike and the LAN parties, Red Alert, StarCraft, and eventually DoTA. Interest in summer sports waned, and as young teens found a different venue for competition— eSports—all sorts of gaming leagues began to emerge.

The Philippine eSports market is home to over 43 million active gamers, which has steadily increased by more than 12 percent since 2017. This growth is supported by the growing accessibility of smartphones and mobile Internet. Leading the gaming sector is Mobile Legends, one of the country’s most popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games, which reached a whopping peak of 2.65 million active users daily in April 2019.

As more Filipino eSports athletes are proving to be a force to reckon with across the globe and winning some of the most prestigious tournaments worldwide, Smart Communications furthers its mission to promote eSports in the country with the launch of Giga Arena.

Enabling gamers to pursue their passion. Giga Arena is the country’s first all-in-one eSports platform that aims to bring the total eSports experience to the fingertips of Filipino mobile gamers.

For its launch, Giga Arena features the four most popular mobile games in the country, such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, League of Legends: Wild Rift, Call of Duty Mobile (CODM), and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBGM).

Besides enabling users to compete in live

NFT TALK

tournaments, the all-in-one platform also comes with innovative features that allow mobile gamers to set-up tournaments, stream live competitions, play arcade games, purchase e-load, and conveniently link their e-wallet to secure their tournament winnings via GigaPay with PayMaya, among others.

To power the platform, Smart has partnered with global eSports company LEET Entertainment.

Smart also marks its five years of partnership with mobile game developer Moonton as it includes Mobile Legends: Bang Bang among its featured mobile games.

According to Jane J. Basas, SVP and head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart, they envision the Giga Arena as a training ground for greatness, geared towards the development of local grassroots

eSports.

Cash prizes are up for grabs in daily, weekly, and monthly contests for popular gaming titles.

“We envision the Giga Arena to become the Filipino gamers’ ultimate training grounds to greatness, where we can also discover potential eSports athletes who can represent the country on the world stage,” Basas said during the launch. “We have designed Giga Arena to be as dynamic as the eSports scene, so our subscribers can expect more innovative features aimed at delivering the best mobile gaming experience,” she added.

Smart VP and group head of Corporate Marketing and Strategy Lloyd Manaloto, compares it to the little league. “In basketball, we grew up with the paliga [little

LAST year, I interviewed Julius Santillan, founder of Vention, a global market site focusing on NFT (non-fungible token) artists and their creations. It lets anyone create, buy, sell or even collect digital merchandise with minimal platform fees. It’s the first of its kind in the Philippines and the site’s main proponent seeks to attract more local artists such as actors, musicians, painters, authors and the like to this unique marketing platform. Santillan said the company aims to help local artists and even showbiz personalities sell their collectibles and works of art.

The platform’s main objective is to encourage Pinoy artists to use blockchain technology in distributing their masterpieces to collectors and fans.

Vention believes that “by tokenizing their works and selling them in a digital marketplace, they can maximize their reach for potential customers.

What creations are best for NFTs and why should artists in the Philippines try selling their work via NFT? The best works for NFTs, he said, are paintings and collectibles or unique items as non-fungible assets are not interchangeable.

“Identity is very important for an NFT—its story, history, or owner makes it unique. Stephen Curry’s NFTs, for example, are digital replicas of the sneakers he wore when he broke the 3-point record. He’s worn a lot of shoes but because this particular pair has a unique identity and story it makes it more valuable.

We have a lot of Filipino artists, and Santillan believes one way to support them is through the Vention app where they could showcase their creations.

Comparing it to how YouTube eventually became the platform for online celebrities, and how Spotify and Podcasts helped musicians and content creators, Santillan says he expects that as vloggers and influencers level-up in their profession, their next platform will be the NFT Marketplace. ■

Digital entertainment ballooned in 2021: MPA report

BY JAKE COYLE The Associated Press

IRISH REGULATOR FINES FACEBOOK FOR PRIVACY LAW VIOLATIONS

IRELAND’S privacy watchdog has fined Facebook’s parent company, Meta, €17 million, or about $19 million, for violating Europe’s privacy law.

The regulator, the Data Protection Commission, has been investigating how Meta Platforms Inc. complied with the requirements of the law, known as General Data Protection Regulation, in how it handled personal data in 12 data breach notifications between June and December 2018.

The agency said on Tuesday that it found that Meta didn’t have the right measures in place to show it could protect EU users’ data. “This fine is about record-keeping practices from 2018 that we have since updated, not a failure to protect people’s information,” the company said in an e-mailed statement. “We take our obligations under the GDPR seriously, and will carefully consider this decision as our processes continue to evolve.”

Under GDPR, the Irish regulator leads cross-border data privacy cases for big tech companies that have their European headquarters in Dublin. It has investigated Meta for a number of data and privacy issues and fined the company’s WhatsApp communications service €225 million, or $267 million at the time, in September, for another GDPR violation. AP

NEW YORK—Before the pandemic, the theatrical and digital markets for entertainment were roughly similar in size. Last year, however, digital revenue was more than three times that of global box office, according to a new report by the Motion Picture Association.

The MPA’s annual study of theatrical and home entertainment, published on Monday, crystalized just how much streaming has come to dominate the media landscape. In 2021, the digital market accounted for 72 percent of the combined theatrical and home market.

In 2019, digital accounted for $45.5 billion worldwide; last year it ballooned to $71.9 billion.

Streaming services have led the boom. In 2021, streaming subscriptions rose to 1.3 billion globally, a 14 percent increase from the year before. In the United States, subscriptions grew at a similar pace to 353.2 million. According to Nielsen, the Pixar film Luca on Disney+ was the most watched movie of 2021, with more than 10.5 billion minutes streamed.

The digital surge came at the same time the pandemic battered the theatrical business. While worldwide box office last year nearly doubled that of 2020, the first year of the pandemic, the $21.3 billion theatrical market, amid sporadic theater closures and widespread delays, was roughly half of what it had been before the arrival of Covid-19.

In 2019, box office accounted for $42.3 billion in sales. With steady business returning to movie theaters in much of the world this year, analysts forecast that the theatrical recovery could reach around 80 percent of what it typically has.

Meanwhile, physical sales (most notably DVDs and Blu-rays) have been gradually declining for years.

Last year, physical media fell to $6.5 billion, or about half what it was in 2018 and a fraction of their

THIS image released by Disney shows characters Alberto, voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer (left) and Luca, voiced by Jacob Tremblay in a scene from the animated film Luca. DISNEY VIA AP

record highs. But however the media pie is divided, the combined entertainment market in 2021 was practically the same as it was before the pandemic, totaling $99.7 billion. That was actually higher than the $98.1 billion of 2019. Consumer spending—$328.2 billion last year, including cable subscriptions—also matched 2019’s numbers.

Still, the MPA data captured many of the shifts accelerated by the pandemic. In both 2020 and 2021, 179 original films were exclusive to streaming services compared to 113 in 2019. Viewing movies online grew in 2021 by 15 percent versus a year earlier.

Other facets of moviemaking stayed stubbornly the same, according to USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative. In a report released on Monday, researchers found that in the 100 highest-grossing films of

2021, 41 percent featured female leads or co-leads (compared to 51 percent of the US population) and 32 percent of leads were from a historically excluded race or ethnicity) compared to 40 percent of the US population).

While those rates are substantially higher than when USC researchers began tracking in 2007, they suggested the industry’s belated and gradual shift to more diverse representation on screen is still falling short of reflecting American audiences.

“While the industry reckons with the fallout of the pandemic and the evolving theatrical market, decision-makers must be wary that the progress they have made can stagnate or even reverse,” said Stacy L. Smith, director of the Inclusion Initiative, in a statement.

BusinessMirror

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MSI TIES UP WITH TECHTRON TO EXPAND DISTRIBUTION NETWORK IN PHL

• Saturday, March 19, 2022 A11

Is the Huawei P50 Pro a tough sell? Not really

BY RODERICK L. ABAD | Contributor GLOBAL gaming brand MSI is beefing up its local presence with the expansion of its distribution channel through a new partnership with Techtron Systems Corp., a spin-off company from Innovista Technologies, Inc., the leading informationtechnology distributor of computer hardware and peripherals in the Philippines.

Per their agreement, Techtron will distribute its Business and Productivity line of laptops to local corporate and enterprise-level clients.

This roster of computing devices, comprised of the Summit, Prestige and Modern series, was first launched domestically in 2020.

Apart from this, it will also be entitled to the distribution of MSI’s commercial and enterprise desktops, monitors, AIO (All-In-One), and peripherals.

“It is definitely an advantage to have Techtron by our side to fulfill the market penetration that is necessary in reaching our full sales potential,” said Rhyan Sy, product manager of MSI Philippines.

“MSI has considered several distribution partners, and we are confident that Techtron’s key experience and expertise in the enterprise market will help us leverage our position in the Philippines,” he added.

With the tie-up, Techtron will be also guided by a deep commitment to bringing a diverse product selection at a low cost to supply the various business sectors as the economy recovers and demand increases.

“We will also strengthen our customer relationships by better understanding their needs and requirements through close collaboration with our dealers, ensuring that our products are available and will assist them in their business growth plans,” Techtron vice president for sales and marketing Martini Chua said.

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

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BY GERARD S. RAMOS Lifestyle & Entertainment Editor

T was not all that long ago—before mid 2020, in fact—that Huawei was among the leaders in the mobile phone space, overtaking Apple and the fierce cult surrounding the iPhone to become the No. 2 brand in terms of units sold globally, according to tech market surveys, while nipping at the heels of market leader Samsung. In some these surveys, it was even proclaimed the top mobile phone brand.

Then came the restrictions imposed by the US government, based on unsubstantiated allegations that the phones made by the Chinese-owned tech giant could be used to spy on Americans. The restrictions denied Huawei access to US technologies, most notably Google and its suite of applications and services (Gmail, YouTube, Search, Maps, etc.).

How could any company survive such

onslaught? Well, the good news for consumers is that Huawei hasn’t given up the fight—not in the mobile phone space, not in networking equipment, nor in consumer electronics as whole.

Only recent, Huawei unveiled its push for what it has dubbed a “Seamless AI Life,” which aims to “enable a digitally efficient work life experience by synergizing the two core Huawei capabilities: CrossDevice Collaboration and Ecosystem Integration.”

Essentially, the company will leverage current and proprietary technologies to make it easier for consumers to remain productive even as they move from one platform to another. For example, you can start amending a legal brief on your Huawei smartphone while stuck in traffic, then continue working on that very same brief on your more expansive Huawei MateBook D15 laptop at the office without so much as breaking a sweat.

Of course, one of the tools central to this “Seamless AI Life” Huawei envisions is the smartphone, and in mid February the company launched the latest addition to its acclaimed P series of flagship smartphones, the P50 Pro and its flip-phone variant the P50 Pocket. I have been putting the P50 Pro through the test for a few weeks now.

Measuring 158.8x72.8x8.5mm and weighing in at 195g, the Huawei P50 Pro variant I got is the Pearl White (the other colorways available are Golden Black, Cocoa Gold and Charm Pink) and it reeks of the premium cred that has defined the brand’s flagship offerings. Its aluminum frame is sandwiched by Gorilla Glass which, needless to say, makes the phone a fingerprint magnet—but it is an issue that can be easily be addressed with a phone case. (Included in the purchase is a soft transparent case, by the way.)

Careful attention to build detail is evident throughout, with curves and joints meeting seamlessly, and perforations and grilles and punch holes smoothened out to add to the overall sensory delight.

The phone’s backside is dominated by a pillshaped camera bump housing a powerful Leica camera system. Initially, I thought that pill-shaped bump would be odd and off-putting but it has quickly grown on me, the cameras arrayed to an aesthetic that gives the phone a very distinctive, very modern, very space-age look. The camera system, developed in Huawei’s continuing partnership with legendary German imaging specialist Leica, is comprised of a 50-megapixel main camera, a 40-megapixel monochrome camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 64-megapixel telephoto shooter. This confluence of optical muscle makes the P50 Pro one of the most exceptional choices in a world of bloggers and vloggers who record just about moment of their lives in photos and videos.

The frontside is dominated by a 6.6-inch display and nothing else but a punch hole in the middle for the ultrawide 13-megapixel selfie camera with autofocus. The display is an OLED affair with a 1228-pixel resolution, 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, 300Hz touch sampling rate, and HDR10+ support. All that spec results in a display unyieldingly tasteful and compelling to use, pushing colors and images that are sharp and robust but sans the oversaturation overkill that has come to define the screens of competing flagship phones. Whether you want to consume or create content, nirvana can be had from that display.

Notwithstanding the minimalist aesthetic that has won Huawei many a design award for its phones, and that minimalist approach continues with the P50 Pro, there are many pleasantries that either just lie underneath or are craftily concealed, such as the unbelievably thin grille at the top of the screen (from which the audio comes for those calls), or the stereo speakers at both ends of the phone. Under the hood, the phone packs a Snapdragon 888 4G processor, 8GB RAM and 256GB user storage, powering the phone to a buttery-smooth performance as you go about your day through a multitude of tasks, with the occasional Netflix TV show or arcade-style game thrown in.

(Yes, I remain old-school in terms of gaming.) After all that activity, you will still have a good amount of juice from the Li-Po 4360 mAh battery—and, yes, the phone supports fast charging 66W and fast wireless charging 50W. And, unlike with other competing brands, Huawei does provide the necessary power adapter.

Allow me to close this review with what has remained largely not addressed—and, no, it is not the Huawei P50 Pro’s lack of 5G, which continues to wait for its closeup as far as market penetration is concerned. It is, of course, the lack of all that Google goodness I mentioned earlier, because of the continuing US embargo.

I live in Google world—I use Gmail, store my snaps on Google Photos, make notes on Google Keep, surf the web via Chrome, follow news and lifestyle channels on YouTube, listen to podcasts via Google Podcasts, mapped out my pre-pandemic trip to Nagoya via Google Maps and Google Calendar, edit documents on Google Documents, videoconference with my daughter via Duo, message with the love of my life via Google Chat and Messages...you get the picture. And, given my dependence on the Google ecosystem, the Huawei P50 Pro—however powerful its imaging muscle, however gorgeous it is to hold and behold—should have been a non-starter.

But here we are, some weeks into my playing with the Huawei P50 Pro, which runs on a beautiful Android variant the company has dubbed Harmony OS, and it continues to be my daily driver. The Huawei App Gallery has grown ever more robust, allowing me to install the apps I have been using with regularity: Twitter, Viber, Lazada, Shopee, Grab, Netflix, Skype, Textra, PayMaya, GCash, Zoom and, yes, even Chrome. These apps are also updated via the Huawei App Gallery. Nice, eh?

Moreover, for the other Google apps that I need, there is this marvelous app called Gspace, which allows you to install within its emulated space those apps. In my case, these were Gmail, YouTube, Chat, Photos, Maps and Calendar. There are areas where things are wonky (Podcasts, Duo and Messages seemingly won’t work in emulation), yes, but it takes away much of the sting of the US embargo.

Of course, I could simplify my so-called mobile life by just going with a smartphone for which I won’t have to jump through such hoops. Trust me, I thought as much before the pandemic hit—and now I am stuck with a very expensive fruit that I am still paying for.

So, yes, while Huawei continues to be constrained by the US embargo, I have to say that the Huawei P50 Pro remains a very good buy—even for a non-blogger/ vlogger like me. ■

Adulting is a go with all-new Globe Prepaid promos PAYING bills, doing your taxes, keeping a wellstocked pantry—adulting is hard, especially when you add a pandemic into the mix of daily challenges.

The good news is that Filipinos today have technology as their partner in navigating life’s new normal, especially when it comes to keeping themselves safe and healthy.

For one, Globe Prepaid customers need not worry about getting access to all the wellness and financial services they need, thanks to the launch of allimproved Go+ promos. As a leveled-up promo, there are more freebies under its portfolio that cater not just to subscribers’ content, lifestyle and entertainment needs, but also to the security of their finances and physical and mental well-being.

“We launched Go+ last year to address Filipinos’ needs to be online on their preferred platforms, with our high GB offerings and content freebies,” says Givielle Florida, Brand Head of Globe Prepaid. “With

the improved Go+, we are continuing our pursuit to expand and give Filipinos access to life-enabling services they need to help them get back on track to the future they aspire to have.”

Under GoSAVE, Globe Prepaid customers can take stock of their savings and make better financial plans through the use of GCash Credits feature. All they need to do is choose the Go+ promo they want to register under, and they are given the option to use their freebie for P10, P15, or P20 of GCash Credits which they can deposit to their GSave account, eventually helping them build the all-important habit of, as people say, saving up for rainy days.

Also part of Globe Prepaid’s long-term goals is to help the younger generation take better care of themselves, both physically and mentally, with GoHEALTH. Go+ promos also have health services freebies that include the option for subscribers to avail of free mental health consultation via KonsultaMD,

and HealthNow discount vouchers for medicine delivery or medical consultation.

“Apart from recognizing their financial needs, Filipinos have become more conscious of their physical and mental health because of this pandemic—and Globe Prepaid is here to help them achieve their health goals,” Florida says.

“All these offers under Go+ are geared toward

one thing: to help Filipinos, especially the youth, own their future despite these trying times,” says Florida.

“By subscribing to Globe Prepaid, it will be easier for them to navigate life thanks to their access to all of today’s digital essentials.”

Sports

PATAFA ON SUSPENSION: WHERE’S DUE PROCESS?

BusinessMirror

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HE Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) on Friday questioned its suspension by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Executive Board saying the Olympic body was reneged on subjecting the federation to due procezz.

In a statement signed by former POC President Cristy Ramos who’s now Patafa’s spokesperson, the national sports association (NSA) said it haven’t received any formal communique from the POC on the 90-day suspension which was also meted the leadership intramurals-marred Philippine Tennis Association.

“Patafa was not afforded due process and has yet to receive any official document on the alleged POC suspension,” said the statement, which also clarified the NSAs stand on why it didn’t endorse world-ranked pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena to four major international competitions.

“Patafa did not refuse to endorse EJ Obiena in international competitions,” the statement said. “In the Patafa

| Saturday, March 19, 2022

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

Patrombon, Olivarez dispute tennis crown

J

ESON PATROMBOM and Jed Olivarez lived up to the hype as they dispatched their respective rivals in contrasting fashions yesterday to arrange a much awaited face-off for the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) Olivarez Cup Open crown at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque, on Friday.

Bracing for a spirited duel with many-time Davis Cup teammate Arcilla, the 28-year-old Patrombon hardly found a challenge instead, dominating the veteran campaigner before claiming the abbreviated win when the latter retired due to injury, 6-1 (ret.).

The top-seeded Patrombon thus kept his imposing run in the event marking the return of the country’s longest running tennis circuit after a two-year hiatus due to global health crisis with the Iligan City ace dropping just 15 games in four matches to earn another stab at the championship.

Olivarez also piled up three straight-set victories before the secondranked ace rammed into a tough Vicente Anasta in the semis. But the 23-year-old talent bounced back strong from a stinging second-set setback, put his act together in the decider and pulled off a 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 triumph in their side of the Final Four.

They dispute the crown at 9 a.m. on Saturday with Patrombon tipped to bank on his experience and all-around prowess while Olivarez is itching to spring a surprise on home turf and prove his worth against his more seasoned rival.

The duo also poised themselves for a sweep of two titles as they advanced to the semifinal round of the doubles play with convincing wins last Thursday.

With Anasta as partner, Patrombon rolled past Loucas Fernandez and Aljon Talatayod, 6-2, 6-2, in the upper half of the draw while Olivarez and Joewyn Pascua clobbered Exequiel Jucutan and James Mina, 6-1, 6-2.

Patrombon and Anasta were playing Noel Damian, Jr. and Leander Lazaro, who held off Norman Enriquez and Joshua Kinaadman, 6-2, 7-6(5), at presstime for a spot in the finals, also slated at 1 p.m. today.

Arcilla and Kyle Dandan foiled Kim Saraza and Marc Jarata, 7-5, 6-0, but the former remains unsure of his stint against the Olivarez-Pascua pair for the other finals seat in the event put up by the PPS-PEPP and backed

by Dunlop, Rep Eric Olivarez and Olivarez Sports Center.

Nadal beats Kyrgios in 3 sets at Indian Wells, goes to 19-0

I

NDIAN WELLS, California—Rafael Nadal defeated Nick Kyrgios, 7-6 (0), 5-7, 6-4, Thursday to reach the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open in a match featuring obscenities, underhand serves, a point penalty and smashed rackets.

Nadal improved to 19-0 this year, the third-best start to a season since 1990.

“Happy about that third set because it wasn’t easy after the end of the second. It was terrible for me,” he said.

“But I hold it emotionally, and mentally, I think I was ready to keep fighting.”

So was Kyrgios.

After the post-match handshake, Kyrgios walked to his seat and smashed his racket on the court. It bounced up and away, nearly striking a ball boy standing at the back of the court. Kyrgios walked off to a mix of boos and cheers.

“It landed a meter from my foot and skidded and nearly hit him,” Kyrgios said. “I’m human. Things happen like that. Obviously it was a very misfortunate bounce. I think if I did that a million times over it wouldn’t have gone that way.”

Nadal was on his side of the court and said he didn’t see Kyrgios toss his racket after the match.

“I think Nick had a great attitude during the whole match in terms of fighting spirit, and of course he has his personality, his character,” Nadal said.

“Sometimes he does things that I don’t like, but I respect because of different character, different kind of points of view, and different kind of education.” AP

letter dated February 28, 2022, Patafa responded to EJ Obiena that it “will not act on your letter dated February 24, 2022 pending completion of the mediation process organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).”

The Patafa furthered: “The deferral of any action on EJ Obiena’s letter is consistent with the directive of the Senate Committee [on Sports] to undergo mediation, which Patafa is currently participating in.”

The association also clarified that its president, Philip Ella Juico, filing a case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport was “properly denominated as an ‘appeal arbitration proceedings.’ It is not a new case. It is merely the continuation of the complaint initially filed by EJ Obiena against Dr. Philip Ella Juico which resulted in POC’s [Philippine Olympic Committee] adopting Board Resolution P-2021-013 declaring him ‘persona non grata.’

Hence, the appeal arbitration.”

Juico didn’t return a call or answered a text message from the BusinessMirror. Josef Ramos

Cycling shenanigans DQed

B

ALER—Cheats had a heyday hanging on to a car and a van in Thursday’s eighth stage from Tarlac City to this tourist destination but their shenanigan method was caught on video and now, Excellent Noodles’ Mervin

HAVING been Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance teammates for years, Ronald Oranza (left) and Jan Paul Morales break into smiles as they approach the finish line in Echague, Isabela, on Friday.

ORANZA-MORALES: NAVY VS. NAVY

By Josef Ramos

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CHAGUE, Isabela—Only 38 seconds separate race leader Ronald Oranza from Jan Paul Morales in the 11th LBC Ronda Pilipinas that looked headed toward a familiar ending as it was two years ago in the pre-pandemic era.

Morales won Friday’s Stage 8 from Baler, his second this year after the individual time trial first stage, but Oranza was on his rear wheel as they crossed with the same time of four hours, 41 minutes and 31 seconds after a 170.40-km ride characterized by climbs on Sierra Madre’s northern tip.

Yes, Oranza and Morales turned the race’s 11th edition into a tworider showdown but off the road, the two are buddies as evidenced by their smiles when they approached the finish.

Seven years of racing in the same Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance jersey, not even the P1-million cash prize that will go to the winner of this 10-stage bikathon could turn them into mortal enemies.

“It’s all in the game,” Oranza, the 30-year-old champion in 2018, told BusinessMirror. “We’ve been teammates for many years, but now, he [Morales] is riding for a different team [Excellent Noodles] so on the road, we ride to compete.”

By winning the stage, Morales got a 10-second bonus to Oranza’s six-second bonus for placing second, thus slicing four seconds of the red jersey wearer’s overall time. Nueva Ecija’s Marcelo Felipe, a national teammate of both Oranza and Morales, was third with the same time as the 1-2 finishers and got a four-second bonus—inadequate though to bolster his bid for the general classification crown.

For Morales, it was also for the game of it and attacked in the

RAFAEL NADAL’S 19-match winning streak is the third-best start to a season since 1990. AP

mountainous stage to get as close as possible to Oranza.

“I tried my best to get this stage and move closer to Oranza,” Morales, the 2016 and 2017 champion, said.

“I had a strong assault in the last kilometer but that was hard-earned as we protected our breakaway for some 70 kms.”

The Ronda winds down to its last two stages but with only a criterium stage on the final day in Baguio City, Saturday’s Stage 9 from Santiago City to the country’s summer capital will determine who hoists the biggest trophy.

And it will be a Navyman against a Navyman with Oranza, a civilian, riding for the Philippine Navy-backed squad and Morales still answering to his duties as a Seaman Second Class who moved over to Excellent Noodles only some three months ago.

Oranza and Morales will lead the field now down to 65 riders—seven cyclists abandoned while five were cut off in Stage 8—in the 185.60km penultimate stage highlighted by a hors category (uncategorized) 1,600-meter climb in Itogon, Benguet, some 5 kms before the Burnham Park finish.

Oranza said Stage 9 will all be a tactical team effort to protect his and his team’s lead.

“I will just have to stick with him [Morales] tomorrow [Saturday] as much as a I can,” said Oranza.

The Navymen again dominated the stage to keep the team classification lead with a 14-minute lead over Excellent Noodles, which also placed second on Friday. Go For Gold would need a mighty team effort to barge atop the podium as the riders of coach Ednalyn Hualda were 38 minutes off the leaders.

Sunday’s final stage is a criterium race laid out over a 3.10km circuit around Session Road and Burnham Park with a one hour plus three laps format.

DESIREE CHENG spikes one in for the Flying Titans.

Flying Titans open campaign on bright note

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HOCO MUCHO pulled through in a rugged third set endgame to thwart Army Black Mamba, 25-13, 25-11, 25-23, and launch its Premier Volleyball League Open Conference campaign in straight-set fashion at the Paco Arena in Manila on Friday.

But it took the Flying Titans a power hit from lefty Caitlyn Viray and a clever play from Deanna Wong to repel the Lady Troopers, who fought back from two forgettable sets with a gutsy stand in the next that however fizzled out in the end.

“The tournament is very short and every game is really a must-win,” said Choco Mucho coach Oliver Almadro after his wards pounded out the 76-minute win. “So, we thank God that He gave us the strength to win our first game.”

On the short format, Almadro underscored the need for his players to focus on each match and get better and tougher in all aspects to fuel

their title drive.

“We’re taking it one game at a time, and that’s the important thing,” Almadro said. “So as the tournament wears on, the battle becomes more difficult and the focus should intensify and the character (of the players) should grow.”

Poised for another set romp after a pair of trouble-free victories, the Flying Titans blew an 8-4 lead in the third frame on a series of miscues, enabling the Lady Troopers to get back into the thick of things. Army forced the first tie at 11 and then battled its fancied younger rival to six more standoffs before finally wresting control at 17-16.

But after they traded points on varying hits, the Lady Troopers regained the lead at 22-21 on a Jeanette Villareal block off Ponggay Gaston.

But Gaston struck with a big hit in the ensuing play and Viray put Choco Mucho on top again with another off-

‘Ginto’ awardee in PSC web program

G

Corpuz, Team Quezon rider Jigo Mendoza and coach Melvin Aricayos and Eagle Cement cyclist Ed Robert Manucot won’t be racing anymore.

They’ve all been DQed, or Disqualified, for the final three stages of the 11th LBC Ronda Pilipinas for committing a mortal sin—hanging on to a motor vehicle.

A video of the infraction was shown to race organizers, who didn’t hesitate to throw the book on the cheats. The video went viral on social media in as much the same way as Nueva Ecija rider Xyrus de la Cruz’s ugly mishap in Stage 2 last Friday in Sorsogon.

“That’s a mortal sin in all cycling races,” Ronda Pilipinas race director Jaydee Arcilla told BusinessMirror before the flag off for Stage 8 on Friday morning. “It’s automatic disqualification because we saw in the video that they were holding on to the car’s window so they are out of the race already.”

Corpuz had an alibi for clinging to a moving car but eventually admitted to his violation.

“I asked for water from the car after I crashed, and I changed bikes three times so I held on to the car,” Corpuz said. “I know what I did was wrong and I’m going to face the consequences of my action.”

Corpuz finished at 58th in Stage 8 but more importantly, he had a shot at piercing the top 10 as he stood at No. 16 in the general classification before his disqualification. Josef Ramos

INTONG Gawad 2021 “Babaeng Atleta Modelo ng Kabataang May Kapansanan” awardee Rhea Haina Garcia will be the main guest in the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) web series “Rise Up, Shape Up” on Saturday.

Garcia, a native of Barangay Coliling in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, received the award for her ground-breaking, inspiring and outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of women and sports at the grassroots level.

She was in Grade 7 when her

parents and teachers found out that she has a learning disability and needed extra patience and attention on her academic activities.

Moreover, they provided her with opportunities outside the academe and was exposed to sports that eventually unlocked her running strength and agility.

Garcia began competing and winning in division-level meets, which boosted her self-confidence and enabled her to join national competitions like the 2017 Palarong Pambansa in Antique.

the-block hit before ageless MJ Pabayo scored on a push to keep Army alive and set the stage for a tight finish.

Viray, however, came away with another power hit and Wong completed a Gaston save off a Honey Rose Tubino attack by wittingly tossing the ball to the unguarded spot at the baseline, securing the point and the victory that tied matched F2 Logistics and Cignal HD’s early victories in Group A of the short month-long tournament.

Army, on the other hand, absorbed its second straight defeat following a four-set loss to F2 Logistics in last Wednesday’s inaugurals of the league’s second pro season organized

by Sports Vision.

Kat Tolentino fired 11 hits, including nine attack points, to emerge the game’s best player, while Gaston finished with eight points and Viray added seven hits in a two-set stint as Almadro utilized a 14-player rotation.

PSC Oversight Commissioner for Women in Sports Celia Kiram said that Garcia’s recognition uplifts the accomplishments of female athletes and, more so, those with special abilities.

“We often know of physicallychallenged athletes whose passion and dedication in sports allow them to triumph,” Kiram said. “The story of Rhea encourages us to see para athletes from a different viewpoint. Her story is also proof that sports build character suited for success.”

Kiram will also discuss the rules of Paralympics in her regular “K-Isport” segment.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ABSOLUTE STAFF SOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 1710 Entrata Condo Tower 1, Fcc, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

BYEON, JAEHONG Korean Trade Contractor 1.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for collection of innovative tools, machinery, modifications, software etc. used during the construction phase of a project.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor`s degree or equivalent practical experience, proven track record of successful projects and satisfied client, significant experience with commercial buildouts, excellent in client relationship significant experience with residential construction projects and ability to speak and write English and Korean fluently.

No.

SITI USWATUN HASANAH Bahasa Indonesian Language- Supervisor Fund Management 9.

LEE, HANJOO Korean Trade Contractor 2.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for collection of innovative tools, machinery, modifications, software etc. used during the construction phase of a project.

SAKUNJAROENPORN, WILAIRAT Thai Language-officer Fund Management 10.

3.

Brief Job Description: Bachelor`s degree or equivalent practical experience, organization, time management and ability to multitask, excellent social communication skills, managed and coordinated all travel arrangements for staff, ability to learn and upgrade job skills to meet the changing demands of positions, ability to speak and write English and Korean fluently.

Basic Qualification: Responsible for organizing meetings, translating documents from english to foreign languages. As well as acting an interpreter

LIAN, JIAN Project Manager 11.

4.

EGASHIRA, YUMIKO Service Delivery Operations Team Lead 5.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for activities assigned by the service delivery manager, coordinate all escalation for potential issues ensure all contractual and operational KPIS are achieved within agreed quality and timeline.

12.

6.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for activities assigned by the service delivery manager, coordinate all escalation for potential issues ensure all contractual and operational KPIS are achieved within agreed quality and timeline.

Basic Qualification: Open to high school graduates with related work experience; jlpt n2 certified or equivalent; with f&a sap erp skills; management experience required, managerial or supervisory experience; must be able to lead a team of supervisors/ team leads

Basic Qualification: Open to high school graduates with related work experience; jlpt n2 certified or equivalent; with f&a sap erp skills; management experience required, managerial or supervisory experience; must be able to lead a team of supervisors/ team leads

YANG, ZHESHU Account Manager 14.

15.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the service delivery of all departments and the profitability of each line of business.

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

ASIANA AIRLINES, INC. 6 The Salcedo Towers, 169 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

SHIN, DONG JOON Regional Manager 8.

Brief Job Description: Manage every aspect of the airline in the region and responsible for the overall company performance.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in airline operations and aviation regulations; excellent leadership and strategic thinking; can speak Korean and English.

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

20.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or any business course

21.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin project controls analyst, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for Managing and Growing Key Customers of Fiberhome in the Phil

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

16.

WU, JIANG Mandarin Operations Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can Speak Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Mandarin Accurate Sales Record

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

GENIX CONSULTANCY INC. 7/f Ba Lepanto Bldg., 8747 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati CHEN, WEICHAO Mandarin Customer Service Officer

18.

Brief Job Description: Communicating in customer through various channels

CHEN, RONGCHENG Mandarin HR Officer Brief Job Description: Managing employees development and trainings

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

Brief Job Description: Has the maintenance skills of optical transmission products

Brief Job Description: Ensure information and network security in accordance with hq policies and customer requirements

NAYAK, BIJAYA KUMAR Practice Lead-HR Compensation & Benefits 22.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, writing and reading in english and chinese Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, writing and reading in english and chinese Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Brief Job Description: Monitoring, existing comp and ben structure of Infosys

Basic Qualification: Experience in payroll management , SAP HR and end user tool Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

JOEUN PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL, INC. Unit 2302 One San Miguel Avenue Condo, San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

HAN, DONGMEONG Construction Project Manager 23.

Brief Job Description: Project management, supervising the day to day operation of handled project

Basic Qualification: Construction background with formal architectural training and leadership experience, deep understanding on construction issues.

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

MARKETROLE ASIA PACIFIC SERVICES, INC. 26/f, 27/f, 28/f The Enterprise Center Tower 1, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati HU, XIAOYONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff 24.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service HUYNH NGUYEN PHUONG CHI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff

25.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City AUNG MYAT TUN Chinese Customer Service 26.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires BAMBANG KUSUMA Chinese Customer Service

27.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries BE VAN CHUNG Chinese Customer Service

28.

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

29.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries BUI THI KHANH VAN Chinese Customer Service

30.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

INFOSYS BPM LIMITED - PHILIPPINE BRANCH 19th-23rd Flr., Bgc Corporate Center, 11th Ave. Corner 30th Sts., City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin cost control officer, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

PENG, MINGQIANG Product Manager - Fixed Broadband Network Sales And Delivery

MING, ZHEN Wireless Specialist For Carrier Network Wireless Expansion 2022 Project

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English both verbal and written

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

FLYING FUTURE SERVICES INC. 3/f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

ACCESS HEALTHCARE SERVICES MANILA, INC. 6f Unit B, One World Square, Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

7.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for Managing and Growing Key Customers of Fiberhome in the Phil

YU, ZHIWEN Project Manager

17.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of Bachelor’s Degree with 10 years experience in BPO industry

Brief Job Description: The mandarin project controls analyst will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

No.

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

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

SAMUEL, PRINCE JESUDOSS Treasurer And Country Manager

Brief Job Description: The mandarin cost control officer will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goals.

LIU, HANXIN Mandarin Project Controls Analyst

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

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

KEMAS MUHAMMAD AULIA RAHMAN Service Delivery Operations Team Lead

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

LUO, LIANG Mandarin Cost Control Officer

13.

Brief Job Description: Collect and recover customer receivables and debt. Ensure cash collection activities meet the requirements of the client by reducing debt aging, maximizing cash collection and collecting highquality dispute information, while maintaining a professional relationship with the client and their debtors.

Basic Qualification: Atleast 3 years of relevant experience

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

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

TANDIOY, JEAN MUSH Collections Support Analyst

Brief Job Description: Must ensure their funds reporting requirements are met

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of 4 year course in business, finance or management preferred.

Computer literate and proficient in use of MS office. Good oral and communication skills in English and must be fluent in French.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CHINA CONSTRUCTION FRONT GENERAL DEVT. CORPORATION Unit 3001, Atlanta Center, 31 Annapolis St., Greenhills, City Of San Juan

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 KANG, EUNOK Multilingual Secretary

Brief Job Description: must fluently speak and write any of the following languages (Bahasa Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese)

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor`s degree or equivalent practical experience, proven track record of successful projects and satisfied client, significant experience with commercial buildouts, excellent in client relationship significant experience with residential construction projects and ability to speak and write English and Korean fluently.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Saturday, March 19, 2022

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

BUI THI KIM CHIEU Chinese Customer Service 31.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

H.S. BUSINESS CONSULTANT INC. U-1216 Cityland Herrera Tower, 98 Rufino Cor Valero Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati

CAO, FENG Mandarin Speaking - Business Development 19.

Brief Job Description: Identifying business development opportunities within mandarin speaking business communities

Basic Qualification: Speaks and writes fluent in English and Mandarin language, excellent oral and written communication in Mandarin, has a notable network of potential clients locally and internationally, notable business development and marketing skills.

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

BUI THI THU Chinese Customer Service 32.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

BUI VAN KHANH Chinese Customer Service 33.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

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

BusinessMirror

A14 Saturday, March 19, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION BUI VAN QUYET Chinese Customer Service

34.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires CAO THI HUONG GIANG Chinese Customer Service

35.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, XIAOHAO Chinese Customer Service

36.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, XULIANG Chinese Customer Service

37.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHENG, CHANGPENG Chinese Customer Service

38.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHENH SI PHUC Chinese Customer Service

39.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHOOI CHUN SAN Chinese Customer Service

40.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DANG QUANG DAT Chinese Customer Service

41.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DANG THI TUYEN Chinese Customer Service

42.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DAO NGOC KHANH Chinese Customer Service

43.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DIEP MY LAN Chinese Customer Service

44.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DONG THI HIEN Chinese Customer Service

45.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DUONG MANH CUONG Chinese Customer Service

46.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DUONG VAN DUOC Chinese Customer Service

47.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DUONG VAN HUAN Chinese Customer Service

48.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires FENG, LIANG Chinese Customer Service

49.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GIENG CUN NHIN Chinese Customer Service

50.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GIP HENH MUI Chinese Customer Service

51.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GONG, DAXUAN Chinese Customer Service

52.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries HAREM CHAU YEE KIEN Chinese Customer Service

53.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

HE, YUE Chinese Customer Service 54.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

No.

HEW KOK HONG Chinese Customer Service 55.

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

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LE THI NI NI Chinese Customer Service

74.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write chinese language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LE THI KIM NGAN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LE THANH HOANG Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, read and Write Chinese Language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LE QUOC PHONG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LE HONG HAI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LAO NGOC MAI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LAM VAN LONG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KAYLA ANAK KERIN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires KAO, SUN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires KANG, YOU Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires JACKY HO TZE HOW Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HUA THI PHUONG Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HOANG VAN HOA Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HOANG NGHIA AN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HOANG HIEU HUAN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HOANG DUYET LINH Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HOANG ANH BAC Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HII SIEW HOCK Chinese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LE THI PHUONG MAI Chinese Customer Service

75.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

No.

LE VAN HAI Chinese Customer Service 76.

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

77.

78.

79.

80.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

91.

92.

93.

94.

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

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

95.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN THI QUE Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN QUANG TRI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGO GIA LE Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NG WENG YIP Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NAING MYINT OO Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries MA, HUANHUAN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUONG THI PHI NHUNG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LOU, CHAOFENG Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries LIU, LELE Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LINH VAN QUAN Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries LI, JINHUI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LEE CHIN CHING Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries LE VAN HAO Chinese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN VAN HA Chinese Customer Service 96.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN VAN LAP Chinese Customer Service

97.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN VAN TUE Chinese Customer Service

98.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN XUAN TIEN Chinese Customer Service

99.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NORNISAH CHAU LOK YE Chinese Customer Service

100.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NURLINAH CHAU LOK PING Chinese Customer Service

101.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries PHAM ANH THUAN Chinese Customer Service

102.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAM VAN HIEN Chinese Customer Service

103.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAN THI HOAI THU Chinese Customer Service

104.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries QU, HAIYANG Chinese Customer Service

105.

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

106.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SAI PAUNG HLAING Chinese Customer Service

107.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SAI WIN SHWE Chinese Customer Service

108.

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

109.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SWAN HTET NAING Chinese Customer Service

110.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, read and Write Chinese Language

No.

TRAN THI MY DUYEN Chinese Customer Service 118.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, read and Write Chinese Language

119.

120.

121.

122.

123.

124.

125.

126.

127.

128.

129.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires UNG CAM NGON Chinese Customer Service

130.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRUONG VAN TUAN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRUONG VAN PHU Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRUONG VAN KHANH Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRUONG THI SON Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRUONG THI MY LINH Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRUONG AI CAN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRINH VAN DUONG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRIEU THI DOM Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN VAN DUNG Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, read and Write Chinese Language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN VAN CHANH Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, read and Write Chinese Language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN THI TRINH Chinese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries VU THI LY Chinese Customer Service

131.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

Saturday, March 19, 2022

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

No.

139.

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

140.

141.

142.

143.

144.

145.

146.

147.

148.

149.

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

150.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, read and Write Chinese Language

111.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries THAI BA DUY Chinese Customer Service

112.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires THAI QUOC VIET Chinese Customer Service

113.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires THAI THI HUONG Chinese Customer Service

114.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN THI ANH Chinese Customer Service

115.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TRAN THI BE HIEN Chinese Customer Service

116.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

TRAN THI KIM CHI Chinese Customer Service 117.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write chinese language

VU XUAN TRINH Chinese Customer Service 132.

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

VUONG DUC THUAN Chinese Customer Service 133.

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

134.

135.

136.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WEI, JIANLING Chinese Customer Service

137.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, ZENGQING Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries WANG, DAOYU Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries VY THI VAN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WEI, JIEPENG Chinese Customer Service

138.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries YU, HANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, DEDI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, HONGFA Chinese Customer Service

151.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, read and Write Chinese Language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YU, DONGMING Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries YANG, KUN Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries XIE, JINGWEI Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries XIAO, QIANG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries XIA, MENGEN Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries WU, ZEGUO Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries WU, WENBING Chinese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WU, HAO Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries ZHANG, YUNLONG Chinese Customer Service

152.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 153.

TAN CHONG HAO Chinese Customer Service

A15

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries ZHAO, SHUO Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

ZHAO, YUE Chinese Customer Service

154.

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

155.

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

156.

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

ZHONG, LIHAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHOU, HUAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZUE ZUE MEE Chinese Customer Service

157.

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 XING, WEIMIN Chinese Customer Specialist

158.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

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

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

159.

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

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

BusinessMirror

A16 Saturday, March 19, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

160.

161.

162.

163.

164.

165.

166.

167.

168.

169.

170.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

DAI, XUDONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

PAN, WEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

PIAO, MEIZI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

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

YE, SI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ZHAO, JIA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

KIM, WONJIN Korean Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

TRUONG XUAN PHU Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

VU THI THIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

VU VAN NAM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills

No.

ZHU, JIAO Mandarin Speaking It/customer Support 175.

GRACE ANASTASIA Bahasa Indonesian Language-trade Specialist 176.

177.

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

178.

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

171.

Brief Job Description: Developing, managing and designing layouts of communications such as presentations, newsletters, event support materials, research papers, and brochures

172.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the work produced by the team with the aim of seamless delivery of service.

Brief Job Description: 1) Responsible for the electrical repair works, maintenance, fault finding and monitoring of highly sophisticated and huge construction machineries not locally available and which local staffs are not familiar with, like the Caterpillar Carrydozer D11R, Hitachi Excavator EX1900, Caterpillar Dump Truck 777. 2) Training of local staffs on the repair and maintenance of highly sophisticated and huge construction machineries mentioned above. 3) Ensure maximum operational availability of heavy equipment by diagnostic work and repair methods. 4) Submit routine inspection and monitoring reports as required. 5) Carry out duties independently when called out and report breakdowns and faults. 6) Assume additional responsibility for heavy equipment maintenance in the absence of the Equipment Supervisor. 7) Ensure that emergency work is followed up by reporting to the Equipment Supervisor. 8) Ensure work practice conforms to safety regulations and procedures. 9) Ensure that all preventive maintenance (electrical) is conducted as required.

10) Attend to breakdowns as reported on immediate basis.

HE, PEIYI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

173.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

CHERN YIK YEE Malaysian Customer Support Representative 180.

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

Basic Qualification: Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking in both English and Thai

LOW CHEE KEONG Malaysian Customer Support Representative 181.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelors and post graduate degree in civil engineering or telecom; at least 1520 years of experience in telecom industry.

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

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

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

TOH LI KUAN Malaysian Customer Support Representative 182.

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

HE, JING Mandarin Customer Support Representative 183.

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

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services

YU, XINGLIANG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 184.

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

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

SEQUOIA SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INC. 37f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati LIN, CHUN-HUNG Mandarin Speaking It/customer Support 174.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate, respond and address inquiries of chinese speaking customers, call center activities

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

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

CHAC DENH LAN Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 185.

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

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

TIN NGOC HUONG Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 187.

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

UNG SAU PHUNG Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 188.

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

HU, XUANFU Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Analyst 189.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Analyst will be a strategist and a Leader able to steer the company to the most Profitable Direction While also Implementing its Vision , Mission and Long Term Goals

LEI, GANG Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Analyst 190.

Basic Qualification: 1) With related experience in tailings dam earth moving works

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Analyst will be a strategist and a Leader able to steer the company to the most Profitable Direction While also Implementing its Vision , Mission and Long Term Goals

HU, YANG Mandarin Field Service Supervisor 191.

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

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Field Supervisor will be a strategist and a Leader able to steer the company to the most Profitable Direction While also Implementing its Vision , Mission and Long Term Goals

Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operations Manager, Familiarity Knowledge and Awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrate Experience in Developing Strategic Business Plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operations Manager, Familiarity Knowledge and Awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrate Experience in Developing Strategic Business Plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operations Manager, Familliarity Knowledge and Awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrate Experience in Developing Strategic Business Plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TANG, HEPING Mandarin Finance Manager 192.

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.

QIU, JIAN Mandarin Operations Manager 193.

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 and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Operations Manager will be a strategist and a Leader able to steer the company to the most Profitable Direction While also Implementing its Vision , Mission and Long Term Goals

Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operations Manager, Familliarity Knowledge and Awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrate Experience in Developing Strategic Business Plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YISON SIGNAGE, INC. (YISON) 1761 Jose Abad Santos At, 022, Barangay 235, Tondo I/ii, City Of Manila

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: The Mandarin Finance Manager will be a strategist and a Leader able to steer the company to the most Profitable Direction While also Implementing its Vision , Mission and Long Term Goals

Basic Qualification: Proven Experience as Mandarin Operations Manager, Familliarity Knowledge and Awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrate Experience in Developing Strategic Business Plan Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in holding customer questions about services or products/ excellent mandarin communications skills

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

SA RIVENDELL GLOBAL SUPPORT, INC. 2/f Star Cruises Ce Bldg., Andrews Drive, Newport City St., Barangay 183, Pasay City WU, ZHAO Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: 1) With related experience in tailings dam earth moving works

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

XINCHUAN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL PHILIPPINE PROJECT LTD CORP. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

179.

PHIL-TOWER CONSORTIUM INC. Unit S-08 Eco Tower Bldg., 32nd St. Cor. 9th Ave., Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

HENDRIK HUTAGAOL Project Delivery Director

Brief Job Description: 1) Responsible for the electrical repair works, maintenance, fault finding and monitoring of highly sophisticated and huge construction machineries not locally available and which local staffs are not familiar with, like the Caterpillar Carrydozer D11R, Hitachi Excavator EX1900, Caterpillar Dump Truck 777. 2) Training of local staffs on the repair and maintenance of highly sophisticated and huge construction machineries mentioned above. 3) Ensure maximum operational availability of heavy equipment by diagnostic work and repair methods. 4) Submit routine inspection and monitoring reports as required. 5) Carry out duties independently when called out and report breakdowns and faults. 6) Assume additional responsibility for heavy equipment maintenance in the absence of the Equipment Supervisor. 7) Ensure that emergency work is followed up by reporting to the Equipment Supervisor. 8) Ensure work practice conforms to safety regulations and procedures. 9) Ensure that all preventive maintenance (electrical) is conducted as required.

10) Attend to breakdowns as reported on immediate basis.

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

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

186.

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

SOCIALATEMYIND INC. Unit No. Unit 2c Flr. No. No. 4/f, One E-com Center Bldg., Lot No. 4/f Mall Of Asia Complex Ocean Drive St. District 1, District 4, Barangay 76, Pasay City

NOVATECH (PASAY) LIMITED, INC. 4th Flr. W Mall Bldg., Diosdado Macapagal Ave. St., Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City PHUSUWAN, NATTHAPHON Thai Speaking Digital Marketing Specialist

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing and other relevant courses

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HOANG DINH DOAHN Vietnamese Customer Support Representative

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

SUGUMARAN M VENGIDASALAM Equipment Technician

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking reading and writing in mandarin

No.

FUJIWARA, ICHIRO Equipment Technician

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

SMCC PHILIPPINES, INC. 6/f Peninsula Court Bldg., 8735 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

Brief Job Description: Coordinate, respond and address inquiries of Chinese speaking customers, call center activities

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

SHANG SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 11/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

LI, BINHAI International Marketing Manager For China 194.

Brief Job Description: Attend international conference to promote company’s presence

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

ZIMI TECH, INC. 29th/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

195.

PHAM HOANG BAO Vietnamese Language Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling calls and providing customer support

Basic Qualification: Proficient in writing, reading and speaking in both English and Korean/Bahasa/Chinese/ Vietnamese/ Malaysian/ Cambodian Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Mar 18, 2022

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on March 16, 2022, the company name of BAI, SHENGYU, SUH, SUNGCHAN, and ZHANG, YU under GLOBAL HEALTHCARE RESOURCE PHILIPPINES INC., should have been read as GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING located at GROUND LEVEL, LEVEL 2-5 FLOOR, SILVER CITY 4, ORTIGAS EAST, UGONG, CITY OF PASIG, and not as published.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on March 15, 2022, the name of LOI HONG PEI under INFOVINE INC., should have been read as LOI HONG PHEI, and not as published.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on March 9, 2022, the name of SONG, JUN YONG under ALL OUT MULTI-MEDIA SOLUTIONS CORP., should have been read as SON, JUN YONG, 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 National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR