BusinessMirror May 12, 2022

Manufacturing output surges 336% in March B C U. O @caiordinario

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HE growth of the country’s manufacturing output quadrupled in March 2022, according to the latest Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA data showed the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) surged 336.3 percent in March 2022 on the back of growth in 15 industry divisions.

The data showed that VoPI posted a growth of 75.5 percent in February 2022 while it contracted 73.3 percent in March 2021.

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“Of the 22 industry divisions, 15 reported positive growth which was led by the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products with a 2,175.6 percent annual growth rate,” the PSA added.

The data showed the remaining seven industry divisions recorded annual decreases in their production. The manufacture of electrical equipment had the fastest annual decline of 36.5 percent.

The PSA said the Value of Production Index (VaPI) also skyrocketed 358.2 percent in March 2022 on the back of high growth in 15 industry divisions.

The data showed the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum prod-

ucts was also the major contributing factor with a 2,583.3 percent growth rate.

PSA said the VaPI posted a growth of 82.9 percent in February 2022 and a contraction of 74.1 percent in March 2021.

Capacity utilization

MEANWHILE, PSA said the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing sector in March 2022 was reported at 70.4 percent, from 69.7 percent in the previous month.

“Almost all the industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 50 percent except for manufacture of leather and related products, including footwear [40.8

percent],” PSA said.

The top 3 industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate were manufacturers of furniture, which posted an average capacity utilization rate of 85 percent.

This was followed by the manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products at 79.1 percent, and manufacture of machinery and equipment except electrical, at 76.4 percent.

The MISSI is a report that monitors the production, net sales, inventories, and capacity utilization of selected manufacturing establishments to provide flash indicators on the performance of the manufacturing sector.

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FDI GROW 46.3% IN FEB, 2-MO INFLOWS AT $1.7B www.businessmirror.com.ph

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Thursday, May 12, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 214

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@BcuaresmaBM

ONG-TERM investments made by foreign investors to the Philippines grew strongly in February this year, reversing the decline seen earlier in 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported.

Data released by the Central Bank showed that foreign direct investments (FDI) net inflows rose by 46.3 percent from last year, to reach $893 million in February 2022 from the $611-million net inflows recorded in the same month last year.

The increase brought the cumulative two-month FDI net inflows to $1.7 billion, higher by 8 percent than the $1.6-billion net inflows posted in the first two months of 2021. It also reversed the 16-percent decline seen in FDI in January this year.

FDI are investments made by foreign players to the Philippines in the hopes of long-term return.

Since these are in the country for a longer-term compared to their short-term counterpart— the foreign portfolio investments (FPI)—the FDI usually create jobs for Filipinos and have a multiplier effect on the economy.

“The growth in FDI reflected mainly the continued infusion of funds by non-resident direct investors to their local subsidiaries,” the BSP said in a statement.

Broken down, the increase in FDI net inflows in February was supported by the 40.8 percent growth in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments of local affiliates to $722 million from $513 million in the same month last year.

Non-residents’ net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings also grew by 320.1 percent to $97 million from $23 million in February 2021.

Equity capital placements were mostly from Kuwait, Japan, and the United States. Capital infusions were channeled mainly to the C  A

PESO EXCHANGE RATES

IN this photo provided by the Office of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the presidential candidate—trouncing all rivals by a landslide with 31 million votes in unofficial tallies—visits the tomb of his father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Tuesday (May 10, 2022). Marcos, namesake son of the late dictator, announced that his running mate Sara Duterte will be his first Cabinet nominee, to handle the Department of Education. OFFICE OF FERDINAND MARCOS JR.

First Cabinet nominee: FARM OUTPUT DIPS SLIGHTLY IN Q1, Sara Duterte for DepEd FERTILIZER PRICE SPIKES BLAMED B J E Y. A @jearcalas

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HE value of the country’s agricultural output in the first quarter slightly dipped by 0.3 percent after production in crops, fisheries and livestock sectors contracted, buoyed by a double-digit rate of increase in poultry output.

The agriculture chief blamed soaring fertilizer prices, fueled by the war in Ukraine, as a key factor for contraction.

The value of the farm output from January to March (at constant 2018 prices) declined by P75.246 billion to P419.922 billion from P495.168 billion recorded in the same period of last year, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed.

“Poultry registered expansion

during the period while crops, livestock, and fisheries posted declines in the value of production,” the PSA said in its quarterly report on the value of production in agriculture and fisheries published on Wednesday.

Historical PSA data showed that this is now the third consecutive first quarter wherein agricultural production contracted. PSA data also showed that the P419.922billion value of agricultural output from January to March was the lowest first quarter production in seven years.

PSA data showed that the value of crop production in the first quarter declined by 1.65 percent to P243.651 billion from P247.736 billion last year. The country’s palay output in the first quarter fell by 1.9 percent year-on-year to

4.541 million metric tons (MMT) while corn production slightly dipped to 2.441 MMT from 2.445 MMT, based on PSA data.

The value of the country’s livestock output in the first quarter declined by 1.04 percent to P59.162 billion from P59.786 billion, based on PSA data. This is now the 10th consecutive quarter that the livestock output contracted, since the African swine fever (ASF) entered the country and devastated the local hog industry.

“Hog, the major contributor to the value of livestock production, decreased by -1.2 percent. This resulted in the decline of -1.0 percent of the total value of livestock production,” the PSA said.

PSA data showed that the fishS “F,” A

B C M-C @Claudethmc3

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RESUMPTIVE President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday night he will appoint Presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte as the Secretary of the Department of Education after they take office on June 30.

Marcos said Duterte’s appointment was one of the topics they discussed during their meeting on Tuesday night. Duterte immediately agreed, he said, adding partly in Filipino that, “she’s very capable to handle it. I think, part of her agreeing to take it is that she is a mother and she wants to make sure her children will be well trained and well educated.”

Both Marcos and Duterte won landslide victories in the May 9 elections, according to partial, un-

official tallies in the Commmission on Elections transparency server, with 98 percent of results in.

Inflation, energy, lack of jobs and education will be the immediate focus of his administration, Marcos Jr. said at his first press briefing since the May 9 elections.

Marcos Jr. said vetting for the Cabinet positions is being done in a very thorough, inclusive manner, with a set of advisers for each portfolio holding talks with experts and stakeholders in each sector, so they can get the best person for the job.

“My thinking is, [for] each department—we should talk to the specialists in that sector,” he said, partly in Filipino. For example, he said, in picking the Agriculture Secretary, “we have to talk to all the agriculturists, all the stakeholders, S “F,” A

■ US 52.4020 ■ JAPAN 0.4018 ■ UK 64.5540 ■ HK 6.6756 ■ SINGAPORE 37.6722 ■ AUSTRALIA 36.3617 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 13.9705 ■ EU 55.1950 ■ CHINA 7.7814

Source: BSP (May 11, 2022)

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BusinessMirror

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Celebs, past and current lawmakers top Senate list

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News

ELEBRITIES and former and incumbent lawmakers made it to the top 12 senatorial candidates in the ongoing partial and official count of the Commission on Elections sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC).

On Wednesday, the NBOC finally released the official tally of the first 8 Certificates of Canvass (COC) it processed in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The unofficial tally is on page A16.

The COCs came from Baguio City, Abra, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Malabon City.

Actor Robinhood “Robin” Padilla got the highest vote with 612,684, followed by broadcaster Rafael “Raffy” T. Tulfo with 521,381 votes.

Coming in third and fourth place, respectively, are Antique Representative Lorna “Loren” B. Legarda with 492,504 votes and former Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar with 427,025 votes.

Rounding up the top 12 senatorial candidates are Sen. Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian (424,797 votes), Sorsogon Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero (378,428 votes), Taguig first district Rep. Alan Peter S. Cayetano (369,589 votes), Sen. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva (358,280 votes), former senator Jose “Jinggoy” Ejercito Estrada (336.498 votes), former senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito Estrada (332,936 votes), Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri (319,858 votes), and former vice president Jejomar “Jojo” C. Binay (284,124 votes).

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Violence, stolen ballots in Lanao del Sur villages spur Comelec reset

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B S P. M

@sam_medenilla

ITING incidents of election violence and stolen ballots, the Commission on Elections declared failure of elections in 14 barangays in Lanao Del Sur. The declaration was based on the recommendation of Comelec Deputy Executive Director for Operations Teopisto E. Elnas Jr. which was then adopted by the members of the Comelec en banc on Tuesday via Minute Resolution No. 22-0648.

In his report, Elnas said some

of the ballots in Butig were stolen and resulted in one policeman being stabbed, while protecting the vote counting machine (VCM) in the municipality.

In the Municipality of Binidayan, a VCM and some ballots were damaged due to election violence.

There were also reports of elec-

tion violence in Tubaran.

“Considering that the elections for local positions in the concerned municipalities may still be affected by the number of registered voters in the above precincts, and so as not to disenfranchise the voters in the foregoing locations, the Commission Resolved as it hereby Resolves to adopt, with modification, the recommendation of Deputy Executive Director for Operations Teopisto E. Elnas Jr.,” the Comelec en banc said.

Aside from the declaration of failure of election, Elnas proposed the conduct of a special election in the affected barangays scattered in the three municipalities.

The affected barangays are Ragayan, Pindolonan, Tangcal, Da-

tumanong, Guiarong, Baguiangun, Wago, Malaganding, Gadongan, Riantaran, Pagalamatan, Mindamunag, Paigoday, Pimbataan, and Metadicop.

A total of 8,295 voters will be affected by the special elections, which is initially scheduled for May 15, 2022.

The Comelec en banc also ordered the printing of the ballots to be used in Butig and Binidayan.

Likewise, it also initiated the preparation of the VCMs and paraphernalia and supplies to be used in the special elections.

To ensure the security in the said special polls, the Comelec en banc designated members of the Philippine National Police to the Special of Board of Election Inspectors.

Comelec taps NBI to probe ‘cops tearing ballot’ video

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HE Commission on Elections tapped the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe a viral video, which showed alleged policemen tearing shaded ballots used in the May 9 polls.

Comelec Commissioner George M. Garcia said they hope NBI can help them in verifying the video as well as determine where it was shot.

He noted that they got conflicting reports on where the alleged destruction of the ballots transpired.

“There was an election lawyer, who texted me a while ago saying it was in Cebu. Then there was a reporter here who said it is in Cotabato City...That is why I have to refer that to the NBI to determine where it happened and if these are actual police or just pretending to

be police,” Garcia said in a press conference on Wednesday.

“We have to first determine this. We cannot yet accuse the PNP [Philippine National Police]. It is so unfair because it might not be their personnel involved,” Garcia said.

Acting Comelec spokesman John Rex C. Laudiangco said the Comelec Committee on the Ban of Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) is currently looking into the matter.

He said they are also coordinating with PNP for their investigation.

The viral video showed two men wearing police uniforms holding a pile of ballots with some shaded ovals inside a room.

Both were seen tearing the said ballot while being recorded on video. Aside from the identity of the people involved, Garcia said they will also check if the ballots in the video were official ballots used in the May 9, 2022 polls or merely used for testing purposes.

Laudiangco said they will give updates on the case to the public once it becomes available.

Samuel P. Medenilla

Comelec lowers ‘voter threshold’ in 5 areas

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O fast-track the proclamation of winning candidates, the Commission on Elections lowered the “voter threshold” in five areas.

The election boards (EB) in Mandaluyong were among those allowed by the Comelec to be able to proclaim its mayor, vice mayor and Representatives (First District and Second District) despite its Election Returns (ER) still not reaching 100 percent.

Also allowed to have a lower voter threshold are EBs in Naic in Cavite for the position of vice mayor; Rodriguez, Montalaban in Rizal for the position of mayor; Muntinlupa City for the position of House of Representatives, mayor and vice mayor; and Taguig City got the positions of House of Representative (First District), mayor, vice mayor.

The EBs in two more areas currently have pending applications in the Comelec main office to have a lower voter threshold.

These are Gandara in Samar for the positions of mayor, vice mayor, and Sangguniang Kabataan; and Buldon in Maguindanao.

Comelec said both applications are still pending until the concerned EBs can submit the necessary documentary requirements.

Comelec Commissioner George M. Garcia explained that the lowering of threshold is only allowed for candidates that have already secured enough votes to win against opposing candidates even with the incomplete transmission of ERs as stated in Comelec Resolution No. 10731.

“This means the candidate has enough lead to ensure a win even if the untransmitted votes are given to the opponents,” Garcia explained in a press conference on Wednesday.

Acting Comelec spokesmn John Rex C. Laudiangco said another safeguard to prevent the possible abuse of the lowering of voter threshold is it should be authorized by the Comelec main office as well as the Automated Election System.

“The Board of Canvassers cannot just lower the threshold for the purpose of transmitting. There are inherent safeguards in our system,” Laudiangco said.

He also assured the public that untransmitted votes will still be counted in the final tally of votes

by Comelec.

“We have protocols, so no votes will be left unaccounted for. No voters will be disenfranchised.

That is what we can assure you,” Laudiangco said. Samuel P. Medenilla

First...

litical differences with potential nominees. “In our discussions, we have removed—what their political leanings would be—Lumaban ba sa atin?—that’s not going to be part of the discussion.”

On his priorities, he said, “the economy. Prices, energy prices, lack of jobs, infra—all of these areas will be critical in the next few years.” Most economists have said the next president, while eager to continue the gains of the Duterte administration, will have little fiscal space for populist measures because of the huge debts incurred during the pandemic.

C  A

[we will ask them who will make a good agriculture secretary?”

He continued: So that is how the process has been established,” adding, “I continue to be guided by competence and willingness to work with the next administration.”

And, because he has preached “unity” throughout the campaign, even the choiose of Cabinet secretaries will not be limited by po-

Farm...

C  A

eries output in the first quarter contracted by 5.76 percent to P54.148 billion from P57.463 billion in the same period of last year.

Meanwhile, PSA data showed that poultry output expanded by 12.32 percent to P62.962 billion from P56.053 billion last year, making it the lone agricultural sector that grew in the first quarter.

Fertilizer prices

AGRICULTURE Secretary William D. Dar attributed the overall contraction in the first quarter agricultural output to the impact of “spiraling prices” of fertilizer, a critical planting input for crops production, particularly rice and corn.

“We will study the extent to which recent developments in the global food supply chain, which is severely rocked by the Ukraine-Russia war, have had impacts on our local agriculture sector in the first quarter,” Dar said in a webinar organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) on Wednesday.

“Output in the crops sub sector could already have been affected by skyrocketing fuel and fertilizer prices,” Dar added.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) senior research fellow Roehlano M. Briones said the performance of the livestock sector continues to drag down the overall agricultural output.

Briones pointed out that hog raisers, particularly backyard ones, “remain pessimistic” in repopulating their farms due to the lingering threat of the African swine fever. Briones added that the government needs to impress hog raisers with a “strong” stamping out program of the African swine fever (ASF) disease.

“The problem is, many of the hog raisers remain pessimistic.

They do not want to risk rebuilding their stocks yet,” he said at the same webinar.

However, Dar said the 1-percent contraction in the overall livestock output is already a “good indication” that the sector is on the “rebound” track.

“All things considered, the livestock subsector has rebounded from its negative growth last year,” he said.

Dar described the contraction of the fisheries output as the “Achilles heel” of the whole agriculture sector for the first quarter.

FDI GROW 46.3% IN FEB, 2-MO INFLOWS AT $1.7B C  A

financial and insurance; 2) manufacturing; and 3) real estate industries. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings declined to $74 million from $75 million in the same month last year.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said for the coming months, FDI could still continue to go up amid better global economic prospects as some developed countries that are the major sources of FDI move towards herd immunity.

“Economies locally and in many countries around the world have further picked up and reopened towards greater normalcy, thereby allowing more inflows of FDI into the Philippines, as facilitated by improvements in the global supply chains and logistics since then,” he said.

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The Nation BusinessMirror

Lone opposition ‘survivor’ in Senate race unfazed by legislative challenges ahead

By Butch Fernandez

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@butchfBM

LTHOUGH all indications point to the possibility she will become the lone voice of the opposition in the Senate, reelectionist Sen. Risa Hontiveros is confident that the chamber will not become a rubber stamp, and pointed to the recent Senate leadership— especially under Senate President Vicente Sotto III—where individual senators did not argue or vote along party lines on some key legislation.

In a radio interview two days after the elections—where she is listed as No. 11 in the Magic 12 in the Senate race—Hontiveros acknowledged the huge challenge her unique situation poses as the only one from the minority who survived the elections.

However, Hontiveros said she was confident of getting able help from her party Akbayan, as well as the millions of supporters who helped her clinch another six-year stint.

Moreover, she does not see herself as being a “lone voice” because her peers in the past crossed party lines several times when they were deliberating and voting on crucial pieces of legislation.

“I stand by the Senate’s record in the past, more so its shining moment etched in the memory of our countrymen,” she said, crediting Senate President Sotto’s leadership, witnessed a number of times “standing up to fiscalize and uphold check and balance, as well as the

Senate’s independence.”

Asked if the Senate can retain that independence, Hontiveros promptly replied: “It can and it should.”

Conveying confidence, she said it is because she is not alone. “Naniniwala ako na hindi ako nag-iisa at gaano man kahirap tingnan ’yung scenario na ganoon, ay talagang tatrabahuhin kong magkakaroon ng isang tunay at malakas na minorya sa loob ng Senado at na maging kami ay maging bahagi na gaano man kahirap na gawin sa ilalim ng mukhang papasok na bagong administrasyon ay hindi ikahihiya noong nakaraan at magpapatuloy ng tradisyon ng independence ng Senado.”

Asked if she believed she can count on the ones still in the Senate to act independently, notably, Senators Grace Poe, Sonny Angara, and Joel Villanueva, although she is also active as well, Hontiveros noted that alliances are common in the 18th Congress.

“Speaking of alliances, kahit nitong 18th Congress, ilang beses na nagkaroon ng across the minority/majority line pagtutulungan sa mga common advocacies kaya kahit na sa majority senators sa magiging 19th Congress, tingin ko worthwhile na maghanap ng mga pag-aalyansa sa ilang mga bills, ilang mga resolusyon, ’yung budget debates, kaya kahit gaano man kahirap tingnan, ’yung mga posibilidad na iyon ay buhay na buhay at talagang tingin ko ima-maximize, i-o-optimize ko kung maproklama at yung mabubuo nating minorya sa loob ng Senado,” she added.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Thursday, May 12, 2022 A3

1st in history: Sulu records ‘zero violence’ during polls

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

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ULU made history in this year’s national and local elections as the province, widely known as the base of Islamic militants and terrorist groups, recorded not a single case of violence related to the political exercise.

According to Major Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and the 11th Infantry Division, the May 9 elections was the “most peaceful and orderly” in the history of elections in Sulu.

“We are happy and proud to say that the election in Sulu is successful with zero election-related violent incidents. In all areas we were deployed,

elections went on smoothly as scheduled and planned,” Patrimonio said.

“The presence of the security forces has provided confidence to our people to vote and prevented those who have planned to conduct atrocities. This is remarkably the most peaceful election in the history of Sulu,” he stressed.

Sulu is known as the base of various terrorist groups operating in Mindanao, including the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Islamic State which has allied with other extremist groups in other parts of the region, including Central and Northern Mindanao.

The ASG, which is in existence since the early 1990s, is already on the decline in Mindanao and has retreated to Sulu, where its activities

have been checked by the military as a result of the decimation of its leadership, especially its hard-core leaders.

Patrimonio said Sulu’s overall security has improved a lot, and this was mainly due to the effort of the military and the strong collaboration among security forces, local officials and residents.

The government’s campaign against violent extremism began in Sulu to stem the spate of suicide bombings and terrorist recruitment during the past years, and the program was being sustained to this day.

“Malaki na ang pinagbago ng security landscape ng Sulu. Although there were three minor incidents, our troops and police counterparts were able to respond immediately and were able to stabilize the situation in those

areas. Mga minor na alitan lang at suntukan ang nangyari. So, generally, the election in Sulu is very peaceful and orderly,” Patrimonio said.

“The success of the election in Sulu is attributed to the commitment and sacrifices of our men and women of JTF Sulu with the relentless support of the Commission on Elections [Comelec] led by Atty. Untog Tago, police counterparts under Police Col. Jaime Mojica, partner stakeholders, and most of all, the people of Sulu who have proven that peaceful and orderly election is possible,” the commander added.

The JTF Sulu, as deputized by the Comelec, deployed a total of 2,976 soldiers with 168 officers, 2,808 personnel, and 125 reserve troops for election duties across Sulu.

EU provides ₧6.6M to boost DOJ’s digitization program of PDL records

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HROUGH the European Union’s (EU) Governance in Justice Programme (GOJUST), the EU has turned over critical IT equipment—laptops, webcams, high-speed digital scanners and biometric equipment—worth P1.8 million to the Bureau of Corrections, an agency of the Depart-

ment of Justice.

GOJUST will also fund the hiring of encoders to carry out the process of digitization for an estimated additional P4.8 million.

The turnover of IT equipment was held on Wednesday with a keynote address by Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra and

a message by EU Ambassador His Excellency Luc Véron.

“The European Union has been a committed partner to the Philippines’s justice sector reform since 2006. Our engagement stems from the importance we attach to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. By working to strengthen

institutions’ efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of justice services, we can help improve access to justice for all,” said Ambassador Véron.

The EU’s contribution will support the digitization of the paper carpetas of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

A carpeta is a folder containing all the institutional records of PDLs.

Economy BusinessMirror

A4 Thursday, May 12, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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Senate pressed to frontload RCEP OK when sessions resume May 23

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By Andrea San Juan

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is hoping that senators will tackle and ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) when the Senate reconvenes on May 23.

“Hoping that it will be given due consideration…because not only that this is a very important milestone that we laid for Asean, it is also a very important and critical agreement for the Philippines,” DTI Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty said during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) webinar on Wednesday.

Gepty emphasized that the DTI currently focuses on fast tracking the ratification of RCEP agreement,

as he stressed that the Philippines “could not afford not to join RCEP.” The trade assistant secretary also cited some of the specific benefits of joining RCEP, which are improved trade balance, increased welfare and lower poverty incidence.

In fact, Gepty noted, that by 2031, poverty incidence will decrease by 3.62 percent and real GDP (gross domestic product) will increase by 1.93 percent.

According to Gepty, there are also

sectors with notable improvement in exports. These are electronic equipment and machinery equipment in non-agriculture. He noted further that the construction industry may also benefit from RCEP due to expected inflow from investments.

Gepty also cautioned that it would be detrimental for the Philippine economy to shun participation in RCEP, saying trade investments and other opportunities may be diverted to other economies.

As for the effect of non-participation in RCEP on GDP, Gepty noted that according to Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) research fellow Dr. Francis Mark A. Quimba, there will be a decline in GDP by as much as -.26 percent.

The trade assistant secretary also pointed out that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) basically provides preferential market access and sets standard rules and disciplines so that the conduct of business and trade will be stable, predictable, and conducive

in a free trade area.

As the Philippines transitions to the new administration, Gepty noted that the international reputation of presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s family won’t necessarily affect the country’s ongoing trade relations with some of the country’s key partners.

He emphasized that a free-trade agreement is a national agreement, which has standard rules and disciplines in doing business, trade and investment, regardless of changes in administration.

“So take note that free-trade agreement is a national agreement so regardless of the government, administration, etc., the fact remains that we are working under a rulesbased system,” Gepty stressed.

“So when there are changes in administration, they know that the direction will still be consistent,” he added.

For his part, Agriculture Secretary William Dar, expressed his support

for the accession of the Philippines to the regional economic deal.

“Ang aking additional comment in relation to that, bakit may mga farmers groups or CSOs [civil society organizations] na ayaw mag-accede dun sa RCEP kasi may experience na…sila dito sa ating bansa na ’yung may mga safety nets na dapat ilagay ng gobyerno in relation to our accession to WTO ay di po naipatupad lahat,” Dar said at the EJAP webinar on Wednesday.

“So ganun din po ang aking sasabihin na dapat para may mga strong support sa mga farmer associations tsaka sa CSOs dapat may commitment at ipapatupad ng gobyerno ’yung mga safety nets para magiging mas competitive ang ating mga farmers that’s why kami ay we are advocating for a bigger budget for the agriculture sector para mapunuan ’yung mga kakulangan na dapat mas maging competitive sila kagaya mga post-harvest facilities, cold storages warehouses, marami po ang kakulangan natin pa,” he added.

For his part, PIDS senior re-

search fellow Dr. Roehlano M. Briones, emphasized that the new administration should prioritize the regional economic deal.

“For the new administration, pushing subject matter of Gepty, ’yung acceding to RCEP items that incoming president Marcos Jr. should be focusing on, especially the transformation agenda,” Briones said.

RCEP is a free-trade agreement pact among Asean countries and their trading partners including Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. This represents 30 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) or $26.2 trillion.

It entered into force on January 1,2022.

The trade department has been lobbying for the ratification of RCEP as it is seen to “help restore business confidence and encourage more economic activities, particularly MSMEs [micro, small and medium enterprises], investors, service providers and professionals.”

All set for PHL to establish privacy framework–NPC

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HE Philippines is set to establish an interoperable privacy framework, according to the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

“Cross-border data flows will greatly benefit from an interoperable privacy framework. Now more than ever, the world is witnessing how the acceleration of digitalization is giving way to a rapid increase in the collection, use, and transfer of data across borders,” Privacy Commissioner John Henry D. Naga said in a news statement.

“The Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules [CBPR] Forum’s goal of promoting worldwide expansion and uptake of the Global CBPR and Privacy Rec-

ognition for Processors [PRP] Systems is aligned with the NPC’s vision of upholding the right to privacy and data protection while ensuring free flow of information,” Naga added.

The privacy commissioner welcomed Philippines’s involvement in improving cross-border data flows and fostering innovation without compromising effective data protection and privacy.

In its Declaration, the Global CBPR Forum stated that it intends to establish an international certification system based on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) CBPR and Privacy Recognition for Processors Systems.

The forum’s system, however, will

be independently administered and is separate from the Apec systems.

To ensure that the program is aligned with best practices, the Global CBPR Forum will periodically review data protection and privacy standards of members and provide a forum for information exchange and cooperation.

The Global CBPR Forum is open for the participation of jurisdictions that accept its objectives and principles. The Declaration provides that participating economies in the Apec CBPR System intend to transition operations of the Apec CBPR and PRP systems to the Global CBPR Forum and will provide at least 30 days’ notice to

Accountability Agents.

A ll approved Accountability Agents and certified companies will automatically be recognized in the new Global CBPR Forum based on the same terms of recognition under the Apec CBPR and PRP Systems.

The Philippines became a member economy of the Apec CBPR System in March 2020. The Apec CBPR System is voluntary and accountability-based. It requires organizations to develop and implement privacy policies and practices for all personal information that they have gathered or received that is subject to cross-border transfer to other participating Apec members.

Tesda pushes work skills training for OFWs displaced by pandemic

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

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HE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has continued to provide skills training to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) displaced from their jobs by the pandemic.

“We, in Tesda, always try to be more responsive to the needs of our kababayans.

In the case of our repatriated OFWs, we make our services more accessible and we train them to be equipped enough for new jobs or livelihood so they can continue to provide for their families even after they lost their jobs overseas,” Tesda Director General Secretary Isidro Lapeña said.

One of the beneficiaries, Hindon Usman, a former OFW from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, shared that she started her journey at Tesda when her sister introduced to her the TMBMF (Taha M. Basman Memorial Islamic Foundation Inc.), also known as TAHA Foundation.

The TAHA Foundation is a partner of the Tesda Women’s Center (TWC), one of the Tesda training centers in Taguig City.

Usman enrolled Electrical Installation Maintenance (EIM) NC II at TWC last January and finished the course in March.

Usman said that she enrolled in the EIM NC II course just to learn how to fix their electrical wirings at home. She said that

she had a hard time during the training but she pursued it to prove that women can do jobs traditionally done by men.

“Nakakatuwa isipin na napatunayan ko na kahit sino kaya ‘tong gawin regardless sa kung ano man ang sekswalidad o kasarian nila,” she said adding that she will soon find a local job or in abroad where she can apply what she had learned during the training.

Usman also urged Filipinos, particularly repatriated OFWs to avail Tesda trainings, adding that having a National Certificate is an advantage, especially in applying work abroad.

Meanwhile, data showed that in 2021, Tesda has trained 27,452 OFWs and their dependents, of which, 10,341 were already certified as skilled workers.

The top courses among the OFWs and their dependents in 2021 were Entrepreneurship, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Driving NC II, Domestic Work NC II, and Caretaker II. It can be recalled that in his 2020 State of the Nation Address, President Duterte has instructed Tesda to come up with special training to retool the OFWs, so they could find more job opportunities here and abroad.

Lapeña then, in 2020, launched the “Tesda Abot Lahat ang OFWs,” the agency’s banner program which focuses on the upskilling and retooling of OFWs and their dependents.

USAID launches reading program for Maguindanao, Cotabato kids

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HE United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its ABC+: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines and All Children Reading-Philippines projects and the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) recently launched the Beginning Reading Program for learners in Cotabato City and Maguindanao.

“The goal of this program is to ensure that every Bangsamoro child has access to learning. By teaching children to read, USAID is opening the door to economic opportunity and life-long learning,” said USAID Philippines Office of Education

Director Dr. Thomas LeBlanc.

This technology-based program uses tablets and Learn Kernels, or low-cost electronic tablets that can be used without Wi-Fi, to help children in Kindergarten to Grade 3 learn how to read.

Each device includes early grade reading materials and video-based reading modules in Magindanawan, co-developed by USAID and the Bangsamoro MBHTE. USAID launched the Beginning Reading Program in Negros Occidental last month.

USAID also handed over health and educational supplies to 100 schools in Maguindanao.Thesesupplieswillhelpensurethesafe returnofchildrentoschool. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday, May 12, 2022 A5

Expert warns of possible uptick in virus cases a week after polls

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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HE government should brace for a possible rise in active novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases as early as next week following the recently concluded May 9, 2022 national and local elections (NLE), according to

an infectious disease expert.

In a televised interview on Wednesday, Vaccine Expert Panel Dr. Rontgene M. Solante said they have identified patients, who are now exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms.

“In fact, we found patients who showed mild symptoms and were positive [for Covid-19]. So this means they got in the precincts or before

they voted. So those are the possible scenarios,” Solante said.

He added they have received reports of minimum health standards violations in polling precincts, which includes non-wearing of face masks and non-adherence to physical distancing in rooms with poor ventilation.

“This was the scenario, where

there is a possibility of transmission and this is concerning. That is why this type of event can be a superspreader event,” Solante pointed out.

It usually takes people three to five days for those infected with Covid-19 to show symptoms, he added.

“So for example, those who had high exposure [to Covid-positive individuals] last May 9, we have to

count seven to five days, and this will reflect [in Covid cases] most likely next week,” Solante said.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier warned that active Covid-19 cases nationwide could reach 300,000 cases nationwide if minimum health standards compliances during the May 9 polls will drop to 30 to 50 percent.

For its part, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier said it tried minimizing the possible spread of infection in polling precincts through temperature checks as well as assigning voters with Covid symptoms in isolation polling places (IPP).

In its latest weekly Covid-19 case bulletin, DOH said there were 1,124 Covid-19 cases from May 2 to 8, 2022.

Private meal with kingpin offers clues how BBM will rule PHL Alliances

By Philip Heijmans Bloomberg News

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HEAD of his landslide election win on Monday, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave few specifics on how he’d govern the Philippines. But a private dinner he attended soon after entering the race last October may provide clues on his priorities—and to whom he’s beholden.

Joined by Sara Duterte, the president’s daughter who would later become his running mate, Marcos Jr. sat down with the powerful family that controls most key positions in the tourist hotspot of Cebu, which has more voters than any of the nation’s 81 provinces outside the capital. Sharing laughs over wine, Governor Gwen Garcia—known as the “Iron Woman of Cebu”—came away impressed with the only son of the late strongman, former President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Cebu autonomy

FOR Garcia, 66, endorsing the man known as “Bongbong” wasn’t an easy decision. Her father was an opposition lawyer who stood up against his father’s regime before it ended abruptly in 1986. The clan didn’t back Marcos Jr., 64, when he ran for vice president six years ago—a decision that cost him the election.

But this time around Garcia saw Marcos Jr. as the candidate most likely to deliver two benefits in particular that were more valuable than settling old scores: More money for infrastructure projects, and greater autonomy from the political class in Manila. And on Monday, Cebu was among the places that helped Marcos Jr. win the presidency with the biggest share of the vote since his father won a boycotted election in 1981.

“He will certainly be helping us insofar as tourism infrastructure is concerned,” Garcia said in an interview days before the election at her office in Cebu City, when asked what

FERDINAND “BONGBONG” MARCOS JR. at his campaign headquarters on election night on May 9. PHOTOGRAPHER: VEEJAY VILLAFRANCA/BLOOMBERG

she expected from Marcos Jr. “But I would really be very, very appreciative if we could finally get ahead on federalism,” she added. “We would wish for that kind of autonomy.”

Marcos Jr.’s resounding victory shows just how powerful family dynasties like the Garcias remain in a nation with a front-row seat to tensions between the US and China.

The former American colony has had a mutual defense treaty with the US since the 1950s and sits on the doorstep to Taiwan, making it a crucial player in any potential conflict with China.

Yet most elections in the Philippines are decided by local fiefdoms with narrow interests. Although runner-up Leni Robredo, 57, drew historic crowds in the final weeks of a campaign focused on fighting corruption, ultimately it proved no

match to Marcos Jr.’s patchwork of alliances with local leaders in the Southeast Asian nation of 110 million people.

Headwinds ahead

THE question now is how much Marcos Jr. will give back to the clans that supported him. While the Philippines is forecast to be among Southeast Asia’s best-growing economies this year, one of Asia’s fastest inflation rates threatens to further hurt households that saw incomes decline with the pandemic.

A quarter of the population lives in poverty, and the World Bank warned that number could jump as food prices rise.

Running on a broad slogan of “unity,” Marcos Jr. has said he’ll keep most of President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic policies, which

for the most part were left to technocrats to design and implement.

The Philippines maintained the investment-grade credit rating it won in 2013, even as Duterte announced a “Build, Build, Build,” program that more than doubled infrastructure spending to upwards of $20 billion per year.

The problem for the next administration, however, is finding more revenue to keep the program growing without blowing out the budget, according to Christian de Guzman, senior vice president of the Sovereign Risk Group at Moody’s Investors Service.

“I’m not sure if there’s any lowhanging fruit just because of the situation that we find ourselves in,” he said. “There is indeed a need to narrow the fiscal deficits and stabilize the debt.”

MARCOS Jr.’s attention has been primarily focused on building the political alliances he needed to pull off Monday’s victory. After sealing a deal with the Dutertes, who remain the most popular political figures in the Philippines, Marcos Jr. also secured endorsements from parties affiliated with other former presidents, including Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada— both of whom faced plunder charges after leaving office.

Marcos Jr. can also thank his dad for some help. The elder Marcos appointed the father of Victor Remulla, governor of vote-rich Cavite province south of Manila, back in 1979—and the family is still loyal to this day.

Speaking by phone, Remulla said he became convinced Marcos Jr. had a firm grasp on policy and economic management during conversations between the pair that lasted up to 90 minutes.

The 54-year-old politician also defended the country’s dynastic politics, saying it ultimately comes down to delivering for voters.

“Fat dynasties are hindered by the complacency of leadership,” he said.

“But it’s really up to the people, and up to the people who serve to make things better for their constituents.”

Following street protests that ousted Marcos Sr. in 1986, the Philippines introduced congressional term limits and a constitutional provision banning political dynasties from government.

Dynasty factor

BUT clans have become even more entrenched since then: a 2019 study found that dynasties held four in five governor posts after midterm elections that year, compared with 57 percent in 2004. They also controlled two-thirds of seats in Congress, up from just under half during the same period, a phenomenon scholars blame for contributing to one of Asia’s highest income inequality rates.

Presumptive VP Duterte forms Davao transition team

By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

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AVAO CITY—Presumptive Vice President and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has formed the city governance transition team to ensure the smooth transition of governance from the old to the new set of elected city government officials and the safekeeping and protection of records and assets.

Duterte-Carpio issued Executive Order (EO) 17, also known as “An Order Creating And Constituting The City Governance Transition Team [CGTT], Defining Its Duties and Responsibilities, And For Other Purposes.” The EO was actually signed much earlier on May 5 in her capacity as the incumbent city mayor then.

The CGTT shall be composed of the city mayor or her duly authorized representative as the chairperson. The co-chairperson will be elected among the members by a simple majority vote.

All department heads, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) city director or city local government operations officer, the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Davao secretary; and the Public Administration Development Com-

mittee representatives will also form part of the CGTT as members.

The CGTT members were ordered to name their respective alternate and permanent representatives, who shall take their place during their absence.

EO 17 cited DILG’s Memorandum Circular (MC) 2022-029 issued on March 10, 2022, which states that the CGTT shall ensure the safekeeping of local government unit (LGU) records and documents and the protection of LGU assets during the election period, and guarantee the smooth local governance transition to new and reelected local officials.

“There is a need for the City Government of Davao to create a Governance Transition Team to prepare for the effective turnover of responsibilities in order to ensure continuity in local governance after the 2022 National and Local elections,” Duterte-Carpio said in her EO. The CGTT, as per DILG MC 202209, is mandated to conduct an inventory of immovable properties such as land, or permanent structures such as buildings, infrastructure facilities and their improvements, and machinery made immovable; and movable properties such as vehicles, office equipment, furniture, fixtures, and office supply, stocks, among others.

The transition team shall also gather, secure, and preserve all official documents and/or records of official transactions of the City Government of Davao; turnover of accountabilities using the prescribed forms, in the case of incoming elected local officials, and update list of accountabilities, in case of re-elected officials; and organize a turnover ceremony for the incoming local officials, including a briefing on the Governance Assessment Report and key challenges, to be conducted on June 30 this year.

The team shall also ensure the accomplishment of the Elective Local Personnel Data Sheet (ELOPDS) by the incoming officials to be submitted not later than July 11 to their Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and DILG Field Office; and perform other duties and functions necessary to carry out the purpose of EO 17, Series of 2022.

The City Administrator’s Office is also directed to be the Secretariat who shall handle all CGTT administrative and secretarial functions.

All operational costs of the CGTT shall be sourced from the available funds of the City Government of Davao, subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

Duterte’s regional party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, said the leading vicepresidential candidate with already 31 million votes in the unofficial counting is now in Manila to make the rounds of offices and gatherings of supporters to personally express her gratitude.

“Maraming salamat sa naniwala at nagtiwala sa aking desisyon sa tumakbong Bise Presidente [Many thanks to all of you who believed and trusted in my decision to run as Vice President].

We shall continue to guard our votes until we have reached the proclamation,” Duterte said.

“Maraming Salamat sa pagtanggap ninyo ng kilusan ng pagkakaisa na handog ni Bongbong Marcos. Ang UniTeam ay magiging simbolo ng mga magigiting, masisipag, at nagkakaisang Pilipino [Many thanks also for accepting the movement for unity offered by Bongbong Marcos. The Uniteam will become the symbol of the patriotic, industrious and unified Filipinos],” she added.

The HNP said Duterte has already garnered 31,202,591 votes as of 11:17 in the morning of Wednesday. She was 22,051,036 votes ahead of the next rival, who has 9,151,555 votes. The HNP said the Commission on Elections has already transmitted 97.14 percent of the election returns.

Marcos Jr. opponents see his victory as the culmination of a disinformation campaign on social media that had followers believing his father’s dictatorship was a golden age for the Philippines. And they fear he’ll use his power to sort out his own legal troubles, including ending the official search for some $10 billion allegedly siphoned during his father’s two-decade rule, clearing up a $4 billion estate-tax dispute and keeping Imelda Marcos, his 92-year-old mother, from serving jail time.

Down in Cebu, Garcia is hopeful that Marcos Jr. will give her family and others more power, even as leaders around the world often back away from such promises when entering office. She expressed disappointment in Rodrigo Duterte, who dropped proposals to implement a US-style federal structure where regions can impose taxes and make decisions on things like movement restrictions during the pandemic.

Marcos Jr. has so far remained noncommittal on the topic.

“Choose some bright spots, start with three or four that have already shown their capability in handling affairs on their own,” Garcia said, adding that Cebu was ready to be a federal state. “Suggestions are welcome, but we know the situation on the ground.”

In a small Cebu fishing village, Marcos Jr. supporter Rene Casqueso has much more modest expectations: The construction of community hospitals and more doctors in small towns. The 43-year-old carpenter has struggled to maintain work during the pandemic, and his family has largely subsisted on whatever they catch.

“I’m not sure if he understands the plight of the poor, but what I saw was he would meet with the laborers,” Casqueso said about Marcos Jr., as he perched in shallow coastal waters near his home.

“I think he has a new way for the Philippines to recover and rise again.”

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TheWorld BusinessMirror

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Russia pummels port of Odesa in attempt to disrupt supplies

By Elena Becatoros & Jon Gambrell

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The Associated Press

APORIZHZHIA, Ukraine— Russia pummeled the vital port of Odesa, Ukrainian officials said Tuesday, in an apparent effort to disrupt supply lines and Western weapons shipments as Ukraine’s foreign minister appeared to suggest the country could expand its war aims.

With the war now in its 11th week and Kyiv bogging down Russian forces and even staging a counteroffensive, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba seemed to indicate that the country could go beyond merely pushing Russia back to areas it or its allies held on the day of the February 24 invasion.

The idea reflected Ukraine’s ability to stymie a larger, better-armed Russian military, which has surprised many who had anticipated a much quicker end to the conflict.

One of the most dramatic examples of Ukraine’s ability to prevent easy victories is in Mariupol, where Ukrainian fighters remained holed up at a steel plant, denying Russia’s full control of the city. The regiment defending the plant said Russian warplanes continued bombarding it, striking 34 times in 24 hours.

In recent days, the United Nations and the Red Cross organized a rescue of what some officials said were the last civilians trapped at the plant. But two officials said Tuesday that about 100 were believed to still be in the complex’s underground tunnels. Donetsk regional Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said those who remain are people “that the Russians have not selected” for evacuation.

Kyrylenko and Petro Andryushchenko, an adviser to Mariupol ’s mayor, did not say how they knew civilians were still in the complex—a warren of tunnels and bunkers spread over 11 square kilometers (4 square miles). Others said their statements were impossible to confirm.

Fighters with the Azov regiment released photos of their wounded comrades inside the plant, including some with amputated limbs. They said the wounded were living in unsanitary conditions “with open wounds bandaged with non-sterile remnants of bandages, without the necessary medication and even food.”

In its statement on Telegram, the regiment appealed to the UN and Red Cross to evacuate the wounded servicemen to Ukrainian-controlled territories.

The photos could not be independently verified.

In another example of the grisly

toll of the war, Ukrainian officials said they found the bodies of 44 civilians in the rubble of a building destroyed weeks ago in the northeastern city of Izyum.

New UN figures, meanwhile, said that 14 million Ukrainians were forced from their homes by the end of April, including more than 5.9 million who have left the country.

In Washington, a top US intelligence official testified Tuesday that eight to 10 Russian generals have been killed in the war. Lt. Gen. Scott Berrier, who leads the Defense Intelligence Agency, told a Senate committee that because Russia lacks a noncommissioned officer corps, its generals have to go into combat zones and end up in dangerous positions.

Ukraine said Tuesday that Russian forces fired seven missiles at Odesa a day earlier, hitting a shopping center and a warehouse in the country’s largest port. One person was killed and five wounded, the military said.

Images showed a burning building and debris—including a tennis shoe—in a heap of destruction in the city on the Black Sea. Mayor Gennady Trukhanov later visited the warehouse and said it “had nothing in common with military infrastructure or military objects.”

Ukraine alleged at least some of the munitions used dated to the Soviet era, making them unreliable in targeting. Ukrainian, British and US officials say Russia is rapidly using up its stock of precision weapons, raising the risk of more imprecise rockets being used as the conflict grinds on.

Since President Vladimir Putin’s forces failed to take Kyiv early in the war, his focus has shifted to the eastern industrial heartland of the Donbas—but one general has suggested Moscow’s aims also include cutting Ukraine’s maritime access to both the Black and Azov seas.

That would also give it a swath of territory linking Russia to both the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized in 2014, and Transnistria, a pro-Moscow region of Moldova.

Even if Russia falls short of severing Ukraine from the coast—and

An Ukrainian firefighter works near a destroyed building on the outskirts of Odesa, Ukraine, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. The Ukrainian military said Russian forces fired seven missiles a day earlier from the air at the crucial Black Sea port of Odesa, hitting a shopping center and a warehouse. AP/Max Pshybyshevsky it appears to lack the forces to do so—the continuing missile strikes on Odesa ref lect the city’s strategic importance. The Russian military has repeatedly targeted its airport and claimed it destroyed several batches of Western weapons.

Odesa is also a major gateway for grain shipments, and its blockade by Russia already threatens global food supplies. Beyond that, the city is a cultural jewel, dear to Ukrainians and Russians alike, and targeting it carries symbolic significance.

Russian forces have made slow advances in the Donbas, but there have been multiple setbacks. Military analysts suggest that hitting Odesa might serve to stoke concern about southwestern Ukraine, thus forcing Kyiv to put more forces there. That would pull them away from the eastern front as Ukraine’s military stages counteroffensives near the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

Kharkiv and the surrounding area have been under sustained Russian attack since the early in the war. In recent weeks, grisly pictures testified to the horrors of those battles, with charred and mangled bodies strewn in one street.

Russian aircraft twice launched unguided missiles Tuesday at the Sumy area northeast of Kharkiv, according to the Ukrainian border guard service. The region’s governor said the missiles hit several residential buildings, but no one was killed. The Chernihiv region, along the Ukrainian border with Belarus, was hit by mortars fired from Russian territory.

There was no word on casualties.

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that the military was gradually pushing Russian troops away from Kharkiv. The Ukrainian military’s general staff said its forces drove the Russians out of four villages to the northeast of Kharkiv as it tries to push them back toward the Russian border.

Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, meanwhile, appeared to

voice increasing confidence—and expanded goals—amid Russia’s stalled offensive. He told the Financial Times that Ukraine initially believed victory would be the withdrawal of Russian troops to positions they occupied before the February 24 invasion.

“Now if we are strong enough on the military front, and we win the battle for Donbas, which will be crucial for the following dynamics of the war, of course the victory for us in this war will be the liberation of the rest of our territories.”

The comments seemed to reflect political ambitions more than battlefield realities: Many analysts acknowledge that although Russia isn’t capable of making quick gains, the Ukrainian military isn’t strong enough to drive the Russians back.

Zelenskyy used his nightly address to pay tribute to Leonid Kravchuk, the first president of an independent Ukraine, who died Tuesday at 88. Zelenskyy said Kravchuk showed courage and knew how to get the country to listen to him.

That was particularly important in “crisis moments, when the future of the whole countr y may depend on the courage of one man,” said Zelensky y, whose own communication skills and decision to remain in Ky iv when it came under Russian attack have helped make him a strong wartime leader.

In the US, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan measure Monday to reboot the World War II-era “lendlease” program, which helped defeat Nazi Germany, to bolster Kyiv and its allies. On Tuesday, the US House approved a new $40 billion Ukraine aid package for defense and humanitarian programs in Ukraine.

Gambrell reported from Lviv, Ukraine.

Yesica Fisch in Bakhmut, David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington, Kelvin Chan in London and AP’s worldwide staff contributed.

India relaxes environment rules for coal mines to tackle fuel crisis

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ndia has eased environment approvals for coal mine expansions to boost output amid fuel shortages that have triggered hours-long blackouts.

Some existing sites will be able to raise production by a further 10 percent without requiring new impact assessments and rules on consulting local residents have been loosened, according to a government note. The changes come after the coal ministry flagged “huge pressure on domestic coal supply,” the message said.

Coal supplies at power plants are shrinking amid a grueling

heat wave that’s pushed electricity demand to a record in recent week s, w it h severa l faci l ities operating w ith critical reser ves of the fuel, power ministr y data show. Blackouts and curbs on supply to some industries have prompted street protests.

The fuel accounts for more than 70 percent of India’s electricity generation, and the country’s coal mining and transportation infrastructure is failing to keep pace with rising demand. A lack of railway carriages to transport the fuel from mines to power plants has exacerbated the shortages.

Changes w i l l last for si x months and follow complaints that lengthy processes to win environmental approvals could hamper efforts to ease the crisis. Miners are aiming to quickly accelerate output before a rainy season arrives in late June, which can f lood operations and slow down production rates.

Wea ken i ng env i ron ment a l regulations could ultimately prove counter-productive, according to Sunil Dahiya, an analyst with the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Bypassing public consultation risks creating fric-

tion between mining operations and local communities, which can result in delays from protests and legal challenges.

“Policymakers think such exemptions bring an ease of doing business, whereas the reality is exactly the opposite,” Dahiya said.

“It’s a very myopic vision by the environment regulator.”

The environment ministry’s exemption is valid for mines that have already won approvals to expand output by 40 percent and will allow them to produce as much as 50 percent more than the original planned capacity. Bloomberg News

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

Shanghai reaffirms ‘zero-Covid’ approach as WHO urges China to change strategies

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EIJING—Shanghai reaffirmed China’s strict “zero-Covid” approach to pandemic control Wednesday, a day after the head of the World Health Organization said that was not sustainable and urged China to change strategies.

While China’s largest city has seen progress in controlling the Covid-19 outbreak, any relaxation in prevention and control measures could allow it to rebound, deputy director of Shanghai’s Center for Disease Control Wu Huanyu told reporters.

“At the same time, now is also the most difficult and critical moment for our city to achieve zero-Covid,” Wu said at a daily briefing.

“Should we relax our vigilance, the epidemic may rebound, so it is necessary to persistently implement the prevention and control work without relaxing,” he said.

Wu gave no indication he was aware of the comments by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who said he had been holding discussions with Chinese experts on the need to transition to a new approach in light of new knowledge about the virus.

“When we talk about the ‘zero-Covid,’ we don’t think that it’s sustainable, considering the behavior of the virus now and what we anticipate in the future,” Tedros said at a news briefing Tuesday.

“And especially when we have now a good knowledge, understanding of the virus and when we have good tools to use, transitioning to another strategy will be very important,” he said.

Tedros was joined by Mike Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies chief, who said all pandemic control actions should “show due respect to individual and human rights.”

Countries need to “balance the control measures, the impact on society, the impact on the economy. That is not always an easy calibration to make,” Ryan said.

China’s ruling Communist Party has strictly controlled all discussion about its controversial approach, which aims to totally stamp out outbreaks, and said it would tolerate no criticism. The entirely state-controlled media did not report on the comments by Tedros and Ryan and references to them on the Chinese Internet appeared to have been removed by censors.

The ruthless and often chaotic implementation of zero-Covid has stirred considerable resentment in Shanghai, where some residents have been under lockdown for more than a month. As of Wednesday, more than 2 million people in the city remained confined to their residential compounds, while restrictions had been slightly relaxed for most of the other 23 million.

However, the easing appears to now be on hold, even as the number of new cases falls in the city that is home to China’s busiest

port, main stock market and thousands of Chinese and foreign firms.

Teams in white protective suits have begun entering the homes of infected people to spray disinfectant, prompting worries about damage to property. Residents have in some cases been ordered to leave their keys with a community volunteer when they are taken to quarantine so disinfectant workers can get in, a new requirement that has no apparent legal basis.

People in some areas have been ordered to stay home again after having been let out for limited shopping in recent weeks. On Tuesday, service was suspended on the last two subway lines that were still operating.

Complaints have centered on shortages of food and other daily necessities and the forced removal of thousands of people to quarantine centers after having tested positive or having been in contact with an infected person, standard procedure in China’s zero-Covid approach.

Along with the human cost, the adherence to “zero-Covid” as many other countries loosen restrictions and try to live with the virus is exacting a growing economic toll.

However, the party under leader Xi Jinping shows no sign of backing off amid efforts to ensure stability and shore up its authority ahead of a major party congress this fall.

Chinese experts such as Wu have been careful to toe the party line, saying the strategy has been effective in limiting the official death toll to slightly over 5,000 over the course of the entire pandemic, according to the government’s National Health Commission, and that any let-up risks sparking a major new surge.

Ryan gave China’s death toll as just over 15,000 and the Johns Hopkins University of Medicine Coronavirus Resource center offers a figure of 14,538.

The daily number of new cases in Shanghai reported on Wednesday had fallen to less than 1,500, down from a peak of 26,000 in mid-April. Seven more Covid19-related deaths were reported, raising the toll from the outbreak to 560.

While China says more than 88 percent of its population is fully vaccinated, the rate is considerably lower among the vulnerable elderly. Questions have also been raised about the efficacy of Chinese-produced vaccines compared to those from Europe and the United States.

In the capital Beijing, residents have been ordered to undergo mass testing in a bid to prevent a major outbreak like that in Shanghai. The city, which reported 37 new cases on Wednesday, has locked down individual buildings and residential compounds, shut about 60 subway stations and banned dining at restaurants, allowing only takeout and delivery. AP

New Zealand to fully reopen borders; welcomes skilled workers to migrate

W

ELLINGTON, New Zealand—New Zealand will reopen its borders to tourists from all countries by July, allow back cruise ships and make it easier for skilled workers to immigrate as it looks outward to the world again following the Covid-19 pandemic, the government said Wednesday.

New Zealand imposed some of the world’s strictest border controls when Covid-19 first hit more than two years ago. That allowed the nation of 5 million to eliminate several virus outbreaks and get vaccination rates up before the omicron variant swept through this year.

New Zealand’s coronavirus death toll has remained far below that of almost every other developed nation. But as the pandemic has dragged on, New Zealand’s border measures have increasingly appeared outdated, as other countries have reopened.

New Zealand has been slowly reopening, first to Australians last month and then to tourists from the US, Britain and more than 50 other countries earlier this month. Wednesday’s announcement will allow tourists from China, India and other countries to come starting July 31.

The government said it also planned to end the need for people to get pre-departure Covid-19 tests by the end of July.

But in a sign that the virus continues to disrupt daily life, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern did not make the announcement in person at a business lunch in Auckland as she had planned, but instead spoke via video link from her residence in Wellington where she is isolating.

Ardern’s fiancé Clarke Gayford tested positive for the virus on Sunday. Ardern has so far tested negative and said she’s been symptom-free. New Zealand health rules require household contacts of infected people to isolate for seven days.

“Today I can announce that New Zealand fully reopens to the world by July 31, completing our reconnecting work two months ahead of schedule,” Ardern said on the video link.

She said new immigration settings would make it easier for skilled workers to enter from July, with a new “green list” of 56 sought-after professions including doctors, nurses, engineers, plumbers, teachers and tech workers.

“This package is designed to address the urgent skills shortages created by Covid while also putting our immigration settings on a better and more sustainable footing,” Ardern said.

Before the pandemic hit, more than 3 million tourists visited each year, accounting for 20 percent of New Zealand’s foreign income and more than 5 percent of the overall economy.

Business leaders and tourism representatives welcomed the announcement.

“After two years of hardship, hundreds of Kiwi ship suppliers and tourism operators can start rebuilding their businesses back,” said Debbie Summers, the chairperson of the New Zealand Cruise Association.

Ardern has also been signaling the country’s reopening plans with trips abroad, including a recent trip to Singapore and Japan and an upcoming trip to the US. AP

Agriculture/Commodities BusinessMirror

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Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • Thursday, May 12, 2022 A7

Dar wants NFA to sell rice again to the poor

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

A

GRICULTURE Secretary William D. Dar on Wednesday floated the idea of reinstating the commercial functions of the National Food Authority (NFA), particularly the sale of rice to the poor.

Dar said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is currently mapping out strategies that will allow the NFA to participate anew in the domestic rice market. The NFA’s market intervention powers were stripped away by the rice trade liberalization (RTL) law which was enacted in 2019.

He said selling rice at P30 per kilogram entails two things: allowing the NFA to sell rice again and quadrupling the food agency’s budget to P30 billion annually.

A higher budget would allow the NFA to beef up its buffer stock and maintain at least 30 days’ worth of daily national consumption, Dar added. At present, NFA’s annual budget is only P7 billion, enough for the procurement of about 5 to 10 days’ worth of rice buffer stock.

Thisinventorylevel,Darsaid,would

allowthefoodagencytohaveasubstantial market share through its roll-over scheme wherein it buys palay from farmers at a “favorable price” then sells it at below the prevailing market price.

Considering the NFA’s current buying price of P19 per kilogram, the food agency can increase the price of milled rice by P3 per kg to P30 per kg from the previous P27 per kg, prior to the enactment of the RTL law.

“I would like to also mention that the rice that NFA will sell to the market is for the poorest of the poor, not for everyone, so we will really give more support to the poorest of the poor,” he said in a webinar organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines on Wednesday.

“As for reducing rice prices, this is just my view, we are still working on the map.”

Dar issued the statement after he was asked by reporters on this regarding the campaign promise of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., presumptive winner of the 2022 presidential elections, to bring down the price of rice to P20 to P30 per kg.

The DA chief, however, maintained that Marcos was referring

to the buying price of unmilled rice, which is currently at P19 per kg, and not the price of milled rice.

“I surmise that what has been mentioned as P20 per kg is possibly for palay. The farmgate price presently is P19 per kilogram. So I am supporting that idea to make it P20 per kg to increase the income of our farmers,” he said.

Reinstating the commercial functions of NFA would entail the amendment of Republic Act 11203 or the RTL law, which liberalized the rice industry and deregulated the staterun food agency.

Dar also disclosed that the government would urge the local governments of the top 20 rice-producing provinces to buy palay and sell rice to increase the country’s buffer stock. The NFA pegged the country’s daily rice consumption at 33,500 metric tons.

“After these elections, we are having a dialogue with the top 20 riceproducing provinces for them to engage in rice business: procure palay as guided by the farmgate price and roll it over to sell in the market,” he said.

“We are aiming to have additional 30-day buffer stock coming from the engagement from the LGUs.”

A FARMER sells his palay to the National Food Authority (NFA) in Zamboanga del Sur in this NFA file photo.

Farmers to run food processing center in Northern Samar

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

T

HE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently turned over a food processing center for women farmers in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar.

The project is expected to benefit the members of the Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Barangay (SAMAKABA) who are into food processing.

Aside from turmeric, the group based in Barangay Bonifacio also sells taro chips and pickled papaya, says DAR Regional Director Robert Anthony Yu who led the turnover of the food processing center during a simple ceremony recently.

The SAMAKABA is a recipient of the Village Level Farm-focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project that aims to enhance the products of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) using appropriate facilities and equipment applicable to the agri-business enterprise of the ARBs. In his brief speech, Yu said the project would increase the community’s income.

“This is one of the support services of DAR, and we are not only concerned with the production of goods but also with the value added to the products. Through processing and packaging, we can sell these products at reasonable prices and

increase our profit in return.”

He also said in a statement that the department organizes the community, establishes linkages to different agencies, and assists in the packaging, and marketing of the products to reach more consumers.

Chief Agrarian Reform Officer Melecia Ong said the processing center needs to undergo the Food and Drug and the Land Transportation Office (FDA-LTO) registration process to ensure that products will reach more markets.

“For now, since the facility still needs furnishing and additional equipment, the members should prioritize cultivating raw materials. So that once the processing center is fully opera-

tional, there will be more orders and purchases to make,” Ong said.

SAMAKABA President Marivic Sardinia extended her gratitude to the DAR and partner agencies for their assistance. She cited the humble beginning of the organization when they started by collecting recycled materials back then, and now have established a profitable business with the help of the partner agencies.

“We are grateful to the partner agencies for all their help, without which, we would not be able to have this facility. We will always need your assistance to achieve our goals in the organization. This facility will not go to waste because we will ensure the proper use of this project.”

PHL adopts FSC certification to boost wood exports

T

HE Philippines is adopting the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification system which is seen to open opportunities for export in Europe which demand forest products, paper, and wood from well-managed and sustainable forests.

An FSC certification is an assurance that forest goods come from legal sources as required by the European Union Timber Regulation and Lacey Act in the United States. It certifies that the goods come from forests that make least damaged to the environment and forest-dependent indigenous communities.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is mapping out an accreditation system for people’s organizations (PO) to become certified under the FSC especially since POs want to export their forest products.

This is also aligned with Philippines’s hopes of pursuing industrialization that will require excellent management of natural resources.

“PO accreditation is an important mechanism to transform POs into exemplary resource managers. POs are considered as ‘de facto’ managers, a partner rather than a contractor,” according to DENR Assistant Secretary Marcial C. Amaro.

Amaro said there is a need to revisit the draft department administrative order on PO accreditation in order to put this policy in place. “[We need] to conduct a national consultative meeting for possible institutionalization of PO accreditation with concerned CBFM [Community Based Forest Management] personnel by the fourth quarter of 2022,” he said.

The PO accreditation will have a significant role in providing a sustainable livelihood for upland residents in order to discourage them from illegal logging and illegal wildlife hunting. The accreditation system was piloted as under DENR’s project Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Project (INREMP).

“The pervasive problems of pov-

erty and landlessness have driven people to using public lands. Inevitably, POs have become important players in the management of public land—timberland and multiple-use zones in protected areas,” said Dr. Manuel L. Bonita, DENR INREMP consultant.

The accreditation under FSC standards will enable POs to have easier access to export markets that look for international forest management certification.

Some 20 POs operating in nine provinces in four regions have already been accredited through the piloted accreditation program in 2019-2021 of INREMP. Having gained the trust of INREMP, the POs were allowed to enjoy substantial cash advances as an intervention to natural resources management.

This allowed INREMP to accelerate lagging disbursement of the project’s fund.

“In the future, forest products chain-of-custody must be added to the PO Accreditation System.

This facilitates regulation of for-

est product harvesting and inhibit corrupt practices,” said Bonita at an INREMP Exit Conference last April 21.

DENR wants to sustain the accreditation program even after the closure of INREMP which will run until June.

POs are beneficiaries of DENR’s forest management contracts— CBFM and the National Greening Program (NGP). The success of CBFM and NGP depends on the transformation of POs into certified resource managers.

Being an accredited resource manager, one should abide by the principles, criteria, and indicators of good forest stewardship.

A PO applying for accreditation goes through an initial assessment and a series of annual assessments.

“An exemplary PO should not slide backward into an irresponsible resource manager,” said Bonita.

PO certification can be a testing ground for forest certification and “ultimately as an alternative or precursor to forest certification.”

FAO, World Food Forum launch Young Scientists Group

T

HE Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Forum (WFF) have launched the WFF’s first-ever cohort of the Young Scientists Group and called for applications to the second edition of the WFF Transformative Research Challenge.

The initiatives were presented at a side event this week at the multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), titled “Youth-led solutions for a better food future.”

The side event highlighted the essential role of young scientists in identifying and scaling up innovative solutions to achieve the SDGs and positive agrifood systems transformation, with a specific focus on the 2022 WFF theme “Healthy diets. Healthy Planet.”

“Young researchers have the potential to bring massive impact,” said Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth in her opening remarks to the event.

“We are counting on youth to drive change,” said Ismahane Elouafi, FAO Chief Scientist.

The WFF Young Scientists Group consists of 20 young scientists from around the world who will provide scientific evidence and technical knowledge to the various initiatives of the WFF as well as develop an annual WFF Young Scientists report on specific policy issues that are of particular concern to youth, related to agrifood systems transformation.

The 2022 YSG cohort announced at the event includes: Kim Anastasiou, Australia; Peter Asare-Nuamah, Ghana; Craig Chibanda, Zimbabwe; Shulang Fei, China; Imad Antoine Ibrahim, Lebanon; Alice Karanja, Kenya; Pacem Kotchofa, Benin; Lethicia Magno, Brazil; Clarity Mapengo, Zimbabwe;

Sarah I. Murphy, USA; Ram Neupane, Nepal; Dinesh Panday, Nepal; Elisa Quaranta, Italy; Abdulkareem Raheem, Nigeria; Andrea Rosso, Italy; Michael Ruggeri, Italy; Jiang Shangchuan, China; Joanna Trewern, UK; Edy Trihatmoko, Indonesia; and Ambrogio Zanzi, Italy.

“This community of young scientists better understands the needs, feelings and concerns of youth, and are also an important source of energy, capable of mobilizing critical mass for just causes,” said event speaker Ibrahima Hathie, who is one of the 15 scientists appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to draft the 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report.

“The Young Scientists Group has come to stay to provide reliable credible and policy-based initiatives,” said YSG cohort member Peter Asare-Nuamah. “The group is an opportunity for us to learn by contributing to global challenges such as climate change and food security. Therefore, we must be strong. We must be confident that we can change the narrative.”

In addition to launching the Young Scientists Group at the side event, the WFF also announced an open call for applications for the 2022 Transformative Research Challenge (TRC), a research competition designed to foster and promote innovation in sustainable development to end hunger and transform agrifood systems.

Last year’s TRC winner, Nafn Amdar, invited young and young-at-heart researchers to submit a two-page concept note proposing an innovative research idea focusing on issues related to healthy diets and climate action. The deadline for applications is 6 June 2022. Shortlisted entrants will receive expert mentorship to help translate their concepts into sound research papers and present them at the WFF global stage in October.

Scrawny wheat leads Texas farmer to pull out the ‘drought paddles’

W

ITH wheat harvest a few weeks away and heat nearing a record high, Texas farmer Allen Meissner knows what to do: bring out the drought paddles.

He hasn’t used the homemade device since 2011, when lack of rain resulted in stunted growth for his crops. Standard equipment couldn’t harvest his scrawny wheat or corn, so Meissner got creative, cutting up scrap aluminum to create a combine attachment to “paddle in that crop,” pushing it into the machine.

Now, he once again needs the invention as dry conditions scorch his fields. Meissner will use it in a couple weeks to harvest hard red winter wheat so small that he expects a yield of only 15 to 20 bushels an acre, down from the typical 60 to 70. The third-generation farmer is hopeful conditions improve enough by late July, when he plans to harvest the corn crop, that he won’t need the paddles, but it’s not clear yet.

“The 2011 drought was one for the ages,” said Meissner, who this

year has 1,000 acres of wheat and 5,000 acres of corn on the line. “We aren’t there yet but it sure is trending in that same direction.”

With soaring inflation and supply-chain disruptions making it tough for some producers to buy new farming gear or make timely repairs, Meissner’s ingenuity is especially relevant. But the do-it-yourself approach to farm tools has long been a mainstay of the agriculture industry, with growers constantly brainstorming about how to get a bigger crop

with the greatest ease.

“Who was John Deere? A dude who made a better plow in 1837,” said Greg Peterson, a man known as “Machinery Pete” and the author of a used-equipment index by the same name.

Profit is another strong motivation for on-the-fly inventions. Futures tied to hard red winter wheat, the kind Meissner grows, are trading near an all-time high reached in 2008, another big drought year. Corn has climbed about 30 percent this

year and is less than a dollar away from a record.

Meissner’s farm is in Bartlett, Texas, about a 50-minute drive north from Austin. The area is seeing severe drought, with even worse conditions to the west. The forecast for the next two weeks calls for temperatures between 92 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit (about 33 to 38 degrees Celsius) and little chance of rainfall. “It’s not good at all,” said Meissner, 41.

Crops across the United States and from other global produc-

ers are under pressure as war in Ukraine hinders grain exports and prompts hoarding of crucial agriculture supplies.

“Everything is so disrupted at this point,” said Ben Buckner, grains analyst for AgResource Co. “We have higher demand and smaller supplies.”

Fear that extreme drought in Kansas, Texas and the surrounding region will severely shrink US yields is adding to fears of worsening global food inflation and shortages.

Bloomberg News

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Thursday, May 12, 2022

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

ALSTOM TRANSPORT CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES, INC. 4/f U-2c One E-com Center, Moa Ocean Drive, Barangay 76, Pasay City DE LAPPARE DE SAINT SERNIN, ROMAIN, MARIECHARLES Onshore Project Manager 1.

Brief Job Description: Experience in offshore project management.

Developing projects, plans, goals and budgets; identifying resources if needed. Guiding and performing strategic analysis

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Language both written and verbal. For the projects must familiar in expert in planning and administrative writing and reporting skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ENDOZO, JEANETTE HJØRNSTAD SOLBERG Member Relations Business Partner 11.

2.

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

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

NGUYEN NGOC DIEP Advisor I, Sales Vn

3.

4.

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

VO QUANG PHUOC Vietnamese Language- Officer Customer Service Brief Job Description: Initiate conversation to uncover customer needs.

12.

HOU, TSE-LIN Marketing And Sales Agent 13.

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

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

5.

Brief Job Description: Organizing import operations and ensuring that they are carried out effectively and efficiently.

6.

Brief Job Description: Gives data management support on a large complex, on- and offshore dredging & land development project.

GAIND, POORNIMA Senior Assistant Vice President - Operations

14.

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

MACLIVER, DARIUS HUGH Health Safety And Security (hss) Manager 7.

Brief Job Description: Arranging, implementing, communicating, monitoring, reporting, and maintaining all health, safety, and security aspects during the realization of the large complex and on and onshore project.

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

CEEC TOWER INC. R1288 12/f Times Plaza Bldg., U.n. Ave. Cor. Taft Ave., 072, Barangay 666, Ermita, City Of Manila

TAN, XUAN Technical Consultant 8.

Brief Job Description: Provides Expert Advice for Improvement and Also Offer Direct Instruction and Provide Training Resources to Employees Within a Company in Order To Help Staff More Effectively Implement Technologies Changes

WANG, QING Technical Consultant 9.

Brief Job Description: Provides Expert Advice for Improvement and Also Offer Direct Instruction and Provide Training Resources to Employees Within a Company in Order To Help Staff More Effectively Implement Technologies Changes

ZHANG, XUAN Technical Consultant 10.

Brief Job Description: Provides Expert Advice for Improvement and Also Offer Direct Instruction and Provide Training Resources to Employees Within a Company in Order To Help Staff More Effectively Implement Technologies Changes

Brief Job Description: Responsible for account profitability across all AETNA ICC Centres, including but not limited to P&L management. Management of process and overall efficiencies related to and part of financial management. Leading operations teams engaged in utilization management delivery forth clients.

Basic Qualification: Experience as Discipline Specialist of at least 3 years in dredging and land development industry

Basic Qualification: Extensive experience in the international Dredging industry with focus on Health, Safety and Security.

Basic Qualification: At Least two 2 Years of Working Experience in the Related fields in Mandarin Chinese

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

CGI (PHILIPPINES) INC. 2/f One World Square, Mckinley Hill, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

20.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

15.

16.

NANG SAN HOM Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer Service

NGUYEN THI HUYEN TRAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Skilled in multi-tasking; including the ability to be flexible and adapt to changes quickly

DO HUU VU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 21.

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

17.

18.

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

SHEN, CAN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking.

Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas and researches to help develop marketing strategies; Can help to detail, design and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

Basic Qualification: Must have at least 18 years of extensive experience in business operations, process transitioning, team management, sales, business development, strategic planning, quality analysis. Sla & tat management, business continuity planning, budgeting & cost control, new process set-up, training & development, logistics operations and client relationship management. A keen planner, strategist & implementer with strong business acumen & comprehensive experience in creating short term and long term business development procedure, service standards & operational policies

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

PHAM DINH LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 22.

19.

Brief Job Description: Answer all customer questions/ concerns regarding their company products, policies, and services

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent to Chinese Mandarin is an advantage

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

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

PHAM QUANG THUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 23.

VU NGOC THUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 24.

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

JIU ZHOU TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. U-2801 28/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent to Chinese Mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LATIS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS INC. PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE Unit 2902-b West Tower, Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig KANG, JUHYUN Assistant Team Manager 25.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate and assist team manager regarding project matters

Basic Qualification: An active gamer fluent in Korean Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MARUBENI CORPORATION 8/f L.v Locsin Bldg., Ayala Cor. Makati Aves., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

26.

HIGASHIJIMA, KEISHI Representative To Medi Linx Laboratory, Inc.

Basic Qualification: Confidential Employee

Brief Job Description: Promote and protect the interests of the Company as shareholder of Medi Linx Laboratory, Inc.

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

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City AYE HWAR Burmese Customer Service Representative 27.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI KWAN YAN Burmese Customer Service Representative

28.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LOUT HAUNG Burmese Customer Service Representative

29.

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

ZWE HTET AUNG Burmese Customer Service Representative

30.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MOE THUZAR Burmese Customer Service Representative

31.

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

Basic Qualification: Must be a fluent Japanese speaker, above average in English communication skills

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent to Chinese Mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent to Chinese Mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

HELLOCONNECT, INC. 7/f Inoza Tower, 40th St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig KONDO, HAJIME Customer Care Specialists - Japanese

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent to Chinese Mandarin is an advantage

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

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING, OPC Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor, Silver City 4, Ortigas East, Ugong, City Of Pasig

LYU, WEI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Ri Rance Ii Bldg., Block 2 Lot 3 Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

Basic Qualification: At Least two 2 Years of Working Experience in the Related fields in Mandarin Chinese

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LIN, MENG-WEI Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

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

Basic Qualification: At Least two 2 Years of Working Experience in the Related fields in Mandarin Chinese

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Norwegian and English language

EXLSERVICE PHILIPPINES, INC. 6th Floor, One E-com Center, Harbor Drive, Mall Of Asia Complex, Pasay City

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

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

No.

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

BOSKALIS PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 3701, 3801 The Orient Square, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

LAMENS, PASCALE Discipline Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Degree holder, must fluently speak and write bahasa indonesian, vietnamese and thai to cater foreign market.

Basic Qualification: Knows how to communicate in English and Korean

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503, Nueva St., Barangay 289, Binondo, City Of Manila

BONO DE LUXE PHILIPPINES INC. No. 21, Mindanao Ave., Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City OH, HYEOKJAE Importation Manager

Brief Job Description: Provide professional responses to user comments and questions on social media and other channels according to agreed service levels

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

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati ANGELIA JUWITA PINARIYA Bahasa Indonesian Language-officer Fund Management

Brief Job Description: Recruiting new member from mainly, but not limited to the Nordish

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

CONCENTRIX DAKSH SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Bldg. F, Ayalaland, Technohub, Quezon City

AMUSETECH BUSINESS OUTSOURCING, OPC 2/f Rivergreen Residences, 2217 Pedro Gil St., Barangay 880, Santa Ana, City Of Manila WEI, YU Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

THAO CANH BINH Burmese Customer Service Representative

32.

33.

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

LIU, YUANSHUN Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer Service.

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

34.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHOU, LEI Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Customer Service.

WANG, XUELAN Chinese Customer Service Representative

35.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XU, PING Chinese Customer Service Representative

36.

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

37.

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

LI, JIE Chinese Customer Service Representative

38.

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

LI, RUI Chinese Customer Service Representative

39.

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

LIU, PING Chinese Customer Service Representative 40.

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

LIU, SHENGSHU Chinese Customer Service Representative 41.

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

CHEN, JINGJING Chinese Customer Service Representative

42.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HU, CHENGTIAN Chinese Customer Service Representative

43.

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

LAI, JINTIAN Chinese Customer Service Representative

44.

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

45.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MI, YONGZHANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

46.

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

ZHANG, JIN Chinese Customer Service Representative

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUA, CHENTIAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LY THI SIT Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LY VAN HIEU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

MA THI THAO HIEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

TENG JUN CHUNG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

VI THI DIEP Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

VITHI SON Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English.

No.

55.

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

56.

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

57.

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

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

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

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

69.

70.

71.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English 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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHAU MINH LAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

72.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DAU BA THANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

73.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

THEN CHUN KIT Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

KHONG NGAI CHOONG Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

KHO YEOW HENG Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

KELVIN KUEK CHE ZING Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHEE SENG POH Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHANG KA SIN Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

ALEX TAN ZHY YEUAN Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

YUSTINA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Customer service

IWAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

YANG ZIJIE Customer Service Representative

HEMAVATI WIJAYA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

Brief Job Description: Customer service

FELA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

WU, FANG Customer Service Representative

EDY SUSANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

Brief Job Description: Customer service

BUN SU CHIANG Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

WONG YONG SIN Customer Service Representative

ANASTACIA CLAUDIA CHANDRA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DUONG KHAI KHANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

74.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

GIANG THIEU PHONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 75.

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

Thursday, May 12, 2022

A11

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin / basic English

No.

HO THI THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 76.

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

77.

78.

79.

80.

81.

82.

83.

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

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

NGUYEN NGOC DAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

85.

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

NGUYEN THANH THUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

86.

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

NGUYEN THE VI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

87.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

88.

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

NGUYEN THI SUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

89.

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

NGUYEN THI THANH TRUC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

90.

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

NGUYEN THI THAO Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

91.

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

NGUYEN THI THU HA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

92.

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

NGUYEN VAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

93.

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.

MAI NGOC BAU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

84.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LY VAN CHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

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

LUONG MY VAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

LEO VAN NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

LEO VAN BAY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

LE VAN TUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

LANH THI TRANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

HOANG VAN THEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

TRAN VAN BA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

94.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

DESSIANA EFFENDI Indonesian - Marketing Officer 95.

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

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

FAJRUL FALAH RAMADIAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 96.

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

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

A12 A6 Thursday, May 12, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION FENDI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

97.

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

GOZA GAYUH PAMUNCAK Indonesian Customer Service Representative 98.

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

SOMSAK, PIPOP Thai Customer Service Representative 99.

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

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

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

100.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services

HE, CHENGLIN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 101.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services

LOW JING YI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 102.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services

TANG, ZHIZENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 103.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services

112.

ZHOU, FEI Mandarin Project Planner

113.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Project Planner is responsible for planning and scheduling various workloads.

Gathers and analyzes information to prepare status report. Evaluate current procedures and recommends changes to improve the efficiency of planning and scheduling of projects.

HARVINDER SINGH Business Lending Development Officer 114.

Brief Job Description: Develop business proposals, analyze current and past expenses, develop creative strategies

HE, YIBIN Marketing Specialist 115.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing and managing all aspects of the company’s marketing strategy

104.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative to manage customer queries and complaints.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

SHI, WEIGANG Marketing Specialist 116.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing and managing all aspects of the company’s marketing strategy

KIM, JOOAHN Customer Support Representative 105.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative to manage customer queries and complaints.

KIM, KWANGJUN Customer Support Representative 106.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative to manage customer queries and complaints.

YOON, SUNG WOOK Customer Support Representative 107.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative to manage customer queries and complaints.

YUN, HYUNSEOK Customer Support Representative 108.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative to manage customer queries and complaints.

CHOI, CHANGGIL Software Specialist 109.

Brief Job Description: Software specialist designs and develops computer software and operating systems.

LEE, JINHYOUNG Software Specialist 110.

Brief Job Description: Software specialist designs and develops computer software and operating systems.

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

SUN, LIUHUI Marketing Specialist 117.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing and managing all aspects of the company’s marketing strategy

111.

Brief Job Description: Fosters strong, partnership with engagement leader for better demand assessment and tracking and forecast and create staffing and investment strategies.

PLAYON.PH INC. Melrose, Compound, Tuktukan, City Of Taguig

KALYTIUK, ANASTASIIA Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 123.

124.

125.

126.

Basic Qualification: Can Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends; Can Brainstorm and develop ideas for creative marketing campaigns; Can Assist in outbound or inbound marketing activities by demonstrating expertise in various areas

Basic Qualification: Can Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends; Can Brainstorm and develop ideas for creative marketing campaigns; Can Assist in outbound or inbound marketing activities by demonstrating expertise in various areas

127.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing and managing all aspects of the company’s marketing strategy

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

ZHAO, YUNXIANG Marketing Specialist 119.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing and managing all aspects of the company’s marketing strategy

128.

129.

120.

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

Brief Job Description: Evaluation office procedure and looking for more efficient ways of conducting process overseeing personnel and ensure the smooth functioning of a business

Basic Qualification: 5+ years’ experience in program management and high volume workforce management.

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

130.

ADNEW, MISIKIR WONDAFERAHU Health Apprentice 121.

Brief Job Description: Perform daily functions related to public health strategies and improvement

134.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

DINH THI NGOT Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

DO DUC ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

DO TUNG DUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

135.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

LAI THE DAT Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 136.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

DANG THI TRANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate course in Public Health. Skills in health, nutrition program, relief operations and emergency relief context

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

DANG THI TO QUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

133.

SAMARITAN’S PURSE (PHILIPPINES) INC. 6/f Philcox Bldg., 172 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

DANG THI HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

SADGURU TRADERS INC. Unit T, 1a West Service Road, Sun Valley, City Of Parañaque

LAKHANI, BHAGWAN DAS Director

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

DANG AN TU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Can Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends; Can Brainstorm and develop ideas for creative marketing campaigns; Can Assist in outbound or inbound marketing activities by demonstrating expertise in various areas

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with 15 yrs experience as director, works independently and has excellent verbal & written communication skills with strong business relationship with the customer

Brief Job Description: Maintains financial accounts by processing customer adjustments BUI HUY HOANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

132.

118.

Basic Qualification: College/Bachelor Degree with excellent written and verbal communication.

Basic Qualification: College/Bachelor Degree with excellent written and verbal communication.

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

LE ANH DUC It Officer

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

ZHANG, BO Marketing Specialist

Basic Qualification: University degree. good understanding of contracting and category management process and what drives performance and functional excellence in RTP. fluent in English Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

SOMI UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS, INC. 10/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza Bldg., Edsa Corner Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10, District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

131.

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

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

ZHANG, CAIMEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Can Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends; Can Brainstorm and develop ideas for creative marketing campaigns; Can Assist in outbound or inbound marketing activities by demonstrating expertise in various areas

Basic Qualification: College/Bachelor Degree with excellent written and verbal communication.

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

LEE JUN NAM Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: College/Bachelor Degree with excellent written and verbal communication.

Basic Qualification: College/Bachelor Degree with excellent written and verbal communication.

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

TAM, WAI MAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

Brief Job Description: Ensures the delivery of operational excellence in procurement of goods and service processes.

Accountable for operational and tactical contract sourcing and contract management

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

Basic Qualification: Can Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends; Can Brainstorm and develop ideas for creative marketing campaigns; Can Assist in outbound or inbound marketing activities by demonstrating expertise in various areas

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

OPTUM GLOBAL SOLUTIONS (PHILIPPINES), INC. 6th To 10th Floors, Science Hub Tower 1, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig BAKSHI, TARANJEET SINGH Itss Staffing Lead

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos-1year customer service experience

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

Basic Qualification: College/Bachelor Degree with excellent written and verbal communication.

Basic Qualification: With background in a related position, college graduate, proficient in speaking, writing in English & Korean Hangul.

122.

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

NETLINGO SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. 15/f 6780 Ayala Ave. Bldg., 6780 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati KIM, JINWOOK Customer Support Representative

DASGUPTA, SUMANTRA Sc Commercial Mgr, Operations C&p Canada

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

Basic Qualification: In-depth understanding of construction procedures, materials and project management principles.

Must have understanding in cost planning and contracts administration.

Familiarity with construction/project management in Mainland China and the Philippines.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

SHELL SHARED SERVICES (ASIA) B.V. 16/f-25/f Solaris One Bldg., 130 Dela Rosa St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

S&P CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT CO., INC. U-1168b G/f Veca Bldg., Chino Roces Ave. Cor. Estrella St., San Antonio, City Of Makati

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

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, strong project management, multi- tasking & decisionmaking skills.

No.

RIGHT CHOICE FINANCE CORP. 5e-1 Electra House Bldg., 115-117 Esteban Street, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and promoting the brand software and services

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

POWERCHINA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2101 21/f Bdo Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION KIM, HYUNWOO Marketing Manager

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

NEO INCORPORATED North Tower Centrum Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

WANG, BIBAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

LE DUY LONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 137.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LE DUY QUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

138.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

LE HA PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

139.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

LE VIET DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

140.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

LUONG KHAI TRIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

141.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

LUONG QUOC CUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

142.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN DINH CHINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

143.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN HUU TUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

144.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN NGOC HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

145.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN PHUC TRINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

146.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN THI PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

147.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN THI THUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

148.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN TRUONG GIANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

149.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN TUAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

150.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN VAN HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

151.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN VAN THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

152.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN VAN THINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

153.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

PHAM BAO KHANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

154.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

PHAM DUC NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 155.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

PHAM HUU THONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 156.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

No.

PHAM KIEN CUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 157.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

158.

159.

160.

161.

162.

163.

164.

165.

166.

167.

168.

169.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

VU VAN LAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

170.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

VU DINH THANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

VU DINH QUANG ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

TRUONG VAN XUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

TRUONG VAN THINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

TRAN THI HUE Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

TRAN MINH TIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

TRAN DINH HUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

TRAN DINH HUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

TANG MINH ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

SON THAI CUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

PHAN THI NGOC ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

PHAM THI HAI MY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

VU VAN NGUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

171.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

HUANG, LONGLONG Chinese Speaking Digital Marketing Specialist 172.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

NGUYEN THI LOAN Chinese Speaking Digital Marketing Specialist 173.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services.

PHAM THI TUYET Chinese Speaking Digital Marketing Specialist 174.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services.

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

No.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

175.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

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

176.

Brief Job Description: Familiar with production systems, responsible for operations on facility and production team

177.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for 3-4 service teams’ management and report to operation manager on overall performance and progress.

178.

Basic Qualification: College Degree/Japanese Translator

ISHIKAWA, TOSHIYUKI President/operation Manager Brief Job Description: Consulting service to Japanese individuals

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

VIVA INTERNATIONAL FOOD & RESTAURANTS, INC. Unit 905 9th/flr. East Tower Tektite Bldg., Psec Exchange Rd., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig Basic Qualification: 30 years old Perfectionism in sanitation and quality control. With experience

PORNANONGYOTHIN, JARUWAN Thai Chef 179.

Brief Job Description: Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food display

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

WANFANG TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 6-9/f Double Dragon Plaza, Edsa Cor. Macapagal Ave., Barangay 76, Pasay City Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in

FAN, XIANG-HENG Chinese Technical Support Representative 180.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in

HITTHIM, WISSUTA Thai Marketing Specialist 181.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in

JITROD, CHICHAYA Thai Marketing Specialist 182.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 SUWANNAYOD, THIPPAWAN Thai Marketing Specialist Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

183.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

ZX-PRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 16/f Robinsons Cybergate 3, Pioneer, Barangka Ilaya, City Of Mandaluyong

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 HO HAI YEN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 184.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Diploma in energy, MOME, OGUK, OPITO BOSIET Certificate; 20 years offshore experience

TT&V CONSULTANCY INC. 12/f 28/f Pacific Star Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Cor. Makati Aves., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree or above; 2-5 years’ service experience with small -medium team management preferred.

MA, HAIDONG Group Leader

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

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

TRIP.COM (PHILIPPINES) INC. 9th&10th Floors Ten West Campus, Building Mckinley West,, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services.

BRUMMER, PIETER WILLEM ADRIAAN Production Supervisor

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

THREE60 OPERATIONS SERVICES LIMITED Level 9 Arthland Century Pacific Tower, 30th Street Corner 4th And 5th Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (verbal and written skills).

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

RUAN, GUOHUI Chinese Speaking Digital Marketing Specialist

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

SPRITZER TRADING CORP. 37/f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customers information about product and services

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

ADVANCED WORLD SYSTEMS, INC. Unit 505, 5 th Floor ATC BPO 1, Madrigal Avenue, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

185.

AKIRA KONISHI Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer & President *Date Generated: May 11, 2022

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

A14 Thursday, May 12, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Let’s all respect the people’s will

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ith about 97 percent of election returns already counted, front-running presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is now assured of a landslide victory with about 30.76 million votes, more than double that of his closest rival, Vice President Leni Robredo, who has about 14.68 million votes, according to a partial and unofficial tally of the Commission on Elections.

Still, Marcos Jr. has yet to claim victory. “Let’s wait until 100 percent of the votes have been counted and the victory is very clear before we celebrate,” he said in a televised speech on Monday night.

A political observer said the election results should not come as a surprise but that they were sobering, as they reflect in part a growing frustration among the public with previous administrations. In all surveys conducted in the runup to the vote, Marcos Jr. had maintained a clear lead over his opponents.

Although Marcos Jr. has yet to be officially proclaimed as our presidentelect, this early, we would like to offer our sincere congratulations. We know he will be taking office at a critical juncture in the country’s history. There are many pressing challenges waiting for the incoming administration, including the lingering effects of the global health crisis and the repercussions of the Ukraine war on the Philippine economy.

If only because of the close to 90 percent voter turnout, the May 9, 2022 presidential election should be marked as a sign of how robust Philippine democracy is. The Commission on Elections said the conduct of the national and local polls was “not perfect, but still generally peaceful.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported 15 cases of election violence in the regions. AFP Spokesperson Demy Zagala said the incidents include 2 explosions; 2 shootings; 1 grenade throwing; 2 ambush attempts; 2 armed clashes between political rivals; 1 indiscriminate firing; 1 indiscriminate firing with ballot snatching; 1 ballot snatching; and 3 strafing incidents. At least four people died from the said incidents, which happened on May 8 and May 9, 2022. A third of the cases happened in Basilan.

Most of the field reports throughout the 12 hours that the polling precincts were open focused on the problems caused by a combination of factors: High voter turnout in an intense election, pandemic-induced protocols that delayed the process involving more voters, and the breakdown of vote counting machines (VCMs), which further caused long lines of people reporting the exercise took them hours to complete. Despite the stringent testing before election day, at least 530 VCMs bogged down and required to be replaced during the voting period, according to the Comelec (Read, “Glitches aside, May 9 polls largely peaceful–Comelec,” in the BusinessMirror, May 10, 2022).

In the US, where we copied our democratic process, formal concessions among presidential aspirants did not become an election custom until 1896, when Republican William McKinley defeated Democrat William Jennings Bryan. In his memoir, Bryan said he began to resign himself to the loss by 11 p.m. on election night. When he learned that his loss was certain, Bryan immediately sent a telegram to McKinley, offering his congratulations. He said: “We have submitted the issue to the American people and their will is law.” With that, a custom was born. Ever since, losing candidates—even sitting presidents—have conceded to their opponents. Former president Donald Trump broke that custom in the last US presidential election when he refused to concede to president-elect Joe Biden.

In the Philippines, some losing presidential bets refused to concede in past polls. They will make baseless fraud claims and sow doubts among their supporters. We all suffer when leaders erode people’s confidence in the democratic process. A wise man once said democracy depends on the consent of the losers.

That’s why it is important for losing candidates to concede, and to consent to the winning candidate’s mandate to govern. Notably, at press time, at least five presidential candidates have publicly conceded: Senator Panfilo Lacson, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Faisal Mangondato, and Leody de Guzman. This is the best way for them to show to the world that they respect and accept the will of the Filipino people.

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OUTSIDE THE BOX

T

here must be something in the DNA of all earthly animals—from penguins to people—that requires that we look for connections. Maybe it is a survival mechanism.

Massive conspiracies surrounded the assassination of John F. Kennedy, including similarities with that of Abraham Lincoln. Both men were elected to the presidency in ’60s (Lincoln 1860, Kennedy 1960).

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

But it is intellectually interesting to look for parallels even if they are totally coincidental. There are some similar patterns with the 2016 US presidential election and the just concluded election in the Philippines.

Understand clearly and without any ambiguity or hesitation. The only similarity I see between the US and Filipino candidates is that the two contenders in both elections happened coincidentally to be a female (Robredo and Clinton) and a male (Marcos and Trump). If you believe otherwise or see something else, that is your perception, not mine.

However, there are some com-

parisons that can be made between US-2016 and Philippines-2022 regarding the campaigns.

Some things stand out. The political polarization common in both elections was unprecedented, at least in intensity. This is not unique to either the US or the Philippines.

Elections around the globe are “door-die” with no attempt at trying to find a middle ground or consensus.

And it is completely the politicians’/ candidates’ fault, not the people’s.

They want us all wild-eyed and crazy for some reason.

Both elections’ campaign rhetoric was excessive. “Hillary Clinton said half of Donald Trump’s supporters belong in a “basket of deplorables” characterized by “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic” views.” Deplorable: shockingly bad, deserving contempt, despicable, reprehensible, and wretched.

Some local pundits applauded the use of the terms “wildflour elitists,” “bobotante,” and “bayaran” from supporters to describe the supporters of the other side. Not a good way to

Marcos is not Duterte and may need much political capital and popular support to get things accomplished. However, from the results from the LGUs, Marcos may have a stronger political base than any president since his father. Interesting times. encourage consensus building, which is the only way a government can be effective.

Nonetheless, the election is completed. Now comes the “What happens next to the economy and the stock market?”

Financial firms like investment houses put out commentary labeled as “Research.” But those companies all have an agenda and want to make money trading the markets. “Thinktanks” are only slightly less agenda driven as they are paid by companies, which also trade the markets and appreciate any help from the “tanks” to get markets to move in a particular direction.

There is something different from those two and, perhaps strangely, is found in marketing.

The Economist Intelligence Unit founded in 1946 and part of The Economist Group newspaper (1843) provides “Market intelligence”— like how many people in India are going to buy a new car in 2022—and an analysis of how to capitalize on that information.

This is their latest Viewpoint on the election: “Marcos is ideologically aligned with the incumbent presi-

DOJ offers guidance on DMW law Susan V. Ople

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso

Chairman of the Board President Advertising Sales Manager Group Circulation Manager

John Mangun

Lourdes M. Fernandez

Senior Editors

Creative Director Chief Photographer

Post-election thoughts

Scribbles

O

N May 5 or just a few winks away from election day, the Department of Justice sent an e-mail to the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, a non-profit organization that I head, offering guidance regarding some questions I have raised about the confusing state of affairs at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Signed by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, DOJ Opinon No. 10,S-2022 expressed regret that the DOJ only renders a legal opinion upon the request of the heads of national government agencies and then only on specific legal questions or issues arising from the performance of their respective powers and functions.

The opinion also explained that the Justice Secretary has desisted from passing upon issues that have already been the subject of official action by other officials/offices, particularly in the case of the DMW, by

no less than the Office of the Executive Secretary, “over whose actions he possesses no revisory authority.”

The DOJ opinion, three pages long, is aligned with the earlier memos issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, which the rest of the Transition Committee with the exception of DMW Secretary Abdullah Mama-o, chose to adhere to. It was offered to us at the Ople Center for information and guidance only, and we wish to share its contents with everyone through this column.

For guidance, the DOJ referred our attention to Section 23 of the DMW Act. Sec. 23 Transition Period—The transfer of functions, assets, funds, equipment, properties, transactions, and personnel of the affected agencies, and the formulation of the internal organic structure, staffing pattern, operating system, and revised budget of the Department, shall be completed within two years from the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That until new appointments and a new staffing pattern shall have been issued, the existing personnel of all subsumed entities shall continue to assume their posts on holdover capacities until new appointments or a new staffing pattern shall have been issued. Provided, further, That after the organization and rationalization process, the Department, in coordination with the DBM, shall determine and create new positions, the funding requirements of which shall not exceed the equivalent cost of the positions subsumed.

The DOJ opinion also cited the

dent, and this suggests an agenda of continuity rather than change.”

“Marcos will not deviate substantially from his predecessor’s core stance in favor of market liberalization and hardline security policy for foreign policy. The ongoing rebalance towards the US will continue.” If you “liked” Duterte, you may probably also like Marcos.

“In concrete terms, this means that Mr. Marcos will continue to embrace the three key pillars of infrastructure upgrade, tax incentives for businesses, and the removal of investment barriers.”

“The biggest risk to Marcos’s presidency will be the execution of his policy agenda as Mr. Marcos can boast only of a relatively unproductive stint as a senator and remains closely associated with the record of his namesake father. Failure to adequately deliver progress on major business-friendly reform and infrastructure upgrade, which will require consummate political and communication skills, could jeopardize the country’s hitherto impressive recent growth trajectory.”

Marcos is not Duterte and may need much political capital and popular support to get things accomplished. However, from the results from the LGUs, Marcos may have a stronger political base than any president since his father. Interesting times.

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

role of the Transition Committee in facilitating the complete and full operation of the Department to include the promulgation of implementing rules and regulations necessary to effectively implement the smooth and orderly transfer to the Department of the subsumed agencies.

The Transition Committee based on the DMW Act is composed of the DMW Secretary, the Undersecretary for the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs of the DFA, the Administrator of the POEA, the Director of the ILAB of DOLE, the Director of the NRCO of OWWA, the Director of the National Maritime Polytechnic of DOLE and the Director of the Office of the Social Welfare Attaché of the DSWD. Secretary Guevarra also emphasized this particular paragraph found in both the DMW Act and the IRR published by the Transition Committee and the Office of the President: “The Department shall not be constituted without an appropriation in the 2023 General Appropriations Act; an effective implementing rules and See “Ople” A15

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday, May 12, 2022 A15

Political reality: Congress Bus ban issue gains momentum The crucial question to ask is: Will can’t save–or end–abortion the next administration be able

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By Lisa Mascaro | AP Congressional Correspondent

ASHINGTON—After fighting for decades over abortion policy, Congress is about to run into the stark political limits of its ability to save—or end—the Roe v. Wade protections.

President Joe Biden has called on Democrats to enshrine the nearly 50-year-old Supreme Court ruling into law after the disclosure of a draft opinion that would overturn the landmark decision that declared a constitutional right to abortion services.

But passing bills is easier said than done in the narrowly split Congress—reflective of a deeply divided nation.

A test vote Wednesday in the Senate on a Democratic bill to protect access to abortions is expected to fail, blocked by a Republican-led filibuster.

At the same time, Republicans led

by Sen. Mitch McConnell face similar political problems trying to ban abortions nationwide, even if they wrest control of the chamber in next fall’s midterm elections.

Instead, whatever the Supreme Court decides on Roe v. Wade in its final opinion this summer almost guarantees a new era of political fighting in Congress over abortion policy, filibuster rules and the most basic rights to health care, privacy and protecting the unborn.

“All of us will have to answer for this vote for the rest of our time in public office,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer ahead of Wednesday’s action.

In recent years, abortion access debates in many ways have come to a standstill in Congress, a political draw, as lawmakers faced the limits of trying to move public policy beyond the historic Roe v. Wade court decision. Bills would routinely come up for votes—to expand or limit abortion services—only to fall along typically party line votes or be stripped out of broader legislative packages.

But the Supreme Court’s conservative 6-3 majority, solidified during the Trump era, has ignited an urgent shift to the forefront in Congress.

McConnell stunned Washington when he said “it’s possible” to see a national abortion ban.

The Republican leader has been a key architect of the Supreme Court’s solid conservative majority, engineering rapid-fire confirmation of three of Donald Trump’s nominees in just four years and changing Senate filibuster rules to push past Democratic objections.

In an interview with USA Today, McConnell recently said, “If the leaked opinion became the final opinion, legislative bodies—not only at the state level but at the federal level—certainly could legislate in that area.”

But on Tuesday McConnell acknowledged that if Republicans become the majority in the Senate they still are unlikely to have enough votes to ban abortion outright.

“The widespread sentiment in my conference is this issue will be dealt with at the state level,” McConnell said. He said Republicans won’t have the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

Li kew ise, Democrat Br ia n Schatz of Hawaii said for the other side, “I think we have to be explicit and tell the truth, which is, we don’t currently have the votes.”

Still, he said hopefully that if voters elect more senators who favor abortion rights, “we will put this into federal law.”

Both parties face enormous pressure to convince voters they are doing all they can—the Democrats working to preserve abortion access and the Republicans to end it—as they race toward fall when control of Congress is at stake in the elections.

The congressional campaign committees are fundraising off the abortion issue, and working furiously to energize voters who are already primed to engage when such a long-

running and important issue for millions of Americans is at stake.

The two Republican senators who support abortion access—Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who faces her own reelection in November, and Susan Collins of Maine— have proposed a separate bill that would counter the Supreme Court’s action.

But both senators, who voted to confirm most of Trump’s justices, are expected to stick with the Republican Party this week and block the Democratic bill as too broad.

At the same time, Democrats have largely panned the CollinsMurkowski effort as insufficient, leaving no hopes, for now, of any compromise.

And rank-and-file Republicans distanced themselves from McConnell’s initial remarks, saying an allout national ban on abortions is not something they can deliver.

“The reality is that you would never get that done here,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D. Democrats are unconvinced that Republicans, who have fought for years to deny abortion services, would give that fight up now and let the states decide.

Democrats believe Republicans are “running scared,” Schumer said, afraid of what they have unleashed, with polls showing most Americans want to preserve some access to abortion.

It was McConnell who blocked Barack Obama’s choice of Merrick Garland to fill a Supreme Court vacancy at the start of the 2016 presidential campaign, leaving the seat open for Trump to fill after he won the White House.

And even though McConnell insisted Tuesday there is “zero” interest among Republicans to change Senate filibuster rules to make it easier to pass an abortion ban, it was the GOP leader who orchestrated the Senate rules change to allow 51-vote threshold to confirm Supreme Court nominees.

“Republicans have worked day in and day out for decades on end to overturn Roe v. Wade,” said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington.

More likely is that both parties will try to chip away at the issue— Republicans tightening access to abortion at the national level, while Democrats work to shore up the availability of medicinal abortions and other related services.

“There are multiple fronts we can move on,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts.

In the House, where Democrats have the majority, lawmakers approved the Women’s Health Protection Act last year on a largely partyline vote once the Supreme Court first signaled it was considering the issue by allowing a Texas law’s ban on abortions to take effect.

But the bill has languished in the Senate, evenly split 50-50 with Democratic control because of Vice President Kamala Harris’ ability to cast a tie-braking vote. Unable to mount the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster, a test vote failed in February, with one Democrat, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, joining Republicans to block the bill’s consideration.

A similar outcome is expected Wednesday when the Senate tries again to pass the legislation, which would put the guaranteed right to abortion into law.

It’s the first of what Schumer promises will be repeated efforts to show voters where the parties stand.

“This is no longer just an abstract exercise: Now we know women’s rights are at stake,” Schumer said.

“So this vote is the first step. We are going to keep fighting.” Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.

Val A. Villanueva

Businesswise

I

t’s very tempting for me to write about the recent presidential elections and its effect on business. I will definitely write down my thoughts and feelings about it soon. For now, however, let me acknowledge the numerous readers who commended me for my piece on the Edsa bus ban.

The positive reaction I received manifests the kind of impact that the convoluted traffic management plan —put forth by government agencies tasked with ensuring smoother travel along metro thoroughfares—has on motorists and commuters alike.

My hope is that the incoming administration would have the competence to learn from the failures of our recent traffic managers to once and for all come up with doable solutions to unclog Edsa, without sacrificing the bottomline of bus companies and the convenience of commuters. BusinessWise has been consistent in its call for an efficient mass transportation system in lieu of erecting environmentally hostile

expressways, which in the long run will just do more harm than good.

I’d like to personally thank former Senator Nikki Coseteng who was the first to give her valuable two cents in reaction to our column. She narrated to me her experience when she personally tested public commuting— one tricycle and one jeepney ride and about a hundred-meter walk just to reach her target destination: from Cubao to the government designated bus terminal in Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Her experiment was borne out of the countless complaints she personally heard and read from various media platforms. She never expected that her experience would be the

to competently take the public out of commuter hell and the provincial bus industry out of the doldrums?

fulcrum of a mounting clamor for the country’s traffic managers to use common sense, instead of spewing confusing directives, in solving Edsa traffic.

On March 8, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) “allowed” the operations of the Provincial Public Utility Buses (PUBs) on inter-regional routes. The move was supposed to serve as a reprieve from the negative impact of the two-year Covid-19 pandemic on the livelihood of provincial bus drivers and owners. The caveat was that they were still prevented from using their own terminals located in Metro Manila.

In reaction to our February 10 column, Coseteng said: “I’m actually advocating for the same reasons cited by thousands of commuters affected by this flawed government project in your column, [although] I don’t have an interest here. I’m not a bus operator and neither am I running for a government post.”

She decried the government policy for being “not only flawed but insensitive to the plight of both the transport sector and the riding public.”

Memorandum Circular 2022-023 of the LTFRB mandated all PUB operators with valid Certificate of Public Convenience, Provisional Authority (PA), and Special Permits to use only designated end-point terminals to and from Metro Manila.

While at first blush the policy seemed innocuous, Coseteng said it still prohibited provincial buses from using their respective terminals in Metro Manila. Commuters, she lamented, would still need to take several hellish rides to reach their respective destinations.

Coseteng’s crusade achieved countless milestones: It got the attention of the LTFRB, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and politicians who then rode on the issue leading to a call for a Congressional probe.

The crucial question to ask is: Will the next administration be able to competently take the public out of commuter hell and the provincial bus industry out of the doldrums?

For comments, suggestion, e-mail me at mvala.v@ gmail.com

Ukrainians make gains in east, stop Russian gas at one hub

Z

By Elena Becatoros & Jon Gambrell | The Associated Press

APORIZHZHIA, Ukraine—Ukraine’s natural gas pipeline operator on Wednesday stopped Russian shipments through a key hub in the east of the country, while its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Kyiv’s military had made small gains, pushing Russian forces out of four villages near Kharkiv.

The pipeline operator said Russian shipments through its Novopskov hub, in an area controlled by Moscow-backed separatists, would be cut beginning Wednesday. It said the hub handles about a third of Russian gas passing through Ukraine to Western Europe. Russia’s stateowned natural gas giant Gazprom put the figure at about a quarter.

The move marks the first time natural gas supply has been affected by the war that began in February.

It may force Russia to shift flows of its gas through territory controlled

by Ukraine to reach its clients in Europe. Russia’s state energy giant Gazprom initially said it couldn’t, though preliminary flow data suggested higher rates moving through a second station in Ukrainian-controlled territory.

The operator said it was stopping the flow because of interference from “occupying forces,” including the apparent siphoning of gas. Russia could reroute shipments through Sudzha, a main hub in a northern part of the country controlled by Ukraine, it said. But Gazprom spokesperson Sergei Kupriyanov said that would be “technologically impossible” and questioned the reason given for the stoppage.

Zelenskyy said Tuesday that the military was gradually pushing Russian troops away from Kharkiv, while Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba voiced what appeared to be increasing confidence—and expanded goals, suggesting Ukraine could go beyond just forcing Russia back to areas it held before the invasion began 11 weeks ago.

Kuleba told the Financial Times

Ople . . .

continued from A14

regulations; and a staffing pattern” (emphasis added).

So, here’s the guidance part.

“A cardinal rule in statutory construction is that when the law is clear and free from any doubt or ambiguity, there is no room for construction or interpretation. There is only room for application. As the statute is clear and free from any doubt or ambiguity, it must be given its literal meaning and applied without attempted interpretation. This is what is known

that Ukraine initially believed victory would be the withdrawal of Russian troops to positions they occupied before the Feb. 24 invasion.

But the focus shifted to the eastern industrial heartland of the Donbas after Russian forces failed to take Kyiv early in the war.

“Now if we are strong enough on the military front, and we win the battle for Donbas, which will be crucial for the following dynamics of the war, of course the victory for us in this war will be the liberation of the rest of our territories,” Kuleba said.

Kuleba’s statement seemed to reflect political ambitions more than battlefield realities: Russian forces have made advances in the Donbas and control more of it than they did before the war began. But it highlights how Ukraine has stymied a larger, better-armed Russian military, surprising many that had anticipated a much quicker end to the conflict.

Ukraine said Tuesday that Russian forces fired seven missiles at Odesa a day earlier, hitting a shopping center and a warehouse in the country’s largest port. One person was killed and five wounded, the military said.

Images showed a burning building and debris—including a tennis shoe—in a heap of destruction in the city on the Black Sea. One general has suggested Moscow’s aims include cutting Ukraine’s maritime access to both the Black and Azov seas. That would also give Russia a corridor linking it to both the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized in 2014, and Transnistria, a proas the plain-meaning rule or verba legis. It is expressed in the maxim, index animi sermo, or “speech is the index of intention.” Furthermore, there is the maxim verba legis non est recedendum, or “from the words of a statute there should be no departure.”

“Based on the plain meaning rule, the DMW Act and its IRR must therefore be applied exactly as worded. As the DMW Act provides, the constitution of the DMW is dependent upon the fulfillment of the following requisites: (1) an appropriation in the 2023 General Appropriations Act; (2) an effective IRR, and, (3) a DBM-ap-

Zelenskyy said Tuesday that the military was gradually pushing Russian troops away from Kharkiv, while Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba voiced what appeared to be increasing confidence—and expanded goals, suggesting Ukraine could go beyond just forcing Russia back to areas it held before the invasion began 11 weeks ago.

Moscow region of Moldova.

Ukraine’s targeting of Russian forces on Snake Island in the Black Sea was helping disrupt Moscow’s attempts to expand its influence, the British military said.

Russia has sought to reinforce its garrison on Snake Island, while “Ukraine has successfully struck Russian air defenses and resupply vessels with Bayraktar drones,” the British Defense Ministry said in an intelligence update on Twitter. It said Russian resupply vessels had minimum protection after the Russian Navy retreated to Crimea after losing the Moskva.

That corresponds to satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press showing the fighting there.

But the British military warned: “If Russia consolidates its position on (Snake) Island with strategic air defense and coastal defense cruise missiles, they could dominate the northwestern Black Sea.” Even if Russia fails to sever Ukraine from its coast—and it appears to lack the forces to do so— continuing missile strikes on Odesa reflect its strategic importance. The Russian military has repeatedly targeted its airport, claiming it destroyed several batches of Western weapons.

Odesa is a major gateway for grain shipments, and the Russian blockade threatens global food supplies. It’s also a cultural jewel, dear to Ukrainians and Russians alike. Targeting proved staffing pattern.” (Note: Emphasis is mine.)

I am not a lawyer but I think the gist of the opinion is quite clear. The DMW has yet to be constituted because not all three requisites have been met. Unless already subsumed following the intent and letter of the law, the relevant agencies mentioned in the DMW Act will continue on in a holdover capacity. And, the Transition Committee cannot be beholden to one man or woman; it needs to function as one body.

As the DOJ opinion states: “Relevantly, it is important to highlight that, “Rules and regulations issued by

it carries symbolic significance.

To protect Odesa, Kyiv might need to shift forces to the southwest, drawing them away from the eastern front in the Donbas, where they are fighting near Kharkiv to push the Russians back across the border.

Kharkiv and its surroundings have been under sustained Russian attack since the early in the war. In recent weeks, grisly pictures testified to the horrors of those battles, with charred and mangled bodies strewn in one street.

The bodies of 44 civilians were found in the rubble of a five-story building that collapsed in March in Izyum, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kharkiv, Oleh Synehubov, head of the regional administration, said Tuesday.

Russian aircraft twice launched unguided missiles Tuesday at the Sumy area northeast of Kharkiv, according to the Ukrainian border guard service. The region’s governor said the missiles hit several residential buildings, but no one was killed.

Russian mortars hit the Chernihiv region, along the Ukrainian border with Belarus, but there was no word on casualties.

Zelenskyy used his nightly address to pay tribute to Leonid Kravchuk, the first president of an independent Ukraine, who died Tuesday at 88.

Kravchuk showed courage and knew how to get the country to listen to him, he said.

That was particularly important in “crisis moments, when the future of the whole country may depend on the courage of one man,” said Zelenskyy, whose own communication skills and decision to remain in Kyiv when it came under Russian attack helped make him a strong wartime leader. Gambrell reported from Lviv, Ukraine.

Yesica Fisch in Bakhmut, David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington, Kelvin Chan in London and AP’s worldwide staff contributed.

administrative bodies (in this case, the Transition Committee) to interpret the law which they are entrusted to enforce, xxx, have the force of law, and are entitled to great respect. Administrative issuances partake of the nature of a statue and have in their favor a presumption of legality.”

Thank you, Secretary Guevarra, for guiding us to a better understanding and appreciation of the DMW Act. Susan V. Ople heads the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, a nonprofit organization that deals with labor and migration issues.

She also represents the OFW sector in the InterAgency Council Against Trafficking.

A16 Thursday, May 12, 2022

ELECTION 2022 SENATORIAL RACE* 1 2 3 4 5 6

ROBIN PADILLA LOREN LEGARDA RAFFY TULFO WIN GATCHALIAN CHIZ ESCUDERO MARK VILLAR

26,441,689 23,981,251 23,157,819 20,370,043 20,041,259

7

ALAN PETER CAYETANO

8

MIGZ ZUBIRI

9

JOEL VILLANUEVA

10

JV EJERCITO

11

RISA HONTIVEROS

12

JINGGOY ESTRADA

13

JOJO BINAY

14

HERBERT BAUTISTA

19,200,669 19,072,742 18,574,207 18,295,139 15,685,029 15,266,918 14,962,434 13,179,692 12,937,068

Partial and unofficial results as of 6:32 pm, May 11, 2022, representing 98.32% of the nationwide election returns.

Source: COMELEC Transparency Media

US, China, Japan, EU air hopes of working with next PHL leader

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

T

HE United States, Japan, China and the European Union said they are looking forward to working with the next Philippine president.

“We’re monitoring the election results, and we look forward to renewing our special partnership and to working with the next administration on key human rights and regional priorities,” US State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Price said the US—the only defense ally of the Philippines— “look(s) forward to working with the president-elect, once that person is officially named, to strengthen the enduring alliance between the US and the Philippines.”

“It’s an enduring alliance that is rooted in a long and deeply interwoven history, shared democratic values and interests, and strong people-to-people ties between our countries as friends, as partners, as allies,” he added.

Price brushed off a question from a journalist if the US has concerns with former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. being the new Philippine president. “What I can say from a technical standpoint is that we understand the casting and counting of votes to have been conducted in line with international standards and without significant incident. Again, the counting is still underway. It is not for us to declare a winner. We’ll wait for the Philippines election authorities to do that,” he replied.

The journalist hurled another question. “I’m not asking you to declare a winner. I’m just asking you if you have any particular concerns about Marcos’s son becoming the next president . . . You certainly had concerns about Duterte.”

Price answered: “We look forward to working with the president-elect on the shared values and the shared interests that have united our countries across generations.”

US President Biden is meeting Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. Thursday US time (May 12), representing President Duterte, for the 2nd US-Asean Summit.

“We’ll continue to collaborate closely to advance a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region. We’ll also continue, as I said before, to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law, which is fundamental to US relations with the Philippines and in other bilateral contexts as well. And we’re very pleased to welcome Secretary of Foreign Affairs Locsin to Washington this week for the US-Asean summit,” he added.

Japan, China and EU also said they will work on building close ties with the next Philippine president.

The top Japanese government spokesman made the comment as Marcos Jr. led the partial, unofficial tally, with 99 percent of the results in. Five of his nine rivals have conceded.

“We will further strengthen our relations with the Philippines, an important strategic partner in the region,” Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference.

In Beijing, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian, congratulated the Philippines “on the smooth presidential election.”

“Our congratulations also go to the leading candidates. We hope and believe that various political forces in the Philippines will continue to work in solidarity for national renewal and development,” Zhao added.

He cited the “long-standing traditional friendship” accompanied by an”upgraded” bilateral relations under the “strategic guidance” of President Xi Jinping and President Duterte.

“The flourishing relationship has delivered benefits to both peoples and contributed to regional peace and stability.

China will continue to work together with the Philippines to stay committed to good-neighborliness and friendship, focus on post-Covid growth, expand win-win cooperation, and bring more tangible benefits to both peoples,” Zhao added.

Next admin must keep going forward with reforms–Neda

B

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

UILDING on the gains of the Duterte administration would be the key to growing the economy in the medium term, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

In a telev ised br iefing on Wednesday, Neda Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said the next administration should not look back and continue with the reforms of the Duterte administration.

A number of reforms should be continued, including those that will make the Philippines a more attractive investment destination for foreign investments, according to her.

“Kasi importante po talaga iyong policy continuity. Ito po ang isang lesson in economics na makikita natin [na] dahil sa laki ng ekonomiya, madalas po [na] iba iyong nagtanim, iba iyong mag-aani [Policy continuity is important. This is one lesson in economics and often, because of the size of an economy, someone shows the seed of policy reform, others will reap the fruits],” Edillon said.

Thus, what is important, she stressed, is that “the reform agenda continues, and implementation as well. So, the foundation has been laid down, let’s build on the gains.

I think, that is what this [Duterte] administration has done, that is why we continue to progress, without going back,” she added, partly in Filipino.

However, Edillon said even if the outgoing administration is ready to provide information and plans to the next government, the incoming government still has room to adjust policies, as is the practice in every transition period.

Opening up is key

WHAT is important, however, is to remember that the strength of the Philippine economy cannot be unleashed if it remains closed to the world.

The Duterte government has been undertaking reforms such as the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Foreign Investment Act, and the Public Service Act, which the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) considered vital achievements of the outgoing administration.

“With respect to economic recovery, President Duterte issued Executive Order 166 which actually enumerated up to 10 strategies to accelerate economic recovery,” Edillon said.

“So, by and large, something has been laid down. We will know from the next president what he can add

to this,” she added.

Meanwhile, former Dean of the UP School of Economics Ramon L. Clarete said a crucial factor in the success of the incoming administration is the choice of cabinet appointees.

Clarete said the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. may not be “innately well prepared” for the position and thus, the Cabinet will be hard-pressed to perform if the country is to weather rough and tough seas.

He worries that the country may end up with “an informal Cabinet of people with dubious integrity and unaccountability.”

The direction the new government “actually takes the result of the interaction between the formal and informal cabinets,” he told the BusinessMirror.

Canlas: Election fears

AN important consideration at this time, according to former socioeconomic planning secretary Dante Canlas, is to quell fears that election irregularities marred the May 9 polls.

Canlas told BusinessMirror that unless election concerns are satisfactorily resolved, the incoming administration “will be fraught with risk and uncertainty.”

“Outgoing president Du30 is leaving behind a weak economy.

To recover, market agents—consumers, producers, and investors— that are forward looking must be assured that people as taxpayers, for instance, are united under the newly elected leader,” Canlas said

in an email to this newspaper.

If these fears are not addressed, Canlas said the economy may be in for a hard landing -- characterized by slow GDP growth, high prices, and soaring debts.

He added this may also include high interest-rate hikes, thinning foreign reserves, and a weakening peso.

If these happen, such can “trigger downgrades today from investment fund managers” making it difficult for the country to recover from the pandemic.

“The worst fears raised by some IT experts before actual conduct of the election process have resurfaced, including, absence of an independent certification by Comelec of source codes of counting machines and servers provided by its contractor, Smartmatic,” Canlas said.

“Implementation of safeguards provided by the Automated Election Law, such as, rigorous voter audit is indicated, but this is not observed happening at this point,” he added.

Following the fastest transmission rate of election returns (ER) of the Commission on Elections in the last decade, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is now expected to win the 2022 presidential race.

After just four hours following the end of the voting period for the May 9, 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE), over 80 percent of the election results from the 106,175 clustered precincts were already transmitted to Comelec’s main server.

THIS is the Commission on Elections Command Center at the PICC tent in Pasay City, where Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan on Wednesday (May 11, 2022) led the checking of Certificates of Canvass (COC) from Malaysia, Lebanon and Oman (overseas Filipinos’ votes) and other provinces as the Comelec convened as the National Board of Canvassers for Senators and Partylist groups. In a press briefing, Director John Rex Laudiangco fielded questions on concerns over alleged irregularities, assuring the public each allegation will be investigated; and all parts of the post-election process have a process for validation. ROY DOMINGO

DTI and USAID tie up for Fish Right program

T

he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have began the implementation of the Fish Right program which aims to link organized fishers’ groups and incentivize the adoption of responsible fishing practices in coastal communities.

“DTI is in constant partnership with organizations such as USAID and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to meet the needs of our fishing communities in MIMAROPA,” said DTI MIMAROPA Regional Director Joel B. Valera.

“As the economic arm of the state, DTI’s role is to improve the lives of these fisherfolk and their families through livelihood and technology assistance, and this, subsequently, contribute to fisheries management and climate resilience in rural areas,” Valera added.

From April 27 to 29, representatives from the DTI, USAID, BFAR and local government units gathered in Busuanga and Culion, Palawan for an on-site Fish Right planning and site visit to the proposed beneficiaries.

The pilot batch of people’s association identified and assessed for

the program include the Busuanga Federation of Fisherfolk and Farmers Associations, Busuanga Gender Network, Bogtong Fish Processors Association, 3BG (Barangay Bogtong Bantay Gubat), Baldat Fisherfolk and Farmers Association, and the Barangay Quezon MPA Management Council.

DTI’s Legal Services Assistant Secretary Joan Karen A. Riola, Resource Generation and Management Service Director Lydia R. Guevarra, and Knowledge Management and Information Service Patricia May M. Abejo supervised the onsite ocular and planning activity.

Apart from this, the DTI representatives have also conducted an information session on the agency’s programs and services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during their visit.

In the next two years, the program aims to develop value-added products based on actual industry needs and in support of strengthening local food security, mainstream ecosystem-approach to fisheries management (EAFM) and responsible seafood sourcing (RSS) in business operations, and scale-up by creating more fish consolidation hubs. Andrea San Juan

Companies

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday, May 12, 2022

B1

DMCI’s quarterly profit hits record on commodities rally

E

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ngineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc. on Wednesday reported that its income for the first quarter more than doubled to P11.3 billion from the previous year’s P4.3 billion, its highest-ever quarterly profit.

The company said its record performance was mainly driven by the robust operating results of its coal, nickel and power businesses amid rallying commodities and electricity spot prices.

Consolidated core net income surged by 177 percent to P11.3 billion from P4.1 billion last year, which

excludes a non-recurring gain of P179 million last year mainly from the deferred tax re-measurement impact of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act on Maynilad Water Services Inc.’s service concession asset and a P12-million gain on the sale of land of DMCI Homes.

“Semirara exceeded our expectations while DMCI Mining and DMCI Power both grew double-digits,” DMCI Chairman and President Isidro A. Consunji said.

“But our construction and real estate businesses are showing signs of slowdown because of knock-on effects of the pandemic and RussiaUkraine war.”

Net income contribution from Semirara Mining and Power Corp. rose by sixfold to P8 billion from P1.3 billion on the back of recordhigh coal production, shipment and average selling prices, and further boosted by higher spot electricity sales at elevated prices.

DMCI Homes contributed P1.4 billion, a 7 percent decline from P1.5 billion owing to lower construction accomplishments, fewer new accounts that qualified for revenue recognition and higher sales cancellations.

Net income contribution from DMCI Mining grew 20 percent to P499 million from P415 million last year on higher nickel ore shipment and foreign exchange rates.

D.M. Consunji Inc., the construction firm, recorded a 7-percent drop in net income contribution to P367 million from P393 million mainly due to the absence of a one-time related party transaction for a joint venture infrastructure project.

Maynilad contribution rose by 11 percent to P319 million from P287 million on lower personnel, utilities and interest expenses.

DMCI Power, the off-grid energy producer, added P132 million, a 12-percent jump from P118 million last year because of higher generation and sales across all its service areas.

Income from parent and others fell 38 percent to P8 million from P13 million on lower interest income.

Monde Nissin income drops in Q1 M

onde Nissin Corp. said its attributable core income in the first quarter fell 13 percent to P2.12 billion from last year’s P2.45 billion, despite posting a single-digit sales growth.

In its disclosure, the company said revenues rose 7 percent to P18.29 billion for the first quarter from last year’s P17.07 billion on the strong performance of its Asia Pacific branded food and beverage business.

First quarter gross margin showed a recovery of 150 basis points from the previous quarter due to pricing actions and volume growth. On an annual basis, however, gross margin was 35.1 percent lower as input costs continue to rise.

The company’s reported net income reached P2.3 billion, flat com-

pared to last year as interest expense was lower due mainly to the repayment of the Arran convertible note and bank loans in 2021.

Monde Nissin said sales of its Asia Pacific branded business grew 8 percent to P14.5 billion due to the improving performance of the domestic business, which grew 10 percent to P13.7 billion on price increases and continued volume growth for the noodles, culinary, and packaged cake categories. Biscuits also posted volume growth to pre-pandemic level.

Meanwhile, the international business declined 15 percent to P854 million due mainly to shipping constraints during the quarter.

“While we had a strong start to the year and remain optimistic about

the continuation of the growth we are seeing, commodity inflation remains a concern for our APAC BFB [Asia Pacific branded food and beverage] business and it is something that we will proactively respond to as the year progresses,” Henry Soesanto, the company’s CEO, said.

“As for our meat alternative business, while the retail environment remains challenging, our market share continues to be stable. Our foodservice segment is also showing sustained momentum as it posted its best-ever quarter. We will leverage on these encouraging signs and work towards overcoming the shortterm challenges.”

Revenues of the meat alternative business under the Quorn brand fell 1 percent on an organic basis as the

United Kingdom grocery market remains in decline and as the country continues to experience challenging macroeconomic conditions.

On a reported basis, revenue increased by 2 percent to P3.76 billion due to foreign exchange gains. Retail sales posted a decline year-on-year as the market rebalances to outof-home consumption. Meanwhile, foodservice delivered a record quarter and grew by more than 100%.

Price increases in the UK resulted in gross margin recovering to 38 percent in the first quarter from 32.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2021, despite increased inflation from recent geopolitical situations. Year-on-year, gross margin decreased by 300 basis points. VG Cabuag

ICTSI pegs Banking units boost Q1 income of SMIC IT spending at ₧900M

O

ver the past decade, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has invested “more than P900 million” in information technology (IT) to enable its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) to become more efficient and secure.

ICTSI EVP Christian Gonzales said part of the investment is the group’s partnership with PLDT Inc. to roll out 5G at the MICT, which now uses the technology to automatically weigh containers using spreader load cells in rubber tired gantries (RTG).

He explained that having 5G helps shorten truck drivers’ stay at the port as they no longer need to queue to use the terminal’s weigh bridges.

“The hefty investments in technology are meant to crisis-proof the terminal, safeguard shipments and system processes, maximize the efficiency of its operations and maintain ICTSI’s world-class brand of customer service,” he said.

Gonzales noted that 5G is an “important cornerstone of MICT’s journey towards becoming the first smart port in the Philippines.” He added that other 5G-integrated projects in the pipeline include truck driver messaging, remote safety monitoring using intelligent surveillance systems and remote crane monitoring using Internet of Things devices and sensors. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Photo from www.bdo.com.ph

S

M Investments Corp. (SMIC), the holding firm of the Sy family, on Wednesday said its income for the first three months of the year grew 27 percent to P12 billion from last year’s P9.5 billion.

Consolidated revenues for the period grew at a slower pace of 16 percent to P112.1 billion from P96.9 billion a year ago, the company said.

“Our financial performance in the first quarter showed continued recovery momentum with accelerating revenue and net income growth. As a group we are delivering pre-pandemic performance, with strong recovery continuing in our businesses that were hardest hit by the pandemic. While there are still headwinds from geopolitical risks, we continue to see consumer confidence gaining momentum,”

SMIC President and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio said.

Banks accounted for 49 percent of SMIC’s consolidated net income, followed by property at 29 percent, retail at 16 percent and portfolio investments contributed 6 percent.

“Our portfolio investments provide us good growth opportunities as we continue to look for further investments in high growth areas in the Philippines,” DyBuncio said.

Growth in SMIC’s portfolio investments was led by Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. whose income almost tripled to P1.22 billion, boosted by higher production and higher metal prices.

SM Retail’s income grew 61 percent to P2.6 billion from P1.6 billion last year.

Revenues rose 6 percent to P74.5

billion from last year’s P70 billion last year. Overall retail revenues are already at 94 percent of pre-pandemic revenues, indicating pentup demand especially for non-food items since the fourth quarter of last year with the easing of alert levels, the company said.

Specialty stores performed well with revenues up 11 percent and net income higher by 52 percent, while food retail remained stable, reflective of underlying consumer resilience.

BDO Unibank Inc. posted a 13-percent increase in net income to P11.7 billion in the first quarter, driven by the bank’s core businesses, while China Banking Corp. recorded net profits of P4.9 billion, 37 percent more compared to the same period last year. VG Cabuag

ACEN net income dives in Jan-March

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

A

CEN Corp. posted a 68-percent decline in net income for the first quarter of the year to P405 million even as revenues grew by 29 percent during the period.

The decline in net income was driven by higher costs of purchased power due to elevated spot market prices during a major preventive maintenance outage of the South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC) thermal plant.

During the period, revenues were also affected by curtailment to the company’s output in the Visayas because of transmission line damage caused by Typhoon Odette and prior damage to a major sub-sea cable.

To date, most transmission and distribution lines have been restored, but curtailment is still expected for the 80megawatt (MW) Islasol solar farm until the end of the year, due to reconstruction on the said subsea cable.

ACEN also incurred a one-time buyout expense related to a customer contract. Without the impact of these events, ACEN’s net income would have reached approximately P1.6 billion during the period, for a growth of 23 percent year-on-year.

“The company faced significant

headwinds in the first quarter from the impact of natural disasters, extended plant outages, and elevated spot purchases. However, we expect these issues to be resolved in the short to medium term, with the full rehabilitation of transmission lines damaged by Typhoon Rai (Odette), and supported by new operating capacity coming online in the next few months,” ACEN Chief Finance Officer and Treasurer Cora G. Dizon said.

Consolidated revenues, meanwhile, stood at P7.4 billion. This was driven by new operating capacity, including two solar farms each in the Philippines and in India, as well as several wind facilities in Vietnam.

Attributable output increased by 4 percent to 1,161 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in the first quarter of the year. Although output grew as a result of new operating capacity opened in 2021, this was offset by the effects of the SLTEC maintenance outage, as well as curtailment in the Visayas.

Output from international assets rose by 62 percent, reducing the impact of the decline in Philippine generation. Renewables’ contribution to ACEN’s output increased by a significant 52 percent, bringing renewable energy (RE) share to 76 percent of total energy production.

Aliw Broadcasting at 31: Celebrating the ideals of excellence and resilience

I

n an industry where integrity and ethics are the center of all values, Aliw Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has paved its way to becoming exceptional and resilient with distinct identity among its competitors, abiding its commitment to serve the Filipino people through news, information, entertainment and public service.

Standing tall on its 31st anniversary this month of May, Aliw Broadcasting Corporation has presented its belief in the future with high hopes to provide new opportunities to be in service to the nation and allow it to manifest its profitability with excellence.

After the world has shifted to the new normal and with the country still facing several obstacles in recovering economically, Aliw Broadcasting Corporation remains committed in living its legacy, pushing modern ideas, with the leadership of Mr. D. Edgard A. Cabangon as the chairman and president of the company, ensuring that it lives up to the standards set by his father, ABC’s founder, the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon-Chua.

Aliw Broadcasting Corporation has launched several new segments and programs on its flagship radio stations DWIZ 882 and 979 Home Radio to continue delivering real news as it happens. These shows can now also be viewed on Channel 23 on free TV, expanding its content’s horizon in providing the nation with innovation in public service. In January 2022, the National Telecommunications Commission granted Aliw Broadcasting Corporation a Provisional Authority to install, operate, and

maintain a Digital Television Broadcasting System in Metro Manila and Mega Manila using Channel 23.

The company’s efforts in serving the public were also shown during its coverage of the 2022 general elections. DWIZ’s high caliber news team, anchors, and reporters did their duty to assist the Filipino people to make informed choices.

They attentively reported on the platforms with initiatives that the diverse number of candidates were pushing. They also disseminated the positives and the negatives that each candidate had, ensuring that every aspirant was presented with an unbiased point of view.

As the country is getting ready for a new administration, Aliw Broadcasting Corporation is also preparing itself for the possibilities it will bring. With the incoming president’s fresh perspective, the company hopes to make further use of its capabilities, and to broaden its sphere so it can continue to give back to the people.

For Aliw Broadcasting Corporation, these changes are not a deterrent, but are welcoming challenges.

The company will build upon its success and accomplishments to expand its contribution towards a progressive future for the Philippines.

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Meralco: May rates decline as refund order takes effect

E

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

lectricity rates this month declined by P0.1200 per kWh (kilowatt hour) to P10.0630 per kWh from P10.1830 per kWh last month, mainly due to the implementation of the refund order of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The slight reduction for the month is equivalent to a decrease of around P24 in the total bill of residential customers consuming 200 kWh, according to the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

Meralco Head of Regulatory Management Jose Ronald V. Valles said the immediate implementation of the ERC’s order more than offset the impact of the increase in the generation charge this month.

Generation charge increased to P6.2277/kwh from P5.8724/kwh last month.

“As a highly regulated entity, Meralco’s rates are constantly being reviewed to make sure they are fair and reasonable,” said Valles.

It can be recalled that the ERC

directed Meralco to refund customers a total of P7.75 billion, which is equivalent to P0.47 per kWh for residential customers to be carried out this month. This appears as a separate line item in customers’ power bills.

This month’s generation charge also includes the second of three installments covering the deferred generation costs for the March bill and the first of three installments for the deferred generation costs for the April bill. These installments were equivalent to an add-on of around P0.20 per kWh in the generation charge.

Charges from Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) for this month went up by P0.8045, while charges

from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) fell by P0.4319 per kWh. The price of Malampaya natural gas increased by 10 percent starting this quarter, reflecting recent spikes in world crude oil prices.

Power suppliers that have passthrough adjustments in Malampaya fuel—namely, First Gas-Sta. Rita, First Gas-San Lorenzo, and First Natgas- San Gabriel—accounted for 36 percent of Meralco’s supply in April. These suppliers’ charges were also affected by the peso’s depreciation and an increase in usage of more expensive liquid fuel resulting from the Malampaya consortium’s continued failure to provide adequate natural gas supply.

Charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), meanwhile, went down by P0.8664 per kWh as demand in the Luzon Grid decreased due to non-working holidays and cooler temperature in April.

PSAs, IPPs, and WESM accounted for 48 percent, 41 percent, and 11 percent, respectively, of Meralco’s energy requirement.

Meanwhile, Meralco said its franchise area did not experience any major power interruption during the May 9 National and Local Elections.

The distribution utility reported 35 isolated outage incidents, all of

which were immediately addressed by field personnel that were strategically positioned across its franchise area.

“The power outages were all isolated cases and were immediately restored. We thank our crew, contractors, and customer care group for their round-the-clock assistance to the polling and canvassing centers and local government units,” said Meralco Spokesperson and Vice President for Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga.

“We will continue to be on alert to respond to any distribution-related problem until the conclusion of the election process.”

Meralco also called on more participants to join the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), the Department of Energy’s voluntary, demand-side management program that taps on businesses to collectively reduce electricity drawn from the grid when power interruptions are imminent.

With commercial and industrial segments accounting for a huge part of Meralco’s customer base, cooperation and support of its big-load customers are crucial to the success of the ILP. As of May 10, there are 121 companies with a combined de-loading capacity of 554 megawatts in Meralco’s franchise area.

Bloomberry to invest in Dennis Uy’s gaming sites

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loomberry Resorts Corp., the integrated resorts and gaming firm of billionaire Enrique K. Razon Jr., said it signed an agreement with PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc., as it wants to invest in its gaming site developments in Cebu and in Clark, Pampanga.

In its disclosure, Bloomberry said it has signed a term sheet with PH

Resorts, the listed gambling arm of Davao businessman Dennis Uy, for the said investment.

The said agreement covers the investment of the Razon Group into PH Resorts unit Lapulapu Leisure Inc., which is developing the Emerald Bay Resort Hotel and Casino in Punta Engano, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, and into Clark Grand Leisure

Corp. (CGLC), which is developing The Base Resort Hotel and Casino in Clark in Pampanga.

The said deal will have to undergo conditions such as the execution of mutually acceptable definitive agreements; approval of regulators; approval of creditors; completion of audited financial statements; corporate approvals; and cooperation on due diligence, among others.

No other details were given in the disclosure.

“Certain terms and conditions of the transaction, including the method of payment and timing of closing, are still to be finalized,” the companies said in its separate disclosures.

In October last year, Uy dropped his investments in the gambling sites in Clark, as the company wants to focus on its huge gaming and resort site in Mactan.

It sought for the voluntary suspension of its provisional gambling license for the said Clark facility, which never even got through design stage.

“CGLC sought for the voluntary suspension of its license due to some lingering uncertainties surrounding the casino gaming industry especially with more competition in the Clark, Pampanga location,” the company said in its earlier disclosure. VG Cabuag

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

May 11, 2022

Net Foreign Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Stocks Buy (Sell) FINANCIALs

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG PHIL STOCK EXCH

52,550 385,071,134 1,035,014 137,673,930.50 7,962,565 3,779,655 92,107,721.50 3,184 1,938,610 138,920 727,450 66,432,759.50 6,389,097.50 11,522,790 266,020 39,900 6,320 8,700 844,390

95,038,793 644,544 -2,519,202 823,220 -2,153,687 -21,053,961.50 -1,168,412 114,050 -674,800 -20,018,398 -727,418.50 -889,550 35,000 108,160

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 6.92 6.96 7.15 7.23 6.92 6.92 40,407,900 283,330,071 0.87 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.85 0.88 697,000 611,610 ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER 31.05 31.55 31.5 31.7 31.05 31.05 2,949,100 92,611,240 0.37 0.375 0.355 0.37 0.35 0.37 5,240,000 1,882,000 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 22.6 22.65 23.7 23.75 22.6 22.6 264,900 6,053,395 FIRST PHIL HLDG 68.5 68.6 68.5 68.7 68.5 68.5 22,400 1,535,071.50 3.92 5.19 5.22 5.22 5.22 5.22 100 522 JOLLIVILLE HLDG MERALCO 333 333.2 340 340 333.2 333.2 212,960 71,192,534 17.3 17.4 17 17.36 16.98 17.3 2,452,500 42,077,220 MANILA WATER PETRON 3.25 3.27 3.25 3.29 3.24 3.25 655,000 2,128,940 PETROENERGY 5.08 5.1 5.1 5.16 5.1 5.1 81,700 416,700 10 10.18 10.18 10.18 10 10 5,400 54,548 PHX PETROLEUM SYNERGY GRID 11.78 11.8 11.88 11.92 11.8 11.8 991,700 11,725,516 16.9 17 17 17.28 16.9 17 99,500 1,690,968 PILIPINAS SHELL SPC POWER 13.4 13.44 13.48 13.5 13.28 13.44 127,400 1,711,120 SOLAR PH 1.53 1.57 1.55 1.57 1.52 1.57 31,702,000 49,028,280 4.52 4.74 4.45 4.74 4.44 4.53 962,000 4,367,840 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 2.39 2.4 2.46 2.48 2.4 2.4 501,000 1,214,130 20.3 20.4 20.4 20.8 20.15 20.3 849,800 17,330,750 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 13.66 13.98 14.1 14.2 13.52 13.66 59,600 826,090 7.11 7.12 7.28 7.28 7.11 7.12 1,205,500 8,612,206 DNL INDUS 20.15 20.2 19.86 21.5 19.86 20.2 7,499,200 152,746,061 EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV 63.25 63.4 61.95 63.45 61.65 63.25 103,740 6,483,711.50 0.5 0.51 0.5 0.51 0.5 0.5 1,307,000 654,890 FIGARO COFFEE 0.6 0.63 0.6 0.63 0.6 0.63 2,000 1,230 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.03 1 1.02 148,000 149,460 108.8 109 105.8 108.8 105.6 108.8 22,580 2,423,553 GINEBRA JOLLIBEE 217.2 220 215.2 224 212.4 217.2 522,760 113,613,854 1.16 1.18 1.17 1.19 1.16 1.16 2,151,000 2,515,880 KEEPERS HLDG 20.7 24.45 20.85 20.85 20.85 20.85 100 2,085 LIBERTY FLOUR MAXS GROUP 5.85 5.88 5.88 5.9 5.85 5.85 140,300 823,938 0.118 0.128 0.117 0.128 0.117 0.128 60,000 7,130 MG HLDG MONDE NISSIN 13.3 13.34 13.3 13.64 13.1 13.34 7,026,600 94,353,284 7.77 7.84 7.8 7.8 7.77 7.77 60,300 469,757 SHAKEYS PIZZA 0.49 0.5 0.495 0.5 0.49 0.5 512,000 255,040 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 4.1 4.29 4 4.2 4 4.2 4,000 16,600 0.1 0.104 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 210,000 21,000 SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA 113 113.5 114 114.7 112.6 113 1,452,010 164,714,619 0.62 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.61 0.61 80,000 49,090 VITARICH 2.6 2.87 2.7 2.89 2.6 2.88 148,000 414,540 VICTORIAS CONCRETE A 45 47.35 47.35 47.35 47.35 47.35 100 4,735 0.76 0.78 0.76 0.79 0.76 0.76 1,611,000 1,252,100 CEMEX HLDG EAGLE CEMENT 12.32 12.88 12.3 12.98 12.3 12.5 9,400 120,042 4.03 4.1 4.28 4.28 4 4.1 491,000 2,026,850 EEI CORP 5.2 5.39 5.1 5.32 5.1 5.32 70,800 371,929 HOLCIM MEGAWIDE 4.75 4.86 5.05 5.05 4.71 4.75 1,186,400 5,756,512 19.74 19.92 19.9 19.9 19.74 19.9 24,300 483,158 PHINMA TKC METALS 0.73 0.79 0.75 0.79 0.75 0.79 26,000 19,850 0.83 0.86 0.84 0.87 0.83 0.83 1,422,000 1,203,680 VULCAN INDL 1.75 1.83 1.72 1.85 1.72 1.85 110,000 196,510 CROWN ASIA EUROMED 1 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 1.01 17,000 17,170 5.54 5.6 5.63 5.63 5.58 5.58 110,400 617,275 PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION 18.12 18.5 19 19 18.04 19 7,300 135,936 GREENERGY 1.46 1.51 1.46 1.5 1.46 1.5 8,924,000 13,221,400 7.15 7.19 6.95 7.19 6.95 7.19 45,200 322,322 INTEGRATED MICR IONICS 0.64 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 93,000 60,450 6.12 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.36 4,000 25,440 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 1.09 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1,000 1,140 2.84 2.87 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.87 269,000 762,240 CIRTEK HLDG

-82,290,050 44,000 -12,322,080 -2,158,840 -24,660 -18,523,304 642,666 -84,500 -901,746 -180,882 -35,880 -441,630 -667,340 -880,040 -2,353,155.00 -3,931,192 23,275,885 117,475.50 2,377,144 27,393,498 -17,750 13,018,560 -107,849 -15,369,715 -13,280 -194,800 305,000 -61,642 -956,440 1,730 -9,500 8,628 32,500 2,800

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER

43.75 129 11.84 94 28 7.45 51.95 15.94 18.22 55.05 19.5 98.5 76.5 2.26 3.5 2.2 0.29 208

1.2 704 50.05 11.2 9 0.88 0.455 0.455 4.62 8.1 509 3.41 52.3 6.64 0.46 2.94 8.35 0.32 3.81 1.83 0.88 820 101 112.1

44 130 11.92 95 28.05 7.48 52.5 16.94 18.38 56.8 20 98.55 77.5 2.3 3.52 2.6 0.89 0.305 208.2

1.21 714 50.7 11.22 9.19 0.9 0.475 0.485 4.78 8.15 512 3.76 52.7 9.9 0.51 3.05 8.4 0.355 3.82 1.84 0.89 825 101.5 115.8

43.75 127.5 11.8 93.75 28 7.55 52 15.92 18.1 55.4 19.5 100.1 73.05 2.25 3.5 2.22 0.79 0.29 208

1.21 740 50.15 11.5 9 0.9 0.455 0.455 4.7 8.15 501 3.35 53 7.3 0.5 2.91 8.51 0.355 3.81 2 0.89 845 101.9 115.8

43.8 131.7 11.92 95 28.1 7.55 52.9 15.92 18.38 57 20 101 77.5 2.5 3.52 2.22 0.79 0.29 208

1.22 740 51.2 11.5 9 0.9 0.475 0.465 4.77 8.19 512 3.35 53.8 8 0.52 3.11 8.51 0.355 3.82 2.12 0.9 853.5 101.9 115.8

43.75 126.5 11.7 93.05 28 7.4 51.75 15.92 18.02 55 19.5 98 73.05 2.25 3.5 2.2 0.79 0.29 207

1.2 704 50.05 11.06 9 0.9 0.455 0.455 4.62 8.07 500.5 3.35 52 7.3 0.45 2.91 8.02 0.355 3.75 1.81 0.89 811.5 101 115.8

43.8 129 11.92 95 28.05 7.46 51.95 15.92 18.38 55 20 98.55 77.5 2.27 3.52 2.2 0.79 0.29 208

1.21 704 50.05 11.2 9 0.9 0.455 0.465 4.77 8.15 512 3.35 52.7 8 0.52 3.05 8.35 0.355 3.82 1.84 0.89 825 101 115.8

1,200 2,966,910 87,300 1,462,530 283,900 507,100 1,770,260 200 107,300 2,510 37,200 668,290 83,460 4,872,000 76,000 18,000 8,000 30,000 4,060

10,483,000 326,610 2,893,280 3,658,100 48,300 1,000 960,000 110,000 232,000 5,446,600 87,640 7,000 2,285,010 900 92,000 127,000 1,263,200 10,000 17,462,000 4,066,000 384,000 630,420 170,010 10

12,681,160 233,323,040 145,198,987 40,866,912 434,700 900 439,100 50,150 1,078,750 44,232,132 44,541,305 23,450 120,327,763.50 7,080 44,580 386,280 10,477,325 3,550 66,427,950 8,004,460 341,800 520,267,380 17,187,640 1,158

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.55 0.56 0.57 0.57 0.53 0.55 112,000 60,280 30.6 30.7 31.5 31.55 30.6 30.6 13,499,500 417,132,670 AYALA LAND AYALA LAND LOG 4.01 4.05 4.05 4.14 3.98 4.01 494,000 1,986,380 1.86 1.89 1.81 2.17 1.8 1.89 18,823,000 38,035,700 ARANETA PROP AREIT RT 38.55 38.8 37.1 39.4 37.1 38.8 993,400 38,278,765 A BROWN 0.8 0.85 0.8 0.85 0.8 0.85 303,000 243,510 0.7 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.7 0.71 27,000 19,040 CITYLAND DEVT CEB LANDMASTERS 2.62 2.64 2.6 2.64 2.6 2.64 546,000 1,427,710 0.4 0.405 0.4 0.405 0.4 0.4 2,030,000 812,300 CENTURY PROP CITICORE RT 2.46 2.48 2.5 2.54 2.46 2.46 4,434,000 10,985,600 DOUBLEDRAGON 7.76 7.8 7.72 7.8 7.72 7.8 241,500 1,878,721 1.54 1.55 1.53 1.57 1.53 1.54 2,129,000 3,290,060 DDMP RT DM WENCESLAO 6.88 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.88 6.9 59,500 410,512 0.22 0.227 0.219 0.22 0.219 0.22 910,000 200,100 EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO 0.24 0.245 0.24 0.246 0.24 0.24 11,420,000 2,768,670 FILINVEST RT 7.1 7.12 7.13 7.13 7.1 7.1 646,400 4,601,984 1.01 1.02 1.02 1.02 1 1.02 874,000 886,880 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 0.89 0.9 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.89 12,000 10,680 11.26 11.4 12.4 12.52 11.24 11.52 322,800 3,879,704 8990 HLDG GOLDEN MV 606 675 675 675 675 675 30 20,250 0.9 0.93 0.9 0.94 0.88 0.9 410,000 364,230 PHIL INFRADEV 0.78 0.79 0.76 0.81 0.76 0.79 102,000 80,800 CITY AND LAND MEGAWORLD 2.77 2.8 2.84 2.85 2.76 2.77 18,697,000 52,467,270 0.21 0.213 0.203 0.213 0.202 0.21 7,870,000 1,639,180 MRC ALLIED 16.78 16.8 16.92 16.92 16.74 16.8 1,189,400 19,975,270 MREIT RT PHIL ESTATES 0.39 0.41 0.4 0.41 0.4 0.41 30,000 12,100 2.57 2.65 2.5 2.68 2.5 2.57 1,308,000 3,468,280 PRIMEX CORP RL COMM RT 7 7.05 7.08 7.09 7 7 4,247,900 29,796,335 18.8 18.88 18.7 18.98 18.7 18.8 3,130,600 58,735,910 ROBINSONS LAND 0.227 0.248 0.224 0.249 0.224 0.249 300,000 73,010 PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL 1.34 1.42 1.43 1.43 1.34 1.34 77,000 103,360 2.5 2.58 2.5 2.58 2.5 2.58 50,000 125,080 SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND 2.76 2.85 2.89 2.89 2.86 2.86 5,000 14,360 34.25 34.5 34.25 35.15 34.1 34.25 11,851,300 408,911,055 SM PRIME HLDG 3.16 3.31 3.16 3.3 3.16 3.3 11,000 35,760 VISTAMALLS SUNTRUST HOME 1.01 1.03 1 1.03 1 1.03 34,000 34,090 2.4 2.43 2.41 2.49 2.4 2.43 991,000 2,410,670 VISTA LAND

SERVICES ABS CBN 10.5 10.52 10.78 10.78 10.4 10.52 331,000 3,505,642 11.34 11.4 11.02 11.44 11.02 11.34 1,374,500 15,494,492 GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN 0.38 0.39 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 40,000 14,800 2,388 2,398 2,372 2,406 2,356 2,388 31,155 74,210,280 GLOBE TELECOM PLDT 1,870 1,885 1,840 1,905 1,830 1,885 167,940 314,512,165 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.047 0.048 0.042 0.047 0.042 0.047 1,183,300,000 53,114,900 27.3 27.35 27.9 28.45 27.3 27.3 7,554,400 208,988,655 CONVERGE DFNN INC 2.89 2.9 3.05 3.05 2.89 2.9 300,000 894,810 5.62 5.63 5.43 5.83 5.43 5.62 18,822,700 106,498,520 DITO CME HLDG NOW CORP 1.39 1.4 1.43 1.47 1.39 1.4 3,498,000 4,989,780 0.29 0.295 0.29 0.3 0.29 0.295 1,400,000 415,300 TRANSPACIFIC BR 6.9 6.95 6.95 6.95 6.83 6.9 5,700 39,311 2GO GROUP ASIAN TERMINALS 13.6 13.98 13.9 13.9 13.9 13.9 1,000 13,900 1.63 1.69 1.62 1.73 1.62 1.63 1,867,000 3,131,770 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 45 45.25 47.35 47.35 45 45 115,500 5,227,810 INTL CONTAINER 216.2 218 216 218.8 215 218 1,461,740 317,181,934 22.6 23 23.95 23.95 23 23 19,800 464,410 LBC EXPRESS MACROASIA 4.86 4.87 4.85 4.94 4.75 4.87 325,000 1,567,610 0.93 0.95 0.94 0.95 0.94 0.95 41,000 38,740 METROALLIANCE A PAL HLDG 6.1 6.2 6.2 6.4 6.08 6.1 50,700 315,493 HARBOR STAR 0.66 0.68 0.65 0.66 0.65 0.66 79,000 52,100 1.41 1.45 1.42 1.42 1.42 1.42 7,000 9,940 ACESITE HOTEL BOULEVARD HLDG 0.075 0.076 0.07 0.079 0.068 0.076 132,220,000 9,935,030 1.73 1.88 1.73 1.73 1.73 1.73 2,000 3,460 DISCOVERY WORLD 10.48 14.82 10.44 14.8 10.44 14.8 400 4,616 GRAND PLAZA WATERFRONT 0.42 0.43 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 120,000 50,400 530 540 531 531 531 531 3,410 1,810,710 FAR EASTERN U IPEOPLE 7 7.98 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7 10,100 67,670 0.34 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.35 360,000 123,000 STI HLDG 1.25 1.29 1.25 1.29 1.25 1.29 5,000 6,410 BELLE CORP BLOOMBERRY 6.57 6.58 6.19 6.7 6.11 6.58 28,742,600 187,625,662 1.31 1.53 1.31 1.35 1.31 1.31 25,000 33,510 PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES 1.39 1.4 1.48 1.5 1.37 1.4 6,589,000 9,550,610 1.22 1.25 1.4 1.56 1.25 1.25 68,174,000 97,476,390 PH RESORTS GRP 0.42 0.425 0.42 0.43 0.42 0.42 20,980,000 8,839,150 PREMIUM LEISURE PHIL RACING 4.8 5.29 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 100 480 3.5 3.51 4.05 4.1 3.5 3.5 16,124,000 60,388,210 PHILWEB ALLDAY 0.415 0.42 0.405 0.415 0.405 0.415 9,380,000 3,852,450 5.46 5.93 5.53 5.53 5.46 5.46 17,000 93,485 BERJAYA 7.22 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.12 7.3 699,600 5,089,191 ALLHOME METRO RETAIL 1.33 1.37 1.31 1.39 1.3 1.37 327,000 428,960 33.7 34 33.5 34.2 32.7 34 507,400 17,154,540 PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL 53.1 53.2 52.85 54.5 52.85 53.2 414,610 22,099,917 PHIL SEVEN CORP 57.1 60 60 62 60 60 8,150 492,358.50 1.17 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.16 1.17 1,808,000 2,110,420 SSI GROUP WILCON DEPOT 27 27.05 26 28 25.95 27.05 1,086,100 29,244,930 0.221 0.24 0.236 0.25 0.23 0.25 320,000 76,830 APC GROUP EASYCALL 3.95 4 4 4 4 4 1,000 4,000 0.75 0.77 0.73 0.78 0.72 0.76 2,341,000 1,773,080 MEDILINES 0.445 0.45 0.455 0.465 0.445 0.45 4,610,000 2,092,850 PRMIERE HORIZON

MINING & OIL ATOK 6.75 6.8 6.2 7.2 5.98 6.8 653,400 4,330,608 APEX MINING 1.52 1.54 1.49 1.56 1.47 1.54 1,793,000 2,722,190 5.81 5.96 5.7 6 5.63 5.96 385,300 2,217,484 ATLAS MINING BENGUET A 7.15 7.47 7.34 7.5 7 7.47 383,800 2,829,234 7.39 7.42 7.29 7.42 7.29 7.42 40,300 298,505 BENGUET B 0.237 0.244 0.239 0.245 0.238 0.245 190,000 45,340 COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES 4.71 5.25 5.26 5.26 5.26 5.26 29,500 155,170 2.42 2.44 2.46 2.49 2.4 2.44 1,861,000 4,555,280 FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE 0.186 0.199 0.178 0.199 0.178 0.199 410,000 79,700 0.135 0.14 0.144 0.144 0.134 0.135 1,820,000 255,330 LEPANTO A 0.136 0.142 0.146 0.146 0.139 0.142 1,020,000 148,090 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.0098 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.011 12,000,000 126,000 0.0096 0.01 0.0099 0.0099 0.0099 0.0099 1,000,000 9,900 MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES 1.65 1.7 1.5 1.72 1.5 1.7 8,255,000 13,808,080 NIHAO 0.92 0.97 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.97 12,000 11,560 6.8 6.84 6.62 6.9 6.62 6.84 18,622,800 126,819,907 NICKEL ASIA ORNTL PENINSULA 0.84 0.88 0.87 0.94 0.81 0.88 1,031,000 859,600 4.52 4.54 4.7 4.81 4.5 4.52 2,420,000 10,989,980 PX MINING SEMIRARA MINING 28.2 28.3 27.8 28.45 27.75 28.2 3,122,600 88,121,385 UNITED PARAGON 0.0061 0.0065 0.0062 0.0063 0.0062 0.0063 5,000,000 31,200 14.04 14.48 13.62 14.98 13.62 14.48 81,500 1,167,748 ACE ENEXOR ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 10,500,000 115,500 0.009 0.0093 0.009 0.009 0.009 0.009 12,000,000 108,000 PHILODRILL 4.25 4.39 4.24 4.42 4.16 4.35 293,000 1,244,110 PXP ENERGY

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 98.2 101 101 101 101 101 10 1,010 100.5 101.3 101.3 101.3 101.3 101.3 100 10,130 HOUSE PREF A AC PREF B1 500 515 500 500 500 500 3,000 1,500,000 498 509 500 500 500 500 100 50,000 AC PREF B2R BRN PREF A 105 109.8 105 105 105 105 13,300 1,396,500 CEB PREF 43.5 44.95 43.3 43.3 43.3 43.3 4,300 186,190 101 101.3 101.3 101.3 101 101 5,800 586,060 CPG PREF A DD PREF 99.8 99.9 99.8 100 99.8 99.9 26,260 2,620,998 100.6 104 100.6 100.6 100.6 100.6 500 50,300 EEI PREF A EEI PREF B 105.3 108.5 109 109 108.5 108.5 2,430 263,705 1,010 1,015 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,010 100 101,000 GTCAP PREF A 1,006 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,010 10 10,100 GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF 2B 98 102 98.4 98.5 98.4 98.4 1,400 137,770 99.7 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 180 17,964 MWIDE PREF 4 PNX PREF 3B 100.5 100.9 100.5 100.9 100.5 100.9 940 94,482 990 995 990 995 989 995 4,100 4,058,700 PNX PREF 4 1,060 1,070 1,060 1,060 1,060 1,060 290 307,400 PCOR PREF 3A SMC PREF 2F 76.3 77.6 76.5 76.5 76.25 76.25 133,400 10,181,536.50 75.2 75.3 75.3 75.3 75.3 75.3 1,100 82,830 SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I 76.4 79 78 78.5 76.5 78 175,990 13,588,120 74.65 76 74.7 74.7 74.6 74.65 4,400 328,365 SMC PREF 2J 73.6 75.2 74.4 75.25 73.6 73.6 80,650 5,977,391.50 SMC PREF 2K TECH PREF B2C 52.75 52.95 52.75 52.75 52.75 52.75 4,400 232,100 54.6 55 55 55 55 55 2,030 111,650 TECH PREF B2D

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 10 10.48 10.76 10.76 10.48 10.48 41,100 440,462 10.98 11.2 11 11.18 10.98 10.98 92,200 1,013,790 GMA HLDG PDR

WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.51 0.54 0.52 0.54 0.51 0.54 656,000 343,710

5,648,870 -127,144,420 -55,906,654.50 -9,188,054 434,700 -45,940 2,514,100 17,156,670 -23,450 -23,139,536 21,000 340,880 -2,154,465.00 22,530,130 249,200 -143,059,820 -1,925,240 -1,158 -194,362,505 -524,360 407,880 -16,529,135 -67,440 -8,100 -4,419,110 -30,150 -242,000 505,410 188,460 -123,044 -8,323,700 2,946,526 -2,608,400 -9,124,010 3,567,880 -18,760 -78,053,830 -903,640 -16,379,360 72,026,515 -58,200 -53,932,880 3,040 10,391,112 21,390 13,900 450 -1,194,355 16,946,568 335,590 4,810 610 -22,110 7,000 -5,160 116,435,425 -25,650 -7,500 -2,850,790 -850,250 78,260 225,550 238,203 -31,440 5,906,590 -11,591,852.50 30,000 1,371,270 3,453,180 -48,800 -49,440 -157,650 -374,712 36,950 816,240 23,990.00 49,850 36,274,945 -1,465,250 -27,134,710 -268,946 283,500 55,204.00 73,700 232,100 32,610 422,238 20,800

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MERRYMART XURPAS

16.14 0.94 1.01 0.82 2.55 1.54 0.3

16.68 0.95 1.04 0.84 2.89 1.55 0.31

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

102.1

102.5

16.2 0.95 1.02 0.85 2.9 1.53 0.31

16.5 0.99 1.07 0.85 2.9 1.55 0.31

16.14 0.95 1 0.81 2.9 1.5 0.3

16.22 0.95 1.04 0.84 2.9 1.55 0.3

2,600 6,247,000 491,000 251,000 9,000 1,776,000 290,000

42,260 6,011,780 499,680 208,890 26,100 2,718,210 87,300

1,430,400 17,000 23,200 22,830 -30,000

103 103 102 102.1 30,040 3,072,963 1,412,130

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Core biz rise boosts RCBC income in Q1

By VG Cabuag

Y

@villygc

UCHENGCO-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) said its net income jumped 36 percent during the three months of the year through March to P2.1 billion from last year’s P1.58 billion, buoyed by robust core business growth.

Total gross income expanded by 19 percent year-on-year to P9.9 billion driven by the 25-percent rise in net interest income. This was on the back of higher earning assets by 35 percent as customer loans climbed by 7 percent, while the investment securities portfolio more than doubled during the period, the bank said.

“We are confident that we can sustain this performance as we step up our efforts to strengthen the Bank’s core businesses, and continuously explore opportunities to provide the best customer experience,” RCBC President and CEO Eugene S. Acevedo said.

The bank built up loans primarily from the corporate and small and medium sized enterprises segments, increasing by 8 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Supporting this asset growth is the 16 percent jump in lowcost CASA (current account, savings account) deposits which led to an uplift in net interest margin to 4.1 percent.

Operating expenses rose 3 percent, helping the cost to income ratio to level at 59 percent.

RCBC reinforced its credit buffer, recognizing P1.6 billion in provisions for impairment losses in the first quarter.

RCBC’s total assets rose 20 percent to P962 billion, with loans and receivables and investment securities comprising 56 percent and 29 percent of the total, respectively.

The increase was propped up with a diversified funding portfolio, boosted with the issuance of Asean sustainability bonds last February.

The bank continued to gain recognition from prestigious local and international awardgiving bodies for introducing innovative digital solutions and delivering best-in-class services.

It also bagged 10 other citations in corporate and SME banking, cash management and retail banking, among other categories.

As of end March, RCBC had a total consolidated network of 444 branches, 1,253 automated teller machines and 1,239 ATM Go terminals.

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

B3

BTr partially awards bids for T-bonds

T

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of the Treasury partially awarded P25.1 billion in reissued 10-year Treasury bonds (T-Bonds) on Wednesday despite high bid rates as investors continue to hedge against a potential surge in inflation.

With 4 years and 11 months to maturity, the T-bonds were capped

at an average rate of 5.772 percent.

This was up by 18.8 basis points

than the secondary market benchmark rate for the 5-year tenor at 5.584 percent but down by 6.8 basis points than the secondary market benchmark rate for the security at 5.84 percent.

Had the Treasury decided to fully accept the bids, rates would have shot up to 5.832 percent, exceeding both comparable secondary market rates for the security and the tenor.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon told reporters they “saw rates climb higher with analysts expectation of surging inflation and breaching inflation target band.”

According to De Leon, the rates also tracked the upward movement

of US Treasuries stimulated by the hawkish stance maintained by the US Federal Reserve.

Expectations of a surge in inflation are anchored on the 4.9 percent print in April, which was the highest since December 2018 when the rate was pegged at 5.2 percent. April’s rate was an uptick from the 4.1 percent recorded in March and the 4 percent in February.

Nonetheless, the tenor attracted P55.3 billion in total bids, making the auction oversubscribed.

For this month, the Treasury is targeting to raise P200 billion from the domestic debt market. Since the start of May, however, the Treasury

was only able to sell P77.7 billion in government securities.

Last month, the government earned P164.4 billion from auction of securities out of a P200-billion programmed offering.

The government aims to borrow this year a total of P2.2 trillion, around 75 percent of which is expected to come from the domestic debt market.

As of end-March, the national government’s outstanding debt has hit a new record-high of P12.68 trillion, which the incoming administration inherits along with a yawning deficit and scars that anti-Covid measures left on the economy.

Fugitives facing fraud cases in China nabbed, face deportation–BI

By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

T

HE Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday announced the arrest of two Chinese fugitives facing criminal charges for fraud in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime H. Morente identified the Chinese nationals as Sun Feng, 43, and Xia Yaqin, 44. Morente said the two were arrested last Tuesday in Santa Rosa, Laguna, by operatives from the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU).

Morente said Sun Feng will be immediately deported to China to face trial since the BI issued an order for his summary deportation on March 2019.

Information obtained from the Interpol’s national central bureau (NCB) in Manila revealed that Sun Feng is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by the municipal public security bureau in Jiangyin, China, on January 7, 2012.

Sun Feng is wanted for the crime of contract

fraud in connection with his involvement in an investment scam during his time as a highranking officer of a Chinese government-owned bank 10 years ago.

He is accused of using his position as director of the bank to dupe his victims of around 145 million yuan (roughly $21.6 million) in a fraudulent high-interest loan scheme.

The BI disclosed that during the operation against Sun Feng, its agents chanced upon Xia, who has yet to undergo deportation proceedings.

It turned out that she is also wanted for fraud and subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Jiangyin municipal public security bureau on March 5, 2012.

Based on the BI’s records, the two fugitives have been in the country for more than a decade.

Their passports have already been canceled by the Chinese government. Thus, they are already considered overstaying and undocumented aliens when they were arrested.

Global bonds gain on US inflation-watch

G

LOBAL bonds rallied as traders look to US inflation data for clues on the pace and size of future Federal Reserve interestrate hikes.

The yield on 10-year Italian debt fell 11 basis points to 2.89 percent, while 10-year Treasury yields fell as much as 7 basis points to 2.92 percent, extending a drop from a more-than threeyear high less than a week ago.

Traders are looking for signs of easing price pressures in US consumer-price data due later on Wednesday to help gauge whether the Fed’s attempts to get soaring inflation under control are working. Analysts expect the Consumer Price Index to rise an annual 8.1 percent rate in April, compared with 8.5 percent in March, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey.

“Today’s report will help shape the early read into this and has an ability to move markets in a large manner if diverging from consensus too far,” Deutsche Bank AG strategists including Jim Reid wrote in a note.

Larger move

FEDERAL Reserve officials reinforced Chair Jerome Powell’s message that half-point interest-rate increases are on the table in June and July, but a larger move of 75 basis points could be warranted later in the year.

Hawkish rhetoric from the European Central Bank may pressure debt from peripheral govern-

This December 19, 2021, shows a photo of the seal of the Federal Reserve System. Global bonds rallied as investors watched closely how inflation and the US Fed response create ripples in the market. Bloomberg News

ments in coming weeks, though they’re outperforming now, according to Mohit Kumar, interest rate strategist at Jefferies.

ECB President Christine Lagarde said the first interest-rate increase in more than a decade may follow “weeks” after policy makers conclude net bond-buying. Traders are pricing in about 50 basis points of hikes by September.

Gilts also gained, with the 10-year yield at about 1.80 percent. Markets are pricing just under 75 basis points of rate hikes by September ahead of UK GDP data tomorrow. Bloomberg Economics expects a recovery in the first quarter, followed by a likely a contraction amid a deepening cost-of-living crisis.

Bloomberg News

PDIC sets e-bidding of Luzon, Mindanao lots

T

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday, May 12, 2022

he Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) is set to sell on June 10, 2022 via electronic public bidding (e-bidding) a total of 29 agricultural lots located in Luzon and Mindanao; and owned by various closed banks.

To be sold individually and on an “as-is, where-is” bases are the following: 23 agricultural lots; four agricultural lots with improvement; a vacant mixed agricultural/ residential lot; and, a mixed agricultural/ residential lot with improvement. These are located in Camarines Sur, Laguna, Marinduque, North Cotabato, Palawan, Sarangani and South Cotabato.

According to the PDIC, the property sizes of the agricultural lots are between 191 square meters (sqm) and 67,110 sqm with the minimum disposal prices ranging from P267,000 to P4.6 million. Combined, the minimum disposal price of the 29 properties amounts to P52.2 million.

Interested buyers may send their bids online via the PDIC e-bidding portal at https:// assetsforsale.pdic.gov.ph starting 9:00 a.m. on June 9, 2022, to 1:00 p.m. on June 10,

2022. Bids will be opened at 2:00 p.m. on June 10, 2022. A one-time registration to the e-bidding portal is required from interested buyers. For procedures on the one-time registration, interested buyers may visit the ebidding portal at https://assetsforsale.pdic. gov.ph/Account/Register.

The complete list and description of the properties, requirements, e-bidding process, and Conditions of Bid are posted on the ebidding portal. The PDIC also reminded bidders of their responsibility to determine the actual condition, status, ownership and other circumstances of the properties they wish to acquire.

As part of the bid requirements, bidders must submit a certification that the property subject of the bid is not covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and that no Emancipation Patent or Certificate of Land Ownership Awards has been issued for the said property. The certification is issued by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer of the Department of Agrarian Reform where the property is located.

All bidders are also required to submit

an Affidavit of Aggregate Land Holdings, which states that the person’s aggregate landholdings—including the property/ ies to be acquired during the bidding—do not exceed the 5-hectare limit set by law.

The standard format for this affidavit can be downloaded from the e-bidding portal, the PDIC said.

For participants who are submitting bids on behalf of another individual or an organization, respectively, the standard format of the Special Power of Attorney and Secretary’s Certificate can likewise be downloaded from the said portal.

As a liquidator, the PDIC disposes of various closed bank assets through public biddings and negotiated sales. Proceeds from the liquidation of closed banks’ properties are added to the pool of liquid assets of these banks for distribution to uninsured depositors and other creditors subject to the rules on concurrence and preference of credits.

The disposal of these assets increases the chances of recovery of uninsured depositors and creditors of their trapped funds in the closed banks.

Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror

B4

Thursday, May 12, 2022

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Polish govt vows to nurture relations with PHL, keen on furthering potential

T

By Mike Policarpio

HE Republic of Poland’s burgeoning cooperation with the Philippines may have been slightly tempered by the pandemic, but it is now slowly reverting to normalcy and harnessing its full potential.

In a recent interview with Filipino journalists at Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Director Barbara Szymanowska of the Department of Asia and Pacific outlined the multilayered partnerships between the two countries spanning various sectors of interest and holding much promise for the future.

Economic and investment relations-wise, Szymanowska admitted that trade interactions between Poland and the Philippines are still “on a relatively low level,” yet constantly growing rather rapidly despite hurdles presented by the pandemic.

“In the last five years it grew by more than 120 percent: from $397.6 million in 2016, to $877.85

million in 2021,” the MOFA director revealed.

“I really believe that right now, we are back on track, and we will continue to conduct more traditional cooperation,” confirmed Szymanowska, whose designation is equivalent to that of an assistant secretary in the Philippine government.

The MOFA’s Asia-Pacific Department oversees Poland’s relations that bind it with countries from the said region. She revealed that China, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Australia, India, Japan are its “biggest partners,” and that Southeast Asia is just as vital, being “one of the most dynamic” in the world in terms of economic, political and social matters.

DIRECTOR Barbara Szymanowska of Poland’s Foreign Affairs Ministry

Szymanowska is pleased, too, with the fact that the Polish government was able to contribute to the pandemic-combating efforts of its Philippine counterpart, with a grant of 547,100 AstraZeneca vaccines back in November 2021.

She touched on both countries’ military collaboration in 2021 with the successful procurement of 16 Black Hawk S-70i helicopters from Polish manufacturer PZL Mielec.

Early this year another contract worth $624 million for a batch of 32 choppers was formalized with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

(Read the story in the BusinessMirror: “DND chief signs deal for purchase of 32 more Black Hawk choppers,” February 22, 2022.)

The Polish government official also made special mention about the most significant Filipino in-

vestment in Poland: “The Baltic Container Terminal (BCT) in the port city of Gdynia is being run by your International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI). It is one of the largest terminals in its region, and the leading container terminal in Poland.”

However, Szymanowska explained that BCT’s lease is supposed to expire by 2023, with a tender underway for a new operator, as ICTSI is competing with China’s Hutchinson Port. At stake, she said, is the right to lease the area and operate the terminal for the next 30 years. (Read the story: “Poland-based ICTSI firm looks beyond 2023,” May 3, 2022.)

People-to-people partnership

TOURISM, Szymanowska averred, remains a strong suit for the ties that bind Poles and Filipinos. Prepandemic, 16,572 of her countrymen discovered the Philippines in 2019—a 6-percent rise from 15,564 in 2018.

The Polish director admitted that they are closely following the trend of the increased arrivals of Filipino professionals in Poland: “As a response to a growing demand for their skills, we created a visa-outsourcing system last year, so that more Filipinos can have the chance to work and live in our country.”

Europe Day: Opportunity to celebrate friendship, partnership with Filipinos

By Ambassador Luc Véron of the European Union (Delivered on May 8, 2022 at the Rizal Park)

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E a re honored a nd humbled to light with European colors the monument dedicated to the Philippines’s national hero Jose Rizal this evening for the first time. Against the backdrop of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Europe Day reminds us that peace is at the core of the European integration project—a value that we share with the Philippines.

I thank Executive Director [Cecille] Lorenzana Romero and the Honorable Secretary [Bernadette] Romulo Puyat for their kind assistance in illuminating two historical sites in this park on the founding

day of the European Union (EU).

Rizal Park has many connections to Europe. Rediscovering it is also rediscovering the history of the Philippines and the Filipino people. The park’s history started in 1820 with the completion of the Paseo de Luneta, while the shrine was inaugurated in 1913 during the 17th death anniversary of Rizal. I understand the drinking fountain was shipped from Heidelberg, Germany where Rizal also studied. It is a wonderful symbol of the ties that bind the Philippines and the EU. The European Garden, or the “Noli Me Tangere” Garden, has drawn inspiration from European gardens. Last year the EU Delegation installed bike racks in the park to promote cycling and a sustainable lifestyle among Filipinos. These are some of the curious

VÉRON

trivia, which connects the park to Europe. Tonight’s lighting of the Rizal monument and the dancing fountain reinforce the bond between the Philippines and Europe Day celebrations.

Europe Day, held on May 9 every year, celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic “Schuman declaration” that set out [an] idea for a new form of political coopera-

tion in Europe, which has resulted in a strong political union of 27 nations united in their diversity, moving from economic integration to becoming a global and security actor.

In the Philippines, Europe Day has become an opportunity to celebrate friendship and partnership with the Filipino people. While the pandemic has, for the last two years, put the world at a standstill, we have all managed to cope. We are delighted to see that the Philippines is recovering, with more than 70 million Filipinos now vaccinated, and the Philippines is again opening its doors to tourists under the leadership of Secretary Romulo Puyat.

Let us all celebrate with the splash of EU colors tonight in the spirit of partnership and friendship. Maraming salamat po.

Coast Guard commissions first Japanese-built MRRV

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APA NESE A mbassador K az u h i ko K osh i k aw a joi ned Tr a n s p or t at ion S e c ret a r y Arthur Tugade and Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu at the commissioning ceremony on May 6 for the first of two 97m-class multirole response vessels (MRRV) of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG): the BRP Teresa Magbanua.

The first MRRV arrived in the Philippines in February, with the second due in June 2022. Said vessels, which are the largest in the PCG fleet, were built in the Shimonoseki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., where PCG crewmembers also completed the training program and sea trials before and after sailing to Manila.

At the ceremony Koshikawa said: “Japan strongly hopes that BRP Teresa Magbanua will continue to play an important role in the Philippine seas for decades to come as a flagship of the PCG, and as a symbol of friendship [of]

VICE Commandant Eduardo Fabricante (from left), Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu, Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific Manila Office Head Kazunori Yokome, Secretary Arthur Tugade and Japan International Cooperation Agency Representative Takema Sakamoto EMBASSY OF JAPAN

our two nations.”

He also expressed appreciation for the dedication and relentless efforts of both Filipino and Japanese stakeholders in making the vessel operational.

The envoy also pointed out that the ship embodies the two governments’ strong vow to preserve maritime order under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. It also further strengthens the friendly ties between Japan and the Philippines. The provision of the two 97m-class patrol vessels indicates the advancement of their countries’ maritime-security cooperation.

The acquisition of the two MRRVs was made possible under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project-Phase 2, with official development assistance or ODA funding from the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA.

Between January 2021 and April 2022, she said that 2,808 work visas for Filipinos were issued at the Polish Embassy in Manila—including for those pursuing seasonal work.

“Majority of Filipino laborers, about 1,144, take up employment for the Polimery Police investment, which is the largest chemical complex in Poland,” the official relayed.

Political front

IN the realm of political relations, Poland and the Philippines maintain interparliamentary collaboration, with top government officials of each country having interacted with their local counterparts, led by the chairpersons of the Polish Sejm (Congress) and Senat, as well as the Philippine Senate.

High points of political interactions include the recent visits of government secretaries to the Eastern European country, including that of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana from November 7 up to 12, 2021.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. likewise led the country’s efforts for the evacuation of Filipinos from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, as he went to the Polish border crossing in Hrebenne to personally oversee the transit of 13 nationals.

“We thank the Ambassador of the Philippines to Poland Leah BasinangRuiz for coordinating the evacuation process,” the director noted.

Not long ago, then-vice president Gloria Arroyo’s visit to Poland in 2000, and that of former Polish prime minister Marek Belka to the Philippines five years later, solidified mutual linkages between the two countries.

Historical highlights

DIPLOMATIC relations between the two republics commenced on September 22, 1973; however, linkages between their peoples stretch farther, dating from the past centuries.

Those encounters were initiated by Polish missionaries, travelers, researchers, adventurers, musicians, soldiers and entrepreneurs.

As such, Szymanowska is also enthusiastic about the 50th anniversary of formal ties between her country and the Philippines, which will take place next year.

After operating from 1981 and 1982, then between 1991 and 1993, the Embassy of Poland in the Philippines reopened in January 2018.

Three honorary Polish consulates in San Fernando, Pampanga; Cebu City and Davao City were also founded some years back.

Switzerland to build future with PHL by way of innovation, sustainability

SECRETARY of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Ambassador Alain Gaschen at the inauguration of the Philippine-Swiss Friendship Center inside the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters SWISS EMBASSY

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HE Swiss Confederation has reaffirmed its strong ties with the Philippines, as it looks toward future opportunities for growth and development.

As the two countries mark 65 years of formal linkages that began on May 9, 1957, Switzerland continues its work of “Building the Future, Together” with the Philippines. Part of the year-long commemoration, the former’s embassy supported the establishment of a friendship center at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and held a celebratory gathering at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini with former Filipino diplomats who were posted in the European country.

“Our goal of building the future together is a manifestation of where we wish to take Swiss-Philippine relations this year,” Ambassador Alain Gaschen shared. “We see the potential for mutual growth between our two countries…We wish to maximize the opportunities…as we celebrate our 65th anniversary of diplomatic [ties] this 2022.”

Gaschen shared that the Swiss Embassy in the Philippines will highlight various initiatives and projects spread across the current year, in line

with the vision of showcasing the European country’s position in the fields of innovation and sustainability, among others: “Switzerland has consistently topped global rankings in these fields…We wish to tap this part of our identity to find more ways to build the future together.”

Some projects in the pipeline include the “65 Stories for 65 Years” campaign, featuring 65 unique individuals who have contributed to the strong relationship between both countries, an exhibit bannering Swiss innovation and sustainability, a weeklong celebration of Swiss gastronomy featuring a Michelin-starred Swiss chef, and the third edition of the solidarity project: “Angels for Angels.”

The establishment of the friendship center, the Swiss envoy noted, serves as a symbolic gesture of the good relationship of the two countries, as it involves investing in the development of possibly the future generation of Filipino diplomats.

“Our relationship was formed, strengthened, and nurtured by way of people-to-people ties,” Gaschen pointed out. “It is important that we continue to recognize this, as we embark on the next 65 years, where we will build our future together.”

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Parentlife BusinessMirror

A mom’s world of gratitude

Wayne State University

THE Russian invasion of Ukraine is a bitter reminder that there is no end to the horrific suffering that humans are sometimes willing to inflict on others.

Over the past several years, a seemingly endless stream of painful stories and images coming out of Syria, Yemen and now Ukraine—as well as mass shootings in the US—have become a regular part of our daily life.

With each passing day of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the gruesome news that it brings, many of us find ourselves checking the news the minute we wake up and last thing before going to bed.

Unlike some prior conflicts in other parts of the world, the inhumane actions of the Russian military in Ukraine have been very well-publicized.

Ukrainian citizens, the media and social-media posts have done an excellent job of documenting images and videos of the war in Ukraine.

So by now, many of us have seen unforgettable images and videos of dead bodies, tortured civilians, burnt cars and destroyed buildings, repeatedly. This exposure often might even be unintentional; for instance, as we are scrolling through Twitter, Facebook or Instagram posts, we might come across a post conveying a very raw and painful story about the suffering of Ukrainian citizens.

I am a trauma psychiatrist and researcher who works with refugees, survivors of torture and human trafficking and first responders. In my work, I hear detailed stories of suffering from my patients that are painful to be privy to and that can have a negative impact on me and my colleagues.

Through these experiences and my training, I have learned ways to protect myself from too much emotional impact while staying informed and helping my patients.

HOW IMAGES OF DISASTER AFFECT US A WIDE body of evidence has shown that trauma affects not

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CLASSIC bentwood and retro caning shape the breezy curves of our Fields loveseat.

CLOCKWISE: My loving father-in-law from Bicol; my kids and husband on our 2019 trip to Los Angeles; my best friend Liza with a 2-year-old Meagan in one of our regular weekend trips to the mall.

driving a company’s success. More than this, I learn as much at work so I can use these experiences to teach my kids. I share to my kids what my day was like at work, and how I was able or not able to handle things.

Last but not the least, my greatest source of “mom vitamins” when things get a bit much is to look at my “world of gratitude.” I would go through my albums on my iPhone and be grateful for the roles I get to play, and the meaningful relationships that I gained by being a wife and mother. Below is a list of people who we can gain strength from and can be truly grateful for, as they prop us up to be a happy mom in this seemingly overwhelming journey of motherhood: 1. OUR PARTNERS IN LIFE—This can be our husband or life partner. This is a person who you know literally and figuratively would walk hand-in-hand with you. For me, I have always seen my husband as my side-by-side partner. I didn’t want someone to look up to, or someone to look up to me. I wanted a genuine relationship built on trust and mutual values that we can share to our children.

2. OUR FAMILIES—From my dad to my sister and my in-laws, I find comfort in how our families give us their genuine support, as well as the best laughter especially when we spend vacations together. This pandemic alone, my sister, Joan, was a big help to

our family when my husband and I had to take turns accompanying my daughter to her out-of-town trainings.

3. OUR FRIENDS—It is great to have friends who look out for us and our family. My best friend Liza has always been there for me. My grade school and college friends are a circle of genuine care, where we feel safe to share our vulnerabilities as parents.

4. OUR KIDS—I always have “the best of....” albums of my kids especially from trips. I love going through them when times are the toughest. Just to see their transformation from growing up is truly priceless.

5. OUR FAITH—Last but not the least, it is always good to have verses or songs that remind us of our purpose and meaning as moms.

Being a mom can be daunting at times because it is like a journey to an unknown. There are guides but many factors both internal and external are highly unpredictable.

I salute moms for their daily commitment to do their best. Love begets love and right at those moments when we feel most lost or defeated as a mother, I hope we can always go back to any or all of our “worlds of gratitude” to always know that we are not alone and someone is always rooting for our happiness. Belated Happy Mother’s Day to all. ■

How to protect your family from horrific news images—and still stay informed

BY ARASH JAVANBAKHT

• Thursday, May 12, 2022

Coastal chic

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AST Sunday, we all celebrated Mother’s Day. This is a day for everyone to celebrate the gift of moms who gave the nurture and love that brought about the person we are today.

In today’s inclusive world, I also recognize dads who have to be moms due to circumstances beyond their control, and all those non-conventional moms who might not have given birth to their child but have been the best source of care and love for their special blessing. It was quite timely that Mother’s Day this year fell on May 8, which is the birthday of my dearest nanny “Manang Eyang,” who as I have shared in past columns was like a mom to me until her passing in 2009.

Also, I want this article to be a dose of vitamins for mothers. I will be the first one to raise my hand to say motherhood is and can be overwhelming.

Although there are many references to parenthood, it does not change the fact that each of our family, our children and our circumstances are unique. When one becomes a mom, you cannot help but worry about both today and the future. When I speak to younger generations, they would tell me that they are afraid of having children because it seems like there are so many responsibilities, which they are afraid of being unable to handle.

Especially as a full-time working mom, motherhood has been quite a journey for me as my eldest turned 16 and my youngest 12. Although there is still a lot to be done, the most important thing is I am happy where I am today as a parent to two funny, inquisitive, resilient and warm kids. What I would like to spotlight is the convergence and consistency in my role as a mother and as an employee. I believe that motherhood is a gift to our workplace—and our work is a gift to motherhood.

Motherhood teaches us a lot of great values to be patient, fair and nurturing. Whether we like it or not, we are role models to our kids, especially in their earlier years. Because of this, there is great accountability to be assumed. We are responsible for this gift of life that is our child, and how this gift can contribute to society one day. I bring these values in being an effective leader to my people.

On the flipside, the workplace throws us a myriad of tasks and experiences that hone our ability to efficiently manage situations. Strategic and long-term thinking methods have always proven effective in

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

only those who suffer through it; it also affects other people who are exposed to the suffering in other ways. This is in part because humans are empathetic and social beings. Indirect and vicarious exposure to trauma often occurs in the lives of first responders, refugees, journalists and others, even when they do not directly experience the trauma themselves.

One means of exposure is through the news, especially when it is visual, animated and highly relatable. Previous studies have shown that exposure to news of terrorist attacks such as 9/11 could cause a wide range of emotional reactions, from symptoms of PTSD to depression and anxiety, in both adults and children.

Another risk of continuous exposure to horrible images is desensitization and numbing. This means some viewers might get too used to such images, seeing them as a new normal and being undisturbed by them.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF HERE are some practical tips on how to stay informed while minimizing harm: ■ Limit the exposure: When I work with heavily traumatized patients, I collect the information I need to help the person, but I do not urge them to tell me more. In the same way, people can take in news in limited ways. In other words, learn what's happening, then stop there.

Avoid the urge for disaster voyeurism. If you have heard the story, you might not need to search for the images or the videos; if you have seen them, there is no need to revisit them over and over. Studies have shown that exposure to media coverage following a collective trauma for several hours daily can lead to stress.

■ Limit the emotional intensity: The media's mission is to inform the public about what is happening, but the nature of that storytelling can mean that disastrous news gets delivered in a highly emotional way.

Reading the news can protect you somewhat from the emotionally charged nature of television or radio coverage. If you choose to tune in to television or radio, choose a reporter

or anchor who presents information in a fact-based and less emotional way.

■ Do not be lured into hours of scrolling through the same painful images from multiple different angles. Your emotional suffering will not reduce the victims' suffering.

I say this because some people might feel if they do not continue to follow the exposure, they are being insensitive or uninformed.

HOW TO PROTECT CHILDREN CHILDREN also often get exposed to such news and images, which could have negative effects on them. For younger children, repeated exposure to the news or to disturbing images might create an illusion that the event keeps repeating.

Here are some tips for limiting impact on children: ■ Be mindful to not express overly charged negative emotions in front of children, who learn how safe or dangerous the world around them is largely from adults.

■ Limit children's exposure based on their age.

■ When children are exposed to scary or upsetting news, talk to them about it in an age-appropriate way and explain what is happening in understandable language.

■ Remind children that they are safe. For younger children, it might be important to remind them that these sad events are not happening where they live.

■ Do not avoid their questions, but rather use them as an age-appropriate educational opportunity.

■ If needed, seek professional help.

We can also reduce the negative impact on ourselves through helping others, especially those affected by these calamities. When I feel affected by the traumatic experiences of my patients, remembering that the end goal is helping them and reducing their suffering helps me process my feelings.

Sadness, anxiety, anger and frustration can be channeled into actions such as attending fundraising activities and volunteering to help the victims. This can even be a family activity that teaches children a mature and altruistic response to others' suffering. THE CONVERSATION

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B6 Thursday, May 12, 2022

Italian Chamber of Commerce presents Italy By Design

Concepcion-initiated mentorship program to be implemented across the ASEAN

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RESIDENTIAL Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion announced that the mentorship initiative originated in the Philippines

by Go Negosyo, the non-profit he founded, will be implemented across the ASEAN starting this May. He shared this landmark news as the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurship Network (AMEN) moves to its second phase following a US$333,943 grant from the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) last March.

Concepcion is the proponent of AMEN, a legacy project of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC)– Philippines, of which he is the chairman.

“We are grateful to the JAIF for making this possible,” he said. “With AMEN moving to its second phase, our small entrepreneurs can scale up to the regional level, and we increase and expand our network of mentors. It is a great leap forward for the mentorship advocacy started by Go Negosyo,” he said.

“With this Filipino MSMEs can learn from other small entrepreneurs and mentors across the region, and vice-versa.

Mentors can also exchange knowledge and learn from each other on a regional scope,” he said.

The AMEN project was launched in 2017 and is supported by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, which runs the Go Negosyo advocacy. It aims to institute a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) system that will help micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) access money, markets and mentorship which can help them scale up their operations and improve their profitability and sustainability.

“The project will bring timely capacity-building to micro- and small

enterprises across the ASEAN,” said Engr. Merly Cruz, Senior Adviser MSME Development at Go Negosyo.

The implementation of an ASEAN-wide mentorship program will also become an opportunity for the region to standardize knowledge. This cooperation becomes more crucial as the region continues its economic integration into a single market and production base.

“With effective mentoring, MSEs will be guided and directed towards solutions that will cut losses for them and, more importantly, allow their businesses to stay relevant and profitable in the face of challenges,” said Cruz.

The first phase of the AMEN Project was in March 2019 and was completed in December that same year. It received a US$347,396 grant from the JAIF, and had an initial pool of 48 mentors from countries where the program was piloted, namely Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The first phase used a 10-module mentorship

program that was vetted in both the public and private sectors of all 10 ASEAN membercountries, including the 127 selected mentees from the same pilot-countries.

The second phase will employ an improved ten-module mentorship program which will be translated to the languages of the ASEAN member-countries. There will also be a bigger pool of mentors from the entire ASEAN region, and will have mentoring exercises for both mentors and mentees from all 10 ASEAN membercountries. Likewise, the second phase of the project aims to forge public-private partnerships dedicated to continually developing and mobilizing mentors dedicated to enabling ASEAN’s MSE to succeed and grow.

Consistent with the management arrangements set up for the first phase of the project, the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME) will provide oversight for the project.

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HE Italian Chamber of Commerce invites you to Italy By Design this coming 19th of May 2022 at 2:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time). It is in partnership with United Architects in the Philippines, Infrastructure Construction Focus Group, Philippine Institute of Interior Design and Design Center of the Philippines.

Italy By Design immerses you in the beauty and finesse of modern architecture, industrial design, and interior and furniture design through a series of talks from Filipino and Italian design professionals.

The event will be held online via Zoom.

Registration is free through this link: bit.ly/ ItalyByDesign2022_Registration Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Italy by Design. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Security Bank assists homebuyers; launches All-In Home Loan Financing scheme

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ECURITY Bank Corporation has launched its newest financing scheme for aspiring home buyers called “All-In Home Loan Financing,” allowing Filipinos to avail of a home loan without the need to pay up-front fees.

Through the new financing program, those who are looking to purchase their dream homes can avail of a Security Bank Home Loan without worrying about paying upfront fees such as documentary stamp taxes, mortgage registration fees, notarial fees, and mortgage redemption insurance that can cost up to 3% of the loan amount.

Bayanihan Sayaw Workshop 2022 starts on May 23

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HE Bayanihan Folk Arts Foundation, Inc. is happy to announce that its Sayaw Workshop 2022 will begin on May 23, 2022. The workshop is an intensive dance workshop that will run for two weeks and designed for children, teens and dance enthusiasts.

Join the “Sayaw Workshop 2022” and learn the dances, songs and music of the Bayanihan, The National Dance Company of the Philippines!

Workshop for kids is scheduled from 9:00 am – 11:00 am; teens, 9:00am3:00 pm; and dance enthusiasts 9:00 am-3:00 pm. A culminating show will be staged on June 4, 2022 at 3:00 pm at the Philippine Women’s University Conrado Benitez Hall.

For details please call 0285246285; 09225551534 (Lhen Piorque; or 09178714429 (Monette Garcia).

Converge FiberXers looks forward to 2022 PBA drafts

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ONVERGE FiberXers will be joining its first PBA Draft on May 15, 2022. This will be the 47th Season of the PBA. Having the 3rd, 4th, and 15th picks, the FiberXers will be able to start strong as new talent will be added into their line-up.

Currently, six of the former Alaska Aces have been confirmed to be part of the FiberXers team. Jeron Teng, Ben Adamos, and Taylor Browne have existing contracts with Converge FiberXers which was carried over from the Alaska Aces. Recently, Allyn Bulanadi, RK Ilagan, Kevin Racal, Alec Stockton, and Mike Tolomia have also signed with the team.

“We’re looking forward to the new crop of players for the team”, said FiberXers Coach Jeffrey Cariaso. “ As we start off the season, we want to be even better, even more competitive, so integrating new players into the fold will be a great start. There are a lot of fresh new talents coming in this season

and we are glad that we managed to keep our picks in the first round of the draft”.

Team Governor Chito Salud also weighed in on the upcoming draft. “The upcoming draft will be an opportunity for Converge to revitalize and retool the team.

As I have said, we are here to win. We are here to compete at the highest level. This is

why our selection process will be rigorous and thorough. We want to give this team a chance to win”.

Converge acquired the Alaska Aces just after the announcement of the franchise’s exit from the Philippine Basketball Association. The Converge FiberXers will start their PBA stint this June.

THE FIBERXERS TEAM, FROM LEFT: RK Ilagan, Kevin Racal, Mike Racal, Allyn Bulanadi, Alec Stockton

“As Filipinos continue to bounce back from the pandemic, we want to be able to support them with their evolving needs. With our All-In Financing feature, clients will be able to move into their new homes worry free, with the fees and charges already factored into the monthly amortization of their loan,” said Maki Tingson, EVP and Retail Banking Segment Head.

Filipinos looking to buy a house or do home renovations can finance up to 80% of the appraised value of the property and avail of payment terms of up to 20 years with approval times going as fast as five days. Apart from renovations, a home loan can also be used to refinance or take-out a loan against a property.

“One reason why Filipinos find it hard to purchase their homes is because of the up-front fees they need to pay before the funds are released. Through this new financing scheme, we remain committed to a key pillar of our mission to enrich lives by helping Filipinos achieve their goal of owning their own homes”, adds Tingson.

To know more about Security Bank Home Loans and other loan products, visit www.securitybank.com or Security Bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/SecurityBank.

Tourism sector eyes medical travel boost

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HE Department of Tourism (DOT) has plans to boost medical tourism in the country—and increase public awareness for such in the global market.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said the pandemic-induced crisis brought into light the importance of medical travel and wellness tourism.

“We see so much untapped potential in the health and wellness industry. With world-class hospitals and facilities, skilled doctors and nurses, and the Filipino brand of hospitality, the Philippines is poised to become an attractive destination for medical tourism,” Puyat stressed.

“Currently, we have been implementing measures that will further develop the country as a medical tourism destination in a calibrated approach, including the development of an internal ecosystem and network of facilities in the country to accommodate concerns and issues surrounding this tourism product,” she added.

According to her, the DOT has developed a gold standard in approaching health and safety for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) events, following the successful hosting of the 21st World Travel and Tourism (WTTC) Global Summit in Manila last April, as well as institutionalizing health and safety in tourism activities.

Likewise, Puyat noted on the Department's partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and Makati Medical Center to attend to the medical needs of tourists.

She also cited the DOT’s ongoing coordination with relevant national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to get tourism workers vaccinated against COVID-19, which has led to a 98% inoculation rate and helped restore confidence of people to travel to and within the Philippines.

Untapped potential

JUERGEN T. Steinmetz, a delegate in the recent WTTC Summit, shared his

experience following the medical treatment at the Makati Medical Center for his left leg--which was diagnosed to be inflicted by a flesh-eating bacteria.

“It's a secret to be revealed and in the making to come out and go viral. The Philippines will become the number one destination for medical tourism,” Steinmetz quipped in his recent article published by eturbonews.com.

“All the ingredients are here. Excellent world-class doctors and facilities, nurses that keep the standard for high-quality care around the world, and a beautiful country, wonderful beaches, good food, and exciting cities,” he added.

Steinmetz also noted the considerably cheaper medical costs in the Philippines compared to other countries.

Meanwhile, the DOT introduced its newly appointed director for medical, health and wellness tourism, Dr. Paulo Benito S. Tugbang.

Prior to his appointment, Tugbang led the Medical Travel and Wellness Tourism Program of the DOH and served with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) Secretariat as the Technical Lead. Dr. Tugbang is a registered medical doctor, as well as a board top-notcher nurse and midwife.

Click here to read Steinmetz’ article on Philippines’ Medical Tourism: https:// eturbonews.com/3067985/the-philippinesis - the-new -ultimate-medical- tourismdestination/.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

Early screening is the key to fighting cervical cancer

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By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

ervical cancer is a cancer that begins in the cervix. Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body.

In this case, this uncontrolled growth happens in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that continues down and opens into the vagina or the birth canal.

This month, the Department of Health (DOH) said, is “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.”

In the Philippines, the DOH said, cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cancer site among women.

An estimated 7,277 new cases of, and 3,807 deaths due to, cervical cancer are expected to occur every year. Generally, all women who have had sexual intercourse are at risk of cervix cancer.

“To mothers and our women, get regular check-ups and vaccinated against human papilloma virus to prevent cervical cancer,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

Cervical cancer is caused by HPV or the Human Papillomavirus, Vergeire said.

HPV infection can cause changes in the cells of the cervix leading to the development of pre-cancerous cells.

If left undetected and untreated, these pre-cancerous cells can turn into cervical cancer.

Strains of HPV

The best ways to lower your chances of cervical cancer is to get vaccinated for HPV, and to be regularly screened.

The quadrivalent HPV vaccine available in the Philippines protects against the high-risk strains

There are many strains of HPV, the more high-risk ones for cervical cancer are HPV 16 and 18.

This virus is spread through sexual contact and causes an infection in the cervix.

At risk for cervical cancer The DOH said that any woman can get cervical cancer, which is why all women aged 25-55 should be screened every five years.

Some women have higher risk due to these risk factors: n Age 30 to 49 n Smoking n Having HIV or other immunocompromised states n Having given first to three or more children n Having multiple sexual partners n Using birth control pills for five years or longer

Prevention

of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18).

This vaccine is recommended for girls at nine to 14 years old (two doses, 6-12 months apart), and can be recommended up to age 26 (starting age 15, administered in three doses, 0, 1-2, 6 months).

The vaccine is also recommended for boys in the same schedule.

Screening through Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) can quickly detect the presence of precancerous lesions at the cervix.

A regular pap smear can detect early changes in the cervical cells and can prompt further tests and closer follow-ups for monitoring, and appropriate treatment as needed. Even after vaccination, all women aged 25-55 should still be regularly screened for cervical cancer.

You can further lower your risk by eliminating other risk factors and practicing healthy behaviors: n Practice safe sex, use condoms and limit number of sexual partners n Quit smoking, avoid secondhand smoke The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. Adverse reactions, when they occur, are usually minor. The DOH stressed that HPV vaccine has no impact on a girl’s fertility and does not affect her capacity to get pregnant and have healthy children later.

Screening All women aged 25 to 55 should be screened for cervical cancer every five years.

Women living with HIV are

at greater risk for cervical cancer and should be screened every three years.

C lo s e r i nt e r v a l s b e t w e e n screenings may also be recommended by your doctor.

Consult with your primar y care provider to learn more about screening options.

Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is a simple and inexpensive screening test done by your doctor. It involves the use of a speculum instrument to visualize the cervical area and applying dilute acetic acid (3 to 5 percent) on the cervix. Abnormal tissue will appear white when exposed to the acetic acid.

A pap smear is a quick collection of cells in the cervix done by your doctor. This shouldn’t usually hurt, but it might be uncomfortable.

The cells collected are then sent to the lab to be examined under a microscope. The results come back a few days later.

All women with positive screening tests should receive treatment.

Symptoms and signs to watch out for Cervical cancer may not have signs or symptoms at all in the early stages, which is why regular screening is critical for prevention and early detection.

Later on, some signs and symptoms that should alert you to seek immediate medical attention include: n Foul smelling vaginal discharge n Vaginal bleeding after intercourse n Vaginal bleeding after menopause

Philippine-developed African Swine Fever PCR Detection Kit getting high marks

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testing platform for African Swine Fever or ASF is showing promising results in an ongoing field implementation by Manila Healthtek Inc. Field implementation for the molecular-based testing platform GenAmplify African Swine Fever PCR Detection Kit is being conducted in select animal diseases diagnostic laboratories to validate the product’s performance and understand the gaps before its actual roll-out in the market.

These are being conducted in three animal disease diagnostic laboratories under the Bureau of Animal Industr y in Tarlac City, General Santos City, and Tuguegarao City and in one private laboratory in Los Baños, which is Diamed Enterprise.

This is a very welcome development for hog farmers in the country because this is aimed at lowering the cost of testing. Making testing

more accessible allows for more rapid response and containment of this fatal disease.

Dr. Ernesto Balolong Jr., Director of Research and Development, Animal Health Division of Manila Healthtek (MTek) stresses though that impact on cost is not the primary advantage of MTek ’s GenAmplify ASF PCR Kit. The product’s field testing proves its reliable performance.

Field validation

During the field validation, participating laboratories conducted parallel testing or ran on previously known samples using MTek’s ASF PCR kit to see if it would produce the same negative or positive results.

The field testing shows the MTek’s ASF PCR kits work at par with imported test kits.

Last year, the GenAmplify ASF PCR kits were validated by the Veterinary Laboratory Division of the

Bureau of the Animal Industry, which found the product to be 100 percent sensitive and 100 percent specific.

This means that the testing kit can detect true positive which reflects on its sensitivity and can also detect true negative, a matter that reflects on specificity.

“Since the product is locallydeveloped, the manufacturers can readily provide technical assistance to laboratories should there be problems, versus imported test kits, which are manufactured abroad,” cites Dr. Balolong on an added advantage.

Aside from validating the product, the field implementation also helps MTek audit the skills of the personnel and the equipment in the laboratories.

Challenges identified

He states that with field implementation, challenges are spotted before actual roll-out. Mtek realizes that there is a need to help upgrade

DOH, health-care groups highlight disease prevention during World Immunization Week

I

n celebration of World Immunization Week (WIW) last month, the Department of Health (DOH), together with health-care professionals and organizations, strengthen promotion of vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) including inoculating over 2 million children, as well as adolescents, adults, and pregnant women to be protected against VPDs. With the theme “Magpabakuna Na! Long Life for All, Kaya sa Healthy Pilipinas,” the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS), Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), Philippine College for Geriatric Medicine (PCGM), and the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) highlighted the importance

of immunization for all age groups.

“The current pandemic does not diminish the risk of other harmful diseases, but it does highlight the value of vaccines for people of all ages. With everyone’s support and cooperation, we can bring the ‘Long Life for All’ advocacy to every corner of the Philippines and ensure a long life well-lived for our communities, one vaccine dose at a time,” said DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau and Health Promotions Bureau Director Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho. “Vaccines help in preventing future outbreaks of diseases. With a whole-of-government and whole-ofsociety approach, further vaccinating individuals shall be beneficial to future generations,” said Philippine

Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo. Further, Philippine Medical Association President (PMA) Dr. Benito Atienza highlighted that vaccines save lives and that no one shall be left behind in getting protected against VPDs. “Vaccination saves lives, and it helps create healthier communities, and a healthier Philippines. We will never stop learning, innovating, and collaborating with the government, our scientific community, and our health-care professionals to find more ways to protect more people of all ages,” underscored Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) Executive Director Mr. Teodoro Padilla.

The DOH aims to conduct routine

the skills and equipment of some diagnostic laboratories, adds Dr. Balolong.

He emphasizes, “No matter how good the product is, if the procedure being followed or the equipment is not correct, it would not yield the desired results.”

MTek is the country’s first and only biotech company in diagnostics, which has been presenting diagnostics solutions to the country’s pressing concerns.

The firm has led the development of Biotek-M DengueAqua Kit, a gold medalist at the 46th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland in 2018. It also produces the GenAmplify Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) RT-PCR test kit, the Philippine-developed Covid-19 testing kit.

For more information, go to manila-healthtek.com, e-mail sales@ m a n i l a - h e a lt ht e k . c o m o r c a l l 9178057331.

and catch-up vaccination through the Chikiting Bakunation Days, which will run every last Thursdays and Fridays of the month from April to June 2022. Aside from infant vaccination, the DOH shall also provide vaccines for children, adolescents, and the elderly.

“We would like to take this opportunity to ramp up our vaccination efforts for routine immunization, while our national cases are declining, and our health system capacity is manageable. This is very important to prevent an additional burden of disease that may be caused by these vaccine-preventable diseases. Ultimately, all these efforts are geared towards the vision of achieving an enabled and strong immunization system for everyone, everywhere at every age to attain a vaccine-preventable disease-free, and a healthier Philippines,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

Thursday, May 12, 2022 B7

Temporary hospital now open for Bureau of Corrections inmates

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ecognizing their right to adequate health care and ensure the continued provision of basic health-care services for 28,000 detainees in Muntinlupa City’s New Bilibid Prison (NBP), a 150-bed temporary hospital was inaugurated early this month by officials of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The 4,000 sq m temporary facility, which was designed and built by the BuCor and the ICRC, has an emergency room, pharmacy, intensive care unit, dental clinic and psychiatric ward.

Staffed by 147 workers, it can provide minor surgical services to patients.

It also supports the newly built tuberculosis (TB) laboratory inside NBP by serving as an isolation and treatment facility for patients who have tested positive for TB. Some of the medical equipment inside the hospital have been donated by the ICRC. “We remain committed to support the BuCor to guarantee the detainees’ right to adequate health care. The temporary hospital will help improve the quality of medical care for detainees and provide a good working environment for NBP’s health workers,” said Boris Michel, head of the ICRC’s delegation in the Philippines.

Temporary facility

With the temporary hospital, detainees will no longer have to be transported to medical facilities outside NBP unless they have major health problems. They will have access to its services while the BuCor builds NBP’s 500-bed permanent hospital.

The temporary hospital will also serve as a referral facility for the in-

firmaries in the minimum and medium security compounds. Prior to its construction, detainees were treated inside medical tents.

The ICRC’s support for detainee health care in NBP began in June 2013 with technical assistance through monitoring, supervising and evaluating the implementation of the national TB program.

According to BuCor, the NBP has a congestion rate of 348 percent, making its detainees susceptible to communicable diseases such as Covid-19 and TB. “We commend the ICRC team in the country for its very professional and collaborative approach in the performance of its mission as an impartial, neutral and independent humanitarian organization. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po kayo sa ICRC!” said Assistant Secretary Gabriel P. Chaclag, BuCor’s Deputy Director General for Administration.

Covid-19 response

The ICRC has been supporting the NBP in its Covid-19 response through the provision of equipment and technical support since the start of the pandemic.

It has also been assisting the NBP in the vaccination of detainees since 2021.

The ICRC is a strong advocate of the e-dalaw program and announced today that it would donate equipment that would help NBP detainees keep in touch with their loved ones through voice and video calls.

Since 2007, the ICRC has been working closely with the Philippine authorities to help ease the consequences of extreme overcrowding in jails, focusing particularly on health issues such as TB treatment, and improving living conditions of persons deprived of liberty (PDL). Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Any time is the best time to drink barley

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owadays, more and more people are pursuing a healthier lifestyle to achieve and maintain a healthy body that can help fight off various sicknesses. And as we prioritize our health, some of us try to get fit through simple exercises or incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our daily diet.

However, not everyone gets the needed nutrition from what they eat.

The good thing is that Santé, a premier natural and organic health and wellness product and services provider, offers everyone Santé Barley MaxNZ, a barley grass harvested at a young age and turned into a powdered drink and vegetable capsules.

It contains pure organic barley grass certified by New Zealand’s leading organic produce and products agency, BioGro. Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, protein, carotenoids, dietary fibers, phosphorus, potassium, and many more. It has all the requirements a human body needs for a healthy diet and helps boost a person’s immune system.

To give you an idea of when the perfect time is to drink the Santé Barley MaxNZ, Santé recommends these four:

Before taking your breakfast

You can safely drink the Santé Barley MaxNZ powdered drink or capsule any time of the day. However, the best time to have a glass of this vitaminrich supplement is before eating your breakfast. It can fill your body with nutrients and be easily absorbed by your digestive system. On the other hand, you can take the Santé Barley MaxNZ capsule before every meal.

When you want to reduce your weight

Those who start hitting the gym to get fit and buff know that it is inevitable to encounter muscle soreness and fatigue and experience low energy to complete the workout properly. And because Santé Barley MaxNZ is packed with various nutrients, it can help supply you with energy while being low on calories.

Furthermore, it has plenty of fiber that helps make you feel full for an extended period, which is why it is essential for those trying to lose some weight.

When you want to manage your cravings

As Santé Barley MaxNZ is an abundant

source of fiber and keeps you feeling fuller for some time with no added calories, it helps you to prevent caving into your unhealthy cravings.

In addition, it uses Stevia, a natural substitute for sugar. It has little to no calories and does not add excess carbs to your diet. While it aids in keeping you in shape, it also decreases your chance of having heart disease, acne, Type 2 diabetes, and other diseases due to a high-sugar diet.

When you want to live a healthier lifestyle

Santé Barley MaxNZ contains different vitamins and minerals that can deliver various benefits for you and even your family. For instance, its Vitamin C content can help strengthen your immune system. It also has Vitamin A to aid in maintaining your eyesight, calcium to assist in fortifying your bones, and many more. There is no doubt that it is one of the best ways to help you kickstart your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

A more accessible Barley supplement

If you are wondering where you can buy Santé Barley MaxNZ to have a taste of its healthy goodness, Santé brings you another piece of great news. Aside from being available in Watsons, Mercur y Drugstore, and Southstar Drug, you can now get it at local drugstores, such as Rose Pharmacy, nationwide.

“As we continue to develop healthy products, we, at Santé, are committed to promoting good health by making it more accessible to every Filipino. That is why we are also pushing our products to be available in drugstores, convenience stores, and supermarkets. We hope that this helps Filipinos achieve a healthy lifestyle and live to the max,” said Joey Marcelo, chief executive officer of Santé.

Santé Barley MaxNZ and other Santé products are organic health and wellness products offered by Santé, known for developing a comprehensive selection of ever yday barleybased products. They are designed to improve people’s quality of life to live more and do more.

To learn more about Santé Barley MaxNZ and other Santé products, visit its social media pages: (FB: @barleymaxofficial or IG: @santebarleymax)

Sports

AILING dad inspires Mary Francine Padios to win gold this time in Hanoi.

Obiena excited to bear colors in Hanoi Games

BusinessMirror

B8

| Thursday, May 12, 2022 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

PADIOS GIVES PHL 1ST GOLD

By Jun Lomibao

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Malacañang hails pencak artist

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ALACAÑANG commended Mary Francine Padios on Wednesday for giving the country its first gold medal in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Vietnam.

Padios won the women’s Seni (artistic) tunggal single event of pencak silat.

“The Palace congratulates Mary Francine Padios for bringing pride and glory to the country,” Acting

Presidential Spokesperson Martin M. Andanar said in a brief statement.

“We are proud of you,” he added.

The concurrent Presidential Communications Secretary hoped the other Filipino athletes participating in the SEA Games would also win in their respective events.

“Good luck to the rest of our athletes in Team Philippines.

Mabuhay ang atletang Pinoy,” Andanar said. Samuel Medenilla

POC, PSC heads inspire athletes ahead of SEAG opening ceremony

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ANOI—Filipino sports leaders showered inspiring words on members of Team Philippines on the eve of the opening ceremony of the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday.

“Let me start by a word of gratitude for all of you for trusting me another term to lead as City Mayor of Tagaytay,” said Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who’s back as mayor of the summer getaway south of Manila after completing a full term as representative of Cavite’s eighth congressional district.

“I am bringing that victory with me, as an inspiration to our team. I am also bringing the new leadership of our country with me with a fervent hope of their support to our athletes,” added Tolentino, under whose watch as POC president saw the country convincingly dominate the Philippines 2019 SEA Games, a success that cascaded to Tokyo last year when weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first Olympic gold medal.

“I am now back in Vietnam to lead our contingent in another rally to boost the morale of our athletes, this time to defend our medals during the last SEA Games,” he said.

“It will be a difficult task because we don’t have the advantage of our friendly host.

“But we will be putting up a really good fight because we are now regaining our old stature as an athletic force in Southeast Asia.”

Tolentino added: “In my heart, I honestly see the desire of our athletes to bring home the medals.

It might be because that our leadership is being felt that support to them has been pouring from the

government and the stakeholders that are behind us with more enthusiasm.”

“Team Philippines, we are one and we will always be one,” he stressed.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez spoke on faith and trust over the Filipino athletes.

“This edition presented extra challenges given the pandemic,” Ramirez said. “I’m keeping my faith in the heart of our national athletes to overcome and come home victorious.”

Ramirez, whose golden touch also resulted to overall championships in the 2005 and 2019 SEA Games, went beyond winning in Vietnam.

“I hope our athletes will not only win, but will also truly experience the Games while they are there,” said Ramirez from his PSC offices in Manila.

“Win medals, win friends.”

PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez has continued to inspire the athletes as chef de mission to the Games that were postponed from December last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I know that the athletes are eager to show their wares,” Fernandez said. “Their spirits are high and I wish them good luck and always remind them to have fun.”

Josef Ramos

There can only be one I’M writing this on the morning of Game 2 of the basketball finals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84.

I have no idea what the outcome will be: whether the Ateneo Blue Eagles will assert their might and rule the skies again with a win, or if the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons will pull off another miracle and win all the marbles in Game 2.

I won’t make any predictions that will be moot and

ANOI—Mary Francine Padios delivered the Philippines’ first gold medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday following her victory in pencak silat’s women’s seni (artistic or form) tunggal single event at the Bac Tu Lien Gymnasium.

The victory of the 18-year-old native of Kalibo, Aklan, put the Philippines on the medals table that Vietnam started to dominate a day before the biennial multi-sport festival officially opens at the My Dinh National Stadium.

Padios’s gold was a level better than the silver she bagged in the Philippine 2019 Games.

Her inspiration? Her dad, Jerome, who met a near fatal accident just before Christmas.

“My dad has become my inspiration after he figured in a terrible car accident on her way home in Aklan just before Christmas,” said Padios, whose dad remains in a coma to this moment. “He was so exhausted and drowsy from work he slept at the wheel and met the accident.

“He’s been motivating me ever since,” said Padios, whose score of 9.960 powered her past 2019 winner and favorite Arum Sari of Indonesia, who settled for the silver with 9.945 points.

Vietnam bolstered its bid to snatch the overall title from the Philippines, having amassed a frontrunning haul of six gold, five silver and six bronze medals as of 3 p.m.

(Hanoi time) on Wednesday.

Malaysia also had a six-gold output but had less silver and bronze with one and four, respectively, followed by Indonesia (3-4-0 goldsilver-bronze), Singapore (1-3-3) and Thailand 1-2-3.

Outside of the hosts, the Malaysians and the Filipinos, no other country in the 11-member SEA Games has won a gold so far.

HARMIE CONSTANTINO scores a hole-in-one at No. 8 of Mount Makulot.

academic the morning after. Nor will I analyze the amazing 180-degree turn that UP made in Game 1 that stunned the Mall of Asia Arena crowd for quite awhile.

But I’ll admit that the shock attack engineered by the Maroons with some four minutes left in the game that cut an eight-point deficit to 3 behind Zavier Lucero’s crucial put-backs and a well-timed triple, made me feel like I had witnessed Lazarus being raised from the dead.

Then that sudden, cold-blooded trey unleashed by James Spencer straight out of an inbound that tied the score at 70-all, 24.7 seconds to go, was pure shock entertainment.

UP flexed its vaunted defense in overtime, pressured Ateneo to miss shots and make crucial turnovers. Its offense clicked and it won by seven points. In the last almost four years, nobody had ever done that to Ateneo.

Thus, it’s expected that Ateneo will not allow a repeat of that scenario in Game 2. However Game 2 pans out though, the Fighting Maroons have helped make these Finals a must-watch for all basketball lovers.

UP’s audacity and never-say-die spirit make for great entertainment. Their fearlessness and presence of mind against Ateneo has made them conquer uncharted territory.

This batch of Maroons is so intriguing because only three of them—Ricci Rivero, Noah Webb and James

Padios’s golden feat lit the Philippine campaign here that met some stiff winds in kurash, beach handball, football, and rowing.

Helen Aclopen accounted for a silver medal in the women’s minus 48kgs of kurash, which also came up with bronze medals courtesy of Charlie Quelino and George Baclagan.

Filipino beach handball players gave Vietnam fits on Tuesday but eventually lost in a shootout 14-12, 18-12 (8-10) to settle for a silver medal that coach Joanna Franquelli said shone like gold.

“I am really proud of what the team has accomplished in two years that we were not able to train together because of the restrictions due to Covid-19, but we’re happy with the result,” Franquelli, a former national athlete in basketball and fencing, said.

“We exceeded expectations and no one expected us to get this silver.

They were expecting Vietnam and Thailand to slug it out for the gold, but it turned out that we’re the one who fought for the gold and it was a close one,” Franquelli added.

In football, Myanmar stopped the Philippine under-23 squad’s semifinal bid on Tuesday night with a 3-2 come-from-behind win at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho province.

The Filipinos saw their goal of entering the semifinals for the first time stopped as Lwin Moe Aung and Soe Moe Kyaw struck in the 51st and 53rd minutes, respectively, to lift the Burmese atop Group A with their second straight win, good for six points.

Veteran striker Jovin Bedic scored a brace in the 34th and 38th minutes but his heroics went for naught as the charges of coach Norman Fegidero absorbed their first loss in three matches and remained in second place with four points.

They were still ahead on goal difference at 4-3 over defending champion Vietnam, which also had four points on a win and the scoreless draw with the Philippine last Sunday.

The Filipino booters will have a

MEDAL TABLE R

COUNTRY

GOLD

SILVER

1

Vietnam

9

7

9

25

2

Malaysia

8

2

6

16

3

Indonesia

3

4

0

7

4

Philippines

1

4

4

9

5

Singapore

1

4

3

8

6

Thailand

1

2

7

10

7

Myanmar (Burma)

1

0

1

2

8

Brunei Darussalam

0

1

1

2

9

Cambodia

0

0

1

1

BRONZE

TOTAL

10 Laos

0

0

1

1

11 Timor-Leste

0

0

0

0

much-needed two-day respite before they battle Indonesia in a must-win match tomorrow at the 16,000-seat Viet Tri Stadium in the Phu Tho provincial capital, 70 kilometers northwest of Hanoi.

They will also be hoping the Burmese can also upend the reigning champions the same day that would pave the way for the Philippines to reach the men’s semis for the first time since the national squad bannered by Fegidero last achieved the feat in the 1991 Manila SEA Games.

Filipino rowers made their presence on borrowed boats with a silver and bronze medal, respectively, in men’s doubles lightweight sculls and women’s quadruple sculls at the Thu Nguyen Boat Racing Center in Hai Phong Bay. Tokyo Olympic Games veteran Cris Nievarez and Christian Joseph Jasmin settled for silver with a time of seven minutes and .05.585 seconds, finishing behind Indonesia’s Ardi Kasadi and Kakan Usmana (7:01.385).

Joannie del Gaco, Amelyn Pagulauyan, Mireille Cua and Kristine Paraon won the bronze by clocking 7:28.879 and contributed to the country’s medal output for the day.

Hole-in-one at Makulot’s No. 8 gives Constantino one-shot lead

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ARMIE CONSTANTINO aced No. 8 to spike a solid 32 start at Mt. Malipunyo but hobbled with two bogeys at Mt. Lobo for a 70, barely saving a one-stroke lead over Chihiro Ikeda and Marvi Monsalve at the start of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Mount Malarayat Ladies Challenge on Wednesday in Lipa City.

Hard-pressed to snap a long title spell on a course where she won as an amateur over a foreign-laced pro field in 2016, Constantino delivered, setting in explosive motion her title drive with birdies on Nos. 1 and 5 before scoring a hole-in-one on the 118-yard No. 8 of Mount Malarayat’s

composite 27-hole layout.

But she dropped a stroke on the next par-3, No. 11 of Mt. Lobo, and the reigning Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit champion yielded another shot on the 15th as she struggled trying to recall her form in scorching heat and buck the undulating Malarayat surface.

“It wasn’t that good. I hit a lot of greens but missed a lot of birdie putts. I wasn’t also able to save a few par putts,” rued Constantino, referring to her muffed chances at the back for a 38.

“But overall it was okay,” added Constantino, who used a pitching wedge and Titleist No. 2 ball in hitting her whopping eighth career

Spencer—are holdovers from the 2019 team. All the rest are playing for UP in the UAAP for the very first time.

Newly minted Rookie of the Year Carl Tamayo leads this young batch that has seven rookies, three veterans, six transferees and two former Team B players.

Regardless of the outcome of Game 2, here are some interesting trivia about the Fighting Maroons’ and this Finals series: n The last time UP played in the finals and won the crown was 36 years ago in 1986, the Year of the Tiger.

Coincidentally, 2022 is also a Tiger Year—exactly three 12year cycles removed from the last championship year. n Both years were election years. A Snap National Election was held on February 7, 1986 while regular national elections were held just three days ago on May 9, 2022. n UP’s missing piece was always “the big man” in the middle. In 1986 Benjie Paras came from San Beda and became that missing piece. This year, Carl Tamayo came from National University and patrols the paint along with Malik Diouf. n UP’s 1986 team was composed largely of former San Beda juniors players: Ronnie Magsanoc, Eric Altamirano, Joey Mendoza, Duane Salvatierra, Jig Mendoza and Benjie Paras. The workhorses of UP’s 2022

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By Josef Ramos

ANOI—Asian men’s pole vault record holder Ernest John “EJ” Obiena assumes the role of flag bearer for Team Philippines in the 31st Southeast Asian Games.

He was supposed to do that prestigious role at the Tokyo Olympics but let go of the opportunity.

Obiena arrived in Hanoi from his base in Formia, Italy, on Wednesday, in time for the opening ceremony on Thursday at the 40,000-seat My Dinh National Stadium.

The 26-year-old Obiena, the world’s sixth best pole vaulter, was nominated flag-bearer with Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, but the superstar weightlifter decided it should be Obiena’s turn.

“It’s a bigger honor because Ate Hidi (Diaz) said it should be me,” said Obiena upon his arrival at the Noi Bai International Airport.

Obiena was supposed to bear the flag in the postponed Tokyo Olympics last July but had to give way because of complications with his flight schedule from Europe.

Flag-bearing duties are reserved for the best athlete or athletes of a country.

Obiena’s targeting no less than the gold medal in men’s pole vault where he’s guaranteed for the gold with his Asian best 5.91 meters he achieved at the Meeting de Paris at the Stade Charlety, Paris, last August.

Those numbers are nearly half a meter higher than the SEA Games record of 5.45 meters he himself set in winning gold in the Philippines 2019 SEA Games.

“I’m representing athletes competing in the SEA Games, but also 109 million Filipinos back home,” Obiena said.

According to Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Team Philippines will be represented by a 30-member contingent as ordered by the Games organizers for each of the 11 member countries, with Tokyo Olympian and Asian men’s pole vault record holder Ernest John “EJ” Obiena as flag-bearer.

“We’re 30 officials and athletes who’ll be allowed in the parade of nations,” said Tolentino, who’ll be marching with Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner and chef de mission Ramon Fernandez. “We chose those athletes who are in Hanoi and those who don’t have a game early the following day.” ace, who netted her P20,000 from ICTSI, which awards the prize for the first ace in the season for both the LPGT and PGT, and P10,000 worth of products from the host club. “But I think I could’ve done better.”

While Constantino nearly blew it all at Mt. Lobo, flightmate Ikeda flourished, working her way back from six down with a birdie on No. 10 and an eagle on the par-5 13th off a solid drive and a superb rescue shot from 212 yards that landed 10 feet off the cup.

The multi-titled campaigner, who last won at Midlands via playoff over Pauline del Rosario, missed forcing a tie with a flubbed birdie putt from six feet on the closing par-5 hole for a 38-33.

team are core members of the National University juniors champion team—Jerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Harold Alarcon and Carl Tamayo. n Then as now, the Maroons are going up against defending champions. The 1986 opponent was a starstudded University of the East that had Allan Caidic and Jerry Codiñera as main men. This 2022 squad is challenging an Ateneo team going for a 4-peat, led by Collosus of Rhodes, Ange Kouame, the reigning MVP. n The crowd was said to be a big factor in ’86. In his Sports Beat column in the Philippine Star, sports ed Lito Tacujan suggested that the Maroon crowd in ’86 intimidated UE. “They came in full force. Their sheer number scared the wits out of the UE Warriors,” Tacujan opined. Looks like this 21st century version Sea of Maroon, also fires up the team and gives it a tremendous push. n There’s shared DNA between the coach who led the Maroons to the 1986 championship and the current coach who is aiming to bring this current team to the mountaintop. Once upon a time, Coach Goldwin Monteverde played for Coach Joe Lipa in the Philippine Amateur Basketball League (PABL). n Lastly, did you notice? Both coaches are sure winners. It’s BaldWIN vs. GoldWIN in this UAAP finals. But then, there can only be one.