BusinessMirror November 03, 2021 by BusinessMirror

Climate-tied damage hits ₧506.1B–DOF By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

LIMATE-RELATED hazards resulted in an estimated P506.1 billion (about $10 billion) in losses and damage for the Philippines in over a decade, the Department of Finance (DOF) said. Based on DOF data, this already makes up 98.2 percent of the country’s total estimated losses and damage of P515.1 billion (around $10.6 billion) from 2010 to 2020. Annually, this is equivalent to an average of P48.9 billion, which is about 0.33 percent of the GDP. T his, despite the Philippines contributing only 0.3 percent of

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the planet’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The DOF said this shows the country’s “extreme vulnerability to the climate crisis,” adding that the Philippines constantly experiences unavoidable losses and damage amounting to 0.5 percent of its annual GDP primarily from an increasingly unpredictable climate. Every year, the Philippines is struck by around 20 tropical cyclones and an almost daily occurrence of seismic shocks. Being a climate-v ulnerable countr y, t he Phi l ippines has much at stake in reversing the devastating effects of globa l w a r m i ng , Fi n a nce Sec ret a r y Carlos Dominguez III said.

“As I have said on many occasions, I am determined to set the Philippines as an example for all nations in setting the standards for mitigating the impact of climate change. I want us to be a world leader in this area through our climate ambition,” said Dominguez. Dominguez, who is chairmandesignate of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), heads the Philippine delegation to the ongoing 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. At the opening of the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Dominguez earlier called on Western countries that are largely re-

sponsible for the most GHG emissions to act now in significantly reducing their carbon footprints, and to make good on their commitments to extend the financing needed by climate-vulnerable countries to transition to a clean energy future. The finance chief said earlier the need for these countries to accept the responsibility of financing the transition to carbon neutrality. The Philippines has committed to a projected greenhouse gas emission reduction and avoidance of 75 percent from 2020 to 2030 for the sectors of agriculture, wastes, industry, transport, and See “DOF,” A2

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DEMAND BOOST, EASED CURBS SWELL PHL’S PMI n

PHL ON TOP 10 SOURCES OF CYBER ATTACKS LIST By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

BIG portion of humaninitiated cyber attacks in the first half came from the Philippines, which is now included among the top 10 countries in the world where digital threats originate. According to LexisNexis Risk Solutions’ January to June 2021 Cybercrime Report, the Philippines ranked 6th in terms of volume of human-initiated cyber attacks during the period. The list of top contributors include (in order) the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Japan and Russia. “The growth in attack volume from the Philippines was largely driven by a credit card testing attack targeting a payment gateway

MOTHER and child attend evening Mass at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Light, popularly known as Cainta Church, in Barangay San Andres, Cainta, Rizal. The church houses the venerated painting of the Our Lady of Light, a destroyed Sicilian painting from 1727 recreated by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo after the original relic was burned during the Filipino-American war in 1899. BERNARD TESTA By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

HE country’s manufacturing sector recorded its second consecutive growth month in October, largely on the back of eased restrictions and early recovery in demand. See “PMI,” A2

in March,” the US-based data and analytics firm said. The Philippines and Russia replaced India and Netherlands on the list amid the surging cases of cyber attacks. LexisNexis noted that human-initiated attacks across the globe declined by 9 percent to 236 million in the first half. Most of these targeted mobile users at 54 percent, the remainder was for computer users. Meanwhile, automated bot attacks surged by 41 percent to 1.2 billion. More than half of these were aimed at financial services. “High-velocity automated attacks that typically mass-test stolen identity credentials on a particular use case, originating from a machine or series of machines, have grown across See “Cyber attacks,” A2

‘Excessive payments’ spark BOT change move

HE Phi lippine gover nment is eyeing to amend the implementing rules and regulations (IR R) of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law in a bid to protect the public from “excessive payments and undue guarantees” arising from projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Socioeconomic Planning

Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, who was designated chairman of the BOT IRR Committee by President Duterte, said PPPs have the potential to help stimulate the economy, bring back jobs and address people’s needs. “However, it is the government’s job, on behalf of the Filipino people, to ensure that private sector interests are aligned

to the public’s interests, with the overall goal of providing the best services to the people,” Chua said in a statement. Chua pointed out that PPPs with unwarranted guarantees, contingent liabilities, and other onerous contract provisions take up the government’s already-limited fiscal space and hamper the countr y’s development. These

resources could have been used to build other infrastructure or provide social services for the people. Apart from protecting the public from excessive payments, the amendments also aim to facilitate the development of wellstructured PPPs that deliver highquality services to the people and See “BOT,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 50.5520 n japan 0.4435 n UK 69.0945 n HK 6.4953 n CHINA 7.9010 n singapore 37.4904 n australia 38.0202 n EU 58.6808 n SAUDI arabia 13.4773 Source: BSP (2 November 2021)

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Cyber attacks. . . Continued from A1

financial services and media organizations,” the firm noted.

Digital payments

LexisNexis also noted that the digital payments continued to increase as more consumers adapted to digital platforms. The number of transactions processed in the first half rose by 28 percent to 28.7 billion year-on-year. Bulk or 68 percent of the transactions was through mobile, while the remainder was via computer. “Online transactions have continued their upward trajectory, with particularly strong growth recorded across logins and payments, indicating that consumers are relying on existing relationships with trusted brands more than ever before,” the firm shared. “The online payment market continues to proliferate and diversify, with buy-now-pay-later [BNPL] services and digital wallets becoming increasingly popular ways to pay,” it added. “This growth is likely to continue to cater for the growing population of consumers who are transacting more online.” In the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines also topped the list of attack originations. Along with it are Japan, India, Pakistan and China. Automated bot attack volume rose by 86 percent while humaninitiated cyber attacks dropped by 8 percent in the region during the period. The number of transactions processed surged by 60 percent to 2.3 billion.

Uy-led logistics firm can’t alter ’22 poll outcome, says Comelec By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

HE Commission on Elections said on Tuesday the outcome of the 2022 polls could not be tampered with by its selected logistics provider. Comelec spokesman James Jimenez made the assurance amid concerns raised by election watchdogs over the poll body’s decision to tap F2 Logistics in the conduct of the polls next year. F2 Logistics is linked to Davao businessman Dennis Uy, a known campaign contributor and ally of President Duterte. “The VCMs have practically nothing to do with the results once the results have been reported out,” Jimenez said in a series of posts in his Twitter account posted on Tuesday.

Safeguards

He noted that the delivery of the vote counting machines (VCM) is closely monitored by Comelec. The delivered VCMs also undergo final testing and sealing three days before the election to make sure they are working. To ensure that a VCM unit is untampered with before it could start

accepting ballots, Jimenez said machines are made to print out a zeroreport to prove “there are no preprogrammed results in the machine’s memory.”

Transmitted results

The poll official also noted the logistics provider cannot alter the actual election results after the polls, since the VCMs are made to print election returns, which are then certified by the electoral board and watchers. The VCMs then transmit a soft copy of the election returns to select servers, while the memory card of the results are carried by the electoral board to the municipal canvassing system. “At no point is the logistics provider able to tamper with the election outcome,” Jimenez said.

Delicadeza

Former Comelec Commissioner Gus Lagman, however, still called out the

decision to award the contract for the transportation of election paraphernalia during the 2022 polls to F2 Logistics. “What has happened to delicadeza in the administration of our government? This is something that should not be happening, a major contributor getting a major contract,” Lagman said. Lagman said Comelec could have easily avoided the controversy had it picked another service provider not affiliated with the administration. “If I were the Comelec, I would consider it a failed bid to invite other service providers to participate in the bidding,” Lagman said.

Public bidding

Jimenez, however, pointed out F2 Logistics passed the necessary requirements and public bidding before it was awarded the P535-million contract for transporting paraphernalia. He noted this includes having the lowest responsive bid for the contract, which has an approved budget of P1.61 billion. The requirements, however, do not include screening the owner of the company participating in the bidding. Since the contract was already awarded to F2 Logistics, Jimenez said it could now only be canceled by Comelec if the company is found to have violated any of its provisions.

BOT. . .

Continued from A1

promote the interests of Filipinos, who ultimately pay for the costs and returns of private proponents of PPP projects. The BOT IRR Committee aims to approve and publish the amended BOT IRR by the first quarter of 2022. The BOT IRR committee is composed of the National Economic and Development Authority, the Departments of Finance, Agricult ure, Energ y, Env ironment and Natural Resources, Information and Communications, Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Trade and Industry, and Transportation, and the PPP Center. For his part, PPP Center Executive Director Ferdinand A. Pecson said the IRR should enable the provision of quality infrastructure and services that are delivered in a timely and costeffective manner given that PPPs are paid by the public. Finance Secretary and Investment Coordination Committee Chairman Carlos G. Dominguez III also stressed the need for transparent and expeditious processes in evaluating PPPs to arrive at their real cost to the government, consumers, and taxpayers. He stressed the importance of promoting competition, avoiding conflicts-of-interest situations, and ensuring that parties of PPP contracts are capable of delivering on their commitments and running their facilities efficiently for the benefit of the public. The BOT IRR Committee held its first meeting on October 26, 2021, and will begin its stakeholder consultations with the public, investors, civil society, and other partners in December 2021. Bernadette D. Nicolas

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PMI. . .

Continued from A1

International think tank IHS Markit, however, said the growth in the country’s manufacturing sector is still “marginal” as material shortages continued to hinder production during the month. In a statement released on Tuesday, IHS Markit reported that the country’s Philippine Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) “rose fractionally” from 50.9 in September, to 51 in October. This is the highest PMI of the country in seven months. A country’s PMI is meant to gauge the health of its manufacturing sector. It is calculated as a weighted average of five individual subcomponents. Readings above 50 show growth in the industry while readings below the 50 threshold signal a contraction in the manufacturing sector. IHS Markit attributed the improved manufacturing performance of the country to signs of improvement in the demand environment. The industry’s business confidence also improved to a three-month high in October as optimism was underpinned by hopes of greater international and domestic demand in the year ahead. “Some restrictions continued to ease, and the demand environment showed tentative signs of improvement with new orders stabilizing after six months of decline,” IHS Markit economist Shreeya Patel said. “However, the goods producing sector was yet again hit by delivery delays, material shortages and rising costs, which consequently inhibited output growth. Such pressures are likely to persist over the next few months, but a key concern comes from firms only partly able to pass on higher costs given the relatively weak demand environment,” the economist added. The report also showed that goods producers continued to register a substantial deterioration in vendor performance. According to the report, raw material shortages and poor transportation conditions reportedly led to extensive delays. Filipinos are also not getting manufacturing jobs despite the early signs of recovery. The report noted that firms continued to scale back on their work force numbers in October, with staffing levels falling for the 20th consecutive month. The rate of decline eased from that seen in September, however. Firms mentioned that while there were some cost-saving efforts, resignations were mostly voluntary. “Firms hope that demand conditions in both domestic and international markets improve, with looser restrictions likely to support greater customer demand,” Patel said.

DOF. . .

Continued from A1

energy, as its National Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement.

Fiscal risk statement

According to the DOF, the latest Fiscal Risk Statement (FRS) released this year by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) “cites the country’s exposure to natural disasters as a major source of downside risks for the national government’s fiscal position.” The FRS is drawn up annually to identify the fiscal risks to which the Philippines is exposed to, and at the same time, outlines the key programs and measures put up by the government to manage these risks. In 2020 alone, based on the preliminary 2022 FRS, P74.75 billion worth (approximately $1.49 billion) of damage was recorded—resulting from disasters, including three consecutive typhoons that collectively caused the largest damage of P69.02 billion (approximately $1.38 billion). Economic losses were estimated at P35.74 billion (approximately $714.8 million). In 2019, a single tropical cyclone—Typhoon Tisoy (international code name Kammuri)—recorded the most damage at P6.6 billion (approximately $132.0 million), of which P2.9 billion (approximately $58 million) and P3.7 billion (approximately $74 million) pertain to infrastructure and agriculture damage, respectively, the DOF said. Losses and damage from extreme weather events reached 4 percent of GDP in 2013 as a result of Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan), which killed over 6,000 people, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

9th most weather-affected country

Based on the 2020 World Risk Index, the Philippines ranked 9th out of 181 nations in the world as the most affected country from extreme weather events. Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked 4th among 10 countries most severely hit by extreme weather events from 2000 to 2019. Being an archipelago, the Philippines is also greatly threatened by rising sea levels as an offshoot of global warming. Based on satellite observations, the level of the Philippines’s surrounding seas has increased at a rate of 5.7-7.0 mm/year from 1993 to 2015, twice the highest global average rate of 2.8-3.6 mm/year observed between 1993 and 2010. Sea level rise, which has been identified by the CCC’s reconstituted National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) among the top 10 climate-induced risks in the country, is putting at extreme risk 64 coastal provinces, 822 coastal municipalities and 25 major coastal cities. The country lost about 68 percent and 82 percent corals and seagrass cover, respectively, from 2009-2016, which was exacerbated by climate change impacts, such as coral bleaching and ocean acidification. This accelerated fish catch depletion as commercial fish move from warm to cooler and deep waters.

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, November 3, 2021 A3

SC junks writ vs high-voltage power lines in Makati village By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Supreme Court has junked the petition for writ of kalikasan filed by residents of the posh Magallanes Village in Makati City and an adjacent barangay in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, seeking to enjoin the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) from erecting electric poles and transmission lines

near their houses citing health and safety risks. In a 26-page decision penned by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and made public last October 27, the Court en banc affirmed the decision issued by the Court of Appeals (CA) on January 20, 2011, which also denied the petition for writ of kalikasan. The case filed by the residents of Barangay 183 in Villamor, Pasay City and Magallanes Village

in Makati City led by Gemma dela Cruz was the first ever case seeking the issuance of a writ of kalikasan, which also named Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) as Meralco’s co-respondent. T he petitioners arg ued that the erection of electricity poles carrying 115-kilovolt transmission lines near their residences was cleared by their barangay officials without consulting them as man-

dated under Section 27 of the Local Government Code and without studying the possible adverse effects of the lines to their health. They claimed that based on scientific studies, the energy produced by the electricity running through the lines will bring hazardous effects to the health and safety of the people living nearby. These transmission lines, the petitioners pointed out, produce a

prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields, which have been found to increase the risk of developing leukemia and other cancer-related disorders in children. The CA, in its 2011 decision, held that petitioners failed to demonstrate how transmitting high-voltage electric current through the transmission lines would violate their constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology.

In affirming the appellate court’s ruling, the SC noted that the petitioners failed to satisfy the second and third requisites for the issuance of a writ of kalikasan, which mandates the petitioners to prove any unlawful act on the part of the respondents and to demonstrate that the magnitude of the actual or threatened environmental damage as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.

A4 Wednesday, November 3, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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PCCI pushes shift to AL 2 for NCR in next two weeks By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @TyronePiad

HE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) backed the proposal to ease the community quarantine measure in the National Capital Region (NCR) to Alert Level (AL) 2 within the next 14 days to allow

businesses to take advantage of the consumer spending amid the Christmas season. In addition, the business group asked to gradually increase the passenger capacity in public transportation to full capacity from 70 percent by November 4. “The easing of restriction to Alert Level 2, which will allow most busi-

nesses to operate, and restaurants to increase the capacity of allowed diners is a good move, especially now as we enter the Christmas season and there is a surge in consumer spending,” PCCI President Benedicto Yujuico said in a news statement issued on Tuesday. Yujuico said that increasing public transportation capacity will also

“support the revitalization of business and the economy.” The PCCI official said that it is crucial to fully reopen the economy immediately to allow businesses to recoup their losses in the past two years. Still, he stressed the need to adhere to the minimum health and safety standards among the establishments. Businesses have been struggling amid the pandemic due to the mobility restrictions that dampened demand and reduced

operations. The NCR, to recall, was put under enhanced community quarantine—the strictest form of lockdown measure—three times already since last year. “[Other] Asean countries like Thailand and Singapore have opened up their economies including hotels, travel and tourism, which the Philippines should consider doing to slowly recover and rebuild the economy,” Yujuico said. In addition, the business group called on to ramp up the vaccination

efforts across the country to aid the micro, small and medium enterprises in the provinces as well. The OCTA Research Group also recently supported the proposal to bring down the alert level in NCR as it is now under moderate risk in terms of Covid-19 cases. This, in addition to low hospital and intensive care utilization rates in the region. Last week, Malacañang said that Metro Manila would remain under AL 3 until November 14.

OWWA seeks addl funding for OFW repatriation By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

MID the expected influx of repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFW) during the Christmas season, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has renewed its request for additional budgetary allocation for its assistance funds. This despite the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to finally reduce the quarantine period for fully vaccinated travelers from green and yellow countries last month.

In an online interview with PTV last Tuesday, OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac said the policy shift from the IATF did help reduce their expenses in helping repatriated OFWs. The maximum period of stay for qualified OFWs in government quarantine facilities was reduced from a maximum of 14 days to 5 to 8 days because of the said IATF policy. “So our OFWs are able to go home to their families faster, and our cost for quarantine accommodation was also reduced,” Cacdac said. However, he noted they expect an influx of repatriated OFWs with the upcoming Christmas season like in previous years.

Currently, he said, they are shouldering the accommodation of 9,500 OFWs, who are staying in 170 quarantine hotels. OWWA earlier requested P4.2 billion from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to pay for the food, transportation, and accommodation of the returning OFWs until December 31, 2021. So far, Cacdac said the DBM only committed to grant them this week the P1 billion of the amount they requested. “We are still hoping the final tranches will be given to us for [our expenses] in the remainder of the year,” Cacdac said.

PPA imposes nationwide ‘no permit, no service’ policy on port truckers By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said on Tuesday it has started to implement a “no permit, no service” policy for all truckers in ports nationwide. Truckers are required to obtain a Certificate of Accreditation (CA) and Permit to Operate (PTO) before being allowed to transact at port terminals. According to PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, the agency decided to implement the policy as “some truckers still refuse to secure

the CA and PTO.” He stressed, however, that the policy is not new. The agency has imposed the first deadline to secure CA and PTO on October 15, which was then extended to October 31, only requiring the truckers to merely file an accomplished application form and submit all pertinent documents by December 31. A trucker applying for a threeyear PTO will be given a 50-permit discount on the permit fees. Santiago noted, however, “several truckers still refuse to comply or get operating permits from PPA for still

unknown reasons.” As of end October, only 75 percent of truckers operating in the Port of Manila complied with the requirements. Santiago warned truckers who do not follow the schedules and rules at the terminals that they “will be slapped with hefty fines and appropriate sanctions.” “We are warning colorum truck operators to comply with the need to have the PPA CA and PTO. Apart from being barred to transact at the port terminals, they will be meted with an appropriate sanction,” he said.

MATRADE: Malaysia Fest at Robinsons Supermarkets to run until mid-November

ALAYSIA External Trade Development Corp. (MATRADE), the Trade Office of Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippine is hosting Malaysia Fest at Robinsons Supermarkets. The event will run from October 30 to November 15 and is set to take place at 46 participating Robinsons Supermarkets across the country, as well as its GoRobinsons online groceries shopping and deliveries. Malaysia Fest will highlight food and beverages that are currently available in Robinsons Supermarkets—from frozen food like pastry puff, paratha, surimi and surimi-based products to paste and sauces, snacks, biscuits and confectioneries, coffee mixes, drinks and RTE food. The offer ings in ter ms of convenience food augurs well with

the increasingly hectic lifestyles have seen consumers to opt for meals that reduce the preparation, cooking and clean up time. According to the Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Manila, Siti Azlina, “We are excited to bring Malaysia Fest to the Philippine audience in our quest to further promote Malaysia’s food and beverages in this market. Brands like Kawan Paratha, Mr Potato, Old Town White Coffee, ChekHup Coffee & Milk Tea, Julie’s, Vochelle & Alfredo Chocolates, Fusipim and Dodo are among household names that have long established their footprint here.” Mo s t of M a l ay s i a’s pro d uc t s sold here a re cer t i f ie d h a l a l — a not he r k e y d i s t i nc tive proposition that provide peace of mind for consumers looking for products’ hygiene.

OFWs. . . continued from a14 DFA lowers alert level

THE DFA announced Tuesday that it has lowered the alert level for the whole of Iraq from Alert Level 4 or mandatory repatriation to Alert Level 3 or voluntary repatriation. Philippine Ambassador to Baghdad Generoso Calonge said the situation on the ground already reflects that they are not forcing OFWs to be repatriated since March 2020 when the US-Iran conflict simmered down. The general election last month also helped him persuade Manila to ease the restrictions, at least on OFWs who have

been clamoring in social media for a reprieve from the ban. Following the partial lifting of the travel ban by the DFA, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Governing Board issued a resolution exempting returning OFWs from the deployment ban under the Balik Manggagawa Program. Calonge said since there is no Philippine labor office in Iraq, the Embassy could not issue an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for returning OFWs. “What we do is issue a certification that workers can bring to any

Q u a l it y a nd i n no v at ion a re t o p pr ior it ie s of M a l ay s i a n food and beverages manufacturers to ensure the production processes and technologies meet the stringent safety requirements and quality controls. This is evident where many have obtained Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points or HACCP certification—an international systematic preventive approach for food safety. “We believe our collaboration with Robinsons Supermarkets are very timely as Covid-19 lockdown has been eased and ‘BER’ months are perfect time for Christmas shopping among Filipinos,” she added. Malaysia Fest will run for 17 days from October 30 to November 15, 2021 at selected 46 Robinsons Supermarkets and 11 GoRobinsons online stores.

POEA office anywhere in the Philippines,” he told BusinessMirror. Last week, Calonge issues to Apolonio Fortu Jr, a fuel specialist in Baghdad, the first certificate of exemption to the deployment ban on returning workers to Iraq. Calonge urged returning OFWs to be fully vaccinated prior to their trip to the Philippines. Sumaylow said he just wished that the government would no longer require quarantine for fully vaccinated OFWs so that he can spend more time with his family in Surigao del Norte.

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DA moves to expand fertilizer subsidy program for farmers By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said it is now seeking available funds, including a request from the Office of the President (OP), to expand its fertilizer subsidy program to help farmers cope with the rising costs of the vital farm input. Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan said DA is now looking at possible funding sources to bankroll its expanded fertilizer subsidy program since its current budget will not be able to sustain the current subsidy they are giving to rice farmers. The DA’s fertilizer subsidy program provides P2,000 for farmers planting inbred rice varieties; those planting hybrid rice get P3,000. But since the prices of fertilizer

have gone up to more than P1,700 per bag, Cayanan said, the current fertilizer subsidy will not be enough to provide two to three bags of fertilizer to rice farmers. The amount of subsidy that the DA is currently providing to rice farmers is pegged at a P1,000 per fertilizer bag price. “There is already a directive from the Secretary [William Dar]: he wants to source more funding to increase the subsidy we are giving. There is already a proposal and the Secretary wants us to make formal communication on how to source different funds and even to the point of asking through the Office of the President in order to increase our fertilizer subsidy,” Cayanan said at a virtual news briefing on Tuesday. Only rice farmers who received free rice seeds both inbred and hybrids from the DA are eligible under

the department’s fertilizer subsidy program. For 2022, the department is eyeing to cover 4 million hectares for its fertilizer subsidy program. “Because of the higher price of fertilizers, the subsidy we are giving to farmers may be cut in half. We prefer thinner butter to the pan but we want to spread it to all areas and ask for more subsidies to make it thicker,” he added. Cayanan did not provide any estimates on how much budget they are seeking to ask from either the national coffer or the OP. Last month, the DA disclosed that it is exploring various measures to help farmers cope with the rising prices of fertilizer, including the wider subsidy program as an immediate relief. Topping the list of measures is assessing the probability of providing additional subsidies to farmers to aid

them in their fertilizer expenses. However, Agriculture Undersecretary-designate Leocadio S. Sebastian pointed out that another round and expansion of the fertilizer subsidy program “requires substantial funding.” He added, “We are scrutinizing this and studying how we can implement this.” The DA earlier rolled out a fertilizer subsidy program for rice farmers worth about P2.78 billion. The World Bank (WB) recently projected the average price of urea this year would be $380 per metric ton (MT), nearly 66 percent higher than its average price of $229 per MT last year. The average price of Diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer this year could be $590 per MT compared to its average quotation of $312 per MT last year, according to WB projections. The retail price of fertilizers in

Lorenzana meets with Indonesian defense chief on regional security By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

HE Philippines and Indonesia further deepened their defense and security relations following Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana’s virtual meeting with his Indonesian counterpart where Manila and Jakarta’s border patrol cooperation with Malaysia along with wide-ranging regional issues were discussed. Lorenzana’s meeting with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto afforded the two leaders to “exchange views” on current regional security issues and on the trilateral maritime patrol agreement between the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. T he ag reement a l lows t he three countries’ maritime forces

to jointly conduct patrols within their common maritime borders to deter crimes on the high seas and other sea-borne violations, and check the movement of criminal groups and syndicates. “Minister Prabowo thanked the Philippines for its assistance in the rescue of Indonesian fishermen, who were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group [ASG], earlier this year,” the Department of National Defense said in a statement through its spokesman Arsenio “Popong” Andolong. The ASG has in the past been doing maritime crossing into Sabah where they abduct victims and take them to Sulu for ransom negotiations. When former Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. retired from the service last August, the ASG is no

longer holding any captive. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Lorenzana and Prabowo welcomed the continued engagements of the defense and military establishments of the two countries. Aside from virtually meeting with his Indonesian counterpart, Lorenzana also welcomed Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss during his introductory call on the defense secretary where both discussed issues, including Israel’s assistance to the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Israel has supplied the Philippine Navy with Spike-ER missiles and it will build eight gunboats known as fast attack interdiction craft of the Navy. It has also strengthened the capability of the Air Force’s FA-50 fighter jets. “Secretary Lorenzana and Am-

bassador Fluss discussed the status of Philippines-Israel defense and military partnership, specifically the ongoing procurement of defense equipment, Covid-19 pandemic response, and common defense and security issues,” Andolong said. “The Ambassador encouraged the continued procurement of equipment for the enhancement of AFP’s capabilities, and looked forward to the convening of the upcoming Philippines-Israel Joint Committee Meeting [JCM], which will be held in Israel,” he added. Andolong said that both sides also discussed the ongoing negotiation of a broad-ranging memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation, which will become the primary framework for defense and military cooperation for both countries.

DENR tightens regulation Lawmaker urges LTO to scrap driver’s on ‘highly toxic’ cadmium education requisite for license renewal By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be enforcing a policy regulating the use of cadmium, a highly toxic chemical and a known human carcinogen. DENR Administrative Order 2021-08 or the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Cadmium and Cadmium Compounds aims to protect human health and the environment from the cancer-causing chemical. While the DAO imposing the chemical control on cadmium and cadmium compounds was signed on May 6, 2021, by Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, it was only last October 22, 2021, that the order was published in a newspaper of nationwide circulation finally putting the policy legally in effect. The CCO, which will take effect this November, requires any person or entity engaged in the importation, manufacture, distribution, and industrial use of cadmium and cadmium compounds to register with and obtain importation clearance from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). Applicants are further required to meet the specified requirements pertaining to the importation, manufacturing, chemical management plan, emergency, and contingency plan, labeling, workers’ training, handling, transport, treatment, storage, and disposal. The CCO further requires any person or entity involved in the transport, recycling, treatment, storage, and disposal of cadmium-containing wastes to register and comply with all the applicable provisions of the rules and regulations on hazardous waste management under Republic Act 6969, or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990.

Classified as one of the “10 chemicals of major public health concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO), “cadmium exerts toxic effects on the kidney, the skeletal system, and the respiratory system and is classified as a human carcinogen,” according to WHO. Environmental groups under the Ecowaste Coalition (EcoWaste) that has been lobbying since 2016 for the adoption of a chemical control order that will prohibit or restrict the use of the cancer-causing chemical and its compounds welcomed the new policy. “We welcome this policy issuance by the DENR regulating industry use of cadmium as this can contribute to safeguarding the health of workers and the general public from the adverse effects of exposure to this highly toxic element,” Thony Dizon, the group’s chemical safety campaigner said in a news statement. Dizon said the new policy would hopefully minimize, if not eliminate, cadmium emissions and discharges from human activities, notably in waste management and disposal. “The tightened regulation on the management of cadmium-containing wastes is essential to prevent and reduce cadmium releases into the environment from the recycling, open dumping, landfilling, open burning and incineration of such wastes,” Dizon stated. However, the CCO does not cover cadmium and cadmium compounds in batteries, ceramics, cosmetics, electronics, jewelry, plastics, toys, and others. Because of this, Dizon said other regulatory agencies should adopt and/or enforce health-protective controls or restrictions on the cadmium content in products and materials under their jurisdiction to protect consumers and the environment.

LAWMAKER is asking the House of Representatives to direct the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to scrap the requirement for those renewing their driver’s license to go through a comprehensive driver’s education (CDE) course. In House Resolution 2325 filed last Friday; Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City said the CDE “will be an additional expense for the Filipino people during this pandemic.” He said the requirement “is unnecessary and has no legal basis.” Rodriguez also asked the LTO “to properly explain the basis for its impositions and to prove that the correct legal processes were complied with.” He said while the LTO is invoking Republic Act 10930, which seeks to strengthen the policy regarding driver’s license “there is no provision in the law which explicitly states that a certification for a CDE is required

for renewing a driver’s license.” “The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the spring cannot rise higher than its source and implementing rules must conform to the language of the law,” he added. To avoid any confusion on the law, Rodriguez also filed on House Bill 10430 repealing relevant sections of RA 10930 which the LTO is invoking as the legal basis for the CDE requirement. Quoting the LTO, he said the CDE is free of charge if it is done through the LTO web site. “However, it could also be obtained from LTO-accredited driving schools for P1,000 to P3,000,” he said. “This could be another source of red tape, harassment and corruption,” he said. The Mindanao lawmaker reminded LTO that its requirements like vehicle emission testing have been the source of corruption and controversy, especially if they are outsourced to private contractors. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Manila aims for ‘smart city’ status, bags 3 awards for digital governance

UST as the City of Manila is gearing for the attainment of “Smart City” status, the local government unit (LGU) won three awards during the Digital Governance Awards 2021 (LGUs Best Practices in Information and Communication Technology) held last October 29. The awards include the Covid 19-Testing Center Web-Lab-IS–Best in LGU Empowerment Award (City Level)—1st Place; City of Manila Connection for Inclusion Award— Best in Customer Empowerment Award (City Level) 1st Place and the Business Permit Licensing Service (BPLS)—Best in Business Empower-

ment Award (City Level) 2nd Place. Earlier, the city government of Manila forged a partnership with software giant Microsoft which will help accelerate the LGU’s goal of building a 21st-century economy that lifts up the poor, improves job opportunities for its middle class, and enhance how the city government works internally. “Becoming a smart city will improve the delivery of services externally and enhances our overall business and investment-friendly attractiveness, especially as we seek to recover from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.

the Philippines, as of mid-October, rose by as much as P100 per bag compared to their price levels in midSeptember, based on latest Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) data. For example, the average price of DAP is now at P1,965.72 per 50-kilogram bag from P1,895.97; while the

average price of urea (prilled) is now at P1,630.95 per bag from P1.523.14 previously. The price of urea (granular) is now P1,580.22 per bag from last month’s P1,494.8, while complete fertilizer is now priced at P1,404.23 per bag from P1,353.43.

TheWorld A6

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Leaders dial up doomsday metaphors to bring new urgency to climate talks

LASGOW, Scotland—World leaders turned up the heat and resorted to endof-the-world rhetoric Monday in an attempt to bring new urgency to sputtering international climate negotiations. The metaphors were dramatic and mixed at the start of the talks, known as COP26. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described global warming as “a doomsday device” strapped to humanity. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told his colleagues that humans are “digging our own graves.” And Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, speaking for vulnerable island nations, added moral thunder, warning leaders not to “allow the path of greed and selfishness to sow the seeds of our common destruction.” Amid the speeches, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his coaldependent countr y will aim to stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere by 2070 —two decades after the United States and at least 10 years later than China. Modi said the goal of reaching “net zero” by 2070 was one of five measures India planned to undertake to meet its commitments under the Paris climate accord. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel avoided soaring rhetoric and delved into policy. “There’s no more time to sit back,” Biden said in a more measured warning that also apologized for his predecessor’s decision to temporarily pull the US out of the historic 2015 Paris agreement, something he said put the country behind in its efforts. “Every day we delay, the cost of inaction increases.” In a recorded welcome message, Queen Elizabeth II said she hoped the conference would be “one of those rare occasions where everyone will have the chance to rise above the politics of the moment.” “History has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope,” she said in the video, which was recorded on Friday at Windsor Castle. One of the United Nations’ biggest concerns is that some countries are more focused on amorphous long-term net-zero goals instead of seeking cuts this decade that could prevent temperature increases that would exceed the Paris goal. Modi also outlined shorter-term goals for the world’s third-biggest carbon emitter: raising its goal for non-fossil energy production, meeting half of its energy needs with renewable sources, cutting carbon emissions by 1 billion tons compared with previous targets and reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 45%—all by 2030. While 2070 sounds far off for India’s pledge, four outside experts from think tanks and universities said India’s new short- and long-term goals are significant, while not huge, because of that nation’s development status. Ulka Kelkar, who directs India climate policy analysis for the World Resource Institute, said a lot depends on details, but the 2070 goal would be similar to the US and Europe adopting net-zero goals 20 years ago. Still, European officials privately expressed disappointment at India’s late target, but declined to comment publicly. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen touted already announced efforts to make Europe “the first net-zero continent” in the long-term and cut emissions 55 percentin this decade. She pushed for other rich countries to aid poorer nations as much as Europe does and put a price on carbon emissions because “nature cannot pay that price anymore.” Bolivia President Luis Arce said the speeches from developed countries sought to portray them as climate change leaders “but this is far from the truth.” He said rich nations need to face their historic responsibilities for causing the warming problem and not fix it by forcing rules on poor countries. The real solution, he said, “is an alternative to capitalism” and “unfettered consumerism.” Johnson pointed out that the 130-plus world leaders gathered for the leaders’ summit portion of the conference had an average age of over 60, while the generations most harmed by climate change aren’t yet born. Outside the negotiations, youth climate activist Greta Thunberg accused world leaders of “pretending to take our future seriously.” “Change is not going to come from inside there,” Thunberg said, “We say no more blah, blah, blah.” The conference aims to get governments to commit to curbing carbon emissions fast enough to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. The world has already warmed 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit). Current projections based on planned emissions cuts over the next decade are for it to hit 2.7C (4.9F) by the year 2100. Increased warming over coming decades would melt much of the planet’s ice, raise global sea levels and greatly increase the likelihood and intensity of extreme weather, scientists say. With every tenth of a degree of warming, the dangers soar faster, they say. The other goals for the meeting are for rich nations to give poor nations $100 billion a year in climate aid and to reach an agreement to spend half of the money to adapt to worsening climate impacts. But Mottley, of Barbados, warned that negotiators are falling short. “This is immoral and it is unjust,” Mottley said. “Are we so blinded and hardened that we can no longer appreciate the cries of humanity?” “We are already gasping for survival,” chimed in President Wavel John Charles Ramkalawan of the Seychelles, another island nation. “Tomorrow is not an option for it will be too late.” Guterres struck an equally gloomy note. “We are digging our own graves,” said the UN secretary-general. “Our planet is changing before our eyes—from the ocean depths to mountaintops, from melting glaciers to relentless extreme weather events.” The speeches will continue through Tuesday, then the leaders will leave. The idea is that they will do the big political give-and-take, setting out broad outlines of agreement, and then have other government officials hammer out the details. That’s what worked to make the historic 2015 Paris climate deal a success, former UN Climate Secretary Christiana Figueres told The Associated Press. “For heads of state, it is actually a much better use of their strategic thinking,” Figueres said. Thousands lined up in a chilly wind in Glasgow on Monday to get through a bottleneck at the entrance to the venue. But what will be noticeable are a handful of major absences. Xi Jinping, president of top carbon-polluting nation China, is not in Glasgow. Figueres said his absence is not that significant because he isn’t leaving the country during the pandemic and his climate envoy is a veteran negotiator. Biden has chided China and Russia for their less-than-ambitious efforts to curb emissions and blamed them for a disappointing statement on climate change at the end of the meeting of leaders from the Group of 20 major economies in Rome this weekend. Perhaps more troublesome for the UN summit is the absence of several small nations from the Pacific islands that couldn’t make it because of Covid-19 restrictions and logistics. That’s a big problem because their voices relay urgency, Figueres said. In addition, the heads of several major emerging economies beyond China are also skipping Scotland, including those from Russia, Turkey, Mexico, Brazil and South Africa. That leaves Modi the only leader present from the so-called BRICS nations, which account for more than 40 percent of global emissions. AP

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 5th-6th-7th Flr., 81 Newport Bl Newport City, Brgy. 183, Pasay City

HE, LONG Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HUANG, MEI Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

PAN, LITING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 15.

LIU, SHANPEI Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

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

LU, MENGMENG Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

16.

WANG, XIAODONG Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

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

ZHANG, KEYANG Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

17.

ZHANG, MING Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CHEN, XIAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 8.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction

18.

CHENG, GUIXIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 9.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction

19.

HUANG, JIAWEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 10.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction

20.

HUANG, LIUJIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 11.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction

21.

LIAO, YATING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 12.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction LIU, JIANJIAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

13.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction PAN, LISHANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

14.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction

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

22.

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

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction WU, WANPENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

23.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction XUAN, XIAOXUE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

24.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction YAN, CHAOLONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

25.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction YANG, JIAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

26.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction YANG, JING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

27.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction YANG, MING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

28.

29.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction DOAN DUC THIEN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction

CHEN, HUILIANG Operational Manager 30.

Brief Job Description: Receptionist for Chinese clients, operational monitoring, interpreter LI, CHUNMIAO Operational Manager

31.

Brief Job Description: Receptionist for Chinese clients, operational monitoring, interpreter

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin

No.

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

32.

AUNG MYO THU Mandarin Customer Service Representative 33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

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

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

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

Brief Job Description: Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all business functions

CHEN, YU-AN Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist 44.

45.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin, Hokkien, and English

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the management of workflow throughout all departments within a business. The purpose of this position is to optimize daily activities and performance of the business across the board.

CHEN, PEI-HSIANG Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issues depending on account assignment CHANG, HUI-CHEN Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist

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

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

Brief Job Description: Oversees reserve funds, prepares budget transfers and reconciles accounts

HUYNH AI THANH Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

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

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

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status

ZHANG, MINGLIANG Mandarin Speaking Budget Control Specialist

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ACSTREAM MANAGEMENT INC. 2204b/2206, 22/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Avenue, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status WANG, XIAOJUN Mandarin Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status WANG, JIAN Mandarin Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status SU, JUNYONG Mandarin Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status PHAWE HTET HTET Mandarin Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status LI, QUAN Mandarin Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status CHEN, QINGAN Mandarin Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Receptionist for Chinese clients, operational monitoring, interpreter

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5/f To 10/f, Tower 4 Pitx #01, Kennedy Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LI, SHAOSEN Operational Manager

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

2B1 CONSULTANCY INC. Unit No.2c Flr. No.4th One E-com Bldg., Ocean Drive St. Mall Of Asia Complex Subd., Barangay 076, Pasay City

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

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction WONG AI MUN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction WANG, SHUPENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction WANG, RUI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction WANG, HONGLI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction SONG, YANYAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction SHI, LUKE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction QIU, TAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

HO, CHIA-YI a.k.a. FATIMA YAHYA ALI MOHAMMED ALGHASINI Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all business functions

TRAN DOAN THAI HA Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist 46.

Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in Mandarin. Atleast 6 months of related experience in this field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Education and experiences Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Good social and presentation skills; excellent oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications. At least 6 months related experience. Good oral and written communication skills in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Good social and presentation skills; excellent oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications. At least 6 months related experience. Good oral and written communication skills in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Good social and presentation skills; excellent oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

AMUSETECH BUSINESS OUTSOURCING 2/f Rivergreen Residences, 2217 Pedro Gil St., 096, Bgy 880, Santa Ana, City Of Manila

BusinessMirror

A8 Wednesday, November 3, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

DONG, HEYING Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 47.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

48.

Brief Job Description: To assist customers regarding their queries, complaints and promotions.

64.

Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above, fluent in Korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

49.

Brief Job Description: Manage and direct the research and development programs to meet organizational needs and capitalize on potential new products

Basic Qualification: Must have strong creativity and critical thinking abilities

66.

67.

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

50.

Brief Job Description: Project Manager is responsible for making overall project planning.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CARDINAL HEALTH INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES INC. W City Center Bldg., 7th Ave. Cor. 30th St., Bonifacio Global City, City Of Taguig

ALVES BALSAMAO, ALESSANDRA Sr. Spec, Purchasing 51.

Brief Job Description: Applies basic concepts, principles, and technical capabilities to perform routine tasks. Works on projects of limited scope and complexity. Follows established procedures to resolve readily identifiable technical problems

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Accounting & Finance, Economics, Engineering or Supply Chain Management. At least 5 years of relevant working experience preferably in Procurement & Sourcing Operations in a multinational shared service or BPO environment Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

DAXIFA CORPORATION Mpire Center 93 West Avenue, Project 7, Bungad 1, Quezon City CHEN, GUOLIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 52.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service & managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails CHEN, HONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

53.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails FU, YILING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

54.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails JIAN, YAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

55.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails KOU, SHENGSHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

56.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails LI, CHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

57.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer services managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails LI, KE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

58.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails LI, PING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

59.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails LIANG, YANZHAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

60.

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

LIU, YONGZHI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 61.

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

PAN, SIJIA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 62.

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails QIAO, YANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

63.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin Chinese with customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

68.

GAO, QINGQING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 69.

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in mandarin Chinese with customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin Chinese with customers

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

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

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

WEN, JUNHAN Chinese Sales Management Officer

75.

Brief Job Description: Assist department head in managing departmental matters to ensure that each sector completes the work on time and with quality; Assist in the management of retail, sales team, and client aspect; Analyze sales data, identify problems, and give suggestions for improvement HUANG, WEIBIN Chinese Sales Management Officer

76.

77.

78.

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese with customers

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

KARATZAS, DIMITRIOS Chief Executive Officer 79.

Brief Job Description: Managing the overall operations and resources of the company.

No.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese with customer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

80.

81.

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

STENDER, PATRICK Commercial Project Director, APAC 82.

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

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

83.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language, Bachelor’s degree in business administration, 3 years experience in the same field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language, Bachelor’s degree in business administration, 3 years experience in the same field

Brief Job Description: Direct and assist with common processes/procedures related to the administration of project.

LI, WENJIE Project Manager Brief Job Description: Construction

TANAKA, YUKI Business Information Specialist 84.

Brief Job Description: Conducts business and industry research to identify the clients needs.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language, Bachelor’s degree in business administration, 3 years experience in the same field

85.

86.

87.

88.

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

FIRSTJVENTURES INC. Unit No. C3, Hk Sun Plaza Bldg., Macapagal Blvd. St., Barangay 076, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin, both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Expertise on business information and in Japanese language along with the culture, customs, attitudes, mannerisms, and temperament of Japanese clients.

CHI, BING-SHIUN Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email

LIAO, KANG-HUNG Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email

TSOU, CHIA-TA Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email

WENG, MENG-SHENG Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email

Basic Qualification: Skilled using MS office with 1 year work experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Skilled using MS office with 1 year work experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Skilled using MS office with 1 year work experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Skilled using MS office with 1 year work experience Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

HAMMERTIME CONSTRUCTION INC. Unit 203-s3 2nd Flr., Fbr Arcade Bldg., #317 Katipunan Ave. Loyola Heights 3, Quezon City

TANG, GUO Marketing Specialist 89.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for leading all activities related to conceptualizing and implementing marketing and communications strategies

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as marketing specialist; Demonstrable experience in marketing data analytics and tools. Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HANMI MICRONICS INC. Unit 608 Global Telecom Plaza, Pioneer Cor. Madison, Barangay Barangka Ilaya, City Of Mandaluyong

KIM, JUNGJU Financial Consultant 90.

Brief Job Description: Agrees to accept the assigned to him/her, duly approved by the employer.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree graduate; 5 years experience in financial management; fluent in English and Korean language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

HEIGH IT SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES CORP. 20/f Zuellig Bldg., Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, Urdaneta, City Of Makati YANG, MING-TSAN Mandarin Translator Staff 91.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in assisting customers on product and services of the company

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

ICETOWN CORPORATION Block 1 Phase 2 Unit 3 Afp Rsbs Industrial Park East Service Road Corner, C-5 Road, Western Bicutan, City Of Taguig LIU, QIBO Marketing Director 92.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A foreign national with strong educational background with and varied leadership experience in the industry.

Basic Qualification: 7yrs of specific background in capitol project with overall experience of 1oyrs in field dealing with infrastructure such as energy construction or construction relating to projects of $100m.

GLVICTORY TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 1, 14/f 6789 Tower, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language, Bachelor’s degree in business administration, 3 years experience in the same field

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in English written and speaking, graduate of bachelor’s degree, must be fluent in Korean Hangul

GLOBAL MANPOWERLINK DB INC. 24/f 139 Corporate Center, 139 Valero St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

FOKUSI CONSTRUCTION INC. #5 Carlo Drive Sta. Maria, Industrial Estate, Bagumbayan, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in English written and speaking, graduate of bachelor’s degree, must be fluent in Korean Hangul

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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: An operations manager is a key part of a management team and oversees high level hr duties.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

FLUENCE ENERGY INC. Unit A 17/f Marajo Tower, 312-26th St. West Cor. 4th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese with customer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Logistics manager to be responsible for the overall supply chain management.

PARK, SANG HEUM Operations Manager

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese with customer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

JEON, JONGTAE Logistics Manager

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese with customer

EMERALD WIRELESS TECH INC. 28th/f Arthaland Century Pacific Tower E-square Information Technology Park, 25th St. Cor 5th Ave., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese with customers

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

Brief Job Description: Reporting urgent maintenance and repair tasks

ZHANG, HUI Mandarin Site Technical Support

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

ZHANG, JUN Mandarin Site Technical Officer

LIU, HANGCHAO Mandarin Site Technical Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin Chinese with customers

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

LI, BOYAN Mandarin Site Technical Support

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese with customers

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese with customer

ECHOTECH SERVICES INC. 18/f Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

MING, FENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in mandarin Chinese with customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in mandarin Chinese with customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service & managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails ZHU, HAIYUAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Ability to communicate in mandarin Chinese with customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer services managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails YANG, SUHAI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

BEAUT TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 3/f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati LUO, WENGUANG Project Manager

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service & managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails WANG, SINING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

BAKEMASTERHOUSE CORP. No.12, Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, City Of Pasig ARAKI, MASAHIDE Research And Development Manager

Brief Job Description: Delivering excellent customer service and managing the needs of customer through phone calls and emails WANG, AIHUA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

65.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SHEN, JIANXI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

ASIAN TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC. 11/f Tower 2, Double Dragon, Macapagal Blvd., Brgy. 076, Pasay City KIM, INYOUNG Customer Service Representative

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Creating marketing strategies & campaign for the corporation’s services

Basic Qualification: Oversee the performance of these campaigns and strategies track of the company’s progress. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

GUO, CE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 93.

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION MENG, FANWEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

94.

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

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

95.

Brief Job Description: Overall management and supervision of ITD manila branch office a graduate of civil engineering with 15 years experience in horizontal projects overall management and supervision of ITD manila branch office.

112.

Basic Qualification: A graduate of civil engineering with 15 years experience in horizontal projects.

96.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese customer service representative will provide information to the company’s Chinese clients or customers in response to inquiries. WEI, SHANSHAN Chinese Customer Service Representative

97.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese customer service representative will provide information to the company’s Chinese clients or customers in response to inquiries. GUO, BAOGUO Chinese IT Support Specialist

98.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist (CITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure, Application Support, and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. GUO, HUI Chinese IT Support Specialist

99.

100.

101.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. SUN, JING Chinese IT Support Specialist

102.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. WU, XIN Chinese IT Support Specialist

103.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. XIANG, SISI Chinese IT Support Specialist

104.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. ZHANG, QI Chinese IT Support Specialist

105.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist (CITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure. Application support and of the it division and is responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. ZHOU, ZHAOWU Chinese IT Support Specialist

106.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. BUI HONG NGOC IT Support Specialist

107.

Brief Job Description: The IT Support Specialist (ITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure, Application Support, and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. DAO THI SACH IT Support Specialist

108.

109.

110.

Brief Job Description: The IT Support Specialist (ITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure, application support, and of the IT division and is responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. NGUYEN THI DUNG IT Support Specialist

111.

Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

114.

115.

Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

116.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language

117.

TANI, SHIGEKI Japanese Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Work with corporate management to improve management strategies

DU, MENGJUN Strategic And Facilitation Officer 119.

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its Chinese clients to generate more income for the company GUO, SHUANGZHEN Strategic And Facilitation Officer

120.

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its Chinese clients to generate more income for the company XUE, YUPENG Strategic And Facilitation Officer

121.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its Chinese clients to generate more income for the company

SHIN, YUNSU Business Development Manager 122.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

123.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage customer queries and complaints. Be asked to process orders, modifications, and escalate complaints across a number of communication.

CHOI, HYERIM Finance Manager 124.

Brief Job Description: Producing financial reports and developing strategies based on financial research.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

CAO, HAIYU Chinese Customer Service 128.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese Language

129.

130.

131.

Basic Qualification: University/college graduate, at least 1yr. Professional relevant work experience, able to speak Korean and English(or Filipino) fluently, able to read and write Korean and English with clarity.

Basic Qualification: Must be bachelor’s/ college degree in any field at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related positions. Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality

MC CONNELL DOWELL PHILS., INC. Level 4 Nol Tower, Commerce Ave., Mbp, City Of Muntinlupa

132.

WILDNER, ADRIAN Project Director 125.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the effective management & successful & timely completion of the company’s project.

133.

126.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FENG, BINSHAN Chinese Customer Service

134.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GU, LEI Chinese Customer Service

135.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HUANG, QINGHUA Chinese Customer Service

136.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUANG, ZE Chinese Customer Service

137.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HUYNH DIEM TRINH Chinese Customer Service

138.

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

139.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries JING, ZEJUN Chinese Customer Service

140.

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

141.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LU, XIANXI Chinese Customer Service

142.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LYU, YANRU Chinese Customer Service 143.

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

MA, ERQIANG Chinese Customer Service 144.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NANG KHAM YIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI NGOC OANH Chinese Customer Service

146.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

XU, GUOZHENG Mandarin Operations Specialist

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

145. Basic Qualification: Minimum of 10 yrs’ experience in a major construction project management, broad understanding of construction & infrastructure design principles.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHENG, SHIYONG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, YIWEN Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese Language

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, LU Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese Language

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, speaks & write fluently (English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

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

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

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

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

127.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LIU, DANDAN Mandarin Technical Support

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

No.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

MAGKING SERVICES CORPORATION Unit 5d Rose Industries Bldg., #11, Pioneer Street, Kapitolyo, City Of Pasig

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

Brief Job Description: Concerned with improving and growing a business, by establishing and developing relationships with customers, suppliers and other partners.

CHO, YOUNKI Customer Service Representative

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language

KOREA SME BUSINESS CENTER CORP. U-1807 18/f One San Miguel Avenue Condo., San Miguel Ave. Cor. Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A CHINESE AND FLUENT IN CHINESE WRITING AND SPEAKING LANGUAGE

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

JDB MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY CORP. 107 T & D House, Magallanes St., 069, Bgy. 655, Intramuros, City Of Manila

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg., #48 President Avenue, Bf Homes, City Of Parañaque

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language

118. Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language

Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language PHU QUOC KHANH IT Support Specialist

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. U-608 Eastfield Ctr., Moa Comp. Macapagal Ave., Brgy. 076, Pasay City GAO, YANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. NGUYEN TRONG PHUC IT Support Specialist

113.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN THI MINH HAI IT Support Specialist

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

ITALIAN-THAI DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED Reclamation Site, Coastal Road, San Dionisio, City Of Parañaque VISETNUT, PANYA Operations & Country Manager

No.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries OU, MENG Chinese Customer Service

147.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries QIN, SISHI Chinese Customer Service

148.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 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: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A10 Wednesday, November 3, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

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

149.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TIAN, XINRU Chinese Customer Service

150.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN DUC TRUONG Chinese Customer Service

151.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, HAILIN Chinese Customer Service

152.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, QIANGWEN Chinese Customer Service

153.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, FANFAN Chinese Customer Service

154.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, JUAN Chinese Customer Service

155.

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

156.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, JIPENG Chinese Customer Service

157.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, YUFENG Chinese Customer Service

158.

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

159.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YIN, ZHICHAO Chinese Customer Service

160.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YU, JIAO Chinese Customer Service

161.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YUE, MIN Chinese Customer Service

162.

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

163.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, KUN Chinese Customer Service

164.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, LEI Chinese Customer Service

165.

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

166.

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

167.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHENG, JIANXIAO Chinese Customer Specialist

168.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, XINGZHI Chinese Customer Specialist

169.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

170.

Brief Job Description: Provide guidance and direction to the employees by orienting and training them

171.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LI, ZHUO Chinese Speaking Business Analyst

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers information about product and services

PENG, LANG Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 172.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers information about product and services

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

DAI, LI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 173.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers information about product and services

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

HU, DAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 174.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers information about product and services

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

WU, HANYAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 175.

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

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

176.

LIU, FENG Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor 177.

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

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

178.

CHEN, JIAQI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

179.

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

180.

HAO, ZHENNAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LI, HONGYAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

181.

LI, WENJIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

182.

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

LIN, KUNXU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

183.

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

SUN, XUGUANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

184.

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

WU, ZIHAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 185. Basic Qualification: Can add value to the company’s image and name in the market Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 186.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 Months customer service experience/Good in oral communication and written

No.

187.

XIAO, ZEHONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

YAN, SHILI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

YANG, RUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 Months customer service experience/Good in oral communication and written

188.

YAO, WEIQI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 Months customer service experience/Good in oral communication and written

189.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 Months customer service experience/Good in oral communication and written

190.

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor. Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

191.

192.

ZENG, ZIHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

GIDEON Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LEE SIEW MAY Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

WONG CHEE RONG Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NEWBAY INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY INC. 2/f Mezzanine Tower 1, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, City Of Makati WU, SU-CHIUAN Mandarin HR Specialist 193.

Brief Job Description: Employee orientation, development, and training logistics, and recordkeeping

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

OUTWIT, INC. 2/f Marvin Plaza, 2153 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati CHANG, TZU-HSIEN Mandarin Speaking HR Specialist 194.

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 1331 Pearl Plaza Bldg., Quirino Ave., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NEPC POWER CONSTRUCTION CORP. 15/f Cyber One Bldg., Eastwood Cyberpark City, Bagumbayan 3, Quezon City

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers information about product and services

XU, WANRONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

MZ FROZEN PRODUCTS CORPORATION Lot 63 B18, Dalagang Bukid St., Longos, City Of Malabon DENG, QUANBAO Marketing Director

No.

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Brief Job Description: Report to the mandarin speaking HR manager directly

Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

PAGASA PHILIPPINES FINANCE CORPORATION 7/f Jenkinsen Tower, #80 Timog Ave., Sacred Heart 4, Quezon City

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

195.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

SHAFIULLAH, MD Team Member Brief Job Description: Provide technical expertise to the operation, monitor, mentor, coach, teach and evaluate mid-level manager

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable and experienced in microfinance Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

PAILI HOLDINGS CORPORATION 3rd Floor One/ Neo Building, 26th Street Corner 3rd Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

YANG, BINGTANG Administrative Assistant (Mandarin Speaking)

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin. Proficient in MS Office, with exceptional knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

196.

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

PHILIPPINE FULL DEGREE COMMUNICATIONS CORP. 10/f Alphaland Makati Place, 7323 Ayala Ave. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

LIU, ZHIQIANG Mandarin Operations Specialist 197.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

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

Brief Job Description: Respond to projects relevant emails and place orders for them, coordinate delivers of goods to office FENG, ZHIZHONG Mandarin Support Staff

198.

Brief Job Description: Operate and turn in appropriate forms to office coordinator

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

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

QINGJIAN GROUP CO. LTD. 1046 U500 Puso Ng Maynila Bldg., A. Mabini St., 072, Barangay 666, Ermita, City Of Manila

199.

ZHANG, GUANGJUN Chinese Technical Specialist Brief Job Description: Chinese Project Supervisor on Site

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

RCG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (PHILIPPINES), INC. 3/f Finman Centre, 131 Tordesillas St., Bel-air, City Of Makati MCGONEGAL, RICHARD JOHN President, Managing Director And Country Manager 200.

Brief Job Description: Manage Philippine operations of RCG including financial, operation and delivery

Basic Qualification: 10+ years experience managing offshore development facility for US corporation Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

RED DOT MARKETING AND BRANDING INC. Unit 1514, Burgundy Transpacific Place Taft Ave., 079, Bgy. 727, Malate, City Of Manila HAN, XIAODONG Mandarin Marketing Specialist 201.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Responsible for running and coordinating the day-today administrative duties of an organization

Brief Job Description: conducting research and marketing strategies to develop areas of the business opportunities

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

REDSHIELD SERVICES INC. Rm. 127 12/f Times Plaza Bldg., Un. Cor . Taft Ave., 072, Bgy. 666, Ermita, City Of Manila CHONG QWAI FONG Site Customer Service- Mandarin 202.

Brief Job Description: Serve customers by providing product and service information

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

BusinessMirror

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

HUANG, GUILIN Chinese Customer Service Representative 203.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

WANG, HONGWANG Chinese Customer Service Representative 204.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

ZHANG, CHUANHUI Chinese Customer Service Representative 205.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

GIANG BICH HA Vietnamese Language-trade Specialist 216.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

CHEN, KUN-CHIN IT Specialist - Mandarin Speaking 217.

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

206.

207.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess the training needs of the organization YANG, JIN Regional Sales And Head Brief Job Description: Achieve regional sales operational objectives

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and leadership skills

218.

219.

SA RIVENDELL GLOBAL SUPPORT, INC. 2741, P. Zamora St., Brgy. 097, Pasay City

208.

WANG, XIANGCAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services

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

ZHOU, JIALONG Mandarin - Speaking Logistics Manager 209.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin - Speaking Logistics Manager will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

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

LIU, LIRONG Mandarin-speaking Supply Chain Manager 210.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin - Speaking Supply Chain Manager will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin - Speaking Supply Chain Manager, Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

220.

221.

211.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events aretimely and accurate

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

MARTEN Bahasa Indonesian Language - Trade Specialist 212.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business marketing and other relevant courses. Must fluently speak and write any of the following language: Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai to cater to foreign markets

222.

213.

JONI Bahasa Indonesian Language-supervisor Trade Specialist Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

Brief Job Description: IT specialist will be responsible for installing or upgrading components , setting up software , assisting with network administration , and resolving all it support issues. ZHAN, JIANLI IT Specialist - Mandarin Speaking

223.

224.

Brief Job Description: IT specialist will be responsible for installing or upgrading components , setting up software , assisting with network administration , and resolving all it support issues.

WERNER, VAN NIEKERK Sr. Project Manager - Soln 225.

Brief Job Description: Study work specifications to make sure appropriate construction methods are being adopted.

214.

THERESIA Bahasa Indonesian Language-supervisor Trade Specialist Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

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

SILVIA MARTHA Bahasa Indonesian Language-trade Specialist 215.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing and other relevant courses Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

230.

Basic Qualification: Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to

231.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to

232.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to

233.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelors degree related to construction project managements.

SASAKI, MIKIYA Project Manager

234.

226.

Brief Job Description: Expert on civil/ electrical works & management bachelor degree.

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

SON YU HAO Mandarin Customer Service Specialist 235.

227.

Brief Job Description: Leadership of the finance function, financial management, risk management, profitability, capital management and solvency of the company.

LEE, DONG YOUNG Chief Operations Officer 228.

Brief Job Description: Provide day-to-day leadership and management towards customer-centric and digitally-enabled life insurance company.

Basic Qualification: At least 15 years of insurance experience and at least 10 years of leadership experience in the same. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: at least 15 years of experience, with leadership experience in the same industry Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English, preferably 6months to 1 year to the same field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English, preferably 6months to 1 year to the same field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English, preferably 6months to 1 year to the same field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English, preferably 6months to 1 year to the same field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English, preferably 6months to 1 year to the same field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

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

TREVI FOUNDATIONS PHILIPPINES INC. U-2301 88 Corporate Center, 141 Valero Cor. Sedeno Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati SANTANGELO, PAOLO Site Superintendent 236.

Brief Job Description: Supervise activity for installation (i)of large diameter off-shore bored piles from floating barges/marine facilities (ii)RC diaphragm walls with stop-ends and (iii)ground improvement by deep mixing

Basic Qualification: Minimum of 20 years of experience in geotechnical/special foundations works and knowledge of soilmec equipment Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

TURKISH AIRLINES, INC. Unit 1401 14/f Bdo Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

SEFEROGLU, MUHARREM KUTLUSAD Cargo Manager 237.

Brief Job Description: Overall management of cargo operations of the company.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent English and turkish language; must have a bachelor’s degree. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

VOLENDAY INC. U1406 14/f Pacific Star Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Cor. Makati Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati XU, ZHIGANG Outside Plant Project Manager 238.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the SAC and AC services. Plan, organize, control and deliver globe expansion AC domain. Manage contract acceptance and billing with customer; build team and training employees; manage customer satisfaction

Basic Qualification: To provide consulting, technical and advisory services Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

WESTCON GROUP PTE. LTD (WESTCON GROUP PHILIPPINES) U-6 & 7 9/f Wilcon It Hub, 2251 Don Chino Roces Ave., Bangkal, City Of Makati O’KEEFFE, DARRYN PETER Director Of Credit Services - APAC 239.

Brief Job Description: Leads the overall credit and collections function in all countries in Asia Pacific. Design and implementation of process, policies and managing budgets to ensure optimization of cash flows whilst minimizing bad debt.

Basic Qualification: High level of cultural awareness, SAP experience required, MBA/Degree qualified. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

ZONAC AND SHIBATA SERVICES INC. 4/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

THE MANUFACTURERS LIFE INSURANCE CO. (PHILS.), INC. 5f-10f Nex Tower, 6786 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

KUMAR, RAJEEV Chief Finance Officer

Brief Job Description: Interacting with professionals, reviewing online portfolio, identify potential candidates

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TOTAL CREST BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 26/f & 27/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Japanese and English language

Brief Job Description: Interacting with professionals, reviewing online portfolio, identify potential candidates

ZHAO, WEILI Sourcing Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to

Brief Job Description: Interacting with professionals, reviewing online portfolio, identify potential candidates

ULLAH, ASMAT Sourcing Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to

Brief Job Description: Interacting with professionals, reviewing online portfolio, identify potential candidates

SHI, LEI Sourcing Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to

Brief Job Description: Interacting with professionals, reviewing online portfolio, identify potential candidates

LIU, YUHANG Sourcing Specialist

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

TAKASHIO POWERS INTERNATIONAL CORP. 16-m 16/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen Gil. Puyat Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business marketing and other relevant courses. Must fluently speak and write any of the following language: Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai to cater to foreign markets

Basic Qualification: Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DAI, SHUIGEN Sourcing Specialist

SURESTE PROPERTIES INC. The Executive Offices, Solaire Resort & Casino, 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business marketing and other relevant courses. Must fluently speak and write any of the following language: Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai to cater to foreign markets

SHANG SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 11/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Bel-air, City Of Makati

BILLKY CAVILLO Bahasa Indonesian Language - Trade Specialist

Brief Job Description: IT specialist will be responsible for installing or upgrading components, setting up software , assisting with network administration , and resolving all it support issues. WENG, ZHENLIN IT Specialist - Mandarin Speaking

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

SF EXPRESS PHILIPPINES INC. 4/f Pcci Corporate Center, 118 L.p Leviste St., Bel-air, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin - Speaking Logistics Manager, Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

Basic Qualification: Has knowledge in computer applications

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Meeting the regional sales financial objectives

No.

SKYWEB BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC. Blk. 13 L131, Hernandez St., Catmon, City Of Malabon

RUNTO TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 902 & 903 9th Flr. One World Place, 32nd Street, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig LI, MENGXIONG Mandarin Training Manager

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all price changes and delivery of events are timely and accurate

ZHUANG, JIANNAN Chinese Customer Service Representative 240.

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

HUANG, CAIQIAN Mandarin Customer Service Representative 241.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about product and services of the company.

Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in chinese and english language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other multi-lingual language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Nov 2, 2021

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE 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.

THE PENBROTHERS INTERNATIONAL INC. 6/f Opl Bldg., 100 C. Palanca St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

DAI, QUAN Sourcing Specialist 229.

Brief Job Description: Interacting with professionals, reviewing online portfolio, identify potential candidates

A11

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English, preferably 6months to 1 year to the same field Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

A12 Wednesday, November 3, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Giving PHL bananas a shot in the arm

he biggest winners in the recently concluded free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and South Korea are Philippine agricultural products, in particular bananas and pineapples. Under the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement, bananas and pineapples will be allowed to enter South Korea at zero duty (See, “‘FTA with South Korea benefits PHL farm goods,’” in the BusinessMirror, October 26, 2021). The conclusion of the deal is a welcome development amid the chaos caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has derailed the Philippines’s march towards upper middle-income country status. Bananas and pineapples are not the only agricultural products that will benefit from the free trade deal. According to the government, okra, papaya, glass eels, refined coconut oil, cashew nuts, fruit juices, and carrageenan will also be granted duty-free market access. South Korea is one of the top 10 agricultural importers in the world, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the free trade deal would certainly give the Philippines an edge over other exporters. Unfortunately, the advantages afforded by this free trade deal to Philippine farm producers, particularly those growing bananas, will hardly be realized under the business-as-usual scenario. While the free trade deal will lift the 30-percent duty on banana exports from the Philippines, Central American countries are also given preferential treatment. In recent years, these banana-producing countries have shown that they can edge out Philippine banana growers in the global market (See, “PHL bananas losing out in Asia to Latin America, Asean producers,” in the BusinessMirror, May 4, 2021). Political will and financial muscle will enable our local banana producers to fully take advantage of the benefits of the free trade deal with South Korea. Philippine banana plantations are currently grappling with Fusarium wilt, a common vascular wilt fungal disease, and growers need help to stop its spread as this could decimate large plantations. Fusarium wilt or Panama disease has already caused domestic output to contract in recent years, making it more difficult for local producers to supply the banana requirements of big markets like South Korea. Based on the initial draft of a roadmap for the banana sector, an estimated P4 billion is needed to fund various initiatives aimed at expanding production as well as improving the competitiveness of local growers. Expanding output would require expanding plantations and at the same time controlling pests and diseases such as Fusarium wilt. Investments in research and development must also be made to enable the sector to come up with bananas and banana-based products that can compete head-to-head with the offerings of our closest competitors. Policy-makers should commit to funding the initiatives recommended by the roadmap, which is currently being finalized by the government and industry stakeholders. South Korea is still one of the top buyers of Philippine bananas, but our market share has declined to 75 percent from 80 percent last year. While South Korea’s banana purchases from the Philippines remain substantial, complacency could erode our competitiveness in one of the biggest markets for agricultural products in Asia. Since 2005

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business ✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua

The superpowers of Choc Nut Dennis Gorecho

Kuwentong Peyups

We enjoy every bite of Choc Nut’s unique and rich taste of ground peanuts, milk powder, cocoa and sugar. Do not underestimate the superpowers of peanuts. When it comes to keeping your mind sharp, peanuts may hold the key. Choc Nut was my power food as I was traversing the path of legal education. Law students immersed in law books and cases, faced terror professors, pored through volumes and pages of SCRAs, lined up for photocopying at the law library, hurried through classes, reviewed and crammed through lessons, and survived recitations. My law school years were indeed difficult moments, but the best and memorable times were spent with those who shared the experience. Patience is a virtue in studying at

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the law library, but the daily supply of Pacencia biscuits and Choc Nut made the ordeal sustainable for my classmates and me. Peanuts contain a wealth of benefits for the brain. Resveratrol, a bioactive found in peanuts, is believed to cause improved cognitive abilities and short-term memory, increased verbal fluency (the ability to connect and retrieve words) and enhanced processing speed (the ability to take in and respond to new information). A challenge in reading cases is staying awake. The unsaturated fat in peanuts gives one energy, which can help a person to remain alert and to ward off fatigue and sleepiness. Polyphenols penetrate the area of the brain involved in learning and memory, increase blood flow to the brain (which improves cognition)

mound. He is a goblin easily angered that will do harm to those who damage or disturb his mound, and will seek retribution. Nunos may also inhabit places such as underneath large rocks, trees, riverbanks, caves, or a backyard. Instead of living in a mound, Nuno in Trese is more urban, who lives in the sewers, often appearing from under a manhole cover to talk to Alexandra. “Tabi-Tabi po” is a polite way of saying “excuse me” or “pardon me”, which is uttered as a form of respect to supernatural beings like the nuno when entering an unfamiliar place. If one wants to get a favor or doesn’t want an earth elemental to bother him, he must give the entity something sweet. Trese bribed Nuno with the chocolate-peanut candy to acquire information related to her case. Trese investigates the occult cases in Metro Manila. The Filipino mythical creatures live hidden among the human population where they either adapt or cause chaos. In this era of fake news and historical revisionism, perhaps Choc Nut is the answer. Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez. com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

‘Ordinary people suffer most’: China farms face climate woes By Christina Larson & Emily Wang Fujiyama

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O be or nut to be, Choc Nut is the answer. Eating Choc Nut usually brings back childhood memories since many Filipinos grew up eating this chocolate-peanut candy.

and has the potential to enhance mood (which may also help to reduce depression). I preferred Choc Nut basically for economic reasons, as it was within my budget unlike the imported chocolates by Hershey’s and Cadbury. During the 2017 oath taking of the trustees and officers of the Maritime Law Association of the Philippines (MARLAWPh) before Vice President Leni Robredo, I became curious in the presence of Choc Nut as snacks in the meeting room. I was then told that it was also her favorite snack. Her seatmate while she was a congresswoman was from Cavite, where the Choc Nut factory is located. She was given a yearlong supply of Choc Nut. To adhere to the theme of simplicity, Choc Nut was also served as one of the snacks during VP Leni’s inauguration in 2016, along with buchi (rice balls), sotanghon, pandesal, maja blanca, and pichi-pichi. The iconic delicacy was likewise featured on the Netflix anime Trese series. The large, nearly palm-sized Choc Nut is a bribe or a gift, from the show’s main character Alexandra Trese to a sewer-dwelling creature named Nuno. In Filipino culture, the nuno sa punso is a dwarf-like nature spirit who lives in an anthill or termite

Associated Press

IAOZUO, China—Wang Yuetang’s sneakers sink into the mud of what was once his thriving corn and peanut farm as he surveys the damage done by an unstable climate.

Three months after torrential rains flooded much of central China’s Henan province, stretches of the country’s flat agricultural heartland are still submerged in several inches of water. It’s one of the many calamities around the world that are giving urgency to the UN climate summit underway in Glasgow, Scotland. “There is nothing this year. It’s all gone,” Wang said. “Farmers on the lowland basically have no harvest, nothing.” He lost his summer crop to floods, and in late October the ground was still too wet to plant the next season’s crop, winter wheat. On other nearby farms, shriveled beanstalks and rotted cabbage heads bob in the dank water, buzzing with flies. Some of the corn ears can be salvaged, but because the husks are moldy, they can be sold only as animal feed, bringing lower prices. The flooding disaster is the worst that farmers in Henan like Wang can remember in 40 years—but it is also

a preview of the kind of extreme conditions the country is likely to face as the planet warms and the weather patterns growers depend upon are increasingly destabilized. “As the atmosphere warms up, air can hold more moisture, so when storms occur, they can rain out more extreme precipitation,” said Richard Seager, a climate scientist at Columbia University. “Chances are extremely likely that human-induced climate change caused the extreme flooding you saw this summer in places like China and Europe.” China, the most populous country in the world, with 1.4 billion people, is now the planet’s largest contributor to climate change, responsible for around 28% of carbon dioxide emissions that warm the Earth, though the United States is the biggest polluter historically. As world leaders take part this week in the climate summit, China is being criticized for not setting a

more ambitious timeline for phasing out fossil fuels. President Xi Jinping, who has not left China since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and will not be attending the summit but sent a veteran negotiator, has said the country’s carbon emissions will level off before 2030. Critics say that’s not soon enough. Chinese government projections paint a worrying vision of the future: rising sea levels threatening major coastal cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and melting glaciers and permafrost imperiling western China’s water supply and grand infrastructure projects such as the railroads across the Tibetan plateau. Top government scientists also predict an increase in droughts, heat waves and extreme rainfall across China that could threaten harvests and endanger reservoirs and dams, including Three Gorges Dam. Meanwhile, China’s people are already suffering the brunt of climate change. And in a common pattern around the world, those who have contributed least to the warming and have the fewest resources to adapt often feel the pain most acutely.

In late July, Chinese news broadcasts carried startling footage of torrential rains swamping Henan’s provincial capital, Zhengzhou—at one point, 8 inches (20 centimeters) fell in a single hour—with cars swept away, subways flooded and people struggling through waist-deep water. More than 300 people died as the megacity turned into an accidental Venice, its highways transformed into muddy canals. Even after the most dramatic storms ceased, the water continued to pool in much of the surrounding countryside, a flat and fertile region. Here the economy depends on corn, wheat and vegetables, and other regions of China depend on Henan for food. The local government reported that nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of farmland were flooded—an area about the size of Connecticut—with damage totaling $18 billion. “All I could do at the time was to watch the heavens cry, cry and cry every day,” said Wang, the peanut farmer. A limited number of rudimentary pumps were shared among farmers in Henan. Soft plastic tubes were stretched across fields to drain water, See “Ordinary,” A13

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The climate crisis is a game changer when it comes to migration By Gustavo Gonzalez & Kristin Dadey

lobal migration dynamics constantly shift but one thing is certain: the adverse impacts of the climate crisis are shaping migration patterns everywhere, including here in the Philippines. Globally, tens of millions of people are displaced every year by extreme climate events, while many others look to migration as a deliberate strategy to adapt to the impacts of climate change. President Duterte, in his address during the 76th United Nations General Assembly, acknowledged that “just as Covid-19 has had an uneven impact on peoples, climate change has also exposed the varying vulnerabilities of countries around the globe. The risks and burden of a warming climate are simply not the same for everyone. The greatest injustice here is that those who suffer the most are those the least responsible for this existential crisis. But here we are now at a critical tipping point, where failure to act leads to cataclysmic consequences for the whole of humankind.” Included in these “cataclysmic consequences” are estimates from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that with a 1.5°C global temperature rise, 30 to 60 million people will be living in areas where the average heat in the hottest month will be too high for a human body to function. With a 2°C rise, that number increases to more than 100 million. The World Meteorological Organization reported that we are perilously close to hitting the internationally agreed threshold in 2020, with a global mean surface temperature (GMST) of 1.2°C warmer than the pre-industrial baseline (1850-1900). “The alarm bells are deafening,” declared UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres. Based on Global Climate Risk Index 2020, the Philippines ranked the second most vulnerable country in the world affected by climate change despite being one of the smallest contributors to CO2 emissions. The recent Global Report on Internal Displacement also revealed that over 4 million Filipinos were displaced in 2020 alone, the majority of which was caused by typhoons. Further, more than 60 percent of the Filipino population resides in coastal areas and will be forced to move with one-meter sea rise brought about by global warming—that equates to 60 million people having to move by the end of this century. This stark reality demands that urgent actions be taken now to avert and minimize the adverse impacts of the climate crisis. The human costs are too high not to act. Individual lifestyle trends are moving toward eco-conscious choices from offsetting carbon to eating less meat, but how are we confronting the transformational impact that climate and environment-induced population movements are having and will have on peoples and societies across the globe? According to the International Organization for Migration Philippines’ recent report, Framing the Human Narrative of Migration in the Context of Climate Change, migration is one of the coping mechanisms of affected Filipinos facing climate crisis, either as a choice or a force of circumstance. Acknowledging that the protection

Ordinary. . .

continued from A12

but they periodically burst, sending farmers running to patch holes. A 58-year-old farmer, who gave only her last name, Song, said everything she owned was submerged by the floods—her home, furniture, fields, farming equipment. “Nothing was harvested. This

Guided by the Global Compact for Migration adopted in 2018, the UN Philippines Network on Migration highlights the need to take action at the local, national, and regional levels to avert, minimize, and address displacement, while also facilitating regular migration pathways. Such action will help key stakeholders to continue developing migrantcentered policies and programs. of the most vulnerable should be at the forefront of our climate action, it is imperative to ensure that adaptive migration as a solution is safe, informed, and desired. For instance, planned relocation can be a pathway towards managing climate vulnerabilities when done in a contextually grounded manner and with strong community engagement. To realign its capacities, knowledge, and resources in response to climate change and its impact on the most vulnerable sectors of society, the UN in the Philippines updated its Socio-economic and Peace Building Framework for Covid-19 Recovery in 2020 to facilitate coherent approaches to address the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity, as well as accelerate the low carbon transition while creating green jobs and improving human health. Guided by the Global Compact for Migration adopted in 2018, the UN Philippines Network on Migration highlights the need to take action at the local, national, and regional levels to avert, minimize, and address displacement, while also facilitating regular migration pathways. Such action will help key stakeholders to continue developing migrant-centered policies and programs. Nevertheless, we can and should do more. At COP26, the international community should strive for a stronger commitment to recognize that human mobility is inextricably linked to climate change. More importantly, we need to advocate that national and regional policies include more migration adaptation measures, and that resources are allocated to address and prevent displacements while increasing people’s resilience, especially in the most vulnerable countries. As we see a devastating portrait of climate crisis unfold before our eyes, it is easy to walk away in despair and give up—but this is not an option. Our fight against climate change is far from over and we are not powerless in the face of this global threat. Robust scientific data point us to critical areas for climate action and offer doable solutions that include adaptive migration. As the cost of the climate crisis is reaching irreversible highs, we can only come out on top with nothing less than bold collective action.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 A13

Australia prime minister attacks French leader’s credibility By Rod Mcguirk | Associated Press

ANBERRA, Australia—Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attacked the credibility of French President Emmanuel Macron as a newspaper quoted a text message that suggested France anticipated “bad news” about a now-scuttled submarine deal. An Australia newspaper cast doubt on President Joe Biden’s explanation to Macron last week that the US leader thought the French had been informed long before the September announcement that their 90 billion Australian dollar ($66 billion) submarine deal with Australia would be scrapped. Macron this week accused Morrison of lying to him at a Paris dinner in June about the fate of a five-yearold contract with majority French state-owned Naval Group to build 12 conventional diesel-electric submarines. Australia canceled that deal when it formed an alliance with US and Britain to acquire a fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines built with US technology. Morrison told Australian reporters who had accompanied him to Glasgow, Scotland, for a UN climate conference that he made clear to Macron at their dinner in June that conventional submarines would not meet Australia’s evolving strategic needs. Two days before Morrison, Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the nuclear submarine deal, Morrison attempted to phone Macron with the news, but the French leader texted back saying he was not available to take a call, The Australian newspaper reported. Macron asked: “Should I expect good or bad news for our joint sub-

marines ambitions?” the newspaper reported Tuesday. A journalist asked why Morrison decided to leak the text message after Macron accused him of lying, but the prime minister did not directly answer. “I’m not going to indulge your editorial on it, but what I’ll simply say is this: We were contacted when we were trying to set up the ... call and he made it pretty clear that he was concerned that this would be a phone call that could result in the decision of Australia not to proceed with the contract,” Morrison said. French officials said their government had been blindsided by the contract cancellation, which French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian described as a “stab in the back.” Macron said this week the nuclear submarine deal was “very bad news for the credibility of Australia and very bad news for the trust that great partners can have with Australia.” Morrison said Macron’s accusation of lying, which the prime minister denies, was a slur against Australia. Most Australian observers see it as a personal insult against Morrison. “I don’t wish to personalize this, there’s no element of that from my perspective,” Morrison said. “I must say that I think the statements that were made questioning

Australia’s integrity and the slurs that have been placed on Australia, not me—I’ve got broad shoulders, I can deal with that—but those slurs, I’m not going to cop sledging of Australia. I’m not going to cop that on behalf of Australians,” Morrison said. Sledging is a cricketing term for abusive needling of opponents. Biden told Macron that the handling of the Australian submarine alliance was “clumsy” and “not done with a lot of grace.” “I was under the impression that France had been informed long before that the [French] deal would not go through. I honest to God did not know you had not,” Biden told Macron. But a 15-page document negotiated by the White House National Security Council with Australian and British officials detailed to the hour how the world would be told about the trilateral submarine deal, The Australian reported. Defense Minister Peter Dutton confirmed that the United States and Britain were kept informed on Australia’s dealings with France, saying the three nuclear-propulsion allies “worked very closely together in lockstep.” “There was a no-surprises strategy,” Dutton told Sydney Radio 2GB. “The United States and the United Kingdom were kept informed of our every move, and similarly us of theirs, and the suggestion that we went outside of that or there was some other process is, of course, just plain wrong,” Dutton added. Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian prime minister who signed the French submarine contract and considers Macron a personal friend, has accused News Corp newspapers, including The Australian, of being

biased toward Morrison’s conservative government. Morrison “can twist and turn and leak a text message here and leak a document there to his stenographic friends in the media, but ultimately the failure here was one of not being honest,” Turnbull said. Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop warned that the government’s apparent leaking of Macron’s text message would escalate bilateral tensions and could damage international trust in Australia. “The French president has an election coming up. There are all sorts of pressures on him and I think for us to lower the tone by leaking private text messages — really?” said Bishop, who was foreign minister and Morrison’s Cabinet colleague from 2013 until 2018. “I’m concerned that the rest of the world will look at Australia and say: Nah. Can Australia be trusted on contracts not to leak private messages?” she added. Opposition leader Anthony Albanese, who aims to replace Morrison as prime minister at elections due by May, echoed Bishop’s criticism of the leaked text. “The leaking of this text message is a considerable escalation of the conflict,” Albanese said. “Diplomacy requires trust and it requires somber engagement between leaders,” he added. French Ambassador to Australia Jean-Pierre Thebault, who was recalled to Paris in protest at the scrapping of the submarine contract, will outline French complaints about the government’s behavior when he addresses the National Press Club of Australia on Wednesday.

Why Saudi Arabia is upset, lashing out at Lebanon Impact on Lebanon

Gustavo Gonzalez is the UN Philippines Resident Coordinator and Kristin Dadey is IOM’s Chief of Mission.

The immediate spark were comments by Kordahi, who had gained popularity in the Arab world for hosting “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” on a Saudi-owned TV network. During a mock parliament streamed online last week, Kordahi fielded questions from an audience of young people from the region. In one answer, he called the war in

The Saudis know what they don’t want—growing Iranian influence in Lebanon—but they don’t know what to do about it, said Joseph Bahout, research director at the American University of Beirut. Saudi Arabia has long been a close ally of politicians in Lebanon’s Sunni Muslim community, which chooses the prime minister under the country’s sectarian system. But the kingdom never forged the divided community into a strong political proxy the way the Shiite Hezbollah—with its powerful armed force—became Iran’s stalwart ally in Lebanon.

Particularly since the 2005 assassination of its most powerful ally, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, the kingdom lost its tools of influence. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—known for his assertive, some say brash, foreign policy—Saudi Arabia took sporadic action trying to impose its will but failed to develop a cohesive strategy or find new well-rooted allies. It could only watch as Hezbollah and its allies came to dominate most recent Lebanese governments. Saudi Arabia’s most drastic move came in 2017, when it forced thenPrime Minister Saad Hariri to announce his resignation, citing Hezbollah’s domination, in a televised statement from a brief visit to the kingdom, where he was apparently held against his will. The incident backfired. Hariri returned home and revoked his resignation, supported by Hezbollah and its allies. He lost Saudi backing. Relations have been chilly since. Last spring, Saudi authorities banned imports of all Lebanese produce over allegations they were used for drug smuggling. Most recently, Riyadh refused to back Mikati as prime minister because of his coalition with Hezbollah. The Saudis found themselves alone when Washington and Paris expressed support for Mikati, after Lebanon had been without a government for over a year. Frustrated, the Saudis appear to have gone for a strong move over Kordahi’s comments. Saudi Arabia, as well as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, withdrew their ambassadors from Lebanon and expelled Lebanese envoys to the kingdom.

year, the common people have been suffering all year long,” she said. “Ordinary people suffer most.” “We have been working so hard, breaking our backs…without even a penny back, my heart aches,” said Hou Beibei, a farmer whose simple vegetable greenhouses—plastic tarps covering plots of eggplant, garlic and celery—remain flooded, her hard work washed away. She is worried about her two

young children. “The tuition fees of the children and the living expenses of the whole family rely on this land,” she said. The summer also saw another climate-linked natural disaster in China. In July, the hottest month on Earth in 142 years of recordkeeping, according to US weather experts, a vast and toxic blue-green algae bloom spanning 675 square miles (1,748 square kilometers) en-

gulfed coastal waters off the prosperous city of Qingdao, threatening navigation, fishing and tourism. State broadcasts carried footage of people using dump trucks to remove the mounds of algae. Another threat to China’s coastal provinces is sea level rise. Government records show that coastal water levels have already risen around 4.8 inches (122 millimeters) between 1980 and 2017 and project that with-

in the next 30 years, waters could rise an additional 2.8 to 6.3 inches (70 to 160 millimeters). Because China’s coastal areas are largely flat, “a slight rise in the sea level will aggravate the flooding of a large area of land,” erasing expensive waterfront properties and critical habitats, a government report projects. “I think these impacts are triggering a national awakening. I think

people are increasingly asking, ‘Why have extreme weather events like this happened? What are the root causes?’” said Li Shuo, a climate policy expert at Greenpeace East Asia in Beijing. “I think this is bringing the Chinese policymakers and the general public to a realization that we are indeed in a climate emergency.” AP

By Sarah El Deeb | Associated Press

EIRUT—A televised remark by a game show host turned Cabinet minister in Lebanon about the war in Yemen has taken the country’s crisis with Saudi Arabia to new depths.

Anger over George Kordahi’s comments led to steps by Gulf Arab countries that further isolate Lebanon and threaten to split its new coalition government, tasked with halting the country’s economic meltdown. Punitive measures from Saudi Arabia, once an important ally that poured millions of dollars into Lebanon, could cause more economic pain. The kingdom has banned all Lebanese imports, a major blow to a country whose main trading partners are in the Persian Gulf. It is the latest escalation in the rivalry that has long played out in Lebanon between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Tensions have dragged on for years over the dominant role in Lebanon of the Iranian-backed militant Hezbollah group. Now Saudi officials insist it is pointless to deal with the government in Beirut after so much drift toward Iran. But what is really behind Saudi’s angry response, and what does it mean for the already embattled Lebanon?

What was the spark?

Yemen “absurd” and said the Iranbacked Houthi rebels have attacked no one and have the right to defend themselves. The online program was recorded about a month before Kordahi was named information minister in the government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, formed in September. Kordahi was named by a mainly Christian party allied to Hezbollah. Saudi officials blasted his remarks as “offensive” and biased toward the Houthis. Since 2015, a Saudi-led coalition has been fighting the Houthis, who a year earlier took control of the capital, Sanaa, and northern parts of Yemen. Most commentators have said they believe Kordahi’s comments were a pretext for the Saudis to vent their frustration at Iran’s influence in Lebanon.

What do the Saudis want?

The Saudi measures are a huge blow to Mikati’s new government. The import ban means the loss of millions of dollars in desperately needed foreign currency. Any further escalation could undermine jobs of more than 350,000 Lebanese in Gulf Arab states who send home millions in remittances. Mikati and other officials have appealed to Kordahi to resign from the Cabinet, but it’s uncertain that would resolve the rift. Hezbollah has stood firmly behind the minister, saying his resignation won’t resolve what they called “extortion” to force Lebanon to change its foreign policy. It all portends more internal divisions in a government already paralyzed over the investigation into last year’s massive Beirut port explosion that killed more than 200 people. Hezbollah has demanded the chief investigating judge’s removal. A recent burst of street violence, the worst in years, raised the specter of social tensions ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in March that are expected to be a test for Hezbollah and its allies. In a WhatsApp message to his Cabinet read on local TV stations, Mikati said the country is “at the edge of a precipice.” He flew to Glasgow to seek French and US mediation but his options are limited. “ We k now t hey are upset. We know that they don’t want a government with Hezbollah as strong,” Bahout said of the Saudis. “We know that they know that we can’t have a government without Hezbollah.” “It is kind of a completely blocked and stalemated situation,” he added.

researcher Chen Si contributed research from Shanghai.

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A14 Wednesday, November 3, 2021

PHL banks kept resilience in H1–BSP’s assessment By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the country’s financial system has “sustained its resilience” in the first half of the year, amid the lingering effects of the global health crisis on the local and international economy. The Central Bank’s latest assessment of the local system’s so-called financial soundness indicators (FSIs) showed that the banking system remained “sound and stable” in January to June this year. FSIs are a set of indicators used to determine the current financial health and soundness of financial institutions in a country, including their corporate and household counterparts. Based on the methodology introduced by the International Monetary

Fund (IMF), a core set of FSIs covering the BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) were identified under the headings of capital adequacy, asset quality, earnings and profitability, liquidity, and sensitivity to market risk. For the first half of the year, Philippine banks’ Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) increased to 17.6 percent from16.8 percent in the same period last year. This is also well above the 8 percent international minimum standard and the 10 percent minimum regulatory standard set by the BSP. Meanwhile, as a measure of liquidity, the so-called liquid asset ratio of the local banking system was at 42.6 percent average for end-June 2021. “This suggests the presence of ample liquidity in the system,” the BSP report said. The BSP also uses the ratio of the country’s foreign exchange (FX) position to unimpaired capital to

measure the system’s sensitivity to market risk, The report showed that from the first semester of 2013 to the first semester of 2021, the banking system’s net FX position to unimpaired capital averaged 0.4 percent. The BSP said this indicates that the industry has minimal net open FX exposures relative to unimpaired capital that may be affected by volatility in the FX market. However, the banking system’s asset quality and earnings remained in the red. In particular, Philippine banks’ nonperforming loans (NPL) ratio—used as the primary measure of banks’ asset quality—rose to 4.5 percent for the first half of 2021, higher than 3.6 percent in the previous semester and 2.6 percent in the same period last year. The banking system’s return on equity (ROE), a measure of the system’s

profitability, weakened to 7.9 percent in June 2021 from the previous year’s 9 percent. The BSP said this is mainly due to the decline in annualized net profit as loans and other financial assets took a hit from the pandemic in the form of increased annualized provisions for credit losses. “Given the continuing uncertainty posed by the global pandemic, the BSP will continue to monitor risks and vulnerabilities that may put undue pressure on the financial system,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said. “The comprehensive analysis will be complemented by initiatives aimed at strengthening risk governance, promoting responsible innovation, and advancing the sustainability agenda in the Philippine financial system,” he added.

DA nixes easing rules on sale of frozen pork

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) is cool to the notion of easing its rules on the sale of frozen pork to wet markets, as doing so will compromise “food safety” standards. Agriculture officials on Tuesday noted that they have already allowed the sale of frozen pork—imported under the MAV plus program—outside the NCR plus region so that more areas in the country may benefit from cheaper imported pork. However, relaxing government rules on the sale of frozen pork in wet markets, such as the requirement of a proper refrigeration system, is a different matter. “The only constraint they have in selling [to wet markets] is whether

they have the cold storage facilities such as chillers,” Agriculture Undersecretary Fermin D. Adriano said in a virtual press briefing on Tuesday. Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan said relaxing Administrative Order (AO) 6 Series of 2012, which outlines the guidelines on handling frozen meat in wet markets, may “compromise food safety.” “There are things that we can work within the box but going outside the box will compromise food safety. I cannot speak on behalf of Secretary [Karl] Chua, maybe he is referring to relaxing the distribution rules but the manner how you handle [frozen pork], that is enforcement and regulation,” he said. “They can sell frozen pork [in wet

markets] as long as they have chillers,” he added. Under AO 6, chilled meat products sold to market should not be frozen and shall maintain a temperature not higher than 10 degrees Celsius, while frozen meat should be stored, held and sold at a temperature not higher than zero degrees Celsius and should be stored in a meat cold storage at less than -18°C. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2018/04/21/phls-stiff-meattrade-rule-stays/) Last week, Socioeconomic Planning Secretar y K arl Kendrick T. Chua said the government must ease its rules on the sale of frozen pork to wet markets to further temper food inf lation, which he noted

remains elevated due to expensive pork products. Pork prices remain high in areas outside the National Capital Region (NCR) since certain existing government rules hinder the sale of imported frozen pork to wet markets, Chua said. “One reason for that is some restrictions that prevent some of these imported supplies from being sold elsewhere, especially in wet markets. This is something we think should be more relaxed so more people can benefit,” he explained. Local industry groups such as the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) oppose Chua’s idea, arguing that it will harm consumers’ health and local production.

Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

COMMUTERS are back in droves on Edsa in Caloocan City, November 2, 2021, after the All Saints’ Day holiday weekend. NONOY LACZA

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‘NO GROUP CAN VOID UC DEALS ON MALAMPAYA’

DENNA Corp. (UC) said Tuesday that no group can repeal the deals it entered into with Shell and Chevron, which sold their entire Malampaya shares to the group of Davaobased businessman Dennis Uy. “Let us be clear that there is no law requiring approval of transfer of shares of companies that have interest in Malampaya,” UC spokesperson Atty. Raymond Zorrilla said in a statement. “Therefore, no party has the legal ability to rescind the Chevron and Shell transactions.” UC, he added, is “well aware” of the allegations and supposed false narratives f looding the media and even in private groups on social media. Last week, the Association of Filipinos for the Advancement of Geosc iences (A FAG) u rged government to rescind the UC Malampaya Philippines-Chevron Malampaya deal. It also does not want the Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (Spex)-Ma lampaya Energy to push through. Instead, AFAG wants the Philippine government to take over the Service Contract 38 or the Malampaya service contract. “If government does not take full control and management of SC 38, the Filipino people is deprived of about P42-billion net profits from Malampaya. Further, full government control will greatly enhance the country’s energy security,” AFAG said. AFAG was referring to Philippine National Oil CompanyExploration Cor p. (PNOC-EC), which has a 10-percent stake in the Malampaya consortium. “ T he gover n me nt t h rou g h PNOC-EC can take advantage of the profitability of the Malampaya gas reserves to arrange the necessar y financing and technical expertise, both local and international, to take over and safely and efficiently operate the Malampaya facilities,” it added. Also, graft charges were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against Energ y Secretar y Alfonso Cusi, Uy, and officials of Chevron Philippines and Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. UC, however, defended the deals, saying the transfers of Chevron and Shell shares underwent strict bidding processes and due diligence by both multinational oil and gas players. Zorrilla also said the share sales were above board and legal and had to pass thorough scrutiny by Philippine regulators, international lenders, and the said private multinationals involved. “ Uden n a a s ke y i nvestor i n UC Ma lampaya Phi lippines w i l l st a nd by t h i s lega l posit ion. We, i n Uden n a , be l ie ve t h at UC Ma l a mpaya Ph i l ippines Pte Ltd, is qua lified to be the shareholder of the Chev ron company, a nd i n t he f ut u re, to become

the shareholder of the existing operator via Malampaya Energ y XP,” he said. “ We were awarded because of the depth of our understanding of the business— how it should be managed and how it can be rejuvenated.” T he UC Malampaya Philippines-Chevron Malampaya deal was approved by the Department of Energy (DOE) in April this year. After the deal was finalized, Chevron Malampaya was renamed UC38 LLC. S e n ate Ene r g y Com m it te e Chair man Senator Sher w in G at c h a l i a n h a s b r a nd e d t he Chevron-Udenna deal as “defective and invalid,” citing a lot of inconsistency. “We got more confused by the DOE’s own admission that there is indeed confusion,” Gatchalian said. Gatchalian sought the clarification after learning from Cusi that no prior approval by the government was needed in Chevron’s transfer of its stake to Udenna’s UC Malampaya Philippines Pte Ltd. and that it was based on an evaluation using the “ farm-in process” that, the senator noted, only made DOE’s explanation all the more confusing. “Nowhere in the documents that the DOE submitted can you find the argument of using the farm-in [rule],” Gatchalian said, noting that “from day one, we were made to understand this should be approved by the government and the process will follow PD 87 and DC 2007.” He was refer r ing to DOE’s Department Circular 2007-04003 prescribing the guidelines and procedures for the transfer of rights and obligations in petroleum service contracts under Presidential Decree 87. Gatchalian recalled that the DOE earlier said, “The government should not review and approve it, but the DOE is now saying it approved the transaction but used a different method.” He added, “when I reviewed the documents, there is no such disclaimer that the DOE used a different method. So, all along, in our minds the transaction went through the normal process of DC 2007.” The DOE has yet to approve the transaction involving Spex’s sale of 45-percent operating interest in the Malampaya gas project to Malampaya Energy. Pending review of this deal, the Davao businessman has a 90-percent operating interest in the Malampaya Service Contract No. 38. Zorrilla said the Senate and other misinformed individuals should focus on the reality that given the decline of the Malampaya gas, “The asset will only be able to service six percent of Luzon by 2024 unless immediate actions are taken to arrest its quick decline and prevent its eventual end by 2027,” said Zorrilla. Lenie Lectura

OFWs in Iraq cry on news of travel ban’s partial lifting

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome EONARDO Sumaylow, a 43year old power plant operator in Baghdad, heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the news—the Philippine government is now allowing OFWs in Iraq like him to come home for vacation and return to Iraq without hassle. “I can come home to the Philippines. Hopef u l ly, I ca n spend Christmas there,” Sumaylow told BusinessMirror, partly in Filipino. Filipinos in Erbil in the autonomous region of Kurdistan in Iraq also

welcomed the decision of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and of Labor and Employment to partially lift the ban on travel to the Middle East country. “We called up each other, crying… Many of us had relatives in the Philippines who died, but we couldn’t return for two years,” Annie Saucelo Astillo, a community leader in Erbil, said in a Facebook live session. Chief accountant Armando Catapang, 67, couldn’t stop sobbing when he heard the news directly from Philippine Ambassador Generoso Calonge.

“I felt like superman flying on clouds,” Catapang told BusinessMirror. “It was the call of the century.” Five of his family members died in a span of less than two years—his two brothers, his mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law. C at apa ng h a s been i n work i ng for eight yea rs i n Su l ay m a n iya h, a p ro v i nc e i n t he aut o no mou s reg ion of Ku rd ist a n. B efore t he pa ndem ic, he wou ld a lways go on vac at ion at lea st t h ree t i mes i n a yea r. So when t he ba n wa s i mposed , he sa id , “ Sudden ly, I fe lt l i ke I wa s i mpr isoned.”

Iran-US impasse

The government earlier imposed a ban on deployment of Filipino workers in Iraq following the impasse between Iran and the United States in December 2019. At that time, US President Trump ordered the killing of a top Iranian commander at the Baghdad airport, triggering speculation of a spillover of conf lict to Iraq where there are 5,000 US troops. Some Filipinos who were taking their Christmas or New Year vacation in 2019 lost their jobs—many of them in oil companies that paid

twice the salaries they were getting in the Philippines—because they were prevented from leaving the country for Iraq. Sumaylow was one of those stranded in the Philippines in 2020. When his employer told him he would lose his job unless he finds his way to Iraq, he thought of another way to skirt the travel ban. “It was good I had a valid US visa. But most of my coworkers did not,” he said. From Manila, he flew to the US and then to Baghdad. During the pandemic, some OFWs who needed to come home for emergencies like a family member dying

of Covid-19 or other disease, resorted to other “creative” means. Some flew to Dubai and cited attending to their business franchises, others sought help from families in Europe so they could stay for a few weeks before flying to Iraq. Others with no excuse to travel to other countries were forced to pay hefty bribes—reportedly at US$2,000 so that they can be allowed to fly straight to Iraq. There are 20,000 Filipinos in Iraq, half of them in Erbil and the rest in Baghdad and other areas. See “OFWs,” A4

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

URC income up 38% despite sluggish sales

By VG Cabiag

@villygc

niversal Robina Corp. (URC), the food group of the Gokongweis, reported that its profit in January to September rose 38 percent to P11.2 billion from last year’s P8.11 billion, despite sluggish sales.

Sales for the period reached P102.6 billion, up 3 percent from P99.61 billion last year. “Operating income continues to be challenged by higher input costs and production inefficiencies brought about by Covid-related supply disruptions in several markets. However, higher pricing and cost savings initiatives helped reduce impact to margins,” the company said. Sales of domestic and international branded consumer foods reached P78.3 billion, up by a mere 1 percent from last year.

“Domestic revenues declined 5 percent versus last year to close at P44.2 billion, as 2020 included a higher base from pantry-loading and consumer demand in the Philippines remain depressed,” it said. The branded consumer business’ international division meanwhile posted revenues of P32.9 billion, up 9 percent, with Indo-China and Indonesia leading the growth. Sales of the agro-industrial and commodities unit, meanwhile, hit P24.2 billion, up 9 percent from last year, driven by the commodity food group’s strong performance.

SM Prime sets price for bond offer

ropert y developer SM Pr ime Hold ings Inc. on Tuesday said it has priced its P10-billion seven-year bond sale at a coupon rate of 5.0994 percent per annum. The said rate is higher than the secondary market trading of 4.3981 percent. The company will sell an initial P5 billion and another P5 billion as its oversubscription option. The bond offer will be conducted from November 2 to 8. The retail bond is set to be issued on November 15. “The proceeds of this latest re-

tail bond will be used to pursue expansion opportunities across our business segments, which will help sustain the company’s growth,” said John Nai Peng Ong, chief finance officer of SM Prime. The proposed issuance is the third tranche of debt securities to be issued from SM Prime’s P100billion debt securities program registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BDO Capital and Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp. serve as joint-issue managers. BPI Capital Corp., East West Banking Corp., First Metro

Aboitiz unit net income hits ₧15.7B

Solar PHL unit to go public S

boitiz Power Corp. posted a net income of P15.7 billion in January to September, P5.6 billion of which was registered in the third quarter. The power firm’s nine-month net income shot up by 124 percent compared to the same period a year ago. Third-quarter numbers were 70 percent higher at P5.6 billion versus a year ago. The power firm attributed the strong performance to commissioning revenue from GNPD Unit 1, higher water inflow from its hydroplants; higher availability of the Thermal Luzon Inc. (TLI), Therma South Inc. and Therma Visayas Inc. facilities; and higher WESM dispatch. Also, the power firm was able to claim damages for the delay in the construction of GNPD Unit 1 and received final payment for business interruption claims resulting from GNPower Mariveles Center Ltd. Co. and AP Renewables Inc. outages in previous years. Moreover, electricity demand increased during the period after the government relaxed quarantine restrictions. “Energy demand is continuously picking up as the country recovers from the pandemic. We look forward to the commercial operations of GNPD Unit 1 by end-November this year. This will deliver the much needed energy into the grid to meet the country’s growing demand. Unit 2 is expected to be synchronized by first quarter of 2022,” said AboitizPower President Emmanuel Rubio. The power firm has lined up a number of new power projects, which are already in various stages of development. In addition to these new projects, the company’s baseload plants have been performing well above benchmark targets for availability and reliability. “This is to ensure that while we are aggressively pursuing renewables, we continue to serve the Philippines’ baseload requirements. We remain committed to balancing the reliability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability of our country’s energy system,” said Rubio. Lenie Lectura

olar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. (SPNEC), a subsidiary of Solar Philippines, will go public and sell shares to raise equity for its solar power project. Solar Philippines founder Leandro Leviste said Monday SPNEC is preparing an initial public offering (IPO). SPNEC is developing a 500MW solar power project in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija. The IPO proceeds will serve as the equity for the construction of the project’s first 225 MW, which would be larger than any solar project operating in the Philippines today. The company would seek further financing to complete the 500 MW. If completed, this will be larger than any solar project operating in Southeast Asia today, and larger than the combined total of all non-Solar Philippines solar projects operating in Luzon in the latest list published by the Department of Energy (DOE). The company added that it aims to expand the project beyond this

Investment Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp. and RCBC Capital Investment Corp. were picked as joint lead underwriters. In August, the company reported that its net income rose 12 percent to P11.6 billion in the first semester, from P10.4 billion last year, thanks to its residential business. For second quarter alone, the company reported that its income grew more than double to P5.2 billion from last year’s P2.1 billion. However, its consolidated revenues in the first semester declined by 6 percent to P41.1 billion, from

capacity amid the country’s growing demand for renewable energy. “We’ve decided to make Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. our group’s first venture into the public markets because this is the asset that we are proudest to showcase: a site where will rise the largest solar project in the Philippines, with potential for further expansion given its proximity to Manila,” said Leviste. “We aim to raise at least P1.3 billion to fund the equity construction of the project’s first 225MW, with the possibility of raising more to advance the expansion of the project. We will disclose the timing of the planned IPO as soon as this has been firmed up.” The company aims to list under the Supplemental Listing and Disclosure Requirements for Renewable Energy (RE) companies approved by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) in 2011. These rules allow development-stage project companies to list, subject to certain requirements including having a valid and subsisting

P43.7 billion last year. SM Prime’s residential business, which accounted for 60 percent of SM Prime’s consolidated revenues and led by SM Development Corp. (SMDC), registered a 3-percent increase in revenues to P24.5 billion in the first half from P23.7 billion a year ago. Its operating income improved by 8 percent to P10.4 billion in the first half from P9.7 billion last year. SMDC’s net reservation sales rose by 30 percent to P55.1 billion in the first semester from P42.4 billion last year. VG Cabuag

service contract awarded by the DOE. “The PSE showed great foresight in creating this program for RE companies. Through this offering, we hope to give the public a new option to invest in RE, and expand RE in the Philippines,” Leviste said. SPNEC was incorporated in 2017, and since then has been securing land and permits for its project. The company plans to start construction of the project before the end of 2021. Upon the project’s completion, Nueva Ecija would host the largest of five utility-scale Solar Philippines projects planned to be operational by 2022. The other projects of Solar Philippines include one in Batangas, with an operational 63 MW in partnership with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO); one in Tarlac, being expanded to up to 200 MW in partnership with Prime Infra of the Razon Group; and another two in Batangas and Cavite, with a combined capacity of 140 MW planned to be fully operational by 2022. Lenie Lectura , VG Cabuag

FORTUNE LIFE INKS MOA WITH PMAG, PARDSS FII AND TFK Fortune Life Insurance Co. Inc., represented by its Executive Vice President and General Manager Emma M. Abad and First Vice President for Group Sales Virgilio S. Aquino, formally inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with notable organizations for group insurance, in collaboration with Jabines Agency. Among these groups are Pioneer Motorcycle Advisory Group (PMAG), Public Assistance for Rescue Disaster and Support Services Foundation International, Inc. (PARDSS FII), and Task Force Kasanag (TFK). The MOA signing with the respective group clients took place at the Citystate Center, Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City on August 27, 2021. PMAG Founder Niel Sumagpang (center, seated), is joined by Fortune Life representatives, EVP-GM Emma Abad (left), FVP for Group Sales Virgilio Aquino (right), Bien Baniqued, Michael Jabines and Ana Lizza Alviar (standing, left to right) for a photo op during the contract signing.

The company said sales of agroindustrial alone were still down 7 percent, as the strategic downsizing of hog farms concluded in mid-2020. Its pet food business continues to grow, offsetting lower volumes of other animal feeds, according to the company. “We find ourselves in unprecedented times, challenged on all fronts, with muted market conditions and immense cost pressures. However, we continue to meet these challenges head-on, backed by strong brands that provide value to our consumers, and the strength

and resilience of our employees and partners,” said Irwin Lee, URC president. “As the vaccination rollout across the region speeds up, it is only a matter of time before consumer sentiment improves and we resume our strong growth trajectory.” The company said it expects to realize some $250 million from the sale of its Oceania snacks business to its partner Intersnack Group, which closed October 29, 2021. The company announced the sale of its New Zealand and Australia business in August.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Companies BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Mynt secures $300M in fresh capital from major investors B By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

arely a year since it achieved unicorn status, digital financial solutions company Mynt has secured additional funding from global institutional investors to bring its valuation to “over $2 billion.”

In a stock exchange filing, Globe Telecom Inc. said Mynt, which is behind financial technology (fintech) app GCash, has raised over $300 million in new funding. The funding round was led by Warburg Pincus, Insight Partners, and Bow Wave Capital. Itai Tsiddon and Amplo Ventures also joined the said fundraising. Globe and parent Ayala Corp. also infused additional capital. “This is further proof that our growth and achievements have not gone unnoticed. We have been able to continuously expand by introducing game-changing innovations while improving our profitability profile,” Mynt President Martha Sazon said. Each investor, she said, will bring in “strategic value” to Mynt. “Their investment in Mynt and GCash further validates the strides the company has made in providing access to innovative financial services to more Filipinos and highlighting the Philippines to the global investor audience,” Globe President Ernest Cu said. For his part, Warburg Pincus managing director Saurabh Agarwal said this investment reflects the group’s “strong belief in the longterm prospects of the Philippines as one of the fastest growing digital economies in the region.” “Mynt has a dominant market position in the Philippines and is well-positioned with its best-inclass management team, innovative technology, and superior product offerings,” he said. Deven Parekh, a managing director at Insight Partners said the group invested in Mynt due to its “compelling product” GCash. “Our investment in Mynt fits within our global thesis of increasing financial inclusion using digital tools. We look forward to partnering with Mynt as they continue to grow on their scale up journey,” he said.

It was only in January that Mynt gained the unicorn status, after more than a decade of operating various digital financial services and offering various financial tools. GCash houses its main offers, including credit, savings, insurance, loans, and investments. It now has 48 million users and is on track to reach P3 trillion in gross transaction value this year. In January, the company raised some $175 million in capital from ASP Philippines LP, a limited partnership fund managed by investment firm Bow Wave Capital Management. The said fund will be infused in multiple tranches, with postmoney valuation of the final tranches at close to $1 billion. Bow Wave is a close-ended private equity fund with a mandate to invest globally in online and mobile payment ecosystem companies. Bow Wave’s investment in Mynt, its first in the Philippines, will translate to a minority equity interest in Mynt. GCash recorded a gross transaction value of over P1 trillion in 2020, spurred by services like online payments, bank cash-in and sending money. In September, GCash reported that its savings product GSave has almost doubled its assets under management (AUM) to P9 billion from P5 billion “in just six months.” GInvest, the investment product of GCash, was able to “capture 70 percent of the domestic market of total Unit Investment Trust Fund accounts” in just six months. GInsure, the micro insurance service of GCash, now “accounts for a third of all new insurance policies issued in the Philippines.” Also, GCredit, the company’s inhouse lending service, now disburses an average of P1 billion worth of credit per month. As of end-June it has disbursed a total of P15 billion worth of credit to users.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Wednesday, November 3, 2021

‘PHL can recover fiscal costs from fuel tax cut’

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

LBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda believes the country can recover fiscal costs even if government reduces excise taxes on diesel, kerosene and gasoline in six months, a move the lawmaker said could cushion the impact of rising fuel costs and as prescribed by a law he helped craft. In an aide memoire, Salceda said rising fuel costs “could be a serious dampener to economic recovery and price stabilization.” He explained that the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) price, which is the basis for the suspension of excise taxes under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion [Train] law, has already breached the $84per barrel for crude. “The benchmark under Train was $80 per barrel, such that when

the price threshold is hit, we would have suspended 2020 fuel excise tax increases,” Salceda said adding that the $80 mark “was an ‘alert level.’” “We are past that level. MOPS for crude is now over $84,” the chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means said. “We should really take up a reduction in the excise taxes.”

Exemption, reduction

SALCEDA is proposing exempting diesel and kerosene from excise taxes

A world ‘shell-shocked’ by Covid-19

LAN GREENSPAN, the 18year US Federal Reserve Chairman, was onboard a commercial flight from Geneva, Switzerland back to the USA on September 11, 2001. His security aide brought him discreetly to the plane’s pilot and was told terrorists had struck the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon and they were instructed by authorities to fly back to Switzerland and not land in any place in the US. In his book “The Age of Turbulence,” Greenspan narrated how nervously he conjured up images of the world economy as an aftermath of the 9-11 attacks. He imagined people cowering in fear and refusing to leave their homes, banks closed, world trade and commerce grinding to a halt and the global financial system possibly hacked as to make international financial intercourse a “no man’s land”. Greenspan’s greatest fears were laid to rest—a week after—as the world, momentarily stunned, issued a tough strike-back notice against terrorists and vowed to restart the world economy so as not to reward the terrorists of their main aim: to terrorize the world into economic paralysis. Nineteen years after (2020), the “doomsday scenario” that earlier spooked Greenspan happened without the benefit of a single shot fired from a gun. No, there were no bearded fanatics in robes involved but just a tiny virus called Covid-19 that brought the whole world almost to its knees. As of October 29, World Health Statistics recorded 246 million people infected in over 220 countries with almost five million dead from the deadly virus. People were locked down in homes, cowering in fear and only allowed to walk out with face masks and shields. The world economy almost ground to a painful halt- engineering, perhaps, the worst recessionary conditions since after World War II. According to global Statista, the 2019 global gross domestic product (GDP) at $82.55 trillion dropped by $3.945 trillion to only $78.42 Trillion in 2020. Global GDP per capita figures show a horrifying plunge from 2019’s $18,381 to only a puny $10,925 or a debilitating drop of 40 percent. Financial losses were estimated as four times that experienced during the 2009 financial crisis. The International Labor Organization published job losses equivalent to 255 million full-time jobs worldwide with an estimated loss of

Finex free enterprise Zoilo ‘Bingo’ Dejaresco III job output worth $3 trillion. The earlier estimated 2021 global GDP forecasted growth rate of 5.8 percent appears “iffy” now, what with the world described by the Wall Street Journal as still suffering from “worldwide supply chain snarls, an accelerating inflation and the bad impact of a Delta variant.” Global research data has shown that “fear is a far more dominant force than euphoria.” Thus, when the virus struck, the drop in economic activities was very sharp but the economic recovery, employment rejuvenation and commodity markets” will be at a slower pace than their precipitous falls. Economic “slowdowns” are never found in mere GDP numbers. As it never was when the 2009 dot-com failure and the 1987 Asian Financial Crisis shook the world to its senses. Thus, most econometric models will miss their forecasts. In a later interview, Greenspan declared that deflations of bubbles always happen when one least expects them. Most of the players are caught in what the former Fed Reserve chair named “irrational exuberance.” As a final note, Greenspan said that the solutions to a crisis may sometimes presage another problem. He cited, for example, that keeping the interest rate below 2 percent after the dot-com carnage may have precipitated the growth and eventual bursting of the real estate bubble. Enough of Economics as a dismal science of boom and busts? With worldwide current interest rates kept at their low levels today, what industries will again be too enthused as to expand too much (in the recovery period) to a point of becoming another dangerous specific bubble in the near future? As it is now the whole world has already been shell-shocked enough by the Covid-19 attack. Zoilo “Bingo” P. Dejaresco, a former banker, is a financial consultant, media practitioner and book author. He is a Life Member and Media member of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex). His views here, however, are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Finex and the BusinessMirror. He could be reached via dejarescobingo@yahoo.com.

from December 1, 2021 to June 1, 2022. He also recommends gasoline excise taxes be reduced from P10 per liter to P7 per liter. “Diesel is the poor man’s transport fuel. Tricycles, motorcycle delivery riders, farmers and jeepney drivers use diesel for their vehicles. Kerosene is the poor man’s cooking fuel. I believe that the biggest reduction should be on these commodities,” he said. “Gasoline, on the other hand, is the vehicle of use for cars and SUVs [sports utility vehicles]. While we should reduce gasoline excise taxes, the distributional impacts will really be much better in diesel,” the lawmaker added. “It is much more progressive that way.”

Recoverable costs

SALCEDA said his proposal is the “most fiscally sustainable” among all current proposals. “My proposal aims to provide relief without binding the state’s fiscal resources into an unsustainable commitment,” he said.” Salceda cited that the full year estimate of a total suspension of

fuel excise tax by the Department of Finance (DOF) “is upwards of P130 billion.” According to the lawmaker, the expected revenue loss from the suspension would be P55.04 billion, of which P36.42 billion will be from diesel, P18.28 billion will be from gasoline and P0.34 billion will come from kerosene. The lawmaker asserted that these losses will be partly offset by increases in value-added tax collections due to rising prices, which would be around P19.01 billion from these three products. The net decline in fuel tax collections will be around P36.03 billion, he explained further. “I think my proposal involves a fiscal cost we can recover,” said Salceda who filed his proposal through House Bill (HB) 10438 last Tuesday.

Power to DOE

SALCEDA, meanwhile, urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to implement stricter price monitoring. “The oil deregulation law empowers them to investigate on the basis of abnormal price increases,” he said. “Under this bill, I am proposing to

give them motu propio power to investigate sellers for unusual price activity.” He said the measure’s ultimate goal is that the reduction goes towards the consumer. Salceda noted that even with government giving discounts and fuel subsidy to operators and/or drivers of public utility vehicles, “all of them will have someone fall through the cracks or will require so much implementation capacity.” “I don’t think we can implement [these] in time to really help our people,” he said. “The costs are also almost similar if we really try to reach all affected sectors.” Salceda’s HB10438 also proposes to require sellers of the products with reduced rates to report their retail prices prior to the imposition of the reduction and every adjustment thereafter during the period of the reduced rates. The bill said this would allow for monitoring the impact of the reduction on actual retail prices and to avoid pricing abuse. The bill gives the DOF and the DOE motu propio power to seek an

investigation into possible pricing abuse should any abnormal or anomalous price movements are detected based on reported data.

Expected opposition

Salceda believes economic managers, particularly the DOF, are likely to oppose his proposal and would only recommend “targeted measures.” “Targeting, however, will require the kind of absorptive capacity, especially in the transport sector, that is unlikely to be possessed by implementing agencies, an example being the dismal rates of utilization of funds for transport service contracting,” he said. “The [DOF] is also likely to propose increases in excise taxes on top of Train Law excise taxes when the MOPS price breaches a certain price floor, a proposal which the committee will study and deliberate on,” he added. The DOF has already expressed objections to the proposed suspension of excise tax, saying doing so would be detrimental to the country’s economic recovery and longterm growth.

BTr fully awards ₧15B in T-bills despite rates’ spike By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

ATES across all tenors inched up on Tuesday’s auction but the Bureau of the Treasury still fully awarded P15-billion in Treasury Bills (T-bills). The auction also ended up thrice oversubscribed with total submitted bids reaching P41.8 billion. All rates fetched by tenors, however, were all lower than secondary market trading levels. National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon said the slight increase in rates was in line with the anticipation of the release of October inflation figures by the Philippine Statistics Authority this Friday and the official

announcement by the US Federal Reserve on its tapering tack. The Treasury kept shut the tap facility auction for an additional offering for any of the tenors. The 91-day T-bills capped an average rate of 1.13 percent, higher by 1.1 basis points from 1.119 percent. Bids for the tenor amounted to P13.08 billion, more than twice the P5-billion offer. For the 182-day T-bills, the average rate stood at 1.395 percent, up by 0.8 basis points from the previous auction’s 1.387 percent. The security attracted P14.94 billion in tenders, nearly five times the P5-billion offer. The 364-day T-bills’ average rate rose to 1.613 percent, a 0.7-basis point difference from 1.606 percent

previously. Bids for the debt paper reached P13.76 billion, more than double the P5-billion program for the tenor. For this month, the Treasury is set to borrow P200 billion from the local debt market in November, the same amount it programmed to borrow last month. The Treasury aims to raise P140 billion through auctioning off Treasury Bonds (T-bonds) while another P60 billion is programmed to be borrowed through Treasury Bills (T-bills). This year, the national government programmed to borrow a total of P3.1-trillion, most of which is expected to be raised through domestic sources.

The government borrows to meet its spending requirements as well as to finance its budget deficit. The national government’s budget deficit as of end-September has reached P1.14 trillion, surpassing the P879.2-billion shortfall in the same period last year. The wider gap resulted from government expenditures overtaking state revenues. The national government’s outstanding debt as of end-September this year ballooned to another record high of P11.92 trillion, already breaching the government’s expected level of debt stock of P11.73 trillion by the end of this year. This was also higher by 27.2 percent or P2.55 trillion than P9.37 trillion in the same period in 2020.

CIC eyes alternative data to expand credit access By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

HE country’s public credit registry and repository of credit information called for alternative and non-traditional data to help the unbanked and underbanked sectors gain access to credit facilities. In a recent webinar, Credit Information Corp. (CIC) President and CEO Ben Joshua A. Baltazar said traditional credit data is mainly reliant on credit repayment activity and may exclude the so-called credit-invisible, underserved and newcomers in the financial system. “Alternative and non-traditional data—which includes data from non-conventional sources such as online transactions, telecommunications and utilities—are complementary to the traditional data that the CIC currently receives from its covered financial entities,” Baltazar said. “[These] can provide a 360-degree view of a borrower’s credit profile at all stages of their credit life cycle and thereafter provide entry points for those that are underserved to build their credit,” he added. Currently, the CIC is working on an open policy on Special Accessing Entities (SAE) and Accessing Entities (AE), which may use CIC data with other sources to come up with a complete picture of a borrower’s credit profile.

Banks’ struggles

IN the same webinar, FinTech Alliance.PH Chairman and RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Angelito M. Villanueva also said financial institutions—whether banks or online lending companies—have struggled to extend

credit data to the unbanked due to lack of sufficient data. The Alternative Data Usage Survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also showed that 78 percent of the 146 surveyed financial institutions said they “realize” the tangible benefits of using alternative data. “The goal of the CIC is to get everyone on board with traditional credit data, but we do understand the limitation of that as it will not be reflected unless a loan is actually extended,” Baltazar said. “In order for borrowers to have a track record under the traditional credit data, we will rely, encourage and collaborate on the use of nontraditional and alternative data as an onboarding measure— complementary to the traditional data,” he added.

Reaccreditation rules

WEEKS ago, the CIC also issued the standards and rules for reaccreditation of SAEs or credit bureaus. SAEs are duly-accredited private corporations engaged primarily in the business of providing credit reports, ratings and other similar credit information products and services, as defined by Republic Act 9510 or the Credit Information System Act (Cisa). They are entitled access to basic credit reports from the CIC database subject to pertinent provisions. Published through CIC Circular 3, series of 2021, the said standards and rules took effect on October 25 and shall apply to current SAEs whose accreditations are set to expire. These were named by the CIC as CIBI Information Inc., CRIF Philip-

pines and TransUnion Information Solutions Inc. “These rules are applicable to reaccreditation of SAEs for the “basic tier,” which shall be the default accreditation tier of all SAEs. We’re planning to create additional accreditation tiers to sustain our operations and reach our targets on revenue generation,” Baltazar was quoted in a statement as saying. “We will issue additional rules and regulations on this.”

Requirements, agreement

THE rights and obligations of an SAE under the basic tier shall also be governed by the subscription agreement to be entered into by and between the CIC and the SAE. Current SAEs seeking to be reaccredited shall submit their latest General Information Sheet (GIS), clearance from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Board Resolutions on the authorization of the SAE to apply for reaccreditation and the authorized signatories for the subscription agreement, audited financial statements and business plan for the next three years, among others. “It is important to note that SAEs are subject to annual volume commitments on paid access of CIC basic credit reports. They also need to present the projected annual growth of their credit report usage,” Baltazar said. “We want to make sure that the CIC data is being maximized and to improve our overall quality of service for our stakeholders.”

Likewise, the SAEs are required to submit detailed information on the technical descriptions and/ or specifications of their internal security policies, communications and technology infrastructure and procedures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and security of the credit data to be processed.

Value-added services

WHILE the processing, accessing, dissemination and storage of credit data obtained from the CIC shall be wholly-done by the SAEs within the Philippine jurisdiction, the use of cloud technology may allow them to conduct related activities off-shore. “Dissemination of the credit data abroad shall be allowed in cases where it is to the benefit of overseas Filipino workers, Filipino migrants, Filipino citizens and Philippine residents living abroad,” Baltazar said. “We want to give them the chance to prove their creditworthiness and be assessed fairly when availing loans and other financial services through the CIC Credit Report.” He added the need for SAEs to develop and provide value-added products and services using the CIC basic credit report such as credit scores. “Failure to develop and provide value-added products and services for the duration of the accreditation may be a ground for their suspension or revocation,” Baltazar said. Accreditation granted to the SAEs shall be valid for up to five years, commencing from the date as stated in the subscription agreement unless sooner lapsed, revoked, or suspended and upon payment of the yearly subscription fee of P5 million.

Show BusinessMirror

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

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Today’s Horoscope By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Elizabeth Smart, 34; Gemma Ward, 34; Colin Kaepernick, 34; Dolph Lundgren, 64. Happy Birthday: Take the experience you have and turn it into something tangible. Use your skills, knowledge and insight to bring about changes that make life easier. Make achieving inner happiness and peace of mind the focuses of whatever you choose to pursue. Follow your heart and do what makes you feel passionate about life; everything else will fall into place. Your numbers are 6, 11, 20. 28, 31, 35, 46.

FOR SALE

MANY people were shocked when this influencer and her equally rich husband put up pieces of promotional clothing for sale in their selling account. Each of the items were priced at less than ₱500 and people were wondering why they needed to sell the garments since they were given to the couple for free anyway. The post got so many negative comments that the couple later took it down. One other influencer, a lady of leisure, would also put up items like makeup that she got from brands years ago (meaning, they could be expired) on her selling account. Some of the brands have stopped sending her stuff because of this. Another influencer tried to sell stuff she got from from luxury brands but she was called out by brand and banned from getting any more PR items from them. There’s really nothing with selling excess PR stuff but maybe the wealthy influencers could just give their extras to charity instead of selling them?

NOT THE LIVING ROOM

Timothee Chalamet (left) and Rebecca Ferguson in a scene from Dune, which remained the top movie at the North American box office on its second weekend.

In second weekend, ‘Dune’ bests ‘Last Night in Soho,’ ‘Antlers’

A FORMER household staff of this TV host-actress has been telling people on social media that she isn’t a good employer. The actress reportedly does not provide a room for her household staff and makes them sleep on the kitchen floor. One of her helpers actually had to ask the TV host-actress why it had to be the kitchen and not even the living room, and the personality answered that she doesn’t want them sleeping on the sofas. This is why the actress is blacklisted in a number of employment agencies. It would be understandable if the actress lived in a small apartment but she does have room for her staff. She just doesn’t want them to have their own room.

EXPECTING?

THE starlet-beauty queen, who never made it big despite her being considered showbiz royalty, is reportedly pregnant. And there’s nothing wrong with that since she is single. Not much is known about her lovelife though. She had a longtime boyfriend who is now married and he is definitely not the father of her child, if she is indeed expecting. Instead, showbiz insiders are speculating if the matinee idol could be the father. The starlet-beauty queen and the matinee idol were once an item, so they think it’s possible he fathered her child—again, if she is indeed pregnant. The starlet and the matinee idol were never open about having a relationship but many are sure they were an item.

SO MANY QUESTIONS

SO why did this celebrity leave a brand that she loves so much? There are so many rumors and speculations about this but someone close to the celebrity said one of the reasons for her leaving is because her partners in the venture started agreeing to use lowquality materials to cut costs due to business losses. Her partners had other business ventures which became the priority instead of the original one, which suffered financially and image-wise as a result. Public sympathy is with the celebrity as she is known to be of good character. Her partners aren’t as well-known as her, so it’s only natural.

By Lindsey Bahr The Associated Press

fter a record-breaking start, October’s box office closed out quietly this weekend with Dune repeating at No. 1 and two prominent genre newcomers, Last Night in Soho and Antlers, stumbling. Whether it’s due to Halloween falling on a Sunday, too many new options or simply a lack of enthusiasm, moviegoing audiences seemed to have other plans this weekend. Notable exceptions are the latest My Hero Academia and the new Wes Anderson pic The French Dispatch. First place still went to the bigger budget and wider release Timothée Chalamet film. In its second weekend in theaters, Dune, which is also available on HBO Max, grossed an additional $15.5 million, according to studio estimates on Sunday. Although down a steep 62 percent from its debut, the ticket sales were enough to give it one more week atop the North American charts. With a production budget of $165 million (not including marketing and promotion), Dune has now grossed $69.4 million in North America and $292.1 millon globally. Warner Bros. and Legendary last week confirmed plans to go ahead with a sequel that is expected to open exclusively in theaters in 2023. Halloween Kills, in its third weekend, placed second with $8.5 million. The penultimate film in this modern trilogy has now grossed $115.1 million globally. Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho, meanwhile, opened in sixth place. Playing on 3,016 screens, the stylish thriller distributed by Focus grossed an estimated $4.2 million. Thomasin McKenzie stars as a modern-day fashion student who at night dreams

increasingly realistic dreams of Anya Taylor-Joy’s aspiring singer in the 1960s. “There are few bigger champions of the theatrical experience than Edgar and we couldn’t be prouder he has made Focus his home,” said Lisa Bunnell, Focus’ president of distribution. Scott Cooper’s Antlers, about a mythical beast terrorizing a blighted Oregon town, also earned an estimated $4.2 million from 2,800 locations. The Searchlight-distributed horror stars Keri Russell and Jesse Plemons. “Obviously, we hoped for a little more but we went up head to head against Last Night in Soho, another really good genre film,” said Frank Rodriguez, Searchlight’s head of distribution. “They may have canceled each other out.” But he’s optimistic going forward since next weekend’s big releases include the Princess Diana film Spencer and the Marvel epic Eternals, and Antlers has a different audience. One of the brighter spots of the weekend was The French Dispatch, also distributed by Searchlight, which expanded after a limited debut and made $2.8 million from only 788 total locations. In 10 days of release, it’s made $4.6 million. “We’re still ecstatic about it,” Rodriguez said. “It’s amazing to see art house theaters who haven’t seen numbers like this in 18 months finally starting to see people coming out...We are helping to open up the doors to art house and specialty theaters.” Although the weekend was muted, October has become the highest grossing month of the year with total grosses expected to net out around $625 million. The previous high-water mark came in July with $583.8 million. “October became a blockbuster month by virtue of the unusual nature of the pandemic. So many big movies moved into October,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for comScore. “It surpassed July. That never happens.” Things aren’t quite back to “normal” yet. For comparison, total grosses in pre-pandemic October 2019 were around $781.6 million and in 2018 were $830.8 million. But, Dergarabedian said the robust October 2021 box office has created a momentum that should continue through the end of the year. “This sets up a final three months of the year that feel more like summer than summer did in 2021,” he added. “Audiences follow the movie no matter what month they’re in. The movies define the month—the month doesn’t define the movies.” n

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You are ready to settle into something that excites you. Take the plunge, and do whatever preparation is necessary to ensure you dazzle everyone you encounter with your skills, intelligence and fortitude. Romance, personal growth and physical improvement are favored. HHH

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Pay attention to your relationships with others. Overreacting or being stubborn will not help you get your way. If you want to make some honest-to-goodness changes, offer incentives, charm and compliments to help you gain support. HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll receive valuable information. Use what you know to bring about positive professional changes. Using your skills uniquely may not please everyone, but it will get you closer to pursuing your dream. Trust and believe in yourself. HHHHH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): What you do will have a bigger and better impact than what you say. Take a disciplined approach to the way you handle finances, medical issues and contractual offers. Prove your worth, and you’ll be valued and offered what you deserve. HH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may not relish change, but you will turn a negative into a positive outcome if you use intelligence. Choose your words wisely, speak the truth and follow your heart; you’ll feel good about what you accomplish. Romance is favored. HHHH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Shared expenses or how you handle your money will be a problem if you overspend on entertainment or things you don’t need. Pay attention to what someone wants, and don’t make promises you cannot keep. A direct approach is your best bet. HHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Look at what you can do, and stop fretting over what’s not available to you. Use your time and knowledge wisely, and make the most out of whatever situation you face. Focus on offering your best. Don’t make hasty decisions. HHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You know the drill, so get moving. Mulling over what’s left undone will leave you feeling despondent. Stop procrastinating; put what’s holding you back behind you. Eliminate frustration with participation. Live every moment with purpose, gratitude and mindfulness. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Emotional matters will affect work and personal responsibilities. Be realistic regarding what you can handle and who you can count on for help. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can do everything yourself. HHHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Know when to reach out for expert advice and when to take care on your own. Utilizing your time to reach your goal will determine how much you accomplish. Taking on the impossible will negatively affect your health and wellbeing. HH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t make a snap decision when it comes to financial matters. Bide your time until you come across an investment or plan that fits into your lifestyle and future objectives. Personal improvements will lift your spirits and encourage you to network more. HHHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Talk to experts, old friends and those you have enjoyed working alongside, and you will gain insight into what not to do regarding financial and legal matters. Flirting will get you in trouble. HHH Birthday Baby: You are protective, changeable and insightful. You are outspoken and forceful.

‘go out with a bang’ by enrique henestroza anguiano The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 The Bachelorette flowers 6 Lunar lander’s destination 10 Repeated jazz passage 14 “I give up!” 15 Texter’s “As I see it...” 16 Live happily ___ after 17 Digital announcement with many recipients 19 Snifter sniffer 20 Sen. Duckworth or Warnock 21 Primary 22 Understand the reason 24 In the know 26 Like many a photo on WeRateDogs 27 Bring on board 29 Effect of eating candy, after the rush 34 One sleeps while floating 36 Sword with a French name 37 Recent: Prefix 38 Da 5 Bloods director Lee 39 Made a meal of 40 Fry source 42 MDs’ workplaces, perhaps 43 Musical speech quality 45 Transition points

46 Late-1990s economic expansion that went bust 50 Prescription amount 51 “Very funny” 52 Pine secretion 54 Genre often combined with romance 57 Not pass 58 Not just pass 61 Oil producers’ grp. 62 Competitive spoken-word event 65 Uppermost point 66 Muppet whose best friend is Zoe 67 Mushroom served in ramen 68 Puts a stop to 69 Near and ___ 70 Famous thesaurus writer DOWN 1 Deeply regretted 2 “My treat” 3 One trying to get good marks? 4 Name within “Celine” 5 2014 film about the civil rights movement 6 Environs 7 Country next to Yemen 8 Honey Graham ___

9 “I’ll get back to you” 10 Thin layer of wood 11 State as fact 12 Work together well 13 Mouse, for a cat 18 Manhattan venues? 23 “...and so on and so forth” 25 Half a pay period for many workers 26 Scarlet Witch’s cloak 27 Sprayed (down) 28 PC problem solver 30 Really bother 31 Snack whose raisins represent insects 32 Leaks slowly 33 Hoops game whose name is spelled out 35 Fill a Super Soaker again, maybe 39 The Honest Company founder Jessica 41 A6 automaker 44 “Can’t wait!” 47 ___ and balances 48 Eloquent speaker 49 Golda in Israeli history 53 More cunning

4 Come to grips (with) 5 55 Calendar slot status 56 Fermented honey drink 57 Disaster relief org. 59 You may have it and eat it too 60 Send out 63 Cry at a futbol match 64 ___-cone

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Image BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Reducing OTTY (Overtime Thank You) GCash helps OFWs like Joseph Azrael Daluz to send money to family, friends and people in need. It also allows them to pay for utility bills for their families back home, thus giving them full control of their finances and how it’ s used.

Bringing OFWs closer to their families wherever they are in the world

Every day, millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the world continue to sacrifice to provide for their families back home. They work hard to be able to send them money in the hope that the financial support they provide is enough to fill the void of their physical absence. This is why mobile wallet and branchless banking service GCash (www.gcash.com) has a suite of features designed to help OFWs make their presence felt through the different services it provides for them and their families. Beyond sending money, GCash allows OFWs to pay for everyday necessities through GLife, QR On Demand, Web Pay, even treat their loved ones with everyday deals using rewards. It helps them care for loved ones by taking charge of paying for the family’s expenses like credit-card bills, transferring of funds, or making payments. It also allows them to care for their family’s future by growing their savings through making investments. Filipinos abroad can easily download the app and register, provided they have an active and roaming Philippine SIM. According to Kamae Magsanoc, a marketing professional based in Sydney, it was easy for her to sign up and verify her GCash account. She has since used the app’s Money Transfer feature on several occasions. “Although I can’t be with my family right now, I was able to celebrate my recent promotion with them. I transferred some money and it went straight into their GCash accounts.” Cashing in is easy and convenient through the service’s remittance partners in more than 31 countries around the world. Kamae also likes to use it to send presents to her family. “I like to support small Filipino businesses. Most, if not all of them, now accept GCash, so I can purchase from these small shops, send them to my family and pay directly through GCash. For example, my parents recently celebrated their anniversary and I was able to send my mum flowers from their local florist because they accept mobile payment,” she says. Meanwhile, Joseph Azrael Daluz, a relief assistant educator also based in Australia, shares that he has been using GCash for a few months now. “I use it for transferring money to my family, relatives, friends, and people in need,” he says. “I prefer the service since it is safe and more convenient. It needs less details compared to bank transfers. I just need three details—full name, address, and cellphone number, and can do it through my mobile phone anytime I want to,” he explains. According to him, the service has made it easy for him to manage his finances, even from overseas. “I do not have to stress over asking for details for those I want to send money to for help. It is quick and easy and I can focus on more important things. There are a lot of people getting sick nowadays because of the pandemic and the consequences of being in a lockdown. GCash allows me to extend help in an efficient way.” Filipinos overseas also have access to GCash’s bills payment feature, where they can pay for bills such as water and electricity directly. This can eliminate the worry of whether money sent home is being used for the right purposes. With millions of Filipinos working overseas, sending money and providing for their families back home is one of the things that require an easy and reliable mobile wallet and branchless banking service.

HE last time I worked overtime was when I had to complete a presentation for the executive board last July. It was warranted because as a team, we had to put our best foot forward and that was one of the things I could do to make sure our team’s work and recommendations were well-received. But on any other given workday, we would end promptly when the clock hits 5 pm. Given the pandemic, the line between work and personal lives has been repeatedly blurred and some people are actually working more than before the pandemic. But even without the pandemic, people work overtime for a number of reasons. Some people work better in the afternoon, so they do the bulk of their work at that time. Others do so to make their schedules flexible, allowing them to, say, do their personal errands during the day. Others do it for more pay which can cost the organization more, and which can also become counterproductive especially if the overtime is not justified. If overtime becomes the culture in an organization, it shows that there are underlying issues which need to be addressed. If not remedied, it can open the door to a host of other problems which can reduce productivity or even increase absenteeism. When an organization has consistent overtime, it suggests that both the manager and the employee might have poor time management. This could lead to a strained work force potentially resulting in employee health problems like high blood pressure, fatigue, burnout, even some mental health issues. An overworked work force can also lead to lower concentrations and focus on work which ultimately results in lower productivity. Working overtime might also indicate unrealistic client expectations. As a people manager, it is your role to manage client expectations (internal or external) by knowing your team’s workflows and timetables before committing to a project involving your team. Either you work on managing your workflows or you need to communicate with your clients better and manage their demands. When your team works overtime regularly, it could mean an unclear understanding of work-life balance, or you are a manager who does not care about the personal lives of your team. Consistent overtime also exacerbates the problem of presenteeism—employees who are physically present but do not function to their full capacity. Some also use it to become more visible to their managers without actually doing productive work—they are just there pretending to do work on things that do not significantly contribute to their job. They do overtime to make their managers think they are hardworking

when they are hardly working at all. Some even use it as a badge of honor and post in social media to flaunt they are working overtime when what this actually illustrates is their inability to manage their time. The bottom line is that consistently making your team work overtime is a sign of poor leadership and can lead to team resentment, lack of trust, and eventually disengagement. So, what can you do to reduce overtime in your team? Review your team’s processes and ensure there is enough time for employees to complete their work within the timelines agreed with internal and external clients. A deliberate review of your own processes with your team can show you which processes can be eliminated or shortened. It gives you an opportunity to discuss with your team how it can be done better while at the same time allowing you to get their support immediately because they were involved in the decision-making process. Manage client expectations by making them aware of the processes within your team and provide options when given short deadlines. Negotiate what features of your product or services will be taken out when given short deadlines. Remember, your team is not an unlimited resource you can just tap into when needed, so ensure your team is protected from clients who demand more than what your team can provide.

If there are more clients or demands are higher, then ask for a manpower complement and justify it with the previous achievements of your team. The best argument you can use to complement your manpower is the business your team is generating. Your role as a leader is to make the best representation for your team and provide them the resources they need to do their work well. Consult with your team what processes can be adjusted or shortened. And when there really is a need to work overtime, ask team members to take turns so as not to exhaust everyone at the same time. This will help your team cope with increased demands and allow them time to recuperate for their next project. Working overtime is not always bad. In fact, there are some team members who would exert discretionary effort to do more than what is required form them without a need to be compensated or recognized. But regularly asking your team to do overtime can reduce that discretionary effort and even push your team to look for other managers who think of them as partners rather than as resources only. When your team understands what they need to do without regard for personal or professional gain, you have effectively managed your team by making them understand that they are a valuable asset to the team and you show that by respecting their time.

PHOTO BY DAI KE ON UNSPLASH

Working from home? Here are simple tricks to avoid back pain and tech neck ONE of the new normal trends to emerge from this ongoing pandemic is the work-from-home setup, which has become an important part in preventing the spread of the virus that causes Covid-19. But working remotely may have also become a new source of stress, especially for those who don’t have the proper facilities for it—a strong Internet connection, a good laptop, and some office equipment that once made the daily grind bearable. For those who have created a makeshift home office out of their living area or bedroom or dining table, working from home for longer hours may have led not only to mental fatigue and burnout, but also back pain and “tech neck” or chronic pain in the neck and lower back. “Poor positioning of work equipment and sitting longer in chairs that were not designed for desk jobs can cause health issues that may get in your day-today tasks and affect your productivity, and even make you more prone to injury and fatigue,” says Anne Kathleen Ganal-Antonio, MD of the Department of Orthopaedics of top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed. net.ph). With the pandemic nowhere near over and Covid-19 cases still on the rise, millions will still be doing business straight from their homes in the foreseeable future. With that in mind, Ganal-Antonio

shares a few simple adjustments that can help get the work done minus the unnecessary aches and pains: n CREATE AN ERGONOMIC WORKSPACE. There’s no need to buy expensive office furnishings to be comfortable while working from home. “Just improvise,” advises Ganal-Antonio. “Make sure your computer screen is in front of you at a comfortable viewing height, not in a place where you have to look down. If you use a laptop, prop it up to eye level on a stack of books or a sturdy box, and invest in an external keyboard and mouse. Your forearms and hands must be level and straight when you use the keyboard, and your arm must be close to the side of your body when using the mouse. The more your arm is stretched to the side, the greater the chance of straining your neck and shoulder.” As for the way you sit, make sure that your hips and knees are level, or your hips are slightly above your knees, she adds. “Avoid slouching or leaning forward. Instead, sit with your upper back straight and your lower back curving to the shape of the chair. Use a pillow to support your lower back. Make sure too that your feet touch the floor.” Ganal-Antonio also recommends using standing tables or a foot stool. “According to the pioneering study conducted by Swedish spine researcher and orthopedic surgeon Alf Nachemson, when we flex forward, more stress

is concentrated at the discs, which are the shock absorbers of the spine. It’s best to be slightly reclined, about 110 degrees. You can use standing tables to lessen the stress. Adding a foot stool to alternately rest each foot can also help.” n GET UP. Sitting is the new smoking, as the saying goes, and studies have linked longer sitting time with higher risk of death, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. But standing for long periods has also been associated with varicose veins and back pain. “A Cornell University professor of ergonomics suggests following the rule of 20-8-2: sit for 20 minutes, get up for 8 minutes, and move around for at least 2 minutes,” Ganal-Antonio shares. Use the break to stretch, roll your shoulders, do arm circles, or touch your toes. “You can also give yourself a reason to stand up and move,” the doctor adds. “Place the printer or phone in the other side of the room so you have no choice but to get up and walk when you need them.” n WORK OUT IN YOUR WORKPLACE. Start and end your workday with simple yet effective exercises that strengthen your core and target the muscles on your back and shoulders, says Ganal-Antonio. “Begin with 10 squats, 10 tricep dips using a stable chair, and 10 wall push-ups. You can also do jumping jacks, push-ups, and crunches to stimulate circulation.”

PHOTO BY BRITAIN ERIKSEN ON UNSPLASH

B6 Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Senior citizens are automatic members of PhilHealth

Metro Retail Stores Group partners with DTI for PRDP-Frozen Meat Edition

N line with the recent observance of the Filipino Elderly Week, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) have again reminded Filipinos 60 years old and above that they are mandatorily covered under the National Health Insurance Program pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 10645, and as reiterated under RA 11223 or the Universal Health Care Law of 2019. Under Section 5 of RA 10645, all senior citizens shall be covered by PhilHealth. Their annual premium contributions shall be borne by the National Government from the proceeds of RA No. 10351 (Sin Tax Law), provided that they are not currently covered by any existing (membership) category of PhilHealth. Likewise, a senior citizen must not have a regular source of income to be granted this privilege under the law. PhilHealth President and CEO Atty. Dante A. Gierran invited senior citizens to ensure that they are duly registered or are updated in their records with PhilHealth. “We have partnered with the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in the local government units so that elderly Filipinos can be registered with PhilHealth conveniently,” adding that “qualified senior citizens should only submit two duly accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) to the

OSCA where they reside and await notification if their Member Data Record is already sent by PhilHealth.” If a senior citizen opts to register at any PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office, they must also present and submit a copy of their Senior Citizens’ ID or any proof of age together with a 1x1 photo taken within the last six months, in addition to their filledout PMRF. As of June 2021, some 8.4 million Senior Citizen Members and 1.3 million Lifetime Members were registered with PhilHealth, with a combined qualified dependents of 3.3 million. From January to June 2021, PhilHealth has paid a total of P9.408 billion in benefits representing some 988,000 claims filed by elderly members nationwide. Among the top medical conditions paid by PhilHealth were community-acquired pneumonia, hypertension, cerebral infarction or stroke, urinary tract infection, and congestive heart failure.

Zoomcar appoints new country head in PH

ETRO Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the Presyong Risonable Dapat Program (PRDP) – Frozen Meat Edition to benefit shoppers with frozen meat products at more affordable prices. Launched at the Metro Supermarket in Market! Market! Taguig, this program is a joint initiative with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to help consumers by giving them access to high-quality, low-priced frozen meat products during the pandemic. Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Manuel C. Alberto said, “We laud and

support the government in making frozen meat products more economical for everyone. This initiative falls in line with Metro Retail’s thrust of giving consumers a wide assortment of quality and inexpensive merchandise.” Through the PRD Program- Frozen Meat Edition, MRSGI offers cuts ranging from 60 pesos to as much as 100 pesos off in the prices of ten frozen pork and chicken products – making them more affordable than those in public markets and other establishments. MRSGI has built its brand around the propositions of value for money, across its wide assortment of general merchandise and fresh food products.

Catering to the discriminating tastes of its shoppers, its services and facilities are manned by dedicated personnel that ensures a world-class shopping experience. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez commended MRSGI for being part of the network of retailers under the PRD Program. “The addition of Metro Retail Stores shows that with the support of the private sector, the Filipino consumers have a growing list of outlets where they can get affordable and quality products. As our economy slowly opens and improves, better market access to these essential products encourages more consumers to go out and contribute to our recovery.”

PHSW21 brings the Filipino startup ecosystem to mainstream audiences via virtual conference

HILIPPINE Startup Week 2021, the country’s largest startup conference, is set to hit the virtual stage on November 15-19, 2021. The week-long event, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Trechnology, Department of Information and Communication Technology, QBO Innovation Hub, and various public and private organizations, is expected to draw 15,000 attendees from the country and abroad for its third run this November. With the theme “Beyond Recovery: Filipino Startups Redefining Opportunity,” Philippine Startup Week 2021 (PHSW21) aims to showcase the Philippine startup ecosystem’s growth and successes; encourage greater collaboration between startups, MSMEs, enterprises, government agencies, and other stakeholders; and educate investors and foreign startups about the local startup ecosystem. “The widespread adoption of digital products and services and the startup

growth stories over the past year have shown that there is a future for Filipino tech companies,” shared IdeaSpace and QBO Innovation Hub President Butch Meily. “The local startup ecosystem is an engine for new opportunities, from employment and entrepreneurship to talent development and internal innovation. It is critical for both public and private sectors to come together and help this ecosystem fulfill its potential.” “We value and recognize the role of innovation as the constant gamechanger during these challenging times, and our startups definitely have the potential to facilitate digital transformation for a future-ready and sustainable business environment. We would like to encourage everyone to participate in this year’s Philippine Startup Week, and to engage the brightest local and international startups and the startup enablers that made it possible for them”, said Trade Undersecretary Aldaba of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group, and Chairperson of the Innovative

Startups Act Steering Committee. Interested participants can now register to join the week-long conference for free through the website, https://www.phstartupweek. com/. There will be over 70 community events, 250 speakers, and more than 150 homegrown startups that will be featured during the Philippine Startup Week. The conference will feature panel discussions, pitch competitions, program launches, and other events under five tracks: Discover, Develop, Collaborate, Invest, and Showcase. The Discover track aims to inspire, create awareness, and promote startups and technopreneurship to the community, the youth, and potential startup founders or entrepreneurs to increase the pipeline of ventures in the country. The Develop track aims to provide startups with resources, information, and expertise while developing the entrepreneurial talent pool, and build successful startups through learning sessions that accelerate growth. The Collaborate track aims to bring together corporates, government, the academe, and other ecosystem stakeholders through awareness and education initiatives. Also, it seeks to explore synergies with ecosystem stakeholders and Filipino startups. The Invest track aims to create an avenue for startups to access capital and engage with investors and prospective partners to increase potential deal flow. The Showcase track aims to feature high potential and fast-growing Filipino startups to showcase Filipino innovation and foster partnerships as well as boost deal flow.

Gene Angelo Ferrer, VP and Country Head Zoomcar, Philippines

OOMCAR, the largest car sharing marketplace covering emerging markets today announced they will soon be launching their operations in Philippines. Zoomcar, which dominates the self-drive car rental market in India, has expanded to Southeast Asia and appointed Gene Angelo Ferrer as their country head in Philippines to help scale their business. As the vice president and country head, Gene will lead Zoomcar’s operations in Philippines. Prior to joining Zoomcar, Gene has led Dostavista’s, a Russian-based crowdsourced delivery platform, entry into the Philippines in 2018. Locally known as MrSpeedy / Borzo Delivery, Gene grew the company exponentially with record setting year on year growth rates both on daily revenue and total deliveries per day. Gene comes with over a decade’s experience and his expertise in start-up management will prove vital in establishing Zoomcar as the first-to-market car-sharing platform in the Philippines. Greg Moran, CEO and Co-Founder

of Zoomcar said, “At Zoomcar, we have always been focused on personal mobility and this is the perfect time for us to expand internationally. Against the backdrop of Covid there are a lot of inherent tailwinds, which is really helping us capture more of the consumer mindset and gain market share. People want to get out and travel and they want to be social again. Philippines has low levels of vehicle ownership but large, upwardly mobile populations and it’s the perfect opportunity for us to leverage because there’s simply no vehicle accessibility and affordability is a huge constraint. We are thrilled to welcome Gene as our new country head in Philippines and look forward to benefiting from his experience of scaling up aggressively and building synergistic partnerships contributing to our growth. Philippines will be a benchmark for us to expand into other countries in Southeast Asia. Gene said, “In recent years, the Philippines has been economically classified as an emerging market - fondly referred to as Asia’s Rising Tiger. Excitement is an understatement to describe how I feel about joining Zoomcar at this important stage of its growth. I welcome the challenge to redefine the Filipino definition of mobility; self-drive has been widely popular in North America and Europe and I don’t see why it cannot be as popular in Southeast Asia. What I am most looking forward to is to see how Zoomcar can uplift the Filipino people through our proposition of establishing a secondary income stream without sacrificing their existing day jobs. I look forward to learning from Greg and the Global Zoomcar team to further enhance the brand’s market trajectory but now adding some Filipino flavor. Great things have to be built, and today we take the first step to making Zoomcar Philippines the Filipino mobility app of choice.”

Grab, theAsianparent Philippines partner to enrich parents' shopping experience on everyday essentials

RAB PH and theAsianparent Philippines teams up to offer exclusive GrabMart vouchers via theAsianparent app. The exclusive vouchers are applicable for shopping on GrabMart from October 29 to December 31, 2021 the Asianparent app users can redeem 5 different types of GrabMart vouchers including free delivery and discounts of up to P400 off per minimum purchase of P1000 “We have teamed up with theAsianparent Philippines to empower more Filipino households in their everyday grocery shopping journey, and we believe that more parents will truly benefit from our offerings - allowing them more time and energy for their families and loved ones,” says Grab Philippines Head of Deliveries Anton Bautista. Frances Ang, General Manager of theAsianparent Philippines, adds, “In this time of pandemic, Filipino parents have so much to worry about, from keeping their kids healthy and safe to making sure they have income to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. At theAsianparent, we do our best to provide Pinoy parents and parents-tobe with the means and know-how to have a healthy pregnancy and raise a healthy family,

through well-researched parenting content, a supportive, non-judgmental community whom they can get advice from and share pregnancy and parenting experiences with, and even income opportunities through our VIP Community platform. Our partnership with Grab is another way for us to give Pinoy moms and dads one less worry, in the form of some savings to lighten the load on their household expenses.” Available in both Filipino and English, theAsianparent is the largest content and community platform for parents in Southeast Asia with over 3 million unique users monthly via its website. Meanwhile, the app boasts a 4.9 star rating on Android and iOS and has over 1 million downloads in the Philippines. Download theAsianparent app on Android or iOS for free and enjoy exclusive parent perks and shopping discounts.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 B7

Growth, opportunities and challenges

in the logistics industry By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

@brownindio

S a thriving market, the country’s logistics industry will continue to be a growth driver in the property sector in the next year or so, according to property management and consulting firm KMC Solutions.

Karen Golez, KMC Solutions industrial and logistics services senior director, told the BusinessMirror that old and new players are both bullish with the new ones opening while the older ones embarking on an expansion mode. “This has been evident as well in the high demand for industrial properties from the logistics companies in the past year,” Golez said. As a developing country, Golez said the Philippine logistics landscape offers a lot of growth opportunities as it is still a young industry. This is complemented by the growth of e-commerce as more goods need more facilities for the storage of goods. As the logistics sector continues to boom in the Philippines, the need for better infrastructure is needed. “ To have seamless and efficient supply chains, there is a need to continuously improve the quality of air and seaport infrastructure and better transportation road network systems as this contributes to a better logistics performance which also leads to higher trade and significant economic impact,” Golez said. She said that Cavite and Laguna in Southern Luzon and Bu lacan and Pampanga from the North are growth spots. Location and accessibility are the main considerations to attract

t he locators. Moreover, t hey have to be in close proximity to the airport, seaport as well as their clients and they need to be accessible as well to major highways that can help maximize travel time and logistics cost.

Ninja Van officials share the success of the company during its recent 5th anniversary celebration. From left (top) Show Suzuki, emcee and Martin Cu, country head of Ninja Van Philippines; From left (bottom) Vin Perez, chief operating officer and Sabina Lopez-Vergara, chief commercial officer of Ninja Van Philippines.

Rosemary Rafael, president of Airspeed Philippines

What needs to be done

Although the Philippines has the potential to be a major logistics hub in Southeast Asia, Kerry Logistiskus Inc. President Jay Capino told the BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview the countr y first needs to tack le some challenges hounding the industry. “If we are to take full advantage of this to enhance our position as a regional transport hub, we need to address some critical concerns, not least of which is an effective Covid-19 response by the government that will stimulate the economy and cushion the impact of repeated lockdowns,” Capino said. Capino also pointed out the country needs to bring down the logistics costs by modernizing its airports, seaports, and logistics infrastructure. Moreover, he said it is also quite important to fix its disorderly regulatory framework to lessen bureaucratic red tape with efficient customs. Another problem that needs to be solved is traffic because it adds to the operational cost of the companies. “The decongestion

Karen Golez, KMC Solutions industrial and logistics services senior director (third from left) poses with her team.

of our roads to and from our major ports—Manila, Batangas and Subic, most especially—needs a rationalized and integrated master plan that identifies the chokepoints in the links so that we can optimize delivery time.” In another e-mail interview, Airspeed President Rosemary Rafael lamented the Philippines is not on the same level as Thailand or Vietnam in expansion. She said the country needs an overall

infrastructure developed to maximize its potential as a major logistics hub in the region. “If we want to achieve to become a major hub in Southeast Asia we need to develop our infrastructure [physical and digital] the soonest possible,” Rafael said.

The success of Ninja Van Golez sa id compa nies suc h as Fast Group, Flash Express, Hel lmann L og ist ics and Tol l

Group are some of the companies creating waves in the Philippine logistics market. Last December 20, Fast Group, an end-to-end logistics company formed a partnership with an equity firm that will infuse P6 billion to expand its logistics operations. Among its clients Procter and Gamble, Nestle, Johnson and Johnson and NutriAsia. Golez added other companies such as Flash Express, Hellmann

Logistics and Toll Group have entered the market and are trying to take a piece of the logistics pie. Ninja Van, one of the leading courier and logistics companies in the Philippines and Southeast Asia recently celebrated its fifth anniversary highlighted by the introduction of its new services and their role in empowering MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprise), especially amid the pandemic. “As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we want to highlight our initiatives to support MSMEs through the years, even before the pandemic hit our country. We invest heavily in providing them services and tools such as COD Advance and Ninja Direct, and our Ninja Blog and Ninja Masterclass to make the e-commerce process easier for them,” said Sabina Lopez-Vergara, chief commercial officer of Ninja Van Philippines. Martin Cu, country head of Ninja Van Philippines, said the company has gone a long way recalling the beginnings of their journey that started out in their first office-slash-warehouse in Taguig, which is actually a condominium unit. Now, they have over 300 hubs, stores and stations warehouses to their name, with the biggest one having a total area equivalent to 17 Olympicsized swimming pools. Cu described the growth over the last five years as fast-paced, reaching 1 million total deliveries in 2018 and launching Ninja Direct, their dropshipping service, the following year. Even when the pandemic struck the country in 2020, Ninja Van Philippines remained steadfast in providing the best service to its customers. Ninja Van Philippines has seen a 150-percent growth in parcel volumes in the past 12 months, and is processing billions of pesos of Cash-On-Delivery (COD) payments monthly.

CLI breaks ground on ₧1.5-billion Terranza Residences in Iloilo City

EADING developer in VisMin Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) started construction of a P1.5-billion premier residential tower in Iloilo City prodded by strong economic prospects in the region. Terranza Residences is a partnership with International Builders Corp. (IBC) under joint venture vehicle GGTT Realty. Expected to be completed in 2025, the project is already 75 percent sold and is projected to earn revenues of P2.4 billion. CLI has been named developer and manager of the premier residential development, while IBC will build and manage the retail complex to complement the residential condominium. The development is CLI’s second project in Iloilo City. The listed company’s first, Casa Mira Iloilo, is already 97 percent sold. Keen market reception of the 33-story tower with 600 units on a 2,539-sq-m property in downtown Iloilo indicates strong housing demand even for high-end projects in the Visayas

and Mindanao, according to CLI Chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III. Iloilo is one of the four key VisMin regions with high housing gap coupled with high gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita indicating high spending power. Soberano disclosed: “ The VisMin residential market continues to hold a lot of promise for us. Moreso in Iloilo because we have partnered with IBC, a successful local business known also for its philanthropy.” Like Iloilo, many cities in the region likewise have underserved residential markets. “Thus, we are rolling out more projects like Terranza Residences in the last quarter of the year,” said Soberano. CLI’s strong reservation sales in the first nine months of the year attest to sustained and strong VisMin housing demand. Terranza Residences offers one-bedroom units from 24 sq m to 40 sq m that can be combined and special penthouse units from 117 sq m. to 174 sq m. It includes

a sky lounge, rooftop garden, play area, fitness gym and helipad. Moreover, Terranza Residences has direct access to the mall. The development is further distinguished by its iconic address close to a heritage protected area valued highly by the community. The building’s design by Edward Co Tan + Architects is thus influenced by the timeless aesthetics of the Filipino Bahay na Bato and incorporates a stone finish that mimics adobe and big arched windows. CLI partners with Vision Properties Development Corp. as the general contractor for Terranza Residences. The listed company recently disclosed a 13-percent growth year-on-year on reser vation sales in the first nine months to P11.8 billion. CLI has over 100 developments in 15 key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao and will continue expanding VisMin operations to other high potential cities. It is in the process of acquiring more properties to support sustained growth.

Terranza Residences

Sports BusinessMirror

PHASE 1 of the National Academy of Sports is targeted for completion in February 2022.

| Wednesday, November 3, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

LADIES ALL SET FOR AOKI CLASSIC

BIT rusty but fully energized, the ladies of the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) set out for what is seen to be a wide open battle for top honors in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Aoki Classic at Eagle Ridge which gets under way on Wednesday in General Trias, Cavite. Although Harmie Constantino enjoys some kind of a psychological edge, having marked her pro debut with a victory over Princess Superal no less at the Isao Aoki-designed layout last March, the title chase is tipped to go down-to-the-wire in the third restart of the country’s premier ladies circuit with the multi-titled Superal out to resume her own campaign in Japan. Hunger, for one, will be more than enough motivation for the rest of the field with the likes of Chanelle Avaricio, Daniella Uy, Sunshine Baraquiel, Lovelyn Guioguio, Apple Fudolin and Marvi Monsalve all itching to nail the elusive win in the event marking the Ladies PGT resumption following its second postponement due to the spike of coronavirus cases in July. But it will also be a question of shot making and putting with former leg winners Chihiro Ikeda and Sarah Ababa also hopeful to get into the podium again on Friday while Shery Villasencio, Pamela Mariano, Eva

Miñoza, Florence Bisera and Majorie Pulumbarit spice up the cast in the P750,000 event put up by ICTSI. Eagle Ace Superal, Mafy Singson and Korean Jane Jeong provide an interesting sidelight to the 54-hole event as they vie for low amateur honors although focus will be on Laurea Duque and Burberry Zhang, who are out to shoot for a follow-up to their feats at Eagle Ridge-Aoki and Sherwood Hills, respectively. As in the past successful “bubble” tournaments, the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. is imposing strict safety measures to guarantee the health and safety of all those involved as per government guidelines and protocols. Constantino gets an early test for her back-to-back title bid at Aoki as she drew Ladies Professional Golf Association of Taiwan Tour veteran Uy and Baraquiel at 8:06 a.m. behind the group of Avaricio, Ikeda and Zhang with Monsalve clashing with Villasensio and Mariano at 8:18 a.m. Avaricio is also due for a big finish after being foiled twice by absentee Superal at Sherwood Hills and Eagle Ridge-Norman last July, while the long break is expected to have helped Ikeda heal a hand injury that has

World title fight up next for Sultan

HERE’S nowhere to go for Jonas Sultan but up—a shot at a world title. “Wait there guys, I’m coming for you,” said Sultan on Tuesday, referring to world bantamweight champions Japanese Naoya Inoue, fellow Filipinos Johnriel Casimero—whom he beat via unanimous decision in Cebu in 2017— and Nonito Donaire Jr. Sultan improved to 18-5 won-lost (11 knockouts) following his upset of erstwhile unbeaten Puerto Rican Carlos Caraballo, who he knocked down four times on the way to a unanimous decision win on Sunday at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. “Great things are coming for Jonas [Sultan],” MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons said. “What’s next for Jonas? It’s a world title for the boy. He deserves it.” But a shot at the world title would have to wait a while for the 29-year-old from Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte.

“We have to wait for what will happen in Casimero’s title defense,” Gibbons said. “But it’s time to get a world title for him.” Casimero will be defending his World Boxing Organization belt against Englishman Paul Butler either in Dubai or London at a still undetermined date in December. Donaire, on the other hand, will also stake his World Boxing Council title against fellow Filipino Raymond Gaballo on December 11 in a still to be announced venue. A fight with International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association champion Inoue, however, does not show on the radar at the moment. Sultan fought with an aching wisdom tooth and felt discomfort over an ill-advised wrap in both feet but still managed to get the win over the Puerto Rican. He and manager Junnie Navarro went to see a

Philippine Sports Academy starts taking shape at New Clark City

HE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and National Academy of Sports (NAS) gave a more intriguing preview of what the NAS campus at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, would look like with the release of full-size architectural renders of the future home of Filipino studentathletes. Taking the spotlight are the conceptual designs for the NAS multi-sport gym, the academic and administration building, as well as an aerial perspective of the complete campus. This followed the unveiling of the

ceremonial marker and the architectural renders of the sports academy by BCDA, NAS, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) last month at the New Clark City. Phase 1 of NAS is targeted for completion in February 2022. This is in line with efforts to prepare the pioneer and future students of NAS once face-to-face learning resumes. To better equip student-athletes with a conducive environment for academics, sports training and character development, BCDA and its private partners will ensure the

Mikey-come-lately, but he’s no new kid in town By Josef Ramos

DANIELLA UY will be one of the ladies to watch.

hampered her past performances. Meanwhile, the Highlands course in Tagaytay will host the next LPGT stop—the ICTSI Tagaytay Highlands Challenge—from November 9 to 11 with Gretchen Villacencio joining the fray after skipping the Eagle Ridge sortie for medical reasons. Two more tournaments are eyed for the touring ladies at the Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite, from November 23 to 26 and November 30 to December 3. dentist immediately after the fight and caught a flight to watch the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center on Monday. Sultan is supported by One-Pacman Partylist Rep. Mikee Romero, MLV Group of Michael Venezuela and Zamboanga City sports patron Kings CEO Cory Navarro. Josef Ramos

IKEY WILLIAMS is not your usual Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) rookie. He turned 30 while the TNT Tropang Giga played and won Game 4 last Wednesday of their successful Philippine Cup campaign against the Magnolia Hotshots. He plied his trade with the Saigon Heat in the Asean Basketball League from 2017 to 2018 and with the General Santos City Warriors in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League in 2019. Before that, the 6-foot-2 spitfire guard Williams moved a stairway away from the National Basketball Association by playing 39 games with the Sioux Falls Skyforce (2014-15) and Canton Charge (2016-18) in the G League—a remarkable stint that makes every basketball players résumé sparkle. In the Finals that TNT won in five gave, Williams was definitely no rookie, he played like a well-oiled veteran and emerged MVP of the series with explosive averages of 27.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Williams also racked up fiery numbers of 18.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists to lead TNT to a remarkable 10-1 record in the eliminations. So he’s no alien to basketball, specifically the PBA where he waited five years to be drafted. “A lot of my friends have been playing in the PBA [before], but it took me five years to get my papers fixed,” Williams said. “I got drafted in the PBA D-League [2015]…never got to play—that was the year I truly got introduced.” Among those who keep Williams on tab are pals Chris Ross and Alex

Cabagnot of San Miguel Beer, Frankie Johnson of Rain or Shine, Robbie Herndon of Alaska, Joshua Munzon of Terrafirma, Nick Demusis of Phoenix and Jamie Malonzo of Northport, all his fellow FilipinoAmericans. Williams’s

role at TNT, according to Reyes, was to fill up the scoring slack left by Bobby Ray Parks Jr., how with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins in the Japanese league. “It’s very special being my first conference in the PBA. We worked hard and got the job done,” Williams said. “Still surreal, I’m going to continue to put in the work to be better each and every day at the next conference.” “My plan is to take care of my body and get back to work,” he said. “My relationship with coach Chot is still formulating but we have built a good understanding for each another. Definitely, he’s a good mentor and great leader.” He was drafted sixth overall in the 2015 by the Mindanao Aguilas for the PBA D-League but didn’t get to play because of citizenship issues—he got his Philippine passport only in 2019 but was stalled in Los Angeles because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Williams’s father Kurtiz Williams hails from Eastwood and North Hollywood, California while his mother, the former Angelica Baldo, was born in Naga City. Senator Manny Pacquiao owns the distinction of being the oldest rookie in the PBA at 35 years, 10 months and two days, having played and coached with Kia in 2014 season. Maurice Shaw was next also at 35 when he was drafted by Blackwater last season. MIKEY WILLIAMS is an explosive veteran rookie at 30.

Bikini rule changed in beach handball after player protest

THE new wording by the sport’s governing body follows a campaign started by the Norwegian national team in July and now allows women to wear “short tight pants” instead of bikinis.

ASEL, Switzerland—Bikini-style uniforms will no longer be mandated for female beach handball players following protests by players and European lawmakers. The new wording by the sport’s governing body follows a campaign started by the Norwegian national team in July and now allows women to wear “short tight pants” instead of bikinis. The Norwegian federation was fined because players wore “improper clothing” at the European Championship in July. They had worn shorts to protest the bikini rule. Team handball’s rules ahead of the Tokyo Olympics seemed out of line with an Interna-

PBA’s import-spiced second conference offering up INFECTION surges slowing down. Jab hesitancy diminishing fast. Vaccine supplies pouring in steadily. Alert levels consistently going down. Hospital admissions of Covid-19 patients now below 30 percent. Emergency cases hitting under 20 percent. Recovering patients discharged way, way faster than infection rate cases. In short, signs of the pandemic getting finally licked are looking good. Based on history, the world will, more or less, probably be healed by March 2022. That’d be two years since the pandemic struck in March 2020. Remember the Spanish flu that claimed almost 50 million lives almost 100 years ago? It began in April 1918 and was contained in April

world-class structures of NAS will silhouette the majestic nature of its surroundings, making it a green and climate-resilient learning center. Born under Republic Act 11470, NAS is envisioned to be an institution that will provide the educational advancement and development of high-quality sports programs, training and experience to future worldclass student-athletes. The New Clark City sports complex is the first major sports hub developed by the government since the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was built in 1934.

1920. Two years. With the smashing success last week of the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) second bubble in Pampanga in as many conferences, the league’s looking to revive its import-spiced format this year. With almost every sector in society being granted government’s relaxed guidelines on health protocols, the PBA could be on the road to its full status as a live entertainment again. “We are hoping for better things to come before the year ends,” said Willie Marcial, the PBA commissioner fast recovering from a brutal bout of Covid-19. “The PBA believes it can provide wholesome, quality entertainment, live, for everyone again.” The first hurdle has been achieved as Marcial had gotten the approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for 9-A working visas exclusive for PBA imports.

Already, TNT Tropang Giga, the 4-1 winner last week of the best-of-seven Finals over Magnolia for the PBA Philippine Cup, has signed up McKenzie Moore for the Reinforced Conference that blasts off, hopefully, before the end of this month. Only the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) approval for fan-attended games is being awaited before the PBA could finalize plans for the staging of the next Conference, with

tional Olympic Committee directive to curb overly sexualized images of female athletes. There is still a gender divide in the updated International Handball Federation (IHF) equipment rules. Female players are told to wear pants “with a close fit” while men’s shorts can be “not too baggy.” The Switzerland-based IHF updated the rules in a document on its web site dated October 3. Days earlier, the sports ministers from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland urged the IHF and other international sports to let athletes “be dressed in a way that suits performance and comfort.” AP

host-venues being scouted in Batangas, Rizal and Pampanga. Only an Alert Level 2 could pave the way for imports playing in an NCR setting for the PBA. “We have to follow what the government tells us,” Marcial said. “Without an Alert Level 2 protocol, it’d be a bubble-type setting again for us in the next conference.” If that happens, it would cost the 12 teams fortunes again—further depleting basketball budgets, especially for the cash-starved squads reeling from the pandemic-caused economic crunch. But with spectators allowed back at PBA games, the gate revenues would help cushion the impact of overhead expenses. Pray that the continuing containment of the virus persists. THAT’S IT Only when herd immunity is achieved (at least 70 percent of our total 110-million population is inoculated) can crowds watch PBA games live again. That’s practically a done deal in the metropolis but not yet in the entire country.