BusinessMirror November 04, 2022

Signing...

“Apart from this, we are also pursuing other key rail way projects, such as the MRT [Metro Rail Transit]-7, the LRT [Light Rail Transit]-1 Cavite Extension, the Philip pine National Railway [PNR] Clark Phases 1 and 2 that will, in the future, make our rail transit system a more vi able option for our commut ers,” Marcos said.

Compared to road-based transportation, he said trains can accommodate more pas sengers and are not hampered by traffic congestions.

The construction of the MMSP, Marcos said, is also expected to generate thou sands of jobs.

The Department of Trans portation (DOTr) said the civil works for the start of the construction of the 4 MMSP stations next year are expected to provide over 600,000 direct and indirect employment.

Marcos noted that com pletion of the railway proj ects will help the country's economy recover from the effects of the pandemic.

“The signing of these contract packages is a clear demonstration of this ad ministration’s commitment to pursuing big infrastruc ture projects that will foster growth and revitalize the economy,” Marcos said.

Senate may tweak budget amid call to use intel funds for disaster

BSP...

SEN.

Juan Edgardo Angara, Finance Committee chairman, indicated he is open to tweaking the 2023 budget especially for calamity funds, amid a proposal by the minority to realign some of the huge intelligence and confidential funds sought by some agencies so this can augment the expected huge funding needed for disaster response and rebuilding.

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimen tel prodded senators Thursday to in stead cut confidential and intelligence funds that could be realigned to disas ter response and recovery programs in areas devastated by typhoon Paeng.

In a statement, Pimentel said the 2023 national budget contains P9.29 billion in confidential and intelligence funds, adding that “around half or P4.5billion of which would go to the Office of the President.” He noted that “due to the confidential nature of these al locations, they are notoriously hard to audit.”

Pimentel expressed support for rais ing the government’s proposed budget for calamity response for 2023. Under the proposed National Expenditures Program for 2023, the National Disas

ter Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) or calamity fund is allocated P31 billion.

“Given these 20 tropical cyclones a year and the fact that the Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, it is imperative to pump more funds into disaster and calamity response and re covery programs,” Pimentel said.

While the proposed budget for ca lamity fund is already 55 percent higher than this year’s allocation of P20 bil lion, Pimentel said, “it could easily be proven insufficient.”

“We must re-channel non-essential PAPs [projects, activities and programs] both in the 2022 General Appropria tions Act and the proposed P5.268trillion national budget for 2023 in order to fund critical programs such

Galang emphasized that it is im portant to look at food security from a systems view since transport and food

as the calamity fund to en able a speedy and efficient response to disasters and calamities,” Pimentel rec ommended.

He stressed: “We must ensure that resources are im mediately available and ac cessible both by the national and local government.”

“Let us cut confiden tial and intelligence funds (CIFs) and re-channel this much-needed allocation to strengthen our disaster response capabilities,” Pi mentel said.

Under the 2023 proposed spending outlay, there’s a re cord-breaking P9.29 billion CIFs. Of which, P4.5 billion will go to the Office of the President; P806 million to the Philippine National Po lice; and P500 million to the Office of the Vice President; P500 million to the Phil ippine Drug Enforcement agency (PDEA).

“These funds can be used instead to beef up the weath er forecasting capabilities of

sector infrastructure affect food availability and people’s access to food.

She added that food sys tems are connected to trans port, energy, health, and other systems. Addressing food security, Galang added, is a must as it directly con tributes to the higher goal of nutrition security.

“Still, the country stands a chance at realizing food security as evidenced by the collaboration of govern ment agencies and other sec tors to provide short-term and long-term solutions,” Galang said.

Based on the World Food Summit definition, Galang said food security could be attained if the availabil ity of food supply, physical and economic accessibility, utilization (food consump tion, safety, and quality), and price and volume stability were ensured.

PAGASA, build houses dam aged by typhoons and earth quake, and repair damaged roads and bridges,” Pimentel said, referring to the Phil ippine Atmospheric, Geo physical, and Astronomical Services Administration, the main agency responsible for monitoring typhoons in the country.

“Could they use their in telligence funds to monitor typhoons and floods and give us the much-needed early warnings?” Pimentel said.

For his part, Angara said: “Certainly, the Finance com mittee will always be open to changes, which may help our people during these difficult times and which will improve the government’s respons to these calamities.” It is the Finance committee that takes the lead in shepherding the budget bill through the Senate, which is expected to buckle down to work on the 2023 money measure when it returns from a recess on November 7. Butch Fernandez

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that while the Philippines has a 100-percent self-suf ficiency ratio (SSR) or the ability to produce to meet domestic demand, its rice, pork, and chicken SSR de creased to 90 percent.

The SSR of tuna and ga lunggong or round scad was also reduced in recent de cades to 90 and 80 percent, respectively.

However, the number of moderately or severe ly food-insecure Filipino households increased from 43 to 62 percent during the Covid-19 pandemic, based on Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) data.

The Philippines dropped to 67th out of 113 countries in the Global Food Secu rity Index Rating in 2022.

Cai U. Ordinario

“We have no choice but to adjust our policy tools in response to external developments. While there are downside implications of these adjustments to our near-term growth prospects, failing to adjust when the changing conditions require such adjustments will cost our economy more and compromise growth in the longer term,” Balisacan told this newspaper.

Local economists and analysts also supported the move of the BSP. Ateneo de Manila University John Go kongwei School of Management Dean Luis F. Dumlao said the impact on the economy of the policy rate hike would be minimal.

Dumlao said the country's growth rate will remain above 6 percent, maintaining its position as one of the fastest-growing emerging economies. He expressed confidence that higher interest rates will also have a minimal impact on spending as car sales have increased.

“The purpose [of the rate hike] is to combat infla tion brought about by possible dollar appreciation brought about by decrease in the interest premium between US and Philippine interest rates,” Dumlao told the B usiness M irror

Bank of the Philippine Islands lead economist Emilio S. Neri Jr. also welcomed Governor Medalla’s statement, saying such will also supplement the BSP’s foreign ex change market interventions.

Neri said, however, that making this statement two weeks ahead of its policy rate setting does not mean the Monetary Board would be kept from raising interest rates beyond 75 basis points, especially “if markets become more volatile than expected.”

The BPI economist said raising interest rates will not stymie the country’s economic growth but may affect “financial markets, overleveraged corporates, and gov ernment debt dynamics.”

“If the Marcos Jr. administration is able to carry out meaningful reforms to boost investor confidence, I don’t see why slightly higher interest rates can stymie the Philippine economy’s growth recovery. It’s premature to worry about higher policy settings until the policy rate starts to approach the economy’s nominal GDP growth rate,” Neri, however, said.

‘Smart move’

M EANWHILE Unionbank Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said the announcement of Governor Medalla was a “smart move” since it will prevent speculative behavior.

Unfortunately, Asuncion said, the country's GDP growth will “bear the brunt” of the rate hikes this year. The announcement of Governor Medalla to raise interest rates in its next policy meeting will be the fourth rate hike implemented this year.

Nonetheless, the higher interest rates are not bound to lead to job losses. “We have initially penciled in 2023 GDP growth to settle at 5.7 percent. Below the prepan demic average growth, but still definitely respectable. With that potential growth, I do not think there will be job losses,” Asuncion said.

For his part, Managing Director of eManagement for Business and Marketing Services, Jonathan Ravelas said Medalla’s statement will preserve the “interest differ ential” which is a preferred since it “will keep the local currency range bound.”

Ravelas agreed with the other economists that growth this year may not hit the upper band of the government’s targets. But GDP growth will remain “ideal” versus the country’s peers in the region.

The primary concern right now, Ravelas stressed, is to combat inflation. This is key since prolonged levels of high inflation will affect consumption, which accounts for 70 percent of the Philippine economy.

End-Sept...

During the reference pe riod, the national govern ment’s external debt rose by 3.4 percent on a monthly ba sis to P4.22 trillion due to the weakening of the peso against the dollar.

“The increment in the level of external debt was due to the P179.69 billion impact of local currency depreciation against the USD,” the Treasury said.

“This was partially offset by the P30.62 billion effect of third-currency depreciation against the USD and net re payment amounting to P10.80 billion,” it added.

On a year-to-date basis, the country’s external debt has increased by P658.3 bil lion or 18.5 percent “pri

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marily due to local- and thirdcurrency fluctuations that increase the peso value of foreign denominated obliga tions,” according to the BTr.

Total national government guaranteed obligations in creased by P4.46 billion or 1.1 percent month-over-month to P397.22 billion as of endSeptember 2022.

For September, the incre ment in guaranteed debt was primarily due to the impact of local currency depreciation amounting to P9.27 billion, offsetting the net repayment amounting to P1.43 billion and P3.48 billion net deprecia tion effect on third currency denominated guarantees.

From the end-December 2021 level, total national gov ernment guaranteed debt has decreased by P26.70 billion or 6.3 percent, according to the Treasury.

The national government’s outstanding debt is expect ed to further balloon to at least P14.63 trillion by the end of next year. (Related sto ry: https://businessmirror.com. p h/2022/08/22/ng-debt-seento-swell-to-p14-63-trillion-byyearend/)

“[It is] likely [the] next two meetings will deliver two 75 bps hikes,” Ravelas said. “BSP could also lower the bank’s open position to lessen the volatility in FX [foreign exchange] rates.”

Impact on lending

T HE higher policy rates which lead to an interest of 4.75 percent, Neri said, may not be enough to make lending more restrictive in the coming months.

Neri said most consumer-related credits have fixed rates and are not usually affected by rate hikes. The big ger danger is hitting a 14-year-high inflation that could erode consumer confidence and slow credit growth.

Earlier, salary-based consumer loans surged by more than half as of September. BSP data showed salary-based general purpose consumption loans jumped 56.8 percent to P117.391 billion as of September 2022 from P74.869 billion in the same period last year.

Bank lending

A S UNCION s aid, however, that there could be an impact on bank lending. He expects lower demand for loans because of the higher interest rates.

“There is quite a lag effect as to these hikes. Hope fully, inflation could moderate in 1Q23 [first quarter of 2023]. But if commodity prices remain elevated it might be difficult,” Ravelas said.

Earlier, banks remained stringent when lending to mi cro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as data from the BSP showed they considerably tightened their credit standards in the third quarter of the year. (Full story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/11/01/bsp-paybased-consumer-loans-surge-56-8-in-september/)

Based on the Senior Bank Loan Officers Survey (SLOS), some 10.4 percent of banks said they “tightened considerably” their credit standards for enterprises in the third quarter compared to 6.5 percent in the second quarter of 2022. (Full story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2022/10/31/banks-remained-scrooges-whenlending-to-msmes/)

A SENIOR lawmaker is asking Congress to declare a large part of the Philippine Rise, a vast undersea region east of Lu zon, as a protected area (PA) so it could be managed and explored for its marine resources.

I n House Bill 5687, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez proposed that the area known as Benham Bank and its neighboring waters, be designated as a PA to be known as Philippine Rise Marine Re source Reserve under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Law.

T he bill indicates the geographic coordinates of Benham Bank, which is composed of 352,390 hectares. The Philippine Rise is believed to be more than 24 million hectares.

Rodriguez said most of Philip pine Rise, including Benham Bank, is within the country’s 200-mile ex clusive economic zone.

He said while the undersea region is 3,000 to 3,500 meters beneath the ocean’s surface, Benham Bank, the tallest seamount, is lying just 48-70 meters below the sea.

A n all-Filipino group of research scientists discovered the proposed protected marine resource reserve in 2014, along with its diverse habitats and fish communities, he said.

He added that Filipinos actually do fishing activities in the area, “but the state of its habitats and biodi versity must be closely monitored to ensure the sustainability of the resources therein.”

Monitoring and maintaining the high biodiversity and near pristine habitats in the Philippine Rise Ma rine Resource Reserve will contribute to sustainable fisheries productivity and ecosystem services for present and future generations of Filipinos,” Rodriguez stressed.

He noted that at present, the Phil ippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police Maritime Group,

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are patrolling the area, protecting Fili pino fishermen and enforcing fish eries laws.

He said aside from designating Benham Bank as a protected area, his bill would provide additional funds for these agencies.

Most importantly, passing the bill is an exercise of Philippine sov ereignty over our waters and the re sources therein,” he said.

Under the measure, a Philippine Rise Marine Resource Protected Area Management Board would be created as the policy-making body for the management of Benham Bank.

T he board is to be composed of the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); the chairpersons of the Sen ate Committee on Environment, Nat ural Resources and Climate Change and the House Committee on Natural Resources and representatives from BFAR, National Economic and De velopment Authority, Department of Science and Technology, Depart ment of National Defense-Office of Civil Defense, PNP Maritime Group, National Security Council, National Coast Watch Council Secretariat, Department of Foreign Affairs Mari time and Ocean Affairs Office, AFP, and PCG.

Four representatives from nongovernment organizations accred ited by the DENR, four from aca demic institutions and one from the private fishing sector would also sit in the board.

T he bill enumerates prohibited activities in the proposed protected area, including poaching, dumping of toxic waste, use of destructive gears, and hindering law enforcement.

Proposed penalties for violators include fines of up to P5 million and imprisonment of up to six years.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo has ordered an investigation into the complaint aired by Novel eta, Cavite Mayor Dino Carlo Chua on the alleged “requirements” being sought by some DSWD personnel before releasing financial assistance to recipients.

T he DSWD chief has ordered the temporary transfer of Region 4A Director Barry Chua and Assistant Regional Director Mylah Gatchalian to the DSWD Central Office while the Office of the Secretary conducts an investigation into the complaint.

It was learned that Assistant Secretary Maritess Maristela of the Special Concerns Division will temporary take the place of Direc tor Chua.

Mayor Chua, in his complaint said, “Kung anu-ano ang hinihingi ng DSWD, e binagyo na nga ’yung tao, pinapahi rapan pa nila.  Hinihingan nila ng ID, indigency certificate, residency cer tificate at kung ano- ano pa. Sabi nga ng Pangulo wag na pahirapan ang tao.”

A ccording to the mayor, the food packs given by the DSWD in his

area were not enough. He added that only 200 from 500 families were given food packs, so he’s the one who gave food packs to the re maining 300 families.

B ut records from the DSWD showed that a total of 1,600 food packs were delivered by DSWD Na tional Resource Operation Center (NROC) to the municipal hall of Nov eleta on October 30, a day before the relief distribution.

“I don’t know kung bakit nasabi ni Mayor Chua na kulang ang food pack na pinadala namin sa kanya gayong 1,600 ang diniliver namin sa kanyang munisipyo one day before the distri bution day,” Tulfo said.

He also explained that there is re ally a need for the DSWD to verify the beneficiaries, especially those who will receive cash assistance, be cause this is the requirement from the Commission on Audit (COA).

Tulfo said, “Hinihingan po talaga namin ng ID ’yung mga benepisyaryo. Pero pag wala pong ID lalo na during calamities, kailangan nasa listahan ang pangalan nila sa barangay.”

“Pero ang nangyari sa Noveleta, wala pong ID ’yung natitirang 300

Nation

DepEd’s optional face mask tack in schools alarms House leader

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz  @joveemarie

AHOUSE leader on Thursday expressed alarm over decla ration of the Department of Education (DepEd) that would allow the optional wearing of face masks in schools.

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Cas tro said DepEd should not let mini mum health standards be optional in schools amid the recorded number of Covid-19 cases in campuses.

“Allowing the optional wear

ing of face masks in schools does not provide teachers and students the safe reopening of classes. We are still under the Covid pandemic and data on positive cases may be underreported. Allowing optional wearing of face masks in schools may put many lives of children and teachers in danger,” Castro said.

T he lawmaker said the DepEd should at least implement mini mum health standards in schools, especially wearing face masks since it cannot even provide ad equate facilities to implement proper social distancing.

Cramped classrooms also fail to provide proper ventilation,” Castro said.

“ The government refuses to provide teachers and students ad equate funds for free treatment in case of positive cases of Covid-19 in schools, it refuses to provide weekly testing for teachers and school per sonnel, there are no school nurses or adequate clinics in schools, now it allows the optional wearing of face masks in schools, removing the bare minimum of health stan dards in schools to protect teach ers and students from the Covid

pandemic,” she added.

Castro also said the government must first address the overcrowd ing in classrooms, the lack of school health facilities and school nurses, the poor ventilation in classrooms, and the lack of a medical fund for in fected teachers and personnel before doing away with face masks.

Ensuring a safe school environ ment not only protects teachers and students from diseases, but it also improves the quality of education our students receive and a safer work environment for teachers and school personnel,” Castro added.

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

ALEGAL and policy research institution on Wednesday revealed that half of all Cer tificate of Ancestral Domain titles (CADTs) in the Philippines are em broiled in environmentally destruc tive projects.

I n its 2022 State of the Indig enous Peoples Address (SIPA) Re port, the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) said the threats were found to cover at least 1.25 million hectares or equivalent to 21 percent of the total area of all CADTs.

“ We found that half of all ap proved large-scale mining con tracts and a whopping 87 percent of all large-scale logging projects are within or close to registered ancestral domains. Protecting an

cestral domains and their natu ral defenses to extreme climate impacts is urgently needed if we are to rise above the climate emergency we are already experi encing now,” Atty. Mai Taqueban, executive director of LRC said in a news release.

T he report further showed that despite their territories having an estimated forest ecosystem value of P1.1 trillion annually, three in every four indigenous persons (IP) remain among the poorest 40 per cent of Filipinos.

I Ps were also found to be facing significant socioeconomic gaps in accessing education, public health, water and electricity, and other public services.

The exploitation and com moditization of nature is sadly an enduring framework to man aging our natural resources. This

is contrary to indigenous peoples’ conception of development. Not only has this marginalized them, it has also worsened their human rights situation, for many of them naturally oppose these projects. What they have been clamoring for is support for their own develop ment plans, anchored in their right to self-determination,” Taqueban said.

T he report highlighted the on going struggles of IP communities against extractive projects, such as the water woes experienced by the Tuwali people during the opera tions of the Oceanagold coppergold project in Barangay Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. Protesting the depletion and pollution of wa ter and its impacts on their farm lands, they have been repeatedly met with a history of violence and human rights violations.

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Supreme Court (SC) will refund the Bar fees of law graduates who are scheduled to take the 2022 Bar examinations starting next week but would not be able to do so in the aftermath of se vere tropical storm “Paeng.”

In a public statement, the Office of the 2022 Bar Chair maintained that the 2022 Bar exams will pro ceed as scheduled on November 9, 13, 16, and 20 following an assess ment made by the SC on the extent of damage and possible effects of Paeng on the conduct of the Bar exams.

T he SC also surveyed all the 14 local testing centers (LTCs) and the local government units (LGUs) cov ering said LTCs to check if they are capable and ready to still hold the exam as scheduled.

katao at wala sa listahan ng barangay o hindi kilala ng mga barangay officials ang mga humihingi ng cash ayuda ng mga oras na ’yun,” Tulfo added.  “Ano pong ipapakita naman namin sa COA kung tanungin kami kanino namin ib inigay ang mga pera kung walang ID o wala sila sa listahan ng barangay.”

Siguro kailangan mag-imbestiga rin talaga ni Mayor Chua kung totoo ang mga sumbong sa kanya dahil mara mi pong kumakalat na fake news,” Tulfo said.

M eanwhile, Cavite lawmak ers recognized and thanked the DSWD for their tireless services to the people.

Sen. Bong Revilla and Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla also thanked the DSWD for their quick action in distributing the needs of the victims of severe tropi cal storm “Paeng” in Cavite.

It was learned that in less than 24 hours after Paeng hit Cavite, Di rector Chua and Assistant Director Gatchalian, together with the sena tor and congressmen, responded and distributed at least 4,000 family food packs in Bacoor, Kawit, Novel eta and Tanza.

By Glen Jacob Jose

OPERATIVES of the Philip pine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group (PNPACG) arrested a Nigerian national and his cohort allegedly involved in an internet love scam worth P2.2 million in Bacoor City, Cavite.

In a news release issued on Thurs day, Lt. Michael Bernardo, Team Leader of Quezon City District Anti Cybercrime Team, identified the sus pects as Ikenna Onuoha, 37, a Nige rian national and Jacel Ann Paderan, 28. They were both arrested at about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at their residence at Almera Street., Camella Lessan dra, Molino 1, Bacoor, Cavite.

Both have a pending warrant of arrest for swindling/estafa issued by Branch 230, Regional Trial Court (RTC), Quezon City.

T he warrant of arrest stemmed from the complaint of Onuoha’s victim whom he met at a dating site (MeetMe) and had a relation ship started on April 2020 wherein Onuoha hid his true identity and introduced himself as Demir Balik.

T he PNP-ACG said the victim a

59-year-old female at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, downloaded a dating app where she met “Demir Balik” or Ikenna Onu oha, a Nigerian national posing as a Turkish national.

During the course of their online conversation, which turned roman tic, the victim said that suspect made a lot of promises, which she believed then to be true.

It was then that the suspect man aged to convince the victim to send him money in the accumulated total amount of P2,282,000.

T he PNP-ACG said that the money was sent to the bank accounts of a certain Jacel Ann Paderan, and Cris tine Mae Elizares.

T he victim said that the suspect explained that he has an account in Clydesdale Bank, which has become dormant.

In order to restore his account to active status, he needed the money to solve his problem with the bank.

“ When the suspect asked for more money from the victim, it was then that she realized that she was being conned and decided to report the in cident to our office,” Bernardo said.

Importantly, all the LGUs and all the LTCs categorically indicat ed that they remain prepared and ready to participate in the 2022 Bar examinations as scheduled,” the SC reported.

T he 2022 Bar Exams Committee is headed by Associate Justice Al fredo Benjamin Caguiao.

T he said LTCs are located in San Beda University, De La Salle Uni versity, Manila Adventist College, Ateneo Junior High School Com plex, Ateneo de Manila University, and the state-run University of the Philippines-Diliman campus, for Metro Manila while three schools in Luzon will also host the exam, namely, the University of St. Louis in Baguio City, De La Salle Lipa City, and University of Nueva Ca ceres in Naga City. In the Visayas, these are University of Cebu, Uni versity of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu City, and Dr. Vicente Orestes Romualdez Education Foundation in Tacloban City.  M eanwhile, the Mindanao schools that will serve as LTCs are Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro, Ateneo de Davao, and Ateneo de Zamboanga in Zamboanga City.

T he SC stressed that it considered both the concerns of those who have been affected by the recent calam ity and those who are keen on taking the exams as scheduled.

By Andrea San Juan

T HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the local government of Quezon City recently inked an agreement to strengthen collaboration on startup and innovation government initiatives, which is seen to spur the growth and support the devel opment of innovators in the city.

Last Friday, the Trade department and the Quezon City local govern ment, through Mayor Ma. Josefina

“Joy” Belmonte, signed a memoran dum of understanding (MOU) to deepen the collaboration on start-up and innovation initiatives.

I n a news statement on Thurs day released by DTI, it said that in the case of Quezon City, the Startup QC Program through Ordinance No. 3109 S-2022 was launched to pave the way for a stronger start-up business eco system in the city.

Startup QC Program is a roll ing initiative intended to assist

and support start-ups through the provision of acceleration activities, development of start-up infra structure, and funding of innova tive start-up ventures,” the Trade department noted.

T he agency also said that the program of Quezon City aims to “foster inclusive growth by stream lining government and nongov ernment initiatives to create new jobs and improve production and advance innovation and trade in the country.”

Further, DTI said this initia tive supports Belmonte’s 14-point agenda, to make Quezon City the preferred destination for all busi nesses; ensure long-term success through a two-year accelerator pro gram; and generate new jobs across more businesses.

According to the Trade depart ment, the Quezon City mayor’s goal is to “create vibrant business hubs that will inspire and empower QCitizens to create contemporary business models targeted to help provide cre

ative solutions to social challenges.”

From here, we [QC] can continue creating large-scale collaborations that would enable these start-ups to grow and we can encourage more to take on the challenge of becoming a start-up,” Belmonte added.

Under the MOU, the DTI said it will provide assistance to the Startup QC Program through knowledge-sharing, policy sup port, linkage with the other sup porting innovation actors, and promotion of the initiative.

T he Court also took into consid eration the hundreds of personnel and volunteers who have already made prior arrangements in order to serve and contribute to the suc cess of the Bar examinations this month.

It also acknowledged that any postponement of the upcoming Bar exams will have ripple effects on, among others, the schedule of suc ceeding Bar exams.

Taking all of these under consid eration, it is the examined position of the Court that the 2022 Bar exami nations on November 9, 13, 16 and 20, 2022 will proceed as scheduled,’’ the SC said.

Bill includes part of Benham Rise in list of protected areas

Report shows vast tracts of PHL ancestral domain lands tied to destructive projects

Bar examinees unable to take Nov exams may apply for refund–SC

Tulfo probes Cavite mayor’s complaint on DSWD’s cash aid, relief distribution

Cybercrime cops arrest Nigerian, accomplice in P2.2-M ‘love scam’

accord to bolster start-up collaboration, innovation

Economy

Packworks reports rising retail prices of holiday feast essentials

PRICES of holiday feast essentials such as culinary milk, cream, canned fruits, and cooking oils in sari-sari stores have increased, according to data gathered by start-up company Packworks.

I n a news release issued on Thursday, Packworks, a start-up firm that provides a business-tobusiness (B2B) platform, said the depreciation of the Philippine peso is pushing up commodity prices of some imported goods, with the price of milk and cream going up by as much as 11.84 percent.

A 250-milliliter pack of multipurpose cream, 300-milliliter pack of condensed milk, and 370-millili ter pack of evaporated milk now cost P10 to P15 more than the previous price,” Packworks said.

A ndres Montiel, chief data of ficer of Packworks, said consumers are already “feeling the squeeze” of the rising cost of living, and an in crease to the cost of holiday staples is another “stressor.”

“ The reason for the price increase is that culinary milk and creams are normally imported from other countries. The increasing dollar rate over the peso affects the commod ity prices since these are imported,” Montiel said.

Apart from milk, Packworks said prices of palm, vegetable, and canola oils soared by 5.95 percent. Hence, the start-up firm said these are now being sold for “approximately” P80 more per liter.

Meanwhile, prices of spreads such as mayonnaise and peanut butter in creased by 5.77 percent, at P40 more per kilo, said Packworks.

A s for dairy products like cheese, margarine, and chilled ice cream, data collected by Packworks show that these products increased by

5.28 percent more.

Packworks also said canned goods are now 5.26 percent more expensive, with price increases ranging from P5 to as much as P20.

“ Prices of canned nata de coco, whole and cream-style corn, kaong, pineapple chunks, and fruit cock tails jumped by P8 to P20. Other canned products such as corned beef, tuna, meatloaf, and sardines rose by P5,” Packworks added. These items are often “staples” of households who intend to whip up a quick recipe for their holiday feasts, it said.

Montiel stressed that prices of these goods could still go up leading to Christmas festivities in December as demand will still pick up.

These prices could go up fur ther through ‘ber’ months, and the demand will definitely be higher. Our local households may be able to skimp on other items, such as clothing or gas, but they have to eat,” the company’s chief data of ficer said.

T he start-up firm said that the higher prices in sari-sari stores since January of this year can be attributed to inflation.

Moreover, it said, “The cost of

frozen processed food jumped 4.90 percent. Packed hotdogs, hams, and nuggets are sold for P25 more than the suggested retail price.”

O ther goods which experienced a jump in their prices are tea and 3-in-1 coffee mixes, increasing by 4.13 percent; snacks like can dies and biscuits, as well as fruits and vegetables, increased by 2.50 percent, while powdered milk and chocolate drinks are up by 2.04 percent, said Packworks.

A s for the data collection pro cess, the start-up firm noted that the data sets were generated using Sari IQ, a business intelligence tool created by Packworks.

T his business intelligence tool, Packworks said, gives retailers data analytics on consumer behavior and spending habits of people in a locality who purchase their needs in sari-sari stores.

F urther, the start-up firm said that data is generated from Pack works’ wide network of almost 200,000 sari-sari stores nation wide, which contains “insight ful” information on consumer spending and can be customized to create an analysis for sari-sari store categories. Andrea San Juan

DOLE gives private firms option to require facemask in work place

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

THE Department of Labor and Em ployment (DOLE) on Thursday announced private companies have the free hand to require employ ees to wear face masks to curb possible Covid spread in the workplace.

L abor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma issued the clarification in Labor Advisory (LA) No. 2, series of 2022, which specifies the guidelines in the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 7.

“Employers and their workers may implement a policy requiring the wear ing of face masks, taking into account, among others, the hazards and risks [e.g., enclosed space and poor venti lation], industry requirements [e.g., Food safety], and incidence of other

communicable diseases [e.g., flu and tuberculosis], including measures to ad dress noncompliance thereto pursuant to the existing company policy, rules, and regulations,” Laguesma said in his advisory issued on Wednesday.

T he labor chief said DOLE Regional Offices would provide assistance to companies in the implementation of the policy.

He stressed, however, LA 2, will only cover workers and workplaces in the private sector.

L ast Friday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued EO 7, which expanded the policy for the voluntary wearing of face masks to include indoor settings.

T he order, however, will not apply to health-care facilities, medical transport vehicles, and public transportation, where the wearing of face mask will still be mandatory.

DENR leads drive to check settlers in Calabarzon PAs

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

THE Department of Environ ment and Natural Resourc es (DENR) in Calabarzon launched on Wednesday a crackdown against illegal occupants structures within Protected Areas (PA) and for estlands in the region.

DENR Calabarzon Regional Ex ecutive Director Nilo Tamoria led key regional officials and representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Intel ligence Coordinating Agency, Army, National Bureau of Investigation, and local government units in issuing “show cause” orders against illegal occupants of structures in Marikina, Rizal, Laguna, and Quezon or the socalled Marilaque Highway.

Tamoria said as early as October 27, these same agencies collaborated to execute the massive operation, which aims to address numerous

complaints against illegal occupants and structures built in supposedly “no-build” zones or buildings with out the necessary permits from con cerned government agencies.

“This is to ensure the protection and conservation of our Protected Areas which serves as our natural defense against climate change,” said Tamoria.

On Saturday, October 29, tropical storm “Paeng” devastated Luzon and parts of Mindanao, causing massive flooding and landslide that resulted in the tragic loss of lives.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. blamed the disaster on massive tree-cutting activities.

According to Tamoria, the illegal construction of buildings and other structures is one of the major causes of forest degradation, particularly in PAs.

Section 24 of Department Ad ministrative Order 2019-05 states that the Protected Area Manage ment Board or PAMB shall conduct an inventory of facilities within a PA.

Sarangani issues compliance certificate to 66 cooperatives

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

CITY—Some 66 cooperatives in Sarangani Province have been issued their respective certificates of com pliance (COC), and more are still be ing processed as the province held its first ever summit for cooperatives.

DAVAO

Some are into small-scale min ing, small dairy operation, fish ing, agriculture, agrarian reform, transport, multi-purpose opera tion, credit, marketing, producers, consumers and service.

A s of June 30, Sarangani listed 66 cooperatives which were already issued with COC and 10 more were processing and completing neces sary requirements.

During the open space conversa tion, cooperators aired their con cerns such as insufficient working capital, insufficient capability devel opment budget for required manda tory trainings, and support in com pleting mandatory requirements for the issuance of COC.

T herese Faith Gavan, provin cial cooperatives development of ficer-designate said the first Ronda

Probinsya Kusog Kooperatiba Sum mit 2022 on October 28 at the Capitol gym “serves as a starter activity for the formulation of Sarangani’s pro grams, projects, and activities in sup port of the Philippine Cooperative Development Plan for 2023-2028.”

She said the summit was held to “encourage cooperatives to become active partners of the province and to recognize their contributions in the development and nation building.”

“ The summit recognizes how sig nificant the role of cooperatives… in the partnership with the local government to help in provincial development,” she added. Coopera tives from the seven municipalities of Sarangani attended the summit. Meanwhile, the Sarangani Ronda Probinsya logo could now be used in official documents, issuances and communications after it was offi cially unveiled last month.

R onda Probinsya is Gov. Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao’s “multi-faceted flagship program which facilitates the distribution of the much-need ed socioeconomic assistance to the poorest sectors particularly those in the farthest and most hard-toreach areas of Sarangani,” the pro vincial information office said.

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Philippines’ best dive sites are being promoted at the on going Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2022 in Orlando, Florida.

I n a news statement, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) COO M Marargarita Montemayor Nograles said the country’s participation at the DEMA Show will help sustain its presence in the international mar ket, particularly in North America, a significant source of pre-pandemic arrival s. With the lifting of interinter national travel restrictions, TPB projects 30 percent of Americans will take more leisure trips until the end of the year.

We have been participating in this event since 2015. However, due to the pandemic, we were not able to maximize the marketing and busi ness opportunities for the past two years,” said Nograles. “Now is the

By Andrea E. San Juan

time to reinforce the country ’ s recog-s recog nition as one of the world s best dive destinations and to tap US markets to re-explore the Philippines for un derwater adventures. We are surely back in the game,” she said. TPB is the marketing arm of the Depart ment of Tourism (DOT).

T he three-day DEMA, which opened on November 1 at the Or ange County Convention Center, is the largest trade-only event in the world for companies in scuba diving, water sports, and adventure travel. It attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of dive and travel industry professionals from around the world each year.

T he Philippines booth highlight ed the country s best dive sites in Batangas, Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan and featured activities such as the sardine run, reef wall snorkeling, dolphin watching, and wreck diving, among others.

O n top of the business meet ings and networking sessions, the Philippines booth also conducted

country presentations and dis seminated information about the recent developments in the Philip pine dive industry.

2022 held in Ho Chi Minh City, the fourth year it was bestowed the title since 2019, and edging out Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Under the National Tourism De velopment Plan of 2016-2022, the DOT identified other source mar kets for dive tourists, where more promotional efforts are needed, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, In donesia, South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Middle East, UK, Germany and Russia.

For her part, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed optimism that the country’s par ticipation in international trade shows such as the DEMA Show will signal a strong comeback for the country s dive industry. Also, the Philippine Commission of Sports Scuba Diving, an attached agency of the DOT that oversees marine sports, recently received a budget P9.53 million for the first time from the national government, aiming to implement a more in tensified dive tourism promotion

deports

and development program.

We are elated that our national government has been supporting the dive industry ever since and we are more than ready to welcome dive professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world. Our 7,641 islands, tropical climate, accommo dating locals, diverse marine life, and world-renowned underwater sites await you here,” said Frasco in the same news statement.

A mong the Philippine delegation were dive resorts and operators such as the Crystal Blue Resort, Magic Re sorts Philippines, Discovery Fleet, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Scandi Divers, El Galleon Resort/Asia Div ers, Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort, Atmosphere Resort and Spa, Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa, Salaya Beach Houses, Atlantis Dive Resort and Liveaboard, Arkipelago Divers and Beach Resort, Reef Ha ven Scuba Diving School, Sea Ex plorers Philippines, Marco Vincent Dive Resort, and Club Aquasports Dive Center.

DEPARTMENT

of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it has received price-increase re quests from manufacturers of “noche buena” products such as ham, queso de bola, macaroni salad and fruit cocktail.

Some manufacturers would like to increase price for certain noche buena products such as ham, queso de bola, macaroni salad and fruit cocktail,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual told reporters via Viber on Thursday.

In a televised interview on Thurs day, DTI-Consumer Protection Group Ann Claire Cabochan assured consumers that there is enough sup ply of noche buena products.

“Dun po sa pag-ikot namin at paki kipag-ugnayan namin sa mga manu facturers ng noche buena products,

first of all, mayroon tayong sapat na supply, sa pag-iikot po namin even the store managers were saying na they expect their new inventory or re plenishment to reach their groceries and supermarkets within the week or next two weeks,” Cabochan said.

As for the price of these holiday goods, the Trade official pointed to the global headwinds, noting that the eco nomic challenges in the global arena are causing the prices of goods to soar.

“Dun naman po sa presyo dahil po sa nangyayari it’s not only here sa Pili pinas, kahit naman po sa ibang bansa sa buong mundo ay nagkakaroon po talaga ng mga supply chain disrup tions at may changes in the price of oil, so iyong logistics po pati ’yung mga materials nag-iiba po ng presyo,” the Trade assistant secretary stressed.  Cabochan revealed that manu facturers of these products notified

them that they will impose price in creases on some of the noche buena products. However, she added that not all holiday goods will implement a price increase.

Meanwhile, the Trade assistant secretary said DTI is continuously coordinating with the manufactur ers of the products who wish to im plement a price increase to “temper” the increase.

Last August, DTI-CPG Undersecre tary Ruth B. Castelo said in a televised interview that DTI will release a price guide of noche buena products by the last week of October or early November.

W hile it is not a suggested retail price (SRP) list, Castelo earlier said that the noche buena price guide that DTI will release should only serve as a guide for consumers to know how much they should be paying for a certain good or product.

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Department of Jus tice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) an nounced on Thursday the depor tation of 21 more illegal employ ees of Philippine Offshore Gam ing Operations (POGO).

Immigration Commissioner Nor man Tansingco said the second batch of deportees comprised of 21 Chinese nationals who left the country on board a Philippine Air Lines flight to Wuhan, China.

T he illegal workers were escorted by operatives from the BI’s Warden Facility Protection Unit, Border Con trol and Intelligence Unit and Intel ligence Division.

T he BI earlier reported that

it would implement the depor tation of more than 300 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese citi zens, who have been arrested by local law enforcement agencies for involvement in illegal online gambling.

A n initial batch of six Chinese nationals was deported last Octo ber 19.

T he government has announced the cancellation of visas of close to 50,000 POGO workers to avert further criminal activities and pos sible spread of sexually transmit ted diseases being attributed to the POGO industry.

However, the DOJ said they are also looking at extending amnesty to illegal POGO workers and other undocumented aliens.

T he DOJ said the continuous

deportation operation is poised to implement the government’s policy to crackdown on illegally operating POGO companies who no longer give any benefit to the government and who instead have been the source of criminal activities.

Following the intensified de portation operation of illegal POGO workers, we have seen a decrease re ported crimes related to the POGO Industry,” it said.

T he DOJ assured that it would remain consistent with its objective of ending the illegal POGO industry in the country.

A s of September 14, the DOJ said data from the Philippine Amuse ment and Gaming Corporation showed there are 175 POGOs with canceled permits.

TEN short videos have won awards in the “Green WorldSino-Philippine Future” Short Video Competition, jointly hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Re public of China in the Republic of the Philippines, Global Times On line and China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd.

T he event, which is also the Phil ippines Sub-competition Zone of the 4th Belt and Road Short Video Competition, kicked off on August 29 and received nearly 200 entries from participants in China and the Philippines, especially Gen Zers from both countries.

Short videos under a hashtag de noting the Philippines Sub-competi tion Zone of the 4th Belt and Road Short Video Competition on the popular Chinese short video shar ing platform Kuaishou have received more than 13.65 million hits.

Since its inception, the competi

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

tion has enjoyed strong support from universities at home and abroad and all sectors of society, as well as an enthusiastic response from Chinese and Philippine Gen Zers.

T he event features six themes, namely: Garden City, Low-carbon Life, Green Creators, New Infra structure, Digital Fantasy, and Love between China and the Philippines.

T he short videos submitted to the event covered a broad range of sub jects under these themes, including the China-Philippines friendship, infrastructure projects undertaken by Chinese companies in the Philip pines, green development, and the digital economy.

Some videos highlighted the global solidarity demonstrated by people in the fight against the pandemic, while others introduced the local cultures and traditions of the Philippines and chronicled stories about the bond be tween foreigners and China.

POLITICAL leaders, journalists, teachers, and artists from Asia will meet at the Iloilo Convention Center on November 12 and 13 in a conference with the theme “building a democratic coalition against disinformation.”

Disinformation has divided people all over the world. We need democracy, which connects us to each other, more than ever to overcome the many challenges we face, including poverty and hunger, the pandemic and climate change,” said Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chairperson of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP).

“ Massive disinformation has shaken the very foundations of

democracy. Democratic political, social, and cultural institutions are coming together in this conference to take the necessary steps to fight disinformation and fight for truth,” said former CALD chairperson and Senate President of the Philippines Franklin M. Drilon.

P articipants from Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines will be joined by delegates from the European Union and the United States to discuss the impact of disinformation on politics and society in East and Southeast Asia. The sessions are geared toward cooperation and action.

S peakers and panelists include Phil Bennion, vice president of Liberal International and former

Member of European Parliament from the United Kingdom; Moritz KleineBrockhoff, regional director of the Southeast and East Asia Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF); Sheila Coronel, director of the Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism Columbia University in the US; James Gomez, regional director of Asia Centre in Thailand; Jaslyn Go, cadre member of the Singapore Democratic Party; Sir Graham Watson, former president of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party from the UK; Siripa Intavichein, chairperson of CALD Youth and deputy spokesperson of the Democrat Party of Thailand; Chompoonut Nakornthap, secretary of the Foreign Affairs

Committee of the House of Representatives of Thailand; Kulachada Chaipipat, of COFACT Thailand; and Jayanthi Devi Balaguru, chairperson of the CALD Women’s Caucus from Malaysia.

T he Philippine delegation includes LP president and member of the Philippine House of Representatives Edcel Lagman, former CALD chairpersons Florencio “Butch” Abad and Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, former Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio, and Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel.

T he two-day conference is organized and sponsored by CALD, in cooperation with LP and the Center for Liberalism and Demcracy (CLD), with the support of FNF.

lion also from the LSB.

Cagangohan National High School.

DAVAO

CITY—A Davao del Norte city has gifted three public elementary and sec ondary schools with new classroom buildings, along with desktop com puter sets, for a speech laboratory and learning center.

A bigger 2-story building was inaugurated on October 25 at the

The building has six classrooms built with a budget of P4.3 mil lion from the Local School Board. It was turned over to school head Chonalyn C. Doctora, who said that it was a relief “because we added four sections with 45 [learners] in one room.”

T he Sta. Cruz Elementary School also got 1-story school building from the city government. It has two class rooms built with a budget of P3 mil

T he Southern Davao Elementary School got the last of three donations of school buildings, with a 1-story building with two classrooms and a rest room. Also budgeted by the LSB, the building costs P3 million.

C ity Mayor Jose E. Relampa gos said the building construction for public schools was part of his 10-Point Executive Agenda on Edu cational Support.

A side from the school buildings,

the city also handed out 15 desktop computers to the Panabo City Senior High School (PCSHS) in Barangay New Visayas on October 25, to fill the recently constructed Speech Laboratory and E-Learning Center of the school.

At Narciso B. Galapin Elementary School, 72 Grade 6 pupils received their school supplies from business man Edward K. Tom, a former stu dent of the school.

L ovely Karen C. Melencion,

who represented School Princi pal Irhyn E. Petalcorin, said the businessman has been a donor for 11 years now to Grade 6 pupils since 2012.

“ We are thankful for his continu ing support,” she said.

Mr. Tom also shouldered part of the students’ financial obligations and only asked students “to be seri ous in their studies.”

M eanwhile, the city govern ment received a Plaque of Recog

nition during the third Merito rious Exceptional Performance of Stakeholders and Teachers’ Awards and Recognition 2022 (MEP STAR Awards).

It has held on October 25 at the Panabo City Senior High School in Barangay New Visayas.

S chool Principal Myrna E. Puri ficacion said the award recognized the valuable support of the city government to the affairs of public schools.

Divers from other markets

THE Philippines was recently recog nized as Asia’s Leading Dive Desti nation at the World Travel Awards

4G (FDD/ TDD), MM & 4G+ LTE-a Including Dimensioning, Design, Planning & Optimization. VOLTE, NB-LOT & 5G Proven Hands-on Experience in Designing, Optimization, and Management of the RF Networks Elements. Exposure to International and Multicultural Working Environment.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Technology, Preference in Telecommunication. 5+ Years of International Wireless and Wireline Telecom Industry Specific Experience for 2G, 3G, 4G (FDD/ TDD), MM & 4G+ LTE-a Including Dimensioning, Design, Planning & Optimization. VOLTE, NB-LOT & 5G Proven Hands-on Experience in Designing, Optimization, and Management of the

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php

Basic

49.

ZOU, YU Sales Manager

Brief Job Description: Developing the market business, set up effective promotional plan, and achieve sales target. Developing trust relationships with a portfolio of major channels, such as wholesalers/retailers/ operators. Acquiring a thorough understanding of key customer needs and requirements, focus smartphones and ecosystem products. Expanding the relationships with existing customers by continuously proposing solutions that meet their targets. Assist in formulating the overall go-tomarket strategy (price, product, positioning, promotion and channel strategy) of the company.

Prepare regular reports of progress and forecasts to internal and external stakeholders using key account metrics

C’EST LA VIE EVENT MANAGEMENT INC. 230, Narra Street, Marikina Heights, City Of Marikina

Basic Qualification: Fluent English and Chinese, marketing related major, bachelor’s degree or above. Working in smartphone domain (or high-tech hardware industry) is preferred. 5 years of working experience in the similar position is preferred. Extensive connections in consumer electronics and smartphone industry. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

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

SHI, LENGLENG Field Sales Consultant

50.

Brief Job Description: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods.

Basic Qualification: Can research accounts and generate or follow through sales leads; can valuate customers skills, needs and build productive long lasting relationships; can meet personal and team sales targets

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

51.

WU, YIQUAN Field Sales Consultant

Brief Job Description: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods.

Basic Qualification: Can research accounts and generate or follow through sales leads; can valuate customers skills, needs and build productive long lasting relationships; can meet personal and team sales targets

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

CASPO

ANGELINA Operation Analyst

52.

Brief Job Description: Providing analytical job in actual business operation for the company and its worldwide clients

Street,

Basic Qualification: Has extensive experience and good

any Chinese

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

Basic Qualification: Has

and

MUN PHAN

Analyst

is

Brief

CHUONG HUE MAI

Brief

Analyst

and

or any Chinese

Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

as well as day to day execution; Responsible for conducting market/competitive/industry analysis; Analyze data to guide/develop business planning and promotional strategy; Run simulations based on analysis and promotion plans to develop forecasts for program costs; Drive commercial discussions, channel readiness, product sell in/ sell out/ sell through, and execution; Managing all partnerships with distributors and channels, Work cross-functionally with product, marketing, finance, sales and supply chain to develop local business;

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of Go-ToMarket Management, Project management Experience, Interested and global vision in the mobile industry, Known well for the channel partners

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

83.

WANG,

WONG

about other products and services

WU, MENGHAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Can speak

Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

85.

86.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions,

information about other

and

YUAN, NING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service

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

ZHOU, WEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

87.

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

HAFELE PHILIPPINES, INC. Cayetano, Boulevard, Ususan, City Of Taguig

PÖHLMANN, ROLAND Vice President - Managing Director

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

88.

Brief Job Description: Developing and executing business strategies to achieve short and long-term goals.

HANNUBI TRAVEL & TOUR SERVICES INC.

Basic Qualification: 5 or more years experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Unit-303 Sunrise Center Bldg., 488 Pablo Ocampo St., 078, Barangay 719, Malate, City Of Manila

KIM (SPOUSE OF JEON), SUN HEE General Manager/managing Director

Basic Qualification: Proven Professional Experience

89.

Brief Job Description: Lead, guides, directs and evaluates all other officers, managers & employees

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

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

LU, WANGNING Mandarin Marketing Manager

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin marketing manager, familiarity, knowledge and awareness

90.

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

- Php

NEW

127.

NIPPON

WAI

Basic

Php

137.

- Php

128.

NOONA

LIU POH HIEN

129.

Brief

ONPOINT CORP. Unit

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

City

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in bilingual languages

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

138.

LE THI NGOC HA Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

NGUYEN THI TUYET TRINH Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Provide customer service support to the organization by obtaining, analyzing and verifying the accuracy of order information promptly.

RKAM TRAVEL

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Cantonese, Taiwanese and Mandarin language. Excellent communication skills. At least 1 year experience relevant to the position.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Cantonese, Taiwanese and Mandarin language. Excellent communication skills. At least 1 year experience relevant to the position.

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

140.

10 Tower 2, 154

Dela Costa Cor. Valero Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati

TRAN

Brief Job

130.

LIANG, ZHENGXIANG

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese Language. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. At least 1 year experience related to the applying for.

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

XIAO, ZHICHANG Supply

Job Description:

of TCL China.

Ermita, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: 1 year

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

TELUS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC. Units 23/f, 31st/f - 37th/f Discovery Centre, Adb Avenue, Ortigas

131.

Range: Php 30,000 - Php

Qualification:

Range: Php 150,000 - Php

the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

Regional Office No. IV-A

4th Flr. Andenson Bldg. II, Brgy. Parian, Calamba City Telefax No.: (049) 545-7362

November 04, 2022

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION/S FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT/S (AEP/S)

Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s:

NO. ESTABLISHMENT NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

1 ANOC99 CORPORATION

Pogo 1 Building, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

2 ANOC99 CORPORATION

Pogo 1 Building, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

SHUE LIN

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

THIDA LIN

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

RITA

3 ANOC99 CORPORATION

Pogo 1 Building, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

4 ANOC99 CORPORATION

Pogo 1 Building, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

SUNIANI

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

9 DEJUDIGM CONSTRUCTION INC. 003, Maligaya Street, Cagsiay I, Mauban, Quezon

10 DONG-AH GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

Unit 1, The Junction Strip Mall, Carmelray Ave. corner Wisdom Street, Carmelray Industrial Park 1, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

11 FILKOR GOGUMA FOOD CORPORATION

Purok 5, Makiling, City of Calamba, Laguna

PARK, GI-SIG

Construction Consultant

Brief Job Description: Inspect the property which the client plan to build on

HWANG, DOMA

Construction Manager

Brief Job Description: Manage, implement and coordinate schedule and activities

PARK (SPOUSE OF PARK), HYEKYEONG

Operations Manager

Brief Job Description: Manage and supervise the food and beverage staff

YAMASHITA, YOSHIAKI

12 HITACHI CABLE PHILIPPINES, INC.

Lot 2, Blk. 7, Lima Technology Center, Bugtong na Pulo, City of Lipa, Batangas

Board Of Director / Vice President

Basic Qualification:

With experienced in construction industry

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification: With good leadership and managing skills

Salary Range: Php60,000 - Php89,999

Basic Qualification:

Can communicate through verbal and written Korean and English language

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification: With knowledge in safety control, CSR and the products and business models

13 HYS METAL PLASTIC AND ELECTRONICS (PHILIPPINES) INC.

Amplefield SME Park, J.P. Rizal Ave., Lima Technology Center, Bugtong na Pulo, City of Lipa, Batangas

Brief Job Description:

Support corporate social responsibilities as the primary existence of the company

XIE, CAISHENG

Product Engineer Consultant

Brief Job Description:

Plan and coordinate production engineering processes on daily basis to produce high quality products

TSUNEKAWA, HAYATO

14 HYS METAL PLASTIC AND ELECTRONICS (PHILIPPINES) INC.

Amplefield SME Park, J.P. Rizal Ave., Lima Technology Center, Bugtong na Pulo, City of Lipa, Batangas

Pogo 1 Building, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Manage

Able to speak, read and write Chinese

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic

15 MORIROKU PHILIPPINES, INC.

115 North Science Avenue, Laguna Technopark, Malamig, City of Biñan, Laguna

Sales Consultant

Brief Job Description:

Plan and coordinate production engineering processes on daily basis to produce high quality products

KOBAYASHI, TOSHIFUMI

Assistant Vice President / Factory Manager

Salary Range: Php150,000 - Php499,999

Basic Qualification:

Have work experience in a manufacturing company and technical skills

Salary Range: Php30,000 – Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Have work experience in a manufacturing company and technical skills

Salary Range: Php30,000 – Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Salary Range: Php150,000 - Php499,999

Salary

Php500,000

Php150,000

Php499,999

China fishing fleet defied US in standoff on the high seas

The World

THIS summer, as China fired missiles into the sea off Taiwan to protest House

Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to

the island, a much different kind of geopolitical standoff was tak ing shape in another corner of the Pacific Ocean.

Thousands of miles away, a heav ily armed US Coast Guard cutter sailed up to a fleet of a few hundred Chinese squid-fishing boats not far

from Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. Its mission: inspect the vessels for

The World

N. Korea keeps up its missile barrage with launch of ICBM

By Kim Tong-Hyun & Mari Yamaguchi The Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea—Alarms blared from cellphones, radios and public speakers and fishermen hurried back to shore in northern Japan on Thursday after North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile above its eastern waters, adding to a recent barrage of provocative weapons demonstrations that officials say may culminate with a nuclear test in coming weeks.

The ICBM test, which was fol lowed by two short-range bal listic launches into the sea, was swiftly condemned by neighbors and the United States, which said it’s willing to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the safety of the American homeland and allies South Korea and Japan.

The Biden administration also warned of unspecified “addition al costs and consequences” if the North goes on to detonate a nu clear test device for the first time since September 2017.

The launches are the latest in a series of North Korean weapons tests in recent months that have raised tensions in the region. They came a day after Pyongyang fired more than 20 missiles, the most it has fired in a single day ever.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the North firing an ICBM from an area near its capital Pyongyang around 7:40 a.m. and then firing two shortrange missiles an hour later from the nearby city of Kacheon that flew toward its eastern waters.

The longer-range missile ap peared to be fired on a high angle, possibly to avoid entering the terri tory of neighbors, reaching a maxi mum altitude of 1,920 kilometers (1,193 miles) and traveling around 760 kilometers (472 miles), accord ing to South Korea’s military.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the launch was successful.

Japan’s Defense Minister Yasuka zu Hamada announced similar flight details but said that his military lost track of the weapon after it “disap peared” in skies above waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Choi Yong Soo, a South Ko rean Navy captain who handles

public affairs for Seoul’s Defense Ministry, didn’t answer directly when asked whether the military believes the launch might have failed with the missile exploding in midair, saying that the test was still being analyzed.

Citing anonymous military sources, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that the missile possibly failed to maintain normal flight following a stage separation.

The Japanese government ini tially feared the ICBM would fly over its northern territory but later adjusted its assessment.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the alerts were based on a trajectory analysis that indicated a flyover.

The office of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida broadcast the “J-Alert” warnings through television, radio, mobile phones and public loudspeakers to resi dents in the northern prefectures of Miyagi, Yamagata and Niigata, instructing them to go inside firm buildings or underground.

There have been no reports of damage or injuries from the regions where the alerts were is sued. Bullet train services in some areas were temporarily suspended following the missile alert before resuming shortly.

North Korean missile activity is a particular concern in Niigata, which is home to seven reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. Those reactors are currently offline and Japanese authorities say no abnormalities have been detected.

On Sado Island, just off Ni igata’s northern coast, fishermen rushed back from sea at the sound

of sirens blaring from community speaker systems. One fisherman told NTV television he no longer feels safe going out to sea.

“We really have to be careful,” he said.

Kishida condemned the North’s launches and said officials were analyzing the details of the weap ons. The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said his national security director Kim Sung-han discussed the launches during an emergency security meeting where members talked about plans to strength the coun try’s defense in conjunction with its alliance with the United States.

The office said South Korea will maintain its combined military ex ercises with the United States in response to North Korea’s inten sifying testing activity, which it said would only deepen the North’s international isolation and un leash further economic shock on its people.

Adrienne Watson, a spokesper son for the US National Security Council, issued a statement say ing the United States strongly condemns the North’s ICBM test and that President Joe Biden and his national security team are as sessing the situation in close coor dination with allies and partners.

“This launch, in addition to the launch of multiple other ballistic missiles this week, is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and needlessly raises tensions and risks destabi lizing the security situation in the region,” Watson said.

She said the United States will take all necessary measures to en sure the security of the American homeland and allies South Korea and Japan.

One of the more than 20 missiles North Korea shot on Wednesday flew in the direction of a populated South Korean island and landed near the rivals’ tense sea border, triggering air raid sirens and forc ing residents on Ulleung island to evacuate. South Korea quickly re sponded by launching its own mis siles in the same border area.

Those launches came hours af ter North Korea threatened to use nuclear weapons to get the US and South Korea to “pay the most hor rible price in history” in protest of ongoing South Korean-US military drills that it views as a rehearsal for a potential invasion.

North Korea has been ramping up its weapons demonstrations to a record pace this year. It has fired dozens of missiles, including its first demonstration of intercon tinental ballistic missiles since

2017, as it exploits the distraction created by Russia’s war in Ukraine and a pause in diplomacy to push forward arms development and dial up pressure on the United States and its Asian allies.

The North has punctuated its tests with an escalatory nuclear doctrine that authorizes preemp tive nuclear attacks over a variety of loosely defined crisis situations. US and South Korean officials say North Korea may up the ante in the coming weeks with its first detonation of a nuclear test device since September 2017.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a telephone call with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin over Wednesday’s missile launches, including the one that “recklessly and dangerously” land ed near the South Korean coast line, and stressed the “ironclad” US commitment to the security of its ally, according to their offices.

State Department spokesper son Ned Price also addressed con cerns about possible North Korean preparations for another nuclear test, which would be its seventh overall. Experts say such tests could possibly bring North Korea a step closer to its goal of building a full-fledged arsenal threatening regional US allies and the Ameri can mainland.

“Should it go forward with a seventh nuclear test there would be additional costs and conse quences,” Price said, noting that the test would be a “dangerous, reckless, destabilizing act.”

North Korea last flew a missile over Japan in October in what it described as a test of a new inter mediate-range ballistic missile, which experts say potentially would be capable of reaching Guam, a major US military hub in the Pacific. That launch forced the Japanese government to is sue evacuation alerts and pause train services.

Experts say North Korea is es calating a brinkmanship aimed at forcing the United States to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and negotiating economic and security concessions from a position of strength.

Nuclear talks between Wash ington and Pyongyang have been stalled since early 2019 over dis agreements in exchanging the re lease of crippling US-led sanctions against the North and the North’s denuclearization steps.

Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo. AP writers Aamer Madhani and Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to the story from Washington.

Russia rejoins deal on wartime Ukrainian grain exports

By Andrew Meldrum & Suzan Fraser The Associated Press

K YIV, Ukraine—Russia agreed Wednesday to rejoin a wartime agreement that allows Ukrainian grain and other commodities to be shipped to world markets. The UN’s refugee chief, meanwhile, put the number of Ukrainians driven from their homes since the Russian invasion eight months ago at around 14 million.

It is “the fastest, largest displacement witnessed in decades,” said Filippo Grandi, who heads the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

In announcing that Russia would rejoin the grain pact, President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had received assurances that Ukraine would not use the humanitarian corridors to attack Russian forces. He warned that Russia reserves the right to withdraw again if Kyiv breaks its word.

Putin praised Turkey’s mediation efforts to get the deal back on track, as well as

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “neutrality in the conflict as a whole” and his efforts at “ensuring the interest of the poorest countries.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he also thanked Erdogan on Wednesday, “for his active participation in maintaining the grain agreement, and his unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

Russia had suspended its participation in the grain deal over the weekend, citing an alleged drone attack against its Black Sea fleet in Crimea.

Ukraine did not claim responsibility for an attack, and Zelenskyy said Wednesday that Moscow’s return to the agreement showed “Russian blackmail did not lead to anything.”

Erdogan said shipments would resume Wednesday, prioritizing those to African nations, including Somalia, Djibouti and Sudan. That’s in line with Russia’s concerns that much of the exported grain had ended

up in richer nations, since Moscow and Kyiv made separate agreements with Turkey and the UN in July.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said Monday that 23 percent of the cargo exported from Ukraine under the grain deal went to lower- or lower-middle-income countries, which also received 49 percent of all wheat shipments.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed Russia’s announcement, and a spokesman said Guterres “remains committed to removing the remaining obstacles to the exports of Russian food and fertilizer.”

Ukraine and Russia are major global exporters of wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other food to developing countries. A loss of those supplies before the grain deal had pushed up global food prices, led to soaring energy costs, and helped throw tens of millions into poverty.

The July agreement brought down global food prices about 15 percent from their peak in March, according to the UN After

the announcement Wednesday that Russia would rejoin the deal, wheat futures prices erased increases seen Monday, dropping more than 6 percent in Chicago.

Meanwhile, in Kyiv, the local power-grid operator said electricity had been restored after a wave of Russian drone and artillery strikes had targeted energy infrastructure. About 300,000 households reportedly got their power back, but local authorities called for controlled blackouts to reduce strain on the system.

Grandi, the UN refugee official, noted that Ukrainians are about to face “one of the world’s harshest winters in extremely difficult circumstances.”

He said those include the continuing destruction of civilian infrastructure, which is “quickly making the humanitarian response look like a drop in the ocean of needs.”

Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Courtney Bonnell in London contributed reporting.

UN Security Council denies Russia call for bio weapons investigation

By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—The UN Security Council on Wednesday overwhelmingly rejected Russia’s attempt to establish a commission to investigate its unfounded claims that Ukraine and the United States are carrying out “military biological” activities that violate the convention prohibiting the use of biological weapons.

Russia only got support from China in the vote on its resolution, with the US, Britain and France voting “no” and the 10 other council nations abstaining. The resolution was not approved because it failed to get the minimum nine “yes” votes required for adoption.

The 2-3-10 vote reflected the council’s continuing opposition and skepticism about Russia’s actions since its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. The council has been paralyzed from taking any action against Russia’s military offensive because of Russia’s veto power.

Russia circulated the draft resolution and a 310-page document to council members last week alleging that military biological activity is taking place at biological laboratories in Ukraine with support from the US Defense Department.

Russia’s deputy ambassador Dmitry Polyansky said after the vote that his government was “extremely disappointed” that the council did not respond positively to its request to establish a commission.

Its proposed resolution called for the Security Council’s 15 members to carry out the investigation of Russia’s complaint, as allowed under Article VI of the biological weapons convention, and present a report with recommendations to the council by November 30.

Polyansky claimed “Western countries demonstrated in every way that the law does not apply to them” and “are ready to trample any norm, to flout any rule,” accusing them of a “colonial mentality.”

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield countered that the United States voted against the resolution “because it is based on disinformation, dishonesty, bad faith, and a total lack of respect for this body.”

Before the vote, Russia’s Polyansky called the resolution “a considerable milestone” that would show whether the Security Council was prepared to act in line with international law giving state parties to the biological weapons convention the right to seek an investigation at the Security Council.

“It is a milestone for Russia’s deception and lies,” Thomas-Greenfield shot back. “And the world sees it.”

At a meeting in September of the 197 state parties to the biological weapons convention, she said, “Russia failed to provide any credible evidence to support these false allegations” and an overwhelming number of countries that spoke “considered that the issues raised by Russia were unsubstantiated and had been conclusively addressed.”

But Thomas-Greenfield said that wasn’t enough for Russia and “it inappropriately raised the same false claims here, abusing its position and abusing us.”

Mexico’s deputy ambassador Juan Manuel Gomez Robledo, whose country abstained, said Russia didn’t provide evidence to activate an investigation. He said it was not “realistic” to set up a commission to report in 28 days—and a commission could not be independent and objective if Russia as a council member was included so it would have to be excluded “since it is one of the parties involved in the armed conflict.”

Russia’s initial allegation of secret American biological warfare labs in Ukraine in March has been disputed by independent scientists, Ukrainian leaders and officials at the White House and Pentagon. An Associated Press investigation in March found the claim was taking root online, uniting Covid-19 conspiracy theorists, QAnon adherents and some supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Ukraine does have a network of biological labs that have gotten funding and research support from the US. They are owned and operated by Ukraine and are part of an initiative called the Biological Threat Reduction Program that aims to reduce the likelihood of deadly outbreaks, whether natural or manmade. The US efforts date back to work in the 1990s to dismantle the former Soviet Union’s program for weapons of mass destruction.

Russia called a Security Council meeting on its claims last Thursday, which the United States and its Western allies vehemently dismissed.

Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador, called the meeting “a colossal waste of time” and said the claims are part of a Moscow “disinformation campaign” that is attempting “to distract from the atrocities Russian forces are carrying out in Ukraine and a desperate tactic to justify an unjustifiable war.”

“Ukraine does not have a biological weapons program,” she said. “The United States does not have a biological weapons program. There are no Ukrainian biological weapons laboratories supported by the United States.”

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the US of conducting work in Ukraine with deadly pathogens—including cholera, plague, anthrax and influenza—that couldn’t be justified under the guise of public health. He said documents and evidence recovered by Russian authorities suggested a military application.

Nebenzia told the Security Council that the Russian military during its time in Ukraine had recovered drones capable of spraying bioagents as well as documents that he said related to research on the possibility of spreading pathogens through bats and migrating birds.

Thomas-Greenfield countered that Russia’s claims are “absurd for many reasons, including because such species, even if they could be weaponized, would pose as much a threat to the European continent and to Ukraine itself as they would to any other country.”

Russia’s Polyansky told the council Wednesday that regardless of the vote, “the questions to the United States and Ukraine is something that we do retain and the evidence accompanying our complaint still requires clarifications.”

He said Russia will continue to make efforts to establish the facts through the biological weapons convention and any violators will still have to be held accountable by the international community.

The Associated Press writer David Klepper contributed to this report.

The World

Pope presses Muslim dialogue in first papal visit to Bahrain

By Nicole Winfield The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis is bringing his message of dialogue with the Muslim world to the kingdom of Bahrain, where the Sunni-led government is hosting an interfaith conference on East-West coexistence even as it stands accused of discriminating against the country’s Shiite majority.

Human rights groups and relatives of Shiite activists on death row have urged Francis to use his visit, which begins Thursday, to call for an end to the death penalty and political re pression in Bahrain. But it’s not clear if Francis will publicly embarrass his hosts during his four-day visit, the first of any pontiff to the island nation in the Persian Gulf.

Francis has long touted dialogue as an instrument of peace and believes a show of interfaith harmony is needed,

especially now given Russia’s war in Ukraine and regional conflicts, such as in Yemen. On the eve of the trip, Francis asked for prayers so that the trip will promote “the cause of brother hood and of peace, of which our times are in extreme and urgent need.”

The visit is Francis’ second to a Gulf Arab country, following his 2019 landmark trip to Abu Dhabi, where he signed a document promoting Catholic-Muslim fraternity with a leading Sunni cleric, Sheikh Ahmed

al-Tayeb. Al-Tayeb is the grand imam of Al-Azhar, the seat of Sunni learn ing in Cairo. Francis followed that with a 2021 visit to Iraq, where he was received by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, one of the world’s preeminent Shiite clerics.

Francis will meet again this week in Bahrain with al-Tayeb, as well as other prominent figures in the inter faith field who are expected to attend the conference, which is similar to one hosted last month by Kazakh stan that Francis and el-Tayeb also

China fishing fleet defied US in standoff on the high seas

don’t follow Covid protocols, potentially putting seafarers’ lives at risk.

attended. Members of the regional Muslim Council of Elders, the spiri tual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew, a representative from the Russian Orthodox Church and rabbis from the United States are all expected, according to the Bahrain program.

The trip will also allow Francis to minister to Bahrain’s Catholic commu nity, which numbers around 80,000 in a country of around 1.5 million. Most are workers hailing from the Philip pines and India, though trip organiz

ers expect pilgrims from Saudi Arabia and other neighboring countries will attend Francis’ big Mass at the national stadium on Saturday.

Bahrain is home to the Gulf’s first Catholic Church, the Sacred Heart parish, which opened in 1939, as well as its biggest one, Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral. The church, with a capac ity of 2,300, opened last year in the desert town of Awali on land gifted to the church by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. In fact, the king presented Francis with a model of the church when he visited the Vatican in 2014 and extended the first invitation to visit.

Francis will visit both churches during his visit and is likely to thank the king for the tolerance the govern ment has long shown Christians liv ing in the country, particularly when compared to neighboring Saudi Arabia, where Christians cannot openly prac tice their faith.

“Religious liberty inside Bahrain is perhaps the best in the Arab world,” said Bishop Paul Hinder, the apostolic administrator for Bahrain and other Gulf Arab countries. “Even if every thing isn’t ideal, there can be conver sions [to Christianity], which aren’t at least officially punished like in other countries.”

But in the run-up to his visit to

Bahrain, Shiite opposition groups and human rights organizations have urged Francis to raise human rights viola tions against the majority Shiites by the Sunni monarchy. They urged him to call for an end to the death penalty and request to visit the country’s Jau prison, where hundreds of Shiite activ ists have been jailed.

Human Rights Watch and Amnes ty International have repeatedly de nounced the use of torture in prisons, as well as forced confessions and “sham trials” against dissidents.

“We are writing to appeal to you as the families of twelve death row inmates who are facing imminent execution in Bahrain,” read a letter from the families to Francis released this week by the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy. “Our family members remain behind bars and at risk of execution despite the clear in justice of their convictions.”

Francis has changed church teach ing to declare the death penalty inad missible in all cases. He has regularly visited prisoners during his foreign trips, though no such prison visit is planned in Bahrain.

The Vatican spokesman declined to say whether Francis would raise Bah rain’s human rights record publicly or privately during his visit.

any signs of illegal, unreported or unregulated fishing.

B oarding ships on the high seas is a perfectly legal if little-used tool available to any sea power as part of the collective effort to protect the oceans’ threatened fish stocks.

But in this case, the Chinese captains of several fishing boats did something unexpected. Three vessels sped away, one turning aggressively 90 degrees toward the Coast Guard cutter James, forcing the American vessel to take evasive action to avoid being rammed.

“For the most part they wanted to avoid us,” said Coast Guard Lt. Hunter Stowes, the highest-ranking law enforcement officer on the James. “But we were able to maneuver effectively so that we were safe the entire time.”

Still, the high-seas confrontation represented a potentially dangerous breach of international maritime protocol, one that the US sees as a troubling precedent since it happened on the Coast Guard’s first-ever mission to counter illegal fishing in the eastern Pacific.

The Associated Press reconstructed details of the never-before-reported incident from the Coast Guard and six US non-military officials who spoke of the operation in greater detail but requested anonymity to avoid jeopardizing a multilateral process seeking to force China to sanction the vessels. While diplomats in China accused the Americans of acting improperly, they didn’t provide their own detailed account.

The Coast Guard’s unprecedented voyage was prompted by growing alarm from activists and governments in Latin America over the activities of China’s distant water fishing fleet, the world’s largest. Since 2009, the number of Chineseflagged vessels spotted fishing in the south Pacific, sometimes for months at a time, has surged eightfold, to 476 last year. Meanwhile, the size of its squid catch has grown from 70,000 tons to 422,000—a level of fishing that some scientists fear is unsustainable even for a resilient species.

As revealed in an AP-Univision investigation last year, the Chinese flotilla includes some of the seafood industry’s worst offenders, with long records of labor abuse, illegal fishing and violations of maritime law. But they’re being drawn to the open ocean around the Americas—where the US has long dominated—after depleting fish stocks closer to home and fueled by an increasingly fierce race between the two superpowers to secure access to the world’s dwindling natural resources.

The illegal fishing patrol, which took place over 10 days in August, was initially kept quiet. The Coast Guard, more than a month later, released a brief statement celebrating the mission along with photos from two ships it did manage to successfully board. But it made no mention of the three that ran away or gave any clue to the vessels’ nationality—a posture the Coast Guard maintained in its conversations with the AP.

But the incident didn’t go unnoticed in China.

Within days, Beijing fired off a formal written protest, according to the US officials. Additionally, the issue was raised when US Ambassador Nicholas Burns was summoned by China’s foreign ministry for an emergency meeting over Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, one of the officials said.

China’s foreign ministry told the AP that it has zero tolerance for illegal fishing and said it was the US that is flouting international norms by carrying out unauthorized inspections that

“The behavior of the United States is unsafe, opaque and unprofessional,” the foreign ministry said in a statement to the AP. “We demand that the US side stop its dangerous and erroneous inspection activities.”

The Coast Guard disputes that assertion, saying all members of the boarding team, in addition to being vaccinated, were wearing masks, gloves and long sleeves.

The Biden administration also reported possible violations discovered on the two boats it did inspect to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization, or SPRFMO, a group of 16 members— including China and the US—charged with ensuring sustainable fishing in 53 million square kilometers of ocean.

One of the most serious accusations is against the Yong Hang 3, a refrigerated cargo vessel used to transport fish back to China so that smaller vessels can stay on the water for longer periods. The vessel was among those that ran from the Coast Guard patrol, disobeying direct orders to cooperate from maritime authorities in Panama, to which the vessel was flagged. To obscure activities, some vessels, especially refrigerated cargo vessels, often fly under other flags but are named, managed and docked in China.

Ultimately, if history is any guide, China’s communist government is unlikely to punish a fleet of 3,000 distant water fishing vessels it views as an extension of its growing naval prowess and promotes with generous state loans and fuel subsidies.

The Coast Guard’s patrol was meticulously planned, according to Lt. Stowes. The United States warned fisheries officials more than a year ago that it intended to conduct boardings in the area and filed papers showing pictures of the badges the crew would be carrying as well as the blue-and-white checkered flag the cutter would be hoisting. Five other countries, including Chile and New Zealand, have filed similar paperwork under rules allowing members fishing in the south Pacific to inspect each others’ vessels.

“Just our being out there and doing the boardings really makes a statement,” Stowes said.

At-sea inspections are considered a vital tool to verify that fishing vessels are following rules regarding the use of forced labor, environmentally hazardous gear and the targeting of threatened species such as sharks.

China has repeatedly blocked efforts to strengthen inspection procedures in the south Pacific. The most recent stonewalling took place last year, when China argued that fishermen would be at risk if at-sea patrols were allowed to carry firearms.

Rules adopted unanimously in 2011 are guided by a 1995 United Nations treaty, known as the Fish Stocks Agreement, that allows inspectors to use limited force to stay safe.

In a sign of how geopolitical rivalry may be escalating since the Pacific incident, one official told AP that the State Department sent a sternly-worded diplomatic note reminding Beijing of its international obligations as well as the distant water fleet’s long track record of labor abuses and violations.

The Biden administration is also weighing whether it will seek to have the vessels blacklisted for illegal fishing and banned from returning to the south Pacific at an upcoming meeting in Ecuador of the fishing management organization.

Joshua Goodman reported from Miami. Joe McDonaldinBeijingcontributedtothisreport/AP.

A WORKER hangs a bar in front of portraits that show Pope Francis, right and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, left, outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia where the Pope will attend a Mass, in Manama, Bahrain, on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Pope Francis is making the November 3-6 visit to participate in a government-sponsored conference on East-West dialogue and to minister to Bahrain’s tiny Catholic community, part of his effort to pursue dialogue with the Muslim world.

AP/HUSSEIN MALL

Itaewon crowd crush gives valuable lesson

The ha lloween crowd crush in the Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea on October 29, 2022 that killed 156 people and injured 172 others is an unfortunate incident that could have been prevented, according to crowd experts. The disaster happened as more than 100,000 people were packed at a narrow alley that connects exit 1 of Itaewon Station with the World Food Street—a street dotted with clubs and bars. As Korean authorities look into how the tragedy unfolded, some say the incident could have been avoided, or at least partly controlled.

The Itaewon Halloween festival has been a much-anticipated event, and authorities know that a large crowd would gather in the area, as it was the first Halloween event in three years to be held without pandemic restrictions.

Although there were more than 100,000 revelers celebrating the first outdoor no-mask Halloween festivities since the pandemic, South Korean authorities said they had no guidelines to handle the huge crowds that gathered for the event. “District events held by local governments or institutions have to have safety plans and measures if more than 1,000 people are expected to participate. But this was a district event without a specific organizer, lacking the safety control function,” said professor Lee Young-ju from the Department of Fire and Disaster at the University of Seoul.

Investigations into what caused the tragedy are still ongoing. But socialmedia posts from the scene suggest that the narrow street became so packed with revelers. As more people arrive, they moved forward and had no idea that people were being crushed in another part of the crowd.

A crowd crush can occur when too many people push into a confined area. The people trapped in a crowd surge will experience unrelenting pressure from all sides. The pressure often increases gradually, and by the time they realize they are in danger, it’s too late. There is no way to escape. They may get squeezed so hard that they can’t even draw a breath. If anyone falls to the ground, there will be no room to get up. Pileups can happen, and that leaves anyone underneath at risk of asphyxiation.

Paul Wertheimer, one of the world’s leaders on crowd safety, gave his expert insight into crowd control, crowd dynamics and staying safe in a worldnomads. com article. His survival tips: Stay on your feet. Conserve energy—don’t push against the crowd and don’t yell or scream. Use sign language to communicate with those around you (point, wave, even use your eyes). Keep your hands up by your chest, like a boxer—it allows you movement and protects your chest. If you’re in danger, ask people to crowd surf you out. If someone extends their hand for help, grab hold to keep them up.

Our natural reflex when pushed is to resist the pressure and push back. In a crowd crush, however, resisting will be a waste of precious energy. Instead, let yourself be carried by the flow while always retaining your balance. The only time when this tip does not apply is if you are next to a wall, fence or other solid object you can’t climb up. The first victims of a crush are often pinned against barriers. If possible, move away from walls, pillars and fences.

In a channelnewsasia.com commentary, Professor John Drury of the University of Sussex said organizers would benefit from understanding some basic crowd psychology. “There are different ways of doing this, but I would recommend communicating with the public both before the event and on the day to get them to understand the reasons for the restriction. People in a crowd don’t usually understand the risks of density until they are right in the middle of it, so it’s a good idea to explain this carefully and in advance,” he said.

The Itaewon crowd crush leaves a valuable lesson for organizers of big events so that tragedies like this may not happen again. Crowd experts say when people swarm in an event, there’s a need to use barriers to separate crowds. Crowd separation is crucial in preventing crowd crush. Venues should be organized in such a way as to prevent too many people from converging in one place. This can be done by sectioning off standing-room-only areas to prevent crowd surges.

Isolation facilities as evacuation centers

sonny M. angara

Better Days

Dr. rontgene Solante, the head for Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at San Lazaro hospital, recently said in a media interview that Covid-19 appears to be well on its way to reaching the endemic stage in the Philippines. This means that while the virus will remain in our midst, its presence does not overly disrupt people’s day-to-day lives.

To support his claim, Dr. Solante cited that Covid-19 cases are on the downtrend, that severe and critical infections have been minimal for several months, and that the health care utilization rate remains below 50 percent.

Meanwhile, late last month, President Bongbong Marcos signed an executive order allowing for the voluntary wearing of face masks in both indoor and outdoor settings, except for health-care facilities, medical transport vehicles, and all forms of public transportation. Soon after, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued similar guidelines covering private workplaces nationwide.

These are but some of many signs that we are truly in the final chapters

of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, with the return to more ordinary times forthcoming, we need to take full stock of what should constitute our new normal and which parts of the way we lived throughout the pandemic need to continue once it ends.

And such an assessment should include the many Covid-19 quarantine and isolation facilities—dubbed as We Heal as One Centers, Ligtas Covid and Mega Ligtas Covid Centers— that had to be set up in the past two years. Their primary purpose may already be winding down now that the spread of Covid-19 is under control and fewer people are contracting it. Yet, there still remains an urgent need for dedicated spaces that can act as transitional shelters especially in times of natural calamities.

We suspect that many of these isolation facilities are no longer being utilized—or minimally, if it all, since most cases nowadays are asymptomatic or mild, and hence do not need hospital care.

These spaces can quickly be put to good use by converting them to evacuation centers for families affected by the typhoons and other natural disasters that hit our country several times in a year. The floods caused by Typhoon Paeng and the Northern Luzon earthquakes in recent months only illustrate this persistent need.

Converting the isolation facilities into evacuation centers would also help ease the pressure to utilize public schools as evacuation centers. This has been a common practice across many local government units, and is understandable since many communities do not have permanent structures that can act as emergency shelters. Yet, such a practice leads to the unwarranted disruption of our children’s learning and development. It also makes it even more difficult to return to normalcy during times of natural disasters.

In fact, the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act (RA 10821) expressly limits the use of schools or child development centers for evacuation purposes only to cases where there is no other available place or structure. Should this be the case, the law further states that gymnasiums

and activity centers shall be utilized first—with classrooms being deployed in this manner only as a last resort. Recently, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte issued a department order reiterating the provisions of RA 10821, emphasizing that schools may be used as evacuation centers for only 15 days.

Hence, instead of suspending classes indefinitely after a storm hits a locality, having the isolation facilities available for use by the displaced families, together with the multipurpose courts or gymnasiums, will spare the schools, adhere to the provisions of RA 10821 and DepEd guidelines, and ensure the continuous education of our students.

During a recent budget hearing, Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said that he already recommended to the President that permanent evacuation centers should be built in every city and municipality—which is a subject of several bills pending in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Perhaps the existing isolation facilities can already be utilized to help realize this recommendation.

Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 18 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 9 as Senator. He has authored and sponsored more than 250 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.   E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

Biden implores voters to save democracy from lies, violence

By Zeke Miller & Colleen Long | The Associated Press

WAShINGTON—Warning that democracy itself is in peril, President Joe Biden called on Americans Wednesday night to use their ballots in next week’s midterm elections to stand up against lies, violence and dangerous “ultra MAGA” election disruptors who are trying to “succeed where they failed” in subverting the 2020 elections.

This is no time to stand aside, he declared. “Silence is complicity.”

After weeks of reassuring talk about America’s economy and inflation, Biden turned to a darker, more urgent message, declaring in the final days of midterm election voting that the nation’s system of governance is under threat from former President Donald Trump’s election-denying lies and the violence Biden said they inspire.

The president singled out “ultra MAGA” Republicans—a reference to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan—calling them a minority but “driving force” of the Republican Party.

Pointing in particular to last Friday’s attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Biden said that Trump’s false claims about a stolen election have “fueled the dangerous rise of political violence and voter intimidation over the past two years.”

“There’s an alarming rise in the number of people in this country con-

doning political violence or simply remaining silent,” Biden added. “In our bones we know democracy is at risk, but we also know this: It’s in our power to preserve our democracy.”

The president’s speech—focused squarely on the rite of voting and the counting of that vote—amounted to a plea for Americans to step back from the inflamed rhetoric that has heightened fears of political violence and challenges to the integrity of the elections. Biden was straddling two roles, speaking as both a president defending the pillars of democracy and a Democrat trying to boost his party’s prospects against Republicans.

He called out the hundreds of candidates who have denied the 2020 election result and now refuse to commit to accepting the results of the upcoming midterms.

“This driving force is trying to succeed where they failed in 2020 to suppress the rights of voters and subvert the electoral system itself,” Biden said.

“That is the path to chaos in America. It’s unprecedented. It’s unlawful. And it is un-American.”

The speech came days after a man seeking to kidnap House Speaker Pelosi severely injured her husband, Paul Pelosi, in their San Francisco home in the worst recent example of the political violence that burst forth with the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol and has continued with alarming, though less-spectacular incidents.

Election workers nationwide have questioned whether to go back to work following increased intimidation and harassment ahead of Election Day. At least five people have been charged with federal crimes for harassing workers as early voting has gotten underway.

Reports of people watching ballot boxes in Arizona, sometimes armed or wearing ballistic vests, have raised serious concerns about voter intimidation. Election officials nationwide are bracing for confrontations at polling sites. A flood of conspiracy theorists has signed up to work as partisan poll watchers.

Emphasizing that it is the first federal election since the Capitol riot and Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, Biden called on voters to reject candidates who have denied the results of the vote, which even Trump’s own

administration declared to be free of any widespread fraud or interference. Biden asked voters to “think long and hard about the moment we are in.”

“In a typical year, we are not often faced with the question of whether the vote we cast will preserve democracy or put it at risk,” he said. “But we are this year.”

“I hope you’ll make the future of our democracy an important part of your decision to vote and how you vote,” Biden added, asking Americans to consider whether the candidates they are supporting would respect the will of the people and accept the outcome of their election.

“The answer to that question is vital and in my opinion it should be decisive,” he said.

Biden also aimed to get ahead of conspiracy theories about the ongoing vote, saying Americans were voting early, by mail and by absentee ballot and it would take time to tally them “in a legal and orderly manner.” Major changes in voting in 2020 because of the pandemic prompted more early voting and mail-in voting and saw record turnout. It took five days before the results of the 2020 presidential election were final.

“It is important for citizens to be patient,” Biden said.

Quality quandary

Dr. ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes

Crime coming close to home

Tito Genova Valiente annoTaTionsEaGLE WaTCH

ANATIONAl quality award is part of a larger effort by a government to make its local businesses more competitive in the world economy. The awarding institutions are generally either government departments/ministries or nonprofit organizations with government ties. In many countries, the awarding institutions are consortia of businesses. Candidate companies compete in award-specific assessments of business quality and excellence criteria.

It is widely acknowledged that the national quality award phenomenon grew out of the Total Quality Management (TQM) movement. As explained by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the history of TQM began as a term coined by the Naval Air Systems Command to describe its Japanese-style management approach to quality improvement. As an umbrella methodology for continually improving the quality of all processes, TQM draws on a knowledge of the principles and practices of the behavioral sciences, the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, economic theories, and process analysis.

What is the economic rationale behind TQM? As explained by microeconomics textbooks, market signaling is the mechanism through which buyers and sellers deal with the problem of asymmetric information. Market signaling is a process by which sellers send signals to buyers conveying information about product quality. A casual review of the term “quality” yields definitions encompassing both goods and services.

For goods, quality refers to a group of features and characteristics that determine desirability and can be controlled by a manufacturer to meet certain basic requirements. Businesses that produce goods for sale can have a product quality or assurance department that monitors outgoing products for consumer acceptability.

For services, quality refers to an assessment of how well a delivered service conforms to a client’s expectations. Service business operators can assess the service quality provided to their customers in order to improve their service, quickly identify problems, and better assess client satisfaction.

On a macroeconomic level, national quality awards also serve as market signals. They are given precisely to signal to consumers and investors that local goods and services are of superior quality, which, in turn, could attract more investment and employment opportunities into the domestic economy.

Of course, national quality awards are not given freely. Firms must undergo the necessary training to vie for an award. Training entails costs, and these costs naturally rise as the training becomes more rigorous. Training often demonstrates the characteristics of a so-called merit good—one that is underprovided and underconsumed by a market. The market failure is caused by a divergence between what firms perceive as their own private benefit

and what society actually gains. The consumption of merit goods releases positive spillover effects on society, but private firms do not necessarily value them as much as society does. So, because firms tend to privately undervalue merit goods, they end up consuming less of such goods than what is socially optimal.

Why might firms opt to forgo training? There are two possible reasons. One, information might be lacking. Firms do not always know that more training could increase their incomes significantly. Even if owners do recognize that highlytrained firms tend to earn higher incomes in comparison to low-trained firms, they might not always understand that earnings also go up due to marginal increases in training.

Two, it might be difficult for firms to match short-run costs with longrun benefits. Often, firms could easily account for the immediate costs of training, but they cannot readily match these costs with the longrun benefits, especially if there are no objective bases to measure such benefits. Firms might end up underestimating—or, perhaps, even ignoring—the benefits of training, so they opt to forgo such investment.

Interestingly, the ASQ website provides data on training fees. A basic TQM course charges $899 for each nonmember and $799 for each member who opts for a virtual format. For a classroom format, each nonmember is charged $1,729, while each member is charged $1,499. Since most firms in Southeast Asia are SMEs, they would likely hesitate to avail themselves of TQM training due to the steep prices, so they end up underinvesting in TQM training. Because of such underinvestment in TQM training, national quality awards have not gained much traction in the region.

Governments can intervene to increase the supply of TQM training, which, in turn, would increase the consumption of training. If government subsidies are applied correctly, the socially optimal level of training can be achieved, and this can pave the way for national quality awards to gain more traction. However, there are no guarantees that government intervention will succeed in eliminating market failure. The success of applying subsidies will crucially depend on the ability of governments to accurately estimate the value of positive spillover effects, which is easier said than done.

Shewas missing for some three days. On the second day, I saw online her grandmother asking for prayers that her granddaughter be found. I knew the grandmother. I also knew her aunt. That youthful face began to matter. I remember calling her aunt, asking for details. She would be found. She would come back. Those were not empty assurances. I did believe sincerely in what I said. That was in the morning. early evening that day, a nephew sent to our group chat a video of policemen at a grassy lot, in the next town of Pili. A disembodied voice was commenting on the scene— a body was discovered on that lonely, dark spot. The nephew said it had been confirmed. I knew what he meant by that and I hastily called the aunt again. Yes, she responded. It is her missing niece. Now found, now dead.

Our small city briskly reacted. Individuals who knew the young girl—all of eighteen—began posting photos of what was once a missing classmate, or friend. They knew her. They were together in Senior High, where everyone was expected to know everyone. They recall her as a happy person as all young people are assured by this universe to be. Give and take some personal crisis, big and small. All part of growing up. But not this way, not in this manner of violence and annihilation.

Social media can be of help, but it can be heavily toxic as well. Photos multiplied online. Assurances and anecdotes proliferated. Sordid details were circulated. The body was covered with a sack The body was inside a sack . Everybody wanted more. Everyone was eager for details whether because they care or because they are merely curious. Human nature dictates us always to know and investigate, to be ahead of others, to serve in the frontline of facts. The line between inquiry and inquisitiveness has always been blurred in the same way that

individuals can profess compassion when there is nothing there in one’s incorrigible intrusion but meddlesomeness.

The police spokesperson talked of how the body was in an early stage of decomposition because of the rains brought about by the inclement weather. One concerned individual did not stop there: he went on to post online a photo of a hand, the wristwatch still one, sticking out of a sack. The language of social media has a way of alerting us when images about to be seen are cruel to the senses but this individual (or individuals) forgot all the decency to the deceased. Once more death has become public and we just had to claw ourselves through layers of covering to get into the news. Something in us has to be satisfied.

Together with the condolences, the blame game began. Solutions came pouring in with the prayers. Add more streetlights. Ah, the capital town is dark in those areas. This is not the first time this has happened. Memories of murder started flashing by. It is the height of irony that

when a crime happens, technology is our source of solutions, not morality. Why? Is it because moral codes have grown fuzzy while technology has been more visibly articulated in terms of functions and quick assurances?

People are now praying for the soul of the victim. And more are praying for justice. There is a call for an indignation rally from some quarters. These are all necessary, but not now when the family is grieving. Not now when, I imagine, seeing numerous people in the wake, and the family is burdened to repeat the story. What really happened? Who did it? Do you think she was raped? Each mourner, if they are not conscious of it, will transport Irish’s mother, father, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends back to the scene of the crime, by their questions.

Once the body has been identified, I remember what I told the aunt: Let us pray so we survive all this.

I know what I will tell her next: Let us act on our society.

Already, the greater population here is wondering why this crime happened. I find that question not only viciously naive but also dumb. We have always prided on our old touristic claim of our men being gentle, of husbands retaining their uxurious quality, of fathers and other male members of the family being avuncular. And yet, the social

media betrays us always with our bigotry and anti-women remarks. The man who is bristling with rage at the death of Irish may be the same man who posts online photos of female athletes who suffer wardrobe malfunctions and inadvertently expose themselves. The group now threatening to march may be the same batchmates exchanging dirty jokes about women in their chatroom. The women—mothers, wives, grandmothers—who now cry over the young girl’s violent death may be the same women who believe men can stay up all night because they are men anyway and women (girls) need to be home early, and no excuse. These are the same women (parents) who warn their daughters of the dangers of the world outside, forgetting that the source of danger are the men who were nurtured by their mothers to be powerful, instrumental, domineering. We will continue to pray for Irish, but there is a world out there we have to pray over and change. The perpetual light, as the old prayer intones, will not be needed anymore by Irish. Where she is, following our faith, she is free of pain. It is us—and this world—that will need to pray and act more as humans if we want to be assured that light will perpetually shine upon us.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Powell: Rate hikes may slow, but inflation fight hardly over

By Christopher Rugaber | AP Economics Writer

WAShINGTON—Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sought Wednesday to strike a delicate balance at a moment when high inflation is bedeviling the nation’s economy and commanding a central role in the midterm elections.

Powell suggested that the Fed may decide in coming months to slow its aggressive interest rate increases. Yet he also made clear that the Fed isn’t even close to declaring victory in its fight to curb an inflation rate that is near four-decade highs and has shown few signs of ebbing.

When the Fed ended its latest policy meeting Wednesday, it announced that it was pumping up its benchmark rate by a substantial three-quarters of a point for a fourth straight time. Its key rate now stands in a range of 3.75 percent to 4 percent, the highest in 15 years.

It was the central bank’s sixth rate hike this year—a streak that has made mortgages and other consumer and business loans increasingly expensive and heightened the risk of a recession.

he said. “Incoming data since our last meeting suggests” that the officials might have to raise rates higher than the 4.6 percent they forecast in September.

The Fed chair pointedly emphasized that it would be “very premature” to even think about halting the rate hikes. Inflation pressures, he said, remain far too high.

The abrupt shift in tone gave the financial markets whiplash. Stocks sharply reversed their gains and tumbled into the close of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day down over 500 points, or about 1.5 percent.

The statement the Fed issued suggested that it would begin to take a more deliberate approach to rate hikes, likely leading to smaller increases in borrowing costs. In doing so, it would consider that rate hikes take time to feed into the economy and achieve their goal of slowing inflation.

and it may come as soon as the next meeting or the one after that. No decision has been made.”

At the same time, Powell noted that the job market remains strong, which means many businesses must raise pay to keep workers—raises that are often passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets Economics, wrote in a note. “But we may not need to keep cranking rates aggressively, due to an economy that has slowed significantly from last year and long-term inflation expectations that are still ‘well anchored.’”

Typically, the Fed raises rates in quarter-point increments. But after having miscalculated in downplaying inflation last year as likely transitory, Powell has led the Fed to raise rates aggressively to try to slow borrowing and spending and ease price pressures.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage, just 3.14 percent a year ago, surpassed 7 percent last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported. Sales of existing homes have dropped for eight straight months.

Some Republicans sharply criticized Biden’s remarks. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who stands to be speaker of the House if the GOP retakes control of the chamber, tweeted, “President Biden is trying to divide and deflect at a time when America needs to unite—because he can’t talk about his policies that have driven up the cost of living. The American people aren’t buying it.”

Biden delivered his remarks from Washington’s Union Station, blocks from the US Capitol, just six days before polls close on Nov. 8 and as more than 27 million Americans have already cast their ballots.

Before the speech, US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said he’s reviewed the attack on Pelosi’s husband and believes today’s political climate calls for more resources and better security for members of Congress after a massive increase in threats to lawmakers following the Capitol riot. He also made a rare call to stop the rancorous conspiracy talk that has swirled around the attack.

“Our brave men and women are working around the clock to meet this urgent mission during this divisive time,” he said in a statement. “In the meantime, a significant change that will have an immediate impact will be for people across our country to lower the temperature on political rhetoric before it’s too late.” AP writer Seung Min Kim contributed.

The statement the Fed issued suggested that it would begin to take a more deliberate approach to rate hikes, likely leading to smaller increases in borrowing costs. In doing so, it would consider that rate hikes take time to feed into the economy and achieve their goal of slowing inflation.

The financial markets initially cheered the notion that the Fed might soon decide to slow its hikes, with stock and bond prices surging higher.

Yet as his news conference got under way, Powell struck a harder line. He stressed that the Fed’s policymakers have seen little progress in their efforts to control inflation and would likely have to send rates even higher than they thought they would at their last meeting in September.

“We still have some ways to go,”

“I think he accomplished his goal” of striking hawkish and dovish notes, said Vince Reinhart, chief economist at Dreyfus and Mellon. (“Hawks” generally prefer higher rates to fight inflation, while “doves” often lean more toward lower rates to support hiring.) “That’s why the market was so confused.”

The Fed’s meeting occurred as financial markets and many economists have grown nervous that Powell will end up leading the central bank to raise borrowing costs higher than needed to tame inflation and will cause a painful recession in the process.

Powell implicitly addressed those fears at his news conference. He kept the door open to downshifting to a half-point hike when the Fed next meets in December. The central bank could then step down even further to a quarter-point increase—a more typically sized rate hike—early next year.

“At some point,” he said, “it will become appropriate to slow the pace of increases. So that time is coming,

This week, the government reported that companies posted more job openings in September than in August. There are now 1.9 available jobs for each unemployed worker, an unusually large supply, which also fuels bigger pay increases and adds to inflationary pressures.

Overall, Powell said the Fed has made little progress against inflation so far.

“We think we have a ways to go, we have some ground to cover with interest rates,” he continued, “before we get to that level of interest rates that we think is sufficiently restrictive.”

The persistence of inflated prices and higher borrowing costs is pressuring American households and has undercut the ability of Democrats to campaign on the health of the job market as they try to keep control of Congress. Republican candidates have hammered Democrats on the punishing impact of inflation in the run-up to the midterm elections that will end Tuesday.

“Chair Powell stuck to this twopronged message: We’re not done yet, due to high inflation and a strong commitment to bring it down,” Sal

Still, the policymakers may feel they can soon slow the pace of their rate hikes because some early signs suggest that inflation could start declining in 2023. Consumer spending, squeezed by high prices and costlier loans, is barely growing. Supply chain snarls are easing, which means fewer shortages of goods and parts. Wage growth is plateauing, which, if followed by declines, would reduce inflationary pressures.

Outside the United States, many other major central banks are also rapidly raising rates to try to cool inflation levels that are even higher than in the US.

Last week, the European Central Bank announced its second consecutive jumbo rate hike, increasing rates at the fastest pace in the euro currency’s history to try to curb inflation that soared to a record 10.7 percent last month.

Likewise, the Bank of England is expected to raise rates Thursday to try to ease consumer prices, which have risen at their fastest pace in 40 years, to 10.1 percent in September. Even as they raise rates to combat inflation, both Europe and the UK appear to be sliding toward recession.

Dr. Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes is the Director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development.

MARINA STILL IN TASK FORCE ON EMSA–OPLE

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) re mains part of the task force overseeing the country’s accreditation with the Euro pean Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), according to the De partment of Migrant Workers (DMW).

I n a statement on Thurs day, DMW Secretary Susan V. Ople denied the assertion in a newspaper article (not BusinessMirror) that Presi dent Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. ordered the removal of the Marina from the task force.

“ The President never or dered Marina to be removed as an implementing agency nor did I ever say this in any interview,” Ople said.

L ikewise, she stressed DMW continues to support the actions taken by the Department of Transporta tion (DOTr) and the Marina to address the deficiencies identified by the EMSA in the country’s implementa tion of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

M arina is an attached agency of DOTr in charge of maritime training and ac creditation.

The directive of the Presi dent was for various agencies led by the Department of Transportation to come up with a joint implementation plan to address the concerns raised by the European Mari time Safety Agency, or EMSA,” Ople said.

In the article, published last Thursday, Ople supposedly said Marcos decided to exclude the Marina from the group of agencies tasked to craft the implementation plan.

A mong the cited agen cies were DOTr, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and DMW.

M arcos expressed concern over the issue amid reports that around 50,000 Filipino seafarers employed by Euro pean ships may lose their jobs if the country fails to pass the assessment of EMSA.

I n a hearing at the House of Representatives last week, the Marina disclosed that the country submitted its final report of compliance to the EMSA audit March.

I t added the European Union is expected to decide by next year if the country has properly implemented the STCW or not.

Samuel P. Medenilla

Sandigan rejects forfeiture of ex-CJ Corona’s estate

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Sandiganbayan on Thursday dismissed the petition filed by the Office of the Ombudsman seeking the forfeiture in favor of the government of the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona and his heirs amounting to P130.5 million.

In a 48-page decision penned by Associate Justice Arthur Malabaguio, the Sandiganbayan’s Second Division also ordered the lifting of the writ of preliminary attachment issued against the properties of the Coronas.

T he Sandiganbayan held that the Coronas were able to fully explain the legality of their “undisclosed” cash and other assets, thus, cannot be held liable for forfeiture of their properties.

T he anti-graft court also echoed the Supreme Court’s ruling on the request of Corona’s widow, Ma. Cristina, for the grant of retirement and other ben efits to the late chief justice, where it declared that the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) “is a tool for public transparency and never a weapon for political vendetta.”

We commiserate with the plight of petitioner in relentlessly pursuing and recovering unlawfully acquired properties or ill-gotten wealth, the pursuit should not be mindless as to be oppressive towards anyone,” the

ruling stated.

After all, the Ombudsman’s duty is not only to prosecute but, more importantly, to ensure that justice is served. There is no justice in the Ombudsman’s relentless quest to punish a respondent with a penalty that is inordinate with the degree of his or her transgression,” it added.  C orona was ousted by the Senate as the country’s chief magistrate through  impeachment proceedings in May 2012 after finding him guilty of betrayal of public trust for failure to disclose properly his properties and cash assets in his SALN.

Corona, however, accused the then Aquino administration of orchestrat ing his impeachment following the Court’s 2011 decision ordering the distribution of the 4,915.75-hectare Hacienda Luisita to the  farmer-ben eficiaries of the sugar estate owned by the family of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

A t the height of his impeachment

trial, then former Akbayan represen tative and now Senator Risa Honti veros along with several others filed a complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 9194 (Law of Forfeiture of Ill-Gotten Wealth).

A fter the conduct of a fact-finding investigation on the said complaint, then Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales issued a resolution on Janu ary 14, 2021  recommending the filing of a civil case for forfeiture of Corona’s ill-gotten wealth.

S pecifically, the Ombudsman claimed that Corona’s SALNs for 2001 to 2010 show an unexplained rise in wealth of P8.9 million; that he has undeclared peso and dollar cash assets amounting to P130.9 million; and underdeclared real properties that were acquired for amounts that are much higher than what were re flected in their SALNs.

However, the Court held that the Corona family was able to prove that the former Chief Justice had been gainfully employed for almost 45 years and that he had funds other than his lawful income in govern ment service.

T he Sandiganbayan noted that Corona’s wife was a former salaried employee and one of the owners of Basa-Guidote Enterprises Inc. (BGEI) and now its inheritor.

T he anti-graft court said the Co ronas received in trust for BGEI the total purchase price of the expropria tion proceedings held in 2001 and

they pooled their funds with their children and placed them in longterm investments, peso and dollar time deposits in order to grow their hard-earned money.

“ Despite admitting that these other sources of funds were not de clared in his SALNs, it is important to stress that the issue here is not the misdeclaration of entries or filing of the correct SALN, but  whether or not the respondents have accumu lated properties manifestly out of proportion to their lawful income or salary and this, presumed to have been unlawfully acquired,” the San diganbayan pointed out.

“At most, respondent CJ Corona may be held guilty of simple negligence for having failed to ascertain that his SALNs were accomplished properly, accurately, and in more detail. Such administrative case could have been imposed upon him, however, it was preempted by his death,” it added.

T he Sandiganbayan also called on the legal system to guard against the weaponizing of SALNs where errors were made in good faith.

It should not mistake a lapse in compliance with a mere adjunct mechanism with the greater au thentic cause which that mechanism serves. A measure of leniency can be extended to casual, isolated, and/or infrequent non-declarations or mis declarations that do not point to a scheme to mislead and defraud,” the anti-graft court said.

‘PLDT on track to hit profit target despite headwinds’

PLDT

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

is on track to hit its

this

at end-September, up 10

from the same

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PlDT c hairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said Thursday the target numbers “will be met” amid concerns over increasing economic headwinds.

“At this time that the consumer wallet is diminished—when consumer income is under threat and government finances are challenged—investments will emerge as a primary recovery tool. hence, investments are needed, both by the government and the private sector to drive the economy forward,” said Pangilinan.

Alfredo S. Panlilio, Pl D T and Smart communications President and cEo said the company’s third quarter performance has shown that the business continues to do well amidst external challenges, such as covid-19, inflation and high interest rates, and typhoons. Still, Panlilio said, “the indication so far is that the

ago.

full year performance will be ahead of last year especially as the fourth quarter is typically a good one.”

From January to September this year, the company’s reported net income stood at P27.4 billion, up 45 percent. This includes P22.3 billion in pre-tax gains from the towers sale up to the third closing. core income, excluding the impact of asset sales and Voyager Innovations, grew to P25.4 billion in the same period.

consolidated service revenues increased by 4.5 percent to a ninemonth all-time high of P141.9 billion, as consumers thrived on their digital lifestyles in the new normal.

In the same period, consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose by 6 percent to P75.4 billion, also an all-time high. consolidated EBITDA is trending to cross P100

billion for the full year despite the stressful economic conditions.

“Enterprise seems to be our bright spot as we continue to empower businesses in their digital transformation and help promote the Philippines to be the next major ASEAN digital hub. our 11th and, by far, largest data center is also on-track to be completed in late 2023,” said Panlilio.

Meanwhile, PlDT home continues to grow despite increasing challenges to people’s wallets due to rising inflation and the prolonged impact of Typhoon odette.

“our goals are pretty bold, as we aim for big targets, even knowing it is not going to be easy,” Panlilio added. “We are aware of the headwinds that we face, and certainly, this will not be the last time we will encounter challenges.”

“What is key here is that while we continue to drive revenues by responding to our customers’ needs, we are trying to put discipline in place by focusing on strong efforts to control our operational expenses and improve operating efficiencies.”

At the same time, PlDT is in the process of reviewing its consolidated capital expenditure (capex) for 2022, which could exceed the initial capex guidance of P85 billion.

“We are also watching our ca-

pex levels, especially the impact of the weakening peso on our dollardenominated debts and imported capex, even capex committed in previous years and current ones.

With the disciplined effort led by our transformation of fice, we are trying to manage some softness in our topline, as well as tightly control our costs,” added Panlilio.

on the sale of telecom towers and related passive telecom infrastructure, PlDT said that as of october 3, ownership of a total of 4,435 towers or 75 percent of the 5,907 towers covered by the sale and leaseback transaction had been transferred to the tower companies and a total cash consideration of P57.7 billion has been received.

PlDT expects additional closings before the end of the year, with final closing anticipated to be completed by the first quarter of 2023. In addition to the 5,907 towers sold, or committed to be sold, the sale of additional telecom towers is currently under evaluation.

Proceeds from the sale of the towers will support operating and capital expenditures. The transaction is timely, PlDT said, as this allows it to avoid additional debt against a backdrop of a rising interest rate environment.

net income surges fourfold

By VG Cabuag @villygc

School operator STI Education Systems ho ldings Inc. said its net income for fiscal year 2022 ending June 30 reached P416.20 million, or four times more than the P101.7 million recorded in the previous fiscal year.

Gross revenues reached P2.7 billion, 28 percent higher than the previous fiscal year’s P2.1 billion.

Tuition and other school fees contributed to the company’s gains as these went up to P2.4 billion, up by 26 percent from the previous P1.9 billion.

The increase is a result of the 18-percent growth in enrollment for school year 2021-2022. Schools within the network took in a total of 82,629 students, which is 12,406 higher than the 70,223 enrollees for SY 2020-2021.

Apart from the increase in enrollment, the schools also noted an improvement in the enrollment mix with the 40-percent increase in the number of students enrolled in courses regulated by the commission on higher Education.

Gross profit increased to P1.7 billion for the year, up by 41 percent from P1.2 billion last year. STI holdings also posted an operating income

of P568.6 million, more than triple than its previous P186.7 million.

STI’s fiscal year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following year.

“Schools under the network contributed to the improved bottom line, while prioritizing investment in faculty as well as solutions to provide better quality of education for students,” the company said.

Instructors’ salaries and benefits increased to P359.4 million from P286.1 million due to the increased number of faculty members brought about by the increase in the number of students.

Salary adjustments were also im-

plemented among senior high school teachers who passed the licensure Examination for Teachers and tertiary instructors who have earned a master’s degree as part of the faculty members’ continuing professional education.

STI Education Services Group and STI West Negros University continue to implement the hybrid learning model that was introduced in 2020, an approach to student development that uses digital tools and online technology combined with hands-on practice and onsite engagements to achieve the students’ academic objectives through a responsive learning experience.

Exeter, Alternergy team up for Ifugao hydropower project

Th E Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) has approved the listing of l F M Properties c o rp. by way of introduction.

l F M Properties, a unit of l i berty Flour Mills Inc. ( l F M), will be listed on the PSE’s small, medium and emerging board on November 9.

The company’s parent distributed 10.35 billion common shares of l F M Properties as property dividend to all of its stockholders as of December 18, 2020.

l F M stockholders will receive 69 shares of l F M Properties for every l F M share they hold.

lFM Properties will then list by way of introduction 25 billion common shares at an initial listing price of 10.7 centavos each. VG Cabuag

SMc Global Power ho ldings corp. (SMcGP), the power arm of conglomerate San Miguel corp. (SMc), said Thursday it would expand the scope of its tree and mangrove planting to areas where its battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities will be put up.

As of october this year, SMc President and cEo Ramon S. Ang said the company’s “Project 747” initiative has yielded a total of 5,010,116 upland and mangrove trees, across some 1,500 hectares of land.

The project’s goal is to plant 7 million trees on some 4,000 hectares of land, in at least seven provinces. Thus far, SMcGP has planted in eight: Albay, Bataan, Bulacan, Davao occidental, Negros occidental, Pangasinan, Quezon province, and Zambales.

The list is being expanded to cover areas where SMcGP’s battery storage facilities are installed or are being put up. These include Albay, Bohol, c agayan, cebu, Davao del Norte, Davao de oro, Isabela, laguna, leyte, Misamis or iental, Pampanga, Pan-

gasinan, and Tarlac. SMcGP is building a total of 31 BESS facilities with a total capacity of 1,000 MW.

The battery facilities, which will minimize power wastage and redirect otherwise unused capacity to remote areas, are regarded as the best and most sustainable technical solution to the country’s power

quality and reliability issues. They are seen to balance and improve access to power nationwide. More importantly, it will make viable use of intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind by efficiently storing the energy for electricity when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing.

Ex E TER Portofino holdings, the holding company of civil society leader Sara Solivende Guzman, has partnered with Alternergy holdings c orp. for its run-of-river hydropower project in Ifugao.

The l a mut-Asipulo hydropower project will harness the flow of water from the c awayan River to convert to clean and environmentfriendly renewable power. The project site is within the Ancestral Domains of the Kalanguya, Ayangan and Tuwali Indigenous c u ltural c ommunities.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the indigenous peoples have been signed and the National commission on Indigenous Peoples (Nc I P) En Banc has issued the c e rtification Precondition.

With the entry of Exeter as copartner, the l a mut-Asipulo hydropower project is in an advanced stage of development and is expected to issue Notice to Proceed to early construction works in the coming months.

The l a mut-Asipulo hydropower project forms part of Alternergy’s goal of building 1,370 MW of renewable energy capacity in the next five years.

“Exeter and Alternergy share the same commitment to sustainabil-

ity and improvement of the local communities and cultural heritage.

The l a mut-Asipulo hydro Power Project is also an opportunity for us continue and expand the work our family has started in Ifugao,” said de Guzman, chairperson of Exeter. h e r family through Dr. Preciosa Soliven, who was UNES co Secretary-General of the Philippine National c o mmission, actively promoted the preservation of Ifugao he ritage Sites under the UNES co Program and supported educational improvement among children in Ifugao through their o p eration Brotherhood c ommunity Foundation.

“ o u r family has deep ties in Ifugao and we look forward to strengthening this together with Alternergy in harnessing renewable energy and helping uplift the lives of the Ifugaos,” she added.

“We are happy to bring in Exeter as we create transformative partnerships in promoting clean energy and impacting the lives of the people. While the development of hydropower projects could be long-gestation, the benefits of clean and renewable power are long-term and significant,” Eduardo Martinez Miranda, president of l a mut-Asipulo Mini h yd ro c o rp. said. Lenie Lectura

Photo from www.alternergy.com

Digital tack helps RCBC lift income to ₧10.1B

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

EFFORTS to ramp up its digital transformation allowed the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) to increase its net income by more than half in the January to September period.

In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Yuchengco-led bank said it posted a net income of P10.1 billion in the nine-month period this year, an 88 percent increase from the same period last year. It added its gross income also grew 29 percent during the period.

“The continued thrust towards customer centricity and digital transformation allowed the bank to innovate, be more competitive, leading to sustainable growth,” President and CEO Eugene S. Acevedo was quoted in the statement as saying.

RCBC said deposit products and cash management solutions brought in new customers and boosted usage among clients.

Bank executives said the lender’s financial inclusion app posted a 63-percent or P4.2-billion increase in transaction value following a double digit year-on-year customer base expansion.

The bank’s cost-to-income ratio improved from 63 percent to 55 percent, while the increase in overall business volume contributed to an uptick in variable expenses.

Moreover, provision for impairment losses decreased by 8 percent as asset quality continued to improve, with net NPL ratio easing to 2.15 percent.

“We remain attentive to managing cost drivers vis-à-vis investments for the future,” Acevedo said.

The bank said it maintained a capital adequacy ratio of 15.29 percent and Common Equity Tier-1 ratio of 12.3 percent, well above regulatory requirements.

The bank’s net income performance also led to a 1.2 percent annualized return on assets and 11.2 percent annualized return on equity.

RCBC said its net interest income went up by 13 percent to P24 billion, fueled by growth in loans and investment securities.

The local lender also said its non-interest income rose by 92 percent to P10.6 billion due mainly to higher retail transactions, foreign exchange gains, and miscellaneous income, which includes gains from a property sale in September.

The bank’s total assets reached P1.1 trillion by the end of September, representing an expansion of 23 percent year on year. The bank’s loan portfolio, which accounts for 51 percent of total assets, has risen moderately with the consumer and SME segments leading the growth.

Credit card balances grew 38 percent on the back of higher transaction volumes and datadriven portfolio actions. The SME portfolio sustained its upward momentum with a 17 percent year on year increase with nearly 13,500 valued customers.

As of end-September, RCBC had a total consolidated network of 452 branches. Since the start of the year, RCBC opened 19 new branches in key business areas.

The bank also has a wide network of 1,313 automated teller machines (ATMs). To expand the bank’s reach further, 1,472 ATM “Go” terminals, which extend services even to far flung areas have been strategically deployed in all 82 provinces nationwide.

RCBC’s human-assisted remote banking service has also been launched in Visayas.

Banking&Finance

‘Paeng-hit biz can borrow from SBCorp’

By Andrea San Juan

THEDepartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) has advised small business owners in typhoon-affected areas to turn to the Small Business Corp. (SBCorp) and tap the DTI’s financing arm to recover from the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng” (international name Nalgae).

This was what DTI-Consumer Protection Group Assistant Secretary Ann Claire C. Cabochan said in a televised interview last Thurs-

day citing that SBCorp has loan programs and micro-store loan facilities.

Those who are in the retail busi-

ness and affected by “Paeng” can also apply with SBCorp, Cabochan said in Tagalog.

Apart from seeking assistance from the financing arm of the Trade department, Cabochan said small business owners may also consult with the Negosyo centers in the different localities.

The DTI official said these owners can also contact the agency’s “Negosyo” (business) centers in different localities, for what they need, for instance, capacitybuilding. “[Pwede rin sila makipagugnayan sa ating mga negosyo center dun sa different localities, para sa kanilang kailangan ,for instance, capacity-building para sila’y makabangon muli dun sa kalamidad .]”

According to Section 4 of Republic Act 10644, among the functions of the negosyo centers is to build local support networks and estab-

GSIS to build office in Camarines Norte

ATOTAL of 10,000 members and 3,000 pensioners of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) based in Camarines Norte will soon experience greater convenience when they transact with GSIS, the pension fund manager said in a statement.

The GSIS “will bring its services closer to the members and pensioners in the area after it accepted a 500-square meter lot donated by the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte as the site of the new fulltime service desk to be constructed in the province.”

The deed of donation was signed by GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso and Camarines Sur Governor Ricarte R. Padilla last November 2 at the GSIS Head Office in Pasay City, the pension fund manager’s statement read.

Veloso thanked Padilla “because it will now be more convenient for our members and pensioners in Camarines Norte to transact with the GSIS.”

Hindi na nila kailangang gumastos sa pamasahe at mag-byahe ng tatlong oras para lang makipag-transact sa GSIS. Dati kailangan pa nilang pumunta sa Naga branch na 130 kilometers ang layo sa Camarines Norte,” Veloso said. [They no longer need to spend on fares and travel for three hours just to transact at GSIS. Previously they had to go to the Naga branch, which is 130 kilometers away in Camarines Norte.]

The donated lot is strategically located in the municipality of

Vinzons, Camarines Norte, near the Provincial Office of the Commission on Audit and the Land Bank of the Philippines.

“Aside from the lot we donated to GSIS, we will also provide its temporary home in the office building that we are constructing right now. The office building will be ready by the first quarter of 2023,” Padilla was quoted in the statement as saying.

Once constructed, the GSIS office in Camarines Norte will accept all major transactions such as filing of loans and claims, including general insurance claims. It will also accept remittances of monthly premium and loan payments and releasing of checks and eCards. Pensioners may

also comply with the “annual pensioners’ information revalidation” program through the new office.

To date, GSIS has three wireless automated processing kiosks located in the Provincial Government Office of Camarines Norte, the Municipal Government Office of Labo and the Department of Education in Camarines Norte.

Currently, GSIS attends to clients at a mall in Daet every second and fourth Thursdays of the month. With the establishment of the full-time service desk, GSIS will have six offices in the Bicol Region, along with the offices in the cities of Naga, Legazpi, Sorsogon, Virac and Masbate.

Making effective board minutes

IN a webinar organized by BoardPro Ltd., a board management software company in Australia, I saw a video that tackled ways to create effective minutes for board meetings.

The panelists who shared their insights were: Brett Herkt, BoardPro co-founder and CEO; Steven Bowman, professional director at Conscious Governance; and Jen Butler, board specialist at Absolute Gems. Here are key takeaways from the webinar:

1. Why are minutes important?

Board meetings are an essential component of an organization’s decisionmaking process and board minutes matter because they:

n Fulfill compliance requirements. Minutes are required of incorporated bodies in most jurisdictions.

n Demonstrate the integrity and thoroughness of process. Minutes are an enduring record of the Board’s deliberations. Courts accept board minutes as the best record of matters in a dispute.

n Protect organizational and director reputation. Minutes are evidence of how a Board has dealt with conflicts of interest.

n Clarify responsibility and track implementation. Minutes define the action to be taken and the assignment of responsibility. They establish an implementation tracking reference point.

n Evaluate and review decisions.

Minutes record the rationale for policy creation or an important resolution to facilitate a post-decision evaluation, among others.

n Facilitate due diligence, induction and audit. Minutes assist prospective Board appointees to undertake due diligence as well as new board members (and new executives) to get up to speed. They also support an audit process.

n Document organizational evolution. Board (and general meeting) minutes are a first draft of a corporate entity’s history.

2. Who should take the minutes?

The minute taker is an extension of and should be explicitly empowered by, the Board chairman and someone who has enough understanding of the business of the meeting to record what is significant and who is not involved. The minute taker should be sufficiently confident to ask what is being discussed and/or decided.

3. What should be in the minutes?

Basics include the title of the meeting, date and time (start/finish), venue and place, participants (including com-

ings and goings, quorum), description of what business was dealt with and in what order, how the business was handled, what was decided (procedure, discussion, resolutions, votes) and why.

4. How long should the minutes be?

Minutes are not a transcript of the meeting and, unless there are good reasons otherwise, board minutes do not document who said what. The extent to which matters are documented should be proportional to their substance or materiality. They should be an adequate description of the meeting for someone who was not present.

5. How are minutes prepared and finalized?

Draft minutes should be prepared and submitted for review by the Chairperson within a day or two of the meeting. They are distributed to those present for confirmation or comment and then to anyone else required to act on them. Formal confirmation by the Board that they are a true and correct record is needed, then confirmed by the Chair and placed in an appropriate storage facility.

Octavio Peralta is currently the executive director of the Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association

(AS10) on November 23 and 24, 2022. Email: bobby@pcaae.org

lish market linkages for MSME development.

Another function, the said law states, is to “facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, shared service facilities and equipment and other support for MSMEs.”

Lending windows

LAST May, SBCorp launched a loan program for micro-scale, smallscale and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Called “RiseUP Tindahan,” the program is open to MSMEs in the retail food market. These MSMEs, however, must operate in the supply chain of an SBCorp-accredited fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) operator.

A lending window was also opened for sari-sari stores with FMCG accreditation. This window offers a maximum loanable amount

of P300,000. Another program, called “SME Tindahan” is for retail stores, dealers and distributors with FMCG accreditation and has a maximum loanable amount of P5 million.

According to SBCorp., loan applicants must have a business that is 100-percent Filipino-owned (for sole proprietorship or partnership). The MSME must have an asset size of not more than P100 million (exclusive of value of land). It must also have been participating in the supply chain together with an SBCorpaccredited FMCG company for at least a year. To borrow more than P1 million, the enterprise must be participating in the supply chain for at least three years.

SBCorp accepts loan applicants that have no past due account/s under any of the lending programs of the DTI’s financing arm.

Shares sales to SMBC bags ₧27B for lender

By VG Cabuag @villygc

RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) announced last Thursday of having raised some P27.12 billion from the sale of an additional 4.99-percent stake to Tokyo-headquartered Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC).

The transaction involves the sale to SMBC of 213.43 million common shares held as treasury shares of RCBC and the issuance to SMBC of 168.62 new common shares, both at the price of P71 apiece.

SMBC now owns 20 percent of the Yuchengco-led lender.

RCBC said SMBC’s capital infusion is part of the bank’s capital raising plan to support long-term sustainable asset growth and investments in technology and cyber security and human resources.

“The proceeds from the investment will allow the bank to expand the core business in key customer segments—corporate, SME and consumer segments and retail markets such as high net worth customers,

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

SINGAPORE—City Savings Bank Inc. (CSBI), the thrift bank unit of publicly-listed Union Bank of the Philippines, plans to raise as much as P10 billion via the issuance of long-term negotiable certificates of deposits (NCDs) to further grow its lending business.

At a media roundtable at the Singapore Fintech Festival, CSBI President and CEO Lorenzo T. Ocampo said the group is now finalizing the details of its fundraising initiative, given that it expects its lending business to grow rapidly over the next few years.

“In terms of growing the business, we’re also quite successful at it. In fact, we’re so successful that we need to raise money. What we’re doing is we’re having a long-term note issuance, which is actually ongoing. Now that will happen by the end of this month so that we can keep up with our portfolio,” he said.

The bank’s portfolio for the year grew by almost 50 percent, the highest seen so far.

CSBI currently has a loan book value of P85 billion and a deposit base of P100 billion. Broken down, public school teachers make up between P55 billion to P60 billion of the book, P10 billion for motorcycle loans, another

mass affluent and mass market segments,” RCBC said.

SMBC’s strategic investment will also enhance the bank’s digital plans and is expected to extend the reach of RCBC’s sustainable finance framework.

“Both parties are working expeditiously towards signing of definitive transaction documents. The completion of the transaction will be subject to the terms of the transaction documents, customary closing conditions and relevant regulatory approvals,” RCBC said.

SMBC is one of the largest banks in Japan and is the commercial banking arm of the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group. The investment in RCBC is in line with SMFG’s strategy to expand in select key Asian markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and India.

Credit Suisse acted as sole financial advisor to RCBC, while Clifford Chance and Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc and de los Angeles provided legal advice to RCBC.

P10 billion for other salary loans, and the rest is “others.”

Given the ratio between the loan and deposit values, CSBI has tapped HSBC to arrange the NCD issuance.

“That one is being worked out right now between HSBC, our arranger, and the different borrowers,” Ocampo said. “We’re looking at P5 billion, but we can extend to P10 billion; all for lending.”

He added that the group is looking at further growing its existing base, which he described as continuously growing in base and in capacity. Currently, about 300,000 public school teachers have taken out loans from City Savings.

But aside from its current base, CSBI is also looking at capturing other markets. For instance, it is starting to ramp up its local government unit (LGU) and national government agency lending business, coming from a recent win in securing a loan window deal with the Department of Agrarian Reform.

“Next year, with a pipeline of products coming in, I think the growth will continue,” he said.

“The LGU business is just starting and the growth rates this year are triple digit. I think this is going to be as big as the teachers market, so we’re just making sure we tweak it properly and all our systems in the back are ready for that to happen.”

Government Service Insurance System President and General manager Jose Arnulfo A. veloso (right) awards the certificate of appreciation to Camarines norte Gov. ricarte r Padilla for donating a 500-square-meter land to be the site of the GSIS Camarines norte Branch office that will be constructed soon.

courtesy oF Government service nsurance system

City Savings to raise ₧10B by issuing long-term NCDs

PHOTO BY TIM MOSSHOLDER ON UNSPLASH

Relationships

On death and remembering

Monching was “exiled” to Papa’s province to separate him from negative elements that influenced his addictive behavior, Mama would regularly go there to bring him food. It wasn’t so much of a punishment after all.

Meanwhile, I had witnessed my own papa leaving this world. In my mind’s eye, I can still clearly see the doctors trying to revive him in the hospital ER, trying to shock his heart back to beating. It seemed to go on for so long until my friend, Tito Mon, who had helped me bring Papa to the hospital, advised me to let my father go.

PhiLiPPinE coconut Products gain sPotLight at iFEX 2022

WITH the widening gap between importation and exportation in the last few years, the local manufacturing industry has been feeling the pinch. Aiming to boost exports and uplift the Philippine food trade industry, the recent International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2022 showcased a variety of Philippine products with a special feature on coconut-based products, garnering the interest of trade buyers all over the world.

Mama Sita’s heritage brand of sauces, mixes, and condiments presented their all-natural Premium Coconut Nectar Vinegar, which they have been producing for more than 30 years. Today, they have a wide range of premium vinegars including Sukang Tuba, Anghang Sarap, and Sinamak. At this year’s food show, they introduced an innovative coconut-based product, called Bibingkrep, a kit for making rice-coconut crepes.

Ostindo International, a premier distributing company based in Australia expressed interest in sourcing coconut-based product requirements from Mama Sita’s, as well as Organix Solutions, maker of coconut-based beauty products such as the Cocolicious and Cocobody lines.

More information can be found at www. mamasitas.com.

OVER the weekend, I was finally able to visit the columbarium where my parents, maternal lola, and an older brother’s ashes are interred, before the expected throngs of people trooped there during the Halloween-All Saints’ Day break. I had been unable to make the short trip during the pandemic lockdown, having become somewhat of a germaphobe, and fearful I would catch the dreaded Covid-19 virus as soon as I stepped out of the house. (Of course, I finally got infected when alert levels dropped, and after a visit to Cebu recently, a story I had shared earlier in this space. Boohoo.)

I laid down a small bouquet of white flowers at the niche where the family “resides,” and lit my candles for each of them and another deceased brother who rests in our province where his wife and son resides, one for unborn children, and another for friends who had left us. I then prayed the Holy Rosary, and thereafter “talked” to my late family—silently of course—even as a few folks walked noisily in and out of the hallway, also visiting their dead. (Good grief, people! Just because a columbarium is a place for eternal rest doesn’t mean you can make mayhem because the dead can’t “hear” you! Ugh.)

The first significant death in my life was my lola’s. She had lived with us and raised me, as she did my other siblings. She cooked for the family, brought me lunch until I was in high school, and I joined her on her errands to the groceries near our house. Sometimes she would go to Quiapo and would bring home my favorite pasalubong of pianono or mamon from the Echague Bakery. (I bought them recently but, alas, they didn’t taste as delicious as my childhood palate remembers.)

During my lola’s wake, the funeral home became like an extension of our home. Friends and relatives came over to console with us, eat the food that had been laid out, and during the downtime, in the private family room, Mama and her friends played mahjong. Arriving from work, I would catch a short nap on the sofa in the private room amid the loud clacking of the mahjong tiles. The next death in the family was of my brother Gene-boy. He was coming home from rendering overtime at the bank where he worked, and fell off the jeepney as he suffered an aneurysm. Three days after falling into a coma while in the hospital, he passed on from this mortal world.

Gene-boy was just five years older than me; he was the youngest boy and I, the youngest girl. So we were usually stuck together doing chores like washing and drying the dishes. But have you ever lived with someone your entire life and realize later on that you never really knew him?

At his wake, Gene-boy’s colleagues at work told us how he was often the life of the party; he enjoined everyone to have a good time. Our family all knew him as the quiet, dutiful son. We didn’t know he was more sociable than anyone of us, and how he loved singing with the karaoke. He was even courting another banker, who showed up during the wake. (We teased her to no end for causing his condition, as she took her time in responding to his overtures.)

When my older brother Monching died after a motorcycle accident, it was the first time I actually saw Mama break down, utterly heartbroken. We always joked that Monching was her favorite, even though Gene-boy was actually the good son. When

Maybe because Papa’s death still had not actually hit me, I was behaving like I was trying to accomplish a series of 1-2-3 tasks at work. First, break the bad news to Mama. Then call Big Sister. Then, coordinate the departure of Papa’s body from the hospital and pay the bill. Then talk to the medico-legal for an autopsy; of course, they never really found out the actual cause of Papa’s death, saying it was cardiopulmonary thing, and then me realizing that we didn’t have professional medical examiners, like Quincy, the title character of a favorite TV show which I watched as a child, and how stupid was that when it was already 2007?! So phooey.

Mama, strong as she was, was able to cope with Papa’s passing. She resumed her usual activities with friends, and was often out of the house earlier than me. After repeated treatments for a recurring problem with her biliary system, she eventually had to be hospitalized longer, because it was becoming more of a challenge to solve her condition.

Already 86 then, Mama’s health quickly deteriorated. And she didn’t like to be visited by people other than her closest clique. She was quite vain so even with her lipstick on, she probably felt she still didn’t look her best and didn’t want to appear as weak. In her last days, she was semi-conscious, mostly in pain, and she had to be fed intravenously.

We were told she would pass soon but somehow she still held on. Then my sister-in-law, Monching’s wife, and his son arrived in the hospital; the next day, Mama passed on. She had differences with her daughter-in-law and I suppose Mama just wanted to be at peace when she left us.

Losing family and friends to death is often like a punch in the gut. You lose your balance, try to catch your breath, as you fight to recover. There are some who utterly fail to get back up, as they become consumed in despair and grief. Meanwhile people like me and our family have learned to treat death as a part of life, a completion of a cycle, instead of a stark, isolated incident.

It’s been helpful that for us who have been left behind, we have managed to mourn our departed through our own quirky sense of humor. And to this day, we commemorate our dead family members by sharing funny anecdotes about them. Of course, we miss them terribly, but we behave like they are still present in our lives. We talk about them, talk to them loudly even, especially when the entire family is together. Not in sadness though, but in celebration of their lives. May they rest in peace forever, and no pulling of our leg in jest at midnight, please. n

LOSINg IT AND fINDINg IT AT THE MOvIES

Continued from B5

own play. Interestingly, nothing stagey is brought onto the screen, except for the tragic and darkly comic the film offers in good measure. It was screened at the 35th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), which was held from October 24 to November 2, 2022.

My gratitude to the press office of TIFF for giving me, as an accredited film journalist/critic, access to the films. n

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last z

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Chelsea Zhang, 26; Sean “Love” Combs, 53; Matthew McConaughey, 53; Ralph Macchio, 61.

HAppY BIRTHDAY: Be open about your feelings and what’s important to you. Share your thoughts and intentions, clarify what changes you want to make and put your plans in motion. Check out how much things will cost and set a budget to ensure you finish what you start. Make a passionate plea to someone you love to work with you to build a workable lifestyle together. Your numbers are 9, 15, 23, 25, 32, 37, 43.

aARIES (March 21-April 19): Check out your resources; you’ll find something that interests you. Knowing what’s trending in your field of expertise will give you the edge you need to outsmart your peers. Be careful when traveling, dealing with institutions and handling sensitive matters. HHH

b TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A change will give you the boost you need to get things done. Avoid negative people who try to bring you down. Pay attention to the way you look, how you feel and who you love. Make romance a priority. HHHH

c GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Channel your energy and enthusiasm into something constructive. Don’t waste time getting all worked up over something you cannot change. Take care of unfinished business before you move on to something more pleasurable. HHH

d CANCER (June 21-July 22): Discipline, determination and keeping a low profile will get you where you want to go. Don’t believe everything you hear or buy into someone else’s dream. Put your energy where it counts; you’ll get the desired rewards. HHHH

e LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): An emotional incident will crush your plans. Choose your words carefully and lay out reasonable procedures. Sticking to the truth and doing things that make you feel good about yourself will deter others from interfering with your goals. HH

f VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Think twice before you start a conversation with someone who doesn’t share your generational ideas or beliefs. You’ll get further ahead if you recognize what others want and accommodate them without disclosing personal information. HHHHH

g LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Get together with like-minded people to share information. Talks will lead to positive changes and teach you something that will help you make a difference to someone you love or something that concerns you. Romance is on the rise. HHH

h SCORpIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Focus on something you enjoy doing; you’ll make new friends and learn something. Practice makes perfect, and repeating something you enjoy doing will help you gain respect and encourage you to turn your talent into a lucrative pursuit. HHH

iSAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Show interest in what others do. Set a course that encourages you to put your discipline where it belongs and to set goals that favor professional gains. Don’t give in to manipulative tactics. HH

j CApRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll hear of something that will help you get what you want. This unique opportunity will give you the chance to work with stellar individuals. Don’t hesitate; if you like what you see, make your move and don’t look back. HHHH

k AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Use discipline to get where you want to go. Hard work will pay off, and walking away from situations that are going against your beliefs will give you the freedom to live life your way. HHH

lpISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Stick to your plan and refuse to let others cost you mentally, physically or financially. An unexpected change will turn in your favor if you are honest in your response and dedicated to your pursuit. HHH

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are empathetic, insightful and forceful. You are helpful and resilient.

H: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. HH: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. HHH: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. HHHH: Aim high; start new projects. HHHHH: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

‘have a blast!’ BY DAVID LITMAN

Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

Show

Losing it and finding it at the movies

THE film begins like a romcom and ends with the camera romancing the lead, our man lost and not lost, but feeling like he is at a loss for words, for reason, for the right meaning to attach to life. If that sounds heavy and florid, it is because I, myself, am at a loss (terrifically) to describe what this film, Miura, is all about.

I can begin by saying here is a good film about “freeters.” The term “freeter,” or freeta (furita in Japanese), refers to anyone who does not have a permanent job. He is paid daily or hourly and, given the fact that he does not earn much to live independently, the freeter stays with his family and is an irritant and cause of anxiety for parents who want their children to have a life of their own. Fortunately, the film does not burden itself with this theme, which would have made the film ponderous.

Yuichi, our lead character, is more than a freeter. He runs away, according to his girlfriend, when a person gets angry and he becomes uncomfortable when others provide him with kindness. We see this happening immediately at the beginning of the story when Yu leaves in a haste when confronted about his lack of fidelity to Satomi. Instead of facing up to a mistake or braving a confrontation, he scrambles to gather his clothes in his backpack and dashes to the door, leaving a girlfriend alone and unsure of herself. With his bicycle, he drives into the night and calls his childhood friend. He stays with this friend until this friend gets tired of Yuichi’s dependency and drives him away. Yu moves to another friend’s place, and, predictably, leaves that place.

Caught in a torrent of rain, Yuichi is our real nowhere man...till he calls his sister.

From hereon, the film takes on a different route: Yuichi, irritatingly flawed, grips us with his persona: the emotional cripple turns into an existential case. Rediscovered, kinship turns sour and engages regrets. The sister has her own baggage, after all, and Yuichi is like a luggage carousel not made to relate to any weight however much that burden circles before him like a hard lesson in life. He leaves his sister’s place and looks up another friend, this time one who works for a film production. Cinema cordons life. To this friend, Yuichi is cinema. Yuichi is film itself.

Cinema as a trope is imposed in the middle of the narrative and too self-consciously, and yet it works. Life is a movie. And Yuichi’s friend is living it vicariously while Yuichi is, to this friend, is living the life. Yuichi leaves; the friend readies his phone to capture the departure, a man slouching away from the camera. As Yuichi runs, the friend feels how this man he is observing has become so cinematic—kakoii or cool.

Back in his hometown, Yuchi sees a mother who is weak first but shows a newly found strength in a

PHILIPPInE media giant GMA network, through its content distribution arm GMA Worldwide, showcased groundbreaking Filipino dramas at the recently concluded MIPCOM Cannes, the world’s greatest gathering of television entertainment professionals from 100 countries. It was held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

Representing GMA network in MIPCOM were senior vice president for entertainment group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, program management first vice president Jose Mari R. Abacan, business development and strategic content partnerships consultant Reena Garingan, and GMA Worldwide division vice president Roxanne J. Barcelona.

Some of the GMA drama titles highlighted during the week-long event were Widows’ Web, I Left My Heart In Sorsogon, To Have and To Hold, and Broken Faith (Magkaagaw).

Widows’ Web is a gripping family suspense-drama with four women caught up in a twisted murder case

Does Yuichi redeem himself? Is his life like the boring feel-good films that his father despises?

As Yuichi, Taisuke Fujigaya, annoying at the beginning but gaining sympathy from the audience later on, holds on to his silence like an armor.

Around him, people are ready to rage or poised to be candid with their critique of Yuichi’s attitude. Even Yuichi’s father is articulate about his life of not doing anything.

The last scene shows Yuichi back in the apartment he shares with Satomi. Will they be back in each other’s arms? What follows in that room is the most vicious confession ever made by a character in a love story. On the road, Yuichi walks. On the screen, his friend is shooting a film. Yuichi turns his head to us and smiles the smile of a pop idol—cho kawaii, as fans would put it. Just too cute. For the cineaste, the screen is talking: Godzilla on the wall and Nomadland on a building (before these, there were Yuichi and

his father looking at the poster of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life). Then Yuichi looks at the skyscrapers around him, calling to mind all the glorious monsters that graced the screen and hugged buildings.

Outside of Fujigaya, there are two other major presence in the film, one of which is Harada Mieko, who plays the mother and has appeared in great films. She is unforgettable as Lady Kaede in Kurosawa’s Ran The other, Toyokawa Etsushi, who plays the father, is a noted stage and film actor. He was compelling in Loft, directed by the other Kurosawa—Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the new master of the macabre and gore.

It is often said that if there is an existential man, then he lives in Asia, particularly in Japan. Yuichi in the person of this marvelous actor (marvel at his mastery of silences), Fujigaya—a product of Johnny’s, a management agency known for endlessly discovering men destined to guard the heritage of cuteness in Japanese culture—is the quintessential existential man who questions his being because, as we twist Sartre’s words, that being is in question.

And So I Am At A Loss is Miura’s adaptation of his

Continued on B4

Collins.

Finally, top-rating afternoon drama Broken Faith (Magkaagaw) is the story of a legal wife who eventually becomes the person she hated the most—a mistress. The drama is the reunion of Sheryl Cruz and Sunshine Dizon, and also stars homegrown GMA talents Klea Pineda and Jeric Gonzales.

The first major market that GMA network has participated in since the pandemic. MIPCOM (Marché International des Programmes de Communication), or the International Market of Communications Programmes, is dubbed as “the mother of all entertainment content markets.” It is an annual event highly anticipated by global decision-makers who compete for new series, distribute content from all over the world, source international production partners, and set the development agenda for 2023 and beyond.

More information is available at www.gmanetwork.com.

actress asks brands to also invite her non-showbiz boyfriend and pay him as an influencer for appearing in their events. This demand is strange because the guy doesn’t seem to have showbiz aspirations and seems to be so low key. It’s also not because of money because he seems to be financially comfortable. The actress works with a lot of high-end brands as an influencer. She gets paid for attending their events.

MARGA JAYY UNvEILS MUSIC vIDEO FOR FIRST INDEpENDENTLY-pRODUCED SINGLE

R&B-soul singer Marga Jayy announces herself as a freshly independent artist with the release of the music video for her first self-produced single “Doesn’t Mean Anything,” out now on all streaming platforms via Warner Music Philippines. She will celebrate the event with a launch party and live performance in Seltsam, Makati, today, November 4, alongside a host of other artists.

“Doesn’t Mean Anything” is an expression of the confusion and frustration brought about by an almost-lover. The track opens with Marga’s silky vocals gliding on top of elegant neo-soul chords and a muscular downtempo backbeat, evoking a sound that will surely captivate fans of the jazz-R&B milieu. It features a diverse cast of musicians from the Manila music scene, namely, Nicole TejedorReluya aka Sax Diva (alto saxophone), John Reluya (bass), Gabe Dandan (guitar) and veteran producer Dan Gil (keys). Lastly, the song was mastered by Gerard Hairston, a two-time Grammy-winning multiplatinum engineer.

“I feel like the universe instructed me to write this song. I woke up one morning in Denver and started singing the melody in the shower. Then the phrase ‘doesn’t mean anything’ came out of my mouth,” recalls Marga Jayy on the song’s conception. “It ended up being about a guy who shows love and affection towards me, who is sentimental, but in the end it turns out he’s just a flirt.”

The song’s production came out just as easily as the titular phrase, says Marga. “Months later, when I hung out at Dan’s place, I shared the idea with him and we came up with the prototype with Nicole and John. That catchy beat is a gift, because I heard it in my head just as the hook came to me. It’s a good thing that EK [Enrique Santamaria, the song’s principal producer] can do everything on Ableton—everything I imagined, he realized. He actually made it sound better.”

In addition to watching Marga perform live with her band, the single’s music video launch will also feature performances by blues trio Ang Bagong Luto ni Enriquez, ragga-soul artist Tino Valentino, and psychedelic rock band La Crema, and will be presented by Manila Groovy Nights, Marga’s own music collective and production company.

religion consoling those living alone. Unable to take this, Yuichi leaves home and encounters in a snowy night his father who has long abandoned them. Yuichi lives with his father. He is his father’s son, as Yuichi would discover. Or, is he?

that will entangle them in a web of secrets, mysteries and lies. The primetime series is headlined by Carmina Villarroel, Vaness del Moral, Ashley Ortega and Pauline Mendoza.

GMA’s romantic drama series I Left My Heart in Sorsogon stars Heart Evangelista as Celeste, a fashion

designer and socialite who is engaged to the most eligible bachelor in town, Tonito, played by Richard Yap. Paolo Contis plays her old flame, Mikoy.    To Have and To Hold is a compelling story of marriage and love that knows no bounds. The series is topbilled by Carla Abellana, Rocco nacino and Max

FROM left: GMA Network’s Reena Garingan, Roxanne J. Barcelona, and Lilybeth G. Rasonable at the MIPCOM Booth.

TAISuKE FuJIGAyA stars in And So I Am At A Loss, which was screened at the just-concluded 35th Tokyo International Film Festival.

Leading Malaysian kenaf planter eyes PHL for P5.8B plantation investment; Mindanao seen as viable site

Reliving Philippine History in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar’s Freedom Land

MANY people believe that in order to understand the present and possibly the future, it is important to understand what happened in the past. This is what Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar will attempt to do as it brings to life iconic Filipino characters that played pivotal roles in significant historical events through what it is called now Freedom Land. Its revival aims to relive some of the Philippines’ greatest battles to achieve freedom and sovereignty.

Reliving pivotal stories through reenactment will help us understand the challenges and successes of the past. Rediscover the importance of every event in Philippine history through Las Casas’ Freedom Land. Travel back in time and witness “The Execution of Rizal,” “The Cry of Balintawak” and “The Act of the Declaration of Independence.”

From the characters of Rizal’s most loved novel “Noli Me Tangere” Sisa, Maria Clara and the infamous Padre Damaso to the iconic face of Philippine patriotism, Heneral Luna, these characters complete the Hispanic era and feel through monologues which will make every guest’s experience picture perfect and social media worthy. They can be seen daily at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm and 5pm.

Aside from the iconic characters mentioned, storyteller, Lola Basyang will delight children and the child at heart with an anthology of short stories

from Mondays to Thursdays.

Freedom Land theatrical play happens on all weekends of the month until December 2022, from Thursdays to Sundays. One show in the morning at 10:00am and at 4:00pm in the afternoon.

Located in Bagac, Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the only Philippine destination that showcases the best of Filipino heritage and culture through the colorful stories as retold by Jose “Jerry” Acuzar’s collection of restored SpanishFilipino houses.

From the majestic architectural design to heart-warming revival of traditions, Las Casas is a complete package to a one-of-akind travel to the past.

All these unique initiations are in line with Las Casas’ mission to bring Filipino heritage to greater heights and has been awarded as the Best Historic Hotel in Asia Pacific in the year 2021.

To visit Las Casas on commute, take the Bataan bus from Cubao or take the ferry from SM MOA esplanade. If you are taking your own car, take the SCTEX road to Dinalupihan exit or San Fernando exit. It takes approximately 3 hours to get to the only heritage hotel and resort in Bagac. For more inquiries, email reservations@ lascasasfilipinas.com or call reservations at +63917.8729361, +63915.8519098, +64933.8224523, or visit our website at www.lascasasfilipinas.com.

MALAYSIA’S Kenaf Venture Global Sdn. Bhd. (KVG) is eyeing the Philippines as among the countries across Southeast Asia for its aggressive kenaf plantation expansion. The company is a social business that focuses on growing the kenaf plant, which is touted as ‘the next important commodity’ for its multiple uses in various industries.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L) is gaining popularity globally as it can be used as a staple material for manufacturing paper, furniture, textile, biofuel, thermal insulator, and wood composite products. It is also used for producing specific automotive interiors especially for hybrid or electric cars due to its lighter weight.

At a local press briefing last month, KVG Group CEO Jazman Shahar Abdollah revealed that KVG is allocating a $100 million (over P5.8 billion) investment to cultivate kenaf to a targeted 10,000 hectares of productive farm land in the Philippines, which will create about 200 to 300 jobs for laborers.

“The company intends to lease land from farmers for 25 years to 30 years. Kenaf would be cultivated for two to three planting cycles annually with just 100 days per planting cycle—sufficient to give the soil time to replenish nutrients by allowing farmers to plant other short-lived crops in between each cycle for additional income for them as well,” Abdollah said.

considered when the company assesses a land for cultivating kenaf. The first is the profile of the land—its topography and quality of soil. “We are looking for a flat land, with similar features as a typical rice farm. If a land can grow watermelon or bananas, it is suitable as it can retain water content,” he explained.

An area’s climate is the second consideration. “We need a land with tropical to sub-tropical climate. The Philippines and Malaysia almost have the same climate, as well as most countries in the region that we are eyeing,” he added.

Lastly, KVG is also considering the land’s location. “We had a land in Indonesia, for example, that was not accessible, making it more difficult to plant and harvest,” he said. The existing land infrastructure plays an important role as harvesting kenaf is strictly time-sensitive. “Kenaf must be exactly 100 days old. Upon harvest, kenaf must immediately be transported to the factory within 24 hours to ensure appropriate processing,” Abdollah stressed.

Thus, for a targeted 10,000-hectare farm in the Philippines, KVG is allocating US$20 million to US$25 million (P1.2 billion to P1.5 billion) to invest in factories, which must be built near the farms to ensure faster transport of harvested kenaf. So far, KVG is looking at farms in Mindanao and hopes to also do ocular checks in Luzon.

In Malaysia, kenaf is now the third top industrial crop after palm oil and rubber since its introduction in 2010 as an alternative to tobacco. In Thailand, it is regaining popularity after being the second most farmed crop (following rice) in the 1960s (it was then eventually replaced by food crops like corn, cassava, and sugarcane). In the Philippines, a former legislator called for more research of the plant in 2017 as among possible solutions to counter the impact of climate change and global warming.

SWISSÔTEL

Clark, the newest vitality-inspired hotel in North Metro Manila, is redefining your ordinary brunch with its first authentic Italian fun-dining restaurant in Clark through the launch of the first-ever Verona Brunch Club.

Verona Brunch Club or VBC is a new dining concept that welcome guests starting October 9 at Ristorante di Verona, located at the 5th floor of Swissôtel Clark.

Exclusively open during Sunday from 11.30 am to 3.00 pm, VBC offers an upscale brunch dining experience in the al-fresco, overlooking the mountainous and natural view of Zambales Mountain Ranges while sipping free-flowing champagne and enjoying the variety of carefully crafted menu selections.

Everybody likes breakfast. A lot. That is why Verona Brunch Club offers nothing short of everything elegant, from the atmosphere of the warm mid-mornings outside, to a fun and interactive dining experience. From the moment you are seated on the al-fresco, be soothed by the surrounding foliage and intricate designs of the whole landscape. Enjoy the view of the Zambales Mountain Range, while

putting your sunglasses on for a bright morning experience that is about to begin.

Ristorante di Verona boasts of a spacious but well-appointed outdoor space, which could accommodate less than 100 guests and customers, giving off an exclusive vibe for those who are having brunch.

Be transported to the timeless and contemporary place of Verona, Italy as you enjoy an authentic, flavoursome, Italian brunch. Treat yourself to free-flowing selections and graze on a fresh Oyster as a starter. Sample a delicious Beef Carpaccio to whet your appetite before diving into a Porchetta served with marble potato with seasonal vegetables or a Beef Tenderloin served with Ristorante di Verona’s very own Balsamic wine reduction. As of today, the restaurant houses a 25-year-old Balsamic Vinegar of Modena used mainly as an ingredient for reductions, following all the rules of a century old tradition.

Fan of the classics? Verona Brunch Club’s menu selection also offers mouthwatering options to the classic waffles, pancakes and eggs to get you started. Come brunch in style with the exquisitely prepared and served charcuterie or cheese board, with variations of everything you love.

To get the full dining experience, Ristorante di Verona also offers freeflowing drink selections. Nothing beats a brunch with booze, so guests and customers alike can have a sip of their favourite champagne or mimosa or choose from the specially concocted wines or cocktails to suit your palate. Ristorante di Verona is home to more than 300 wine selections, so toast your way to the bar’s signature beverages.

Rates at the Verona Brunch Club starts at P8,888+ for a complete dining experience with free-flowing food, champagne, and all other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Also available is an option for free-flowing food and alcoholic beverages for only P4,888+, and for free-flowing food and non-alcoholic beverages starting at P3,888+. Verona Brunch Club is open for kids aged 6 to 12 years old for P1,944+

Here is the best new place in Clark to enjoy the vibes, beats, and cheers. Home of the authentic Italian dishes, Ristorante di Verona offers a complete brunch experience – the first of its kind inside Clark.

Ristorante di Verona is the latest addition to Swissôtel Clark’s 10 dining outlets and opened last July 7, 2022.

KVG, which currently cultivates kenaf in 300 hectares of land in Malaysia, is in an aggressive long-term expansion drive by aiming to produce the plant in 100,000 hectares of land across the region. It has already secured 25,000 hectares of land in Thailand and 10,000 hectares in Cambodia. In its home country, KVG is targeting to utilize up to 50,000 hectares in Peninsular and West Malaysia. That could generate a revenue of 1.4 billion Ringgit (over US$301 million or P17.7 billion).

Abdollah identified three factors that are

Then 1-Edukasyon Party-list Representative Salvador Belaro Jr recognized kenaf as an “indemand societal investment” for its unique ability to absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere compared to any other crop. “Every hectare of kenaf consumes 30 to 40 tons of carbon dioxide during each growing cycle,” he said. That amount of carbon dioxide is equivalent to the emission produced by 20 cars in a year.

The National Kenaf and Tobacco Board of Malaysia estimates the global market for kenaf to reach US$854 million (P50.3 billion) by 2025. To date, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, and Thailand account for 95 percent (or 3 million tons) of total annual kenaf production worldwide. Demand for natural fibers like kenaf grows by up to 15 percent yearly, making kenaf among the potentially significant commodities globally.

Cleanfuel welcomes ‘Paskong Panalo’ with brand new Toyota Raize and one-year free fuel supply

WITH the Christmas season around the corner, Cleanfuel, the purveyor of quality fuel for less, has announced the launch of its much-anticipated Christmas promotion to motorists, the “Paskong Panalo” ng Cleanfuel.

The “Paskong Panalo” ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo is a way of extending its appreciation to all loyal customers who patronize the fuel brand and an opportunity for other motorists to win bigger prizes. The prizes at stake now include winning a brand new Toyota Raize, one-year free fuel supply, and other exciting prizes.

Customers who will gas up at Cleanfuel from October 16 until January 16, 2023 will get a chance to qualify and win the online e-raffle promo. By scanning the QR code provided in all Cleanfuel stations, customers will receive a promo raffle code that they will use to register for every PHP1,000 single or accumulated fuel receipt or any equivalent Motul engine oils.

The good news is that the “Paskong Panalo” ng Cleanfuel is not only limited to four-wheel owners, as motorcycles are allowed to join via accumulated fuel purchase. After the registration, customers will automatically have a personalized raffle dashboard tracker that can be used to monitor their daily raffle entries.

The promo runs from October 16 until January 16, 2023 and the electronic raffle draw will be held at Cleanfuel Head Office in the presence of a Department of Trade and Industry representative scheduled on January 31, 2023. Winners of the raffle draw will be notified via SMS or email that is registered with the system of Cleanfuel.

Minor prizes of the e-Raffle promo include ten winners of full face helmets, 15 winners of 1,000 VIP Points, twenty winners of P2,000 worth of CleanMed Vouchers, twenty winners

of overnight stay at Seasons One Tagaytay, twenty winners of P5,000 worth of Puregold Gift Certificates, five winners of Cleanfuel Mountain Bike, and five winners of Training Course at Cleanfuel Motocross Park.

“We are excited to bring the ‘Paskong Panalo’ ng Cleanfuel promotion to all our valued motorists. With bigger and more exciting prizes as we raffle off a brand new Toyota Raize, five winners of one-year free fuel supply, and other exciting prizes,” said Atty. Jesus “Bong” Suntay, President and CEO of Cleanfuel Group of Companies.

The “Paskong Panalo” ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle promo is applicable to cash, credit card, or any e-payment transactions. The promo is open for any customers VIP or non-VIP holders. The “Paskong Panalo” ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo is registered with DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB 152016 Series of 2022.

KVG Group CEO Jazman Shahar Abdollah

Lomibao

TALK OF LIVERPOOL

By Josef Ramos

HD Spikers makes semis race tighter with victory over Army

CIGNAL tightened up the race for the last two semifinal berths by bundling out a hapless UAIArmy, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19, to force a three-way tie at fourth spot in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference eliminations at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan Thursday.

The HD Spikers came out of the long break in top form and outsteadied the Lady Troopers to even their card at 2-2 won-lost in a tie with F2 Logistics and Choco Mucho.

The Flying Titans, however, aimed for their third victory against the struggling Akari Chargers (1-4) late Thursday.

C ignal also gained inspiration from the return of middle Ria Meneses with coach Shaq de los Santos also drawing big games from his starters, including reinforcement Tai Bierria, Rachel Ann Daquis, Ces

Molina, Roselyn Doria and playmaker Gel Cayuna in a match that also marked the implementation of the league’s Video Challenge System.

The VideoCheck, a cutting-edge decision review system that operates through 23 high-speed cameras and manufactured by Genius Sports, is a process whereby video review is used to confirm, reverse or replay specific decisions made by the officiating team.

“We’re thankful for being able to play with a complete roster. Ria [Meneses] and Ces’ [Molina] presence really helped boost our morale,” said Cayuna, who clinched the game’s top honors with 20 excellent sets. “But we still have to push ourselves and work on our flaws.”

But while the HD Spikers were back in the hunt, the Lady Troopers bowed out of the semis race after absorbing their fifth straight defeat in the season-ending conference of the league

CARLOS

YULO now looks every inch prime for global stardom, Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion-Norton told BusinessMirror on the eve Thursday of Yulo’s campaign in the men’s allaround event at the World Artistic Gymnas tics Cham pionships in Liverpool.

Everybody’s talking about him, everybody’s cheer ing for him every time he

organized by Sports Vision.

C hery Tiggo clinched the first Final Four seat with a 5-0 slate while Creamline is a cinch to nail the next with a 4-0 mark with the duo clashing in a blockbuster match tomorrow at Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Bierria came away with 17 points, while Daquis and Molina finished with 10 points apiece, Meneses and Doria matched seven-point outputs and Angeli Araneta added six points for the HD Spikers, who outhit the Troopers, 48-34, and finished with seven blocks, three more than their rivals.

I mport Laura Condotta topscored for Army with 13 while Jovelyn Gonzaga and Jeanette Villareal had 10 and seven points, respectively, and Honey Royse Tubino settled for a sixpoint game in a key match.

Pool action opens Champions League Saturday in Pasig

BASILAN, Cignal HD and Imus City open their campaigns at the start of men’s pool action on Saturday of the 2022 Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Basilan Tennun Spikers square off with the AIP-Benguet Province Cardinals at 8 a.m., followed by the Cignal HD Spikers and VNS Quezon City Griffins duel at 10 a.m. The Imus AJAA Spikers battle the North Cotabato AMC G-Spikers at 12 noon.

“After the successful hosting of VNL [Volleyball Nations League] last June, and the AVC [Asian Volleyball Confederation] Cup for Women last August, a lot of clubs all over

the archipelago are fired up for real competitions,” PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said. “So we’re expecting to see exciting action in this Champions League.”

The other men’s matches on opening day pit National University (NU)-Pasay City Bulldogs against One Bulacan Republicans at 2 p.m., Baguio City Highlanders against Army Taguig City Troopers at 4 p.m., Bacolod City Tarags against Sta. Rosa City Lions at 6 p.m. and AIP-University of Baguio-Benguet Province Cardinals against PGJC Navy Sea Lions at 8 p.m.

Women’s action starts on Sunday with the ICC Caloocan Lady Hawks facing the KMS-Quezon City Lady

Fast race seen in IM 70.3 P’Princesa

THE Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa international field

braces for a blistering race on a course positioned as a sprint distance and at the same time exacting when the premier endurance event is held November 13 in Palawan.

More than 1,200 bidders from 26 countries are all geared up for the top triathlon event marking its first foray in what has been billed as a City in a Forest so rich in natural wonders and widely regarded as the “Gateway to Paradise.”

In nine days time, however, it could become a place of trial for the merry mix of triathletes all primed for the grueling test of speed and staying power in the 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21.1-km run on a course set up to international standards.

We have a very fast, challenging and scenic race course and we are so delighted to share what we have been working on for a very long time,” race director Neville Manaois said.

The 1.9-km (1.2-mile) swim course will fire off at the Puerto Princesa

Vikings at 8 a.m. UB Batangas City Brahmans colliding with AJAA Imus Lady Spikers at 10 a.m., Davao City Lady Agilas taking on Tomodachi Bulacan Bulakeñas 12 noon and CPS Antipolo Babies tackling University of the East Lady Warriors at 2 p.m.

A total of 23 teams—all local government unit (LGU) based—are seeing action in the Champions League that the PNVF is organizing for the second time after last year’s inaugural in Lipa City where Team Dasma (men) and F2 Logistics (women) emerged as champions.

Bay Walk Park with the field next tackling a challenging 90-km (56mile) three-loop ride from the southern part of Puerto Princesa to the Iwahig Bridge.

The closing 21.1km (13.1-mile) run will be held along the bay to the city center all the way to the finish line at the Ramon Mitra Jr.

performs as I have observed,” said Carrion-Norton via internet call, adding she’s extra confident Yulo could win gold in the all-around on Friday and retain the vault and regain the floor exercise titles this weekend.

He could be good for silver or bronze in the parallel bars, she said.

Carrion-Norton said the crowd at the M&S Arena rooted for Yulo during Tuesday’s qualification round and were

expecting more from the 22-year-old Tokyo Olympian who topped the floor exercise in the Stuttgart 2019 worlds and vault last year in Kitakyushu where he also clinched silver in the bars.

“The talk that comes around here is ‘have you heard, who do you think will win the 2024 Paris Olympics?’ And they say it’s Caloy,” said Carrion-Norton, who on the side gave a talk on safe sports in a symposium relative to the event.

Caloy is a favorite here. Imagine, a Japanese beside me who doesn’t speak a word of English and had the Philippine flag, clappers and binoculars and took videos only of Caloy,” she said. “I asked him some questions but he didn’t understand me.”

Yulo and his team—Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya and physiotherapist Junpei Kunno spent

the past two days perfecting his routine, which they deem as the key to winning in this edition of the annual world championships.

“ I expect Caloy to win the allaround gold despite being a third place finisher in the qualification,” Carrion-Norton said. “But my expectation is Caloy will win the gold in floor exercise, vault and floor.”

C arrion-Norton added: “He’s no longer happy about being a second placer or having only one or two golds, he wants more. I know he’ll try his best to overcome the 1-2 Japanese finishers (Wataru Tanigawa and Daiki Hashimoto) in the all-around qualification in the final.”

Twenty-one other elite gymnasts are competing in the men’s allaround final.

Gold for Custodio in jiu-jitsu worlds

KIMBERLY ANNE CUSTODIO won gold in her weight class at the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation World Championships on Wednesday at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The 35-year-old fighter from Iloilo City displayed superb form and strength to outclass Thailand’s Pechrada Kacie Tan, 6-4, in the women’s adult -45 kgs final.

“ It’s magical,” Custodio told BusinessMirror via an internet call. Just keep working hard...hard work really pays off.”

Custodio defeated Hamdah AlShkeili of Jordan, 14-0, in the quarterfi nals and beat another Thai—Tadaporn Sakaew—in the semifinals, 14-0.

B esides Custodio, the other Filipino athletes entered in the event are Myron Myles Mangubat (62 kgs women), Jan Cortez (62 kgs men), Philip Alegre (77 kgs women), Brendo Pudan (69 kgs men), Margarita Ochoa (48 kgs women), Kyla Napolis (57 kgs women) and Ashley Baluyot (52 kgs women).

The tournament runs until Tuesday. Josef Ramos

Palicte advances in Asian boxfest

JAMES PALICTE beat Iraq’s Jaafar Abdulreal Sudani, 4-1, to advance to the men’s light welterweight quarterfinals in the Asian Boxing Confederation Asian Elite Men and Women Championships Wednesday night in Amman, Jordan.  Palicte, a 28-year-old veteran from Bago City, used his speed and accuracy in the last two rounds to make up for lousy opening round against the Iraqi.

“ This is exactly what I trained for,” Palicte told BusinessMirror via internet call Thursday morning.

“And I already adjusted for my next opponent.” M ario Fernandez, however, lost to hometown bet Yousef Iashash, 2-3, in

the men’s featherweight preliminary bout also on Wednesday night.

A ssociation of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) SecretaryGeneral Marcus Jarwin Manalo praised Palicte for getting his rhythm after a poor start.

It’s good to see that James was able to make the adjustment in the second and third rounds after losing the first round in all cards,” Manalo said. “He became more assertive in the next two rounds and stayed in punching range.

Women’s minimum weight Althea Shine Pores fought Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree and light flyweight Aira Cordero Villegas battled Vietnam’s Thi Tam Nguyen late Thursday. Josef Ramos

Gomera snatches 2 tennis crowns in San Carlos Pintaflores tennis tilt

M CLEEN GOMERA endured a couple of quarterfinal scares but strung a pair of victories to dominate the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala (PPSPEPP) San Carlos City national juniors championships at the SJRI Centermall courts in Negros Occidental Monday.

JAVIER, ASTROS PITCH NO-HITTER IN GAME 4

PHILADELPHIA—Hammered the night before, Cristian Javier and the Houston Astros desperately needed to figure how to keep Bryce Harper and the Phillies in the ballpark.

How about a no-hitter, would that do?

Javier and Houston’s bullpen combined on just the second no-hitter in World Series history, silencing a booming lineup and boisterous fans as the Astros blanked the Phillies 5-0 Wednesday night to even the matchup at two games each.

You get slapped in the face yesterday and you want to come back today and make a statement,” closer Ryan Pressly said.

The only previous no-hitter in the World Series was a perfect game by Don Larsen of the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956.

Javier and three relievers weren’t perfect in Game 4, but they were close.

Plus, they’d done this before: Javier, the starter in a combined nohitter against the New York Yankees in June, was pulled with a no-hitter in progress after six innings and 97 pitches this time.

Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero and Pressly each followed with a hitless inning for the first combined nohitter in postseason play. They totaled 14 strikeouts in ensuring this year’s

championship will be decided this weekend back at Minute Maid Park.

Soon after JT Realmuto weakly grounded out to end it, the quartet of pitchers posed with catcher Christian Vázquez near the visiting dugout, each putting a hand on the game ball for a photo. It’s a picture no one could’ve envisioned 24 hours earlier, when Philadelphia clubbed a Series record-tying five home runs in a 7-0 romp in Game 3.

That’s crazy, man,” Vázquez said. “It was special.”

The four pitchers and Vázquez also signed a ball headed to the Hall of Fame.

Javier said his parents predicted

Tuesday night he was going to throw a no-hitter. The 25-year-old righty from the Dominican Republic said his father, Cecilio Javier, arrived in the United States on Tuesday, and this was the first time his dad saw him pitch.

I just came out holding onto God, trying to be positive, trying to attack the strike zone,” he said via translator. “Thanks to God I was able to accomplish that.”

In 2010, Roy Halladay pitched a nohitter for the Phillies in the NL Division Series, also here at Citizens Bank Park. Halladay’s gem came against a Cincinnati team managed by Dusty Baker, Houston’s current skipper. AP

G omera repelled Herman Illusorio, 4-5(1), 4-1, 10-7, in the quarterfinals of the boys’ 16-under play then trounced Carl Miasco, 6-2, 6-3, before beating Kenzo Brodeth via the same score in the finals of the Group I tournament held in

conjunction with the Pintaflores Festival celebrations.

T he Bacolod (Lanao del Norte) ace, who also swept two titles in the recent Buglasan Festival in Dumaguete, similarly needed to fight back from a set down to defuse Alekzander Po, 2-4, 4-2, 12-10, in the 18-under quartefinals.

H e then subdued Illusorio, 7-6(4), 6-3, before whipping Hans Cabellon, 6-2, 6-3, to complete another twin kill and bag the MVP honors in the country’s longest talent-search put up by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro.

THE Houston Astros’ (from left)

pitchers Rafael Montero and Bryan Abreu, starting pitcher Cristian Javier, catcher Christian Vazquez and relief pitcher Ryan Pressly celebrate a combined no hitter

THE VideoCheck, a cutting-edge decision review system that operates through 23 high-speed cameras, is implemented for the first time in the Premier Volleyball match between UAI-Army and Cignal game. The high-tech video challenge equipment is manufactured by Genius Sports.

CARLOS YULO has become the crowd favorite in the world championships. PHOTO BY JAT TENORIO

Motoring

auTo icon ushers in multi-brand car dealerships

AUTO

iCON is a newly established leading premium auto group south of Metro Manila, offering nine distinct automotive brands. The company is guided by its apparent mission to provide freedom of movement for all through distinctive, appealing, affordable, and sustainable mobility solutions.

Recently, the new auto group held an event dubbed "ICONIC DRIVE 2022" in Alabang Town Center, showcasing various car brands under its chain of dealerships. Gracing the event was no less than President and CEO of Automotive Icon Inc. Dexter Co. "We are officially launching AUTO ICON, the merging of Automotive Icon and Autospectrum. Auto Icon will offer nine premium brands from countries like Germany, the US, China,

Japan, and France. All these dealers are in the south. Clients looking to buy new vehicles can visit our event in Alabang Town Center, Corte de las Palmas. Our team will be delighted to assist them."

After merging with Autospectrum Corp., established in October 2003, Automotive Icon Inc. cemented its ground as the new multi-brand car dealer last September 2022 and formed "AUTO iCON." As the new Auto

The compellIng sTory of ‘house of fruITas’

group in the Philippine market dealing with nine car brands, the company's strength lies in the breadth of its iconic brand portfolio.

The new company offers a wide array of car brands, such as Chrysler, Dodge, GAC Motor, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes- Benz, Morris Garages, Peugeot, and RAM. Further, AUTO iCON offers a full spectrum of choices, from luxury premium, mainstream passenger vehicles, and SUVs to pick-ups. They provide light commercial vehicles, dedicated mobility, financing, parts, and services brands.

AUTO iCON can consistently exceed customers' evolving needs and expectations while creating superior value for all stakeholders. Its people's diversity and passion are deeply rooted in the very communities in which it operates.

Also present during the launch event was Automotive Icon Inc. Vice President for Operations Cris Bofill. "ICONIC DRIVE 2022 intends to highlight new models, promos, test drives, and premium services we can offer. This event is a one-stop shop for valued clients looking for the perfect vehicle for their needs, as they can choose from nine brands in one place," he said.

Brand Identity

The AUTO iCON brand identity is made up of specific premium dealers in a set order to create a unique system offering premium customer services. Following the guidelines ensures that the company consistently adapts these premium dealers' standards across messages and platforms. It should be the same AUTO iCON delivering the same message and benefits whenever and wherever our audience encounters our brand.

“Aside from the FX, the All-New Lite Ace is also available in Pickup, Panel Van and Cargo variants—perfect for various businesses’ specific mobility needs.

“The Pickup is an open bed unit for fast and flexible loading. The Panel Van comes with a sliding enclosure for a more secure cargo transport. The Cargo best fits transportation of dry goods.

Visit toyota.com.ph/asenso for more details.”

HERE is a bit of a human interest story from Sunshine Cabrera of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP).

“ TMP, through its All-New Toyota Lite Ace FX, has continued teaming up with the ‘House of Fruitas’, a small footprint store operator specializing in food and beverage business.

The House of Fruitas, which houses over 30 brands and 700 profitable stores nationwide, has been Toyota’s partner for decades.

“ TMP, through its dealer Toyota Makati Inc. (TMI), has allotted three of its first batch of Lite Ace FX units to the House of Fruitas. These units will be utilized to mobilize people, equipment and raw materials efficiently within Metro Manila and Metro Cebu as well.

“ Natuwa kami nang malaman namin ang pananabik ng House of Fruitas noong lumabas ang balita na magkakaroon ng bagong 2022 Toyota Lite Ace FX,” said Toyota Makati General Manager Lee Junia. ‘Taos puso ang aming pasasalamat sa kanilang masigabong pagtanggap muli sa aming bagong produkto na tunay na makakatulong sa mga lumal-

aking kumpanya tulad nila. Ito ay tunay na kasosyo ninyo sa pag-asenso. Kami ay naniniwalang swerteng buena mano ang Fruitas sa amin at sa magiging bentahan ng Lite Ace dito sa bansa.’

With its capacity, size and safety features, the All-New Toyota Lite Ace perfectly fits the business model of the House of Fruitas as it is ready to navigate the busy streets of the metropolis and deliver to its hundreds of stores around the country. The size of the Lite Ace can easily maneuver throughout the city with ease in transporting goods and people.

The Lite Ace is also a budget-friendly vehicle, with low maintenance costs to boot.

A lot of our customers rely on us for our high quality products that are clean and served fresh daily with affordable prices— with big help from Toyota,” said Lester C. Yu, founder and CEO of the House of Fruitas.

We applaud Toyota for delivering another vehicle like the Lite Ace FX, which will surely satisfy the needs of businesses like ours,” Yu added.

pee sTop Honda offers 70 percent off on select parts and buy 1 Take 1 on BR-V tires at select dealerships from Oct. 31 to Dec. 31, 2022. Also, different Honda models will be featured each week with perks and special offers. Visit www.hondaphil.com for more details…Kudos to Team Toyota Philippines composed of e-racing champions Estefano Rivera, Russel Reyes and Topher Tejada for their recent stint in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Gran Turismo Cup 2022 Asia Regional Finals. They competed against the top e-racers of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand…Happy birthday to Sir Vince Socco. Cheers!...May the souls of Dr. Patty Ramos of Proj. 7 Q.C. and Atty. Francis S. Serrano of Kamuning Q.C. rest in peace. Dr. Ramos was the aunt of my bilas Jun Magturo of Los Angeles, CA, and Atty. Serrano the father of my esteemed friend Gelo. Francis is the country’s foremost collector of vinyl records at Phoenix House.

Story & photo by Randy S. Peregrino