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Air Force aviator proves air combat skills in simulated exercise over Luzon

PAF’s BEST PILOTS: TOP GUN, INDEED

FA-50PH fighter jets. PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

By Rex Anthony Naval

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the first iteration was a military exercise aimed at the coordination of different Filipino and American aircraft and various defensive and offensive tactics. The first iteration focused on air-to-air operations and subject matter expert exchanges, while the second was dedicated to large-scale deployment of military aircraft and related competencies.

HE much loved “it’s not the plane, it’s the pilot” line from the Top Gun: Maverick flick proved true after a Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA50PH “Bulldog” light jet fighter was able to score a “simulated kill” against a fifth-generation American F-22 “Raptor” stealth fighter during the “Cope Thunder Exercise” held in July.

“Fox 2! Killed one Raptor on right turn!” the Fighter’s Journal, the official publication of the 5th Fighter Wing (5FW), Air Defense Command, said in its edition celebrating its 76th founding anniversary. “This was an unprecedented achievement in history: The lead-in fighter aircraft of the Philippines effectively engaged and defeated a fifth-generation fighter in a simulated air combat scenario over the skies of Luzon as part of the Cope Thunder Exercise,” the journal, released late October, read.

The F-22 neutralized in the above-mentioned exercise was from the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Observers said the stealth fighter was “downed” in the exercise by an FA-50PH firing a heatseeking missile. The publication did not release exact details on how this feat was achieved for security reasons or identify the pilots in the simulated dogfight, but it is sufficient and accurate to say that man-for-man, Filipino fighter pilots are among the best in the world.

Dynamic fighter training exchange

COPE Thunder 23-1 participants from the PAF and USAF, with FA50 and F16 aircraft in the background. PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

PAF’s Cope Thunder participation

THE original Cope Thunder exercises, which provided regular flight training for US pilots and those of allied nations, were first held in 1976 and continued annually in Clark Air Base, Pampanga, until 1990. However, this training was abruptly cut when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, badly damaging

Clark Air Base, and putting the scheduled Cope Thunder exercise for that year on hold. In 1992, Cope Thunder found a new home in Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and eventually transformed into what is now known as “Red Flag Alaska.” The PAF and the United States Air Force (USAF) restarted these

aerial exercises in the Philippines after more than three decades of absence with the holding of Cope Thunder 23-1 from May 1 to 12. This was also known as “CT-Ph 23-1” and the first iteration of the Cope Thunder for 2023. The second iteration was dubbed “CT-Ph 23-2” and held from July 1 to 23.

“IN the past few years, training was primarily confined to the wing level where exercises are held only with FA-50PH and aging AS-211 jet trainers. While these exercises are valuable, they [hold] inherent constraints. One of the key limitations stemmed from the absence of a diverse array of aircraft for simulated scenarios,” the journal noted. “Pilots eagerly anticipated the challenges that dissimilar aircraft, saturated environment, and complex radio transmissions could offer, recognizing these multifaceted challenges could propel our skills to greater heights,” it stressed. Continued on A2

Japan’s Kishida arrives in Mla, seeks to build defense ties in PHL visit By Isabel Reynolds | Bloomberg

APAN will seek to bolster military ties with the Philippines during a visit to Manila by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that comes after tensions escalated between Beijing and the Southeast Asian nation over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea. Japan will pledge to provide defense equipment to the Philippine military under a new aid framework and the two governments are expected to start talks on an agreement governing mutual access for one another’s troops, according to the Yomiuri newspaper. Kishida, who arrived Friday afternoon in Manila, met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. right after and is set to give the first-ever speech by a Japanese premier to the Philippine Congress on Saturday. The two countries will reaffirm cooperation on “maintaining the free and open

JAPANESE Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and wife Yuko Kishida arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Balagbag Ramp in Pasay City aboard a Japanese Boeing 777-300 for a working visit. The Prime Minister was greeted by Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, Manila International Airport Authority OIC Bryan Co and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa. He was set to meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. later on Friday, and attend a Joint Special Session of the Philippine Congress on Saturday. NONIE REYES

international order based on the rule of law,” Kishida told reporters before departing Tokyo. Shocked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—Kishida often says a similar attack could happen in Asia—long-pacifist Japan is planning its biggest defense buildup since World War II and seeking to strengthen security ties with like-minded nations that share concerns about China. The day before Kishida’s visit, Mitsubishi Electric and Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced the delivery of the first of four radar units to the Philippines under a 2020 contract. The handover marks the first such transfer of domestically produced defense equipment since restrictions on their export were relaxed in 2014. Japan has also supplied ships to the Philippines’ coast guard. Last month, tensions between the Philippines and China escalated when See “Japan,” A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 56.8080 n JAPAN 0.3776 n UK 69.3285 n HK 7.2599 n CHINA 7.7675 n SINGAPORE 41.6420 n AUSTRALIA 36.5503 n EU 60.3528 n KOREA 0.0426 n SAUDI ARABIA 15.1431 Source: BSP (November 3, 2023)

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The US has strongly backed Israel’s war against Hamas. The allies don’t seem to know what comes next

By Josef Federman & Amy Teibel

spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing a closed diplomatic meeting.

The Associated Press

ERUSALEM—When US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked this week who would govern the Gaza Strip following Israel’s devastating war against Hamas, he said a return of the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority made “the most sense.”

What he failed to mention is that the Palestinian Authority, weak and deeply unpopular with its own people, has already said it has no interest in assuming power if it is helped by Israel. Blinken’s comments Tuesday reflected what some analysts see as the questionable assumptions and short-term thinking that have guided American and Israeli policymakers since Israel declared war in response to Hamas’ October 7 cross-border attack in which its militants killed more than 1,400 people and took roughly 240 others hostage. With strong American backing, Israel has defined two clear goals: bringing home all of the hostages and destroying Hamas, the Islamic militant group that has governed Gaza since ousting the Palestinian Authority in 2007.

‘Incapable service provider’

What’s next?

EVEN if these hard to achieve goals are realized, neither Israel nor the US appears to have given much thought to what would come next for Gaza. Officials have floated several ideas—each with seemingly slim odds of success—while acknowledging that no one has a plan for the territory once the war ends. “Everybody is united that Hamas can’t be there,” Israeli Cabinet Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told reporters over the weekend. Beyond that, he said, “there’s a lot of ideas that are out there, but it’s premature to discuss it now.” Speaking at a US Senate hearing, Blinken said there could be no return to Hamas rule of Gaza. He also ruled out a permanent Israeli

PALESTINIANS look for survivors under the rubble of destroyed buildings following Israeli airstrikes in Jabaliya refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, November 1, 2023. AP/ABED KHALED

occupation of the territory, which Israel also says it doesn’t want. “At some point, what would make the most sense is for an effective and revitalized Palestinian Authority to have governance and ultimately security responsibility for Gaza,” he said. He said this might take some time and require support from other countries in the region. He then repeated President Joe Biden’s stated goal of reviving attempts to forge a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. For both Israelis and Palestinians, this seems out of the question.

‘Fading’ political star

PALESTINIAN President Mahmoud Abbas, who has governed semi-autonomous areas of the Israeli-occupied West Bank since Hamas expelled his forces from Gaza, is already deeply unpopular with the Palestinian public. Opinion polls show that his administration is widely seen as corrupt and, because of his security coordination with Israel, as a subcontractor who has helped entrench Israeli control in the West Bank. Netanyahu has repeatedly rebuffed efforts to restart a diplomatic process, further weakening Abbas. During a meeting with Blinken in Jordan in mid-October, Abbas made it clear that he couldn’t take over a war-battered Gaza on the heels of Israel’s invasion, especially in the absence of a long-term diplomatic solution, according to two Palestinian officials with direct knowledge of the talks. “I will not return on top of an Israeli tank,” they quoted Abbas as telling Blinken. He demanded control of the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza—areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war— “in the context of establishing a Palestinian state.” The officials

TAHANI MUSTAFA, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, a conflict resolution think tank, said the Palestinian Authority isn’t capable of governing Gaza, even if it wanted to. She said the authority, established 30 years ago with the goal of leading the Palestinian to independence, has been reduced to a “service provider”—incapable of providing basic services or security to its people in the shadow of Israel’s overall control of the territory. “It’s devoid of any political substance,” she said. This lack of a political horizon is “what’s pushing Palestinians to armed resistance: the feeling that there’s no hope beyond this nihilistic, suicidal form of resistance,” she said. Even before the war, Netanyahu opposed Palestinian independence. It is hard to imagine that any Israeli government would be willing to cede land to the Palestinians in the wake of the October 7 attacks out of Gaza, which Israel withdrew from in 2005. Israeli officials have floated their own proposals for the future of Gaza in recent weeks, none of which include Palestinian independence. Among them are calls for the creation of a “buffer zone” in northern Gaza meant to keep Palestinians far from the Israeli border. This scenario would do little to address the territory’s long-term status. A paper released by Israel’s Intelligence Ministry, which conducts research for the government, looked at a number of long-term scenarios, none of which included Palestinian statehood. Instead, it described a return of Abbas’s Palestinian Authority to Gaza as the worst option—saying it would give an “unprecedented victory to the Palestinian national movement, a victory that would cost the lives of thousands of Israeli civilians and soldiers and not

guarantee Israel’s security.” Likewise, it said the possibility of cultivating an alternative leadership in Gaza suffered from major shortcomings—including a lack of deterrence and the risk of renewed violence. Its preferred option was a mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza into neighboring Egypt— a scenario that the Palestinians and Egypt have ruled out and that could destroy Israel’s fragile relations with Egypt. The ministry has no decisionmaking authority, and Netanyahu’s office played down the document as a “concept paper” and said that no decisions had been made. Such thinking reflects what many see as a deep misunderstanding of the Palestinians and their history with Israel. Israel and the US, for instance, have repeatedly compared Hamas to the Islamic State group. While the brutal slayings on October 7, which included beheadings and burning people alive, were reminiscent of IS tactics, the groups’ ideologies are different. IS was heavily made up of foreign fighters enlisted to join what they believed was a global jihad against the West. In contrast, Hamas has limited its focus to battling Israel, albeit through a violent ideology that calls for the destruction of Israel. “The US has never understood Palestinians,” said Diana Buttu, a Palestinian analyst and former peace negotiator. She said successive American administrations haven’t thought through Gaza’s future. She called for a long-term vision that would offer the Palestinians freedom and create a true political and economic connection between the West Bank and Gaza—which are on opposite sides of Israel. “I don’t think they fully understood that no matter what is done to Hamas, there’s going to be yet another version of resistance that springs up,” she said. “People want to be free and they’re going to resist in order to become free.”

PAF’s best pilots: Top gun, indeed Continued from A1

The lack of variety in the 5FW training environment, the journal noted, led to some limitations in the understanding of tactical strategies. “It was akin to mastering a portion of the puzzle, yet knowing that the complete picture required more pieces. We longed for the opportunity to broaden our tactical horizons, adapt to different adversaries, and to truly grasp the intricacies of air combat,” it pointed out. The revival of the Cope Thunder exercises helped since it provided both Philippine and US air forces a “unique opportunity” to foster collaboration and interoperability. “The 5FW’s involvement in this year’s Cope Thunder exercise presented airmen with a super chance to undergo training alongside allied forces, enriching their capabilities within a dynamic combined operational setting. The exercises involved hundreds of PACAF service members and airmen from various PAF units, participating in different subject matter expert exchanges and field training exercises conducted in several PAF air bases,” the journal further read. It added that the primary role of the 5FW in this exercise centers on air operations. “Through air combat exercises alongside the formidable F-22 and A-10 aircraft of the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and the 354th Fighter Squadron, they reached new heights in their expertise. This rigorous and relentless

training aimed to push 5FW pilots to adapt swiftly, engage effectively, and execute both offensive and defensive counter-air operations with precision. These exercises not only expanded the tactical repertoire but also reaffirmed the capability to soar as one in a dynamic, real-world operational setting,” the read.

‘Exercise Pitch Black’ 2024 in Australia is next

AS this developed, the PAF also announced that it is looking to have more participation in the next iteration of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) “Exercise Pitch Black,” which is scheduled for 2024. It is looking to deploy its FA50PHs for this military exercise. The PAF’s FA-50PHs, of which 12 were acquired from 2015 to 2017, is the Air Force’s premier fighter jet in its inventory and is used extensively for air defense, attack, and other support missions. Exercise Pitch Black, other than its focus on evaluating international air forces’ planning and execution of large-force deployment, offensive counter air, and air interdiction scenarios in a complex environment, further aims to enhance regional security through multinational interoperability. This presents PAF opportunities to strengthen its relationship and cooperation with other air forces,” the PAF earlier said. Around 21 PAF officers with backgrounds in air battle management and planning participated in the 2022 iteration of “Exercise Pitch Black.” These personnel are from the

Air Force’s 580th Aircraft Control and Warning Wing (ACWW) of the Air Defense Command. PAF air battle managers have an “active participation” in the exercises as they were deployed there to observe and participate in “air campaign planning and air space and air battle management,” while PAF senior planners observed the exercise to gain “knowledge on how to plan and stage a large-force engagement in exercise scenarios and real-world operations.” Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial three-week exercise on multinational large-force deployment conducted by the RAAF. It is the RAAF’s most significant international engagement activity and consists of realistic, simulated threats in a modern battle-space environment.

Japan… Continued from A1

vessels from the two countries collided in the disputed waters. Government ships from Japan and China also seek to expel one another from waters around islands in the East China Sea near Taiwan claimed by both countries on a regular basis. Kishida will move on to Malaysia on Saturday, where he will also seek to strengthen defense ties, according to documents distributed to reporters by Japan’s foreign ministry. In a recent example of expanding cooperation, Japan took part in a multilateral exercise in the South China Sea alongside the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand last month.

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BOC exceeds Oct goal with ₧78.6-B take; 10-month target also breached

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) exceeded its target in October and in the 10-month period on the back of its efforts to curb smuggling. On Friday, BOC said it collected a total of P78.616 billion in October 2023. This was 1.4 percent higher or P1.084 billion above its collection target for the month. In the January to October 2023 period, BOC revenues reached P739 billion, with 2.4 percent more or P17.287 billion higher than its P721.717-billion target collection for the period. “Our relent less dr ive aga inst smuggling and the implementation of trade efficiency measures significantly contributed to the increase in revenue collection. We are doubling our efforts to provide financial resources to support the government’s

programs and projects,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said. Rubio said that the remarkable feat demonstrates the Bureau’s dedication to excellence, reinforcing its mandate to increase revenue collection and enhance trade facilitation in support of the country’s economic development. BOC is also ramping up its digitalization efforts by developing new systems and modern facilities to further streamline procedures and reduce processing times in import and export transactions. Last October 18, 2023, BOC further boosted its trade facilitation efforts with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PHLPOST aimed at expediting clearances, enhancing security controls, and simplifying customs procedures.

Cai U. Ordinario

Saturday, November 4, 2023

52.4 PHL manufacturing index in Oct marks 7-mo high growth By Cai U. Ordinario

HE countr y’s manufacturing sector improved its performance at the start of the fourth quarter as its index score in the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) recorded its fastest growth in seven months, according to the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Market Intelligence. On Friday, S&P Global Market Intelligence reported that the country’s PMI score improved to 52.4 in October, higher than the 50.6 recorded in September this year. Maryam Baluch, Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the country saw improvements in new orders and output, the two largest components of the PMI. “Operating conditions improved at

the strongest pace in seven months. Moreover, increased workloads also supported growth in buying activity and employment,” Baluch said. “Additionally, price pressures continued to fade signaling the easing of strong inflationary pressures seen for the most part of the last two years.” S&P Global Market Intelligence reported that new orders were driven by an improved demand, which led to an uptick in sales. The report also noted that there was an increase in export orders, which was a reversal from a contraction in the previous survey period. “With demand conditions strengthening, growth in production volumes quickened. Output rose for the 14th successive month in October. Moreover, the rate of increase was the fastest for five months,” the report stated. Brisk sales encouraged firms to

hire workers marking a two-month streak in the increase in job creation in the manufacturing sector. The report added that levels of unfinished work were depleted at the sharpest pace in nearly two years. However, S&P Global Market Intelligence said the jobs created were marginal and similar to the level in September. Based on the data, S&P Global Market Intelligence said the employment October data still “signaled a fourth consecutive monthly fall in backlogs.” The report also noted that Philippine manufacturers also said operating expenses rose in October, amid higher inflation recorded in raw material and energy costs. Nonetheless, the report said the increase in input price inflation was the slowest in four months and lower than the long-run average.

“Filipino manufacturers remained optimistic, with growth in output anticipated in the year ahead. However, global headwinds and the lagged effects of the monetary policy tightening remain a downside risk to the sector,” Baluch said. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) last week hiked its key policy interest rates by 25 basis points to 6.5 percent to arrest the increase in the prices of goods and services. The Monetary Board (MB), the BSP’s highest policy-making body, decided to raise the target reverse repurchase (RRR) rate by 25 basis points effective on October 27. With the decision, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities will be set at 6.0 percent and 7.0 percent, respectively, according to the BSP.

climate change to agriculture. Laurel is the President of Frabelle Fishing Corporation and director of the Frabella Corporation. He also served as honorary consul of the Federated States of Micronesia in the Philippines.

and benefiting ordinary Filipinos. With a leader who understands both worlds, we can anticipate policies that balance profit with public welfare, ensuring that our farmers and fisherfolk receive fair compensation, access to modern technologies, and opportunities for growth,” he said.

imported from other countries like China and Taiwan. This is an insult not only to us being an archipelagic country but also to the millions of Filipinos involved in the fishing sector,” Hicap said. “The DA Secretary should know that opening floodgates for imported fishery products poses drastic impacts on the livelihood of local fishermen. Cheap and inferior-quality imported fish causes further price drops for local fishery products. For instance, every time the Philippine government allows importation of tens of thousands of metric tons of round scad [galunggong], the farm gate value of the aforementioned fish product further drops from P70-P80 per kilogram to P50-P60 per kilogram, an all-time low,” he added. In addition to ending import-liberalization policies, the group said the government should implement several measures to boost the productivity of small fishers and make the country food self-sufficient.

China and SEA, including PHL, vow to conclude nonaggression pact faster as sea crises escalate PBBM names fishing tycoon Tiu Laurel Jr. as new DA chief By Samuel P. Medenilla, Butch Fernandez & Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

IN this image from a video released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Filipino sailors look after a Chinese coast guard ship with bow number 5203 bumps their supply boat as they approach Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on October 22, 2023. Chinese and Southeast Asian diplomats renewed a vow to finalize a nonaggression pact for the South China Sea in three years, two regional diplomats said Thursday, November 2, 2023. ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES VIA AP By Jim Gomez

The Associated Press

HINESE and Southeast Asian (SEA) diplomats renewed a vow to finalize a nonaggression pact for the South China Sea (SCS) in three years, two regional diplomats said Thursday. The pledge came during a meeting last week in Beijing, where they expressed alarm over recent confrontations in the disputed waters. The Philippines has protested what it says are increasingly dangerous and provocative maneuvers by China’s coast guard and navy ships in recent months. On October 22, two Chinese ships blocked and separately collided with two Philippine vessels near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the SCS. Following the collisions, the United States renewed a warning that it’s obligated to defend the Philippines, a longtime treaty ally, if Filipino forces come under an armed attack anywhere in the contested waters. The Philippine government summoned a Chinese diplomat in Manila for a strongly worded protest. Asean diplomats separately expressed their concerns over the recent confrontations in the three days of talks hosted by Beijing. China and the Philippines provided contrasting versions of the high seas encounters in a “tense exchange” and separately showed videos of the standoffs, the two diplomats told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the issue. The Beijing talks were the latest

round of negotiations by China and Asean to forge a “code of conduct” to prevent a larger armed conflict in the SCS that could pit China against the United States. A July meeting of Asean foreign ministers with their Chinese counterpart in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta said the talks, which have dragged on for years and faced delays, could be concluded in three years’ time, the two diplomats said. China and four of Asean’s member states—Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam—along with selfruled Taiwan have been locked in a decades-long territorial standoff in the disputed waterway, a key passageway for global trade that is believed to be sitting atop vast undersea deposits of oil and gas. The contested territory has long been feared as an Asian flashpoint and has become a sensitive front in the USChina rivalry in the region. Last week, a Chinese fighter jet came within 10 feet of an American B-52 bomber flying over the SCS and put both aircraft in danger of a collision, the US Indo-Pacific Command said. Both countries blamed each other for the alarming incident. Washington lays no territorial claims in the SCS but has said that freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of the disputes were in the United States’ national interest. It has challenged China’s expansive territorial claims in the region and Beijing has angrily reacted by warning the US to stop meddling in what it calls a purely Asian dispute.

More Pinoys out of Gaza Strip by weekend–PBBM

HE Israeli government has committed to allow Filipinos still trapped in the Gaza Strip to exit to Egypt during the weekend, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said . At a news conference in Malacañang last Friday, the Chief Executive disclosed

that the Foreign Minister of Israel made the commitment during his meeting with Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro “Junie” Laylo Jr. “So they have made a commitment to us to allow Pinoys to exit by today or tomorrow [November 4 and 5, 2023],”

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced the appointment of fish tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the new secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA). The Chief Executive made the announcement at a news conference in Malacañang. Marcos said he decided to turnover the leadership of DA, which he held for over a year, since he is confident in the capability of Tiu Laurel, whom he has known since childhood, to address the issues, which he identified in the agriculture sector. “We have come to that point where we have a very good idea where the problems lie and where, what we need to do to solve those problems,” the President said.

‘Focus, fortitude’ SENATOR Grace Poe, citing the gargantuan tasks ahead facing newly named DA chief, said Tiu Laurel, must “have the focus, fortitude to get things done and genuine feeling for the sector.” Reminding Tiu Laurel that agriculture is a vital component of the economy, providing food on the table and sustaining the livelihood of millions, Poe however noted the sector “has been on a steady decline as a contributor to growth and employment generation.” She suggested, “As the first order of the day, we hope the new DA chief would take to heart the President’s warning in his State of the Nation Address against smugglers, hoarders and price fixers.” Tiu Laurel thanked the President for his appointment and committed to prioritize the modernization of the agriculture sector to help boost its production and ensure the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk. “It is my main objective to ensure a bountiful harvest to ensure it will reach the tables of Filipinos,” Tiu Laurel said. Marcos instructed Tiu Laurel to gain control of the prices of food commodities and address the impact of

Finding the balance HOUSE Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, for his part, expressed optimism that the appointment of Tiu Laurel as the new secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) will lead to policies that balance profit with public welfare, ensuring fair compensation for farmers and fishermen, improved access to modern technologies, and opportunities for growth. “I warmly welcome the appointment of Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to the helm of the Department of Agriculture. Secretary Tiu-Laurel’s extensive background in the private sector provides him with a wealth of experience that will be invaluable in steering our country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors,” said Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. “The private sector, with its innovation, efficiency, and competitive spirit, has much to offer when integrated with public sector objectives. By merging private sector strategies with the public sector’s broader goals, we can harness the best of both worlds,” he added. According to Romualdez, Tiu Laurel’s leadership of Frabelle Fishing Corporation showcases the potential of private enterprises in bolstering the nation’s food security, economic growth, and technological advancements in agriculture. “His firsthand experience in managing a large-scale operation gives him insights into the intricacies of supply chains, market demands, and global trends. This expertise will be instrumental in fostering partnerships between the government and private entities, bridging gaps, and creating synergies that benefit the agricultural sector as a whole,” said the Speaker. Moreover, Romualdez said the collaboration between the private sector and agriculture is not just about business. “It’s about ensuring that the fruits of economic growth are equitably distributed, reaching the grassroots level

Marcos said partly in Filipino. Of the remaining 134 Filipinos in Gaza, 115 are seeking repatriation from the Philippine government. Those who want to return home are currently trapped in the Rafah Border waiting for the authorization of Israel so they could pass to Egypt, where they will be repatriated. “When the time comes for them to cross [Rafah], they will be brought [to Cairo] and will be repatriated,” Marcos said. He said government efforts to bring

Expectations AS stakeholders welcome Tiu Laurel as the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), farmers’ groups on Friday said expectations are high for Laurel to bring about positive change in the agriculture industry. One of the key expectations from the new DA Secretary, Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) Executive Director Jayson Cainglet said, is the alignment of his actions and policies with the directives of President Marcos. He said the focus is on supporting local production and boosting the local agriculture industry. “We hope that he’ll live up to the expectations and directive[s] of the President in supporting local production and boosting the local agriindustry, and that importation is only a last resort and not the principal policy,” he said. Cainglet said he hopes to hear a firm commitment from Laurel to reject and, even more importantly, to support proposals to reduce tariffs on agricultural commodities.

‘Big challenges’ PAMBANSANG Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas national chairperson Fernando Hicap said the new DA chief will be facing “big challenges” in regards to reforming the policies in the agri-fisheries sector. In a statement, the fisherfolk group also urged Laurel to “do away” with liberalization policies that allow the importation of agri-fisheries products at the expense of local food producers. “The fishers are giving a standing order to the new DA Secretary to strengthen local food production by renouncing liberalization policies for the importation of agricultural and fisheries products. From 2018 to 2022, we have monitored more than 200,000 metric tons of various pelagic fish

them home was marred with “complication” since some of them are married to Palestinian nationals, who are not allowed by Israeli forces to leave Gaza. “So, many of them are undecided if they want to leave or not because they don’t want to leave their [Palestinian] spouses and their children,” Marcos said. The President added he also offered to help other Asean countries so they can also pull out their nationals from Gaza. Initially two Filipino doctors, who are members of Doctors Without Borders,

Welcome MEAT Importers and Traders Association (MITA) President Emeritus Jesus C. Cham and the Tugon Kabuhayan group, meanwhile, welcomed the appointment of Laurel. “Secretary Laurel brings with him a wealth of experience and understanding covering the livestock and fisheries sectors. We look forward to working with the new secretary,” Cham said. For its part, Tugon Kabuhayan said, “We welcome his appointment; he is very competent and familiar with the realities and challenges of production post-harvest and marketing.” Former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said he is expecting Laurel would prioritize the policy of the complete value chain. “Secretary Laurel belongs to a family that operates one of the oldest fishing companies in the country. His appointment is a major breakthrough for the fisheries sector, which has long been neglected,” he said. “Moulded in the corporate world, Sec. Laurel is expected to institute reforms in Philippine agriculture that will focus on the policy of complete value chain,” he added.

were able to escape Gaza after Israel allowed foreign passport holders and international aid workers to cross Rafah earlier this week. Gaza is currently under Israeli blockade after militant Hamas forces launched their brutal attack from the said city to southern Israel last month. The attack prompted Israel to declare war against Hamas and launch an ongoing counteroffensive in Gaza. Thousands have died from the said conflict.

Samuel P. Medenilla

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PEZA secures ₧20.6 billion in investment Tiu Jr.’s appointment as DA chief: Tested competence or ‘payback’? leads, pledges from Taiwanese investors By Samuel P. Medenilla

By Andrea E. San Juan

HE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Friday reported it secured P20.6 billion in investment leads and pledges from Taiwanese investors, particularly in the area of packaging manufacturing, among others. In news statement, the investment promotion agency said it partnered with Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Taipei (PTIC-Taipei) in leading a 5-day outbound mission to Taiwan for the 2023 Philippine Investment Forum, an annual gathering of Taiwan companies and associations interested in investing and doing business in the Philippines. PEZA said one “promising” investment lead is a consortium of Japanese and Taiwanese firms that will engage in the business of compostable packaging manufacturing with a proposed P11.361 billion capital investment.

“Led by a leading brand of compostable products and resins with offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the consortium is interested in the manufacturing of innovative finished products for applications, like compostable packaging and compostable food service applications in the Philippines,” PEZA said. Meanwhile, PEZA noted a company from the manufacturing and renewable energy industries, which mainly use recycled waste paper as its raw material and the vertical integration of low carbon papermaking and ecopackaging, signified that they would potentially invest a total of P7.953 billion. The same company, it added, is interested in developing a waste-toenergy plant. Another manufacturing company is interested in investing P681.845 million to expand its business as an Electronic Manufacturing Services

(EMS) provider. The investment promotion agency said this company manufactures, assembles, inspects and tests products based on customer design and quality requirements, while providing engineering support to customers whenever required. PEZA also noted that a prospective investor “has finally decided and undertaken” a P484-million investment during a meeting with PEZA and PTIC-Taipei. This company is into the development of eco-friendly products of nonasbestos friction materials, which are “successfully” applied to bicycle disc brake system. PEZA and PTIC-Taipei said they also met with “one of the largest companies dedicated to precision stampings in Asia.” This firm, PEZA noted, is “driven to provide the highest quality one stop advanced precision metal stamping

NG may shift to early procurement activities for NGAs in 2024–DBCC By Cai U. Ordinario

HE national government (NG) will undertake early procurement activities (EPA) among government agencies (NGA) next year, according to the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC). In a special joint statement on Friday, the DBCC said the EPA would enable the conduct of procurement activities as early as the submission of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to Congress. This will support the catch-up plans that were implemented by the government, particularly in the second half of the year. As of September, disbursement has reached 98.9 percent

or P3.82 trillion. “The DBCC shall address procurement bottlenecks by strictly directing the conduct of Early Procurement Activities among government agencies by next year,” DBCC said. “Given the better-than-expected revenue and spending performance, the DBCC maintains optimism in its outlook that growth and fiscal targets set under the Medium-Term Fiscal Program can be achieved,” it added. The DBCC also said the Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS), an integral part of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), will also be implemented by 2024. The DBCC said this would address

major procurement bottlenecks, such as the late submission of billings from suppliers and creditors and delays in the delivery of goods and services by providers within the time frame. It also encourages all government agencies, including State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), GovernmentOwned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), and Local Government Units (LGUs) to utilize safe and efficient digital payments for goods and services. This, the DBCC said, includes the distribution of financial assistance pursuant to Executive Order No. 170 series 2022 issued by the Duterte administration. The EO encourages the use of digital collection, disbursement, and

and plastic molding service worldwide, and claiming to be the first metal stamping company with the biggest metal stamping equipment in Taiwan.” This company informed PEZA and PTIC-Taipei that they plan to initially invest P171 million, upon the recommendation of another “long-time PEZA locator who happens to be their largest client.” Meanwhile, PEZA also reported that an Asian market leading manufacturer that’s into creating innovative air care products with sustainable sales and growth in the global market is currently in the negotiation process of leasing in a PEZA-registered economic zone. As one of the top ecozone investors, PEZA said Taiwanese locators contribute a total of P33.165 billion in investments, created 38,481 new employment to Filipinos, and supplied $529.716 million of exports from the Philippines.

payment systems; electronic fund transfers; electronic money; the use of government servicing banks; payment service providers; and transaction accounts. Meanwhile, in terms of tax administration reforms, the DBCC said it would work closely with Congress for the passage of the previous administration’s remaining tax reforms. These are on passive income and financial intermediaries taxation and real property valuation and assessment, as well as new tax measures. These include the excise tax on single-use plastics (SUPs), rationalization of the mining fiscal regime, motor-vehicle road users’ tax, excise tax on sweetened beverages and junk foods, tax on pre-mixed alcohol, value-added tax on digital service providers, carbon taxation, capital market development bill, and the military and uniformed personnel pension reform bill.

Barangay, SK voter turnout climbs in last polls, Comelec says By Patrick V. Miguel

INCE the 2018 elections, the voter turnout in the 2023 polls increased by 4.56 percent in the barangay elections and 10.57 percent in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. The voter turnout in the barangay elections

reached 75.76 percent, while the SK elections reached 76.08 percent, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday. This is higher compared to the barangay and SK polls in 2018 with 71.20 percent and 65.51 percent, respectively. “It might not have reached 8-percent but still a marked increase in voter turnout,”

Go lauds successful BSKE, tells new officials to focus on mandate, serve the people well

N an interview after casting his vote, Senator Christopher “Bong”Go conveyed his gratitude to the individuals and entities responsible for the smooth and successful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). On Monday, October 30, Go exercised his right to vote in the barangay elections at precinct no. 1658A of the Buhangin Central Elementary School SPED Center in Davao City. Go also took the opportunity to remind the newly elected barangay officials of their fundamental duty to prioritize the needs and welfare of their constituents. “Congratulations sa lahat ng mga nanalo sa nakaraang barangay and SK elections. Ang hamon ko sa inyo ay unahin palagi ang interes

said Comelec Spokesman Atty. John Rex Laudiangco in Filipino. Out of the 4,771,373 registered voters in the recent barangay elections, only 3,614,800 actually voted. Meanwhile, 1,258,644 actually voted in the SK elections out of 1,654,373 registered voters. On Monday, Comelec Chairman George

at kapakanan ng inyong mga nasasakupan nang may tunay na pagmamahal at malasakit sa kapwa,” Go said. “As you enter public service, always remember that public office is a public trust. Alagaan niyo yung ibinigay na tiwala ng ating mga kababayan sa inyong lahat,” he added. He underscored the value of entrusting responsible individuals, who genuinely care for the Filipino people, with barangay positions. “Importante po itong barangay kaya dapat nating i-exercise ang ating karapatan na bumoto at pumili ng mga opisyales na nagmamahal at nagmamalasakit para sa ating mga kababayan,” Go said referring to barangay officials. Go then elaborated on the critical role played

Garcia said in a news briefing that they are aiming for at least 80 percent voter turnout. “We are hoping that it will reach 80 percent based on the number of voters in polling centers,” said Garcia. Garcia told reporters they are “100 percent done” with the elections and had just “resolved the last tie.”

by the barangays in the delivery of services in the communities, being frontliners and the first point of contact for citizens in times of need. “Ang barangay po ang nagdadala ng frontline services sa ating mga kababayan. Sila po ‘yung nilalapitan nating lahat tuwing may kailangan ng tulong ukol sa mga suliranin sa komunidad tulad ng kalamidad at sakuna,” said Go. “Kayo rin ang mas nakakaalam sa mga araw-araw na pangangailangan ng inyong mga nasasakupan—mula sa pambayad sa ospital, libing, sunog, baha, lindol, seguridad, at iba pa. At bilang inyong senador, tutulong ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he added. When asked about the conduct of elections, Go provided positive feedback on the peaceful nature of the elections in Davao City. He further expressed hope that the citizens have chosen candidates who are responsible and genuinely concerned about the welfare of the people.

EWLY appointed Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Franciso “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. will be facing an uphill battle in trying to level off high food prices and reach the expectations of his predecessor President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself. Last Friday, Marcos finally announced the appointment of Laurel, a food business tycoon and one of his top campaign donors in the 2022 polls, at a news conference in Malacañang.

Agriculture expert

THE chief executive said he decided to turnover the leadership of DA, which he held for over a year, since he is confident in the capability of Laurel to address the “complicated” issues in the agriculture sector. “We have found somebody who understands very well the problems that agriculture is facing and the reason for the timing,” Marcos said. He said Laurel, whom he has known since his childhood, has established a strong presence in the agriculture sector as President of Frabelle Group of Companies (FGC) and a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) agriculture sector. The FGC is engaged in fishing, aquaculture, canning, food manufacturing, and processing, food importation, cold storage, real estate and power generation. “He knows and is close to those called experts professionals [in the sector], which he can easily approach, who can help give solutions to our problems in agriculture,” Marcos said. Laurel graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in computer science.

Pricey food

FOREMOST of the said issues, he said, which wants Laurel to prioritize are the high prices of agricultural commodities. Since the President served as the concurrent secretary of the DA last year the prices of onion, sugar and rice, and recently potatoes suffered a price spike. “We need to control [food prices] and see what we can do,” Marcos said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported the food inflation shoot up last September after rice prices accelerated 17.9 percent from 8.7 percent in the previous month. This despite the price cap Marcos imposed for regular milled rice and well-milled rice during the said period. The Chief Executive attributed the surge in the prices of rice, onions, and sugar to price manipulation by food smugglers and hoarders. To resolve the matter, DA under the leadership of Laurel is eyeing to reduce the

country’s reliance on imports by boosting local farm production through mechanization and emulating the best agriculture practices of other countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. “The key [to addressing this problem] is the modernization of the agriculture sector and [improving] the welfare of our farmers and fisherfolk,” Laurel said.

Other challenges

LAUREL was also tasked by the President to stop the spread of animal diseases such as the Avian Flu and African swine fever, which have caused millions of financial losses in the poultry and livestock industry, respectively. DA is currently eyeing to secure the necessary vaccines to stop the spread of both diseases. Marcos said he also wants the new DA chief to deal with the impact of climate change to agriculture. Last March, the Climate Change Commission announced the government would be using $39.3 million to provide farmers with data and low emission technologies. Laurel said he would disclose his plans to achieve the demands set by Marcos in the coming days.

Credibility issues

IN a message, Ateneo School of Government Dean Randy P. Tuaño told the BusinessMirror that the appointment of an industry player as the new head of DA was an expected development. He also noted no less than agriculture stakeholders have been calling for an appointment of a “full-time” secretary in DA, who knows the industry. “Traditionally, the President has appointed someone from the business sector as the Agriculture department secretary, so President Marcos has not broken this trend,” Tuaño said. Tuaño, however, pointed out Laurel will face challenges in to his credibility as the new head of DA early, which include allegation that his appointment was “payback” for his P30-million campaign contribution to Marcos’ presidential bid. “That’s an issue that the President and Mr. Tiu Laurel would need to address early on,” Tuaño said. He also said the business tycoon must divest from his business interests to preserve the credibility of his leadership in DA. “Mr. Tiu Laurel would need to divest from his business interests and also from his other professional associations before he begins as secretary. He would need to resign from the Private Sector Advisory Council as well,”Tuaño suggested. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy V. Garafil said Laurel already divested his interests from his companies.

SJDM City moves on after failed HUC bid in plebiscite

ESPITE its inability to attain Highly Urbanized City (HUC) status, the chairperson of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Friday said San Jose del Monte (SJDM) City, which known as Human Resource Capital of the Philippines, will continue to bolster the city’s services. Rep. Florida Robes of SJDM, who led the campaign for HUC status, accepted the will of the people of Bulacan in their bid to transform the component city into a Highly Urbanized City. She also expressed gratitude to the residents of SJDM and her

fellow Bulakeños for their active participation in the recent plebiscite held alongside the barangay elections on October 30. “While the measure we supported did not pass, we wholeheartedly accept the will of the people. This is the essence of our democracy, and you can count on our unwavering advocacy. We thank our beloved San Joseños and fellow Bulakeños for your involvement in the recent plebiscite,” she added. Robes, whose spouse serves as the city mayor, affirmed her commitment to continue improving the city and serving her constituents. “Our efforts to advance the city

and provide services persist despite our inability to attain HUC status,” she assured. “Our vision to enhance San Jose del Monte City does not conclude with the plebiscite’s outcome. It serves as our inspiration to surpass what we have achieved in our city,” Robes emphasized. Reportedly, Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and former Bulacan Governor Wilhelmimo A lvarado actively campaigned against SJDM’s bid of HUC status. They argued that this move might lead to job losses and increased local government fees.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

www.businessmirror.com.ph

OurTime BusinessMirror

Eisai’s Alzheimer’s drug shows promise in injected-at-home form By Robert Langreth & Gerry Smith

n experimental version of Eisai Co.’s Alzheimer’s drug that might be given in patients’ homes exceeded the power of Leqembi, its approved infused formulation, in an early study that could pave the way to bolstering uptake. After six months of treatment, an injected form of the drug cleared 14 percent more amyloid, a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer’s, than its infused counterpart that’s now on the market, according to company research presented Wednesday at a conference in Boston. Rates of key side effects—brain swelling and bleeding—were similar with both versions, Tokyo-based Eisai said. The first drug clearly shown to slow the course of Alzheimer’s disease, Leqembi must be intravenously infused at a hospital or center every two weeks. That can be a barrier to using the medication for Alzheimer’s patients who may need a caregiver to take them to appointments. Bloomberg Intelligence analysts have said they expect a slow rollout for the drug, which was fully approved in July in the US. Eisai and its partner Biogen Inc. are looking to capture market share before a competing product from Eli Lilly & Co. gains clearance. Currently under regulatory review, Lilly’s donanemab is infused just once a month. It removes amyloid quickly, and some patients may be able to stop therapy after about a year. Eisai shares rose slightly before paring gains in Tokyo Thursday morning. Eisai’s injected version of Leqembi could potentially be given at home in two shots every week. The company’s ongoing study compared 72 patients who received injections of the new formulation to 322 who got infusions of Leqembi. The study didn’t compare the two versions’ cognitive effects. If the results hold up over the full 12 months of the trial, Eisai hopes to apply for US approval of the injected formulation by the end of

March 2024, a spokesperson said. Some doctors at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease conference in Boston expressed cautious optimism that the new version Leqembi would be a difference-maker. At the conference, researchers also presented data from a subset of patients from an earlier large data set that led to approval of Eisai’s drug in July. The analysis focused on a group of milder patients with low levels of another Alzheimer’s-associated protein called tau in their brains. In that group, roughly 60 percent of patients who received Leqembi improved after 18 months on the drug, compared to just 28 percent of low-tau patients on placebo. The finding, while highly preliminary, had doctors at the conference buzzing as it hinted that drugs like Leqembi just might be able to halt the disease if given early enough in its course. Eisai already has a big trial underway aimed a showing whether Leqembi can prevent Alzheimer’s. Doctors were also excited about the prospects for an injected formulation of Leqembi. “It’s a big deal, if it works,” Paul Newhouse, director of the Center for Cognitive Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said in an interview before Eisai’s presentation. If not at home, the injection could be given at a local doctor’s office, rather than requiring patients to travel long distances to an infusion center, he said. “That is a huge benefit for patients,” said Newhouse, who has administered Leqembi in research studies for years, as it may reduce the financial and logistical impact. Vanderbilt is still in the process of setting up a clinical infusion program for the drug, he said. Even in a convenient, injectable version, treatment with Leqembi still won’t be simple. Patients must get specialized PET brain scans to detect amyloid to see if they qualify for the drug. They also must have MRI scans during the course of treatment to monitor for side effects. With assis-

By Cora Lewis

The Associated Press

EW YORK—Tens of millions of older Americans will see a modest increase in benefits this January when a new cost-ofliving adjustment is added to Social Security payments. The 3.2 percent raise is intended to help meet higher prices for food, fuel, and other goods and services. The average recipient will see an increase of about $54 per month, according to government estimates. That’s a smaller percentage than last year, because consumer prices have eased, and the COLA is tied to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. Still, Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and Disability Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, says increased Medicare premiums will “absorb a disproportionate share of the COLA for most people.” One premium is rising by an estimated 6 percent, or roughly $9.90 a month. “Seniors and people with disabilities tend to spend a greater share of their incomes on health care, and medical prices are rising faster than overall inflation,” she said, adding that most people will still get higher benefit checks overall. Here’s what to keep in mind: How does Social Security work? The Social Security program pays roughly $1.4 trillion in benefits to more than 71 million peo-

ple each year, including low-income individuals with disabilities. The short answer is that taxes fund Social Security. The government uses taxes from working people to pay benefits to people who have already retired, people who are disabled, the survivors of workers who have died, and dependents of beneficiaries. While the money is used to pay people currently receiving benefits, any unused money goes to the Social Security trust fund. Some of the money in the trust, together with the Social Security contributions of people in the workforce, pay for future benefits. To determine what amount of Social Security you’ll receive, the government calculates a percentage of your highest wages from your top 35 years of earning, factoring in when you choose to start receiving benefits. How is the cost of living adjustment calculated? The COLA is calculated according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, but there are calls to use a different index—one that measures price changes based on the spending patterns of the elderly—like healthcare, food and medicine costs. “Seniors tend to spend more on medical care in general, including some out of pocket expenses like prescription drug costs, that can be very significant,” said Mark Hamrick, Senior Economic Analyst at Bankrate. “Of course, food, shelter, and energy costs are all still elevated. Those are the things most people cannot go without.”

Over 12,000 centenarians receive ₧100,000 cash incentive–DSWD

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

ore than 12,000 centenarians nationwide have been recognized and provided with incentives under Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarians Act, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Tuesday. Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said that from 2017 until September of this year, DSWD has extended its recognition to 12,186 Filipinos who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years and beyond. This tribute is in line with the implementation of the Centenarian Program, as mandated by Republic Act No. 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016. The Centenarian Program ensures that centenarians, whether residing in the country or abroad, are rewarded with a cash incentive of P100,000 and a heartfelt letter of felicitation signed by the President of the Philippines, congratulating them for their remarkable longevity.

In addition to the monetary gift, the DSWD presents a posthumous plaque of recognition for a centenarian who has passed away, which can be received by their nearest surviving relative. “The Centenarian Program represents our respect for our elderly and acknowledges the invaluable contributions they have made to society over the decades,” the DSWD spokesperson said. Lopez reiterated the eligibility requirements under the law, stating that the relatives of centenarians must submit primary documents such as the birth certificate and Philippine passport to the City or Municipal Social Welfare Office and/

Centenarian Maura Agripa shows the P100,000 check she received from the Taguig City government on her 100th birthday on September 26, 2023. The Department of Social Welfare and Development on October 31, 2023 announced that a total of 12,186 centenarians have received P100,000 incentives from the national government through DSWD from 2017 up to September this year. Photo courtesy of Taguig PIO

or to the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in their localities. In cases where these two primary identification documents are not available, any of the primary Identification Cards issued by OSCA, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and Social Security System (SSS); driver’s license; Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) license; and Commission on Elections (Comelec) Voter’s ID is accepted as valid documentation. “In cases where the said identification documents are not available,

the centenarian or their family members can submit any secondary documents such as marriage certificates and birth certificates of a child borne by the centenarian, among others,” Lopez explained. Lopez said the agency will closely coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) and the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) to improve the planning and budgeting for more effective implementation of the law, in pursuit of honoring the contributions of the centenarians in nation-building.

A bento of Japanese wisdom for the end journey By Nick Tayag

my sixty-zen’S WORTH

tance from Kanoko Matsuyama/Bloomberg

What to know about the US Social Security cost-of-living adjustment

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, November 4, 2023

now occupy myself with gathering and curating all the good learnings and nuggets of wisdom I have encountered and picked up along the way for the past seven decades. I want to take a closer look at them and savor their deeper significance not just for my spiritual sustenance but more importantly to share them with kindred spirits who are seeking enlightenment and still maturing towards full golden ripeness. In Japan, there are boxed readyto-be-eaten meals called ekiben (combination of eki for train station and bento for lunch box.) These are sold on trains and at train stations, and those going on a long trip have a wide choice of these meal boxes. Each box comes with a set of disposable chopsticks. Depending on the specific dish, many will also include a packet of soy sauce, some pickled or fresh ginger, or other seasoning. Let me therefore share with you a metaphorical ekiben for your own life’s journey especially for those going on their last leg. It contains some food for thought, which I cherry picked from Japanese traditions through my readings and conversations with persons who have what we may call “old souls.” In case you’re asking, no, I don’t speak Japanese. The sprinkling of Nippongo I know consists of common expressions such as arigato, dozo, sumimasen not to mention names of well-known Japanese food such as sushi, tempura, ramen, karage and takoyaki. However, I still can’t explain why whenever I encounter terms that refer to certain Japanese cultural practices, the words surprisingly resonate with me. In my heart, I instinctively know the philosophical concepts behind them as if I’ve lived them. There is a Japanese term kotodama, which is all about the mystical power of words. That’s the kind of magnetic pull I feel when I come across specific

Japanese words. In half-jest, I tell friends that sometime in my past life I was a Japanese Zen Buddhist monk. Why Zen Buddhist specifically? Because I am contemplative by nature and inclined to be a non-talker. I also love koans and haiku poetry (short enigmatic poetic verses unique to Japanese culture). In a strange way, they are distinctly Japanese but they are also ver y Filipino. Or is it because they are rooted in what Carl Jung calls the “collective unconscious” that refer to memories and impulses ingrained in the brain of the whole humankind? Whatever. Now with metaphorical chopsticks, let’s open my bento of Japanese traditional beliefs. Think of it as a “baon” for you to bring in your journey. MONO NO AWARE: The beauty of fleeting existence. This Japanese term is often translated as “the beauty of impermanence.” The concept tells us that everything, including our own lives, is subject to change and eventual passing. This is symbolized by the sakura or pink cherry blossoms. They mark the ending of winter and signify the beginning of spring. They quickly bloom and then they’re gone, reminding us of the transience of life. Think of our own concept of “gulong ng kapalaran” and you’ll get a better picture. Knowing this, we are encouraged to appreciate the fleeting and ephemeral nature of life and our experiences of it. Except for hardcore deniers, we seniors need to accept that our time in this life will soon come to pass. Mono no aware is an invitation to slow down and start finding joy in the

small and seemingly insignificant details. Let’s seek beauty not just in the grandiose and the spectacular, but also in the mundane moments and objects of our daily existence. After a deeper understanding of mono no aware, I have developed a greater respect and gratitude towards not just people but even objects that have served me and continue to serve me well. A desk, a pencil, a notebook, a mug and even living beings like a pet dog or cat contain something of ourselves in them and thus evoke powerful feelings. As we say, “mayroong sentimental value.” WABI SABI: Acceptance of who we are Wabi Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic and cultural philosophy which is all about appreciating beauty that is “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete” in nature. All of us are flawed a nd we’ve made mistakes and we’ve been broken time and again but in spite of that, we’ve managed to put ourselves back together. Our concept of “magandang kalooban” echoes this same sentiment. A great example of the spirit of Wabi-Sabi at work is Kintsugi, the Japanese art of fixing broken ceramics with golden lacquer to create beautiful, intricate patterns. While many of us might deem a broken bowl or cup as something to be discarded, Kintsugi celebrates the brokenness and makes the cracks an important part of the object’s life history. Its principles can be applied to our personal growth and relationships. It encourages us to be non-judgmental, accepting, and compassionate towards ourselves as well as others who are flawed like us. Each of us is still beautiful inside. Our concept of “magandang kalooban” echoes this same sentiment. IKIGAI: Purpose in life. “Iki” in Japanese means “life,” and “gai” describes value or worth. This Japanese term is getting a lot of searches on the Internet and bandied about by motivational speakers.

What do you love? What are your passions? What are you good at? What gifts do you have that can contribute positively to the world? If you can answer these, then you have realized not just your value as a human being but also your ikigai, your life’s purpose that gives your existence meaning. In Filipino culture, we can probably call it “kapalaran na may kabuluhan o kahulugan.” When you know your ikigai and understand it fully, you’re aligned with the work you’ve longed to do as well as the role in life you have been destined to live. Each day you wake up is a good day to live. The Japanese believe that finding and pursuing your ikigai is the key to a long and happy life. You might be interested to know that in Japan the average woman lives up to 88 years while men live up to 81 years. In Okinawa, many natives are still active and leading joyous lives at 100 years or more. Have ikigai, will live longer and happier. It’s not too late. GAMBATTE: Give it your all. Gambatte means “do your best.” Essentially, it is a word used to cheer someone on; to encourage someone to keep it up. It is appropriate for old folks like me who are striving to make our bonus years more meaningful. The closest native equivalent to gambatte is “Puso!” or “Huwag Bumitaw!” But gambatte is more than just an expression of encouragement. It is about purpose-driven persistence. Not simply about stubbornly pushing forward; it is the art of adapting and evolving one’s strategies to become finally a winner. It tells us to face up to the challenges of growing old; to embrace our limited physical options as seniors with waning abilities. While we may not be as agile as before, we can still score points in life by being creative and harnessing our innate “abilidad” or “diskarte.” As I keep saying to my friends who are disheartened by Father Time, “may asim pa!” We still got some juice left! On that high note, I now end this short piece. With rice balls of mono no aware, plus packets of ikigai sauce, and gambatte seasoning in your ekiben of Japanese wisdom, you’re now better packed for a more meaningful and fulfilling journey. Just like what our grandkids would say: “Keri mo yan!”

A6 Saturday, November 4, 2023

Education BusinessMirror

Editor: Mike Policarpio

PHL needs to address learning concerns Asia Pac. Coll., Univ. of Adelaide to upskill govt employees on digital transformation prior to gaining 1st-world status in 2050 By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

HE Philippines needs to address bottlenecks in basic education, as this will be a prerequisite for the country into becoming a firstworld nation by 2050. On the sidelines of the 49th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) held on October 25, 2023, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president George Barcelon said the nation’s public-school education needs to be improved. “If we do this right, by 2050, we should be able to move up the ladder,” Barcelon shared, then added that the quality of teachers is also vital, more so in basic education. In his speech at the PBC, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian echoed the sentiment of the private sector “to fix public schools,” as 86 percent of students, or majority of the country’s future labor force, matriculate in the said institutions. “To become a first-world country by 2050, this is something that we all have been working on together, and then hopefully give our next generation a bet-

ter future compared to ours,” Gatchalian stated. “However, we cannot reach that first-world status without addressing basic concerns and basic issues, particularly in basic education, because that’s where the foundation begins.” The legislator said the K-12 basic education program was introduced in the country to allow students to choose different tracks—one, to pursue higher education; two, to be employed; and three, to be entrepreneurs. However, he revealed that in 2018, 10 percent of the 1.2 million senior-high school (SHS) graduates did not make it to any curriculum exit—either they are unemployed, not part of the work force, or not part of the school system. “We have to focus on that 10 percent, because [they are what the government should address, in order to make them produc-

PCCI president George Barcelon (left) and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian emphasize the need to address education challenges in the country. PNA/KRIS CRISMUNDO

tive; in order to make the additional two years of SHS] valuable to our families,” he said, as he cited that the unemployment numbers among SHS students is increasing. “In the total unemployment data of our country, 7.1 percent now is composed of SHS students, and it’s steadily going up in the last few years,” he claimed. “This is a signal that even though we added two years, and even 30 percent of [them took the technicalvocational track], a big chunk of our SHS students still remains unemployed.” The senator said only a few corporations employ SHS graduates, and those who are hired are given with “very simple jobs” or elementary occupations such as cleaners, car washers and domestic helpers, among others. “This is where the dilemma comes in. We added two years [to their SHS. This was an added]

cost for families. We promised them jobs. We promised them that they will be gainfully employed, but they’re not. Instead, they are employed in elementary occupations, and not employed in the corporations and businesses that we have promised in terms of salary,” he said, then added that employed SHS graduates are earning below the average national wage. Gatchalian said three bills are currently pending in Congress to address the dilemma in the K-12 program. These include the “Batang Magaling Act” to address skills mismatch in SHS; creation of the “Tripartite Council:” an institutional body composed of the government, the academe, and the private sector to tackle the future of the local work force; and the “Enterprise-Based Education and Training Act” that will strengthen apprenticeship programs. Kris Crismundo/PNA

HE Asia Pacific College (APC) and the University of Adelaide (UoA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding that will provide relevant programs for several Philippine government agencies and bureaus, which are expected to help them achieve their goals under the “Philippine Digital Transformation Roadmap.” The program, to be funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is aimed at providing opportunities and avenues for various Philippine sectors to improve through cooperative learning and training. “The opening stages will commence in February [2024, and run until May of the same year. It will comprise of a group going to Australia, where they will spend time with our State and Federal Governments to get an understanding about how we embrace digital…They will come back and look at gaps…and opportunities…here in the Philippines, then] develop action plans for the relevant agencies,” Dr. Jessica Gallagher, who is UoA’s deputy vice chancellor and vice president, told the BusinessMirror in an exclusive interview. For the first phase, five Philippine government agencies will be joining the program: the Civil Service Commission, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Information and Communications Technolog y, as

well as the National Economic and Development Authority. “It’s quite a broad group, and I think that’s what makes it exciting,” said Dr. Gallagher, then added that there’s a part involving immersion, plus “unpacking and understanding the needs here,” so they can support the country’s digital transition. The program, the UoA official explained, will provide a chance for participants to see what works and what does not in Australia, “so they can learn from our mistakes, and not do those.” She said the program would enable the exchange of knowledge and experiences with the university, while it will also share good practice and understand complexities in the Philippines, and requirements for the next training. According to Dr. Gallagher, the first part of the training would require digital transformation, while the second would involve digitalization skills. Participating Filipino government workers will be training in Australia for a couple of weeks, while subjectmatter experts from APC and UoA will deliver the courses. The program will provide mentors, coaches, and facilitators sound understanding of the Philippines and its context related to digital transformation in the public sector. Present during the signing were Ambassador HK Yu of Australia, Civil Service Commission chair Karlo Nograles, Dr. Gallagher and APC officials.

Responsible AI policy and course for educators, students, associates created Mapúa, Healthway Phils. partner to bolster local health-care sector

HE De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tool Usage Policy to ensure the responsible utilization and regulation of the technology’s features. It aims to protect the availability and integrity of the college’s creative programs, personal records, and its educational partners amid the emergence of AI tools and their wide range of applications within academic institutions. Adoption of the tools offer increased efficiency and new insights, as the policy also formulates guidelines to address concerns related to honesty, ethics, and safety. It outlines the best security practices, ethical principles, and procedural directives for using AI mechanisms in education. The reference guide comprises evaluations of AI tools, standards for their proper and effective implementation, as well as protocols for students, faculty, nonteaching associates, and admin-

REPRESENTATIVES from various HEIs gathered for the event. DLS-CSB

istrators. The guidelines follow the Data Privacy Act of 2012, or Republic Act 10173, which seeks to preserve the individual information and communication systems in the government and the financial sector. To further expand in-depth knowledge on appropriate AI use in higher education institutions (HEIs), the Benilde Center of Educational Technology (CET) gathered educators, administrators, researchers, policymakers, and technology experts from various state universities and colleges for a symposium. The event created an avenue of sharing insights on AI implementa-

tion extent, crafting of contextualized structural strategies, and creating possible collaborative initiatives. Representatives from A ssumption College-San Lorenzo, Colegio de San Juan de LetranManila, De La Salle UniversityManila, DLSU-Dasmariñas, DLSCSB, DPR-Philippine Academy in Technology and Sciences, Lyceum of the Philippines University, National University-Laguna, Universidad de Manila, University of the Cordilleras, University of the Philippines-Manila, University of Asia and the Pacific, and University of Santo Tomas attended the gathering.

The Benilde CET extended the knowledge gained by the learning community with the production of a holistic course entitled “AI for Associates’ Best Practices, Guidelines, and Compliance” to provide deeper understanding of the new measures. The course highlights the many benefits and challenges of using AI tools in the academe, the importance of selecting suitable systems, and its integration into the curriculum. It also has resources on proper management, with focus on accountability and intellectual property, as well as human rights, justice, equity, and non-discrimination. The academic initiative consists of several modules, which inc lude on l ine d isc ussions, readings, classwork, and assignments. It also offers supplementary learning resources and educational videos on various aspects of ways to navigate AI. The course is available and can be accessed through “BigSky Benilde”—DLS-CSB’s official integrated learning platform.

Vicsal Foundation celebrates its ‘Class of 2023’ scholar-graduates

HE philanthropic arm of Vicsal Development Corp. Vicsal Foundation Inc. (VSF), which is the parent firm of Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI), continues its unwavering commitment to the community by providing valuable support to financially challenged yet deserving youths through the VSF Scholarship Program. In celebration of “Class of 2023,” VSF scholar-graduates showcased the enduring impact of this initiative. In the recent VSF Scholars Graduation Party held in their honor, the foundation not only expressed its appreciation to the people behind their scholars’ success, but also reiterated its commitment in nurturing talents and empowering underprivileged youth—a mission it shares with affiliated organizations.

THE scholar-graduates with VSF Board of Trustees members

MRSGI, Vicsal Development Corp., Taft Property Venture Development Corp., HTLand Inc. and other affiliates pool funds and aid VSF in carrying out its vision and mission of helping

the underprivileged pursue college schooling. Since its inception in 2007, the VSF Scholarship Program has been a vital force in supporting the educational pursuits

of 224 graduates. Among them, 147 have achieved academic distinctions, with five graduating summa cum laude, 50 as magna cum laude, and 92 finishing cum laude. The graduates pursued careers in various fields—including some who have joined MRSGI as management trainees, while others are preparing for the Board exams. In Academic Year 2022-2023, 30 scholars successfully completed their studies in distinguished institutions such as University of San Carlos, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu Institute of Technology-University, and the University of the Philippines, with 26 of them earning Latin honors in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements. To date, the program continues its support for 60 scholars.

OFFICIALS of Mapúa University and Healthway Phils. Inc.

EW technologies enable healthcare workers to provide medical care with a more progressive approach. From teleconsultation, digital record-keeping, as well as utilization of artificial intelligence and augmented reality, the current health-care setup compels medical workers to be armed with modern skills and know-how. A s suc h, Mapú a Universit y a nd Healthway Medical Network (HMN) have joined forces to hone globally competent Filipino health-care manpower. A formal partnership was signed enabling Mapúan Health Sciences students to take full advantage of Healthway’s wide network by training in the latter’s clinics and outpatient centers as part of their nursing and medical technology curriculum. “Mapúa espouses…experiential learning,” said Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo— the university’s president and CEO. “Part of the school’s strategy for student success is exposing them to advanced and immersive learning facilities. We give [them] access to simulation rooms where they can practice in a safer environment so that when they get to the work place, there’s more patient safety and [people] skills.” Mapúa University School of Health Sciences is also collaborating with Arizona State University—considered the “most innovative school” in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report. This linkage opens the doors of students to world-class learning resources, while preparing them for a career in health care that is at par globally. The students’ learning and digital literacy will then be applied as they undergo training in Healthway clinics and outpatient centers. For HMN, partnering with the university is another step further in their

nation-building efforts. Following its various efforts to bolster worker retention in the medical field, HMN is pleased to tap the youth and offer them training initiatives, scholarship programs, and job opportunities within its network. “Health-care workers are in demand now more than ever,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Sean O. Zantua of HMN. “[Our aim is to help address the human capital challenge in the healthcare sector by quickening our students’ career paths so that we can raise the industry norms and offer them equal chances] at home.” The Mapúa-HMN linkage lets students master the most important lessons—including novel ways and skills that will equip them in meeting future challenges. “We are thrilled for this partnership to come to fruition because…our brand promise is ‘Care Beyond Cure’,” said Healthway Philippines Inc.’s president and CEO Jaime Ysmael. “We make sure that we treat our patients as human beings with families, and with stories to tell. That human-centric approach is what we want to leave our Mapúa students and interns as they deliver care to our…patients.” According to their statement, the Mapúa-HMN tie-up marks a significant milestone for both institutions to improve health care for all Filipinos. With the higher education institution’s world-class talent and “practice-ready” approach, innovative health-care solutions, and integration of clinics plus HMN’s network and ecosystem, both entities position themselves to deliver high-quality care to Filipinos across the country. For more information, visit www. healthsciences.mapua.edu.ph.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday, November 4, 2023 A7

LOVING THE PHILIPPINES

How much of our home country have we visited?

A beach in Northern Samar

Sohoton, Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte

Photos by Charo Logarta

y the time this article goes public, there would be hundreds, if not thousands of us that took advantage of the long weekend. For the lucky ones who planned ahead, that’s a very long, nine-day weekend. Across the travel and broader hospitality industry, peak travel period is in full swing. Now as for preference for domestic or international travel, that topic is debatable. Much has been said about the cost of travelling within the Philippines, comparing this with a trip to nearby Asian destinations. But at the core of this debate, what remains true is this: the Philippines is a beautiful country with unique, natural attractions, historical artifacts that are different from the rest of Asia, and a culture that deserves appreciation. The issues and challenges that tourism in the country face have nothing to do with its natural beauty, or historical and cultural attractions. A few months ago, a Singaporebased Filipino software engineer named Denz Del Villar created a website where netizens were asked to take a test and identify provinces in the Philippines they have lived in, stayed at least overnight, visited, stoppedover, passed through, or never been to at all. The easy-to-use map went vi-

ral, with netizen from all walks of life sharing their results, almost all realizing that there are so many places in the country they have never been to. I scored a 180 on the test. While I have had the opportunity to visit several places in the country over the years, there are still thousands of islands and over 30 of 82 provinces left to visit. Cebu, Iloilo, Palawan, Davao and Bukidnon will always be among my favorite places in the Philippines. Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin are my second homes. These places are among my go-to places for rest, relaxation and visiting loved-ones. But I’ve listed down some of my most memorable domestic trips and the stories behind them:

Northern Samar Feeling a YOLO moment, I once drove from Manila to Northern Samar—missing the new diversion road bordering Quezon Province and Ca-

The majestic rock formations of Biri Island in Northern Samar

marines Norte, being forced to navigate tricky, zig-zag road up Quezon National Park (popularly called ‘bitukang manok’), then driving across the Bicol region before taking the Ro-Ro ferry from Matnog, Sorsogon to Allen, Northern Samar. A road trip across the countryside was certainly a different experience. Northern Samar used to be one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines. On-going insurgency concerns have made it a challenge to entice tourists but that situation will hopefully change soon. Blessed with lush forests and amazing seascapes, the province has places worth exploring. Plus, history buffs (like me!) will enjoy remnants of old Spanish forts and garrisons. Northern Samar’s beaches are also worth basking in—with a few luxury resorts setting-up shop in the past few years. It’s also fairly common for rare sea turtles to wash-up on the shores—often injured. Once, while walking along the beach in Catarman, I came across a four-foot Leatherback Sea Turtle, bleeding after one of its flippers was severed. Saving the injured, endangered creature from locals, I waited until help came and we took the turtle to the University of Eastern Philippines Aquatic Center where a veterinarian performed emergency laser surgery. I provided some money for the turtle’s care. Northern Samar has several outlying islands. Biri Island boasts of majestic rock formations, some of which date back to over 20 million years ago—pushed up by tectonic movements. To wade across one rock formation to another and to go around

Capul lighthouse in Capul, Northern Samar

Sunset off Sulu for surfers. Aside from the famous Cloud 9 and the luxe resorts and cafes on the main island, Siargao has islands with fine, white sand beaches and colorful fish and corals. The best ones to visit are Daku, Guyam and Naked Island. Anahawan and Mam-on islands are further away, but offers better snorkelling and more privacy. Island-hopping in Siargao is great in the summer, but once the surf is up, getting to these islands can get tricky. Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande, Socorro is another must-visit destination. While the town of Socorro is in the news for other reasons, it doesn’t take away from the wonder of getting into a boat, entering a cave, then emerging in a lagoon with crystal clear waters. Swim with large, stingless jellyfish or laze around the boat and see manta rays and other sea creatures swim by. these natural wonders feel like you’re in another dimension. Capul Island may be quiet and quaint, but it is home to edifices from Spanish colonial times, including a lighthouse built in the 1800s and is still used to this day; and the Fuerza de Capul (San Ignacio de Loyola Parish Church), which was first established by the Jesuits in 1596 then repaired in 1781.

Surigao Del Norte Perhaps the province might not ring a bell, but its most famous destination, Siargao, surely does. Before becoming the popular respite that it is today, Siargao and its outlying islands were among the ‘off-the-beaten path’ places to chill, and a niche destination

Cloud 9 surfing area in Siargao

Sulu Most people would never even dream of setting foot in this province given common perception which takes away from the reality of arresting, white sand beaches and islands that can rival some of the most exotic beach destinations in the world. I went to Sulu under very different circumstances— but one look at those islands and those crystal-clear waters had me in awe. I’m betting that one day, the islands of Sulu will become a prime tourist destination with powdery, white sand beaches and several hiking and adventure trails for all levels.

Bohol I’m a huge fan of places with a merry mix of nature, adventure and histo-

Puning Hot Spring in Pampanga

ry. With historic churches, ancestral homes, decades-old, artisanal bakeries, beaches, rivers, the world’s smallest primate and several chocolate hills, Bohol definitely beckons. While an earthquake a few years ago damaged some of the old churches, Bohol is certainly one province that should be on any domestic travel bucket list. While not necessarily travel-related, what makes Bohol special to me was that one of the photos I took of the then-newly opened Panglao International Airport made it to the cover of an in-flight magazine.

Pampanga Beyond the Clark Special Economic Zone and the outlet shops in San Fernando, Pampanga is an adventure for those who love outdoors and foodies. The town of Porac is home to Miyamit Falls—with its multi-tiered pools heading up to the main falls. The trek gets steep and slippery as it gets higher—I actually slipped and fell into a pool while hiking up to the falls. Another unique experience is the Puning Hot Spring, located between Angeles and Porac. Enjoy a four-wheel drive across lahar passageways to get to natural hot spring pools. Then, get buried in heated volcanic ash that’s said to be good for blood circulation and opening your pores. I love visiting Puning because it’s not only a different experience—it also provides jobs to native Aetas in the area. With over 7,100 islands in the Philippines, it’s almost impossible to run out of places to go and things to do. The thing is, getting to many of these islands is difficult and tricky. And once there, there are things you see that make you wonder whether the inconvenient journey was worth it. Understanding what the tourist experience is all about and how to best showcase natural and historical attractions is key. I hope that all tourism officials and stakeholders and business owners get this. And I hope that one day, I’ll ace that test and would have visited all provinces in our country.

BusinessMirror

Saturday, November 4, 2023 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

FROM left: Starbucks 2024 planners in Rose Gold and Abalone Grey; the Starbucks Ebony Stainless Tumbler; the Starbucks Warm Gray Mug and Polka Tote Set; and, the Starbucks Pearl Cold Cup PHOTOS FROM STARBUCKS PHILIPPINES

LEARN how to draw Van Gogh’s Starry Night in LG QNED 75” (left and right) and LG OLED 83” (center) TVs.

LG elevates the experience at BGC Art Center’s Van Gogh Alive FOR a limited time, visitors in the Philippines have the extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Vincent van Gogh, one of history’s most celebrated artists, thanks to LG’s participation as exhibition partner in the highly anticipated Van Gogh Alive exhibit at the BGC Arts Center. This unique multi-sensory experience has been captivating audiences for a strictly limited season since October 20, 2023 at the BGC Arts Center, Taguig City. Presented by the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. in partnership with Del Monte Philippines and produced by Grande Experiences, Van Gogh Alive is an art spectacle that has wowed over 9 million people across a hundred cities worldwide. Its grand unveiling at the BGC Arts Center was a transformative journey for art enthusiasts, families, and individuals seeking an unforgettable experience. Visitors will be enveloped in a mesmerizing symphony of light, color, sound and fragrance that has earned Van Gogh Alive its reputation as a “must-see” multi-sensory sensation. Throughout the exhibit, Van Gogh’s masterpieces spring to life in a way that is both enchanting and educational. Guests will feel as though they are stepping directly into his iconic paintings, gaining a deeper understanding of the artist’s unique perspective and creative genius. They can delve into his world through an array of photographs and videos thoughtfully curated alongside his works, gaining fresh insights into the artist’s life and the evolution of his craft. The exhibit Van Gogh Alive seamlessly integrates LG’s cutting-edge technology to enhance the visitor experience. Within the Art Studio, the stunning LG OLED 83” (OLED83C3PSA) display delivers unrivaled clarity and color accuracy, capturing the essence of Van Gogh’s remarkable drawings with a special emphasis on the sketches, while the LG QNED 75” (75QNED80SRA) complements the immersive atmosphere with its impressive picture quality and immersive sound. In the lobby and merchandise store, LG’s 50” UHD (50UR8050PSB) displays provide an engaging platform for guests to explore event information and browse through a curated selection of Van Gogh-themed merchandise, ensuring that every aspect of the exhibition is enriched by LG’s innovative displays. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Van Gogh’s brilliance come to life in the heart of Taguig City. LG’s involvement ensures that this extraordinary journey through art is destined to be an event that will be cherished and remembered for years to come. More information on LG OLED products are available via www.lg.com/ph and through its flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee.

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The Starbucks Traditions campaign targets Gen Z with mix of old and new

OR the holidays, there are many exciting things going on at Starbucks. They recently revamped the Starbucks Rewards program so you can become a member by completing the sign-up process on the Starbucks website or the app. After this, you’ll receive a unique 16-digit digital card that you can load with funds anytime. If you come across a seasonal Starbucks Card design, you can purchase it in stores and link it to your account. Starbucks Rewards members can now scan their app and make in-store payments using cash, credit/ debit cards, or e-wallets, earning one Star for every P50 spent. They also get to keep their current benefits, such as earning one Star per P25 spent when using their Starbucks Card or one Star per P40 spent on GrabFood or Lazada for linked accounts. So what does this have to do with the holidays? Starbucks Philippines recently launched its 2024 Starbucks Traditions Collection, an annual tradition that has been running for over two decades. Starting November 2, you can earn a sticker for every purchase

of a Tall, Grande, or Venti handcrafted beverage. You can track you stickers through the Starbucks App with an e-Promo Card, and redeem any one of five rewards once you’ve collected 19 stickers. “We’ve made collecting stickers and keeping track of them very accessible with just a few taps and clicks,” said Estee Go, Starbucks Philippines manager for digital customer experience and loyalty. Aside from two planners in Rose Gold and Abalone Grey, the other collectibles are the Warm Gray Mug and Polka Tote Set, Pearl Cold Cup, and Ebony Stainless Tumbler and include a pen (this is always my favorite in Starbucks planners), card holders, a sticker pad, and a few postcards. For the holidays, Starbucks Philippines is collaborating with local artists to curate a coffeehouse playlist on Spotify. These tracks, which were picked by DJ Nix and DJ Rammy Bitong, reaffirm the impact of music and coffee in building human connections. Follow Starbucks Philippines on Spotify to listen to the playlist. The Starbucks holiday drinks for 2023 are Gingerbread Latte, Toffee Nut Crunch Latte, Toffee Nut Crunch Cold Brew, and the crowd favorite Peppermint Mocha. The drinks are available in-store as well as via GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pick.A.Roo (prices will vary). Jamie Silva, senior manager for marketing, digital customer experience and loyalty said the Starbucks Traditions Collection is targeting the Gen Z segment. “They look up to traditions. They like retro trends. They weren’t part of the start of the Starbucks Traditions when it started more than two decades ago

but they like that they can be a part of it now,” said Silva. “One thing that we’ve noticed is that although Gen Z is always online, they also value offline experiences.” Silva described the 2023 planner as a great one but said the 2022 was even better. “There were many requests from customers so we listened and considered their requests to come up with a planner that everybody would be happy with.” The planning for the holiday campaign starts the moment the new planners are out. “It really takes months. We listen to our customers and every year; the comments are different,” said Silva. “There are different inputs from Marketing, from Product, but we always add our own surprise. This year, it’s the fifth item. For some years, it’s been three. Most years, it’s been four. But this year, it’s five.” The items in the Starbucks Traditions campaign may seem traditional but they’re also very Gen Z coded. The tumbler and flask is a nod at Gen Z’s passion for sustainability. The additional merchandise—the mug and the tote—also promote reusing. You can carry the mug in the tote, maybe along with your lunch for the day, when you go on a Starbucks run. There will also be holiday merchandise, including a Philippine exclusive Chartreuse Bling Cup and two rhinestone-studded Bling Cups. I have my eye on the Emerald Green one, as well as the gift boxes with the miniature versions of Bling Cups through the past seasons. Learn more about the campaign at www. starbuckstraditions.ph. ■

Insuretech advocate cited for good corporate governance BY RODERICK L. ABAD Contributor ETIQA Philippines, a staunch champion of insurance technology (insuretech), was recently feted at the Golden Arrow Awards 2023 for sound and responsible corporate governance. This recognition given by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), in collaboration with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Insurance Commission (IC), further cements the company’s reputation as a top Southeast Asian insurer known for humanizing insurance. “This accolade is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to establishing and maintaining good corporate governance and a robust organizational structure. By staying committed to this, we not only fulfill our mission of making the Philippines a better place but also ensure that our customers’ and stakeholders’ trust in our services is upheld to the highest degree,” said Etiqa Philippines president and chief executive officer (CEO) Rico Bautista.

According to him, they keep on cultivating and championing a “culture of exceptional corporate governance” that’s attuned to international standards and sets best practices. The IC, SEC and ICD assessed companies based on the Asean Corporate Governance Scorecard (AGCS), a tool used for analyzing and ranking publicly-listed and insurance companies in six member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean), such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. These organizations used this barometer to help determine the management of an organization as well as its governmental regulations compliance. The ACGS evaluates firms across five areas of corporate governance: rights of shareholders, equitable treatment of shareholders, the role of shareholders, disclosure and transparency, and the responsibilities of the board. Like the publicly-listed companies, it is one of the best ways to strengthen corporate governance in the insurance sector, making industry players the nation’s valuable asset class that’s appealing to both local and international investors.

“We proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with the other awardees from various industries with an award that adheres to the stringent standards of Asean excellence,” Bautista said. “Our dedication to upholding sound corporate governance and putting customers at the center will serve as the guiding force in our mission to humanize insurance and foster trust among our valued customers,” he added. The Golden Arrow Awards 2023 is another feather on its cap this year. Prior to this, Etiqa Philippines won the Insurtech Initiative of the Year title at the Insurance Asia Awards 2023 for its Gadget Protection product. This first foray of the company into embedded insurance with e-commerce platform provider Igloo seeks to protect users of smartphones and other electronic devices from unexpected repair costs due to unwanted incidents. The regional insurer’s first gadget microinsurance was also adjudged the Best Insuretech Initiative in the Philippines for 2022 during the 10th Annual International Finance Awards.

BusinessMirror

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Globe’s Hapag Movement volunteers to deliver hot meals to Marikina community on World Food Day THROUGH its #UniteForHapag campaign, Globe’s Hapag Movement recently brought together volunteers for a supplemental feeding program for vulnerable families in Marikina City as part of its commemoration of World Food Day. Partnering with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) PH, Globe recently organized a volunteer activity in Barangay Concepcion Uno, Marikina City, where volunteers were able to prepare 300 meals, and later on distributed it in Barangay Tumana, Marikina City serving a total of 300 individuals. It was led by Globe employees, Team Globe of Good influencers, and media partners who worked together to prepare and deliver hot meals to beneficiaries. The beneficiaries include children from lowincome and food-vulnerable families in a community that is prone to flooding. “Through hands-on engagement, our volunteers actively participate in community initiatives, food drives, and educational programs that also tackle food waste. By fostering a spirit of volunteerism, we not only contribute to immediate relief efforts but also empower communities to address the root causes of hunger and food waste in a sustainable manner,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. Kerwin King from Team Globe of Good, who joined the feeding program, emphasizes the role of influencers and content creators in advancing the cause. “To sustain the people’s interest in addressing food insecurity, it’s important for us to communicate. Importante talagang gamitin ang social media, like TikTok kasi napaka-powerful ng social media ngayon, but we have to be careful with misinformation para mas marami pa tayong ma-enganyong tumulong sa mga Pilipino. Alam ko namang makakabangon tayong lahat,” he stressed. Another Team Globe of Good Ambassador, host, model and entrepreneur Mela Habijan, invited everyone to be part of the Hapag Movement. “Through uniting with Hapag, we will be able to not just feed our Filipino families but make them feel hopeful in these trying times. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama-sama, ang pag-asang ito ang magiging dahilan para tayo ay maging buo bilang nasyon,” she said. The #UniteForHapag campaign calls on individuals and organizations alike to rally behind a shared vision: to end hunger, reduce food waste, and uplift the lives of all Filipinos. The movement emphasizes unity, believing that collectively they can ensure every Filipino has access to a nourishing meal. More information is available at www.globe.com.ph.

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, November 4, 2023

Oppo’s bang-for-the-buck smartphone BUILT TO LAST: OPPO A18 REVIEW

AST week, Oppo Philippines officially launched the Oppo Find N3 Flip via an exclusive event held at The Blackbird in Makati, marking a major step forward in its flagship foldable lineup. The Oppo Find N3 Flip brings several major upgrades such as a more versatile cover screen functionality, a more premium build, an industry-first triple camera system with astounding Hasselblad imaging technology, fast charging and battery, and smooth powerful performance. The upgraded cover screen display now allows users to access and use multiple apps, without having to unfold their smartphone. It can also accommodate more popular apps, including third-party apps like Gmail, Spotify, X, WhatsApp, and Google Maps. The Find N3 Flip is also the first flip smartphone in the market to have a triple camera system, integrating a more powerful wide-angle camera and telephoto camera. Its Hasselblad-powered camera setup includes a 50MP main camera with IMX890 Sony sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide camera with 115-degree field of view; and a 32MP telephoto portrait camera with RGBW IMX709 sensor. Taking selfies is now made more convenient and versatile thanks to the cover screen doubling as a rear camera viewfinder. The Find N3 Flip is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset and a 4,300 mAh battery that supports 44W SUPERVOOC fast charging. The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is priced at P64,999, with numerous promotional offers and bundled freebies including Mabuhay Miles, gifts from Estée Lauder brands; a phone case; Oppo Enco Air3; or an Oppo Enco Band2—depending on where you preorder. It is also available via Smart Signature Postpaid Plan with additional payment options like Home Credit and credit card zero installment plans.

WHILE Oppo’s premium foldable has been getting a lot of initial positive reviews, the brand also released its most affordable entry-level smartphone. Priced at just P5,999 the Oppo A18 is the newest addition to it’s A-series smartphone category. This value-for-money phone has some pretty interesting specs and is targeted towards casual smartphone users that prioritize durability. The device features a 5000mAh large battery, MediaTek Helio G85 processor, 4GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage. Additionally, the Oppo A18 also promises exceptional user experience and immersive entertainment with its 90Hz Sunlight Display and Ultra Volume Mode. I have been using the phone for the past few weeks and here are some of the things I like about it. First is its 36-month fluency protection that guarantees minimal aging slowdown. To ensure the smoothest experience for longer, the Oppo A18 has been put through a series of rigorous tests and the phone showed an average aging rate of less than 10 percent after 3 years of daily use. To ensure that the device can withstand all challenges in regular daily usage, it has undergone a series of rigorous durability tests. These include 6 Major Tests, 130+ ultra-rigorous reliability tests, 320+ comprehensive quality tests, high temperature and humidity tests, as well as dust and water resistance tests. Do take note that the phone only has an IP54 rating which means it is not waterproof but can handle accidental splashes but not submersion. Many Oppo fans have sworn to the brand’s durability, so I do think the A18 can easily last three years of regular use. Moving on to its aesthetics, it’s probably fair to declare that this device stands out as the most luxurious-looking option among Oppo’s entry-level offerings. This is largely due to its design similarities with the Oppo A98—the flagship of the A-series which is priced at P18,999. By borrowing design cues from its pricier siblings, the A18 gains a touch of sophistication, offering users a feel of premium quality that surpasses its actual price tag. It is available in two colors finishes—Glowing Blue and Glowing Black, both of which are based on the iconic OPPO Glow process that give the phone its soft and delicate look and feel. It also adopts an ultra-slim design, featuring a flat-edged middle frame and smooth edges for a comfortable and ergonomic feel. For the display, the Oppo A18 boasts of a 6.56inch, 90Hz Sunlight Display with an 89.8 percent screen-to-body ratio for an immersive and fluent

visual interaction. The screen can reach up to 720 nits of brightness in High Brightness Mode, which helps when using the phone outdoors. All-Day AI Eye Comfort, meanwhile, minimizes eye strain making viewing comfortable regardless of screen time. In my experience, it’s not the brightest or most vivid display but still a good one considering its price. Complementing that visual experience is Ultra Volume Mode that can boost the max volume by up to 300 percent. It achieves a remarkable maximum volume in the general mode up to 81 dB, surpassing an average of 4.7 dB compared with the 100 percent volume. This has proven useful when I need to add music to my reels and I don’t have my headphones or while I am watching in a less than ideal environment. As for the cameras, the Oppo A18 has a dual rear camera setup with an 8MP main shooter and 2MP bokeh camera. Snaps I took are okay for posting on social media as long as you are mindful of the lighting conditions. Do manage your expectations about its quality and resolution but you can take nice portraits with noticeable bokeh effects to highlight the subject. The same goes for the 5MP front camera as its smart portrait retouching features allow users to adjust the beautification level according to their preferences. The Oppo A18 has a MediaTek Helio G85 processor paired with 4GB of RAM and a generous 128GB of storage. It has the added advantage of adding up to 4GB virtual memory via Oppo’s RAM Expansion as well as an additional storage through an expandable SD card slot of up to 1TB. In my two weeks of testing, I have nothing to complain about and encountered minimal slowdown and sluggishness in performance even when playing some casual games. Finally, it has a 5,000mAh battery, which lasted me two days of moderate use. According to Oppo, you can still get 25 hours of all-time standby even at a low battery level of 5 percent. There’s also an all-day charging Protection feature that uses AI to learn users’ charging habits and intelligently schedule charging periods, ensuring both the safety of the device and the efficient use of power during overnight or extended charging periods.

FINAL WORD: As I mentioned, the Oppo A18

looks quite premium thanks to the A-series Oppo Glow design language. It’s a capable budget device that would make a good option for casual users who just need the basics in a smartphone. Plus, with its 36-month fluency guarantee, it’s a device that will perform well for the next three years at least. ■

ICITY aims to recruit 20,000 members BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES A START-UP on-demand mobile application, ICITY PH aims to attract 20,000 merchants by inviting both vendors and service providers into its platform. “The 20K partners will be a combination of both. We have our in-house marketing team that takes care of the recruitment while we actively advertise on Facebook,” said ICITY presisdent Judith Arlyn Vergara in an email interview with BUSINESSMIRROR. Vergara added that ICITY has sent letters to agencies and associations such as NCR Alliance of TVET Schools Association (NATSA) and Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) which received

positive responses from the members of the two organizations. She said ICITY has also formed a dedicated team that will train partner vendors and service providers on utilizing the ICITY dashboard. Further, Vergara said the company will provide comprehensive user guides with step-by-step instructions on app usage. “We also offer strategies, such as leveraging hashtags for SEO, to enhance their stores or services. Moreover, our plan includes hosting regular events where our partners can benefit from insights shared by key speakers and mentors invited by the company,” she said. She said ICITY is highly supportive of

nanopreneurs, extending the same level of treatment offered to well-established entrepreneurs. Moreover, Vergara said ICITY also provides nanopreneurs with valuable insights on leveraging technology to accelerate business growth and share success stories of home-started businesses. Being an advocate of gender equality, ICITY’s head office boasts a near equal representation of men, women, and LGBTQ individuals. It also consistently and proudly welcomed female delivery partners without hesitation. Vergara said the commitment to inclusivity extends to all the services offered through their app. To be able to help students who aspire to

become future entrepreneurs, Vergara said ICITY has established a dedicated subcategory, called “Online Trending”, in the app. The section enables entrepreneurs of all sizes and educational backgrounds to showcase and sell various types of products. It also welcomes students who engage in reselling popular items. “While having a physical shop is not mandatory for vendors, they are required to submit basic documents to ensure the general safety of the app’s users,” Vergara said. “ICITY PH recognizes the potential of MSMEs as drivers of economic growth. The platform offers a dedicated space for them to showcase their products and services to a wider audience,” she explained.

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A10 Saturday, November 4, 2023

Aleia Aielle reigns supreme once more

Generals punish Knights

MILIO Aguinaldo College (EAC) sent defending champion Letran deeper into the doldrums with a cold-blooded 82-69 rout in National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 seniors basketball action on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan. The frontcourt duo of JP Maguliano and Nat Cosejo presided over the carnage with Maguliano bulldozing his way to 20 points and nine rebounds and Cosejo dropping points markers and 10 rebounds for the Generals who improved to 7-5 won-lost. Ralph Robin had 16 points for EAC, which boosted its bid of making the grand old league’s semifinals for the first. EAC is half a game behind joint fourth placers at 4-3 wonlost San Beda and College Saint Benilde. Mapua (9-2) and Lyceum of the Philippines University (8-3), which faced each other late Friday, and Jose Rizal University (8-4) are 1-2-3 in the standings. The Generals blasted the Knights without head coach Jerson Cabiltes, who preferred to coach the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in their semfinalis series with the San Juan Knights in a regional league in Nueva Ecija. The once mighty Letran suffered its 11th defeat in 12 games, its bid for a fourth straight championship dead in the water.

Wemby dazzles in 5th NBA game against Durant, Phoenix Suns THE Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama shoots over the Suns’ Kevin Durant. AP

HOENIX—Victor Wembanyama strolled through the hallways at Footprint Center after the best game of his short National Basketball Association (NBA) career when he passed 13-time All-Star Kevin Durant, stopping for a quick handshake and quick hug. Some say the 7-foot-4 Frenchman is a taller version of Durant. Durant’s first impression is that the budding San Antonio Spurs star might be even better. “His enthusiasm for the game— you can tell that through the TV and playing against him,” Durant said. “He’s his own player, own person.

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

By Josef Ramos

ALEIA AIELLE AGUILAR is again the youngest world champion jiu-jitsu.

LEIA AIELLE AGUILAR is again the youngest world champion jiu-jitsu but this time around, she did it before her dad in her corner. “Great to see my daughter fighting and representing the flag this time,” said Alvin Aguilar, founding president of the mixed martial arts outfit URCC or Universal Reality Combat Championship. “But I am double proud and happy to witness my daughter make history once more because I didn’t get to watch her compete last year,” added Aguilar, also head of the wrestling federation.

Aguilar beat in the final last Thursday the United Arab Emirates’ Maitha Earani by submission with an armbar maneuver with 12 seconds to in the Girls Kids 2 white belt 17-kg category at the Abu Dhabi World Festival Jiu-Jitsu Championships. Aguilar, born on August 2, 2017 is six years and two months old. She won the same event at five years and two months also in November last year at the Mubadala Arena in the UAE. Earani is also six years old. She defeated 7-year-old Brazilian Gabriella Kulzer, 4-1, in the semifinal round. “She’s always ready every time they move, every time they try to something on the mat. She is fearless,” said Alvin Aguilar,

adding that her daughter didn’t blink against her opponents. With Alvin rooting for his daughter were wife Masuda, a former MMA champion, baby Axelia and son Lucho. Alvin Aguilar, also the founding head of DEFTAC Philippines, flew to Abu Dhabi straight from Riyadh where he was the country’s chef de mission to the World Combat Games. The Philippines won three gold medals in Riyadh—Kaila Napolis in jiu-jitsu, Richien Yosorez and Kylie Mallari in Muay Thai and Darius Venerable in taekwondo (poomsae) plus five silver and five bronze medals.

JB sits, Rondae down with bum tummy as PBA Season 48 opens

HE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) returns from one of its longest respite as Season 48 unfolds with Magnolia opening hostilities against TNT Tropang Giga in the Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. But most of the attention isn’t trained on the Magnolia-TNT game but on Justin Brownlee, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and who the Most Valuable Player would be. Brownlee is serving an indefinite suspension for failing an anti-doping test at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou last month and in his place for defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is former Meralco import Tony Bishop. Ginebra opens defense of its crown against Converge on November 17. Hollis-Jefferson, on the other hand, is down with gastroenteritis and won’t play on Sunday with TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa expecting to go all-Filipino. San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo, meanwhile, targets his seventh Season MVP trophy against reigning MVP Scottie Thompson and Christian Standhardinger of He’s going to create his own lane and is much different than anyone else who has played.” In just his fifth NBA game, the 19-year-old Wembanyama showed why he was one of the most-hyped prospects in years, scoring 38 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a standout performance during a 132-121 victory over Durant and the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Wembanyama produced several highlight-reel plays in the game, including a soaring dunk while running the floor during the second quarter. But it was his poise in the fourth quarter that was the real eye-opener. The Spurs built a 27-point lead in the first half and still had a 14-point lead entering the fourth quarter before the Suns clawed back to tie it 116 with about four minutes left. That’s when Wembanyama took over, with the precocious rookie making a 3-pointer, three free throws, a dunk and an 18-foot jumper to push the Spurs on a 12-0 run that sealed the win. Wembanyama shot 15 of 26 from the field and added two assists, two blocks and a steal to help the Spurs complete a two-game sweep in Phoenix. He said the game also taught

Ginebra and teammate CJ Perez. The MVP and the other individual awardees will be announced during the annual Leo Prieto Awards set at 4 p.m. The opening ceremony is set at 5 p.m. and the Magnolia-TNT game at 7 p.m. Also interesting to note for the new season is Chris Ross’s role as playing assistant coach, an appointment pushed by San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua, for the Beermen who face the NLEX Road Warriors on November 15. San Miguel Beer will also parade new import Ivan Aşka, who replaced original choice Tyler Stone, in the conference where the height limit of foreign reinforcements is set at 6-foot-8. Coach Chito Victolero, meanwhile, challenged the Hotshots to prove that their pre-season 11-0 record is no fluk. Bruiser Calvin Abueva won’t play for at least a month after undergoing hemorrhoidectomy with Magnolia relying on 6-foot-8 import Tyler Bey. “Some of our players are playing multiple positions and they just need to step up. Calvin

him an important lesson. “I’d say it’s that a 20-point lead is nothing,” Wembanyama said. “It works both ways. It’s also something we’ve seen in FIBA when we play team US or scout US. You could be up 15 and in a blink you’ll be down one and you don’t know what happened because they ran the fastbreak like crazy and got some defensive stops.” AP

ANT JOAN DESPÍ, Spain—It’s been a whirlwind last few months for Aitana Bonmatí, the newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner, with memorable victories on and off the field. Far from the days of being the only girl playing on her village’s soc-

medal at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Thursday. AP

Down the line, UP also received more Bullpups into its fold: Terrence Fortea, Harold Alarcon, Cyril Gonzales and much later, Reyland Torres and Janjan Felicilda. Their multi-titled coach, Goldwin Monteverde, became the head coach. And when news came that UAAP marquee sports like basketball and volleyball would return in Season 84 (2022), the starved collegiate fandom screamed with delight. Finally, the exploits of the Mutt and Jeff duo of Tamayo and Abadiano in Maroon would be in full display. Or so

AITANA BONMATÍ has memorable victories on and off the field. AP

Ballon d’Or winner Bonmatí can now ‘focus on soccer’

Diving for gold Canada’s Charles Philibert-Thiboutot dives to win the men’s 1,500 meters gold

The second coming of Gerry Abadiano BACK in August 2020, right smack into the high point of the pandemic, the University of the Philippines (UP) community got a shot in the arm with awesome news regarding their basketball program. Two of the National University (NU) Bullpups who had back-to-back championships in the juniors division of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) were going to play for the UP Fighting Maroons in college. Karl Tamayo, Most Valuable Player of their finals series against the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws who had been described as a “pro player in a collegiate player’s body,” committed to UP during this otherwise bleak time. Packing a one-two punch with him was Gerry Abadiano, his on-court sidekick, a kinetic do-it-all combo guard and decorated floor general who ran the plays and scored hot shots as well during his high school tenure. Like Tamayo, Abadiano was manna from heaven for UP. The UP community couldn’t believe their good luck in the off-season and couldn’t wait for Season 83 to start. (It didn’t. The pedigreed Bullpup acquisitions would stay in UP doing just virtual classes and practices as Season 83 was canceled due to the still dangerous public health situation.)

[Abueva] is a big factor and he’s superb effort could be done collectively by my players,” Victolero, the seven-year Magnolia head coach, told BusinessMirror Friday. Lastimosa and the Tropang Giga are also entering the season limping. The Mikey Williams issue remains unresolved and Roger Pogoy (undisclosed) and JP Erram (knee) are injured. The PBA went inactive for three months to give way to the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games in May, FIBA 2023 World Cup in August and the Asian Games in September and October. Josef Ramos

cer team, Bonmati led Spain to Women’s World Cup glory in August after helping Barcelona win the Champions League for a second time, while being named the best player at both competitions. The 25-year-old midfielder was also named the best player in the world along with Lionel Messi. Amid all the huge successes, it has also been a fraught time for Bonmatí after she and her fellow Spain teammates decided they would not be silent when the now-former president of the Spanish soccer federation Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the World Cup awards ceremony, drawing attention away from their greatest achievement. While Bonmatí says that taking a stand was a source of pride and strength for the players in their struggle for equality, it has taken its toll—even if Spain has been crushing its opponents in the Nations League in the aftermath of the worst of the crisis caused by Rubiales. “Right now both Barça and Spain are playing great, so perhaps the fight for social causes and equality have brought us together even more, but this is also a question of just being professionals,” Bonmatí told The Associated Press on Thursday at Barcelona’s train-

the fans thought. But during their rookie year, only Karl Tamayo was able to show off his wares to the fullest. Abadiano had to play back-up point guard to the more senior JD Cagulangan. And although he showed spurts and surges of his explosive talent, more often than not, the talented Abadiano could not carry on where he left off from his illustrious junior basketball career. For both Seasons 84 and 85, Gerry Abadiano would flounder and flourish, interchangeably. Good games where he would play a dominant role and be responsible for the big points (like in UP’s game against University of Santo Tomas in Season 85 at Ynares Center in Antipolo) would be tucked in between games where he got into foul trouble early. For the most part he distinguished himself as a defensive specialist—Coach Gold’s go-to guy when there is an opponent to shackle up and keep at bay. He would also inject a tough and scrappy character to the UP game. Opponents found out how tough it was to be guarded by Gerry Abadiano. But those who knew Gerry well knew there were more facets of the Abadiano diamond that had not yet been revealed in his collegiate career. Finally in Season 86 it happened. Gerry A was a streak of lightning in UP’s game against Ateneo in Round 1. Accounting for all six points at the start of the game to put UP in the fight in the early goings, he

ing grounds in an interview conducted both in English and Spanish. Bonmatí and her teammates for Spain had to rebel against their own federation and refuse to play not once, but twice, over the past year to denounce what they considered to be discriminatory attitudes and practices inside the governing body of Spanish soccer. Leveraging their new status as world champions, they were able to finally force the ousting of Rubiales, and their coach, along with securing improvements in staff, travel and assistance for players with young children. That has also coincided with a strike by players for Spain’s women’s league to get a higher minimum wage. “It has all gone so fast, and what all we are thinking about is the time when we can only focus on soccer and leave other issues behind us,” she said. “We have enough to think about just with training and winning games for on top of that to have to pay attention to other things that sap our energy, generate stress and are not good for our health. So we are all ready to get back to soccer.” Part of the overhaul of the federation has included the removal of the term “women’s” from its national soccer team. Both the men’s and women’s teams are now called officially Spain’s national football teams. AP

kept attacking the basket, fearlessly throwing up converted shots that made sure his team would not be left behind in a game where Ateneo couldn’t seem to do anything wrong. UP lost that nail-biter in OT. But in the Maroons’ next game against Adamson University, Abadiano was a man on a mission, never missing a beat from the get-go as he torched the Falcons with defensive plays, assists and steals that got him Player of the Game honors along with Reyland Torres. The big revelation came four days later in the second Battle of Katipunan. There was something other-worldly about his game that day as Abadiano transformed into a confident and ruthless but cucumber cool scorer. Even his free throws were smooth as silk, as if the ring were larger than it actually is. This here was Gerry Abadiano, the ex-Bullpup now ready to take on the top dog role for UP in the absence of flustricken captain, CJ Cansino. It was obvious he had found his groove. “He struggled. He didn’t get the game he had in high school, but what I’m seeing from him now, I’m not surprised,” said Coach Goldwin Monteverde at the postgame presser. Like his believers, Coach Gold had always kept faith in his pesky point guard. Sooner more than later, he knew he would find his game again. Now Gerry Abadiano is inviting every one to his coming out party. Enjoy!

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

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Saturday, November 4, 2023 A11

House approves nearly $14.5-B military aid for Israel; Biden vows to veto GOP approach

ASHINGTON—The House approved a nearly $14.5 billion military aid package Thursday for Israel, a muscular US response to the war with Hamas but also a partisan approach by new Speaker Mike Johnson that poses a direct challenge to Democrats and President Joe Biden. In a departure from norms, Johnson’s package required that the emergency aid be offset with cuts in government spending elsewhere. That tack established the new House GOP’s conservative leadership, but it also turned what would typically be a bipartisan vote into one dividing Democrats and Republicans. Biden has said he would veto the bill, which was approved 226196, with 12 Democrats joining

most Republicans on a largely party-line vote. Johnson, Republican-Louisiana, said the Republican package would provide Israel with the assistance needed to defend itself, free hostages held by Hamas and eradicate the militant Palestinian group, accomplishing “all of this while we also work to ensure responsible spending and reduce the size of the federal government.” Democrats said that approach

Putin signs a bill revoking Russia’s ratification of CTBT

OSCOW—President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed a bill revoking Russia’s ratification of a global nuclear test ban, a move that Moscow said was needed to establish parity with the United States. Putin has said that rescinding the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, also known as the CTBT, would “mirror” the stand taken by the US, which has signed but not ratified the nuclear test ban. Both houses of the Russian parliament voted last month to revoke Moscow’s ratification of the bill.

The CTBT, adopted in 1996, bans all nuclear explosions anywhere in the world, but the treaty was never fully implemented. In addition to the US, it has yet to be ratified by China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Iran and Egypt. There are widespread concerns that Russia may resume nuclear tests to try to discourage the West from continuing to offer military support to Ukraine. Many Russian hawks have spoken in favor of a resumption of the tests. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Russia’s move “represents a significant step in

would only delay help for Israel. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat-New York, has warned that the “stunningly unserious” bill has no chances in the Senate. The first substantial legislative effort in Congress to support Israel in the war falls far short of Biden’s request for nearly $106 billion that would also back Ukraine as it fights Russia, along with US efforts to counter China and address security at the border with Mexico. It is also Johnson’s first big test as House speaker as the Republican majority tries to get back to work after the month of turmoil since ousting Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Republic-California, as speaker. Johnson has said he will turn next to aid for Ukraine along with US border security, preferring to address Biden’s requests separately as GOP lawmakers increasingly oppose aiding Kyiv. The White House’s veto warning said Johnson’s approach “fails to meet the urgency of the moment” the wrong direction, taking us further from, not closer to, entry into force. Russia’s action will only serve to set back confidence in the international arms control regime.” “Russian officials say Russia’s planned move to withdraw its ratification does not mean that it will resume testing, and we urge Moscow to hold to those statements,” Blinken said. Putin has noted that some experts argue for the necessity of conducting nuclear tests, but said he had not formed an opinion on the issue. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said last month that Moscow would continue to respect the ban and will only resume nuclear tests if Washington does first. AP

Biden reports 74 US dual nationals have left Gaza Strip as he dispatches Blinken to Mideast

ASHINGTON—President Joe Biden said Thursday that 74 US citizens with dual citizenship have left the Gaza Strip, announcing the development as he dispatched his top diplomat to the Middle East for consultation with Israeli and Jordanian leaders concerning the Israel-Hamas war. “We got out today 74 American folks out that are dual citizens,” Biden said in a brief exchange with reporters as he hosted Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader for an Oval Office meeting. The White House has previously said some 500 to 600 US citizens had been trapped in Gaza since the start of the October 7 Israel-Hamas war. Since then, the nearly four-week-old conflict continues to rage on with no end in sight. The administration said earlier this week that five Americans were among dozens of dual citizens who were able to get out of the Strip where a humanitarian crisis is unfolding. W hite House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that the administration was hopeful that additional US citizens would be able to leave Gaza on Thursday and the pace of Americans who want to leave will now move at an accelerated pace. Kirby said Qatar, which maintains lines of communication with

Hamas, was particularly helpful in smoothing the way for the Americans to be able to leave Gaza. Biden made the announcement as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken set off for another frenzied trip to the Middle East. Blinken is returning to the region with a somewhat more nuanced message than he offered in the immediate aftermath of Hamas’ bloody attack on Israel and Israel’s military response. As he did last month, Blinken will stress US support for Israel and try to prevent a wider Mideast war as he visits Israel and Jordan starting on Friday. But Blinken’s agenda this time is more crowded and more complex as the conflict intensifies and the Biden administration grapples with competing domestic and international interests and anger. He’ll push for the evacuation of more foreigners from Gaza and more humanitarian aid for the territory. He’ll press Israel to rein in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank committed by Jewish settlers. And, he’ll stress the importance of protecting civilians—even though the administration has yet to offer any criticism of Israel for strikes that have killed thousands of civilians in Gaza. “We will be talking about concrete steps that can and should be taken to minimize harm to men,

women and children in Gaza,” Blinken told reporters as he departed for a trip that will take him to Israel and Jordan. Further stops in the Middle East are possible, “This is something that the United States is committed to.” Biden also met Thursday with Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who is in Washington for a White House summit w ith Wester n Hemisphere leaders. Boric earlier this week recalled Chile’s ambassador to Israel over concerns about the killing of civilians in Gaza. Neither Boric nor Biden spoke to the decision by Chile, one of several countries that’s taken diplomatic action against Israel over how it’s prosecuting the war, during a brief appearance before reporters at the start of their meeting. But following his meeting with Biden, Boric told reporters gathered just outside the West Wing that Israel’s “response has been disproportionate and it is violating humanitarian international law” “What is happening in the Gaza Strip is simply unacceptable,” said Boric, who also condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel. The White House in a statement said Biden “made clear” to Boric “that the United States will continue to stand with Israel and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international humanitarian law.” AP

and would set a dangerous precedent by requiring emergency funds to come from cuts elsewhere. While the amount for Israel in the House bill is similar to what Biden sought, the White House said the Republican plan’s failure to include humanitarian assistance for Gaza is a “grave mistake” as the crisis deepens. Biden on Wednesday called for a pause in the war to allow for relief efforts. “This bill would break with the normal, bipartisan approach to providing emergency national security assistance,” the White House wrote in its statement of administration policy on the legislation. It said the GOP stance “would have devastating implications for our safety and alliances in the years ahead.” It was unclear before voting Thursday how many Democrats would join with Republicans. The White House had been directly appealing to lawmakers, particularly calling Jewish Democrats, urging them to reject the bill.

China’s spy agency turns focus to finance in quest for security

HINA’S spy agency pledged to help prevent financial sector risks from jeopardizing the country’s national security, as the secretive organization becomes more visible under President Xi Jinping. “State security organs should attach greater importance to preventing and defusing financial risks,” the Ministry of State Security said in a post on WeChat on Thursday. They should also “actively participate in the development of national security systems in the economy, finance and other areas,” it added. The ministry promised to “punish criminal activities in the financial sector” that endanger national security. The statement came two days after a major central government meeting on the economy, which vowed to set up a long-term mechanism to resolve debt risks tied to local governments and other problems in the financial sector. While resolving domestic financial risks wouldn’t normally concern the spy agency, which is in charge of domestic security and overseas espionage, the statement emphasized “financial security is an important component of national security.” China’s spy agency has taken on a higher profile since the summer, when it joined the popular WeChat social media app. Since then, it has posted frequently on its efforts to protect national security in a variety of areas, down to telling primary school students what photos they shouldn’t post on social media. The latest statement criticized some unnamed nations for abusing their “currency hegemony” and wielding financial sanctions as weapons, in comments probably aimed at the US. It also claimed some unnamed people are trying to undermine the global community’s confidence in investing in China and causing turbulence in the Chinese financial system by shorting the country or spreading pessimistic views on the economy. Global investors have been pulling money out of China this year as the economy slows, with foreign direct investment falling and stock investors withdrawing funds due to a market slump. The increasing focus on security is also making people more cautious, as government crackdowns and arrests spook foreign businesses. Bloomberg News

White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti and other senior White House staff have been en-

gaging House Democrats, said a person familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it. AP

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Sunak: Agreements at UK summit tip balance in favor of humanity in fight against AI threats

LETC HLE Y PA R K , England—British Prime Mini s t e r R i s h i Su n a k s a id Thursday that achievements at the first international AI Safety Summit would “tip the balance in favor of humanity” in the race to contain the risks from rapid advances in cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking after two days of talks at Bletchley Park, a former codebreaking spy base near London, Sunak said agreements struck at the meeting of politicians, researchers and business leaders “show that we have both the political will and the capability to control this technology, and secure its benefits for the long term.” Sunak organized the summit as a forum for officials, experts and the tech industry to better understand cutting-edge, “frontier” AI that some scientists warn could pose a risk to humanity’s very existence. He h a i led t he gat her i ng’s achievements, including a “Bletchley Declaration” committing nations to tackle the biggest threats from AI, a deal to vet tech firms’ AI models before their release, and an agreement to call together a global expert panel on AI, inspired by the United Nations’ climate change panel. Some argue that governments must go further and faster on oversight. Britain has no plans for specific legislation to regulate AI, unlike the US and the European Union. Vice President Kamala Harris attended the summit, stressing steps the Biden administration has taken to hold tech firms to account. She said Thursday that the United States’ “bold action” should be “inspiring and instructive to other nations.” United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged a coordinated global effort, comparing risks from AI to the Nazi threat that Britain’s wartime codebreak-

BRITAIN’S Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, right, meets with US Vice President Kamala Harris at 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday November 1, 2023. AP

ers worked to combat. “Bletchley Park played a vital part in the computing breakthroughs that helped to defeat Nazism,” he said “The threat posed by AI is more insidious—but could be just as dangerous.” The UN chief, like many others, warned about the need to act swiftly to keep pace with AI’s breathtaking advances. General purpose AI chatbots like ChatGPT released over the past year stirred both amazement and fear with their ability to generate text, audio and images that closely resembled human work. “The speed and reach of today’s AI technology are unprecedented,” Guterres said. “The paradox is that in the future, it will never move as slowly as today. The gap between AI and its governance is wide and growing.” Sunak hailed the summit as a success, despite its arguably modest achievements. He managed to get 28 nations—including the US and China—to sign up to working toward “shared agreement and responsibility” about AI risks, and to hold further meetings in South Korea and France over the next year. China did not attend the second day, which focused on meetings among what the UK termed a small group of countries “with

shared values.” Sunak held a roundtable with politicians from the EU, the UN, Italy, Germany, France and Australia. Announcing the expert panel on Thursday, Sunak said pioneering computer scientist Yoshua Bengio, dubbed one of the “godfathers” of AI, had agreed to chair production of its first report on the state of AI science. Sunak said likeminded governments and AI companies also had reached a “landmark agreement” to work together on testing the safety of AI models before they’re released to the public. Leading AI companies at the meet i ng , i nc lud i ng O pen A I, Google’s DeepMind, Anthropic and Inflection AI have agreed to “deepen access” to their frontier AI models, he said. Binding regulation for AI was not among the summit’s goals. Sunak said the UK’s approach should not be to rush into regulation but to fully understand AI first. Harris emphasized the US administration’s more hands-on approach in a speech at the U.S. embassy on Wednesday, saying the world needs to act right away to address “the full spectrum” of AI risks, not just existential threats,

Fukushima nuke plant starts third release of treated radioactive wastewater into sea

OKYO—The tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant began its third release of treated and diluted radioactive wastewater into the sea Thursday after Japanese officials said the two earlier releases ended smoothly. The plant operator discharged 7,800 tons of treated water in each of the first two batches and plans to release the same amount in the current batch through November 20. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Holdings said its workers activated the first of the two pumps to dilute the treated water with large amounts of seawater, gradually sending the mixture into the Pacific Ocean through an undersea tunnel for an offshore release. The plant began the first wastewater release in August and will continue to do so for decades. About 1.33 million tons of radioactive wastewater is stored in about 1,000 tanks at the plant. It has accumulated since the plant was crippled by the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan in 2011. TEPCO and the government say discharging the water into the sea is unavoidable because the tanks are nearly full and the plan needs to be decommissioned. The wastewater discharges have been strongly opposed by fishing groups and neighboring countries, including South Korea, where hundreds of people staged protests. China immediately banned all imports of

Japanese seafood, badly hurting Japanese seafood producers and exporters. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters Thursday that Japan has consistently provided transparent and scientific explanations about the discharge and gained understanding from many members of the international community, but “some countries are restricting Japanese seafood without scientific bases.” “We must continue to patiently explain to those countries bilaterally to request lifting of the restrictions,” Kishida said. “And it is also important to firmly show Japan’s position at international meetings” and bodies, such as the World Trade Organization. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has sent several missions that include Chinese scientists to Japan over the past two years, concluded in July that if the release is carried out as planned, it would have a negligible impact on the environment, marine life and human health. IAEA mission officials said last month they were reassured by the smooth operation so far. C h i n a’s Fore i g n M i n i st r y spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Thursday that Japan should face up to the concerns of the international community, fully consult with stakeholders including its neighbors and arrange a long-term international monitoring arrangement that includes the neighboring countries. Wang urged the International

Atomic Energy Agency “to play its due role in this regard” and Japan to fully cooperate. Japan’s government set up a relief fund to help find new markets and reduce the impact of China’s seafood ban, while the central and local governments have led a campaign to eat fish and support Fukushima, now joined by many consumers. The water is treated to remove as much radioactivity as possible then greatly diluted with seawater before it is released. TEPCO and the government say the process is safe, but some scientists say the continuing release is unprecedented and should be monitored closely. So far, results of marine samplings by TEPCO and the government have detected tritium, which they say is inseparable by existing technology, at levels far smaller than the World Health Organization’s standard for drinking water. T he I A E A sa id T hursd ay that its own analysis of water samples by agency experts stationed at its Fukushima office found the tritium concentration in the water “ far below the operational limit.” In a recent setback, two plant workers were splashed with radioactive waste while cleaning piping at the water treatment facility and were hospitalized for exposure. The workers have since been released and were getting monitored, TEPCO said. It said none of the workers ingested any of the waste. AP

such as massive cyberattacks or AI-formulated bioweapons. She announced a new US AI safety institute to draw up standards for testing AI models for public use. She said it would collaborate with a similar UK institute announced by Sunak days earlier. One of the Biden administration’s main concerns is that advances in AI are widening inequality within societies and between countries. As a step towards addressing that, Britain’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced a $100 million fund, supported by the UK, the US and others, to help ensure African countries get a share of AI’s benefits—and that 46 African languages are fed into its models. Cleverly told reporters that it’s crucial there is a “diversity of voice” informing AI. “If it was just Euro-Atlantic and China, we would miss stuff, potentially huge amounts of stuff,” he said. Sunak is scheduled to discuss AI with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Thursday evening in a conversation that will be played on the social network X, which Musk owns. Musk, who attended the summit, is among tech executives who have warned that AI could pose a risk to humanity’s future. “Here we are for the first time, really in human history, with something that is going to be far more intelligent than us,” Musk said at the summit. “It’s not clear to me if we can control such a thing.” Sunak said it was important not to be “alarmist” about the technology, which could bring huge benefits. “But there is a case to believe that it may pose a risk on a scale like pandemics and nuclear war, and that’s why, as leaders, we have a responsibility to act to take the steps to protect people, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” he said. AP

China ramps up efforts to build advanced humanoid robots by ‘25

HINA’S harbored ambitions for years to take the lead in cutting-edge spheres from AI to quantum computing. Now it’s set its sights on yet another realm with sci-fi qualities: lifelike robots. The country aims to produce its first humanoid robots by 2025, according to a blueprint laid out by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The government will nurture more young companies focused on the field, set industry standards, develop talent and deepen international cooperation. Shares of Chinese robotics companies surged after the policy guidance, which adds another dimension to a technological race between the world’s two biggest economies in chips and hardware. US companies such as Tesla Inc. and Boston Dynamics have so far enjoyed an edge in the technology. China, the world’s No. 1 electronics manufacturer, targets breakthroughs in environment sensing, motion control and machine-to-human interaction capabilities in the next two years, the ministry said. The government is encouraging the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in robotics and called for more research into the development of dexterous robot hands, arms and feet. The policy document was short on details but big on ambition. China also wants humanoid robots to think, learn and innovate by 2027, and plans to establish a reliable industry supply chain system to support their manufacture, it said. Shares of Ningbo Zhongda Leader Intelligent Transmission Co. and Miracle Automation Engineering Co. jumped by the daily limit of 10 percent, while Siasun Robot & Automation Co. and Shenzhen Sunwin Intelligent Co. also advanced. Humanoid robots are envisioned to increasingly handle tasks currently performed by humans, from picking groceries to working in hazardous environments. Bloomberg News

A14 6A Saturday, November 4, 2023

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Sunak: Agreements at UK summit tip balance in favor of humanity in fight against AI threats

BRITAIN’S Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, right, meets with US Vice President Kamala Harris at 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday November 1, 2023. AP

Fukushima nuke plant starts third release of treated radioactive wastewater into sea

China ramps up efforts to build advanced humanoid robots by ‘25

BusinessMirror

A16 A6 Saturday, November 4, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ACSTREAM MANAGEMENT INC. 9/f Sterling Centre, 131 Dela Rosa Cor. Ormaza Sts., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

WONG JUNG TUNG Mandarin Speaking Financial Officer Brief Job Description: Keep accurate records for all daily transactions.

ANURUKZUP, CHUTIKAN Mandarin Speaking Marketing Specialist Brief Job Description: Assist with editing of promotional literature.

HO GIA AN Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist 3.

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

DANG XUAN TU Mandarin Speaking Risk Control Specialist 4.

Brief Job Description: High level risk assessment and feedback for new initiatives.

CHEN, JI Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Specialist 5.

Brief Job Description: Places software into product by loading software into computer.

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language.

WEI, YULONG Invest SPC - RCO [CHI] 12.

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

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

XU, LU Invest SPC - RCO [CHI] 13.

Brief Job Description: Write code to help software applications operate more efficiently.

LI, CHAOYANG IT Programmer

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

DUONG THI TUONG NGUYEN Seller Onboard ASC - RCO [VNM]

14.

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

Brief Job Description: Write code to help software applications operate more efficiently.

YANG, HUANHAI IT Programmer 8.

Brief Job Description: Write code to help software applications operate more efficiently.

Brief Job Description: Communicates effectively via email and/ or telephone in both Vietnamese and English languages, with our customer base - buyers, merchants, and internal customers. Take appropriate action to identify and help minimize the risk posed by fraud patterns and trends.

LU THI VUONG Seller Onboard ASC - RCO [VNM]

Basic Qualification: With Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.

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

Basic Qualification: With degree in Information Technology. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LE THI THUY HANG SPS Associate - VN 16.

Brief Job Description: Liaise with other departments such as Customer Service, Merchant Investigations, or Payments teams as required to resolve seller’s issues and questions.

Brief Job Description: Identifies issues with new hardware or software and works with users or on the back end of servers to quickly resolve those issues and prevent delays.

Basic Qualification: With Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.

10.

Brief Job Description: Identifies issues with new hardware or software and works with users or on the back end of servers to quickly resolve those issues and prevent delays.

17.

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

11.

Brief Job Description: Review the legitimacy and accuracy of submitted documents by sellers and respond back on the case if needed. Evaluate personal and business information from sellers and verify the information with reliable internal and external sources.

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

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

HSIEH, WEN-TE Taiwanese Customer Service 19.

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

BUI THI NGUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 20.

FAN, QIANG Invest SPC - RCO [CHI]

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

KRZEMIENIEWSKA-KLEBAN, KAMILA ALICJA Business Development Manager (Regional) 22.

Brief Job Description: Manage the end-to-end relationship including building and managing relations with high-level executives creating future opportunity pipelines.

Basic Qualification: Fluency in Vietnamese language. Prior experience working with customer service (voice support) is highly desirable.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of work experience in a consultancy firm in a multi-regional setting. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

BAYER BUSINESS SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 6th Floor Science Hub Tower 1, Campus Avenue Corner Turin Street, Mckinleyhill Cyberpark, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

CHINDAWONGSE, EAKASIT Associate-Thailand 23.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for timely and accurate processing of specific transactions according to standard process documentation. Contributing to process improvements and documentation.

Basic Qualification: Technical skills and professional experience in sold SAP understanding of the Indonesian language, along with the knowledge of idiosyncrasies customs. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHINA CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY MANILA OFFICE 12/f Times Plaza Bldg., U.n. Ave. Cor. Taft Ave., Barangay 670, Ermita, City Of Manila

QIN, JUN Mandarin Field Service Supervisor 24.

Brief Job Description: Supervises on-field service personnel who performs on-site support and technical assistance with various products or equipment.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With proven experience as a Mandarin Field Service Supervisor. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHINA FIRST HIGHWAY ENGINEERING CO., LTD. (CFHEC PHILIPPINES BRANCH COMPANY) 3/f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: Fluency in Vietnamese language. Prior experience working with customer service (voice support) is highly desirable.

QIN, YUXIANG Chinese Construction Technician 25.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to work independently, analyze problems logically and make complex decisions. Exceptionally strong customer handling and conflict resolution skills. Ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality and data security standards.

WANG, HENG Chinese Construction Technician 26.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

ZHAN, HAI Chinese Construction Technician 27.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

ZHANG, JUNYI Chinese Construction Technician 28.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

ZHANG, QING Chinese Construction Technician 29.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CHINA WUYI CO., LTD. 4/f Commodore Bldg., 422 Arquiza St., 072, Barangay 667, Ermita, City Of Manila

AMAZON OPERATION SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. B21 Three E-com Moa Complex, Harbour Drive Cor. Bay Shore, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Mandarin (reading, listening, and writing in simplified and/ or traditional Chinese languages) and English language with an ability to compose grammatically correct, concise, and accurate written responses. Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

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

DENG, JUJU Chinese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: With Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D., Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

18. JIANG, CONG IT Specialist

No.

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

CHEN, XIAOHANG Chinese Customer Service Representative GENG, YUDONG IT Specialist

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

15.

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

AIG BUSINESS CONSULTING OPC Unit 1406 Trade And Financial Tower, 7th Ave Cor 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

CHEN, JEN-HSIANG IT Programmer

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

HA VAN HUY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 21.

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

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

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

TAN, YONGHONG Mandarin Field Service Coordinator 30.

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

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

B & C PHILIPPINES, INC. (BRANCH OFFICE) 26th Floor Menarco Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin field service coordinator, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

LIN, JIACHUN Mandarin Financial Manager 31.

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

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

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

WU, JIANSHENG Mandarin Financial Manager 32.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin financial manager, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

No.

LE, THI HONG LINH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 45.

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

YAN, SHENGWEI Mandarin Project Supervisor 33.

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

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

LE, VAN HUYNH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 46.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin project supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment used by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

NGUYEN XUAN VIEN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 47.

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

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

Saturday, November 4, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

No.

60.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

KIM, JAE HYUN Managing Director 34.

Brief Job Description: Develop strategic plans to boost profits and efficiency.

Basic Qualification: At least 5 years of experience as administrative manager.

35.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/ she will be assigned to.

TUNG, CHIH-CHI Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 36.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/ she will be assigned to.

SHI, ZHONG Chinese Speaking Business Development 37.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

GENG, YUANLING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 38.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

KHIN SOE SOE WIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 39.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

48.

PHUNG VAN DAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 49.

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

50.

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

51.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

40.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

52.

LIANG, XIANCAI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

53.

61.

SMEETS, SJOERD President And Chief Executive Officer

41.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

COSTA ZAGHI, BRUNO Portuguese Agent (CSR)

SHWE NICK Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 42.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

CAO THI THU HIEN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 43.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

HA, THI LUA Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 44.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

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

55.

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

Brief Job Description: Building customer relationships and managing accounts while increasing program revenue.

FIRMINO SARAIVA, LARISSA Portuguese Agent (CSR) 56.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Building customer relationships and managing accounts while increasing program revenue.

63.

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

XIE, ZHICHAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 57.

58.

Brief Job Description: Assist with drafting business plans, sales pitches, presentations, reference material and other documents as required.

LI, SHENGCHANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk Brief Job Description: Performing retouching and manipulation of images.

LIN, LONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 59.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

Brief Job Description: Communicate and sell with major customer, assist customer needs, and find potential customers to sell company products.

YIN, QICHAO Network Support Supervisor 64.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for ensuring the stability and efficiency of the organization’s network infrastructure. This role guides a team of network support specialists responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting network systems.

DENG, BIN Marketing Consultant (Mandarin Speaking Clients) 65.

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

Brief Job Description: Studying company profile and operations to understand its marketing needs. Implementing a marketing strategy according to objectives and budget.

KETJALAN, SUPATTAR Marketing Consultant (Mandarin Speaking Clients) 66.

Brief Job Description: Studying company profile and operations to understand its marketing needs. Implementing a marketing strategy according to objectives and budget.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Portuguese and English languages.

LEE, YA-CHU Marketing Consultant (Mandarin Speaking Clients) 67.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. With experience in working in human resources. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: At least 25 years of total working experience in the financial section with the last 10 years spent in a senior leadership role. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration / Management or equivalent. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Job-related degree, 5-10 years supervisory/ managerial experience in logistics or operations and multi-lingual applicants are prioritized. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

FLY ASIAN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Eighty One Bldg. Newport City, Vab St. Newport Blvd., Barangay 183, Pasay City

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

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

FLASH EXPRESS SOFTWARE (PH) CO., LTD. INC. 11/f Cybersigma, Lawton Ave., West Mckinley, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Set the company’s over-all business strategy and provide leadership to ensure every department’s success.

LIAO, QUANBIN Chinese Key Account Manager

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

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

Brief Job Description: Studying company profile and operations to understand its marketing needs. Implementing a marketing strategy according to objectives and budget.

LIN, KAI-HSIN Marketing Consultant (Mandarin Speaking Clients) 68.

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 8th/f & 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

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

Brief Job Description: Contacting existing customers via telephone and email on a daily basis.

DE SOUZA DA SILVA, JARLIANE MELINA Portuguese Agent (CSR)

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers; and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including resume’, applicant logs and employee forms.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

EAST WEST AGEAS LIFE INSURANCE CORPORATION 15th Flr. One World Place, 32nd St. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

DATAMATICS GLOBAL SERVICES CORP. Units 304, 305, & 306 3/f, Rockwell Business Tower, Tower 1, Meralco Ave., Ugong, City Of Pasig

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

ZUO, RENYU Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

PHONG NGOC TRAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

VANG VINH QUANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

SUI, LIGUO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

54. LIANG, TIANLIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

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

CRONYX INC. 6-12, 15-19/f Royal Peak Tower A, 485 Quirino Avenue, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

HUANG, CAIQIAN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

PHUN A SY Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on requirements.

YU, PENG Chinese Speaking HR Associate

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

JIAO, WENBO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

62. CJ LOGISTICS PH CORPORATION U-3 Flr. 8/f, Imet Bpo Tower Bldg., Roxas Blvd. St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

A17

Brief Job Description: Studying company profile and operations to understand its marketing needs. Implementing a marketing strategy according to objectives and budget.

Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months of experience with the position. Can multi-task and keen to details. Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese language fluently. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. With strong organization and project management skills.

FLYING FUTURE SERVICES INC. 21/f Yuchengco Tower 1 Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

69.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

WEI, WEI Mandarin Customer Service

70.

Brief Job Description: Maintains customer records by updating account info.

JIANG, LEI Mandarin Operations Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

WEI, DI Mandarin Operations Specialist

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

71.

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

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

BusinessMirror

A18 A6 Saturday, November 4, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHEN, DONGSHEN Mandarin Team Leader

72.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Maintain and drive program knowledge for self and team.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

GAO SHOU TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 52/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

PHAIBUNSIRI, CHAWANRAT Thai Customer Service Representative 73.

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

No.

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

DONG, XIAOWEI Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant 84.

HOANG THI TUYEN Process Developer 74.

Brief Job Description: Condition, harmonize and post-Point of Sale (POS) data provided by the Chanel partners.

KIM, SANGDUCK Korean Sales Support Specialist 85.

Brief Job Description: Helps troubleshoot problems with costumer’s accounts and other related issues; and provide the sales team with data reports and sales guide.

75.

Brief Job Description: Maintain reports on financial metrics, including investments, return on assets, and growth rates.

76.

Brief Job Description: Manage loans department of the Manila branch and coordinate with Taiwan main branch.

LI, QIQI Customer Service Representative 86.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

Basic Qualification: Proven work experience as a Finance Administrator, Finance Assistant, or similar role.

QIN, LINHUI Customer Service Representative 87.

77.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

NGUYEN XUAN HIEU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 78.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

88.

79.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

TRAN NGOC MY Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 80.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

ZHANG, JIAYU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 81.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

ZHANG, WEI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 82.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

89.

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

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

XU, JIANCHAO Customer Service Representative 90.

83.

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

99.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

XU, TAO Customer Service Representative 91.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

PARK, JAEHYON Director 93.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for improving efficiency and increasing departmental profits while managing the company’s overall operations.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

94.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to inform strategic business decisions.

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

LI, SHILIN Chinese Trade Marketing Manager 95.

Brief Job Description: Develop marketing strategies aligned with the brand strategy.

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

DUONG THU THUY Call Center Agent

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

96.

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

PHAN THI LIEU Call Center Agent 108.

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

PUI KHA HUA Call Center Agent Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

QIN, FUYING Call Center Agent 110.

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

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

TA THI THU PHUONG Call Center Agent 111.

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

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

NONG, VAN TUAN Call Center Agent

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

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

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

NGUYEN, THI HAU Call Center Agent

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

NGUYEN DANG NINH Call Center Agent

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

Basic Qualification: Degree in Marketing management or related field required. Previous work experience in marketing.

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

LUONG VAN THUAN Call Center Agent

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

Basic Qualification: Up to date on industry trends, as well as laws and regulations.

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

LE, HUY HOANG Call Center Agent

MEGAWOW FINANCE INC. 2/f Bldg. C, Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Meralco Avenue, Ugong, City Of Pasig

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

MACRO EXCEL CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 606 6/f Vicente Madrigal Bdg., 6793 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

109.

ZHANG, PING Chinese Commercial Manager

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

LE THI HOA Call Center Agent

MCKINLEYTECH INC. Unit E2603a 26/f East Tower, Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

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

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

107.

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

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

Basic Qualification: Degree in business management or a Master’s degree in business administration. Good knowledge of different business functions, and strong leadership qualities.

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

LAI A PHA Call Center Agent

106. YU, LIMIN Customer Service Representative

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

LA MINH HANG Call Center Agent

105.

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

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

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

HNINN HNINN Call Center Agent

104.

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

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

WEI, CUILIAN Customer Service Representative

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

JIU ZHOU TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. 31/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Avenue, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

JARANPORNLOETSIN, LAWAN Thai Customer Service Representative

98.

103.

Basic Qualification: Credit and loan analyst skills, and marketing skills. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

SHI, CHUANLIN Customer Service Representative

92. TONG NGOC THAI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

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

HE, RONGXING Call Center Agent

102.

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

INFOVINE INC. 8th, 9th, 10th/f Aspire Corporate Plaza Bldg., Macapagal Blvd. St., Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City

DUONG THI THUY Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

97.

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

Basic Qualification: 2 years of work experience; and can speak Korean language and relate well especially to Korean nationals.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DUONG, VAN HIEN Call Center Agent

101.

HUA NAN COMMERCIAL BANK, LTD. MANILA BRANCH 26/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

LIAO, CHIEN-SHIANG Senior Associate

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

No.

100.

GRAND EVEREST HOLDING INC. 17/f M1 Tower, 141 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

DAU VAN TUAN Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MARKETROLE ASIA PACIFIC SERVICES, INC. 27/f & 28/f The Enterprise Center Tower 1, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Improving system efficiency by consulting with endusers and providing innovative solutions.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

MAIMAI INFO TECH. INC. 9/f Double Dragon Plaza Tower 3 Bldg., Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10 District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

GENPACT SERVICES LLC 5f Genpact Bldg., Cyberzone Northgate, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

TRAN KHANH LINH Call Center Agent 112.

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

TRAN TA MINH Call Center Agent 113.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate/level and fluent in Mandarin/basic English language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TRAN THI BICH PHUNG Call Center Agent

114.

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

TRAN THI NGUYEN CHAU Call Center Agent 115.

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

TRIEU THI HUONG Call Center Agent 116.

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

WITTHAYAPORN, SARINEE Call Center Agent 117.

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

DO TRONG THANH Customer Service Representative 118.

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

DO VAN DAI Customer Service Representative 119.

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

HOANG, TRUNG KHAI Customer Service Representative 120.

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

HOANG, TU QUI Customer Service Representative 121.

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

LE MINH TRI Customer Service Representative 122.

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

LE, HOAI VU Customer Service Representative 123.

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

MAI QUANG TRUNG Customer Service Representative 124.

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

NGUYEN DANG THANH Customer Service Representative 125.

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

NGUYEN, VAN DUOC Customer Service Representative 126.

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

PHAM THI MAI Customer Service Representative 127.

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

PHAM, DUC TOAN Customer Service Representative 128.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

QUACH, VAN TUYEN Customer Service Representative 129.

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

130.

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

CAO TUAN ANH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 131.

132.

133.

134.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

135.

136.

137.

138.

139.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

140.

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

PHAM TIEN THANH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer Brief Job Description: Perform retouching and manipulation of images.

TRAN THI DIEM Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer Brief Job Description: Perform retouching and manipulation of images.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize and conceptualize visuals based on requirements.

BUI BAO TRUNG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 141.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

ZHU, FUHONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

LI, JUANJUAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

NGUYEN, THI MINH ANH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

GAN, LIN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

TRAN VAN CHINH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

TRAN THI SANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

NGUYEN VAN KHANH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

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

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers; and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

GIEP MINH HAI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 142.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers; and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

A19

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages.

No.

143.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate/level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, and fluent in Mandarin and basic English languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

CHENG, CHANG Chinese Customer Service 144.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

145.

146.

147.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LI, HAILONG Chinese Customer Service 148.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LI, SHENG Chinese Customer Service 149.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LONG, SHUNYU Chinese Customer Service 150.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

MENG, ZHENGXIANG Chinese Customer Service 151.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

JIANG, HUAN Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

HE, JUANLIAN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

GUO, LONG Chinese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers; and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

WANG, JINCHENG Chinese Customer Service 152.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

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

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

WU, SHAOLIANG Chinese Customer Service 153.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

WU, XU Chinese Customer Service 154.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th/f Sapphire Seaview Park, Pacific Avenue, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NONG VAN THUONG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

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

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

SAM, NAM TAC Customer Service Representative

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

XIE, ZHAOPING Chinese Customer Service 155.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A20 A6 Saturday, November 4, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHANG, BIAO Chinese Customer Service 156.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

ZHANG, QING Chinese Customer Service 157.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

ZHANG, WENQIANG Chinese Customer Service 158.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

ZHANG, ZEGUO Chinese Customer Service 159.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

ZHENG, CHUNMEI Chinese Customer Service 160.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

ZHENG, QIYIN Chinese Customer Service 161.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

No.

DUONG, THI LE THUY Vietnamese Customer Service 170.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

171.

172.

173.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LANH THI SU Vietnamese Customer Service 174.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

HOANG THI HONG LINH Vietnamese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

HA THI THANH NGAN Vietnamese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

HA THI HIEU Vietnamese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LE THI AI VY Vietnamese Customer Service 175.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

No.

184.

ZHI, YUCHENG Chinese Customer Service 162.

163.

164.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

SUSANTO Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

TARMIZI JEXKI Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

LOW YONG CHEN Malaysian Customer Service 165.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

HEIN LATT Myanmar Customer Service 166.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

NAN SHWE NU Myanmar Customer Service 167.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

BUI, NGOC DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service 168.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

DUONG MANH DAT Vietnamese Customer Service 169.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

LUONG, VAN HUAN Vietnamese Customer Service 176.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills.

NGUYEN CONG VINH Vietnamese Customer Service 177.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills.

178.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

NGUYEN THI HIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

NGUYEN, KHAC HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service 179.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

180.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

NGUYEN, THI THIEP Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

185.

181.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

182.

183.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

TO THI HUE Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

TRAN THI THIEN TRANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

TRINH VAN BINH Vietnamese Customer Service 186.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

VU THI PHUONG NHU Vietnamese Customer Service 187.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handle complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts, and file documents.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

HUYNH, THI DIEM QUYNH Customer Service Representative 188.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Provide comprehensive and quality customer care at all times. Apply learned knowledge and procedures when servicing customer queries.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Vast knowledge and experience in customer service industry. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

NADIYAH INATI MARWAH Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services.

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

OCEANIC SYMPHONY SERVICES INC. 17/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., Cor Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

190.

MENG, FANXUE Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

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

OKKDA ASIA TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 5b 5/f Marvin Plaza, 2153 C. Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

CHEN, ZHILONG Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 191.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills.

NOCMAKATI, INC. 8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16,17,18 & 19 Floors, Century Diamond Center, Poblacion, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NEW STARS SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 801 To 803 Aseana One Building, Bradco Avenue Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Brief Job Description: Process complaints and issues related to products or services, they help customers complete purchases, upgrades and returns and fluently provide advice and technical assistance.

HU, DONG Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 192.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills.

QIN, YUJIE Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant

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

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

TANG, YIPENG Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 194.

PHAM, THI KHANH HOAI Vietnamese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

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

193.

PHAM VIET THANG Vietnamese Customer Service

TRAN HUYNH NHU Vietnamese Customer Service

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

189. Basic Qualification: College Graduate. Preferably 1-year work experience in the same field. Speaks and writes native language.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills.

Basic Qualification: 18-55 years old. With at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Knowledgeable in computer applications. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

WANG, SHIHAO Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 195.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

WU, CHUN-WEI Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 196.

XIANG, ZHONGFEI Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 197.

ZHANG, WEI Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 198.

ZHOU, XIONG Mandarin Speaking Web System Development Consultant 199.

200.

201.

202.

AIJTAN, RAJESH KUMAR Multilingual Business Process Development Consultant Brief Job Description: Help companies understand their customers. Identify effective marketing.

CHENG, TIANXIAO Multilingual Business Process Development Consultant Brief Job Description: Help companies understand their customers. Identify effective marketing.

HE, JIN Multilingual Business Process Development Consultant Brief Job Description: Help companies understand their customers. Identify effective marketing.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: 18-55 years old. With at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Knowledgeable in computer applications.

No.

208.

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

Basic Qualification: 18-55 years old. With at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Knowledgeable in computer applications.

WEI, YI Translator 209.

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

Basic Qualification: 18-55 years old. With at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Knowledgeable in computer applications.

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

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

203.

Brief Job Description: Help companies understand their customers. Identify effective marketing.

DONG, LUCHAO Chinese Technical Works Supervisor 210.

204.

205.

206.

Brief Job Description: Help companies understand their customers. Identify effective marketing.

RAJNI KAUR Multilingual Business Process Development Consultant Brief Job Description: Help companies understand their customers. Identify effective marketing.

SHI, QINGHUAI Multilingual Business Process Development Consultant Brief Job Description: Help companies understand their customers. Identify effective marketing.

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction and participated in the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection and repair of electronic electrical, mechanical, telecommunications, equipment and other various system.

211.

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction, and participates in the construction, installation and other various system. LIU, KANG Chinese Technical Works Supervisor

212.

213.

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction and participates in the construction, installation, and other various system.

LI, CHENXI Multilingual Business Manager Brief Job Description: Oversees the activities of other workers.

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

JI, CHEN Multilingual Finance Manager 214.

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

215.

Brief Job Description: Provides financial reports and interpret financial information to managerial staff while recommending further courses of action. ZHANG, YANGYI Project Design And Layout Supervisor Brief Job Description: Ensuring structural drawings and designs are produced on time, to a high quality and are easy to decipher.

PEANMUAN, ANISA Thai Language - Support Officer

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation.

LENH SAU BINH Vietnamese Language - Support Officer 218.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation.

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

STRICKLAND CONSTRUCTION CORP. 30-c, Embassy Village, Cupang, City Of Muntinlupa

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

219.

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

220.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 221.

ORIENTAL SOLID BUILDERS AND CONSTRUCTION CORP. Unit 2801 Atlanta Center, #31 Annapolis St., Greenhills, City Of San Juan

YU, LUYANG Director And Project Superintendent 207.

Brief Job Description: Supporting the manager in overseeing the department operations. Collaborate with clients.

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

224.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write Mandarin and English language fluently.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, writing and speaking Bahasa language.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer.

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

DENNY HADISUSANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 225.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer.

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

HUANG, SENMIN Chinese Construction Technician Brief Job Description: Be proficient in using of company tools.

ZHANG, KUN Chinese Construction Technician Brief Job Description: Be proficient in using of company tools.

ZHANG, MING Chinese Construction Technician Brief Job Description: Be proficient in using of company tools.

KALLAI, SUDEEP Service Delivery Manager 222.

Brief Job Description: Managing the overall delivery of IT services to clients.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, writing and speaking Bahasa language.

JOECHRY FARIZ GHAZZAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

226.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer.

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

JONATHAN TJHIE Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer.

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

MOCHAMAD FARHAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 228.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

229.

230.

231.

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

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

232.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Thai language to cater foreign markets.

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

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

233.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, writing and speaking Bahasa language.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer.

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

YOSEP Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer.

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

YUSUFINDRA Indonesian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

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

RIO SURATA Indonesian Customer Service Supervisor 234.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

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

WANFANG TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 6-9/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza, Edsa Cor. Macapagal Ave., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

HUANG, TING-YI Chinese Technical Support Representative 235.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

MARCELINO YOHANES Indonesian Customer Service Supervisor

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Thai language to cater foreign markets.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

STELLA WIJAYA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

RIVANDO BRATA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

TECH MAHINDRA LIMITED 5 Eastwood, Cyberpark City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City Basic Qualification: 5 years of work experience, can speak fluently in English and Chinese languages, international work experience is a must, and great problem-solving skills and decision-making skills.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CHRISTIAN EFRAHIM SIAHAAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

SMARTMONETA INC. 6/f Iacademy Plaza, 324 Sen Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Brief Job Description: Provide financial reports and interpret financial information to managerial staff while recommending further course of action. LIU, YEHAO Multilingual Finance Manager

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

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

223.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION AHMAD ANUGRAH ROSADI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

227. DU, WANGYANG Chinese Technical Works Supervisor

217. LUO, TIANYANG Multilingual Business Process Development Consultant

Brief Job Description: Language translation from Mandarin to English language.

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

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

Basic Qualification: International work experience is a must. Knowledgeable in marketing techniques. Good understanding of market research.

No.

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

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

Basic Qualification: 18-55 years old. With at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Knowledgeable in computer applications.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

PHILIPPINE TRAILBLAZERS TECHNOLOGY CORP. 2f Bachrach Bldg Ii 23rd St., Cor Railroad St., Barangay 653, Port Area, City Of Manila

216. LI, XIAODONG Multilingual Business Process Development Consultant

Brief Job Description: Develop marketing and pricing strategies, generate new business leads and oversee marketing department and staff.

A21

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHANG, JIDONG Marketing Manager

Saturday, November 4, 2023

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

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

YAMAHA MUSIC PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 3f-a 3/f Ao-united Life Bldg., 837 A. Arnaiz, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

TAKAYAMA, TADASHI Director 236.

Brief Job Description: Provide overall strategy, direction and leadership to the entire Division. Prepare and sign the check being issued to the suppliers and other counterparts.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

*Date Generated: Nov 3, 2023

Basic Qualification: BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) graduate. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

VICTORY 88 GROUP LTD INC. 8/f, I Land Bay Plaza Bldg., D-macapagal Ave. Moa Complex, Barangay 76, Pasay City

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.